Achieving Goals

Back in 2007 when planning began for Baltimore on the Prairie - my, that seems like such a long time ago - one of the many and major decisions to be made was the location for the conference.  It needed to be easily accessible, close to a major airport, have lodging and conference facilities, a restaurant or some sort of food service, be comfortable, affordable and have some sort of ambiance as opposed to an airport hotel conference center.  If a location could be found within a 2 hour driving distance, that would be an additional bonus for me as administrator.  And the search was on!  After many phone calls, hours spent Googling, a simple conversation with a friend resulted in the perfect location for Baltimore on the Prairie - Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE.



 

 

This beautiful park is located midway between Omaha and Lincoln, NE (30 miles each direction) right off I-80 so it is very accessible.  There may be some debate whether Eppley Field in Omaha qualifies as a major airport but Southwest Airlines (2 bags fly free) does fly there so it counts!  Unless desired, a rental car would not be needed as a shuttle service is available to and from the airport to the Park.  And as the bonus, is only a 95 minute drive straight north of where I live!

The Peter Kiewit Lodge sits high on a bluff overlooking the Platte River which provides beautiful views of the picturesque valley.

 

 

This conference is very convenient with hotel and conference rooms, along with the restaurant all being located in the Lodge.  The entire Lodge is handicap accessible with barrier-free hotel rooms available.  The Lodge has 3 levels and yes, there is an elevator.

 

Some of the hotel rooms boast balconies

 

where one can sit, have a morning cup of coffee (or not) and view spectacular sunrises of the Platte River valley.

 



 

 

The lobby, along with the rest of the Lodge is very open and welcoming.

 

 

"Old Glory" can be seen for miles before one even gets to the Park.

 

 

 

Wildlife abounds at the Park.

 

 

It's common to see wild turkeys patrolling the area and sometimes a hen turkey will be followed by several turkey chicks.

 

 

These feeders are located right outside the restaurant and yes, the turkeys raid the bird feeders.  Hummingbirds are also regular guests at their feeders and on occasion deer can be spotted at twilight in the Park.

 

The size of the conference rooms can be adjusted to accommodate the number of students per class.    There won't be more than 2 students per table and will have as much elbow room as possible. 

 

 

Of course, quilters will use all space afforded to them!

 

 

And even the floor!!

 

 

Evening group events are held in the large meeting room where even the rafters are put to use for a small quilt show.

 

 

 

 

Parker's Smokehouse, a Lincoln, NE favorite, assumed responsibility for the restaurant and catering in 2012 at the Lodge.  Emily and her staff are fantastic to work with and no one should go away hungry.  Most of the meals are buffets just for our group with choices to please everyone and some meals are plated individually.  Of course it goes without saying that desserts top off lunch and dinner.

 

 

 

 

Theoretically one could arrive on Tuesday and not leave the building until Sunday however, one can certainly take advantage of the paved and unpaved trails throughout the Park.  A small stream meanders through the Park which is beautifully landscaped.

 

 

Even with last year's hot, dry summer, flowers were still abundant at the Park.

 

 

 

 

There is a small group of appliquers who meet early each morning to walk to the Park's 70 foot tall Observation Tower and climb to the top.

 



Photo courtesy of Google Images

 

While there are a lot of steps, the views are breathtaking.

 

 

 

Since Mahoney State Park is a state park, the room fees are less than comparable fees at a conference style hotel.  While some amenities are absent from a Hyatt or Hilton type hotel, the hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable.  Internet service is available at no extra charge in the Lodge and free coffee is available first thing in the morning in the lobby.  The fee for the conference is all inclusive meaning that the cost of classes, meals and lodging is wrapped up in one registration cost.  Other than shopping with our vendor or with the teachers, one does not need to carry money with them during the conference.  It's a wonderful feeling not to have to carry a purse around!  Even if you want to keep a little cash handy, the name badge holders that are provided have a little pocket to hold your room key and a little cash or credit card.  We try to cover all the bases!  Several fee packages are available to choose from depending on occupancy and whether you are interested in the one day or four day classes or both.  The registration form can be viewed here http://www.baltimoreontheprairie.tresajones.com/regform.pdf.

