TOP SECRET

It's not often that I get TOP SECRET emails, but when I got one a couple of weeks ago, and saw who it was from, I knew what it meant. My quilt had won an award at QuiltCon 2026! And considering I only had one quilt accepted, I knew exactly who had won something, Ode to Joy.

It's always a bit rough watching QuiltCon from home. The FOMO is real. And knowing my quilt is there, especially since there is a ribbon hanging alongside it, hasn't been easy. But I'm oh so grateful for friends who send pictures!

Photo courtesy of Naomi te Wildt @quiltingnaomi

I was happy, too, to be able to watch the awards ceremony from my son and daughter-in-law's home in California! That definitely helped me feel a part of the action, and I was glad that my beemates Stephanie @spontaneousthreads and Émilie @mili.tra were able to accept the award on my and Bee Sewcial's behalf.

Photo courtesy of  Stephanie Ruyle @spontaneousthreads

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Ruyle @spontaneousthreads

Meanwhile, I'm watching eagerly from home via Instagram, seeing and experiencing what I can. And I'm glad that someone once shared that if you purchase a ticket for a day at the quilt show - even if you won't be there - you get access to the QuiltCon app. So that isn't totally satisfying, but I at least get a look at more of the quilts than I would otherwise. And there or not, I'm super proud and happy that Ode to Joy gets to spread its message just a little further.