Friday, November 12, 2010

Meeting My Mentor

Meet Maureen Greeson.


She's that pretty woman in the photos above, studying a piece of trim that Candace was sharing in our ribbonwork workshop last week.

I'm sorry not to show you a clearer picture of Maureen but this is exactly how Maureen likes it.

She doesn't like to get her picture taken. She doesn't like to be "front and center" or to give speeches in front of groups.

But there is a quiet greatness about Maureen that speaks through her work. This rose I showed you the other day is hers...


Maureen's attention to detail and expectation of excellence is what makes her one of the best workshop organizers I've ever met.

She is an accomplished and award-winning needle artist, and a discerning shop owner who carries only the finest supplies.


This dollhouse piece is exquisite and won Best in Show in Sew Beautiful magazine a few years back. The pictures just don't do this piece justice. Everything is handmade by Maureen...including the doll!!!

But beyond her beautiful work, I am most grateful to Maureen for her generosity. Maureen shares her knowledge and her treasures without reservation. And, no doubt about it, I am a better crazy quilter because of her.

To see Maureen...her "store"...her home...her embroidery...was like meeting a hero whose baseball cards I've collected for years.

Photos of these blocks below have been part of my inspiration "bible" of crazy quilting and I think I know every inch of them by heart...just like a young boy would know all the stats of his favorite player.


When I first started crazy quilting, I absorbed every inch of Maureen's work and started my stash building with treasures from her store. She sent out a regular newsletter with all kinds of tips and vintage inspiration and I devoured each one. I still have copies of those newsletters in a binder for reference.

I am thrilled to be helping Maureen with An Adventure in Crazy Quilting in April where Sharon Boggon, Allison Aller and Betty Pillsbury will be teaching. We visited the event venue while I was in Connecticut. It's absolutely beautiful...down to the last detail...just as you would expect.

So, should there ever be a Hall of Fame for Crazy Quilting, I'd be the first to cast my vote to induct Maureen Greeson.

Thanks for everything Maureen.

From your loyal fan,
Susan



17 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Nice post, Susan. You were definitely in your element at the seminar.

When you visit blogs, you see the bonds that QC artists have formed. Tighter than any I notice in others, like beading and paper arts.

Many have blogs to supliment and draw attention to their store. You never feel that way when you visit Maureen's blog.

I'm glad that you have met her in person. You've had such an exciting year!!

Linda H said...

Oooohhh I can hardly wait for next April!!! Can't wait for Sharon, and to meet you AND Maureen. I bet you had lots of fun together planning and "scheming" for all the fun we will have...

Elizabeth said...

What a fabulous time for you!!! Maureen's work is exquisite and I am so happy for you to be able to be so involved in the upcoming needlework retreat!!! What a thrill to look forward to it all. She should be very proud of the work that she has inspired from you. As you are in my personal needleworker's hall of fame!!! Hugs!!

Cathy said...

Three Cheers for Maureen! All of us who have had any contact with her also love her, and would vie to second her nomination to the CQ Hall of Fame! One of the best parts of the Adventure in April will be meeting her ... and you! I feel like a child waiting for Christmas! Hugs to BOTH of you, Cathy

Denise Felton said...

Oh, my gosh! I didn't totally get it until I saw "Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions" at the foot of the post. THAT Maureen! I have been loving her (and her taste) from afar. Thank you for letting us get to know her a little better!

Gerry Krueger said...

I hope everyone notices that the ONLY thing in the picture in focus are Maureen's HANDS... what a lovely sensitive touch Susan... Hugs Gerry...

allie aller said...

In working with Maureen to prepare for the April Adventure, I can concur that her organizational skill is incredible and that this will be a workshop experience like none other.
I am thrilled and deeply honored to be teaching there...and truly cannot wait for April!

Thank you, Susan, for this homage to Maureen!

Emerald Window said...

Hi Susan,
I visited Maureen's blog and was equally impressed with hers as I am with yours. I have a question though. Your crazy quilts are so delicate with the silk ribbons and such, do you actually use these as quilts, or do you do smaller ones that hang on a wall? They are such intense works of art. I think I'd frame them.
Cenya

Catherine said...

Beautiful!

Judy S. said...

You're so right, her work is amazing! Lucky you to live close enough to take advantage of her classes. The upcoming one sounds wonderful!

Mosaic Magpie said...

What a wonderful post. I have just recently begun to Crazy Quilt. I have long admired Crazy Quilts and have always enjoyed the fact you can look at them for hours and still see something new. I love Maureen's style and the fact the piece is not overwhelmed. Thank you again my friend for bringing us the best of the best!
Debbie

Maureen said...

Wow,Susan. I want to meet her too!!

NickiLee said...

Lucky you to have met her. I adore Maureen and always look forward to her next creation and reading her blog. I'm so looking forward to the CQ Event next April to meet her and the rest of you wonderful ladies.

Rachel said...

A graceful tribute to someone who certainly wouldn't blow her own trumpet - well done, Susan!

Sarsaparilla said...

Thanks for this fabulous post highlighting Maureen's work!

I own just one Victorian crazy quilt, and am fascinated with it - but it's nothing like the examples you share here. All I can say is WOW!

Radka said...

Oh, what a lovely post, thank you Susan:))

Vicki Boster said...

Susan - Your photography makes my heart stop! Such beautiful craftmanship - these are amazing! I love the way you take these photos!

vicki

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