I have been away for the past several weeks. The first week, I needed a break from

quilting, as I was working  non stop for 2 weeks on samples for Northcott.

It was International Quilt Festival Market,  in Houston, and they needed some of their samples

done. I promise that photos will follow in the weeks to come.

I was also in Houston. last week, for  International Quilt Festival.

It was so much fun hanging out with my new friend, Darlene, from

South Carolina. And to make matters even more fun, Darlene won 3rd place

in the Large Applique Quilt Category. And guess who quilted her quilt for her?

You got it- me!

Who would have guessed that blogging would actually bring two total strangers together?

Darlene and her friends were very kind in that I hung out with them at

Quilt Festival. We had so much fun, even rode on a metal bull. I will tell that story some other

time though.

This quilt is called “Hope.” The male designer was battling cancer and made this during his

struggle. It is beautiful!I It is made up of one large piece of fabric ; all the motifs pop off

the quilt due to gold thread being used. Very impressive!

A close up of the stitching.

This piece was created by a lady from Japan; the Japanese are so talented and usually win

some of the top honors at Houston and elsewhere. It is hand pieced and hand quilted.

This quilt looked very modern to me.

The quilting is great too; so much texture, which I love.

Again, lots of  yummy texture.

All the winners are announced on the first evening of the Festival.  There is an Awards Ceremony

and all the top 9 winners are kept secret until then. After all the categories are

gone through,  the top 9 winners are announced. It becomes very tense for some of the winners,

wondering what top award they have won.

I must admit that the Aussies are a rowdy bunch. They were hooting and hollering each time an

Aussie won an award. They seem like alot of fun and very supportive of each other.

The top 8 winners receive $5,000 for their quilts and the Best of

Show, wins $12,000. What a catch that would be.

I love the circles on this quilt, even the ones stitched into the background.

This spiral ring catch my eye because it is made out of velvet. I can’t imagine working with that

material in hand applique. You have to consider the nap of the fabric and if it frays or not. I

wouldn’t want to deal with that headache,  yet it looks great here.

The berries also drew me in. I am trying to figure out what  material is being used  for the yellow

berries: wool, thread, or embroidery floss?

Any ideas?

This bug was also a  big winner and the background had me stumped. It looked like each block

was separate from the other. Very interesting.

It was alot of fun hanging out at the Festival.

Darlene and I even walked around peeking into  doorways of classrooms, trying to catch a

glimpse of all the Quilt celebrities. We were being  quiet too so we wouldn’t get in trouble. I

managed to shake Linda Taylor’s hand. Maybe some of her talent will rub off on me. Here’s

hoping-ha!

Have a great week and I will have lots more photos to come.