QHC Lancaster 2004

Despite the rain and gloom, the Lancaster Host resort was alive with quilts, color, and crowds. I had 3 days of excellent classes with Libby Lehman. I can't tell you how much I learned about the technical aspects of sewing - needles, tension, & thread. I noticed the difference when I was quilting today. I actually know what I'm doing and why (some of the time)!

I also ran into a couple that I had known from my guild back in Houston in the early '90s. They've since moved to Virginia. And on Friday I had a big surprise when I arrived at class and found four of Heartstrings “Five Fabriholics” in the same class — Annie Cohen, Suzan Hirsch, Robin Levenberg, and Susan Soiferman! The fifth fabriholic—Judy Fliegelman— was taking a different class. We had our own show and tell with our purchases from the show and the shops in the area.

Several of us attended a free lecture by Bob Purcell from Superior Threads -- all about thread - how to tell quality of metallic threads, all about polyester and cotton, and how to troubleshoot sewing and thread problems. Bob's speech was outstanding! Unfortunately we all had to return to class before it was over. But the handouts will be thoroughly read and referred to again and again!

One cool tool I discovered - the Bernina #55 foot. It's a metal roller that allows you to easily follow a shape outline around appliqué or do echo quilting, depending on where you position the needle. Robin and the rest of the gang found some neat tools at a notions outlet near the Rockvale Plaza that specialized in Featherweight supplies.

Did a lot of sewing with different decorative and metallic threads. Libby had a great variety in class so we could try them before making our own investments. I really loved the colors of Superior's new "Razzle Dazzle," but I couldn't get it to stay together, even sewing from the bobbin. I bought a bunch anyway - figure it'd be good for couching.

—Jim Vander Noot