 

Last but not least I want to mention the wonderful staff at Mahoney.  Ginny, Adam, Eunice and everyone else in the Group Functions Office are a dream to work with.  They are so accommodating with the needs of the conference and are always smiling and pleasant.  I can't imagine working with any other staff. 

 

We still have spots available in most classes for 2012.  Please email mjones1@carsoncomm.com for availability. 

 

That's it for this month!

 

Take care,

 

Tresa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visual Impact, Technique and Variety

One of the most enjoyable but also challenging aspects of planning for Baltimore on the Prairie is in the choosing of class projects suggested by the very talented faculty.  Visual impact, techniques taught and variety amid the classes are just three of the criteria taken under consideration.  The faculty for the 2013 conference were introduced in the January post and here in March we will introduce you to their class projects.  Baltimore on the Prairie offers a one day class on Wednesday September  11 and a four day class, beginning at 4:00 pm Thursday September 12 which ends at noon Sunday September 15.  As you read through this post, you will notice a variety of techniques and style in the classes and be wowed by the visual impact.

Nancy Kerns' One Day class - Millennium Rose - is an opportunity not to be missed!  Ellen Heck has given permission to use her pattern for this class, a rare occurrence.

 

Learn how to shade a realistic rose using window templates, handle tiny details like finely shaped stems and naturally shaped calyxes and add embroidered accents that bring the design to life.  Please don't be intimidated by the little pieces.  If you are not up to the challenge of making the whole block, you can still take the class and learn the shading technique.  Just bring background and practice for the day!

 

 

Nancy's Four Day Class - Graceful Urn - is a classic Baltimore urn.

 



 

Modern tips, tools and techniques make this effort easier and results crisp and elegant.  But wait - you don't care for traditional?  Make it in your own preferred colors!  Techniques include reverse applique for vase details, flowers and buds.  Off block construction makes handling tiny details like the butterfly wing tip easy.  Lining thin or transparent fabrics is quick.  Learn perfect circles for flower centers and vase details, precise placement using the clear transparency overlay and finish with the crowning glory - a needle turned bird's eyeball!

 

 

Jeanne Sullivan's first book - Simply Successful Applique - is now in it's 2nd printing and both of her class projects are in the book.  Simply Successful Applique Lettering is Jeanne's One Day class offering.

 

 

Learn to transform stylized manuscript and cursive alphabet letters into applique elements.  With Jeanne's explicit instructions and demonstrations, you'll work hands-on to complete sample applique letters with fanciful flourishes.  Easily master all techniques in class including perfect pre-turned applique letters, truly invisible hand applique stitches and beautiful, enviable embroidery embellishments.  Count on precision techniques for getting great results!

 

Springtime's Promise, which is also the cover of Jeanne's book, is her Four Day Class.

 

 

 

 She has masterfully woven enticing detail into a rich and vibrant color plan for this stunning, nostalgic piece.  Within the basket layered foliage and spectacular florals herald "Springtime's Promise".  Traditional, layered, Broderie Perse, Trapunto, padded, fussy-cut and surprise cut applique methods are among the choices to dress your block in vintage charm.  Count on leaving class with your bag stuffed with new tricks, problem-solving strategies and precision needle skills.

 

 

Moving to an era slightly before the Baltimore Albums, Rita Verroca brings us John Hewson Chintz for her One Day class.

 

 

John Hewson, a protege of Benjamin Franklin, was an American expert textile printer in the 18th century.  Part of this celebrated printer's works are fabrics designed specifically for use in making quilts and it is believed that he printed some chintz squares especially for his wife using different blocks he owned.  Join Rita to learn the decorative technique of Broderie Perse.  Applique these beautiful motifs, the slender vase with flowers, the birds and butterflies to create this elegant chintz applique quilt.

 

Next on the chintz parade from Rita is Ann Daggs Chintz for her Four Day class. 

