In the latest edition of All-Access on Bluprint, join me and get the inside scoop on America’s largest annual quilt show, the Houston Quilt Festival. Inside these four exclusive episodes we meet some of the industry’s best as they share their stories, techniques and, of course, quilts!
Previously on the blog we talked about the Best Quilt Shows in the USA. It wasn't until that post that I realized the enormous scope of this festival!
This event brings together over 55,000 people from 35 different countries around the world. People flock to the Houston Quilt Festival for many reasons – to take classes, view the gallery of quilts, buy sewing supplies from the many different vendors, and simply, to get inspired!
This past November I left my then 9-month old baby (for the first time!!) and flew to Texas to catch the first two days of the Houston Quilt Festival. Along with a crew of seven people, we explored the show, had some amazing conversations, and honestly, just had an all-around great time. Because, let's get real, very few things could have enticed me to hop on a plane and fly away from my baby. It would have taken something very special. Like meeting these people...
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Episode 1: Marti and Stacy Michell
It has been a dream of mine to meet the one and only, incomparable Marti Michell. She is a pivotal figure in the quilting world. You can actually have a quick read here about what makes her the original influencer waaaay before social media coined the term. This first episode also includes a special treat – we get to hang out with Marti's fabric-dyeing daughter, Stacy! See how this mother-daughter duo take part in our community despite owning their own separate businesses.
Episode 2: Mister Domestic
Mister Domestic, aka Mathew Boudreaux, aka my sweet friend talks about his creative process, why positivity is the most important thing, and where he pulls his inspiration. Mathew and I could have chatted all night (actually, we did chat all night, we just did it off camera)!
Episode 3: Laura Wasilowski
I sit down and visit with quiltmaker and Artfabrik store owner Laura Wasilowski. Laura explains her hand-embroidery and fusing techniques, plus how she creates her original style through repeated simple stitching and a little improv.
Episode 4: Alex Anderson
Last year I met the fabulous Alex Anderson when I was a guest on The Quilt Show. (Don't judge teh haircut and also I was 14 weeks pregnant while filming!) Alex has a personality that was made for TV! See us laugh and talk about how the industry has changed. Alex leaves me with some great advice about the importance of friendship in our quilt community.
Have you been to the Houston Quilt Festival? What are you favorite things about going? Tell us in the comments! Be sure to check out more on mybluprint.com and on their social media:
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Maybe one day I’ll get to the Houston Quilt Festival as I have a stepson and step daughter in law in Galveston and now have a step grandson.
Looks amazing. BIG like everything in the States compared with lil’ ‘ol’ England.
Will have to wait until little Oliver is older so his mum and I can have an adventure.
Cheers
Sue
You knocked this out of the park!!! So proud of you and Bluprint for this phenomenal series! Love ya!
How fun for you and for the quilters you interviewed! Bet it was an amazing quilty good time!!