Friday, December 2, 2011

What a week . . . . .

So as if this week's not been exciting enough, between starting Birdseye and getting a look at my quilt on Judi's blog, look what arrived in my mailbox yesterday . . . .

the latest issue of American Patchwork & Quilting. I've been quilting for over 7 years and have subscribed to this magazine from the get go. I'm always happy to see this magazine arrive in my mailbox, but this issue is particularly special to me, there's a nice little write-up on page 51 about my Red and White Tribute quilt. Can you believe it, my quilt is in a magazine!!

It's been a real whirlwind getting the top quilted and off to Iowa for photographs before the deadline. A big thanks to Connie Lancaster at Quilts Plus in Indianapolis for taking the time to work this quilt into her busy schedule, do an amazing job of quilting the quilt, all within a narrow time frame.

This is how it all came to be, the day after I blogged about my finished top I got a note from Elizabeth Tisinger Beese, Senior Editor for the magazine. She said they were working on some red and white quilts for the next issue and that they would like to add a small article about my quilt. I was pretty much in shock, I'm a quilter, just like you, not a pattern designer, not someone who ever dreamed of having a quilt in a national magazine, just a someone who enjoys taking pieces of fabric, cutting them up, then sewing them together again, at home, alone, just for the pure joy of it. After the initial shock wore off, I wondered how Elizabeth had found my blog and read about my quilt, so I asked. She said someone who reads my blog had sent her a note about my quilt and she was so glad that they did. She also sent me the email that she received that started the whole thing, and here it is . .

"Greetings~

Fresh on the morning's blog(s) is a most amazing quilt that you just have to feature, aMUST in my opinion! Just wait 'til you see this quilt~! And HURRY, before another publication beats you to it~~ Trust me...this is unlike no other quilt you've EVER seen!!!! This is a huge, huge, huge story~~~~

You can go to Thelma's blog and read all about her creation and her tribute to the Red & White Quilt Show in NYC....It is truly an amazing journey~

Hoping to read Thelma's story in a future issue~ Heck, Thelma's story could be an entire (special?) issue in itself!! I'd love to have a follow up confirmation (should) when you feature this story if possible~~ that would be awesome!!

Thanks for listening...
Debbie"

Aren't quilters just the most amazing folks in the world! If Debbie hadn't taken the time to send the note to American Patchwork & Quilting my quilt would not be in that publication. And isn't her note hilarious, I think Debbie is quite a salesperson, and her enthusiasm for my quilt just warmed my heart. I've had the privilege of meeting Debbie in person at the Prairie Star Quilters Guild meeting where Carrie Nelson was presenting a trunk show the fall of 2010. Debbie is more of a lurker on my blog, I don't hear from her on a regular basis, which makes the fact that she took the time and effort to contact AP&Q on my behalf even more amazing. Debbie, thanks so much, I'll forever be in your debt.

If you've yet to receive your issue or don't subscribe, here's a link to Elizabeth's blog that talks about the Red and White quilt show and my quilt. click here

So that's the latest from here, next week I'll be back to my normal routine, decorating for the holidays, doing some shopping, and of course sewing!!

Thanks to everyone who has sent notes or left comments regarding my Red and White Tribute quilt. When I started that project I didn't even know what the finished quilt would look like, and here it is, in a magazine. I could not be happier or more grateful, it's really been a fun adventure, a once in a lifetime event, thanks for following along.


48 comments:

  1. Congratulations! Truly a wonderful story! What a great blogging friend! Now I can't wait until my copy lands in the mailbox!

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  2. Congratulations! I do not suscribe to that magazine at the present but will have to go buy one. I thought your tribute quilt was awesome. Congratulations again on your red and white tribute quilt honor.

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  3. Good Morning! I'm a follower and a lurker, too, but just wanted to say that every morning when I grab my coffee and check my blog list, I always smile when I see yours listed. My favorite blog, my favorite quilts, and your awesome tribute quilt deserves the attention of AP&Q and everyone else! Happy sewing today.

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  4. Congratulations! That's quite an accomplishment, but then it is a beautiful quilt!

