AN "INTERESTING" TRIP

Recently I flew to Denver to meet with Colorado Quilting Council, a statewide guild that meets in person and on Zoom. Overall, it was a great trip and the people were wonderful. BUT, a few funny things happened that will make this trip memorable.

I start out in Huntsville Alabama and almost always make a connection in Atlanta. This doesn't bother me at all, that's just what travel looks like for me. I know my way around ATL, rarely use the underground train, I walk between the various terminals. It's all good. Both my flights were fine--the ATL to Denver flight was about an hour late leaving so I arrived an hour late. 

The day before I made sure the person picking me up had the flight info so she could keep an eye on the flight. Do you know the easiest way to do this is to text the flight numbers to yourself--DL1708 and DL530 for this day. That creates a link to PREVIEW FLIGHT which will show in real time when the flight left, when it is expected to arrive, which baggage claim it will use, etc. Very easy to keep up with flights that often have changes the day of travel.

Sue met me at Baggage claim where she already had my big purple suitcase as we had exchanged photos so we each knew who we were looking for. Now we were off to find her car.

She parked in 3N--you can't there from here or almost anywhere at the Denver airport. Most elevators said 3 was not accessible from that elevator so off we went to find another elevator. Airport construction is always ongoing and what worked a month ago may not work at all today.

After 45 minutes of twists, turns, wrong floors, wrong parking areas, we asked the nice young man at the INFORMATION booth--it was his FIRST DAY and he didn't know. BUT he did have a map and I found the very small print that showed how to get to 3N--it wasn't easy. But we got there and eventually were ready to head south for the drive of a little less than an hour to the hotel. 

The Residence Inn by Marriott at Highlands Ranch is the hotel this guild uses. Rooms are large with a full kitchen: refrigerator, cooktop, microwave, dishes, silverware, and a table with chairs as well as a large desk and couch. It was clean and my room was in the building nearest to the Lobby/Breakfast area--that's good, there are several buildings. You want a ground floor room as there are no elevators--hauling my 50 pound suitcase up and down stairs would not be fun.

After we saw my room was fine, I had Sue drop me off up the street at the Lazy Dog restaurant so I could pick up dinner to go. I took it back to the hotel and was a bit disappointed that my "medium" burger was exceptionally well done. My husband would have loved it. It was tasty... 

The next day I had an excellent breakfast--lots to choose from. I could eat wisely and the banana and yogurt would be for later. There might have been a bagel too...The staff person did an excellent job keeping things refilled. I made a point to tell her what a great job she was doing:

Ready for the day:

Sue picked me up right on time to go to the meeting at a lovely Lutheran church. I like to arrive an hour early so the technical side gets all set. The church audio/visual system is used, my PowerPoint is on a thumb drive and that always works. 

EXCEPT something had changed with the system, the church contact person was on vacation and the guild person did all she could to make it work. To no avail. Those watching at home on ZOOM were able to see the entire meeting, including my PowerPoint. The 125 + people in attendance could not see anything on the screens. 

I was told about this just prior to the meeting beginning at 10 am. During the meeting I had time to consider how I would present the Lecture: A QUILTER'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT aka Your Kids Don't Want Your Stuff, to the audience without the slides that illustrate the various points.  I used my Ipad so I could see the presentation and just gave all the information as usual. 

The president reminded the audience they could watch on ZOOM on their phones as the guild tech person feverishly tried to get things working--unsuccessfully. I gave the guild permission to upload my PowerPoint to their Members Only, Password Protected website--they were given 48 hours of access. This is a big deal--I do not let my "intellectual property" be saved, recorded or shown in any other way. Most teachers I know do the same. We are paid for one presentation of the lecture. 

Before my presentation there was Show and Tell--my favorite part of most meetings. They did something interesting--after the person told about the quilt she brought to share, it was draped over chairs so it could be seen after the meeting up close, for those who wanted a better look:

The guild had an "opportunity quilt" on display and it was lovely. It will go to a lucky winner in December. It was pieced and assembled by Carol Cook and others from the guild. Celeste Grande did the beautiful quilting. Celeste tells me it's a Judy Martin pattern:

Photos of the quilting I took--simple but lovely: 

All in all, the day went well. Those at home saw the Lecture as usual. Those in the audience appreciated the chance to go home and watch it again on their computer. 

