Tuesday, February 17, 2015

For the Love of Quilts


For quilters, something happens when we cross over the threshold of a quilt show. I think the change affects each one of us differently. There are no specific symptoms but something definitely takes place within us.



It is a magical journey that starts the moment we enter the building. It provides pleasure to our senses. We see beauty everywhere we step. Where to start? Do we look at the quilt first, or do we scope out the vendors for that prize piece of fabric or the latest designs in patterns. It is enough to make my head spin.

Ten years ago, I attended my first major quilt show in Nashville with my two quilting buddies. We stayed at the Opryland hotel, which was hosting the quilt show. We entered the doors and could not believe how much there was to see. Rows and rows of vendors and some of the most beautiful quilts we have ever laid our eyes on. We attended two lectures given by Alex Anderson. What fun! By the end of the first day, we were on overload and headed back to our room. We brought out all of our bags and took out every item for close inspection. We would oooh!! andahhh! with so much delight, stroking each others fabric and reviewing all of the books and patterns. For the next two days we enjoyed the euphoria of every quilting treat that was available.


In the years since, I have attended the Quilt Festival in Chicago, and the AQS Quilt show in Paducah twice. Each one has its own unique spin on the quilting community. It's what drives the psychological part of our desire to make beautiful things. Whether it is art quilts or traditional, batiks or reproduction. The mere thought of a trip to a quilt show is enough to start my exit from reality. It is a mystery that once again brings me back to the reason why I quilt. For the beauty of it, and the love of experiencing what others have created in a world of fabric.

My next goal is to attend the Quilt show in Houston.  Maybe this year?
Happy Quilting!

6 comments:

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I LOVE going to quilt shows! I'm always SO inspired. I'd like to go to the show in Houston some day ... just not sure that I could justify the expense for "just a quilt show" ... maybe if I can include a trip to the beach at Galveston at the same time? I'm hoping to get to the Quilt Festival in Chicago one of these days ... it's only 4 hours away, and my friend (next door neighbor) is from Chicago and always goes back. I spent a day at the show in Paducah last year and am going back for 2+ days this year (my hubby is such a keeper!!).

Allie said...

You're making me anxious for all the upcoming quilt shows, lol!! Oh how I love them, and Houston is on my list too.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I'll be at the Chicago show in March. I love the vendors (even though I really don't need a thing).

Scrappy quilter said...

I love quilting shows too. It's fun to visit all the vendors and see what's new. That second quilt is stunning!.

Tanna said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! I went to the one in Tyler last year and was AMAZED at such beautiful art. blessings ~ tanna

Shelly said...

I know that feeling you're talking about! I always come away from a quilt show so inspired, and I am always itching to get home fast and get to stitching.