My Experience and Training

During the 1980's, I was self employed with custom sewing and alterations in my home. This venture led to my position as Professional Stitcher for the Theater Arts Department at Texas A&M University from 1988-91 where I stitched for nine period productions. My first two quilts were made for my sons. I checked out a book from the public library and made two quilts. One quilt was a Trip Around the World and the other was a Burgoyne Surrounded. I saw an advertisement for a quilt show from the local guild and I entered both quilts. After receiving terrible critiques on my work, I went to the guild to see what I had done that was so awful. I stayed and became involved in the guild. In the beginning, I took every class the guild offered. It was a wonderful exposure to all kinds of quilts, quilting, and quilt making techniques. I was very fortunate to have two of my first classes taught by Nancy Crow and Roberta Horton. These instructors, in particular, taught the structure of the medium with the freedom of creation. I had found my creative outlet.

Over the last nineteen years in the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild, I have attended lectures and participated in classes taught by Karen Stone, Patricia Campbell, Gail Valentine, Barbara Oliver Hartman, Marti Michell, Sue Nickels, Ami Simms, Sharon Newman, Karen Combs, Becky Goldsmith, Ricky Timms, and many others. The scope and information of these presentations are difficult to detail. Through my guild participation, I have had an exposure to, and opportunity to learn from, some of the most recognized quiltmakers today. By living in central Texas, I am also fortunate to have both the Dallas Quilt Show and the Houston International Quilt Festival only a short drive away.

As my interests in quilting grew, so did my fascination with the judging process for quilt shows. In June 1999. I was a participant in the NQA Quilt Judging Seminar in Omaha, NE under the instruction of Anita Shackelford, Carol Butzke and Klaudeen Hansen. Following the seminar, I participated in the NQA Quilt Judge Certification program for three years, and I also aided at four NQA shows during that time. I learned a tremendous amount about quilts, quilting, and the organization and structure of quilt shows. I have twice attended Kathleen McCrady's Quilt Study Hall in Austin, TX. In the hands-on setting in the Study Hall, Kathleen examines and explains the history of fabrics, quilts, quiltmaking and the influence of history on them. After developing and presenting lectures and classes for guilds, judging quilt shows, and traveling throughout the state of Texas, I once again entered the Judge Certification program of NQA. In June 2008, I satisfied the requirements and was certified as a National Quilting Association Certified Judge of Quilting.

I am also an avid reader and researcher. I read and learn from the guild library, public library with interlibrary loans, and the Texas A&M University library. I have also discovered The Smithsonian Institution can be a very good source for locating, identifying, and researching specific quilt making details. My annotated bibliography of quilt study is available upon request.

Professional References
De LeClair	Sally Hatfield
dequilts@sbcglobal.net	slhquilts@cableone.net
8411 Overlook Path	777 Fegan
San Antonio, TX 78249	Globe, AZ 85501
210-680-3020	520-425-6727

Shows Judged
Show Name	Location	Date	Sponsor	Number of Quilts	Other Judges
Waco Quilt Show	Waco, TX	August 17, 2006	Homespun Quilters' Guild	149	Laura Hobby-Syler Sandy Mehall
Big Hearted Houston	Houston, TX	July 27, 2006	Quilt Guild of Greater Houston	148	Brenda Jeschke
Stitchin' In the Garden	New Braunfels, TX	July 20, 2006	New Braunfels Area Quilt Guild	160	Marcia Kaylakie Patty Cline De LeClair Jean Laman
Friendship Quilt Guild Show	Brenham, TX	February 11, 2006	Friendship Quilt Guild	42	None
Wildflower Quilt Show	Temple, TX	September 26, 2005	Wildflower Quilt Guild	120	De LeClair
San Angelo Quilt Show 2005	San Angelo, TX	June 15-16, 2005	Concho Valley Quilter's Guild	96	None
Rhapsody in Bloom	Dimmitt, TX	March 30-31, 2005	Ogallala Quilters Society	185	None
G.T.T. : Gone to Texas	Lake Jackson, TX	February 24, 2005	Plantation Quilting Guild	125	Winnie S. Fleming Dr. Alma Fonseca
2005: A Floral Fantasy	Rosenberg, TX	February 10, 2005	West Houston Quilt Guild	230	De LeClair Marcia Kaylakie
Carousel Challenge	Huntsville, TX	November 29, 2004	Carousel Fabrics Doris Collins	25	none
Celebrate the Adventure	Austin, TX	September 23, 2004	Austin Area Quilt Guild	270	Karen Stone Doris Patterson Christine N. Brown
Birds of a Feather Quilt Together	Arlington, TX	August 26, 2004	Quilters' Guild of Arlington	209	Nell Smith Val Boman
4-H Fashion Show	College Station, TX	March 6, 2004	4-H County Extension Service	15	team of 10+
Granbury Quilt Show	Granbury, TX	November 3, 2003	Granbury Quilt Guild	78	None
Wildflower Quilt Show	Temple, TX	September 26, 2003	Wildflower Quilt Guild	86	Nell Smith
2003 Festival of Quilts "Baskets of Love"	Arlington, TX	August 22-24, 2003	Quilter's Guild of Arlington	210	Sally Hatfield De LeClair
Quilts Bridging the Generations 2003	Corpus Christi, TX	March 15-16, 2003	Coastal Bend Quilt & Needlework Guild	185	De LeClair
2003: 3rd Time's A Charm Quilt Show	Rosenberg, TX	February 21-22, 2003	West Houston Quilt Guild	175	Catherine Purifoy Betty Rivers
Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo	Waco, TX	Oct. 3, 2002	Heart of Texas	30	Bob Glick Brenda Jeschke
2002 Friendship Guild Quilt Show	Brenham, TX	Feb. 15, 2002	Friendship Quilt Guild	24	Jo Knox Donna Leonard
2001 Plantation Quilt Show	Lake Jackson, TX	Sept. 20, 2001	Plantation Quilt Guild	120	Winnie S. Fleming Dr. Ann Beard
Reflections	Springfield, IL	May 7, 2001	Machine Quilters Showcase	243	Valerie Boman Holice Turnbow
Quiltfest 2000	New Braunfels, TX	July 27, 2000	New Braunfels Area Quilt Guild	130	Nell Smith Loveta Fowler De Leclair
Lee County Fair and Rodeo	Giddings, TX	May 16, 2000	Keischnick Construction	70	De Leclair
Lampasas Quilt Extravaganza '99	Lampasas, TX	Aug. 12, 1999	Keystone Square Museum	65	Ethel Howey De Leclair

