Career Highlights

For me, just having a career in the quilting community is a dream come true. I love to draw, write and teach; all of that comes easily. Making elegant quilts to send off to shows, earning awards and having the opportunity to talk to you about them, is just so much fun! Hearing students say that I have influenced their lives is awesome.
However, if I had to choose one thing topping the list of all the recognition I have received, it would be gaining the esteem of Harriet Hargrave, the woman who originated the art form around which I now build my life. In her book, Heirloom Machine Quilting, 4th edition, (p.141 and 142, C&T, 2004) Harriet mentions how she was inspired to push herself in her own work after studying my quilt, Treasurers of Julia’s Life. Let that be a lesson to you, never underestimate the connections we might make through our words, actions and our quilts!

Joanie to be a Featured Artist in the Special Exhibits at Quilt Expo 2015 September is a beautiful month in Wisconsin. The shore of one of Madison’s two midtown lakes is the setting for Quilt Expo. In just three short years, this show has grown to be one of the Midwest’s finest quilt venues. You will find me there everyday, lecturing, presenting a stage show, signing books and proclaiming myself as the official Madison Ambassador, welcoming quilters to my hometown.

		Broiderie Perse Exhibit at the National Quilting Museum Fais de Beaux rêves, To Have and To Hold and La Petite II were displayed in an exhibit of Contemporary Broiderie Perse at the National Quilt Museum, Paducah Kentucky. The exhibit displayed outstanding examples combining collage, appliquê, and fine quilting, Broderie perse – also known as cut-out chintz appliqué, is artwork which “presents a high point in the art of quiltmaking and deserves the admiration and attention of all who appreciate fine needlework” said curator, Anita Loscalzo.

Bernina Artisan Reunion, Steckborn, Switzerland 2006 It was an absolute delight to be included in a group of 85 quilting and textile industry educators from the U.S. attending a conference at the Bernina factory in Switzerland. Events included research and development, interaction with quilters from Germany and Switzerland, textile museum, thread factory and folk museum tours, sightseeing the beautiful landscape and enjoying the camaraderie with this delightful group, as well as a launching the celebration for Bernina’s 75th Anniversary.

		Machine Quilting Award at 2007 International Quilt Festival Here I am on stage at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, 2007, accepting the second place, Merit, Machine Quilting Award for my quilt, “Fais de beaux réves” from Jennifer Gigas of Bernina of America.

Joanie is the Author of Four Machine Quilting Books Shown here with Irene Berry being interviewed for Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine about her first book, Elegant Machine Quilting. She then went on the write Joanie’s Design Elements, it’s companion Joanie’s Quilting Elements, and The Complete Guide to Machine Quilting.

		The Quilt Show Episode 509 Joanie traveled to La Veta, Colorado to record a segment on THE QUILT SHOW with Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson. . To sign up for the internet TV Show go to www.thequiltshow.com

Joanie’s Quilts in Print Shown here with her teacher and mentor, Diane Gaudynski, you can imagine Joanie’s delight to have her first heirloom machine quilted wall quilt, Ode to Diane, featured in the AQS publication, Machine Quilting by Diane Gaudynski. Three different quilts of Joanie’s are also featured in Harriet Hargrave’s Heirloom Machine Quilting, 4th edition.

		Robert Kaufman announces Joanie as “Radiance” Spokeswoman Radiance. a new fabric line introduced by Robert Kaufman is a silk/cotton blend available in 27 rich, solid colors. They have asked me to be the spokeswoman and use Radiance in my work. Kyle Sanchez, Director of Promotions at Kaufman, recognized the possibilities of blending my elegant quilting designs with this luxurious new fabric, stating,, “The union is a marriage made in Heaven!” www.robertkaufman.com.

Lea’s Choice is an award winner! Lea’s Choice, (82″ x 82″ 2007), is hand appliquéd with original quilting designs that were machine quilted using a home sewing machine. It has earned Best of Show and Viewers Choice awards at the Appleseed Quilt Show, Best Machine Quilting at The Lowell Quilt Festival, the Excellence in Machine Quilting Award at the 2008 Road to California Show, Best Machine Quilting, Traditional Quilt, at 2007 Pacific International Quilt Festival and 2nd Place Appliqué at AQS Paducah, 2008! Read the complete story and take a closer look in the DREAM! gallery.

		Two Best of Show Awards for Fais de beaux réves “Fais de beaux réves” (The French term for Sweet Dreams!) was also awarded Best of Show at both the Pacific International Quilt Festival, 2006 and at the Road to California Show, 2006!

Joanie is a Golden Girl Golden Threads, the company that offers quilting design solutions that make every quilt a work of art, and Joanie have joined forces! Her original designs are available for hand, home machine, frame, and longarm machine quilting projects. Check out Elements Stencil Packets and purchase these designs from the Golden Threads. website www.GoldenThreads.com

Joanie with Students		Hariett Hargeave’s Machine Quilters Celebration 2005 and 2006 The beautiful Rocky Mountains were the backdrop for the classes at the Harriet Hargrave Machine Quilting Celebration where Joanie taught in 2005 and 2006. She offered design workshops to students for planning quilts with an emphasis on using imagery to express their personal stories. This conference is devoted solely to the home sewing machine quilter with workshops offered by some of the best instructors in traditional machine quilting arts
Faculty of 2005 Harriet Hargrave’s Machine Quilting Celebration, at The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park CO. Front row Diane Gaudynski, Hari Walner, Pepper Cory, Sue Nickles, middle row, Lee Cleland, Harriet Hargrave, Joanie Zeier Poole, standing, Carrie Hargrave		Faculty at 2006 Harriet Hargrave’s Machine Quilting Celebration, relaxing on the veranda of the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado. Joanie Zeier Poole, Lee Cleland, Barbara Chainey, Diane Gaudynski, and Sue Nickles