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Teaching in PADUCAH!

Woooohoooo! It’s official, and I can finally say so in public as I’ve just sent off the signed contract:

I’ll be teaching at the big AQS show in Paducah, Kentucky, this coming April! I still can hardly believe my luck. I won’t bore you with all the details, but in a nutshell Bonnie Browning happened upon my website on a Sunday, asked if I had submitted an application to teach for AQS, and if I hadn’t would I–by the next morning (!!!!), since they were going to select teachers for the 2008 shows (Paducah, Nashville and Des Moines) that coming week! Even better, she hadn’t put it together that the Sarah Smith of the classes was the Sarah Smith of the to-be-book for AQS! WELL, you know the results–and the class listing is below the photo!

I have a question for all of you (at the end of the post) about this picture and my new class:

ABCs class

Here’s what I’ll be teaching and when (tentative schedule…dates and times could change, but will be final when the catalog comes out). With the exception of Intro to Machine Quilting, which is my most popular class. Paducah REALLY likes 3-hour classes, which I don’t usually do, so I divided up some of my day-long classes into parts (for example, the two classes on Wednesday are the majority of my intro applique class).

Wednesday, April 23

AM- Looks Like Hand Applique (But Isn’t)

PM- I’m gonna see the show!

Evening- Chunk and Jigsaw Fusible Applique

Thursday, April 24

All day- Introduction to Machine Quilting

Friday, April 25

AM- Machine Quilting: Dabbling with Decorative Threads

PM- If You Can Write your ABCs, You Can Draw Your Own Designs

Saturday, April 26

AM- Nearly No Mark Machine Quilting

PM- All Star Review: Decorative Threads by Machine (a short demo session)

The “ABCs” class is a new one, and is an offshoot of my postcards class. Here’s the class description: “Most of us fear drawing, and we think we just can’t do it. Well, I have a secret I’ll share: if you can write the alphabet in block letters, you can draw and I’ll show you how. Once you’ve learned my way of using the alphabet to look at the world, translating shapes into applique or quilting designs is easy! Bring several pictures as starting points for you to create your own design with help from Sarah. The pictures can be of any subject matter that appeals to you: people, places, things, if you like it, bring it!”

Apart from the fact that I’m terrified and hope I’m not in over my head, do you think picture at the top illustrates the class description? Does it work? Could I make it better somehow? Any and all suggestions are MOST welcome!

15 Responses to “Teaching in PADUCAH!”

  1. Denise Aumick Says:

    This is absolutely cosmic! Well deserved and huge congratulations.

  2. Deborah Says:

    I’m so excited for you! Congratulations.

    I think the ABC on the left of the image are too obvious and a bit distracting. The line below says, “Can you see the A B and C in the picture?” Then I think, of course, I can see them. They are right there on the left and I don’t necessarily let my mind wander over to the landscape image and see the ABC-inspired shapes in the landscape. Could you remove the letters and change the text to something like “Can you see the A, B and C inspired shapes in the image?”

  3. Mary Ann Says:

    Congratulations, Sarah. Isn’t it exciting how things just drop out of the sky sometimes. Just grab on and take the ride.

  4. debbi Says:

    Congratulations! You will do a great job teaching.

    I agree with Deborah the letters on the left are a bit distracting. Maybe make them smaller. Do you need to have the words? I love the landscape and for me that is what gets my eyes.

  5. Marie Says:

    I think maybe having the ABC on the left be obvious is kind of saying the drawing can be easy – I saw the obvious and then looked at the right – less obvious – I like the composition one way or the other!

  6. Carolyn Howland Says:

    I love the negative/positive images of your card. I believe that you will do a wonderful job teaching at Paducah. Bonnie is a great judge of talent, if she likes your work, you are destined to do well at the show.

  7. Dale Anne Says:

    WAHOOO!
    CONGRATULATIONS!!!

  8. Kathy Braswell Says:

    Sarah, So happy to read of this well-deserved achievement. Lucky students! Wish I could be one of them. You will do great, enjoy the experience.
    I remember the visit we had in Maine and admiring all your energy and accomplishments.
    In two weeks I’ll be visiting in Friday Harbor. Will think of you.

  9. Corky Says:

    Great news Sarah. I’m proud to know you!

  10. kathy Says:

    I’m one of the ones that needs tosee the obvious first (left) and then the possibilities (right). I’d say you’d be okay 50% of the time to do it either way! Aren’t I helpful?:)

  11. cat stone Says:

    Sarah, that is such good news and definitely well deserved. I’ve loved seeing how your work has progressed over the years I’ve been on the quiltart list. well done!

  12. Martha Ginn Says:

    Sarah, big congratulations! It’s wonderful when you work and learn and prepare and do things right and then the big rewards happen when you least expect them. But they are the result of lots of preparation on your part, so you’ve earned the recognition. Have fun anticipating the experience. I know our quilts enjoyed being at the Oregon Trail Exhibit together!
    Martha Ginn

  13. Kathleen Murphy Says:

    Congratulations! I read your news on QuiltArt. It is so cool to see your dream coming true!

  14. Lorchen Says:

    Brilliant! Congratulations, Sarah! They obviously have recognized the fantastic quality of your work.

    Lorchen

  15. Cathy B. Says:

    FABULOUS news! You amaze me – after all you’ve been through this summer, you are still able to rise to this honor and grab it! Big fat congratulations – you deserve it (and I mean that in a *good* way )! Quilt on…