Houston International Quilt Market and Festival

We are back from the International Quilt Market and Festival, it was a long trip, but the energy in Houston was almost palatable. It was so good to actually be there and to see how well the whole area is doing as they continue to recover from Harvey. We were unsure of what to expect as we drove into the city. As vendors at the show we had heard that many had decided not to come, that people were worried about services etc. We didn't know how the show might turn out but for us, and most of the other vendors and teachers, we were in for the long haul. Management did their best to reassure us things would be fine and they were right. It was an amazing show and the people who did show up were supportive and excited to be there. Add to all of that the thousands of people who came in for the World Series happening a stones throw from us and it culminated into a fun party every night after we left the center. People out on the streets celebrating, sitting in the restaurants and bars watching the game. Visiting with old friends and new ones helped to make this trip a great experience. For those of you who could not attend I wanted to share some of the highlights I experienced. I didn't get to see them all since I worked the show but the ones I did see were breathtaking. I hope you enjoy and can join us next year!!

First I will start with our booth and newest pattern release! Letters to Santa stole the show for us. It is available as both a regular applique pattern as well as an embroidery CD where it will sew it in the hoop for you. To read more about it check out my website. This is available as a downloadable file also.
I actually digitized my grandkids letters to Santa and added them to the quilt. If you don't have this capability I offer you alternative ways to personalize your quilt with letters, recipes etc.

During Market which is the wholesale side of this show and is held before Quilt Festival a lot is going on as vendors are there for the shops.

 This is Sample Spree, I am sure you have all heard the stories of hundreds of women waiting in line to get a sneak peek of new fabrics and products for their shops. It also allows them to buy things before anyone else so they can make samples etc. It was a great Sample Spree!

My booth Candy

Some of my favorite people came by to say HI!

Chloe was dressed up for Halloween

This was a hanging light fixture/art piece hanging in the convention center, it was fabulous!! One night as we were leaving the show and very tired I noticed women looking up from the second floor and wondered what they were look at. This was it, the amazing shadows and colors that were playing on the ceiling at night was so beautiful!! The picture doesn't do it justice.

 I was able to have dinner with MJ, my coaching client who was able to attend Market this year and really took Houston by surprise, she is a definite rising star, and Rayna Gillman, an amazing teacher and fiber artist!! Rayna was there supporting her new book release!! I will be doing a blog hop in the next week where you can win her free ebook! Look for that on November 21st.


Below are a few of the beautiful art pieces at the show, these are just a small sampling of what was there. The Cherrywood Fabrics Van Gogh show was wonderful and here is the video, sorry its so jumpy, it was so hard to walk and film, I need a stabilizer for my phone.

White Knight by Patt Blair

Jake by Carol Morrissey

Hippolyte Hunting by Marilyn Belford and Jamie Wallen

Abyss by Danny Amazonas