Dawn, Sue's partner in programs/workshops took me to Chicken Salad Chick for lunch where we met up with about a dozen guild members. Several told me they watched on Zoom on their phone, the rest were going home to see the slides on their computer. Everyone was sympathetic and understanding about the "technical difficulty".  We all did the best we could and it worked out. 

Since I was on my own for dinner and Lazy Dog was not my favorite, I got smart and ordered a different Chicken Salad Chick meal to go for dinner. That worked out fine. I had a quiet afternoon in my room, talked to my husband for a while, handled email and business stuff, etc. My plan to swim that afternoon went by the wayside when I realized I didn't want to be out there in the 96 degree heat, at a mile  up in elevation--no sunburn for me. 

On these trips I often don't sleep well. Different bed, different sounds, etc. But I was sound asleep at 2 am Sunday morning when the fire alarm went off. I jumped up, put on clothes I could wear in public, called the front desk  which took a while to get answered. The fellow knew about the alarm and said the fire department had to put it out. I got back in bed, fully dressed, put a pillow over my head, and listened to the very loud alarm for 15 minutes. The good news: there was no fire and the alarm works.

There wasn't much sleep after that. But in the morning I had another great breakfast. While getting dressed for the workshop day I had a "wardrobe malfunction"--my new Taos Sandals broke--the velcro on one of them came un-stitched from the leather--not to be worn again. What else could possibly go wrong?! I talked to me husband early that day and he said "BE CAREFUL!" 

before the shoe broke

I love meeting people who know me from my blog, The Quilt Show, and from taking classes at other venues. They often want to show me their quilts from the Block of the Month or our classes. One of those in attendance saw on my blog the week before that I would be in her area that next weekend. Janet Miller joined the guild, signed both herself and her daughter up for the Sunday workshop and came to the Saturday meeting. She asked if I wanted to see her BOM quilts and, of course, I did. She brought them to the workshop Sunday:

Garden Party Down Under

Homeward Bound

Janet's turned edge machine applique is exquisite. She used Superior's MonoPoly thread for a small modified blind hem stitch. I dare you to tell it's not hand applique. She quilted these on her domestic sewing machine. I was thrilled to see such excellent work and all the other students got a special Show and Tell during lunch.

Class  went very well--Oh My Stars! has been a popular class for me. The 15 students did well, there were lots of "teachable moments" and it was a good day:

After class Sue took me to a Modern Market to get a Salmon Caesar salad--no more Lazy Dog or chicken salad this trip. I took it back to the hotel, Sue and I said our goodbyes, and a quiet night was ahead of me.

No fire alarm that night. Not a bad night's sleep. I was up at 5:15, packed and at breakfast at 6 am. Jeanette, my ride back to the Denver airport, was right on time and we headed north. We had allowed ample time for the trip since it was a Monday morning but we made it in less than 45 minutes. Within 30 minutes of saying goodbye to her, I had checked in, gone through TSA and gotten to my gate, A two hour wait doesn't bother me, I have plenty to read and I'd rather be safely at the airport. 

The flight to ATL was perfect. The flight to HSV was delayed about 15 minutes because the inbound plan was late. But I was going HOME and my husband was eager to get me back, safe and sound. The next day he fixed my shoe with some powerful glue--he is a very handy man!

I have been making these kind of trips for 12 years, 8-12 times a year. There have been very few issues on all those trips. Only once did I get stuck overnight, for TWO nights, in Dallas due to weather. There are a lot worse problems than spending two nights at an Embassy Suites. 

With all that travel I have been lucky.  I am cutting back on travel in the future. Big shows, Empty Spools Seminars, and teaching locally, that is where you'll find me. It's time to spend a little more time at home. 

Next up is the Fall Retreat in Livermore CA September 29-October 4, 2026. There are a few spots left--see the  FLYER HERE.  I will be teaching Oh My Stars! and The Village. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara

TAKE CLASSES WITH ME!

 Here is a quick look at where I will be teaching through the end of this year.

