Festival Textiles and Friends

With all the big news this week, I have had a left-sided headache for my right-sided self (have compassion on me, please!). With all that along with preparation for the upcoming holiday craft shows I am in this month, I'm afraid I'm beginning to push out the details of the quilt fest already. I'm going to finish all my show and tell today in one post. Be sure to read to the end for the you-know-what.

I dropped a bundle at the show. I tried to be careful, but it was all so tempting. I had promised myself, though, that I would stick to purchasing only items that I couldn't easily find on the internet or at home stores. Thus, the purchase of all the hand-dyed trim I showed yesterday, as she only sells at shows.

I was very happy to find some Japanese prints. I was hoping to see the new Kokka line and all those cute little prints, but they were only at market and had already gone for the festival. I did find one booth full of cuties and spent a good while choosing these few pieces.

.

I was suprised to make a vintage find, too. In the first row of the show, a gal had a booth full of vintage textiles. All sorts of kitchen linens and curtains.

I wasn't planning to fall for anything right away, as this was the first day, first row of booths, but when I saw this pretty pink, dogwood tablecloth perfect for my kitchen, I knew I had to grab it up. Dogwood trees, especially pink ones, are my favorite. This was the first purchase of the day for me.

Next we found Julie from the Quilter's Barn in Australia. We had a big time talking with her, and she has some beautiful fabrics and patterns.

A number of these fabrics were printed in Japan, but these definitely had the feel of English/American shabby chic-vintage. I spotted these florals pretty quick but was also enchanted by the vintage, American, baseball themed piece.

Back in the spring of this year, I participated in a quilt swap and received this little beauty:

It was made by Paula from A Latte Quilts. She lives in Houston, and I got to meet her at the festival, too.

We only spent a short time together, but I felt I already knew her from her pretty blog and great descriptions of her family life and quilting passion. She lived up to her blog reputation, and I wish we could have spent more time together.

Okay, I have one final story to tell. As Beth and I strolled up to a corner booth, I spotted the new "Where Women Create" magazine. As I began to reach out and touch it, I looked up, and who did I see but Sandra Evertson and Jenny Doh! I was so surprised to be looking at two ladies who I felt I knew but couldn't place. However, it all quickly came together when I realized that the magazine was a Somerset magazine.

I started dropping names again; you know, I do that! Anyway, first I mentioned to Beth - "You know those little papier mache clown heads your mom made? The idea comes from Sandra's book." (see below)

Then, I said to Jenny, "You know, this is my friend, Beth, and her mother is ..." Right. (See my previous post for details.) They loved that and got all excited! Poor Beth. She really didn't see all this attention coming her way because of her mom's reputation! Jenny put our picture on her blog, too, here, just scroll to the end of it.

.

Somerset was having a promotion for the new magazine, so Beth and I each signed up for a subscription and received the tote bag above and some goodies inside, including the first issue of "Where Women Create" and a MaryJane Farms magazine. I always love those, too.

.

Alrighty, then. That was the bulk of my walk down the Festival Memory Lane. You are good blog friend to have read so far! Now for my little treat to one of you who could not attend. I made a few purchases with a gift for you in mind.

.

.

This gift hurts, though. The star is easy to send you because I bought one of each color (as at the top of the post) for me and an extra red for one of you. The trim and Japanese fabric, however..... well, this is a true gift because I really want to keep it all for me! At the last minute, I found this pattern, too. I was surprised to see all the Americana crafts and patterns at the fair. I love it, but lately that hasn't seemed to be what is popular. I think it's coming back, though. Anyway, I'll draw a name Monday morning from those who post a comment here. Be sure to leave an e-mail address if your comment name doesn't create a link, otherwise, I'll go for a second commenter.

.

I just want to say here how grateful I am for the opportunity to have been part of this blog world over the past year and to have learned so much from everyone. The chance to go to Houston and meet some of you or at least have shared in the same event and same memories has been really exciting. I'm looking forward to another year and seeing what happens next!