Gems of the Prairie Rocks the Peoria Civic Center!

The Fun-O-Meter was off the charts this past weekend at the Autumn Gems of the Prairie Quilt Show in Peoria, Illinois. Let me just start by introducing you to this incredible woman who has been playing Bunco for 58 years! Yes, you read that correctly...58 YEARS!!!
Meet my new friend and reader, Donna...interesting, fun, knowledgeable (especially about quilting), and as nice as she could possibly be. My sister and I enjoyed talking with her. Thanks for spending time with us, Donna!

With Donna.

Oh, and then there was Beverly Johnson. I met Beverly a few weeks ago in Galesburg where she bought my books. She has already read them and was nice enough to stop at my booth and tell the shoppers that the books were very good! As readers we all love to have somebody recommend a book as read-worthy, so thank you Beverly for your endorsement of The Bunco Club Series.

With Beverly

Shelly Hranks is an enthusiastic woman with an exciting story. She just started a business ...buying, selling, and refurbishing antique Singer Featherweights! I could tell just by talking with her that she is over the moon doing something she totally loves--best of luck to you Shelly!

With Shelly of Featherweight Fever

 OKAY A MOMENT TO INTERJECT: Really, as I've said before, it doesn't get much better than being at a quilt show spending time with new and interesting quilters and readers. I LOVE hearing their stories!

Two shop owners I've got to tell you about are Denise and Carol....

I met Denise in Galesburg a few weeks ago. It was her first time vending and I was happy to be across the aisle from her again in Peoria at her second vending experience. Denise owns Prairie Points Quilt Shop in Peoria.

Now, for Carol...Carol Keller, the owner of Quilter's Garden in Princeton, Illinois,will be carrying my books in her incredible quilting shop! Woohoo, I'm so honored! Thank you Carol for believing in me.

NOW FOR SOME OF THE FABULOUS QUILTS IN THE SHOW:

First Place Ribbon

Love this modern quilt!

What a beauty!

Wow

The black is great in this quilt--what a pop!

I was drawn to this quilt when I noticed the MS awareness color of orange. A quilter that was recently diagnosed with MS made it and the title says it all, I'm Still Me! Well said, Amanda Niehaus. This one touched me as it's been over 27 years since I was diagnosed with MS.

Again...love the black pop.

It must be Peoria when there is a Caterpillar quilt!

Outside the Holiday Inn Hotel sat a couple of Caterpillar tank track benches. Way cool!

Happy me--Loving that I could get a gluten free bun for my hamburger...YUM!

Once again, thanks for looking. I appreciate everyone who follows my blog.
Remember to check the Quilting/Fiber Tips & Ideas tab for cool stuff.