The Fabric Maverick says... Move over St. Patrick's Day it is National Quilting Day!

Quilting has become so popular that the third Saturday of March is celebrated as National Quilting Day. March is now considered national quilting month to some. The National Quilting Association sponsored the first National Quilting Day in June 1991 to celebrate the rich traditions of quilt making and the contributions that quilters make to their communities and families. I bet you did not know that each year groups from around the world have celebrated NQD by creating and donating baby blankets to the first child born on National Quilting Day. Groups from as far away as New Zealand have participated in this event.  The 2008 NQD block is called “Eight Hands Around the World”. Barbara Brackman, renowned quilt historian, has traced the publication of this block to as early as 1895. For more information on this block and directions to make a 40 inch square baby quilt, check out the website for the National Quilting Association.

I have already begun my celebration of NQD by attending the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo. This show is a 3 day event that celebrates all aspects of sewing .It travels from city to city over the course of a year. Fortunately they come to Atlanta every March.  Victoria could not attend so I grabbed Kathy Wallace from our merchandising department and off we went to enjoy a great day.  It is much more fun with friends. If you have never had a chance to attend, this is a great way to take a class in quilting, home décor, embroidery and apparel sewing for little money. If you do not have time for a class, roam the exhibit hall to see what is new. I must warn you that this can be perilous to your credit card! I came away with some great ideas.  I even purchased a CD with patterns for dog clothes.  What is astounding is that I do not have a dog! I was inspired by the stage shows that are held showing different pattern designers' creations.  It is better to visualize these creations when models wear them.  I am talking about real everyday people and not ‘Project Runway” models. Included in this group of models was a dog wearing dog fashions. I was fascinated. One of my favorite treats is the traveling quilt exhibit. It is unfortunate that they do not allow pictures to be taken. I cannot begin to describe the beauty of these quilts. This year there were three exhibits- the Hoffman challenge, the Robert Kaufman contest featuring the collection Tuscany flowers and the contest winners from Fons and Porters challenge to create a quilt in one weekend. Wow! I came away a tired and poorer person.

On the 15^th, a group of my friends will gather for a sewing/craft day. Each of us will bring a project we have been working on or wanting to start. We will share friendship, swap stories about sewing successes and disasters, and good food.  A good time will be had by all.

I know that every year Stephen plans something special for his quilters so be on the lookout for special deals from Fabric.com.