The 24th annual Quilt Nebraska will be held at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln.

This year’s theme is all about that “piece” that brings everything all together.  Whether it be the quilt we’ve been trying to complete, or that “ah ha moment”, there is always a piece that makes it happen.  We are hopeful that Quilt NE 2009 will be that piece for your stress free weekend full of fun and quilting inspiration.

We have an outstanding group of talented state teachers with a wide variety of classes to choose from.  Along with the state teachers, we will feature the following National Teachers: elinor peace bailey, Janet Jones Worley, Nancy Christopherson, Joen Wolfrom, Andrea Bishop, Suzanne Marshall, and Cathy Miller.  Cathy and husband John Bunge will entertain us at the Friday night banquet with a “Musical Tour of Quilting”.  Cathy & John will sing about various aspects of quilting, tell stories and show a few quilts.  Cathy’s songs range from historical to hilarious and are sure to entertain everyone. In addition to this great line up of quilting experts, our Saturday evening banquet will feature Jodie Davis from QNNtv.  Known for her cheerful embrace of color and inventive techniques, Jodie is the author of 30+ quilting books. Her mission at QNNtv is to spread the joy of quilting with this most powerful venue ever.

Quilt History Day will be held at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum featuring Beverly Gordon.  You’ll be the very first to tour the exhibit “A Fairyland of Fabrics: The Victorian Crazy Quilt” as it opens. The tour will be led by Beverly, as you explore both the concept of fairyland and the imagery and qualities of crazy quilts that seem steeped in it.

The fun-filled weekend will begin early on Thursday with Quilt History Day and a class opportunity to experience quilting on long arm quilting machines. The Merchant’s Mall will open at 6:00 PM for an evening of exciting shopping to your hearts content. The IQSCM will welcome quilters so whether you are a returning guest to the museum or have never been, this will be a great opportunity for a visit or two.  There are also 4 opportunities to tour the museum as class options.

The board has decided the registration packet will only be available online beginning this year.  It contains a schedule of events, class information, your registration form and special events information.  Registration is by mail only so print the registration form and submit with your payment.  All forms postmarked by May 15, 2009 or earlier will be placed in the same lottery pool for class assignments. You should receive your class selection notice by June 15, 2009.

There are too many exciting things planned for Quilt NE 2009 to include in this “Welcome” so we hope to see you in Lincoln to share an exciting “piece” of quilting with Nebraska’s great collection of quilt enthusiasts.