Baltimore On The Prairie

This was my view from the little deck of the room I shared with Nancy Kern at the conference, Baltimore on the Prairie this last week. Mahoney State Park is a lovely place for quilters to gather and hone their skills. While I seldom get outside for any length of time when working, this time I drove around before checking in. My granddaughter would be pretty excited by the pool. The hiking trails are applauded by many. The lodge is a nice place to stay. Not fancy but comfortable. And as a truly biased observer, I believe BOTP is a wonderful venue for making friends, studying with talented instructors and the sharing of our art with others who know what we are speaking about. This was an especially enjoyable few days for me personally. I am so honored to be asked back for next year. I have to say that if you are one of the people who decided to wait until 2011 and there are a lot of you, better get online and sign up. The spots are really going quickly!! I would love to see you there.

One of the pleasant things that struck me is that everyone was so productive. In the first place it is so nice to be hanging out with people who are obsessed with the same things you are. Check out the great fabric Lynn is cutting into to use in our one day class.


In the center we see Gail Chalker. Gail is here from Queensland,Australia. her arm is in a sling but she managed to get a lot done. This was my one day class and the picture on the table the project. Notice the sweet tin under the picture. It is candy tin that came with miniature milky way bars inside, but a Baltimore album quilt on the top and sides. I have mine, do you have yours? Seriously, they are collectors items these days! Okay, I was distracted so want to get back to Gail. You cannot see it, but the left side of her blond hair is pink!! Way to go Gail! But seriously, she owns a quilt shop, no gossiping allowed, or you will be encouraged to leave. In addition, she is getting a degree in theology, not to become a pastor, but because she wants to learn. She has been instrumental in challenging quilters to help make the biggest hexagon quilt in the world and it is believed that was achieved. There is not a quilt museum in Australia though the country has a rich history in quilt making. So, Gail took that task on as well. She managed to convince the powers that be to donate the land that already has historical buildings on sight. Now she also has a building and the last task is to bring all this together. I stand in awe of her dedication and energy. hats off to you, Gail.