Wisconsin Quilt Expo,Chapter Two

The Wisconsin Quilt Expo is a unique event in our industry. I don't think most people realize that  Nancy Zieman founded this show with the intention that it would be a fund-raiser for Wisconsin Public Television.

Nancy died last November. I still cry when I remember she is gone...and I was afraid it would be sad to walk into her show, knowing she wouldn't be there..... But from the first moment -- I felt nothing but joy. All around me. In every aisle...at every class...

And that doesn't just happen, people. Putting together a show this big and wonderful is a 365 days a year job.  So, without Nancy at the helm -- who's doing all the work??

You guessed it -- Deanna Springer!!

Deanna was with Nancy from the very beginning of Quilt Expo -- when it was nothing more than a dream in Nancy's head.  But Deanna understood EXACTLY what the dream was -- and she is still bringing it together -- on the first weekend in September -- in beautiful, scenic Madison Wisconsin...

There was so much energy and excitement at this show. The pictures really don't tell the story.

The first thing you notice is that the aisles were packed!!

The hundreds of vendor booths were doing a boom business.

At the free stage -- it was standing room only.

The Wisconsin Quilt Expo has a roster of impressive teachers -- including the wonderful Diane Gloystein.

Her embroidered silk coat is legendary...

This was the first time I got to see it UP CLOSE and personal...

Hey -- WHO'S THAT, WAVING AT ME??

OH, YEAH -- it's Linda McGehee!! All the way from Louisiana!!

One of the many, many lessons I learned from my friend Nancy Zieman is to live each and every day to the hilt. Enjoy what you have....don't take a moment for granted...because nobody is guaranteed tomorrow.

Well done, Nancy and Deanna...