AQS Branson 2024 – Teaching and traveling

NOTE: I posted all the quilt show photos in this post.

Well that was a whirlwind – I taught 4 half day classes, one full day class, did a lecture and presented at the All Star event. I didn’t go outside for 3 solid days! It was my first visit to Branson and I really enjoyed the vibe and my students. My students arrived EARLY for class; I knew I was not in California😊 I truly had just wonderful students. I received stellar comments, many “best class ever” and high compliments from a long time teacher and Principal. I love to teach and it is so gratifying when I get those comments.

I judged for the first time with fellow judges David Taylor and Cynthia England, two Super Stars of the quilting world. No photos would be appropriate, but I enjoyed the process and working as a team. I did not in any way feel like the “junior” of the team; of course I was, but these eyes have seen well over 10,000 quilts. I didn’t even realize it, but when viewing a show, I am frequently in “judge” mode, noting details and the basic principles of design. I hope to do more judging.

Judges have to arrive a day early and I was in total angst about getting to Branson from the Springfield airport, a 45 min drive. That is expensive and my travel costs from Sacramento far exceeded the show’s allowance, even without transportation from the airport! So I was thrilled that David rented a car and waited around for Cynthia and me. Even better, we stopped at a grocery store and I was able to stock up on real food. I never want to be stuck having to wait in long lines for mediocre unhealthy food. Lookie my haul, minus all the goodies in the frig. I was able to eat (or inhale) breakfast and lunch with my own food and eat fun dinners with others:

After a long travel day followed by judging, Wed was beyond full: a full day Yes You CAN Free Motion Quilt class followed by a small break and an evening presentation. My students were happy campers and I had a blast with them:

Thursday was just as challenging with 2 half day classes. With a mere 90 minutes between classes, just breaking down and resetting my classroom took most of the time, with just a wee bit of time left to inhale some protein. Thursday’s Straight Line Ruler Work class and my Grids class were both full. I forgot to get a photo of my Ruler Work class:

I brought a few quilts for my lecture and for display at class. On Friday morning, as I was staging for my lecture, I caught this scene in my room:

That is still one of my favorite quilts, all silk and it just GLOWS in the right light!

Friday morning started with an 11AM lecture, with 60 minutes between lecture and class, even tighter! My lecture had light attendance (several showed up after this photo), and other teachers I talked to had similar attendance. It was a fun and vibrant group!

My Fills and Frills class was super fun! We even got beyond the curriculum with some bonus fills. With 3 hour classes, I include extra material in their handouts. It is hard to get a lot of content in a short class, so I send my students home with “extras”.

I finally got out of the hotel on Th evening and it felt so good! There is a lovely river walk with restaurants and shops, a fun little jaunt:

Saturday was a half day Blooming Sheers class. Everyone always loves this class, beginner or experienced. It’s just fun play!

I lobbed my teaching supplies into my suitcase and gathered up with David and Cynthia for the ride to the airport. I flew United, the only logical choice for this trip. I have NO standing with them so both coming and going I gate checked my carry-on, fearing that there might not be enough room on board, a legitimate concern it turned out. That meant all my tech plus normal things were in my “personal bag” which was reeeeeally heavy! I had to run, in Denver, at altitude, both coming and going to make my connecting flight. United changed my gate 3 times and I got in 2,000 steps on that layover. And this is what I got:

I’m 5’4″! This would be a real squeeze if I were just wee bit taller. But hey, I made it home on time – wahoo!

I do love to teach and the Branson students were so welcoming, friendly and happy! The trip was a success and I am grateful to have been able to teach there. Thank you to AQS!