Back from Houston ...

... and just as awe-struck as ever! The quilts were *gorgeous* (what else is new? ). I've had to mark just about all of the posts since I left as "read" (you were a very talkative bunch, and I'd never have caught up ), but I did notice a discussion about repeat winners. Caryl Bryer Fallert is, I believe, a repeat winner, but I don't think the quilt she submitted this year is tremendously like previous ones, though I'll admit it does have a few of her "signature" elements. I don't mind people winning over and over, as I think it pushes everyone else to come up with something better. Not that I'll ever be that good, but I do love going and looking at these masterpieces. :)

I had two classes, neither of which was during show hours this year.

*Big* mistake! I never had a chance to rest! LOL! The first was a night class from Ted Storm on how to do thumb quilting -- very good class, too! :) Then there was a Sunday morning (*early*!) class from Philippa Naylor -- the third class I've had from her, and I'd take another in a heartbeat. She's really wonderfully encouraging. The only bad thing about it was that it was only a three-hour class, and I could have stayed there quite happily for most of the day. The quilter seated next to me in class was floating on a cloud, as she'd had a quilt accepted into the show -- and I don't blame her a bit! I think having one accepted is a win, no matter whether or not there's a ribbon involved.

I ended up going to Houston alone this year, as my roommate had to cancel. I almost cancelled, too, but I knew I couldn't get my class fees back, so I went ahead, and I don't regret it for an instant. I never had to eat a meal alone, and I certainly wasn't the only quilter who was there without a buddy. Oh, and Friday I got really lucky and had a visit with Wendy/Frood! :D It's been far too long since I've seen her. In addition, I met up with a woman from another list I'm on, and we spent lots of time hanging around together.

Today I arrived home in time to greet two of our DGSs, who are staying with us for several days while their mom is out of town; they'll repeat that twice more before Thanksgiving. I love them dearly, but I know why

*young* women are supposed to mother small children. ;)
Reply to
Sandy
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It's so good to see you, Sandy. I thought of you, especially when I saw that Philippa had won a prize (and I remembered you were taking a class from her). How great to have met up with Wendy. The twins are probably nearly in High School >gg< (not quite!). I'm really glad the 'alone' worked out so well for you.

You'll have to take 'stengthening medicine' before Christmas, after the boys' visits >g< . In message , Sandy writes

Reply to
Patti

Howdy!

What a good report, Sandy! Thanks! Now, for the part you left out: what'd ya' get?!?

R/Sandy

Reply to
Sandy E

Thanks for giving us the scoop on your time in Houston Sandy. Sounds very inspiring--both with the quilting, and meeting up with quilting buddies from the lists.

Enjoy your DGSs. But I do know what you mean about having children being for younger women. When my little cousins come to visit, ages 3-9 yrs, I wish I had just a 10th of their energy!

Best regards, Michelle > ... and just as awe-struck as ever! The quilts were *gorgeous* (what

Reply to
Michelle C.

LOL! Not as much as most people, Sandy! I did buy a Martelli rotary cutter, though. I've admired Cherrywood fabrics for years, so this year I bought a kit to make a little vest from them. I bought a few threads to play with and a few more silk ribbons to use when doing silk ribbon embroidery by machine. I really do want to do a bit more of that, as it's lots of fun. Hmm ... oh yes -- I bought some Steam-a-Seam2 (wide) for a class I'll be taking in January, and a free pattern came with that. There was a souvenir thimble to add to my collection and an apron pattern, and I also bought a new batting from the Pellon company. Gosh, I guess I bought more than I thought!

I tried to buy a book, but that didn't work out. It was the last copy they had of that one, and it was pretty beat-up. I asked if they had another, but they didn't, so then I asked if they'd knock something off the price (full cover price was asked) because of the damage. Nope. That being the case, I figured I could get one for less at Amazon (free shipping, too, if I buy two books ) that would be in good condition. I can't imagine why these people thought that a damaged book was worth what a pristine copy sells for, but there's no accounting for some people's reasoning.

Other than that, I bought a few little notions my DT wanted me to pick up for her; I'll ship them to France for her in the next day or two. I also picked out some batik FQs for a friend who wanted some light-colored ones, as well as a necklace I'm going to use for our holiday exchange.

I stopped by the Tracey's Tables booth to tell them how much I've enjoyed the cabinet I bought from them last year. They have a new design now with a slanted top for better visibility.

I really did spend most of my time looking, both at the vendors' stalls and -- naturally -- at the gorgeous quilts. Those Russian quilts were amazing; my general impression was of red. I guess if I lived in that climate I'd want bright, warm colors, too.

So, did I answer your question?

Reply to
Sandy

What a great trip you had!

Any chance that Wendy will pop back in here? I do miss reading her posts.

marcella

Reply to
Marcella Peek

I did, Marcella! :)

I miss her, too, but I doubt that she'll pop in -- or at least not very often. She's pretty busy with the WOW group these days. :S

Reply to
Sandy

Howdy!

Yep, that will do just fine, Sandy. Now I know...

R/Sandy - glad you didn't leave anything in a taxi, this trip ;-)

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Reply to
Sandy E

I'm surprised you remember that after all this time, Sandy. That was six years ago! LOL! But now I'm really careful to check the cab before getting out. ;)

Reply to
Sandy

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