The experience of a lifetime

It's hard to come back to earth after almost a week in Houston for the International Quilt Festival.  Gail Stepanek and I attended the awards ceremony where we finally found out what we had won: The Pfaff Master Award for Machine Artistry - what a thrill!  Winning one of the top eight awards meant we had to make an acceptance speech the next day at the winner's luncheon.  We both sweated over it but managed to get through it without drooling or crying.



We spent a lot of time in front of our quilt answering questions.  Gail brought her pattern and a sample block so she could show how the top had been made.  She especially enjoyed showing these kids that were there - they had all made their own little quilts.

I like that they matched the flower arrangement in front of our quilt to the colors of the quilt:

It was fun to meet so many quilters from all over the world as they came by to see the quilt and congratulate us - it was truly the experience of a lifetime, we both feel so lucky to have had it.




The quilts were incredible and beautifully displayed, especially the amazing display of red and white quilts in honor of the show's Ruby anniversary.

 

 

 

We found time for shopping and for relaxing:

My sister Kathy came to the show from Oregon.  She is not a quilter and had never been to a quilt show before- nothing like starting with Houston!  Despite being a newby to the whole thing she enjoyed the quilts and the shopping - she even says she is ready for next year!

 

 

 

Here she is inspecting an antique signature quilt which she found fascinating.

Our collaboration has taken us places we never expected!