THIRD AND FINAL DAY OF QUILT FESTIVAL

Well what a great day we had today - no pressure...just re-visiting the booths just in case we missed something.  However, according to my credit card statement, I didn't miss anything!  I sure loved seeing more of the quilts on display.  There are so many creative and talented people out there.  

There were quilts made of leather and the description said techniques included machine and hand quilting.  I can't even think of pushing a needle through leather with my fingers - even if you first made a hole with an awl or other tool. It wouldn't even feel good in your hands.  Well, more than one person thinks they are wonderful to do and I have the pictures to prove it.

Over a couple of years, my cousin, Kit was working on a Jane Stickle Quilt - sometimes called a Dear Jane.  It is a sampler quilt, comprised of 169 square 5” blocks, each one different.  Jane made the quilt during the Civil War, completing it in 1863.  In addition to the 169 5" squares, there are there are 52 border triangles and 4 larger corners pieces.  Some of the pieces of fabrics that are used in this masterpiece are as small as an inch!  Can you even imagine?  After seeing my cousin's quilt finished and all during the construction, I have a huge admiration for anyone who would tackle this.  So the display of several at the quilt festival left me gobsmacked - what a great word gobsmacked.

There were dolls that were just fun - but still the construction exceptional and the dolls were full of whimsy - a delight for all to see.  

Then there was fashion.  Only a few of these individuals appeared now and then - but what a treat when I saw them.  

And last but certainly not least were a couple of quilts that didn't win prizes, but certainly took my breath away.

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So that was our trip to the Quilt Festival in Houston - won't ever forget these past few days.

DAY 2 FULLY SUBMERGED IN ALL THINGS QUILTY

Now that we have spent 8 plus hours at the quilt festival...I am satisfied that I have seen all of the 1200 vendors Can you imagine - 1200 shops all in one place?  My credit card is smoking! I have such treasures to bring home and start using.  I am looking forward to seeing everything out of its package!

Today my greatest thrill was having my picture taken with Rob Appell of Man Sewing and then right after with Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilter.  When I knew I would be coming here, my thought was that if I could meet anyone at the quilt show it would be those two designers and quilters.  I am in awe and enjoyed my quick chat with each of them. 

When you are tired and need a break just to sit and rest up a bit...good luck finding somewhere to sit.  There are chairs placed around - but not in very many places and not nearly enough chairs to accommodate the masses of people.  Today I found a place to sit, although I did have to line up for my chance! Next time I need a break I know exactly where I will "head".   

I have chatted with so many people and all of them have been warm and friendly. There are people from all over the world here and shops from all over the world and quilts from all over the world. Even though I knew this a big deal in North America, I really had no idea just how big in the world this is.  I am still trying to find out just how many quilts are here and how many countries are represented. 

9/11 Quilt Panel

One of the displays is the tribute quilts of 9/11.  I am sure that there are some people here who must have know someone or of someone who was lost on that day.  Everyone who passed by the display was so quiet and respectful. I was very glad to see this entry that was worked on by so many hands.

The best in show quilt was amazing.  It literally took my breath away.  I still can't believe that it is many pieces of fabric and not painted.  What an incredible work of art.  I didn't see the artist, but certainly admired her talents! As you can see there is big money to be won if you are brave enough and good enough to enter! 

This was another quilt that won a prize in the show.  This was called Silk Road Sampler.        

     

                

Well tomorrow is a day to take it easy and enjoy our last  gander at the show.  I think on Saturday we will try to go to Galveston and see something of the State other than Houston!  However, I am still looking forward to one more day here!

 

MY FIRST QUILT FESTIVAL EVER

Wow - overwhelming is almost an understatement.  There are more than 300 vendors here.  I don't know how many quilts yet - but i plan to find that out today.  





For our first few hours at the convention centre, we spent most of the time in the market area. You can buy anything here.  From the huge long arm quilting machines to the smallest quilting needle.  I am so fascinated by everything at the show.


The ladies I have met are so friendly and eager to share conversation.  The are are many - yes many from Australia.  The shop owners were here for the last week at the market for the wholesalers part of the show. I have been told more than once that this is the largest show in the world. Many of the convention attendees have been coming for more than a years and many we have talked to have been coming to several.  So far, Sharon and I have not met anyone who are first timers like us.  I kinda find that amazing.  My first thought after 2 hours here was I am never coming back again!  Now I am wondering if that all changes after a day or two...

We wandered over to the Hilton for a bite to eat.  It was after 9 and we were ready.  We were able to be seated in the bar area where the Cubs and Indians were playing game 7 of the world series.  It was rather noisy as I think there were a lot of Cubs fans cheering them on.  They went from a 6 - 0 lead to being tied 6 all and then nailbiting all the way into a 10th inning when they scored 2 runs that were not answered and won 8 - 7.  First World Series win since 1908 for the club.  The curse of the Bambino has finally been broken!  My goodness the eruption of cheers and clapping was instant and then Sharon and I went to find a cab to get back to the Hotel.  It was 11:45 pm here for us!

So this morning as we prepare to go back and join the happy throng of shoppers and quilt enthusiasts, I feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.  Ask me again in a few hours just how long that feeling lasted!

SCOTTSDALE SAFE AND SOUND

After a most pleasant flight in clear blue skies, I have arrived in Scottsdale.  The landing was very hard and the only thing the first officer had to say was...."be careful in Arizona - objects are much closer than they appear!"  lol

I was on a flight from Canada that was full of people heading south for the winter.  There were so many of them.  Made me feel quite young!  Coming down for 6 months at a time, not my idea of a good time - but they leave their families to come and enjoy the companionship of similar types who have fled colder climes to enjoy golfing and sunny weather. They form quite a few communities in this lovely warm state.

Sharon and I had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - didn't have cheesecake  but did enjoy a great salad and a glass of tasty Moscato.  Now it feels like a holiday!  No bugs flying around and pleasantly warm so we were able to have our lunch outside accompanied by several noisy Grackles.  I enjoyed their company - but not sure whether other guests did or not.

So now to settle in somewhat and then get rested enough to wake up for 6:00 am and get to the airport for the trip to Houston.  There will certainly be more to tell once we are there!!

FIRST GRAND QUILT ADVENTURE

So kind of a late announcement of a trip down to the States to pick up a friend in Arizona and then travel to the Quilt Festival Houston .  This is kind of a dream trip to see all things quilty and see most of the vendors and designers that I have only read about or seen in videos and tutorials.  It will be exciting and busy to say the least.  So glad I have a very good friend, Sharon to share it with.  Then I will return with her to Arizona and spend a few days there.  

Also as an added attraction, I will be in Arizona on the day of the Election.  I promise to get home again alive and will have a tale or two to tell I am sure!  So only away for a week and a day but I am sure looking forward to this grand adventure!

See you in the posts!