Artists I Adore - Jacquie Gering

I had the chance to meet Jacquie Gering at Quilt Con in February but didn't see this video until this past weekend. It totally broke my heart, and hers, obviously, as she talked about her husband's experience working in the Chicago Public Schools. I really hope you'll take the time to watch the video. You can also see two more very interesting interviews from QuiltCon at the QuiltAlliance website.

But, the way I met Jacquie really had little to do with actually making quilts, other than the fact that we were both at that place because we were quilters. Jacquie was one of the leaders for the conference and I got to spend some time with her on the first day I worked as a volunteer. Basically, she and I (and a bunch of other folks) schlepped a whole bunch of stuff from the loading dock to the quilt show floor and the office. All of the goodie bags, quilts for the show, office supplies, etc had to be brought from vehicles to the appropriate areas. I was probably counting at some point because that's what I do, but I quickly lost count of the number of trips we made back and forth from the loading dock.

So that was the first time I met Jacquie, after which of course I realized that she was THAT Jacquie Gering, the one who wrote Quilting Modern with Katie Pedersen. Jacquie of Tallgrass Prairie Studio.

The best part about meeting people such as Jacquie (and others I'll write about in coming weeks) is realizing, once again, that they are just regular people. People who have perhaps been working on something longer than I have, or had different experiences or opportunities that led them to where they are today.

So, be sure to check out Jacquie's work. Also, when you have a chance, volunteer for a conference or some other opportunity. It's a great way to get to know people at large events.

Artists I Adore - Jenny Hart

Also known as Sublime Stitching Embroidery, Jenny Hart is really fun because "This ain't your gramma's embroidery." I've been following her for quite a while and I'm currently working on the Epic Alphabet design. I've got a way to go. (Obviously the one below is not mine.)

Source: mycraftaddiction.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Jenny recently launched her own floss line, which I think is fun. Frosting is my favorite collection. Also, she always has one "freebie" pattern on her site.

I hope you'll check her out. Let me know if you decide to do any of her designs and I'll stitch along with you.

Artists I Adore - Sara Mincy

I love, love, love the art work of Sara Mincy. She's also a hard working mama so I'm just extra impressed that she gets as much done as she appears to. Be sure to check out her blog, her Pinterest, and keep up with her on Facebook.

Source: sara-mincy.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Artists I Adore - Mary Engelbreit

Ever since I first found her greeting cards with coordinating decorated envelopes at the University Bookstore, I have been in love with Mary Engelbreit. The first one I sent in the mail was to my sister, for her birthday maybe? And I am positive that it made it through the mail faster than a normal old plain envelope.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary Engelbreit on Pinterest

If you've lived under a rock and never seen any Mary Engelbreit art, take a look at her website, her blog, and her Pinterest page.

I'm determined to attend the Home Companion Workshop in St. Louis but they aren't holding it this year. I'm planning on being there in Spring 2014.