I still have so many quilt related things to share from my trip to Japan, but something exciting has happened and I really wanted to share it this week.
During my annual pilgrimage to Paducah last Spring I had the amazing opportunity to be interviewed TWICE at the National Quilt Museum. The first was an interview of the finalists in the New Quilts From an Old Favorite contest, done by the museum. We were each able to tell about our adventure in making our Oak Leaf quilts. I did a blog topic about my “Oak Leaf and Swirl” quilt and included the link to that interview in the post. Please click here to find that link and watch that interview.
The second interview came about in an interesting way. Amanda Neuhouser, from TCT Television Network, had contacted Bonnie Browning, the Executive Show Director at AQS, and asked if she knew of any “Christian quilters” who would be willing to be interviewed during Quilt Week. Bonnie gave her my name and I am so very grateful.
I met with Amanda and her assistant, Kelsie Babisz, in the museum and we set up in front of my quilt. These two women were delightful.
I must admit – I was a bit nervous. But the interview was fun and these dear ladies were a joy to work with.
Plus – my quilts love to travel and be seen.
I wasn’t sure what would ever become of this and didn’t really think about it after I returned home, until a few weeks ago when Amanda contacted me to say the video was almost done. She needed one more thing from me and the next thing I knew – it was finished and Kelsie sent me the link!
Before I share it with you, I have to praise God for this opportunity and give you a bit of background. This past year was the 35th anniversary of the Spring AQS Quilt Week and in honor of that the center gallery of the National Quilt Museum was filled with most of the 35 Best of Show quilts from the preceding years. It was an awe-inspiring exhibit – plus there were other amazing quilts in the side galleries.
If you’ve never been to the museum in Paducah, and even if you have, I think you will be blown away by the quilts shown in this video.
That being said – Only the quilt behind the three of us in the photo at the beginning of this post, and the ones I’m holding in the video were made by me.
I’m humbled that mine, along with the CEO of the museum, Frank Bennett, are the only voices you will hear while you view these breathtaking quilts made by so many amazing artists. As I watched it for the first time I wanted to shout out – “that’s Corona II by Caryl Bryer Fallert Gentry”, or “that exhibit features the quilts of Hollis Chatelaine”, and the list goes on.
Yet, I am honored to have been asked to be a part of this lovely video. May God be glorified.
I hope you will enjoy it. Please click here – and let the show begin!
Next week – Fiber Art Stops in Japan – part I!
debby abe says
This video was wonderful! You do some amazing work Chris
Beth E Lewis says
Chris, the video, the quilts, and your beauty are truly gifts from God to all of us. Thank you for sharing.
Juleen Jaeger says
Chris, I have always thought that your faith was such a big part of who you are and I think this video shares that with all of us. Congratulations on this video and your amazing career. So happy you are nearby!
Elrid says
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Ann Pegelow says
Thank you for sharing. Very lovely.
Patti Neavin says
Congratulations! That’s a wonderful video. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Debbie Belger says
Chris, the interview/presentation was wonderful. Congratulations. Well deserved.
Louise M Haddon says
What a beautiful piece! And such an honer to be able to share your story. Congrats! Where is this being shown?
clkquilt says
TCT is a Christian Broadcasting Network. Their website is: http://www.tct.tv/.
I’m not sure when this video will air, but the video is available on YouTube anytime.
Aileen says
Chris, this was such an interesting post and video. I’m so glad you came to my guild in South Holland (twice). Your blog was the first one I subscribed to and I enjoy and look forward to your weekly news and ideas.
Ellen Schafer says
Chris I was privileged to have taken a class from you in Bismarck ND. I am so proud of you… I loved this video featuring you and your work. You are an amazing quilter, and teacher, and so willing so share your talents with so many.
Lorraine Bahr says
Chris, once again you have inspired me, not just with your quilts but with your words. Thank you for your courage to speak about your faith.
stevesshards says
Chris, beautiful story! Thanks for sharing. I met you when you taught in Bismarck, ND. Appreciate how you share God’s work in your life so easily. appreciate how you allow a quilt to ‘develop’ as you make the parts. That type of quilting is what I find most gratifying. Thanks for your inspiration. Stephanie
Mary D'Amico says
Hi Chris,
I recently for the first time quilted a piece before adding appliqué. Quilting my background seemed OK . For the appliqué I used a wide variety of threads, and different thread weights for interest. However, my biggest problem was the tension and specks of top thread appearing in backing (and actually a few knots of top thread) when I began appliquéing. There were more thicknesses, for sure, and the different thread wts can cause problems. Do you have any recommendations for threads and adjusting tensions? I follow guidebooks’
instructions for adjusting, but I must not be getting it just right.
Thanks for your detailed descriptions of how you achieved your quilting. I like the idea of two battings for a trapunto look. Was it harder to quilt your smaller stippling and matchstick quilting?
Thanks so much, Chris.
Laurie Neubauer says
Dear Chris,
Your quilts never cease to amaze me. This video was wonderful. Yes, you have a gift from God and are sharing it just right. The Love of the Lord shows through all your quilts. I look forward to many more ideas from you, or should I say from God?
Laurie N.
Julie Vandermause says
Chris, you have opened up a new world for me getting to know you on our trip to Japan. What a great teacher you are and willing to share and create with others on their quilt journeys. The Lord has blessed you to be an inspiration to all of us. I look forward with anticipation to our time together.
Julie Vandermause
Debbie H. says
Chris…Finally had a chance to view the video. What an amazing opportunity for you to share what many of us already know about our dear friend. Thank you for sharing and being the person God intended you to be. Hugs, Debbie