I’m in Alamogordo New Mexico and we are working on the preliminary process for our event at the Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts.

What is it you ask?   This is an article written last year andI  thought it might give you an idea on our program.

“What began six years ago as talk over a green chili cheeseburger with international quilter Pam Holland has become a reality. The sixth annual southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts will take place at the local fairgrounds on July  17, 18, 19  2015 and the children of Otero County are the better for it. Approximately $50,000 has been given back to the youth of this area over the last four years.

A frequent visitor to Alamogordo to visit a local quilting friend, Holland has grown to love the stark beauty of this southwestern town. Asked to present a lecture for the First National Bank’s “Lunch and Learn” series, she readily agreed to share her story and her award winning quilt with the community. To the delight of those in attendance, the quilt “1776 – Heritage and Heartache”, winner of the coveted Best of Show at the Houston International Quilt Show was on display along with many of her other award winning masterpieces.

To make a long story short, Holland selflessly agreed to lend her talent, time and name to help make the dream of a local quilting event a reality. Her only request was that the proceeds be

given back to the community to benefit children. It is no wonder that children would play a big role as Pam and her husband Keith have, in addition to their three biological children, adopted 12 children from around the world. The family lives in Adelaide, South Australia and the family has grown to include 23 grandchildren.

The Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts has grown from a two-day event in 2009 to a full three-day event filled with classes taught by Holland, quilt displays and a variety of vendors. Quilters and crafters alike have responded with enthusiasm as vendors fill booths with a spectacular range of fabric colors and patterns. Handcrafted items including buttons, quilt racks, woodworking, musical flutes and custom made shoes give the event a festive feeling.

A true Australian ambassador, Holland has done much to bridge the gap between the two countries. A true story teller, she shares her customs, love of Vegemite, a popular Australian spread for sandwiches, toast and biscuits, and so much more. She continues to minimize the distance between two countries and cultures through quilting and art. We are lucky to have found this great ambassador from the land down under who through her generous gift of time and talent has benefited so many in the Alamogordo community.
Well known for her photography, Holland will share her travels around the world and explain what she sees and how these experiences influence her quilting. In classes designed especially for the festival she will share with her students how what she sees through the lens of her camera or how the particular mood of an area or event evolves to become a quilt. Students will use illustration, thread painting, color and quilting to add dimension, texture and life to their own projects.”

I adore this city and its people. The committee work so hard to make this event work.

We would love you to visit us. There is so much to see here from the White Sands National Monument to the green and cool of Ruidoso. Bring a friend, bring your Husband and make it a holiday with us all.

On Friday I will have the class list to share and I will tell you that due to popular demand it will probably be Geraldine the Giraffe for a two day class and another special class.