 

 

 

Take advantage of the elegant John Hewson border fabric in this central medallion which was inspired by a quilt made in 1818 by Ann Daggs of Rochester, New York. Pieced from a John Hewson border print, the vase is the focal point of this multi-faceted floral arrangement incorporating patchwork, Broderie Perse and applique. Using needle turn applique, Rita will focus on cut out chintz applique as well as all aspects of regular applique. This class will give you the opportunity to work with a multitude of fabrics and designs while strengthening your sense for color and color coordination.

 

 

In a quick time travel, Nadine Thompson brings us to the 1930's and 40's with her One Day class The Way We Were which has its roots with kitchen towels.

 

 

This was a time when Moms went to church on Sunday, washed on Monday, ironed on Tuesday, well you get the idea.  Each student will receive patterns for all 9 blocks but will work on 1 during class.  Time will be spent on embroidery as well as applique.  Each block has a little of both.  As these are simple blocks, students should be able to nearly finish an entire block during class!

 

And to round out the class offerings for Baltimore on the Prairie 2013, Nadine brings us back to the Baltimore Album era with A Bird in the Hand for her Four Day class.

 

 

This is for the most part a lesson in needle turn applique.  There are two different roses, uncounted leaves (Nadine mentions this as she often can't stand knowing how many) and the usual quirky bird.  Nadine wants you to know that for the most part everything in this design is composed of basic skills which encompasses needle turn, perfect circles, reverse applique, a folded rose, stuffed roses, embroidery and so much more.

 

So there you have the 2013 lineup and it is our hope that we have succeeded in presenting you with visual impact, techniques and variety.

 

One of the perks, so to speak, for attendees of the conference is the opportunity for a head start on registering for the next year's conference.  Saturday evening September 14, 2013 the faculty will be announced and their class projects displayed for the 2014 conference.  After the announcement registration begins for the attendees with general registration beginning Monday September 16, 2013. 

 

Yes, the faculty and their projects have been selected for 2014 and I guarantee that you will be very impressed with not only the composition of the faculty but wowed again with their classes.

 

For more information on the 2013 conference, visit the website at http://www.baltimoreontheprairie.tresajones.com/index.html

 

Until next time,

 

Tresa 

 

 

 

 



"Perfecting the Past" - a view from the IQSC

The International Quilt Study Center located in Lincoln, NE and Baltimore on the Prairie have developed a wonderful working relationship.  As taken from their web site: "The International Quilt Study Center & Museum's mission is to inspire an understanding of the cultural and artistic significance of quilts by collecting, preserving, studying, exhibiting and promoting discovery of quilts and quiltmaking traditions from many cultures, countries and times."  There are always at least 2 exhibitions, sometimes 3, in the galleries with other quilts adorning the walls and hallways on the 3rd floor.  Lately some of those quilts are from the Hortense Beck collection and the library has exhibits of doll beds, quilts, etc from the Mary Ghormley collection.  One of the current exhibitions is titled "Perfecting the Past - Colonial Revival Quilts".

As one enters the gallery, "The Quilting Party" greets you.  It's a beautiful oil painting by Edgar Melville Ward, circa 1892 depicting the Colonial Revival mindset of people in the late 1800's.  In the late 1800's the United States become more urban and industrialized and Americans yearned for what they perceived as a simple time - the Colonial Era which was loosely defined as before 1840.  This revival peaked roughly between 1880 and 1940.  While quilting I often wonder about the lives and thoughts of women quilters who came before me. It became clear to me while viewing this exhibit that while our worlds are dramatically different, the thought of going back to "simpler times", which is actually mythical, seems to be a part of every generation.

 

This Cherry Tree quilt - ca 1940-1950 - was of course inspired by George Washington's "I cannot tell a lie" statement.  Four block quilts were common between 1850 and 1900 and probably most recognizable with traditional patterns such as Princess Feather and Pride of Iowa.  Ladies' Home Journal Pattern Catalog published a version of this quilt in 1924 with Good Housekeeping offering a simplified kit in 1940.

 

Another 4 block quilt in the exhibit is this "modernistic" adaptation of English Rose.

 

 The quilt is dated 1939 and was made by Olive Emily McClure Cook of Anna, Illinois while in her 70's.  She combined quite successfully the basic traditional shapes of the English Rose with the popular scalloped edge and colors of the late 1930's.

