The calendar in the quilting world has it's own steady rhythm, and today's mail brought with it confirmation that summer is in fact, here.  One of my favorite summer morning activities is to pour over  the A Quilter's Gathering brochure, trying to decide which (or how many classes) I want to take.  And with the brochure in hand, the online registration is sure to open shortly. 

This year, we're excited to be moving to the new venue, Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown to explore all that city has to offer.

This year's teachers lineup looks fantastic...time to head to the porch for a cold beverage to read the brochure and make my notes...

Oh, wait a minute - there's that other shoe dropping now:

Wait...wait...wait...I don't think so...

Sad, but true...this is most likely a Gathering shoe for me now...Dropping.

Contest deadline to submit an entry is Sept 15th...I best get off the porch and finish something!

Those of you working as solopreneurs know that there is seldom a regular 9-5 schedule.  Flex time is a prime perk in this game. I'll be flexing next week, but I'm taking the time to clear things up before going off to play in the stash.  Earlier this week, I told Mark Lipinski that I'd be back to him on a blog prompt - so what have you learned from that experience.  I've been letting that marinate all week, and this is what I've come up with...

Anything new - except for skydiving - is an adventure. Generally, I'll try anything once, and if it doesn't work out, at least I know.  I don't usually shrink away from challenges - in life or in quilting. That philosophy has stood me in good stead.

Sometimes, like 1 in a million chances, a new recipe will come out as good as you think. I'm done for 2012 - and happy about that.

Although I believe in the concept that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, there are some times I'd like a little less drama in my life.  I have also born witness to women who have carried unthinkable burdens - much more so than I have had - and been in awe of their pink feathered awesomeness.  I have also learned from them what true grace and courage is like.

Getting ready for a Summertime Classic

One of the surest signs of summer here in New England is the  Vermont Quilt Festival  in Essex Junction Vermont. I remember many years ago seeing the familiar logo in the back of quilting magazines several times, and wondering what all the excitement was about.  VQF was one of the first big shows I ever went to - as well as be a participant in - and it's held a special place in my heart since then.  This year's show will be held June 29th through July 1st, and the quilts are always worth the trip.

This year's teachers  will include Judy Woodworth, whose classes in free motion quilting and exploding textures will be sure to impress you. Click here for more information about the classes.

As happens most of the time with big shows, getting there is half the fun. I have a bus trip running from Southern New Hampshire up to the Festival on Saturday, June 30, with pick up locations in Nashua, Concord and West Lebanon (all in NH), before crossing into Vermont. I do bus trips a little bit differently than most - enroute you can read, relax, look out the scenery - or you can participate in the on-board raffles and contests before we get there.  The weather in Vermont can be unseasonably hot this particular weekend, but you'll be riding in Air Conditioned comfort.

We've recently received a donation from  Joanne Lendaro's Splittling Stitches  for 2 $75 machine quilting services gift certificates, which will be won on the bus.  So pack up those tote bags and make your reservations now!

Tickets are just $95 for the day, and include your seat, the driver's tip, the admission, and dinner on the way home as well...the only thing I don't cover is lunch and your shopping trip.

Email me at Linda@thepatchworkpearl.com to make your reservations - you'll be glad you did.