This week I am still basking in the glow from the SAQA conference in St Petersburg, Florida. There was a fantastic lineup of speakers, friends from all over the world, and lots of FUN. Just what I needed. I got there one day early so I could go on the SAQA Sunset Cruise, to soak up some of those Florida ocean vibes. (the photo above was taken at sunset)
I hope that you too can attend some inspirational quilt events this year, to keep those creative juices flowing. I actually had a big breakthrough in the studio today…my first day back from this trip. Sometimes you need to go away for awhile, and then come back with a fresh eye on a project. Whether it is a local guild show, or an international quilt festival, hangin’ with the Tribe is always good for the quilter’s soul. On this trip we got to see Hollis Chatelain‘s latest piece, during her presentation “How to Infuse Art with Emotion”. A very powerful work of art, needless to say.
Many thanks to all the SAQA volunteer members who worked hard to make this in-person conference happen! There was a theme of PINK Flamingos and some group dancing to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” with inflatable flamingo pool floats…and general silliness. I got a bobbling flamingo headband for future goofiness. Maybe I’ll wear it for my next Zoom meeting.
I have been to Florida many times because I have an old friend there. My roommate from Hong Kong retired there, and it has been awhile since I could visit her home, which is basically a museum filled with textiles, art and antiques from the years spent in Hong Kong. Her collection of exquisite silk embroideries are framed and hung around the house, but this time we brought out her treasure chest of ikats, batiks and more antique silk embroideries. I think she had fun too, because I am probably the most enthusiastic admirer of her Textile Treasure Trunk. Her collection of beaded, embroidered and sequined designer evening gowns were stored in the closet of the guest bedroom, so I had something to admire at bedtime also. Yummy!
When I first met her, she was running the sample room and managing the patterns for Oscar de la Renta. Her background in New York included managing Halston’s runway shows, and she worked for Christian Dior before that. Needless to say she has a lot of good stories to tell. I was working for a Los Angeles silk dress company that was produced in the same HK factory, and eventually I went to work for the HK-based company. We’ve been friends for over 40 years. Crazy how the years fly by!
Sharing our passion for fabric…..
Luana and Paul
www.luanarubin.com
Travel/Lecture Dates:
April 23-25 – Washington DC (Private Event)
April 27- May 3 – Alegre Retreat
May 23-26 – Quilt National – Dairy Barn – Athens OH
June 18-20 – Quilt Canada – Toronto Ontario
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See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, comment on our blog, or follow us on Facebook.
Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.
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