International Quilt Festival in Houston - 2008

[Franceslovesfabric]

I'm going to be in the Seminar also. I'd love to help set up but I have Suzanne Marshall's quilting class on Wednesday afternoon.
Frances

[MontanaGramma]

Thanks for the input. I'm still trying to decide. If I don't go to the Seminar in Houston, I hope to go to the one next August in Lynnwood, WA. See you guys soon :-)

[MontanaGramma]

I have a dream to attend Houston next year and I would like to get advice from those of you that have been there before. I will not be taking classes, just seeing the quilts and doing the vendors. I am middle aged and weigh 200+ so needless to say not in the best shape physically and not such a "speedy" walker. How many days do you think it will take to "do" this event? I lean toward spending more time in the booths than viewing the quilts. Love to hear your input. Sally in summer-like NE Ohio

[MontanaGramma]

Sally, it takes me more than a day to see just the quilts, so I always allow at least 3 days at the show. You have a year to train for it, so if you start now and walk a few minutes each day and then increase your time, even a 200 pound person can be in better condition in a year. I do this, too, to get into training. I no longer weigh over 200, but I do still have at least 40 more pounds to lose, but I can walk for quite a long time now. IIRC, the area on the first floor that's vendors and quilt displays is around the same area as 11 football fields put together, with aisles to walk up and down, so I don't know how many miles it would take to traverse all those aisles, but it's well worth getting into condition to do it. The west end of the building has been used as a restaurant area in the past, so I'm not counting that end.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[MontanaGramma]

I forgot to say, I'm 66, so have edged on past middle age, I guess.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[QuilterLynn]

Plus, your general health will greatly benefit from the "training!" At least that's what the doctors all tell us!

[GloriaH]

My friend and I were down last year. We started Wed night and had a plan on how we were going to get through everything. We started at the first aisle and made our way through every aisle looking at every booth. We did several classes and went through the quilt exhibit so it wasn't all vendors. We finished Sat night and flew out on Sunday. The best advice is wearing comfortable shoes and using this year to prepare. It was an incredible experience :!:

[QuilterLynn]

It is, isn't it (incredible) and I know I sometimes take it for granted that I live where it is held EVERY YEAR!

[QuilterLynn]

Thanks Margo, didn't know we had a forum just for the IQF. I'll definitely be there Wednesday evening viewing all the quilts, then all day on Thursday, I could come Friday or Saturday if it means that those days will turn out where most of the BOM'ers will be able to get together. Heidi

[SoBelt]

I will be there Wed to Sun. I am in Suzanne Marshall class on Thursday morning. Will plan to stop by the TQS booth each day at 1. Looking forward to meeting everyone,
Pat

[Margo]

HEADS UP!! If you are planning to attend the Silver Tribute/Dinner for Alex AND/OR Ricky's concert (both on Saturday evening) please let me know ASAP. Lilo is going to try to get the powers-that-be in Houston to arrange for us to be able to sit together. No promises, but we will try. Please post a note here, or send me a personal e-mail to let me know if you will be attending either of these events!!!

[Margo]

I am floating on air! I just got a call from the Houston show--my Shoo, 'Fly quilt has won an honorable mention! Now I have to decide if I can afford to fly up for the award ceremony--probably not, but I do wish I could!

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Sewdreamy]

Congratulations, Pat!!! Fantastic news. Cheers, Betty Jo

[Margo]

WAY TO GO, PAT!

[Margo]

Okay, my DSIL has talked me into driving up, going to the ceremony, spend the night at my niece's house, home the next day.

Pat in Rockport, TX