Happy Easter!
Happy Easter! I hope this finds you all full of Easter dinner, and lots of chocolate eggs. I think we all agree that chocolate IS a food group and keeps the Academy attendees happy! Rick always comments on how much chocolate I buy for the Appliquers . . . but somehow . . . it is all gone by the end of the week. Just sayin’ . . .
The 2016 Academy of Applique is over, and I think a good time was had by everyone. It really does take a village to handle all of the moving parts to this event, and I would be remiss if I did not take one last opportunity to thank some special people. First, our WONDERFUL staff of teachers. Weren’t they fantastic! What a truly gifted and talented group, and SO giving. A big THANK YOU to you all! Second, to my local appliqué group for bailing me out when I over-commit (do I really do that? Ha Ha). They served as teacher assistants, helped in the store, helped at the registration desk, helped stuff tote bags, helped keep me SANE, and so much more. THANK YOU! You gals are the glue that holds this event together and running smoothly. A big THANK YOU to my husband for all of the work he has done on the website, (and is doing on the Huzzah Quilt Shoppe website) – his creativity never fails to astound me – and for just plain putting up with me! And to my friend Sheila Bayley who comes every year to save by butt, and do whatever I ask without complaint. This year she spent HOURS cutting fat quarters for the store, and much more. Thank you for your help and friendship.
To those that were able to attend . . . THANK YOU . . . for your support, your encouragement, and your general demeanor of just “going with the flow” when there were minor snags. To those that were not able to attend this year . . . there is always the 2017 Academy of Applique! My good friend “Aunt” Audrey described the event very skillfully – she said that it is like coming to a family reunion. Some family members you know better than others, some are new to the family, and some you only get to see once a year. Our theme this year was . . . “There are NO strangers here, just friends you haven’t met yet.” How true, how true.
And not to overlook the “A Taste of Williamsburg” program, which was a huge success. All of the restaurants offered delicious fare, and many teachers took the opportunity to spend an evening with students. This offered a very special and unique “bonding” time.
A week after the Academy, Nancy Swietek of our local guild organized an overnight bus trip for 40+ quilters to shop in Amish country and attend the AQS Lancaster Quilt Show. Not only did she do a spectacular job of organization and “herding the cats,” but I ran into MANY of you at the show. How great was that?
Have the rest of you recovered? Are you ready for the 2017 Academy of Applique (February 27 – March 4, 2017)? Plans are well under way for the event. I have had a chance to read each and every evaluation, and found not only some wonderful suggestions for events to add, but also some wonderful teachers. I can’t wait to share which teachers are returning, and who we are adding new to the staff. I will just drop a hint that we are in negotiations with a Canadian teacher that will knock your socks off. Stay tuned. Another “teaser,” we will offer the “Bring a Friend” discount again for 2017. If you and a friend are new to the Academy, or if you are a returning attendee and bring a friend – each of you will receive $50.00 off of your tuition. Start thinking now of whom you might invite. This is not limited to just one friend. The discounts can be added together.
Some dates to remember: The Class Schedule will be available on the website Sunday, August 7th; and registration will be Monday (Labor Day), September 5th.
I miss you all, already!
Keep stitchin’
Barbara
Academy was so much fun I’m already looking forward to next year. And, looking for a friend to bring and get my $50 discount! The teachers were great and I enjoyed getting to meet Barbara Burnham and taking her class. She was a delight. And Rita Verroca was her usual creative and sharing self. Love her new designs. Karen Witt was a great roommate and had so much to share. We talked every night. Loved the vendors and spent too much money, as usual. I think Kingsmill is a great venue but Academy would be great wherever it is because of the people you meet. It’s true there are no strangers in the quilting community. Every one is friendly and so eager to share their projects and what they are learning. Thanks to Barbara and Rick and all the attendees for making my week at Academy so memorable. I wish I could share pictures, but my computer is hiding them. I transferred them and had them removed from my camera at the same time and POOF! gone. I’m sure my techie son can find them when he has time but right now, they are being shy.