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Your
Questions Answered by Harriet
Since I started talking about this event, I have had many of the same
questions asked over and over, so this page is intended to try to answer the
most prevalent concerns and questions. Please feel free to contact me at hjh50@mac.com
with any of your concerns or questions that are not covered here. I will get
back to you as soon as I can.
How did the concept of this conference
start?
During a visit with Diane Gaudynski
in August, 2002, the topic came up that long arm quilters had conferences to
share ideas, techniques, and develop their skills, but those of us working on
our home sewing machines had nowhere to go to "commune" with other
machine quilters. We thought this was a great idea, and it landed in my lap to
get it together. Seems fitting, since I was the instigator of the use and
acceptance of machine quilting on traditional quilts back in 1983.
What is the purpose of this Celebration?
This celebration is to recognize the
incredible quality of work that can be achieved on your home sewing machine
without huge investments in equipment, gimmicks and gadgets that hook onto your
machine, and affirmation that you can do this on your sewing machine and
love it with the right attitude and education. One of the biggest concerns that
Diane and I had while discussing the idea of this celebration was that machine
quilting is starting to take on the notion that if it is machine quilted, it
must have been done on a long-arm machine. I am asked constantly in my store if
my quilts were quilted on a long-arm, or isn't it necessary to have a long-arm
machine in order to machine quilt? I personally have been teaching 20 years
internationally to bring the standard of machine quilting to an acceptable
level with hand quilting and I am proud to say that I have been extremely
successful in doing this. But the past couple of years I feel we are loosing
ground when I go to quilt shows and see what is being produced and shown. This
conference is for the machine quilter that wants to produce their own work, and
strives to keep the standards as high as possible.
Why are only home sewing machines
emphasized?
This is a celebration of the amazing
things our home sewing machines can do with our hands at the needle. My motto of
the past 20 years - "I don't machine quilt I hand quilt with an
electric needle" - sums it up. We are not learning to move a machine over
the quilt layers, we are mastering the ability to work intimately with our
machine to create beautiful heirlooms. This
is not about speed and just getting it done, it is about the joy of creating a
beautiful quilt with your hands.
What is "A Return to Tradition"
about?
So much of the machine quilting we
see right now is on block of the month quilts, class projects and wall hangings,
and contemporary quilts. "A Return To Tradition" is to remind us of
our wonderful quilt heritage and the marvelous workmanship that our ancestors
put into their quilts. As fun as the current trend of quiltmaking is, Diane and
I want our participants to develop a passion for quilts where the quilting is a
quintessential part of the whole, not just stitching to hold the layers
together. It is also to keep the traditional quilts alive and exciting. Not
everything has to be hand-dyed and bright!
Why were the teachers on the list
selected?
I chose the teacher line-up because
of their skills, and their contributions to the machine-quilting world through
their books or their quilts. Barbara Chainey is included for her expertise in
working with design and stencils something many, many students struggle
with. The teachers offer everything from the bare bone basics to the most
incredible feathers and stitches you can imagine and everything in between.
I tried to pick classes that fit the needs of all skill levels.
I am brand new is there a place for
me?
I want to encourage everyone that
wants to learn to machine quilt to come. Not only will you have classes offered
especially for rank beginners, you will be hanging out and making friends with
more experienced quilters that will excite and inspire you to make machine
quilting your passion.
I have machine quilted quite a bit is
there something for me?
As with beginners, I have chosen
classes that will stretch your abilities and inspire you to the next level. If
not the stitching techniques, then the design classes will have you staying
awake at night.
Why are there 2-day classes?
The 2-day format is a wonderful
learning environment for really getting into the subject. You have time to get
to know the teacher, and really practice and delve into the subject to
technique. More and more students and teachers are requesting two days and
longer for their classes. By offering both one day and two-day classes, you have
an opportunity to explore different topics, but also get involved more deeply in
your special interest area.
How do I pick a class that is right for
me?
Each class description has an ability
level description: Beginner, Experienced Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Please keep in mind your skill level and be honest about that level when
choosing classes.
