Quilt show bucket list

[Rita C.]

I have just signed up for a class with Pam Holland at the International Quilt Festival of Ireland in June. I am hoping it will be better organized this year. I can only go for a day because of other commitments. But the one top of my bucket list is definitely Paducah. I am really hoping that I can go next year. I would also like to go the the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham - actually I might go there this year if I can. And then Houston - but I am not sure I would have the stamina for Houston, it sounds fascinating but exhausting too. :roll:

[Hannelore N.]

Rita, if you manage FoQ this year, please, let me know. I'm going to be there all 4 days. I'm going to help with the British Guild (Traditional Group) most days, but will be busy with a 2-day workshop with the wonderful Patti Hempen on Wednesday (before the show actually opens) and Thursday. I would never forgive you if you make it to Birmingham, and we miss eachother.

[Rita C.]

Lorchen, I wouldn't dream of going and not getting in touch. Sure you would be part of the reason for going! I have just checked the dates online and see that it is the 8th - 11th August. Hmmmm, might be a bit tight this year.... and yet, maybe I could pop over for a day? Needs more thought.

[Hannelore N.]

Rita, if it doesn't work out this year, we'll make it work next year.

As long as I'm still working full-time my travelling totally depends on school holidays. I know that there are the weekends, but it really doesn't make sense to hop over to Ireland for that show when I'm still working on a Friday, and will then be pretty tired after the usual eventful week, and have to be back in school on the Monday - without falling asleep during lessons...... What I'm saying is: Ireland is not really possible till after I retire.

Wouldn't it be funny if we eventually manage to meet in person for the first time in either Padukah or Houston?!

[Susan B.]

I have just signed up for a class with Pam Holland at the International Quilt Festival of Ireland in June. .... And then Houston - but I am not sure I would have the stamina for Houston, it sounds fascinating but exhausting too. :roll:

Rita, I am sooooooooo friggin' jealous. I think Pam is one of the most creative, diverse artists/quilters I follow. She keeps her blog posting up better than anyone else I've seen. What will she be teaching?

I don't know about Houston, don't think I could handle the crowds. I wonder if the crowds clear out in the afternoons?

[Lois B.]

I would like to go to both Paducah and Houston some day. I think Paducah in the smaller town sounds nice. But I am concerned about the small town handling crowds. I wouldn't want an hour or two drive to the show everyday. INQF in Houston is big, but so is Houston and they are ready for crowds. I really don't know what I am talking about because I've been to neither one. Those are my impressions. If I am wrong, I am hoping someone give me the real scoop!

[Norma H.]

Lorchen, your pictures really show what's it all about. I want to go to Birmingham and get to know you in person, but I don't think it's going to happen this year. I will plan for being able to go next year. Meet you there, Lorchen and Rita

[Lotti D.]

I'm also hoping to get to Birmingham next year...
Would be great if we could all make it!

[Hannelore N.]

Girls, it's a date for 2014!

[Rita C.]

Okeydokey, see y'all in Birmingham 2014!

Susan, the class is her 'Amazing Alphabet' one. There is also a 'Notebook Quilt' class in the afternoon but I want to have some time to see the exhibits so I don't think I can do that. On the Friday she also has a 'Drappliqué' class which I would have loved to do too.

[ANNE E.]

I too had trouble with the Smile Box and Margo's Japanese link and kept on getting "Server Alert" but if you click on the little X in the top right hand corner of Server alert it plays OK. I was also able to get it on Google Chrome.
Those Japanese quilts were amazing and like Margo it would be lovely go to one of those shows but it" ain't never going to happen" but one can dream and as long as we can seen the fabulous quilts on TQS that's enough for me.
Anne

[Constance G.]

I would like to go to both Paducah and Houston some day. I think Paducah in the smaller town sounds nice. But I am concerned about the small town handling crowds. I wouldn't want an hour or two drive to the show everyday. INQF in Houston is big, but so is Houston and they are ready for crowds. I really don't know what I am talking about because I've been to neither one. Those are my impressions. If I am wrong, I am hoping someone give me the real scoop!

Lois, I am "allergic" to crowds, but have never had any problems at the Paducah show. There are so many venues to see that the 30,000 visitors seem to distribute themselves pretty effectively. The quilt displays are busiest on the first day of the show and in the mornings, but are much quieter starting mid-afternoon. The real issue with Paducah is lodging, but there are a number of chain hotels within a 10 minute drive of the convention center. Rooms do book up a year in advance (I've already signed my contract for next year), but for the interested, it's worth getting on the wait list for the hotels at exit 4 of I-24. Rooms do open up unexpectedly. Might also be worthwhile to check with the local chamber of commerce for other lodging options.

[Norma H.]

So, girls, we have a date next year

[Heather J.]

Hi,

I will be traveling to England and France to visit family, and have made plans to go to the Festival of Quilts this year on the 9th as I am landing on the 8th and figure I'll need some time to recover after so many hours of flying. I wonder if there will be a TQS meet up similar to what I read about for Houston. If there is, let me know and I'll drop in. Cheers Heather

[Pam D.]

I'm in for 2014 at Birmingham :-)