 

Woven coverlets which were popular in the 18th and 19 centuries were sources of inspiration for Colonial Revivalists.  Geometric quilt patterns such as Burgoyne Surrounded and Double Irish Chain lend themselves to the coverlet look.

 

 Burgoyne Surrounded is named for the British General who surrendered to the Americans following the Battle of Saratoga in New York in 1777.  The use of colonial names was prevalent during this Revival period.  While the maker is unknown the quilt probably originated in West Virginia, 1935-1945.

 

 

 Decorators of the time recommended the coverlet look for an "old-fashioned themed" bedroom.  The stunning red and white Double Irish Chain from 1900- 1920 has the look of a woven coverlet.

 

Again, the Feathered Star pattern is reminiscent of a woven coverlet and afforded the quiltmaker, Mary Caroline Robinson Olds of Dekalb County, Indiana, open areas for detailed quilting.  The quilt was made for her son Arthur's wedding in 1895.

 

 

 

 

 

Star of Bethlehem was another popular pattern for the Revivalists and still is today.  The fabrics used in the following quilt made by Christine Heide Sorensen of Rockville, NE were purchased at the J.C. Penney store in Grand Island, NE when the quilt was made in 1928-1930.  Christine considered this to be a showpiece quilt done in the bright colors of that era.

 

 

Rose designs are always in vogue and this was no exception for the late 1930's.  Wreath of Roses may have been purchased as a kit and possibly made in Coshocton County, Ohio between 1935-1945.  In the 19th century the quilt would have been created in red and green but here, the updated color scheme gives it a much different look.

 

 

Of course the quilting itself is stunning.

 

 

Being a lover of applique, Cottage Garden made me stop in my tracks when I rounded the corner and then begged to be studied up close and personal - as much as one can get in a museum.

 

 

Quoting from the quilt's placard:  "A number of American women made challenging floral medallion quilts, similar to Cottage Garden, during the 1930's and 1940's.  These quilts were inspired by a nineteenth-century quilt made in rich reds, blues and pink by Arsinoe Kelsey Bowen in 1857.  Bowen's quilt design grew from the heritage of chintz applique bedcoverings and their antecedents-printed and painted Indian palampores. 

The above photo is Arsinoe Kelsey Bowen's quilt from Ruth Finley's book "Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women who Made Them", Plate 57 and clearly was the inspiration for "Cottage Garden".

 

The unknown maker of Cottage Garden preferred the subtler pastel tints of the 1930's and 1940's for her modern masterpiece."  And a masterpiece it is.

 

 

Notice the blue scallop circling the center medallion that looks like a striped fabric.

 

 

 No.  There are very narrow pieces of fabric wrapped around the blue swags and both edges appliqued.  Amazing!  Those berries are huge - maybe a bit larger than 1/4" - compared to the berries in the medallion pictured below.

 

 

Those berries are about 1/8" with teeny tiny stems.  Quite magnificent.  In my mind the maker of this quilt was quite inventive with the border design.  She could have the look of a scalloped border without having to bind any inside points!  The blue border is appliqued on top of the quilt and then bound with straight binding.

 

 

 

 

 Each year Baltimore on the Prairie offers an optional bus trip to the IQSC where participants view the current exhibits, such as the one profiled above and then are treated to a private showing of one of the Baltimore Album quilts in their collection.  Once we run out of their Baltimore Album quilts, we may request Cottage Garden!  In 2012, Carolyn Ducey, Curator of Collections, met with the group to share her knowledge of the quilt and answer any questions.  As we all want to learn more about these exquisite quilts, their makers and the time frame in which they were made, lively discussions abound with everyone sharing their knowledge. 

While visiting the exhibits we learned that a new expansion is being planned for the IQSC!  The gallery area will be doubled and there will be much more storage space for future acquisitions.  For more information about the International Quilt Study Center, including their virtual gallery, visit their web site at  http://www.quiltstudy.org/.   For more information about the Baltimore on the Prairie applique conference, visit  http://www.baltimoreontheprairie.tresajones.com/index.html.

