An Awesome Adventure

This has been an awesome adventure at MQS. Seven classes down so far and I have learned so much information. Many things I wish I had known when I purchased my longarm machine. So my advice to anyone purchasing a longarm is to take some Longarm classes prior to purchasing your machine. I have had hands on classes on 3 different machines so far; Handi Quilter, Gammill and A-1. Each had it's differences, but all in all, they are all longarm machines. I now feel so much more comfortable with my machine and how to keep it sewing at it's best. After using the other machines I now am glad with the decision to buy the machine I purchased. My "sweetpea" is truly a sweetpea.
All of my instructors have been wonderful and have given so many tips and techniques. I can't wait to get home and begin trying new things and perfecting old techniques.
Last night was the shopping frenzy........crazy, crazy, crazy. I purchased tons on new thread, some rulers, bobbin winder, needles and a new bobbin case for my machine.
The "solving your tension headaches" class was unbelievable. I learned so much about just how the machine makes stitches and all of the things that can cause tension problems. I also learned a protocol for solving your tension problems, as a nurse protocols are how I think, so having this information is invaluable to me.
Tons of people here and many wonderful quilter's that I met in my classes, many of us are taking the same classes, so we get to see each other multiple times.
This morning Roger and I are going to breakfast at Le Peep restaurant, so the peep is eating at the Le Peep restaurant!! he he he
We are going to the Quilt Show section this morning to see all of the beautiful quilts, take tons of pictures and study the techniques used by the quilters. This afternoon I have two more classes which will be more great information to absorb.
Have a great day and Happy Quilting,
Shelia

"Toto We're In Kansas"

"Follow the yellow brick road"--We're in Kansas and having a great time. My Machine Quilting classes start at 8 a.m. tomorrow and I am very excited. Tomorrow is my longest day with classes from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
I Have spent part of the afternoon getting all my things lined out for classes tomorrow. I can't post pictures from here, but I'll post some when we return.
We are actually in Overland Park, Kansas. When we arrived Friday night, so did a cold front. The temperature went from 76 degrees to the high 30's with 35 mile per hour winds.....burr. Of course we only brought summer clothes. So yesterday we found a walmart and bought coats. Who would have thought they would have frost here this morning! Oh, well, nothing is going to dampen my fun.
Overland Park is a beautiful place, some stores are hard to find because they make everything estetically pleasing, which means everything blends in. A McDonald's doesn't look like a McDonald's until you get right up to the door and see the arches on the door. Difficult to find, but beautiful country.
I'll try to update my blog with events and happenings here as the week progresses.
Hope you're having a GREAT Mother's Day!!
Happy Quilting,
Shelia

We leave tomorrow morning for Overland Park, Kansas. I am still trying to get all the last minute details done before we leave. Another crazy day yesterday in the ER. I had exposure to Meningitis and had to take prophylaxis treatment along with 10 other members of my staff. YIKES!
But thankfully you have 24 hours to receive the treatment. I was able to arrange for all of us to get treatment prior to leaving the ER.
I can't wait for work day to be over. Just a few more hours and we will be on our way.
As I keep reading over the class descriptions I am so excited at the information I will be exposed to and the talented women and men who will be teaching the classes. These are internationally known teachers who have won numerous awards for their quilting. My prayer is to learn one new skill from each of them which will enhance my quilting experience.
Here are some of the classes I'll be taking:
"But Wait There Are More Backgrounds" being taught by Cathy Franks.
"Whimsical & Funky Feathers In The Box-No More Dilemma 'how do I quilt this?'" being taught by Irena Bluhm
"Fearless Beginning To Longarm Quilting" being taught by Pamela Clarke
"Create Exploding Texture" being taught by Judy Woodworth
Just For You at Home Quilters-Take it to the Next Level" being taught by Judy Woodworth.
"Solve Your Tension Headaches" being taught by Rick Taylor
"Hip To Be Square" being taught by Renae Haddadin
"It's More Than Just Edge to Edge!" being taught by Kim Brunner
"Get Creative With Gridwork" being taught by Gina Perkes
"Brillant Bindings" being taught by Debbie Wendt
"Tips, Tricks and Tools of the Trade" being taught by Bonnie Bosman & Carole Wilder
"Walking Borders, Sashings & Meanderings" being taught by Sally Terry
Banquet Key Note Speaker Kaye England-"Memoir's of a Quilter"
"Running Threads- Learning to Fine Tune" being taught by Sally Terry
"Stunning Sashings" being taught by Sue Patten
So as you can see I have a lot of information coming my way.
Happy Quilting,
Shelia

2 Days and Counting!

Only 2 more days to work including today. So much to do and so little time left.
Today is full and I need to finish packing, washing etc. tonight if possible. Lots to get ready for my classes. Don't want to forget anything, but if I do I think one of the 250 vendors will surely have a replacement. he he he.
Happy Quilting,
Shelia

Only 3 days to go

It's hard to believe that in 3 days we will be on our way to Kansas. We started packing yesterday and running errands that we needed to do prior to leaving.

We purchased a GPS for the trip also. Garmin Nuvi 205W is the one we bought. We have been using it around town to get used to it. Seems to do great. Looking forward to using it on the tip.

I purchased a new camera, a smaller one. Our old camera was great, but big and bulky. I've wanted one for a while now, so decided that this was the perfect time to get a new one. This is a picture of the camera, although my camera is black.......but I did get a pink carrying case....he he.

Our oldest grandson- Roger III was in a play at school yesterday. "Sweeney Todd". We went to the last showing and they did a great job. Exciting to see him interested in theatre. Way to go Roger!!!

Better get to work now....only 3 days including today to work before we leave. Roger and I are both getting excited.

Sleep? Who Has Time To Sleep!

Time is flying by and we only have 4 days left until we leave for MQS and I am working 3 of those days! So today is packing day.
So much to cram into this day.....packing, washing clothes, arranging for cat sitter, checking on parents, and our oldest grandson came yesterday to invite us to his play at school tonight. He's in Sweeney Todd. So that takes a hunk out of the afternoon. We will have to be at the school by 2:30 p.m. and it is a 3 hour play he says......love my grands! Can't wait to see him in the play.
So 0420 I'm out of bed and working on my list of things to pack for all of the classes. Feeling a little overwhelmed at this moment, but sooooooo excited. I want to be able to absorb as much information as possible during each of these classes so I can apply it to my quilting when we return.
The vendor mall is going to be packed and I am anxiously awaiting the shopping trip. I'll take pictures to post when I return.
Better get packing.
Happy Quilting,
Shelia