Dairy Barn, Athens OHMaurine Noble and I jetted to Ohio on Friday for a weekend of quilting adventures. We stayed in Connie Davidson’s new remodeled B& B in Millfield, filled with charming quilts.
On Saturday we toured the 2009 Quilt National show at the Dairy Barn. After reviewing half of the 87 winners in two hours, we took a cafe break, and went back to check out the rest. I bought the show book to remember all the incredible compositions.
Monday was another day of treats. At Lunn Fabrics Studio in Lancaster, I met Debra Lunn and Michael Mrowka. These hippy artisans, with long careers in fabric design, are leading the batik division of Kaufman. Maurine and I were able to buy some of their prototypes from Java by the pound.
Another stop was at Nancy Crow’s farm outside Baltimore. John Stitzlein, Nancy’s husband, took us on a tour of the teaching barn as well as a peek into the family home—with its global art collections. Great trip!
Who can resist a dad with four kids who designs lifestyle fabrics? FreeSpirit veteran Joel Dewberry charmed us with his Modern Meadow fabric collection inspired by his new home in Utah.
Direct from Australia, designer Leesa Chandler showed her business side with great tips for cultural marketing. She knows how to add energy and education to the retail experience.
I was thrilled to see Debra Lunn and Michael Wrowka again. Their video presentation transported us to Java to see the production of the Robert Kaufman batik line.
FreeSpirit designer Verna Mosquera of The Vintage Spool is a genius. The Noel quilt made with her Heavenly Peace line uses her fabrics in remarkably detailed blocks. 
Margo Krager of Blue Hill Fabrics showed Little Pink Stars, a quilt featuring 432 star blocks made with fabrics from the 1840s to 1890s. The antique fabrics have been faithfully reproduced in Margo’s newest line of mostly double pinks.
Scatter Joy by Kathy Davis is the culmination of a life of learning and sharing. Kathy endeared us with her story of becoming a recognized painter and lettering artist—first in the greeting card industry and now with fabrics for FreeSpirit.