June 27, 2026--Lecture "A QUILTER'S LAST WILL AND TESTMENT--AKA YOUR KIDS DON'T WANT YOUR STUFF" Things we should be doing now to help our family when the inevitable happens

Colorado Quilting Council General Meeting, 10 am, St Phillip Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO

June 28, 2026--Workshop OH MY STARS! 9-4, Above and Beyond Sewing and Vacuum, Littleton CO 

See the guild website here: Colorado Quilting Council

OH MY STARS

September 29-October 4, 2026--FALL RETREATERS, Hilton Garden Inn, Livermore, CA

Early sew days are September 29-30, Classes October 1-2. 

I am teaching OH MY STARS October 1 and THE VILLAGE October 2. During the two Early Sew days I will be working on the 2027 Block of the Month FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE--see some of the amazing things you will learn in 2027. 

The Village

Alex Anderson will be a special attendee!

Contact Debbie Stephens by phone or email NOW to register:

October 20-21, 2026--Loose Threads Quilters, Spring City, PA. Tuesday October 20 is a full day workshop, still waiting to see which great class they pick. 

Wednesday October 21, Lecture "TIME MANAGEMENT FOR QUILTERS", 9:30 am.  First United Church of Christ, 145 Chestnut Street, Spring City, PA 19475

See the guild website here: Loose Threads Quilters

November 11-14, 2026  International Quilt Festival Houston. 

Wednesday November 11: Class OH MY STARS, 9-5:

Enrollment will open in mid-July: Quilt Festival Houston

LECTURES: 

Thursday November 12: HOW TO MAKE A WINNING QUILT, 11:30 am

 Friday November 13: TIME MANAGEMENT FOR QUILTERS, 4:30 pm

You can pay at the door for Lectures, no pre-enrollment required.

In 2027 there will be big changes: I am cutting back on travel. The plan is to teach at special events like EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS. Registration opened June 20, 2026 for the 2027 Sessions.

My class FULL CIRCLE filled quickly a few years ago when I taught it there. Don't miss what is likely to be your last opportunity to join me for this class.

FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 5, 2027:

Shows like HOUSTON, PADUCAH, and others like that are where I hope to concentrate my teaching time. And another few CRUISES are in the works. 

In 2027 I will be teaching/assisting Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson with the 2027 BOM: FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE. I am learning things as I make this quilt and you will too. It starts in January 2027; look for TIPS and HOW TO GET READY in November. THE QUILT SHOW with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims

The BIG NEWS is my JOYFUL JOURNEY RETREAT, #7, is back. MARCH 31-APRIL 4, 2027,  Red Rooster Retreat Center,  Crane Hill, AL. Not just a free sew retreat, this EVENT aims to build friendships, offer TEACHABLE MOMENTS, and make it worth your time to participate. Contact me directly for more information--or to be added to the waitlist--we are almost full. bbquiltmaker AT gmail--you know the rest. 

Locally, I hope to offer more classes here so I can sleep in my own bed and have more time to make my BUCKET LIST quilts.

I love teaching and hope to continue to share my knowledge with you.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS -- THE PEOPLE

Teaching a 5 day seminar to one group of students at EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS is one of the best jobs possible in the quilt/fiber art world. And it is one of the BEST EXPERIENCES for creative people.

PART ONE: The PLACE—See it HERE

The STUDENTS:  This is the "end of class" group photo, minus Terrie who was dealing with a car issue. Three of these women are repeat students--Mollie and Anne for the third time, Connie for the second. It is a treat to have familiar faces and happy, dedicated students. The others came as strangers, but all left as friends:

Terrie, not to be forgotten

Some students at each Session are "first timers", all of them say they will be back. "Why did I wait so long for this amazing experience?" Some come every year, currently poring over the 2027 Class Catalog to make their first and second choice selections. (Registration opens June 20, 2026 for the 2027 Seminars.)

The chance to learn from one teacher for 5 days in an in-depth setting is just hard to describe. Many students try out new-to-them techniques. Others are looking to expand their knowledge in a new direction. The class offerings are a mix of so many techniques/learning opportunities.

