November 4th

900 photos, lots of video and a great deal to share. This will be the last of the Houston blogs, now I will go back to the old one.
I interviewed an Australian quilter on camera today. She was just so impressed by the friendliness and kindness of everyone she has met here in the USA. I concur it’s the most wonderful environment to work in. I count myself as very lucky... sometimes I have to pinch myself.
To the girls in Stanley Tasmania... Angela is doing well and going to the basketball tonight!!!!
Barb, I found the book at last. It’s interesting, there are a number of projects to do in the back, quite simple but using her method of no sewing on paper for foundation piecing... an idea I applaud.

I found a great new tool at superior, its called a “Superior Snipper” and I can’t wait to try it out. It’s 3 tools in one, it has a curved blade to use as a seam ripper a harp blade to clip the thread flush with the fabric and can also be used as an awl.
I had an interesting experience last night when I introduced some of my quilting Tutor friends to Keith at dinner. He now knows that there are others out in the world as crazy as I.
We talked about being disoriented at times. You know when you stay in so many hotels... sometimes you wake up and don’t know where you are.
Carol Doak related a fabulous story. She woke one night and getting up couldn't find her way around the dark room. Suddenly she put her hand on a very large foot in the other bed. her heart thumped... who was this person in her room... it was obviously a male foot. she gingerly found her way to the light and then realized it was her husband and she was home, not in a hotel room.... Carol has the most wonderful laugh.... she had us in stitches.
Believe me folk it happens...!!! We all had similar stories and Keith was amazed.
Dianne Gaudinsky wonders how I find myself in funny situations,
She left with Keith and I and I told her I could get the Hilton to drop us off at our hotels just by asking for a car.
Out we go to the lobby. I ask for a car to the Hyatt.... certainly madam.... Dianne was impressed.... in the mean time, the cute porter took a liking to my jacket and asked if he could stroke it!!!! I mean really. Now Dianne believes my stories, even with Keith standing there!!!!

I have made a page of photos of some of the quilts... so if you would like to see it, just email me, it’s not for public viewing, just blog friends....

Illustrated blog on

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November 3rd

It’s been a super day. Just before 10-am 1000’s of people lined up to get into the show. The queues were long at every entrance. Ladies in bright colored quilting attire clutching large bags made in the latest workshop waited in utmost anticipation for the doors to be swung open. Security guards held the crowds at bay. I filmed the lines and interviewed some of the patrons.
Keith and I armed with cameras went to the furthest set of booths, figuring that folk might decide to begin closest to the door... to be honest I don’t think it made much difference.
However, I got a super buy. 5 pieces of antique Afghani hand made jewelry for a very low price. I couldn’t believe it. So I figured we made a good choice. These ladies needed to rest their feet early.... As I was taking their photo. They recognized my name plate and they are the co-ordinators of a program I’m doing in Santa Clara California. So we had a chat.
Bumped into John Bunge, Husband of Cathy Miller... so we had another chat
Now there are some wondrous walking masterpieces. I’m impressed.
Really there is just everything you need for quilting on show here in Houston. The Festival caters for your every need. I did a little stop at the bling stall, yes you can even buy gold jewelry, antique jewelry, beaded jewelry, broken china jewelry... you name it. It’s here.
My passion is vintage and there are dozens of booths stocked high with vintage table cloths, fabric, feed sacks and an article I haven't seen before, washed woven grain sacks. They are plain, thick weave with a red stripe up the middle.
Personally I prefer to buy my vintage at antique malls. The prices are much lower.
Rick rack in every color is on display as are bright colored bake-light buttons.
I visited the book stalls, the book you enquired about is not in stock... maybe she is self published....but I’ll look again tomorrow.
Bumped into friends from Australia and interviewed them on `1 and then friends from Michigan....
Now did you know there are now 28 million quilters in the United States. The average age of the dedicated quilter is 59!!!!!
I’ve not had any dramas, muggings or dramatic adventures, (although there was a punch up in Macy’s yesterday) Two men were fighting over a woman and child.... now I watch CI, so I was hiding behind the ladies clothes stand. I wasn’t going to move in case they had a gun. Nothing happened except a few thumps and some words I have never heard before!!


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31st October

Early morning and it’s a little darker out this morning. Daylight saving gave me an extra hour yesterday but I’m back to real time this morning.
As a Tutor, my schedule doesn’t allow me to get out to shops to view the latest in notions and fabric.
Quilt market twice a year affords me the best opportunity to see “what’s in and what’s out”
Yesterday I sampled batting, 5 new samples from Hobbs. I’m looking forward to testing when I get home.
I saw a vacuum for your threads, A light for your rotary cutter, The most stunning vintage notions. (Huge chunky bake-light buttons) New books and new fabrics.
Jackie Robinson is following on with her flower series and this time her fabric features “fuchsias”
Sue Nickels and Darlene Christophersen have made a breathtaking raffle quilt, take a look.
Time to go and begin a busy day.
Best wishes..
Pam

Illustrated blog on

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30th October

My press release states “ Hundreds of exhibitors offer their latest products to quilt shop retailers from around the world. Experts teach “how to use” classes and new merchandising techniques to make shops more profitable. Also a full slate of classes, lectures, and special events. Finally there are more than 1600 quilts, dolls and garments on display.” I think that just about says it all.
Today we wandered the aisles photographing interesting things.
Clover has a wonderful new tool for making small and large yo’ yo’s.
EQ6 is about to be launched. I’m told it even re-sizes fabric which will be a great help for those who use the program. I’ll be one of their first clients.!!!
Piece Of cake designs have some great new patterns. Becky Goldsmith is coming to Australia soon too.!! The girls have designed some wonderful children's quilts...
http://www.pieceocake.com/

Kaye England has wonderful new fabrics, she will also be in Australia in the next couple of weeks.
http://www.kayeengland.com/

Moda, makes my heart beat faster as well. They have super new ranges. I love the American Jane fabrics.


Breckling Press 
will soon have this great book!!!!!
It has caused a lot of interest here at market. So i have a few TV and magazine interviews to follow up. I’m rather chuffed really.

Well its 1.00 am and I have a day of filming tomorrow.... enjoy the show.


Pam