I think the three of us (Isabel, Patricia and me) wake up each  morning with a jolt - what will the day bring?  Can we have forgotton to order trophies - printing - lunches or tell each other something important?  Ofcourse the fact that I'm writing about these things mean that I haven't forgotton them - its the things I've forgotton that I can't remember - if you know what I mean.

Pre quilt show jitters get to each of us in different ways - mine seems to be manic list making - something I'm not usually prone to.  If it all get too much I go and iron something - I love the warm steamy doing something practical nature of ironing - piles of lovingly iron and folded shirts for Richard.  Just in case you think I'm a real nutcase - I don't like any other bit of housework - dust is free to wander at will around my house!  It often seem to meet other dust and form "attractive" rolling dust bunnies.

Off to deliver leaflets - collect trophies - see photo man - Ian Wilson etc etc etc...

See you all soon

As most of you know I belong to every quilting group that will have me - so if you don't want me for a member and you see me approaching - you are duely warned!

Last week at the Helensburgh and District Quilters (who meet in Helensburgh!) we had a wonderful talk by Yvonne Bodicott of Morceau in Penrith, followed the next day by an class introducing us to the techniques.  Yvonne's students had an exhibition at the 06 Loch Lomond Quilt Show.  It was one of those exhibitions where you can hear people take a breath as they come into the church - and let it out with a WOW!

Yvonne is an exceptionally inpsiring teacher, anyone who has been teaching Baltimore techniques for 15 years and has had numerous students finish full sized Baltimores, and in some cases more than one, must be doing a whole lot of things right.  We were not dissapointed - we went home tired but happy at the end of a day where we had learnt how to make stems, leaves and flowers, where we had discussed colours, fabrics, threads and needles.

Many of her students travel huge distances to attend her classes, the classes are twice a month, but Yvonne is relaxed about those who cannot get to every class.  Some of us are so keen we are organising either trips down to Penrith or trip up here for Yvonne - watch this space and I'll keep you up to date on what is arranged.

Lots to do for this years show - so off to work now, actually that means clicking on to another screen, so e-mails here I come.

Ruth

Now all you opsimaths out there are busy with your  latest project, class, new skill......Ah, but what is an "opsimath" I hear you ask...well although I hate to admit it - its me and probably you as well.  Its an older person who goes on learning, or learns something new.  I love learning - not quite so keen on the old bit.  I think the learning of new skills is what keeps our brains going, and generally makes quilters such an engaging and enlivening group to be amongst.

Isabel, Patricia and I were all down at the Quilters Guild AGM in Cambridge a couple of weekends ago.  The AGM is not the dull affair the names suggests but a weekend full of meeting of old (that word again) friends, hearing wonderful talks, going to great classes, seeing quilts, shopping a little and the odd glass of wine.  We enjoyed our annual treat of a midnight feast in our pjs at the hotel.  No sticky buns and coco for us - wine, olives and dips were the order of the night.

We managed to book our first exhibition for the 2010 show!!!!!!!!!!  Since then we're booked some more special things for LLQS2010, both exhibitors and classes.  I seem to have started saying "twenty ten" not "two thousand and ten" I really don't know which is correct. 

New exhibitions, classes and themes for LLQS09 will be unvieled on the new website after the 08 show.  Look out for a very special launch on May 26 2008. 

See you all very soon

Ruth

What a treat to hear Jen Jones being interviewed on Woman's Hour..what an amazing project - having Welsh quilts made in Ethiopia!  I'll going to look out the link for you all....might take me more time than I have tonight so Monday or Tuesday probably before I get to it.

"Why can't you did it before then Ruth?"  Yes I can hear you all the way from.....because I'm off at 6.15 am tomorrow with my very good friends Isabel, Patricia and Mary to Cambridge to the Quilters Guild AGM.  I know, I know - isn't that just too much fun for one woman have in a weekend? I'll let you know that as well next week

Have a good weekend = Ruth

Now if you get the title it probably means you've been reading the latest Popular Patchwork.  Thanks Davina and Jane for another great article on the show.  Popular Patchwork - I'm glad to say - caught the Loch Lomond Quilt Show bug the very first year.  They have supported us ever since - and there have also been articles on many of the exhibitors and teachers that have been at the show. 

Isabel, Patricia (who isn't really a luddite at all) and I are really looking forward to seeing you all very soon.  Each year we worry in case we can't put as good a show as last year, but I really think that this years show is going to be great!  I'm looking forward to seeing the exhibitions - I have seen photos of most of the quilts (apart from the competition quilts because I'm judging) but there is nothing like seeing them right in front of you - up close and personal.  In "30 of the Best" - we've overdone it this year with nearly 40 quilts, 38 at the time of writing.  So please don't be too suprised, we just didn't want to disappoint all those who had submitted their work.

Hope to hear from some of you very soon - if you can read this but not work out how to join in - feel free to send me your comments and I'll put them up for you or contact me for more "how to" info.

ruth@lochlomondquiltshow.com