My goal for ALL my classes, whether 5 hours or 5 days, is that each student, regardless of skill level, will leave class learning more than they expected to learn. I often say "I am here to teach you everything I have learned in the last 40+ years as a quiltmaker." The Empty Spools experience allows that to happen.

Two of these students told me straight away this was their first quilting class ever. They thought they would be slow or even over their heads. Both did great work, learned a lot, and never felt behind. I "advance for the swift, and repeat for the deliberate." Each student gets all the help they need or want.

Two rented sewing machines as they flew in--there is always a learning curve at a new machine. They both did fine, learned what they needed to, and will proceed to make full star blocks at home.

Their WORK:

The STAFF:  

Wendi is the daughter of Gayle Wells, one of the founders of Empty Spools Seminars, now in it's 41st year. Penny is the granddaughter of Gayle, so niece to Wendi. They do an excellent job, learning the ropes with each new year. While living full lives, with full time jobs "on the side".  

Wendi Wells

Penny Wells

Suzanne Cox, the other founder is a delight, still attending in an advisory capacity. Photo in the lower left is Wendi, Suzanne, and Penny:

The FACULTY:

It is always good to be surrounded with amazing teachers. Some of this Session's teachers I have known for years, the rest I was happy to meet. Traditionally, the teachers go to dinner together on the one night of the Session when there is no evening program. We go to The Fish Wife restaurant, a short walk from campus. It is a great chance to find out things in the quilting/fiber art community and to make new connections:

From left to right: Sue Benner, Gloria Loughman, Timna Tarr, Maria Shell, Jenny Haynes, David Taylor, me, Cindy Grisdela, Kevin Womack.  Great food, even better conversation.

Each teacher has an assigned night to present a brief show of their work and introduce themselves to the entire audience. Merrill Hall is the "Seminar Central" all week--a beautiful building. My view from the stage:

The audience

Janet Fogg's quilt behind me--she was the Artist in Residence this week

It isn't easy to keep to the specified 9 minutes time--I did my best--and since no one was after me a few extra minutes to show off students work from prior years was ok.

The RELATIONSHIPS: 

Many of the students meet others here and form lasting friendships. They return year after year, to learn, discover, unwind, and build on those friendships.

Last year a wonderful woman came to my session the first day, not as a student, but as a member of The Quilt Show for many years. She wanted to meet me. She brought me beautiful flowers from her garden and the most sincere and heartwarming note of appreciation:

2025

This year she was back, as a student in another class during Session 5. I spotted her in the Dining Hall and we had a great but brief Reunion. Next year I will present a Lecture to her local guild:

Linda Herrera and I, 2026

It is moments and PEOPLE like this that keep me going and bring me back to such amazing places on my Joyful Journey as a quiltmaker.

What's NEXT:

February 28-March 5, 2027 SESSION 1 of EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS 2027 I will be teaching FULL CIRCLE, a Wendy Williams pattern.  My quilt:

92" square

I taught it in 2024 at Empty Spools, the class filled quickly with more than 20 students. Everyone did very well. Last year Anne and Mollie brought their completed quilts for Show and Tell--it was so good to have them there. They were enthusiastic students who said "Don't try this one without Barbara to guide you."  My 10 page typewritten Addendum to the 32 page pattern is very helpful. Anne and Mollie kindly brought them again this year so everyone could be inspired to join us NEXT year.

Anne Flanigan's FULL CIRCLE

Mollie Gilliam's FULL CIRCLE

As this quilt teaches SO MUCH, it can only be taught in this format, 5 technique-packed days. And as this is the second time I am offering it at Empty Spools it is very likely the last time it will be offered. SO, if this is one you REALLY want to make, NOW is the time to plan on registering--2027 Registration opens JUNE 20, 2026, 10 am PST. Find the FULL CATALOG with all the necessary information HERE

Planning for EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS 2028 gets underway later this Summer. I have a few ideas for great classes to propose. What would YOU WANT TO LEARN if you had 5 days to just delve into quiltmaking full time, with all your meals provided, nothing to do but just delight in and ABSORB it ALL?

Let's quilt.

