Monday, July 20, 2020

The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson


Hi friends!

Last week I went to Alex Anderson's home for the taping of the Quilt Show! You know, nothing ever happens overnight and there is always a story behind any event in life.



So here is the story.

I was scheduled to tape a show last year but as you all know, that wasn't meant to be. Sometimes what doesn't materialize turns out to be the best thing ever because life always has a way of turning things around for you when you are not looking.

Early this year, soon after I returned from India, we all went in to stay-at-home order. With a complete shut down, I knew for sure there wasn't going to be any taping of the show in 2020 either.

I was wrong. As the restrictions lifted to certain extent, The Quilt Show decided to tape the shows at two different locations. With keeping all social distancing guidelines in mind, Alex Anderson opened up her home to tape few shows with local artists in the area and I was one of them.

It was a fun day for sure. I was little nervous about choosing the right quilts that would convey my story and the demos that would be right for the time frame we were given.

The day of the taping approached faster than I thought. Just a couple of days before the show, I got a call from Alex, (who is also in my quilt group) telling me that she and her husband got tested for Covid-19 and both had tested negative. I couldn't be happier. Knowing that, and the fact that I do not go anywhere, I felt safe for the taping of the show.

The Quilt Show crew was great to work with.  Although, I must say, if I ever were to run into them on the street, I wouldn't recognize them at all as their faces were covered with the masks during the entire session.

If there is anything I would change about the day, I would wear a mask not just before but also during the taping of the show. Alex and I both discussed in length over this past weekend. We both agreed, the times we are living in, it is crucial to convey the importance of wearing a mask ourselves.

Here we are, under the tent in Alex's backyard. Freddy Moran had just called Alex and I was talking with her in this moment.

Here are two nicest cameramen setting up the room for shooting.

They all were wearing the funniest smiling masks. I could tell they were really smiling from their eyes.

Producer Shelly explaining the step by step instructions to me. This all was so new to me, I was listening to every single word.

Here we are at the demo table. For the first time, I realized how much work goes into taping of an hour long show. They were all so professional and courteous! The best part of taping was, I never had to drive or fly out of the state.

Alex doesn't know this but I had heard of her just as I was starting out as a quilter and now we are in the same quilt group. Life is full of full circle moments! It was a treat to meet her husband and work with her crew.
  
I am not sure when the show will air but I think pretty soon. Stay tuned, I will keep you all posted.

Sujata






33 comments:

  1. How exciting and wonderful...will be watching for the show...;)) hugs from afar Julierose

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    1. Thank you, Julierose! I take a hug anytime any given day!

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  2. How very exciting! I can't wait to watch the show and am so glad they are able to safely continue filming new episodes!

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    1. It was an exciting and fun day! I went early in the morning. The day was going to get very hot. It all worked out great! I am also curious to see how it all turns out in the end.

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  3. Ahhh - How I love the people put into my life. XXOO

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  4. How exciting - such a treat to see you taping the show with Alex Anderson, and how lucky are you to be in the same quilt group!
    I'll be checking out the show list soon!

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    1. Yes! It has been three+ years since we have been part of the same group. There are a bunch of heavy weight quilters and designers in the group and everyone does their own style of quilting. And the best part of it, just like any other quilt group the women are very supportive of each other. It was exciting to have been asked to come on the sow. I am curious to see how it all turns out.

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  5. Well, I am thrilled, because I am a member of the Quilt Show. I find they consistently have great guests with great ideas. I am glad you did not have to travel far to do the show. If you had worn masks to do the show, it would have been hard to understand. I am glad you are safe and got to tell your story.

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    1. Thank you, Linda!
      I am certain the sound system was good enough. They did have to take my necklace off in order for the microphone to properly work. I think the fabric on my face would not have mattered. I was wearing one of those masks that fogs up my glasses and I could have been prepared with one that was custom fit to my nose. Well, Life does teach lessons every step we take. This was one to remember from the taping of the quilt show.
      We were safe and respectful to everyone around us. They were all wearing a mask the entire time.

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  6. Sujata, I’m so glad you are back home now. First there was so much happening and then so little, maybe that was a silver lining. Thank you for sharing the importance of masks, and in your previous posts about living one’s best life, being grateful and compassionate. Your beautiful quilts radiate peace and balance. I look forward to seeing you on Alex’s show since I can’t see you in person! Please stay well and best wishes from Lindsay

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    1. Thank you so much, Lindsay! Yes, I got very busy after the book was published outside the blogging life. There is only so much we can do in 24 hours. Something had to give. So much has happened between then and now. Past four years have been interesting, to put it mildly. I am glad to be occasionally writing here. This blog has always been a journal of my creative life. I hope to continue at any pace I can. It is so nice of you to stop by, hope you are well.

