The Ricky Tims Super Seminar Really Was Super

It has been about ten days since the seminar in Rocklin, CA ended. (the photo is from TheQuiltShow.com) Have any of the effects worn off already? No Way! WooHoo! is still echoing through my mind while images from the lectures are still floating around in my head. Several of the principles and approaches to quilting that were presented by Ricky Tims, Alex Anderson and Libby Lehman have not been forgotten. OK I do have the colorful syllabus for reference, to refresh the information, but it is surprising just how much I have retained. Surprising because So Much information was given from incredibly talented contemporary quilt artists to me, the gal steeped in tradition and the colors of the civil war.





So why did I go to this event? To shake myself up, observe these high-caliber teachers in action and get some fresh perspective. And boy did that happen, plus so much more.

I first met Ricky Tims and Justin Schultz in person when they came with Alex Anderson to tape episode 212 of The Quilt Show. That was back in the day of Fancy Dry Goods when I used to wear prairie dresses to work. I chose not to wear the costume that day, but you can see who stepped out of their modern world to try on the old traditional world. So I figured I could step into the contemporary world of quilting and have a look.


I went to the seminar with Kathy, the owner of Sew Country Quilts. Both of the quilts behind us were made by Ricky Tims.



This is a Convergence Quilt that was very perplexing to me on Day One of the seminar. By the end of Day Two I was ready to go try it myself. Where have I been while the Convergence technique was surging through quilting world? I was tucked safely away in traditional civil war era colors and blocks. Sort of like an ostrich..........


How did he do this? The artful techniques were revealed so I have given myself permission to do some exploring of my own. I love the whimsical feeling, the cheeriness of this quilt.



A heart-wrenching story goes with this fascinating piece done in neutrals. I had to go back several times during the seminar breaks to study this one. Can you see the little house in the center of the quilting swirl? (You can click on these photos to enlarge them a bit)


This is a very small example of some of Ricky's truly awe-inspiring machine applique. Not only does he work out design and color, he masters the machine techniques to make things happen. And told us that we can do it too, if we just give it a try. Sounds so sensible.


Kathy and I ran into another shop owner, Linda from High Sierra Quilt shop. We are all in a shop hop together in September, for which Alex most graciously agreed to give a day sewing
to our lucky Grand Prize winner, and two friends. So don't miss it!
We were thrilled to have this photo opportunity with Alex at her book signing table during a break at the Super Seminar.

Thank Goodness for Alex Anderson being there. She was my bridge from traditional to contemporary with her beautiful quilts. Just like the breaks for stretching and lunch, I needed to give my eyes a place to rest from all the stimulation and color of Ricky & Libby.

Her exquisite Pomegranate Quilt was hanging in the Seminar quilt show. It is featured Alex's series of applique classes on The Quilt Show. I just love to look at applique, and combined with the hand quilting, this is really a beauty.


This is a very cheery and colorful pinwheel quilt by Alex Anderson which drew me in and then took my breath away with the beautifully hand quilted feathers. Wow!


I have heard about Kaleidoscope quilts for a while, but never saw one that really got me. l didn't think that I would ever make one. But, better late than never. I loved the Kool Kaleidoscope approach by Ricky, and have already chosen a few Reproduction prints to try out.

It was important for me to get some stimulation, enthusiasm, color and top notch teachers to get me revved up and thinking about my quilting direction. I'm in a new shop with the world wide open to me. So I plan to keep on with my first love of traditional quilts and the colors of the civil war era while stepping out into new arenas from time to time. It could get really interesting!