Where are the classes?
After your registration is paid in full you will receive you supply lists and
a map of the Qwest Center's facilities with the classrooms clearly marked. Each
of the classroom at the Qwest Center come equipped with plenty of plug-ins for
everyone's sewing machines and lights, as well as having great lighting and
completely height adjustable ergonomic chairs so you will be able to quilt in
complete comfort!
Will I get the classes I want?
With the buzz in the air about this
event, and the reputation of the teachers, you know that classes are going to
fill quickly. Because of this, I ask that you make three choices for classes for
each two -day period. We will do our very best to place you in your first
choice, but this is not always possible. Because of each teachers abilities
and expertise, I am confident that you won't be disappointed in any class you
get.
Do I have to bring my own sewing machine?
Yes, it is best that you learn
the techniques our teachers are teaching on a sewing machine that you are
comfortable working on. If you need information about traveling with you machine
or shipping it to the conference contact Carrie at
hhmqc@earthlink.net or 307-742-3262 for
more information.
(* Note: if you are just completely unable to bring your machine
with you we have a VERY limited quantity of older model Berninas available for
you to rent for the week- contact Carrie for further details).
How many students are in a class?
Because of the size of the classrooms
and the limited number of teachers, we will be putting no more than 25 students
in a class. The 2-day workshops will provide ample opportunity to interact with
the teacher.
Can I call in or fax my registration?
We are happy to accept Fed Exd,
Overnight UPS, Express and Priority mail registrations, but absolutely cannot
take phone reservations. All classes are filled on a first-come, first-served
basis. The $515.00 deposit check or money order, which includes the $15.00
non-refundable registration fee, must be included with your registration
form for class placement. Registration forms are dated and numbered in the order
they are received.
When does registration begin?
Registration begins on March 6, 2007. Once you decide to attend, it is strongly suggested you immediately send
in your registration and deposit. We will do our best to place you in your first
choice, but that is not always possible. I don't want you to think that if you
don't get it in first thing, you will be left out you never know which
classes might have an opening.
When will I know what classes I have?
Registration will no doubt start in a
flurry, but confirmations will not be sent out until mid-April. The supply lists
will be sent after July 15th, after all final payments are
received.
What if I have to cancel?
Be sure to read and understand the
cancellation policy printed above. I
know that cancellations are difficult, and we have no control over what may
happen in the future, but the policy will be held firm due to the contracts and
commitments that we have toward the hotel and the teachers. I strongly recommend
that if this is a concern to you, that you purchase Cancellation and Travel
Insurance. Reservations must be cancelled in writing, and cannot be accepted
after August 16th, 2007.
If you must cancel after August 16th, please try and find a fellow quilter who
would like to come in your place, otherwise you will need to enter a claim on
your travel insurance.
How do I get to The Qwest Learning and
Conference Center
from
Denver
International
Airport
?
Both Golden West Commuter (www.gwcommuter.com
or 303-342-9300) and Super Shuttle Service (www.supershuttledenver.com
or 303-370-1300) the Qwest Center if you do not want to rent a car while you are
in Denver. You will need to make those arrangements on your own so that the
shuttle services have your travel itinerary and know when to pick you up.
What will the weather be like in October
in Denver?
Absolutely lovely! Denver has usually had it's first freeze of the season by
mid-October and so is in the middle of Indian Summer. Days average to be around
65˚ and the nights are crisp with averages around 32˚.
Will the altitude affect me?
What if I want to come with my family
is there something they can do while I'm quilting?
Rocky
Mountain
National Park
is one of
Colorado
's favorite playgrounds, a perfect place for husbands to enjoy while you are
quilting. Because of the room structure at the hotel, we are offering the
opportunity for you to bring your spouse with only a small additional fee for
staying in your room and a pay by the meal set up for meals,
as is done by many conferences. Unfortunately the Qwest Center does not allow
children or pets at the facility so this may not be the time and place for a
"family" vacation.
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