QuiltCon is so many things: a quilt show, a conference with great speakers and classes, shopping–complete with short demonstrations going on, a chance to meet Famous Quilters, a chance to hang out with friends and people you don’t see much, and most of all, it’s quilts.  Lots and lots of quilts.  And fabric–did I mention that, too?

I arrived with Leisa Wednesday night in time for the beginning of the conference on Thursday, February 22, 2018.  I stayed until Sunday afternoon, about 10 minutes before they rolled up the rug and kicked us all out.  It was inspiring, exhausting, stimulating and I had a great time.

Three of my local quilt buddies came with me: Simone, Lisa and Leisa, and we met so many others at different lunches and dinners:

from l: Joan, Mary, Leisa, Lisa, Cindy, me, Stephanie, Janice, Simone

from l: Leisa, me, Mary, Joan (end of table), Cindy, Jenn and Heidi

I was able to see my quilt hanging up Paintbrush Studios’ booth.  In the circles above (click to enlarge) it’s evident the booth was busy (center circle), and Deena, Amy Barickman and her mother were so kind and helpful.

I had TOO many classes, and generally I learned something new from almost all of them: 

(Click on any circle to enlarge.)

I love the pencil case of my seat-mate in my Boho Embroidery Class.  I wonder what Angela would say about that sign (!), and you see the beginning of my printing.  Thank you to my daughter for the Amazon Gift Card which became a great squeegee.  My umbrella is crying–we need rain!

Famous Quilter had a Craftsy film crew wherever she went and even in our class.  I thought the operator of the Steady Cam deserved a photo.

I had was asked by the kind people of Paintbrush Studios to do a demo using their Painter’s Palette Solid fabrics, and since I love those solids, I knew it would be easy to talk about them…

…until I saw that the cozy 20-seat demo space had been replaced by a large screen and 80 chairs.  My husband talked me down off the ledge, and Leisa cracked jokes to make me laugh and forget I was terrified.

The first demo was difficult for a variety of reasons, but at the second demo on Sunday morning, I had a great time.  Thanks to everyone who came and I hope you were all early enough to get a kit.

 

Instructions can be found here and here (where you can also right-click to download the instruction card) in case you want the info.

 

I also have a few samples from QuiltCon that I’m happy to share.  Leave a comment below if you’d like to try Painter’s Palette Solids.  I’ll pick one winner from the comments.  If you are a follower, leave me a second comment stating that, and you’ll have twice as many chances!

Giveaway is closed now.  Thank you!

I’ve been posting a ton of quilt images on Instagram, and will continue to do so for a while.

FYI: QuiltCon will be in Nashville in 2019, and back to Austin in 2020.  See you there!