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  5. thatss great i also saw your quilt over at green fairy there are no words to describe the beautiful quilt and the quilting she does good work love it

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  6. Congratulations, Thelma! I have my copy of the magazine waiting on the coffee table...I generally drop everything and read it immediately upon retrieving it from the mailbox; this month, however, I am super busy with other commitments, so plan to read it this weekend when I will have more leisure time. I will read with delight the feature on your quilt!! It'll feel like I'm rubbing elbows with a celebrity!! ;-)

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  7. Oh WOW! What a great thing to happen to you! I am so glad you got this kind of recognition for your truly amazing quilt! I can't wait for my issue to arrive!

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  8. You must be on Cloud 9! That is wonderful. You and your quilt should be recognized. It is such a wonderful quilt and a GREAT tribute to the Red and White Show.

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  9. Oh Miss Thelma, sending you a huge bucket of congratulations! That is also my favorite magazine, and I'm off to the post office to see if mine is in yet! I think you will single-handedly revive the interest in red and white quilts. A wonderful quilt, a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!

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  10. That's terrific! Your tribute quilt, in a roundabout way, also inspired one of my future projects.

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  11. Cool! Cool! Cool! Can't wait to get my magazine in the mail. This is one of my favorite magazines, too. What a week for you! Enjoy:)

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  12. Wow, how fantastic! And so much better because you never expected it, like you said, just quilting for your own enjoyment. But what a tribute to you and your Tribute quilt.

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  13. Oh, I'm so happy for you Thelma!! Congratulations! I, too, have been published in AP&Q...several years ago..just a little blurb, so I know how excited you must be!

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  14. Congratulations - I'm so excited for you!

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  15. Oh, that is so wonderful. I am so happy for you. That was a super creative idea and you deserve every bit of recognition you get.

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  16. Oh my gosh Thelma, Congratulations!!! I will be making a special trip to the post office to see if I have received my copy of this issue yet. This is the only quilting magazine I subscribe to and I'm so excited that they have featured your beautiful quilt. I can't wait to see the article. Now...I said I'm excited but I am not at all surprised. Matter of fact, on August 23rd at 6:35pm, I left this comment on your blog post, about your Red and White Tribute Quilt. (I copied and pasted it because I just had to show you, LOL)

    " Stitched With Prayer said...

    Forgot to say that I fully expect to be seeing this tribute quilt in one of the finest quilting magazines in the near future. Folks will be clambering for a pattern, I'm certain of it. Hugs..."

    Ya know, sometimes it is just really fun and rewarding to say "I told you so". *insert big cheesy grin here* Big Hug...

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  17. CONGRATULATIONS Thelma!! What an honor! I can't wait for my AP&Q magazine to arrive.

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  18. Couldn't happen to a nicer person, Thelma. I have that subscription so I will be looking for your "Red and White." I followed reading your entire effort and I am enjoying your reward with you. Your quilts are great.Stephani in TX (Tomazec@aol.com)

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  19. A fitting tribute to one of the best quilters I know! Congratulations Thelma!

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  20. Congratulations, Thelma! You are a wonderful, accomplished quilter and an inspiration to so many of us! Jan

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  21. Thelma,
    I always knew you would be famous! I can't wait to receive my issue. You really need to write a book now!
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  22. Congratulations. Your quilt totally deserves to be recognized. I will be anxiously awaiting my copy of the magazine. So exciting!!

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  23. This is so great!!! Congratulations! I cannot wait to get my issue in the mail. You say you are "just a quilter", but this, my dear, is how careers and dreams are made!

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  24. way to go Thelma. That quilt certainly does deserve the spotlight it is getting. can't wait to get my next issue of the magazine.

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  25. Oh Thelma!! Your Day is finally here!! We can celebrate and shout from the rooftops!! You are so very deserving of this recognition~ Now the rest of the world can know what we, your faithful readers have known for so long..you are a SUPERSTAR~~ a force to reckoned with!! I am SO happy for YOU!!!

