Wisconsin Quilters Inc. was amazing! What an interesting group of quilters. They run the gamut from traditional to art quilters and many in between. The group has been in existence for more than 20 years. At one time they had 800 members. Now, with fewer than 200 members, they are disbanding at the end of 2010.

This is designated as a year of celebration as they look back at the adventure they have shared—and toward wherever their new path may take them! I am honored to have met them and shared Altered Photo Quilts.

Here are a few photos from the workshop on Sunday (in reverse alphabetical order).

Linda Southgate had never done free-motion quilting before. After a few challenges with her sewing machine, she outlined the sunflower photo and is looking forward to adding color.

Kristine Slamka, shown here with white mums printed on inkjet fabric, not only did a great job with the sewing machine, but offered support during a technology issue that defied even my magic wand!

Linda Schubert had a lot of outlining to do on this Scottish Thistle, but was able to add definition to the bulb and color to the blue blossom during the workshop.

Bob Ignaszak used a photo he had taken of a piano keyboard with a reflection of the keys in the lid of the baby grand. He took this photo some time ago, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to incorporate it in his artwork. I can't wait to see it finished!

Linda Horne did a great job of outlining all the petals of this zinnia (I think it's a zinnia). Outlining can be tedious—especially when you want to get to adding the color, but all the work really pays off when the defined image practically pops off the fabric!

Karen Hendrickson, co-president of WQI, is a hand quilter and wasn't sure she was going to enjoy free-motion quilting on the machine. But she did a great job on those tulips and her smile says she might consider trying it again soon!

Carol Hay also had a lot of outlining to do on this dahlia, but Carol, look at the depth the outlining creates. It is awesome—and I can't wait to see these pieces finished.

There were 12 in the workshop Sunday and everyone went home with a smile. Thank you WQI for inviting Lori and I to share our work. We sincerely hope you had a good time, and found something that you will incorporate into your own work!