Last weekend was one of my favorite trips of the year - south to Houston's, Quilt Market. Held one week prior to Quilt Fest every year, Quilt Market is the 'to the trade' version of Quilt Fest (but slightly toned-down). Everyone in the industry gathers for three days (more or less, depending on one's commitment) to see the latest in fabrics, patterns, sewing notions and machines. And of course, the quilt competition hangs majestically at one 
end of the
A visit to Amy Butler's booth is always a must. I love to look at the Midwest Modern designer's new palette. This season is clear, bright colors and full of exotic florals.
I was impressed with eStudio Fabrics 'wedding cake'display! How delightful.
Of course, one of the ab
solute joys of Quilt Market is connecting with friends. Deborah Jones, Designs Ask the Expert columnist, signed books in the Checker Distributor booth. What a crowd she drew!
Then I 'stumbled' into my dear friend, Rita Farro, at the Schmetz booth. Rita, armed with a gigantic needle, attempted to shake my hand! Oh, the fun we had with that prop! Many of you remember Rita from her days of writing the last page of Designs, Linking Threads. She's
been busy since then - working with the Sew Expo show, loving her granddaughter, enjoying her husband's retirement and toting some crazy tote bag around the country. Read more at Rita's blog, http://ritassewfun.blogspot.com/
After the work is done, I reward myself with a visit to the quilt competition. It's very quiet and peaceful in that section. It's like walking into a church or a museum, voices reverently drop, feet quietly slow and eyes move from one visual feast to the next. It's easy to get lost amongst the black drapes that build the skeleton of the show. Each aisle has been thoughtfully grouped and exquisitely lit. It is most likely, my favorite two hours of the year.
