Houston!!

Three friends and I went to the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX.  All the flight connections were prefect - no delays, no long lay-overs.  The show itself was wonderful as usual.  

Great vendors, unbelievable quilts!  Even though it's miles from home, I always expect to see someone I know.  There were four vendors who also vend at our Seven Sisters Quilt Show.  (Dragonfly Dyeworks, Second Chance Fabrics, Big-Mat Rotary Cutting Surface, and Summit Wood Products)  It was fun to see them "out of context".  They were surprised to see me as well.  I did almost get run over by Ricky Timms and Justin.  They were moving politely, but hurriedly, through the hall.  

As you can tell from the photos, I'm getting close ups for quilting design ideas.

This quilter was brave.  That's blue thread on the yellow and white background!

Great border idea.  and of course I like flowers.

In this quilt sometimes the piecing was actually accomplished by the quilting design.

I want to do this.  Piece a background and applique flowers on top.

It's red.  What else do I need to say?!

I gave up one day to take a tour that included the George Bush Presidential Library.  My only disappointment was that we were there for only a short time.  I visited the Reagan Library once and found it fascinating.  I figured this was my only chance to see the Bush Library in TX.  If you  live near one of the presidential libraries, I recommend you visit regardless of your political affiliation.  It's interesting to look back at historic events from a different view point.

I love this quote.  It reminds me of one I had in my classroom.
"There are no mistakes, only opportunities to learn."

In addition to visiting two quilt shops, we saw Burton Farmers Gin, the oldest operating cotton gin in America.  They only start it up twice a year, but it still works!  We also made a stop at Blue Bell Ice Cream.  Who cared that it was mid morning.  It was great ice cream!!

I spent most of last week with guild meetings (3!) and getting ready for Soroptimist International of San Luis Obispo's BIG fund raiser - Bags to Benefit.  This was our second year and we made improvements over last year.  We still have some bugs to work out, but everyone had FUN and we raised money to "improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment".  

Thanks for checking in.  I'll get some updates on the quilts I've been working on.