I’M A WINNER! by Jeanette Blackburn

Several weeks ago our Guild received a notice about the Antelope Valley Quilt Association's "Festival of Quilts" show. We lived and raised our kids in Lancaster, CA. for 20 long, hot, windy years. I have had no desire to go back there, but this Quilt Show notice caught my attention. I personally found it impossible to feel inspired to do anything artistic in that harsh environment.  So, these ladies must be super human, filled with that Pioneer Spirit. Maybe it was time to head up to the High Desert and check out this show.

On Saturday, May 20th, the first thing I saw when I entered the room at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds was the Opportunity Quilt, "Celebrating the U.S.A.". Being a Fourth of July baby, I felt the quilt calling my name. So, I bought my $5 worth of tickets, and felt I was going to be the winner. A few tables further down the room they had those fancy baskets filled with a variety of goodies. At the very end was a basket filled with Patriotic fabrics.  Well, of course, I had to buy tickets for this raffle also. I figured between the Opportunity Quilt and the fancy basket, I was a sure winner.  You know, July 4th, red, white and blue. To me it was kismet.

The show was on the small side, but they had lots of vendors and a fair amount of local quilts to exhibit.Their featured artist was Lynell Rodio. Her works were very impressive and colorful. My husband found the guy who had the Vintage Sewing Machines Exhibit. After a couple of hours, we felt we had seen it all, several times over, and agreed not to come back the next day for the auction and the raffle drawings.

Back at home, I got THE CALL!  I WAS A WINNER!  I had won the Opportunity Quilt!  Wow! I was so excited! I'm still thrilled and amazed.  I am loving my quilt and will continue to buy tickets for those Opportunity Quilts from the visiting Guilds, and make more of an effort to visit the local Guild Quilt Shows.  I didn't win that fancy fabric basket but that's okay.  I got my original design and custom quilted Patriotic Quilt. I am one Happy Quilter!