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!

Reetzbobeetz wrote:
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?

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?!

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.

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.

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.

Here we are.... The Moulton Mill Quilter's Exhibition:





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The most important quilt show here in Europe is 'Festival of Quilts'. It takes place in Birmingham for four days. I go every year, and very much enjoy it, but I must admit I do have a very soft spot in my heart for the 'little guys'!

Interesting question..... To be honest, I just love the really small shows that are sometimes put on by local quilting groups, often bi-annually, and in interesting locations. They always buzz with enthusiasm, and personally I find these 'grass roots' activities a lot more satisfying than the big shows. My two favourites are both in Lincolnshire, just under 2 hours drive from where I live. 'A Stitch in Kyme' (lovely name for a quilt group) display their quilts (and other items made from fabric) in the small church in Kyme. It's a challenging venue, but has got sooo much atmosphere. Here are a couple of pictures:





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Rosemary and I met for the first time at the quilt exhibition in Kyme in 2009, and had a super time getting to know eachother!

The other show is put on by the Moulton Mill Quilters, a bunch of wonderful ladies. I just wish I'd live closer and could join them. They meet every week, but during the day. I sometimes manage to join them as their guest when there is a school holiday. Their meetings and their exhibitions are in a working windmill. Pictures in the next message because I'm only allowed three per post..........

I think this thread is great. I am new to attending quilt shows. I was to Quilt Oddessey in Hershey PA in July of 2011. I was really green and had no idea you had to sign up for classes months in advance, but I did manage to hear a lecture by Sue Nichols and Bob Purcel's Thread lecture. This spring I spent 4 days at quilt Lancaster and took 4 courses. It was wonderful, but I have nothing to compare it too. It's a 2 hour trip from home. The other great quilt education experience I had was Ricky Tims Super Seminar. It was wonderful. I'd go again. It is a definite must do!!!!

Ann, thanks for the info on Minnesota. We have friends in St. Joseph and usually make a trip up once a year. This year we are going in July. Next year I will have to make sure we go in June.

I'd plan a trip to Ireland for their new Intl show as well as a trip to France.
Jeanine

My first choices if money and health are not an issue would be England - maybe the Birmingham show and Ireland International Quilt Festival but then I am a absolute devotee of traveling in England, Ireland and Scotland but health does not allow it any more. So for closer to "home" where ever that happens to be, I love the Minnesota Quilt Show. It rotates around four cities in Minnesota - Duluth this year, St. Cloud in '14, St. Paul in '15, Rochester in '16 and then back to Duluth. Each city has its charms and the show is wonderful. Great vendors, many high quality quilts and interesting classes. So come to beautiful Minnesota in June for a great show. Hugs, Ann (the traveling quilter - now in Illinois)

twiglet wrote:
Me too...

twiglet wrote:
I'm going to try to go to this show!!

Nancy