Barbara 

TEXAS TOUR 2026

 Texas is a BIG place. When I go there to teach it is often possible to combine trips with up to 3 guilds. It makes for a long trip but the guilds get to split the airfare which helps them. It does take a lot of logistical planning to get me from place to place but it's worth it.

Have bags, will travel

Recently I started a trip flying into Houston Hobby Airport. Delays out of Atlanta meant I had to keep my first guild contact informed so she didn't get to the airport two hours early. I arrived, got my two large suitcases and met Diane outside at Passenger Pickup.

The Lakeview Quilters of Houston have access to a townhouse AirBNB they can use for guest teachers. A new experience for me, I'm a hotel kind of girl. Diane asked what I would like for breakfast and she stocked the kitchen before my arrival. A very nice accommodation:

The only issue is I didn't know where the thermostat was and it dropped to the 30's the second night--that is BITTER COLD, dead of winter weather in Houston. In the morning I went hunting and found the thermostat upstairs--it was 51 degrees. Changed the setting to HEAT, and within an hour it was a pleasant 65 degrees. 

The guild held the workshop the next day, before the monthly guild meeting that night. Western Sun is an enjoyable class to teach and everyone did great:

We met in a terrific quilt shop, AND SEW IT BEGAN, in La Porte, TX. Just a taste of this shop:

That evening after dinner we went to the guild meeting location, got the technical side done for the  lecture "How to Make An Award-Winning Quilt", and I enjoyed the meeting prior to my presentation. That lecture is completely updated, with images from Houston 2025 and the Heritage Quilters of Huntsville 2026 show, that support the important points of the topic. It was very well received. During Show and Tell the students showed off their work:

                                            

The next day was an "off" day, in between jobs. In the morning I did hand sewing in front of the TV. In the afternoon I did my usual two hour power walk after it had warmed up. Not far from the townhome in the Clear Lake area, near NASA, is a beautiful walking trail. I don't walk at my usual 16 minute mile pace because I often stop to take photos:

For my last night at this guild Diane took me to a great seafood restaurant, Tommy's. I eat well on these trips, sometimes too well. I saved some of this for the next day:

The next day it was on to the Coastal Prairie Quilters in Missouri City, about 45 minutes west of Clear Lake. Sara picked me up at the townhouse and off we went, arriving there in time for a great lunch at Old Hickory BBQ:

Texas Brisket sandwich

This place was just around the corner from the hotel and I knew I'd be coming back here again. 

Pattie met us at the hotel, Spark by Hilton. The handoff was complete. Sara went home and Pattie took over. 

I really liked Spark, a new Hilton brand I wasn't familiar with. Every employee I interacted with was great, helpful, and pleasant. The Bagel Bar breakfast included hard boiled eggs so I was set after my morning workout in the Fitness Center. 

My room was big and clean, and included a small refrigerator and a microwave oven. Lighting was excellent! Rarely is that the case. And there were outlets and USB ports everywhere. Good planning. 

I stayed 4 nights there, including my day off, between jobs. I used the day off to do laundry in their facility. All in all, I can recommend Spark by Hilton:

The next day was the guild meeting in the morning. The lecture was Time Management for Quilters, always well-received. Since I had the afternoon off, I went for a power walk all around the neighborhood, very commercial, with at least 50 eateries nearby. Sidewalks were wide and I didn't have to cross any big streets. 

Day 2 with the Coastal Prairie Quilters was the workshop On the Lily Pond. The quilt is a replica of an antique quilt I own and I wrote the pattern. The students did well:

I have always wanted to see someone make this block with a black background so here you go:

The funny thing about this group is: there is Linda and Trena, and Debbie, Diane, Darlene, Denise, Deborah, and Donna. Keeping them straight was my challenge!

Now I was on my own for a couple days and you know where I went to dinner: Old Hickory BBQ. This 3 meat plate was dinner for me both Friday and Saturday. The fried okra was some of the best I've ever had:

On my full day off I headed out for that power walk and was delighted to find a terrific two mile walking trail featuring edible plants with lots of signage. A wide variety of fruit and nut trees, each with a sign that explains their season and how to tell when they ripen.The day was beautiful:

And I saw my first field of Bluebonnets, across the bayou. They were several days away from being at their full beauty.  I am always either too early or too late:

The next day was moving on day, from Missouri City down two hours to Victoria. Pattie picked me up and took me about 25 minutes to Laura, another guild member and helper. We drove another 35 minutes to Buc-ee's at Wharton, where Marcia from Victoria was waiting for me. The suitcases changed vehicles, goodbyes were said, Laura went home and we headed south to Victoria.

