| |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
The words from the song, "To everything there is a season A time to be born, a time to die A time to build up, a time to break down A time of war, a time of peace A time to gain, a time to lose A time for love, a time for hate" |
photo Dean Taylor, 2007 |
Yes, to everything there is a Season, and so it is with the decision to end the Quilting in the Country Annual Outdoor Quilt Show. This decision has been a very difficult one for me. The Quilt Show has been such a huge part of my life -- and Bill's -- for the past fifteen years. In 1991, I had only just heard about an outdoor quilt show in Sisters, Oregon, when I decided to give it a try as a good alternative to the common show and tells used by quilt shops and guilds at the time. I had a vision of how the quilts would look displayed on our century-old barn. |
|
I was talking on the phone looking out my kitchen window when I caught a glimpse of a few quilts hung on the same barn that first beautiful, sunny Saturday morning in 1992. The sight was incredible! It surpassed anything I had imagined! As the years flew by, the show grew by major proportions, becoming more work for more and more people. Oh, we had such wonderful support. Many times I was exhausted when the actual day of the Quilt Show arrived, but that 7 AM start time and once again seeing all of those wonderful quilts come alive on our homestead truly buoyed me up! |
photo Dean Taylor, 2007 |
Over the years, the task grew for Bill and I, our staff, and our faithful volunteers. It became a production indeed! Yes, it was certainly a labor of love for so many people. We gave the gift of memory to thousands of quilters as they made annual treks to Bozeman and THE Quilt Show! But you gave us a gift, too; a gift of joyous celebration in the heart lifting photos and unforgettable words of a most cherished relationship. Oh, it wasn't perfect -- not even close! Remember the year it rained and we had to make a fast scramble to a riding arena? Not everyone was happy; there were occasional complaints and a few insurance claims. But these small issues really pale in comparison to the wonderful moments over the many years. Some people helped beyond all expectations, while others picked up the slack as needed during the day. |
|
To me I think the Quilting in the Country Annual Outdoor Quilt Show will be an ever-fresh memory of abundant times in a special place. Eventually, when I am accustomed to the idea of no more quilt shows, I think the evocative, heart-tugging photographs from pages of photo albums and CD's will echo and stir me again. I wish I could say I've handed the Quilting in the Country Annual Outdoor Quilt Show off to someone and it was in good hands. Sadly, I have not. Although there is a small chance I could still hand off the torch, that is only a distant possibility -- and quite possibly, just my dream. |
photo Dean Taylor, 2007 |
To answer the question that is probably popping into your mind, "No, I am not retiring and we are not moving!". I am indeed shocked when I am asked that question. However, I am trying to return Quilting in the Country to the place it was when I started in 1991 -- a very special place, intimate and cozy! A place where I can continue to make special friends and you can, too. Our extraordinary teachers and I will entertain you with special events and very special, unique classes. I am confident that this new freedom will be beneficial both for us and for you, our valued customers. Stay tuned for the next chapter of this special place. Yes, friends, to everything there is a Season. Many thanks. Jane If you would like a fond reminder of our shows past, we have computer cd's with slide shows available for each of the 2006 and 2007 Outdoor Quilt Shows. The photography was done by a professional and is quite lovely. The cd's are $10 for each year. Call 406-587-8216 or email Jane at jquinn@QuiltingintheCountry.com. |
|
photo Dean Taylor, 2007
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
