Five, four, three, two, the count down
began. The sudden realization that I am not in Kansas anymore! It is too
late to get on the next plane and go home. For all my friends who have
prayed for me, for all the teachers, 4-H leaders, silent spectators, and
fellow Christians with cheering and support, the show must happen. To
everyone who had contributed to my development I must take this
opportunity to give joy and thanks for a hometown community that can't
be beat. Yes I am walking through new doors with a talent for quilting
and big dreams along with a desire of make my dreams real! What set in
motion as a passion for quilting, a desire to sew seeds of love, a quilt
show and an intense desire to design quilt patterns has lead me on an
unexpected journey. My journey to California started with an email that
I was afraid to open. I didn't know whether it would crash my computer
or change my life! With a leap of faith, I read the email with a
signature of my maiden name, Clare, wondering if it was for real. Chills
ran down my spine when I was asked to appear on Simply Quilts from the
coordinator of the show, Clare, taping on June 21. I was so overwhelmed
that functioning as a human being was impossible for at least two days,
maybe a week! The days grew closer to the date of taping the show;
tickets were purchased, reservations made, the emails back and forth
with ideas for the script.
Mr. Andrew, the producer, a young man of 25, was challenging himself by
learning sewing terminology. His job was to write the script, understand
sewing techniques and ensure all accessories were available for me
during the show. You might refer to him as the organizer. He lined out
each detail out of how the show would flow, what would be on the sewing
table and where. He did the practice run by playing the host role for
Alex when I arrived at the studio.
The stage set was beautiful with hardwood floors, decorations, and Alex
quilts hanging from the top. An antique window was rented by the
producer for special background props during the show giving me an
overwhelming sense of pride. The portable tables were on wheels and were
moved in for each segment. There were at least two cameras which zoomed
in and out, one on Alex and the other directed toward me, hopefully my
hands and the project I was demonstrating. There were people in charge
of sound and lighting. I had a mike attached with the device in back of
my dress. My make-up was done by a young lady while another wardrobe
person checked the best outfit for me to wear on the show. The stage
director was in a sound proof room! There were numerous crew members
working to give the Hollywood glamour!
I survived the day. The Lord provided gracious help! As the camera began
taping a panic attack filled me. Like electricity my nerves tingled. The
shock of what was happening was so intense it was difficult to make the
words to come out. Alex prompted me with a question and my soggy brain
began my babble of words. Before I knew it time melted together, the
race was on to remember everything I was instructed to do. I forgot
about the camera being in front of me and gave my focus to doing my
best.
My show was the third taping that day out of four shows. The crew was
behind schedule when they started taping my welcome as a guest pattern
designer with a new technique in quilting. They made up lost time and I
sighed in relief when I did not have any retakes. I was told they do not
edit any of the tape. If there is a mistake the cameraman rolls the tape
back and starts from an easy starting point. They amazingly timed each
segments leaving time for advertising. Everyone would partake in a quick
practice run for each segment; which seemed like only seconds before we
were taping again. The cameramen knew where to focus, and Alex read her
lines from a camera monitor in front along with receiving prompts
through an ear piece. After each quick practice the crew rolled the tape
immediately before I had a chance to catch my breath. I was caught off
guard several times when Alex did not ask the same questions she asked
during practice, but I went with the flow. Somehow the Lord gave me
extra strength and I did it with His help... now I have examples for my
kids to remember.
The show for HGTV on Simply Quilts is honoring quilts with American
symbols. For this honor I was requested to demonstrate my God Bless
America pattern with my FUSIQUE technique, a fused reverse appliqué
technique that I have trademarked. God gave me a new method to make
stained glass quilts. Leaded lines are created without bias lines, and
no turning raw edges under. It is amazing and easy! My innovative method
allows you to produce a finished quilt in a shorter amount of time. Even
the beginning quilter can produce a very sophisticated configuration
design on a quilt, which no longer take years to perfect. You will have
a wonderful gift for yourself or a special friend! Your friend will
think you spent hours making an intricate quilt, but my process is
simple as you will see when the show is aired.
After finishing the show the producer gave me a big hug. He was excited,
saying I did better during the taping under pressure than when we
practiced
Well, that email that I got was real... the one asking me to be on the
show and I am glad I did not delete it before I read it! I can believe
it now! Clare had seen my quilt pattern in Quilts & Other Comforts, and
asked me to be on the show. I am waiting to hear when the show will air
in next season, being told anywhere from two to six months after I
taped. The next season's schedule begins after August
It is back to Kansas with quite moments in my quilting room to draft new
quilt patterns, music for thinking, and vibrant colored fabric to let my
creativity flow in each creation. I can't think of anything more
wonderful than creating quilts of color and magic for the world. The
peak excitement appears before me and grows with intensity as each quilt
nears completion. It is a light bulb moment. I think of each quilt as my
way to give a gift. If I can bring some sense of joy and meaning to
someone, that's what I want to do. Designing new patterns is my way of
doing that. I try to share a bit of my heart in each quilt by adding a
scripture verse that has inspired me during each creation. A friend's
motto of "Just do it" enters the picture if I stumble on any aspect
during the creation of each quilt. If I don't proceed, success will
never happen. I listen for the next direction to appear for each design
and keep my bags packed for the next opportunity.