Biographies

These are several short biographies that can be inserted into you guild newsletter, quilt show program, etc. Please use these as shown here, without editing. If you would like to make changes in them, please contact me first.

After long acquaintance with needle, thread, and scissors including three years as a stitcher for the Theater Arts Department of Texas A&M University, Connie Silber began quilting in 1989. She has been an active member of the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild since 1991. While interested in all aspects and techniques of quilting, Connie's own work focuses on creative thinking, color use, original designs and scrapping techniques. Her quilts have won awards in both her local guild and the National Quilting Association. She has judged quilt shows throughout Texas as well as shows in Oklahoma and Louisiana. In May 2001, she was one of three judges for the International Machine Quilters Association Machine Quilters Showcase in Springfield, Illinois. In June 2008, Connie satisfied the requirements established by The National Quilting Association, Inc. and became a Certified Judge of Quilting.

Connie has been married to her wonderful husband Steve for 37 years, and they have two sons Eric and Kyle. Eric and wife Carla are both Aggies, and they are the parents of our grandchildren Nina and Seth. Kyle, who was named long before residing in Aggieland, is also graduate of Texas A&M and working in Dallas. He and his bride Katie (RN, no Aggie) were married in October 2005 and honeymooned in Mexico during hurricane Wilma. We are thankful they are safe and alive.

During the 1980's, Connie was self-employed with custom sewing and alterations in her home. This venture led to her position as a Professional Stitcher for the Theater Arts Department of Texas A&M University from 1988-91 where she stitched for nine period productions. Connie began quilting in 1989. She has been an active member of the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild since 1991. While interested in all aspects and techniques of quilting, Connie's own work focuses on creative thinking, color use, original designs and scrapping techniques. Her quilts have won awards in both her local guild and the National Quilting Association. Connie was also a participant in the NQA Quilt Judging Seminar in Omaha, NB in June 1999 under the instruction of Anita Shackelford, Carol Butzke and Klaudeen Hansen. In May 2001, Connie was one of three judges selected to judge the International Machine Quilters Association Machine Quilting Showcase in Springfield, IL. Over the last nine years, she has judged many quilt shows across Texas as well as shows in Oklahoma and Louisiana. In June 2008, Connie satisfied the requirements established by The National Quilting Association, Inc. and became a Certified Judge of Quilting.

Connie Silber was born and raised in Paris, IL, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a BA in chemistry. Until 1976 Connie worked as an analytical chemist for the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois. During the 1980's, Connie was self employed with custom sewing and alterations in her home. This venture led to her position as a Professional Stitcher for the Theater Arts Department of Texas A&M University from 1988-91 where she stitched for nine period productions. She began quiltmaking in 1989 and joined the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild soon after.

