I'm back from the second QuiltCon. I had not planned on going, but the possibility of meeting quite a few of my favorite quilters tipped the balance in favor of going. My gracious, good friend, QuiltingCyclist, had a shareable room within rock-throwing distance of the Austin Convention Center -- so off to Austin I went.
Firstly, I had lots of fun!
Secondly (& certainly the cause of Firstly), I made the effort to repress my wallflower nature & boldly approached people I did not know & introduced myself to them. I met Libs Elliot -- an amazing quilter! we chatted about her process & what is upcoming for her. I met Andres (aka Mad Tesla), from my virtual acquaintance with him I knew he is talented & funny, now I know he is also charming & smart. I met Lynn Harris (in fact followed her into the ladies' room like a creepy stalker), we talked about tiny patchwork stars & her soon-to-be-released book. I met Melissa Averinos, she made an amazing face quilt that won Judges' Choice & after we talked, she continued to recognize me & say "hi" when our paths crossed. I met Sherri Lynn Wood & had her sign a copy of her new book -- she gave me some good advice that I hope to apply to my quilt-making & to life in general. I met Tara Faughnan, I've loved her quilts for some time & was delighted to find a spirit similar to mine. I met entropy always wins -- crazy talented, crazy smart & crazy nice! she recently made fabric rose brooches & gave me one! I met bookybookish, an Instagram friend who is now a Real Friend. I did not get to meet armchair quilter, Claudia, it just didn't work out this time, but someday! I did not meet, but enjoyed seeing 2 of Leslie Schmidt's quilts. And I did not get to reconnect with completely cauchy, the poor dear got sick the week before QuiltCon & she finally decided not to come, but I got to see several of her quilts on display.
It was such a pleasure putting faces & voices together with quilters & bloggers that I admire.
Thirdly, I saw lots of fabulous quilts. There were 2 special exhibits, one was a group of Gee's Bend quilts -- a group of the women taught workshops & gave the keynote talk -- the other were quilts from the collection of Bill Volkening, quilts from the 50s, 60s & early 70s -- lots of joyful color & polyester! And the quilts entered to hang, well, here is just a few.
I got a temporary quilty tattoo. Hmmmmm, next time, maybe a real one........?
7 comments:
Maybe one day I'll get there and if I saw you I'd race over and give you a big hug and want to hang out with you all day. Its great to hear you had a wonderful time meeting everyone, and from the quilts you've shared it looks like a great show of quilts.
I knew it...I just knew you were there..I am so thrilled for you..I ditto Rachel's comment I would insist that we make it a threesome..
Sounds like you had a wonderful time.....I did as well. So sorry I didn't run into you.
I'm glad to hear you had a great time! Still very sad to have missed seeing you though. Houston, October? I hope so. :)
I'm liking that temp tattoo, I must say! At first glance I thought it was real. It's a sweet and subtle design, I think. You should go for it. Though, as someone with a small wrist tatt (that I barely survived), I will warn you that area on the forearm is pretty tender territory for ink.
Thanks for the Quilt Con wrap-up. Looks like you had a great time! Meeting people you've known on line is so fun. I'll bet you're inspired!
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