Houston we have landed.

The next morning we all travelled to the Chicago O'Hare airport to fly to Houston the flight took 3 hours, it was quite amusing too see how much luggage was accumulated by the group, by this time most of the group had 2-3 suitcases,  barr a few, excess luggage may have to be paid before our flight.

We arrived into our hotel just after 4 pm, had lunch settled in and had a little rest before we all walked to the George R Brown convention centre for preview night. 

This being my third visit to Houston it was the first time that I had been to preview night, here was myself thinking we will get to see quilts etc, but I did not expect all the booths to be opened and we could spend money, such a shame that I left my money back at the hotel and DH was no where in sight. 

A silent little plea to self, I will be good and not spend anything, but after spotting DH, money acquired and a few purchases made, so much for will power.

It was all go.

This actually bought a smile to my face, great head gear.

Some fancy wind charms made and hung just before entry to the quilt exhibition.

As you can imagine there are a lot of quilts on display, so I have photographed the winners and put up a few of my favourites as well.

This quilt won the grand prize of $12,500.

A lot of winners from Japan, this quilt won the Founders award $7,500

Another Japan winner, World of Beauty award $7,500, the detail in this quilt was very detailed and quite amazing.

Australian quilt artist Helen Godden won third place.

Helen's other entry was of her daughter, I love the assemetry of this quilt.

Explanation

Another Australian winner was Linda Couch for her miniature.

There was also another couple of Australian winners, but I did not get to see their quilts.

This is Judith Ross from Christchurch in NZ, who had the pleasure of having her quilt accepted to be hung at the Houston show, all made of silk. Judith was part of our tour group.

The many quilts hanging, were a lot of art quilts with some modern and pieced works.

I thought this was very clever.

Being a nurse, great quilt of a heart, clever as well.

This was a Van Gogh challenge, amazing works.

Dear Jane in white, yellow and gray, first quilt made by Christine, I had the pleasure to talk to her, this quilt did not take her long to make, great work for a first time quilter.

Explanation 

Frida small quilt 

Hilary Clinton

I absolutely adored this quilt, the eyes have it and reminded me of our girl at home.

There was a Frida doll challenge, much to my delight.

Great work.

Frida mermaid.

This quilt also impressed me.

These are a few of my favourite pieced quilts.

Log cabin, so many different variations.

Interesting quilt.

Also interesting dressed people, they were happy to pose for photo, I saw them the next day and they had different 1920's gear on.

Jesters, happy to pose

This concludes my quilt show visit, I have been fortunate to visit Houston Quilt Festival three times now and I feel that it is one of best shows and the largest display of quilts. I had two days at the festival and really did not get to see everything, but was very happy with what I did see.

Will return soon with news of our visit to La Grange and the Texas Quilt museum.

Houston Quilt Festival

The day has arrived, after a 15 hour flight we arrived into Houston at 6.30 pm, booked into our hotel, had drinks, dinner and bed. Up bright and early on Thursday, first day for show to open. Brekkie with hubby, then show time, 8 hours later, shopping, chatting and feeling totally exhausted, I ventured back to hotel to see what DH had got up to!!, Rest and relaxation...very smart. Friday I did it all again, this time I first looked at the quilts, there is over 500 quilts on display and all are amazing. A collection of red and white quilts have been selected from all over the world to celebrate the Houston quilt show's ruby anniversary.

As there were so many quilts on display, I have posted photos of the winners as well as some that blew me away with their pure creativity and beauty. Enjoy the peruse !

The overall winner, what amazing work! Featured below is the quilter, $10,000 prize.

Information about the winning quilt below.

The creation below was done by David Taylor, Colorado.

Below a winner from Brazil.

The quilt framed below is an amazing piece of ingenuity, look straight on you see Oprah, to the left, Jackie Onasis and to the right Mother Theresa, only a third prize!

A great display of red and white quilts.

A red and white "Dear Jane"

Dresden plates.

Gorgeous and intricate work from Japan. Aki Sakai, Hachioji, Tokyo.

Mosaic tiles

A close up of the tiny squares, that completed this quilt.

Another amazing quilt made by Cherrie Hampton, Oklahoma, she has incorporated real bison hair into the quilt. The bison was pushing through snow, depicted from a photograph.

Carolyn Konig, a fellow Aussie with Ricky Tims, great to have a chat and see Carolyn's new quilt finished. 

At the end of day 2 at the quilt show, being 31st October and Halloween there were some colourful characters about.

Fellow Aussies also at the quilt show with their stand, Miss Rose and Sister Violet, all dressed up for Halloween.

As guest at the Sam Houston hotel we were invited to their Halloween party, a great time had by all! Some wonderful costumes, nothing like being in America for Halloween.

DH made a new friend!

that's it for Houston, off to San Antonio!