Panel Play with a stitch of LaBelle!
A couple of years back, Carla Klop, a quilter, reached out to the LDRC Executive Director about her quilting business and showcasing quilt events. Known as The Unconventional Quilter, Carla got back in touch last March. She had been immersed in creating quilts and was now ready to finalize her quilt pattern book, Panel Play, featuring twenty unique quilt designs. Rather than just presenting patterns in her new masterpiece, Carla also showcased her new home, LaBelle.
Formerly traveling between quilt shows with her partner-in-quilting-crime, Bill, as semi-snowbirds, they would teach classes, vend quilts, and explore different locations. During their winter breaks in Florida, they stumbled upon the Caloosahatchee River while RVing at the Federal Parks along the river locks. In February 2020, they purchased a 3-acre plot. However, that famous plot twist, COVID-19, brought unexpected changes that year. Instead of chasing quilt shows, they built their dream home and studio, hosting quilting retreats where guests can sew, learn, and feast on Carla's culinary creations. Carla and her students are having a grand time in LaBelle!
At LDRC, we were thrilled to assist Carla in sharing the story of LaBelle, Florida, alongside pictures of her quilts at our familiar haunts. Get your hands on a copy today, and explore Downtown LaBelle and its surroundings. You will definitely see some familiar landmarks. Another perk of purchasing your copy is that you will be supporting a local business! That's one of our favorite things!
Know a fellow quilter? This book would make a fantastic gift!
Carla is known as the Unconventional Quilter. She has developed Shortcut Sheet methods that speed up the time to make various units. Learn how to make 20 block designs that surround any printed panel - the Shortcut Sheet way.
