The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza
Welcomes the Goddess of the Last Minute
Robbi Joy Eklow
Unique Quilter & Informative Instructor

 
The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks (Valley Forge area), PA September 15-18, 2016 features an impressive instructor line-up offering a variety of workshops, lectures, a judging seminar and fashion shows. This year’s Extravaganza features well-known instructors including Robbi Joy Eklow.

Dubbed “The Goddess of the Last Minute,” Robbi Joy Eklow started quilting during the 1976 quilt revival. She, however, did not actually finish a quilt until her son was born in 1985; a quilt which she still has today. Soon after the birth of her son, Robbi joined a quilt guild and began collecting fabric, taking workshops and attending quilting events. She quickly found a love for the world of quilts.

Robbi’s teaching career began at a local quilt shop when she walked into the store with a suitcase full of quilts and asked to teach. Today, Robbi lectures and teaches internationally. “I always felt that teaching would be fun if I could teach my own designs and that’s what I’ve done since,” says Robbi. She enjoys seeing what her students do with her designs and loves when they share their own knowledge with the class.

Robbi’s specialties include fused appliqué, which she designs on her computer. Her quilts are often seen in competitions and special exhibitions at major quilt shows across the United States. She has designed quilts, won awards and written articles for many quilting publications. Her first book is Free Expression: The Art and Confessions of a Contemporary Quilter.

What does Robbi love most about the craft of quilting? “I love being a member of the sister/brotherhood of quilters. I enjoy working with fiber and use it as a way to introduce myself to people. I make art quilts from cotton fabrics that I dye myself, use bonded appliqué and free motion quilt extensively on the surface. I enjoy lecturing and teaching in order to share the techniques I’m using and to encourage others to find their voice through fiber.”

Robbi will present three full day workshops and a lecture at PNQE. For details, please click here.

Free Expression Fusing Buffet (Thursday, September 15)

PreStitching Fused Shapes for Art Quilts (Friday, September 16) Sewing machines provided by Janome/Pocono Sew & Vac

Unmarked Free Motion Quilting (Saturday, September 17)
Sewing machines provided by Janome/Pocono Sew & Vac

Robbi’s lecture, Goddess of the Last Minute is on Friday, September 16 at 4:30 pm. Robbi will present some of her new quilts and talk about her latest adventures in quilting.

Major sponsors Brother/Byrne Sewing Connection, BERNINA/Steve’s Sewing, Vacuum & Quilting, Baby Lock/Hayes Sewing Machine Company, Janome – Elna/Pocono Sew & Vac; Silver sponsors ABM international Innova and Handi Quilter; and Special Vendor Sponsors French Connections and SewBatik generously support the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza.