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

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

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

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

Pat in Rockport, TX

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

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

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

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

Do take the seminar, it's wonderful. And if you do, sign up to be one of the volunteers. You will get to help hang and take down the quilts. I had a great time doing it, and got to meet some of the other TQS members.

Pat in Rockport, TX

I went to the one in Knoxville last September and can tell you that you would definitely get a lot out of it!!! You won't believe how much stuff they cover and the big screen format is awesome! Not only that, you will get to see Ricky's and Alex's and Libby's quilts up close and personal!!! MONEY AND TIME WELL SPENT!!!
Your SIL is a big girl....she can probably deal with it! Better yet, get her to go with you!!!!!!!!!

Are any of you signed up for the Super Seminar? I was thinking of seeing if my SIL can survive without me if I sign up for it.

Lynn glad to see you back, hope to meet you in Houston. I will be there Tuesday afternoon to Sunday noon or so. Looking forward to see one and all.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

By the way, I did hear the other day that the Quilt Festival is still on target. I think I read here that someone was wondering if it would be cancelled. Since it's the largest Convention in the city every year, I'm sure they would go to extraordinary means to keep it coming here!

Can't wait to meet some/all of you.
Lynn

We have a saying in Texas. If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it will change! I'd advise layers. The last couple of years, it's been chilly out of doors, but it can really warm up on the convention floor, so a jacket is a definite! Can't wait to see all of you!