Friday at Houston

I have some highlights from today. But first some stats - there are over 1000 stalls here to visit, in addition to the quilts on display. Here is the view of only a few from the upstairs window. Sadly, close views of many stores are not permitted.

Shopping is my sport of choice, but even I am struggling to see them all. I discovered some beautiful suede like dyed fabrics from Cherrywood Fabrics. The colours are just divine. Take a look with Julie, who was happy to have her shop featured here.

After hours of browsing, and perhaps a few fat quarter purchases, I decided to visit the Miniature Quilt Shop Display.The tiny cushions and quilts are real!

I also went to a lecture this afternoon by Jennifer Rapacki about digital fabric printing. She recommends using modernyardage.com for custom printing if you want the truest colours.


. Happy sewing, Miriamx

Even More Starstruck

I have so many things to share from today. Let's begin with the quilts . There are so many quilts to see here that I have had to pace myself and do one section at a time. You can see by the red section alone it is breathtaking. I call this quilt display my "happy place" here at Houston.

Patricia Kennedy-  Zafred won the Digital Imagery category with this quilt, She screen printed, appliquéd, dyed and quilted it. 

I bumped into Sashiko Chiba at the lift of my hotel. She  won the Merit Hand Quilting First Prize

with this amazing quilt.

I know , I know - I am turning into a name dropper, but I haven't finished yet. I just had to meet astronaut Karen Nyberg too! The star block touching my right shoulder was made by Karen on the International Space Station. Elizabeth and Therese are my Aussie friends sharing this adventure with me.

I haven't posted photos of the many other lovely quilts - but I am only posting those with permission from the quilter.

 Happy sewing, Miriam x

Day one - Starstruck

When I decided to come to Houston I was planning on seeing beautiful quilts, and being swept along with the buzz of a huge quilt show. What I hadn't planned on was meeting a few of the famous! My first   stop today was the Modern Quilt Studio,as recommended by Jill. I met Bill Kerr and here is the proof

Bill Kerr is delightful and we had a great chat together. He and Weeks are heading to Sydney next year, so that is something to look forward to. 

After my blushing and gushing , I then headed to Laundry Basket Quilts and there was Edyta Sitar. Being a chatty person we got to talking and before you know it she gave me a copy of her journal. This I will bring back to Fairholme quilters and give as a lucky door prize at our Christmas Party. She was genuinely touched by our community work. She is delightful,and is happy for me to share photos with you on this blog. More on my next post, Miriam x ( Jill - mission accomplished! )

The Quilt Show has started

This evening the Houston Quilt Show opened for preview night and it was amazing. There was a buzz in the air here all afternoon, with people from all around the world signing up for classes, taking classes, and getting ready for the opening. I can't show you all the winning quilts because I haven't asked permission, but I can show you who I met there! Ros and Jo were looking very happy and relaxed, and are having a fabulous time on their tour. I do believe they might have  full suitcases already! 

The theme this year is red and white, and I have never seen such stunning quilts, both large and small.

Happy sewing,

Miriam 

On my way!

Can you tell that I am just a bit excited about going to Houston? 

Here I am at departures - let the journey commence.

Welcome to My Blog

A very warm welcome to my blog Sew Miriam. This is my first tentative step into the world of blogging, and I invite you to share this journey with me. 

There is no better place to start than my journey to the Houston International Quilt Show. My family and friends will tell you that I love to sew and design quilting projects. It is a passion for me. I adore colour, design,fabrics and quilts.  

After years of dreaming about going, I am seizing this rare window of opportunity, and am heading off to Houston. I am looking forward to being overwhelmed by awesome quilts and fabrics. By recording my experiences here, we can them share together. I have never been able to separate quilting from sharing, and that is what I love about it. There is a unique heartfelt warmth that comes from making and giving quilts to those you love, and those in need. 

The friendships I have made along the way enrich my life daily and I am forever grateful. With less than a week to go, my thoughts are focused on packing, getting things in readiness on the home front, and spending as much time as possible with my family before I fly out.

After Houston, I am staying with my Australian friend Elizabeth in New York. I have made her this cushion for her new lounge. I hope she likes it, as it is made with modern Australian prints.

Happy sewing, Miriam