 

Until next time, take care,

 

Tresa

Welcome

Welcome to the debut of the Baltimore on the Prairie - And More blog.  This blog will be a work in progress for a while as I navigate through all the options available.  Stay tuned!

Baltimore on the Prairie is a hand applique conference held each September at beautiful Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE.  It's located midway between Lincoln and Omaha, NE right off I-80.  Each year 4 of the finest applique teachers gather with students who travel not only from across the United States but travel internationally to spend from 1 to 5 days sharing their love of applique.  The 5th annual conference will be held September 11-15, 2013.  For more detailed information please visit the website at http://www.baltimoreontheprairie.tresajones.com/index.html.

Four very talented women make up the faculty for 2013 and I'd like to introduce them to you.  First is Nancy Kerns, center front showing the 4 day class project from the 2012 conference, "Magical Spring" - an Ellen Heck design, along with her class participants.  Nancy describes herself in this manner:  "As I am a problem solver by nature, I have discovered many ways to do things in appliqué to simplify the techniques or to achieve specific results. I am very eager to share these tips and tricks with my students.   My classroom time is structured, organized and usually on schedule. I have many things to share and want to be sure to get them all covered. I am prepared with supplies the students will need, samples to demonstrate the techniques and other needs (like chocolate!!) Even though I try to fit a lot of content into the class, we will have time to sew. I like the atmosphere to be encouraging and supportive and I get great pleasure out of students understanding a new process.  Nancy's quilt "Mary Simon Rediscovered, shown below, won the Founder's Award at the IQA show in Houston, TX in 2010 and the Best Handworkmanship Award at the AQS show in Lancaster, PA in 2011. 

 

 

 

 

 

"I would have to say that I get most of my inspiration from the quilt makers of long ago. I so admire the wonderful work accomplished under conditions many times severe by today’s standards. I am excited by their undying dedication to the best work possible. So when I need ideas I immerse myself in my books and clippings, go to quilt exhibits online and ask myself why a certain quilt works for me, what there is about the appliqué placement or color choices, the quilting designs, even the finishing that makes my heart sing. I then apply the essence of what I see to my project."  That is the philosophy of our next teacher, Nadine Thompson of Springfield, MO.  Nadine's calm, quiet personality gives all students the confidence to succeed in any applique project.  Her quilt "In My Garden" won Best Handworkmanship at Pacific International Quilt Festival in 2009 and also won First Place and Best Applique at the Vermont Quilt Festival in 2010.

 

Rita Verroca of Thousand Oaks, CA is relatively new to the national teaching circuit but with each new teaching venue, her calendar fills up!  Here she is demonstrating during class surrounded by students and her amazing quilts.   Rita is a passionate teacher with great skill and contagious enthusiasm. In her quilts she combines old heritage quilt patterns with delightful and playful arrangements. Her choice of color is artfully chosen and arranged to give the overall design a stimulating balance of a harmonious picture.  "Album of Roses" was featured on the cover of  in the Aug/Sept 2012 issue "Quilter's Newsletter Magazine"

 

 

Last but certainly not least is Jeanne Sullivan of Annapolis, MD.  "Simply Successful Applique" is Jeanne's 1st book that premiered at the Internation Quilt Market in Houston, TX in 2012.  Recognized for her beautiful appliqué designs and outstanding needle skills, Jeanne Sullivan has been the recipient of Best of Show and Heirloom Quilter awards and has secured top honors for her appliqué in the international Northcott Quest for a Cure Challenge for three consecutive years. Her unique blend of traditional and dimensional appliqué along with Broderie Perse and embroidery embellishment give her work distinctive, classical appeal. Jeanne delights in teaching hand and machine appliqué using her simplified, success-oriented methods.  Jeanne (back row, 3rd from the right) is shown with her 1 day class at the 2012 conference with some of the gallery samples from her book in the background.

So there is the faculty lineup for the 2013 conference and the end of this first post.  I plan to post around the middle of each month so come back around the middle of February to see what's next!

Take care until next time,

Tresa Jones