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  7. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the show!

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    1. Thank you, Beth! It will be fun to see if I did it right.

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  8. How wonderfully exciting! This is going to be so much fun to watch. And, I agree with you that it is important that we show the importance of being safe and responsible. It amazes me when I see such disrespect of others when people refuse to wear a mask when on a crowded street. Trust me, we ALL know that you and Alex were in a safe environment and that you both have the utmost respect for others. Can't wait to see this episode!

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more. In the times that we are in, no matter what the circumstances are, we must all wear a mask. I made 100s of masks to donate to the hospitals and senior homes, to nurses and friends. I made sure every family member living all over the state, received at least one mask from me so they are safe and this was the first time in months I did not have a mask on while talking. I will always remember that this one time, I wasn't wearing a mask. Alex and I both were safe, and respectful for everyone that was there.

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  9. Sounds like you had a wonderful time! What an opportunity to document your work. Congratulations!

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    1. We had the best time! The team made it easy for someone like me who has never done anything in front of a video camera.

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  10. Sujata, I'm excited for you, and look forward to seeing you on the show! Now that I have met you virtually when you spoke to our guild, I feel to be a small part of your expanding quilt world. Your quilts are a beautiful reflection of YOU! Thanks for the mask reminder--always good to hear it once again. Be well!

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  11. I can't wait to see this show! I remember when you were just starting out and I booked you for our guild in St. Louis! You were so nervous and doubted anyone would be interested in you and your quilts. How wrong you were although I knew that you would be a hit. I hope we can meet again someday! Hugs!

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  12. Very happy you got to do this, especially considering these stressful times! Lovely to have another occasion to share your fantastic quilts!

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  13. Congratulations on an exciting day, Sujata. How fun to read about it here. Love those smiling masks.

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  14. very exciting! can't wait to see the show!

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  15. How wonderful that things worked out so you could have this opportunity to share your beauty and insight with TQS viewers. Such fun to see behind the scenes!

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  16. Thank you so much for this glimpse behind the (not normal) scenes. I have been a subscriber to the show since before it aired and I have your wonderful book so I am doubly excited.

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  17. Oh how wonderful .... I am so proud of you! You have so much love and good energy to give along with your quilting talents! I’m looking forward to when you can join our quilt group here in Seattle area!! A big hug to you!

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  19. Watched the show today, it was wonderful to learn about another type of fabric art. Thank you

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  20. Sujita, I just saw you on the Quilt Show and had to find your blog. I am so glad I did. I am going to subscribe to it and purchase your book. I read with great interest your previous blog and am wondering if you are now a survivor or if you still fighting that fight. I have to say I think I will learn a lot from you and your quilts. I am a beginner and most of my work has been with solid colors. The pictures of your quilts are an inspiration to me. Thank you for being on the show. You were a wonderful guest. Congratulations. judicrespo@yahoo.com

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  21. Sujata, I just finished watching you and Alex. What a wonderful experience. This is the first time I watched a current show from start to finish. Enjoyed every minute of it.

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  22. Hi Sujata, you will be visiting our guild in October, so I looked at your website and read in the About section that you live on the East coast - and then read that you live in California? I assume the About section has not been updated, might be good and lessen the confusion... Very much looking forward to your visit.

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  23. I was so excited to see you were offering a Siddi quilt class (sold out)! i hope you will think of doing it again. i immediately came to your blog to see if you had posted; two posts! you are one of my top favorite artists and quilters on the planet, even though we've never "met." So good to see you back posting again!

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  24. I loved your presentation on The Quilt Show. Your Siddi quilt talked to me! I got your book, thinking the instructions would be in it, but alas you gave me dozens of other ideas for quilts! Thank you. I did start a Siddi quilt by looking at photos of the one shown on the show. Do you sew the Tiklis on as you go, or at random? Many thanks.

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  25. I loved your presentation on The Quilt Show. Your Siddi quilt talked to me! I got your book, thinking the instructions would be in it, but alas you gave me dozens of other ideas for quilts! Thank you. I did start a Siddi quilt by looking at photos of the one shown on the show. Do you sew the Tiklis on as you go, or at random? Many thanks.

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