Birds of a Feather 2017 Wrap-Up!
Birds of a Feather 2017 flew into the history books
 
as a  Grand Success!
Thank you to all the wonderful quilting Birds who flocked together in Newport News, Virginia, from February 9-12!  You made the 6th annual Birds of a Feather event the very best one yet!

Everyone enjoyed the opening  Toucan Carnival  party, complete with some very special feathered guests who flew in right at 2 PM on Thursday to help us celebrate. After all, it is  Birds of a Feather!
Bird with a bird
Attendees also enjoyed the fun of dressing up in colorful Carnival beads, the chance to shop our select vendors, and the opportunity to meet the fabulous instructors. It was a Birds reunion filled with laughter, smiles, and excitement!
Our very special guest, Jamie Wallen, also attended the Toucan Carnival, and he enjoyed speaking with many of our Birds. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions of the wonderful Innova technicians.
Jamie answering questions for a flock of Birds.
One of our Birds getting help from Keith of ABM/Innova.
A Variety of Classes Were Offered at This Year's Birds
Class offerings at Birds included longarm quilting, sit-down longarm quilting, domestic quilting, plus software, business, and more! There was something for everyone!
Saturday Evening's Grand Celebration of the Art!
Valerie Schlake awarded "Innova-nator" of the Year!
During Saturday evening's Grand Celebration of the Art, Liz Torrence, one of The Longarm Network's Proud Innovians, stormed the stage to take control of the microphone.

Liz spoke about Birds, our supportive longarm community, our Network, and how much it all means to so many people.

Val was totally blown away when Liz then presented to her the first annual  Innovanator of the Year Award  in recognition of her many contributions to the longarm quilting community!

After recovering from her surprise, Val said she was honored by the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. She thanked all of the wonderful customers who together have made The Longarm Network a place of learning, encouragement, and friendship.
Quilt Challenge
Many wonderful quilts were entered into The Birds of a Feather Quilt Challenge representing a variety of styles and subjects. Birds attendees voted on their favorites, and this year's winners were . . . 
First Place:
You Toucan Quilt
by Barb Schrader
Second Place: 
Peacock Poetry
by Martha Moore
Third Place:
Did Someone Say Catnip? 
by Laura Gilmartin
Prize Baskets!
Birds attendees had opportunities to win wonderful prize baskets during our Charity Bingo Night and the Grand Celebration of the Arts.

The winners were thrilled, and the basket contents were amazing!  We did, however, hear a rumor of a scuffle over an Instant Pot.
Grand Prize Winners!
The Innova Sit-Down Longarm Machine Goes To . . .
Val gave Neal Schwarzberger, President of ABM International, the honor of drawing from all registered attendees the name of the lucky Bird to take home a brand new Innova Sit-Down Longarm Machine. As the anticipation grew, Val asked Sherry Cowley to "come on down" as she was the 2017 Birds of a Feather Grand Prize winner.  Welcome to the family of Proud Innovians, Sherry!
 
Jill Churchill helping a Bird test drive the sit-down longarm
Sherry Cowley was all smiles as her name was called
 
Neal and Val congratulating Sherry
The Loaded Martelli Workstation Goes To . . .
Val also congratulated Jonathan Hall, the winner of a loaded Martelli workstation.  Jonathan and his wife Jessica, are two of our Proud Innovians hailing from South Carolina!
More fun pictures of Birds of a Feather 2017
can be viewed on  YouTube !
VLN, The Longarm Network - Mid-Atlantic
Innova Dealer Showroom & Training Center
2085 Valpark Drive
Oilville, VA 23129  (Greater Richmond Area)
804-708-0741
DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV
CLN, The Longarm Network - Southeast
Innova Dealer Showroom & Training Center
201 Pelham Davis Circle, Suite A
Greenville, SC 29615
864-272-3488
GA, NC, SC



STAY CONNECTED:
Like us on FacebookView on Instagram