Connie has been the recipient of awards in her Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild shows and at the Nation Quilters Association. Connie is an active teacher and lecturer for guilds throughout Texas. Connie was also a participant in the NQA Quilt Judging Seminar in Omaha, NB in June 1999 under the instruction of Anita Shackelford, Carol Butzke and Klaudeen Hansen. In May 2001, Connie was one of three judges selected to judge the International Machine Quilters Association Machine Quilting Showcase in Springfield, IL. Over the last nine years she has judged many quilt shows across Texas as well as shows in Oklahoma and Louisiana. In June 2008, Connie satisfied the requirements established by The National Quilting Association, Inc. and became a Certified Judge of Quilting.

After moving to Texas from Illinois, I did custom sewing and alterations which led to a position as a stitcher for the Theater Department of Texas A&M University. Stitching for nine period productions, I learned more about fabric manipulation, design and construction than I ever knew was possible. It was an incredibly creative environment! Soon after, I discovered quilting and I carried that creative attitude into my quilting. I joined our Guild and took full advantage of classes and learning opportunities there and at Houston Quilt Festival. My interest in judging has paralleled my eclectic interest in all things 'quilt'. After the first show I judged, I truly believed I had found my niche in the quilt world. I have judged, lectured and taught throughout Texas and in Oklahoma and Louisiana. In June 2008, I satisfied the requirements and was certified by The National Quilting Association as a Certified Judge.

I have been married to my wonderful husband Steve for 37 years. We have two sons who have brought us two daughters and two grandchildren. We are truly blessed.

Connie Silber was born and raised in Paris, IL, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a BA in chemistry. Until 1976 Connie worked as an analytical chemist for the Material Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois. During the 1980's Connie was self-employed with custom sewing and alterations in her home. This venture led to her position as a Professional Stitcher for the Theater Arts Department of Texas A&M University from 1988-91 where she stitched for nine period productions. Connie began quilting in 1989. She has been an active member of the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild for over 19 years. While interested in all aspects and techniques of quilting, Connie's own work focuses on color use, original designs and scrapping techniques. Her quilts have won awards in both her local guild and the 2000 National Quilting Association Show in Reno, NV. Connie was also a participant in the NQA Quilt Judging Seminar in Omaha, NB in June 1999 under the instruction of Anita Shackelford, Carol Butzke and Klaudeen Hansen. In May 2001, Connie was one of three judges selected to judge the International Machine Quilters Association Machine Quilting Showcase in Springfield, IL. Over the last nine years she has judged many quilt shows across Texas, including the Austin, Arlington, and Ogallala shows. In June 2008, Connie satisfied the requirements and was certified by The National Quilting Association as a Certified Judge.

Both my maternal Grandmother and Great Grandmother were quilters whose work I still have and treasure. My Mother was of the generation sewing and quilting skipped. I avoided a needle and thread until late in college when I wanted new clothes I could not afford to buy. For the next 20 years, I explored almost all the forms of needle and thread usage from clothing to home decor to crewel work and cross stitch. During the mid-1980's I worked as a stitcher for the Theater Department at Texas A&M University and stitched for nine period productions. I learned more there than in all the other years of sewing. When I realized that if my sons were to have quilts, I would have to make them, I checked a book from the library and made two quilts. After all, a quilt could not be more complex than corsets, bodices, doublets and breeches. My first quilts received not one positive comment from the judges. I was crushed. Next on my quilting agenda was to join a guild to learn what I had done wrong. So my journey into the endlessly fascinating world of quilts had begun. I took classes and tried all the techniques and styles and learned what fit me and my style. I am active in my guild, and while I teach and lecture and learn the skills of judging, I too am still learning. I have won awards in my local Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild and an Honorable Mention at the National Quilting Association 2000 Show in Reno, NV. I have judged shows throughout Texas as well as in Louisiana and Oklahoma. In June 2008, I satisfied the requirements and was certified by The National Quilting Association as a Certified Judge of Quilting.

I came to quilting in 1989 after being involved in many other things like raising a family, working as a stitcher for Texas A&M, and extensive volunteer work in church, school and civic organizations. My sister quilted first and I was sure - absolutely sure - I would never do such a thing. Never say never, here I am almost 20 years later a quilter and an NQA Certified Judge of Quilting.. I enjoy all aspects of the processes and variety in quilt making. I am a firm believer in guild participation and continuing education. Someone always has a new twist on 'this' or a different perspective on 'that'. I want to know them all even if I never use the technique in a piece of my own. As quilters, we are also blessed with a rich tradition and history of classic forms, patterns and styles that cycle round and through all we do today. I am endlessly fascinated with the things we quilters do with fabric, time and imagination. What we make and how we make it tells a story. Every quilt has a story. Through my judging I want to help quilters tell the best stories they can. When I asked one of the judge's certification candidates why she participated and wanted to be a judge, she looked slightly amazed and said, "You get to touch the quilts". She's right. I do get to touch the quilts and hear their stories up close and personal.

My Experience and Training

Professional References

Biographies