The Homewood Suites hotels are very nice and I try to stay there when possible. A full refrigerator, microwave oven, two burner cooktop, a dishwasher (not needed by me) and cabinets with dishes, glasses, silverware and utensils. 4 nights here was very nice:

The next day Marcia took me on a country tour, hunting the elusive bluebonnets. We saw these, again a few days too early:

Marcia then took me to a small quilt shop in Shiner, TX, The Square Quilt shop:

I wasn't going to buy anything but then I did. I have been wanting to make a sesquicentennial quilt in honor on the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of July 4, 1776. I found a panel, pattern and prints to make a simple yet commemorative wall quilt. Now I have a project with a deadline: 

This was my fourth visit to the Victoria guild. That NEVER happens. It is my honor to visit them. The first full night Yvonne hosted a small gathering at her lovely home outside of town. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces and those who have become friends.

The next two days were spent making Western Sun blocks. 18 students did so well. Having two days instead of one, allowed for more time with each step:

Kay is very talented with fabric paints/pens. She is planning to make each block like this, with different yellow suns and give them all different faces which she paints on: 

Kay even painted the spokes of the sun with the fabric pens:

                                                  

Yvonne has a beautiful palette and spent the first morning just cutting pieces. In the afternoon and the second day she could sew all day long: 

Samantha is a bit of a new quilter so she took her fabrics home the first night to cut and sort all the various parts into baggies, which makes the process of making many of these blocks easier. The next morning she was ready to go:

An interesting thing happened for me while teaching Western Sun twice this trip. Jerrianne in the Lakeview guild used one of her "good" fabrics for the "placeholder" in the center. The next step would be to cover that fabric up with a circle:

For the first time I saw what a great, easy, simple block this can be WITHOUT the circle!  Not to be outdone, in Victoria Yvonne did the same. This block is only laid out, she hadn't sewed the rows yet:

Y

For charity quilts or baby quilts needed quickly, this is such a fast block to make. My next Quilt of Valor will use this block. I have taught this class many times and only now see the block without the circle!

I eat good on these trips. The Homewood Suites was no exception. The first night, on my own, the hotel shuttle driver took me to and from the Olive Garden a mile away. It wasn't safe to walk there due to traffic.

Breakfast was excellent and on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights they have an Evening Social--Monday was chicken alfredo, salad bar, free wine and beer. Tuesday was Beef Enchiladas with all the fixings and salad bar.  This saved the guild the cost of two dinners plus the time involved “hosting” me. A win for all.

Wednesday night was hot dogs at the hotel so--the guild took me to The Pump House, a local restaurant I enjoy very much. The grilled salmon and roasted Brussel sprouts were scrumptious. And the company was even better--these women are friends. And I was even asked "when are you coming back?"

The 12 day trip was coming to an end and news at airports around the country was of long TSA lines. Yvonne and her husband Paul picked me at 8 am for the two hour trip north to the Austin airport. In less than 20 minutes from exiting their car, I had checked the two large suitcases, gotten my boarding passes, headed up to TSA Pre-Check and went through TSA in less than 3 minutes. I was 4 hours early for my flight but I really like AUS and there was Brisket for lunch.

Only minor delays for my two flights, to Atlanta and then on to Huntsville. Arriving about 30 minutes later than expected I was sure glad to see my husband and he was glad to have me back. He says I make the best coffee...

I always gain weight on these trips and this was no exception. Within a week or so most of it's gone since I get right back on my exercise and nutrition regimen. 

A huge THANK YOU to all my "handlers" who got me where I needed to go. More than a year of planning goes into these contracts/trips. It takes a village.

Conclusion: I LOVE my job  but 12 days is too many. This year I will have 49 days away. That's too long. I am cutting back travel next year and beyond. 

Let's quilt.

Barbara