San Juan County and the Surrounding Area…Sold!

Personally, when working at the Welcome Center, I tend to think of myself not only as a Welcome Ambassador, but as a showperson.  An entertainer that entices visitors to not only visit places on their agenda, but to want…More!  This method seemed to have proved out yesterday when a gentleman stopped in to get information on the Canyonlands National Parks and Arches National Park.  I told him of other sites he would see along the way to each area, and all he could say was how our area was simply “Amazing!”  Why yes, yes it is.

He mentioned he would be staying in Moab for the night, and wanted to know of “hip” places to dine in.  I mentioned the “Rio” and “The Blu Pig”, but he was looking for “hip” as in food items, not entertainment.  Ah, this was so up my alley, since I had dined in many of the eateries and reviewed them on my food blog.  After asking what kind of food items he enjoyed, I was able to verbally lead him down paths to various establishments.  Then he mentioned that he had worked in the restaurant industry for many years; that he was so happy to meet someone so knowledgeable.   After thanking him for the compliment; I said that I gave credit to those who could waitress/waiter, that I didn’t believe it was a career I could succeed at.  “Oh no”, he stated excitedly, “You would make a great waitress!”.  “In the 5 to 7 minutes we talked, you completely sold me on sites to see in this area; and then made sure to send me to some place that I could enjoy a great meal.  That’s what a good server does; they know their product, they have enthusiasm for their job, where they work, and what products they are selling.”

Wow, talk about being blown away by this man’s comments!  I handed him one of my business cards which lists the links to both my travel and food blogs.  He said he would definitely read them as soon as he checked into his motel and could get online.  Again, I thanked him for his comments to me, and he in turn thanked me for helping make his experience in our area much more enjoyable.

Thank you, thank you whoever you were for making my day so special with your words, and for allowing me to make your visit to our area just as special.

~ Mary Cokenour ~

Quilter, Marie Wigginton

Since moving to Monticello in 2009, one of the hobbies I have neglected is quilting.  I began quilting in 1990 when I
moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania; became a member the Red Rose Quilters Guild and made many a creation until the move to Utah.  Today though, I may have just met the inspiration to take out my needles, quilting rack, fabrics and patterns.

Once a month at the Welcome Center, a Cultural/Artisan Expo is held; today’s demonstration was by Marie Wigginton who
is a member of the Monticello Quilters Guild.  Marie was accompanied by her husband of 58 years (married in 1955), Luther; their son Tom and his wife, Linda, own Thatzza Pizza, while grandson Thomas and wife, Mandy, own San Juan Pest Management.  Originally Marie and Luther resided in Casper, Wyoming before moving to Monticello only five years ago; this family didn’t sit around and wait for attention, but became busy in the community.

Marie considers herself a self taught quilter; she began quilting in the 1950s with her mother-in-law. After becoming adept in
hand quilting, she ventured out into the world of machine quilting. Her prized possession is the Gammill Statler Stitcher which contains approximately 1500 patterns, and can have more easily uploaded to its memory files. Being a large piece of machinery, Marie could not bring it to demonstrate on, so the photo is one taken off the internet from Gammill’s website.

Marie did bring one of her hoops in and set up a demonstration of her hand quilting techniques.

As opposed to embroidery, cross-stitching or garment sewing which use long, thick needles; an experienced quilter is proven
by the smallest needle size she can use. A size 10 or 12 quilter’s needle means that there should be 10 to 12 stitches per inch of quilting. While cotton threads and fabrics are the standard, technology nowadays is creating threads and fabrics that hold up to washing and normal wear and tear that a quilt would receive. A must is a thimble; it helps to push the needle easily through the
fabric, not through your finger.

Here are a few samples of Marie’s work; besides selling her own creations, she will do special orders, so just contact her at
(435) 459-0767.  Besides quilts, she does make carry bags, baby items, doll accessories and pillow tops.

Now as I mentioned earlier, Marie Wigginton is a member of the Monticello Quilters Guild.  The Guild meets the 4th Tuesday
of each month, at 6pm, at the Monticello High School’s Home Economics Room; new members are always welcomed.  There is usually a “Sew and Tell” where members can show off their creations.   Quilt vendors from the Four Corners (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah) are encouraged to put on a “Trunk Show”; a display of fabrics, patterns, tools and accessories for the quilter.  Occasionally a “Sew What?” is held; members bring in works in progress for tips and critiques.

I hope to make it to their next meeting in October; all I know right now is that my quilter’s box is peeking at me from out of the closet, and my fingers are itching to hold a needle again.

As for today, meeting Marie Wigginton and her husband, Luther was a very enjoyable experience.

Behind every happy quilter is a supportive, yet sleepy, husband; after spending time with this couple, I can say this is a
statement of truth.

~ Mary Cokenour ~

Reprinted from: http://www.southwestbrowneyes.com/2013/09/a-quilter-sews-in-monticello-utah.html

ATV Safari Time

Its that time of year again when San Juan Co. is filled with ATV Riders from all over the place. Three days of fun filled rides all the way down in Blanding and up into Canyonlands. The riders all have guides that help them find there way as well as show them the amazing sights only known by the locals. All of the rides are different some hard others light and easy. Its a fun way of exploring the back country while keeping people safe and the country intact. It is truly a once in a life time experience I urge anyone to take.  Thank you to all the local businesses and the people who help make it happen!

 

~ Chantelle Toomey ~