I finally got to see it today too, Kathy! The look of the pulp reminded me of Celluclay, but she had a nicer clay-like body to it and her surface was not as bumpy, but more like a pleasing sandstone texture. I loved her use of twigs and copper pipe embedded in the forms. What an inspiring show! I even liked Dee Gruenig's segment using resists to create images on the compressed stamping sponge. So which is cheaper Braun or Thunderstick? Any other similar products? Guess this non-cook needs to head to the small appliance department, lol!

dian - the link is $3.49 per HALF Yard - unless you saw a different source. If you did, please share. It looks like a few people have the book. From the previous discussion, I started reading the Elm Creek series (I'm on #3)- Now I get it. I put a hold on "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" at the library. I am 5th in the line (so it will be a long while - that's okay.) I called LQS - they have a few solid blacks, I am going to try to get there before they close, so I'll let you all know. The problem, I made a B'day Block using the Connecting Threads Black - the black looks spectacular (DH even noticed the contrast - he usually has no opinion). I only bought a yard to test the fabric & add to my stash. Compared to everything else I am finding, the richness of the black outweighs the tighter weave I would prefer for what adds up to about 28 blocks and more (I was going to buy 7 yards). Life is full of compromises-I decide to order more this morning-Connecting Threads doesn't carry it anymore. I'm flexible - so one more look see at the QS. In fact, if the price is close to the online prices, I really prefer to support the small shop to keep them in business. Thanks to all who share our expertise. Here is a link that might be useful: Previous Sylvia's Discussion

The odds of a quilt being found if it is sold other than online? Not so high, sadly. They show up in lots of venues. Farmer's markets, antique shops, decorator showrooms. Private homes with a quilts for sale sign outside. Who buys quilts retail? Not usually other quilters who might read about and recognise a design. Tourists. Gift shoppers looking for an heirloom at a good price. My husband does fine embroideries. I'm talking six month projects working hours a day. He does not sell them, but sometimes donates them. I have asked him several times to enter one at our county fair. I suspect he has not because of the lack of security at places like that. Even our insurance agent was stumped on how to evaluate an object like that and suggested good photographic documentation. I've also looked into the cotton price situation because I don't like clothing made from anything but natural fibres. Thankfully I don't buy many clothes. LOL. One other reason for the price and shortage is that garment makers, seeing the cotton futures prices (and futures speculation has also contributed to the shortage) have gobbled up inventory so that they'd have stock on hand to stay in production without having to pay exhorbitant prices. If what they are saying is true, then the price should be cyclical and come back down in a year or two. But we all know how easy it is to raise pricing and how reluctant the establishment gets about lowering them until there is a glut on the market.

Diane, I'm sorry I did not respond earlier. The only reason I want to know who did not send in 2008 and 2009 is to not have those same people in our 2010 group. I think it would be wonderful if someone might volunteer to take the name of some who did not receive this year or last year and would make that block for them. Once we get into 2010, I will try to do this on a volunteer basis but just for that year - matching people if there are any problems. As for 2008 and 2009, I don't want to try to play catch up before I even start. It woudl be very thoughtful if someone wants to take on matching for the months gone by. Jeanne