Grand Rapids Adventure

August of 2019 I flew to 

Grand Rapids, Michigan to

take my appraisal test that

I had been training for

close to 3 years.

 Here are a couple of shots from inside

the convention center that sits 

along the Grand River.

My test would take place over 2 days.

A friend from Florida (also training to 

be an appraiser) was in town so we 

hung out taking in a lecture,

walking the floor looking at quilts,

and attending one of the Quilts of Valor

presentations where 3 quilts were gifted to Veterans.

 Montage of old quilts (above)

and new quilts (below).

As an appraiser I need to be familiar

with both along with designs

and techniques.

I have a fixation with wrought iron work.

This balcony railing overlooking this hall

caught my eye with its loveliness and deco feel.

 My Lauren drove over from Chicago to

spend some time with me after my test

and help me destress a bit!

It was greatly appreciated!

We headed out to the Meijer Gardens- WOW!

The sculpture above is 

The American Horse by Nina Akamu

and you can hear more about it HERE.

 After spending hours wandering and 

taking a tour, we headed back downtown 

for some chips and margaritas.

We had made pigs of ourselves

earlier at lunch when we 

went to the Polka festival. 

 I can eat a lot of pierogis:)

Now that I am an official

AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser,

I look forward to a long and 

exciting career meeting quilts

and their makers' stories because

we all love a great story:)

~R

Cheryl Sleboda of Muppin.com 

for more blogs to follow.