This is the quilt I selected to received a guest judge award at the Quilts On The Grand 2010 show here in Grand Rapids. Big surprise, eh? It’s a grandmother’s garden hexagon quilt by Mary Lou Ridley of South Haven, Mich.

The 75″ x 84″ quilt didn’t receive any awards from the professional judges, but Mary Lou won me over with her story. She wrote: “This quilt was started in March 1988 and was finished on May 30, 2009. I have quilted for 64 years and have given away all the quilts to family, so I finally made a quilt of my own.”

What a beautiful accomplishment. Congrats, Mary Lou!

If you’re local, check out the show. There are many stunning, award-worthy quilts on display.

Quilts on the Grand 2010 is Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. at the DeltaPlex Arena, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, in Grand Rapids. Admission is $8. Quilt show proceeds will benefit The Tie That Binds Fund at the Neonatal Unit at Spectrum Buttterworth and the Covenant Enabling Residence, Faith House. Visit wmqg.org for more info.

If you’re local, here are a couple other events you might be interested in:

* Chris de Longpre, a local knitting pattern designer, will be signing copies of her new book, “Timeless Knits for Kids (Size 4 to 14.),” at Threadbender Yarn Shop in Wyoming, Saturday (Oct. 2) from 12-4. You can read the newspaper column I wrote about Chris here. You’ll be able to hear her story on the next episode of CraftSanity.

* Drew Emborsky, aka “The Crochet Dude” will be signing copies of his new book, “Crochet it. Love it. Wear it!” and showing off his new product line from 1 to 4 p.m. at Needle in a Haystack, 417 Pheonix St. in South Haven, Mich. Go meet Drew if you can. He’s very nice. You can hear the story of his rise to crochet fame on CraftSanity episode 15.

Okay, that’s it for now. Check back soon for a new podcast and more ArtPrize photos.