    Hats off to you~ Celebrate Big!!!! Wish I was with you in person to give you a huge hug...cyber hugs will have to do...{{HUGS!!}}

    Can't wait for my copy to arrive~~~
    Take Care~
    Deb

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  26. Not only am I glad to hear about this (and will definitely buy the issue) but I am so glad that APQ realized the significance of your project!

    From the time you started talking about the project, I had felt that when the Folk Art Museum issues the catalog for the exhibit next year, it would be great for your quilt to be included in that too. Hopefully someone from the Museum will see the APQ article and contact you too!!!

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  27. Congratulations Thelma ! I received my magazine in the mail yesterday and when I sat down to read it and screamed at my hubby " THELMA IS IN MY MAGAZINE !!!!! " OH you SO deserve this Thelma and I am SO happy for you ! It is a GORGEOUS QUILT! You are a true inspiration !

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  28. Brava, Thelma!

    Every time I look at the corner section on your web site (lower left section with the nine patches), I see “T’s” ! “T’s” not only for Thelma, but “T’s” for thankful. This extraordinary quilt eloquently conveys your generous and creative spirit. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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  29. That's wonderful news. You certainly deserve it! Your work is beautiful.

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  30. Oh you are so awesome! I adore your quilt Judi just finished and I hope they put closeups of your red & white tribute in as well. How exciting!

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  31. Congrats! That is awesome! I haven't received my magazine yet, but I'm excited that I will have a picture of my own of your red and white quilt. You know I LOVE it!!

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  32. Congratulations, Thelma! That is fabulous news. I'm very happy for you!

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  33. Have my magazine now and just read about YOU and the quilt! So exciting and you deserve to be recognized for your gorgeous quilts!
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  34. Congratulations, Thelma! One thing leads to another. I can't wait to see what's next. The work you do is inspiring!
    Karen L.

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  35. Comngratulations!!!! I can think of no other quilt that belongs in a magazine with a big feature story than yours:) I cannot wait to get my copy in the mail. I'm going to be stalking the mailbox even more than I already do. AP&Q is my favorite out of all the quilt mags too so that is even more of a great thing. So happy for you and your most amazing quilt!!!

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  36. Congratulations-on the much deserved recognition for an outstanding quilt. I subscribe to AP&Q too and think it's wonderful that they spotlighted your work.

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  37. I thought I was excited about your getting published; but then I looked at your Green Fairy quilt, and OMG! Isn't she doing a fantastic job? I can't wait to see that one! I see another ribbon in your future.

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  38. Yes, I can believe you are written up in a magazine; and it's about time! Great job, and keep up the good work.

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  39. You know Thelma, I got my magazine on Saturday, I thumbed through it and saw the red and white tribute, but didn't get to read the article. I was going to email you and tell you to check it out...silly me, I didn't need to because YOU'RE in it! Congratulations!!!! :) Now to get to reading that article! :)

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  40. That is so incredibly amazing Themla! I am so excited for you... and your quilt being showcased!, that magazine just arrived and is on my coworkers desk... I am going to go snatch it from her and have a look. Wait until they see the quilt that Green Fairy quilted... that will be in the next issue!!! Seriously!
    BTW, did you see the You Tube video of the Red and White show?

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  41. Congrats and WELL DESERVED!!!! this quilt is amazing. I was lucky enough to attend and you certainly captured the feel of this exhibit in your quilt.
    It is just amazing. When you walked into the armory what you saw I will never ever forget, thats what you captured in your quilt
    again, congratulations. Kathie

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  42. congratulations!!! and I agree with Debbie 100%
    it is a most amazing quilt.

    Happy Sewing and Merry Christmas

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  43. So proud! I wish you could autograph my copy!!!!

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  44. Congratulations, Thelma!! Well deserved. I'm running out to buy my copy ASAP. (It's my fave magazine, too.)
    Debbie R.

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  45. So happy for you Thelma! I love your Red/White Tribute quilt, and I love your quilt that Judi just quilted! My issue hasn't yet arrived...hopefully today...can't wait to read all about your quilt!

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  46. Congratulations!! I saw that when I was flipping through my copy last night and was so excited for you! Yay!!

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