Our bags are mostly packed...I'm at the "what have I forgotten" stage. Off we go early tomorrow. We're spending a couple of days with Gary's cousin before the show. I'm looking forward to meeting many of you there. It's going to be so fun!

Safe trip to you all.
Pat

FIVE DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!!!

Hi all.... am sooo envious of all who are going this year. I had planned to make the trip UNTIL DD announced a baby coming just about this time (and she does need my help - this is her 3rd and she's in the middle of working on a PhD. I'm actually moving to her town for a semester.) BUT.... next year surely the stars will allign. I've just spent many hours working w/ Ami Simms and the Alzheimers Art Quilt Initiative prepare 1000 quilts and would love to see her booth, so drop on by for me, please.
Enjoy, enjoy and post about anything exceptionally exciting. There are many of us who will be vicariously living it through you all.

I'll be in booth 1646 (Summer Sky Creations), so look for me when you're out walking around. Or stop by & get me if you need a lunch partner

If you haven't done it yet, please make some kind of a TQS name tag to wear at the show! It will not only help others to spot you, but will help those of us who can't remember names!

Even if you just print one out on stiff paper, it will help! Here's the link to the design, but I've got to tell you that some of our friends get really creative with it! It's fun!

[url]learn/projects/[/url]

Here is the official Quilts.com parking map http://quilts.com/fqf10/info/ShuttleRoute.pdf.

My sister and I just learned that our non-quilting sister (who lives in Kingwood near Houston) will NOT be able to come to the quilt show with us. Bummer!

But that also means that we will have to be driving ourselves.

I know that we will be taking I-59 straight downtown, but am wondering...

Where is the best place to park near the George Brown Center?

Any hints from Houston / Texas natives? Former attendees?

BethMI

Thanks for all the info. about the show, It will be my first visit, so am slightly aprehensive but also excited. We are friends from the Quilters Guild Uk and will be staying from Monday to following Sunday at the Hilton. I have managed to book only one class with Karen Kay Buckley on Monday , the tour on Wednesday and the park evening. Will be looking out for Quilt Show Members at the meet and greet, hope to speak to some of the people who I almost feel I know.

Gabrielle

Wow. Pickpockets. I wouldn't have thunk THAT! Thanks for the tip!

I will come prepared with the same system I used in Europe this fall - waist wallet and backpack to carry a sweater, etc.

BethMI

I'm planning to wear a fanny pack. Certainly not a fashion statement, but at least I can keep my money safe and have my hands free. But, on the other hand, it will go perfectly with my "fashionable" athletic shoes.

Thanks for all the Houston information - I'm a long-time lurker. This is my first trip to Houston and have absolutely no idea what to expect about anything! I feel a lot more prepared now.

Janet

Remember that there is a location to store your shopping bags! That is probably the safest thing to do short of keeping it all tucked under your arm!!

Margo, thanks for the information, I really was unaware of this! Darn! Some people sure know how to take advantage of others! And, I just read on the internet that backpacks are a bad idea. That we should always keep our money/belongings in front of us where we can keep an eye on it. I thought a backpack would be such an easy solution for the "there's too much hanging on my sore shoulder" syndrome. (I could always buy less, but where's the fun in that?) I'll just have to mosey back to my room (Hilton) periodically, and dump stuff. Dawn

Sad to say, but YES!! Apparently last year there was an entire group of professional pick-pocketers, and there was even an announcement over the intercom to be aware and guard your purses and wallets!!! :shock: Some were apprehended.

Obviously, they weren't quilters, but common thieves!! Just be cautious and aware, but enjoy your adventure.