Picture perfect ;)

I have to make a confession……

Last Wednesday evening I have had my presentation to the Boise Basin Quilters (the BBQ) in Idaho. And I cannot explain how terrified I was for that evening….

But you have to do what you have to do. I took all my nineteen quilts with me in the hope that all the ladies would pay attention to the quilts and not looking at me. Believe me this is not something I really like to do. I consider myself as a shy person and to do something like this, is a real nightmare for me.

But we have set the appointment and of we go. We drove to the church were the BBQ held there monthly meeting….. And Laura introduced me to the president of the guild. We brought the babies inside and put them in the back of the church. Yes, I know my quilters….. they want to touch the babies and put their nails under the crystals to see if they are really set on the quilts… I’ve seen that happening before in Rijswijk at my show in the Netherlands ;-0

They told me that after the break it was my turn…. What do you mean after the break? Let’s do it now. I’m too nervous to wait after the break. But I have to say everything goes pretty fast and all the ladies have their break with coffee, chocolate and cookies. Too fast, actually..

And then it was my turn.. No escape, no little prayers, no excuses anymore, the time was there.  OMG what should I do!!! I took a deep breath, try to look like a professional quilter and designer, walk to the front of the podium and start.

Bridget and I had made a photo presentation from the last 10 years, and that helps a lot. I started with introducing myself and my beautiful city of Delft, my parents, Mr. Pooky: my extremely spoiled Siamese cat, and my wonderful and beautiful new Greyhound Amy.

And you know, while I was telling my story about them, and how important they are in my life, it turned out very well. I was able to tell some funny and of course, silly stories about BeColourful moments over the past 10 years. I had the possibility to show the quilts and to tell something about it and before I know it, it was a quarter to ten and only 2 people had left the room. Yeahhhh.

They even gave me a standing ovation. Yes, it was such a nice evening that I almost wish to do it over again. Almost…

Love, Jacqueline

Bye Kansas, I'm sorry to leave you...

I have packed my suitcase because Kansas is over. Tonight I fly to Boise, Idaho. What a wonderful week I have had. I loved the space where the classes were held. Mark and Mary were wonderful, Connie, my host was extremely friendly and my students were so very nice.

Yes I hate to leave Kansas. Except for the weather. OMG… how can you live in a country like this…. I would say…. Lets move…yeah.

We have had a very warm sunny day..mmmm, you can walk outside without a jacket and you must put your sunglasses on the top of your nose. It was a wonderful day.

The next day it was a little bit cooler, but they told me there is a storm coming! What do you mean there is a storm coming. Yes and they are right. At the end of the day you feel that the temperature drops many degrees and we were shivering. The weather radio was on to tell people to take care of stock and houses and that the storm could hurt you very dangerously if you were going outside. Well I can tell you, I was not very comfortable that night. But… well hey, I’m Dutch and we are use to pretty bad weather sometimes. It is just a storm…. But I thought I put my passport next to me…. Just in case… ;-0

But the storm went thru and the next day it was freezing cold! And we have snow… hmm, yes… real snow. Where are the sunny sunflower fields Kansas, the beautiful blue skies and the nice little markets that you see on the pictures in the magazines.

 But besides the weather it was so wonderful to be here.

I loved everything you have shared with me: your hospitality, your friendship and your kindness. I hate to leave but I will be back next year and I hope to see you all again.

Love, Jacqueline

PS: Idaho here I come….

Celebrating 10 year BeColourful

After three days being the center of attention, the show is over.  A kind of strange feeling. These 3 days were highlighted, and I enjoyed it so much! Having all my quilts at one place, show you all what I’ve done in those past 10 years! I think you know the feeling,  working to a special date, when something wonderful will happen, and then it’s over. 

It were long days, before the show. So much to prepare, and with all the preparations  done in the days before the show, I wasn't very bright anymore either, because it’s a lot of work! But with an extra layer of make-up I look pretty good.

Back to the show. I really underestimated the amount of work. When the quilts came back  from The States, I've to check them all.... You know: labels, sleeves, are they clean and straight, are there no folds in the center of the quilts, all that kind of check points.

Well….oh there’s one little thingy that bothers me. Most of the quilts are just perfect the way they are, but there were three quilts crying for more attention. Little sparkling crystals are calling my name, they would like to join the show too. So I have to add some Swarovski crystal on my precious baby’s. And there you go, and as it is with anything: once you start, you have to continue and you can’t stop till you are finished. So hands on to the applicator tool, take a crystal  and glue. A new crystal and glue, take another crystal and glue, crystal after crystal after crystal…sigh…

Each crystal takes about 8 seconds before it is securely glued. When you start you think I 'm going to do it… it only takes a few hours! The first quilt wasn't that big: “Bright Star”. I was quite happy the way this one turned out. But the two other quilts that I choose adding some, (well some..) Swarovski crystals were absolutely not small; “Brilliant Beauties of Joy” and “Rainbow Stars”. I 'm going to glue the crystals, hour after hour after hour, night after night, and finally 65 hours later, I was finished. Because that 's the problem, once you’re start gluing the crystals, you can’t go back or stop! However, to be honest,  in the end the result is stunning, and “Brilliant Beauties of Joy” and “Rainbow Stars” both shine and sparkle as I love to see them.

I enjoyed it so much, to see my quilts for the first time in 10 years together, and I enjoyed all the attention so much, the great compliments, the sweet things and lovely words that so many people have said. I would like to thank everyone, who was at the Quilt Show, and everyone who visit our Facebook page to congratulate me, and say those loving and sweet words!

But my special thanks are for my mom and dad, they support me for so long and I’m so happy that they have seen my show, were there and celebrate this special time with me. I also want to thank Bridget and Harm Jan. You both are so important for me and BeColourful. Without you both I would not have the success that I have now. Thank you for all your support and commitment. You’re both so dear to me.

Love, Jacqueline

Note from Bridget: Thank you Jacqueline, for your lovely words. I loved to see all your precious quilts. It was a wonderful and great show and it was fantastic to see all your baby's together. I enjoyed every minute working with you! Love you so much :*