Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from South Texas.  It is clear, sunny, a little windy and 77 degrees.  This is a little warmer than we have been lately.   My heart goes out to all of you that are buried in ice and snow.  For some of you, this is normal, but so many areas are not prepared for these harsh winter conditions.  I live in an area that wasn't even prepared for the first freeway ice.

Stay warm and safe.  May your day be filled with Warmth and Love and whatever brings you Happiness.

Houston Quilt Festival 2012 - Part 2

I was able to stay at the Hilton during the IQA Show, which is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center.  Across the walkway, up the elevator and down the long halls can seem like a long painful trip on my tired feet each night, but it sure beats a long drive home.  Not to mention getting up before dawn to travel downtown, in traffic, for any morning classes.

My girlfriend and I had a blast, attending luncheons, classes and lectures.  We saved plenty of time to spend with the Vendors (Oh, Yeah) and the Quilts, of course.

I took a class with Karen Linduska.  www.karenlinduska.blogspot.com  If you have ever wondered what to do with all those decorative stitches on your machine, see her blog and books.  I had so much fun.

The Lobby of the Hilton.  Each piece on the chandelier is hand-blown glass.

 

Quilt Artist/Teacher:  Karen Linduska

Above is some of her art displayed during the class.

 

This is my class project.  I need one more flower and three yo-yo flowers.  I plan to take off the felt circles.  The yo-yos are my way of making it uniquely mine.  This was a quick moving class and it took all of my "Old dog learning new skills" concentration.  We changed threads and stitches at lightening speed.  I was using a very new Baby Lock machine with all the bells and whistles which was wonderful, but all new to me.  Combine unfamiliar with machine and speed, with "Old Dog", and I feel good about finishing everything that we were suppose to, in class.  I look forward to finishing this art quilt and playing with the new skills that I have acquired. 

 

 

I was fortunate enough to attend a Discussion/Questions & Answer Panel with Paula Nadelstern, Jo Packham, Liz Kettle & Kaffe Fassett which was moderated by Lesley Riley. Wow, I was blown away at having all that talent in one room. The wisdom they shared is priceless.

 

left to right:  Paula Nadelstern, Jo Packam, Liz Kettle, Kaffe Fassett, Lesley Riley

I have been a big fan of Lesley Riley for many years.  I fell in love with her art through lalasland, years ago, when she was making and selling fragments.  She was nice enough to take a photo with me after I gushed all over her.

 

 

Houston Quilt Festival 2012 - Part 1

Here I am with a late, late post about my fun at the Houston Quilt Festival 2012.  I know, I know, better late than never.  Where have the last few months gone?  Anywho.

I took ATCs and a Mug Rug to trade at Festival (See Oct. post).  I traded for these cute cards and a fabulous mug rug.  I hope this is a standing tradition.

These are the thirteen ATCs that I traded for.  I am thrilled with the creativity of these ladies.

 

 

 I, also, traded for this Mug Rug by Elaine Poplin.  Love it. 

 

Below are the two postcards that I purchased at the International Quilt Festival's Pet Project to raise funds for Friends for Life, Houston's no-kill shelter.

 

 

Postcard on left was made by Karen Linduska and the one on right was made by Jean Boardsen.  Thanks Jean, I am a turtle lover and that is what I see.  I took a class from Karen and did not realize she made this card until I got home.  More on my class later.

I had to visit the Alzheimer Quilts Booth and I always find some treasures to bring home.  Just look below.

Spider Webs by Jan Stone of Josephville, MO

Memories of Kenneth by Yvonne Webb of Irvine, CA

 

Dragonfly and HST 2 by Clara Lawrence of Elgin, TX

 



Artist Trading Cards

I finished my ATCs last night to trade at Quilt Festival next week.  Can you say last minute?  All of the postings are saying the trading and demo area has been moved next to the Food Court this year. 

Click on to enlarge.

I, also, made a Mug Rug to exchange.

Alzheimer's Art Quilts in Houston at IQA Show

The International Quilt Show starts next Wednesday in Houston.  I have attended for the last 20 years and still get excited when I walk thru the doors.  The quilts are always wonderful, but I must confess that the rows and rows of vendors are my favorite part. 

I always stop by the Alzheimer's Art Quilt booth and buy a quilt or two to support this dedicated organization.  I have attached some information about this worthy cause below.  If you attend the show, stop by or check them out online.

AAQI News

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The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative is offering more than 2,100 Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts for sale at International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX (Oct 31-Nov 4). Please head over to the front of the Exhibit Hall, Row S to see amazing small format art quilts (9" x 12") created to fight Alzheimer's. All profits fund research.

See the quilts here: http://www.alzquilts.org/houston2012.html

If you would like to help sell quilts, rope people into the booth (it is Texas, after all) or generally lend a hand, the AAQI needs you. Sign up for 2-3 hour time slots (and get free admission on the days you volunteer) or join the AAQI Text Brigade and help "as needed." Learn more and sign up here:

http://aaqiupdate.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/houston-helpers-the-aaqi-text-brigade/

Wizard of Oz Mug Rug

I finished my Wizard of Oz mug rug a while back, but have been looking for the perfect cup.  I found a set at Tuesday Morning.   I always choose the Bad Witch, she has more fun.

The mug rug is a copy of one made by ruthiequilts.  I could not find a website, only a photo.  Thanks for sharing Ruthie.  I hope that you consider it a compliment that I loved your design.

Name Tag Contest

My Quilt Guild decided to discontinue providing name tags for members.  We were asked to make our own permanent name tag.  To make it interesting, the guild held a name tag contest in March. 

I won third place.  What do you think?  (The crease at the top is from the lanyard clip.)

The bottom line reads, "Serial Quilter".  I just can't stop cutting up fabric and hiding it in quilts.  It's not my fault that my DH makes me watch 'Dexter'. LOL