For me, just having a career in the quilting community is a dream come true. I love to draw, write and teach, all of that comes easily. Making elegant quilts to send off to shows, earning awards and having the opportunity to talk to you about them, is just so much fun! Hearing students say that I have influenced their lives is awesome.
However, if I had to choose one thing that topped the list of all the recognition I have received, it would be to have gained the esteem of Harriet Hargrave, the woman who originated the art form around which I now build my life. In her book, (Heirloom Machine Quilting, 4th edition, p.141 and 142, C&T, 2004) Harriet mentions how she was inspired to push herself in her own work after studying my quilt, Treasurers of Julia's Life. Let that be a lesson to you, sometimes we underestimate the connections we might make through our words, actions and our quilts!
Award at 2007 International Quilt Festival
Here I am on stage at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, 2007, accepting the second place, Merit, Machine Quilting Award for my quilt, “Fais de beaux réves” from Jennifer Gigas of Bernina of America.
Two Best of Show Awards
“Fais de beaux réves” was also awarded Best of Show at both the Pacific International Quilt Festival 2006 and at the Road to California Show in 2006!
My Newest Quilt
Lea’s Choice, (82" x 82" 2007) the title chosen for my newest quilt. It is hand appliquéd with original quilting designs that were machine quilted using my home sewing machine. It has earned the Excellence in Machine Quilting Award at the 2008 Road to California Show, and Best Machine Quilting, Traditional Quilt, at 2007 Pacific International Quilt Festival and 2nd Place Appliqué at AQS Paducah, 2008! Read the complete story and take a closer look in the gallery.
Robert Kaufman Fabrics announces
Joanie as their “Radiance” Spokeswoman
Robert Kaufman Fabrics has introduced a new fabric line called Radiance. The silk/cotton blend is available in 27 rich, solid colors. They have asked me to be the spokeswoman and to add Radiance in my work. Kyle Sanchez, Director of Promotions and Media Relations at Kaufman, recognized the possibilities of blending my elegant quilting designs with this luxurious new line, stating, “The union is a marriage made in Heaven!” For more information about Radiance go to www.robertkaufman.com.
Golden Girl
Golden Threads, the company that offers quilting design solutions that make every quilt a work of art, and I have joined forces! My original designs are available for hand, home machine, frame, and longarm machine quilting projects. Check out my Elements Stencil Packets and my Options Interchangeable Stencils on the Joanie’s Products page and purchase these designs from the Golden threads website www.goldenthreads.com.
Bernina National Teacher
It was such an honor to be chosen one of 20 teachers from the U.S. as a National Teacher by Bernina of America in 2005. The group representing every aspect of sewing gathers once a year to discuss how the sewing machine is used in various avenues of the industry.
Bernina Teacher Reunion, Steckborn, Switzerland
It was an absolute delight to be included in a group 85 quilting and textile industry educators from the U.S. attending a conference at the Bernina factory in Switzerland, in Dec. 2006. Events included research and development, interaction with quilters from Germany and Switzerland, textile museum, thread factory and folk museum tours, sightseeing the beautiful landscape and enjoying the camaraderie with this delightful group, as well as a launching the celebration for Bernina’s 75th Anniversary.
Harriet Hargrave Machine Quilting Celebration
The beautiful Rocky Mountains were the backdrop for the classes at the Harriet Hargrave Machine Quilting Celebration where I taught in 2005 and 2006. I offered design workshops to students for planning quilts with an emphasis on using imagery to express their personal stories. This conference is devoted solely to the home sewing machine quilter with workshops offered by some of the best instructors in traditional machine quilting arts
Elegant Machine Quilting Review
Imagine my delight while taking a quick break on the sun deck at the IQA show in Houston, I was chatting with a gal I had never met before when she asked about my faculty ribbon. The she said, “Oh, I read a review about your book in Quilter’s Newsletter on the way here.” It was news to me! Read the very positive review written by editor, Irene Berry in December 2005 issue of Quilters Newsletter.
Quilt Expo Madison, WI
September is a beautiful month in Wisconsin. The shore of one of Madison’s two midtown lakes is the setting for Quilt Expo. In just three short years, this show has grown to be one of the Midwest’s finest quilt venues. You will find me there everyday, lecturing, presenting a stage show, signing books and proclaiming myself as the official Madison Ambassador, welcoming quilters to my hometown.
Quilters News Network and QNNtv.com
Keeping up with Quilting News on the web is fun and easy on Quilters News Network. Many updates from the quilting world and events are broadcast 24/7. You might even see a taped segment featuring me at Spring Quilt Market and Quilt Expo at: http://www.QNNtv.com
Taping for America Sews
What fun I had taping an episode for America Sews with Sue Hausmann for PBS. The 30-minute program features a demonstration of the Autumn Leaf Table Runner from my book, Elegant Machine Quilting. Check your local PBS for the 2100 series. A book containing projects from this series is available through America Sews. For more information go to: http://www.americasews.com
International Quilt Festival, Houston
I was among the faculty at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, 2005, lecturing on Heirloom Machine Quilting and offering hands-on workshops for the Hearts Desire Quilted Pillow. For information on upcoming shows go to: http://www.quilts.com
American Quilter Magazine
After having my quilt, Treasures of Julia’s Life, on display at their show, the American Quilter’s Society asked me to write an article for their magazine highlighting the story behind the quilt and explaining the intricate details that are quilted into the piece. It was published in the in the Winter, 2003 issue of American Quilter Magazine.
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