I had the privilege to lead a tour of 35 quilters to the US, ending up at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. And boy what a trip it was!
On the long haul to get there we spent a while in Denver airport - these signs are on every bathroom.
Then to Missouri where we had two days at Missouri Star Quilt Company in Hamilton. The town is pretty much quilt shops all owned and run by the Doan family. Lots of shopping and mailing home from the girls!
A chance visit to the Pony Express Museum - really interesting place if you're ever in St Joseph.
Chillicothe for murals and antique stores and a quilt shop visit in Cameron. There were lots of those on the tour!
One night in our hotel was a sit-and-sew to complete the project I gave the girls. A nice little thread catcher basket made with pentagons.
Next stop, Chicago. Wow what a city! Freezing cold but that didn't stop us. City tour, Frank Lloyd Wright's house and a visit to the Modern Quilt Studio of Bill Kerr and Weeks Ringle. Fantastic display of their quilts and a bit of shopping too! Plus a visit to the 96th floor of the Hancock building.
A definite change in temp when we got to Houston - hot and steamy. We were a 10 minute walk from the Convention centre but these bike things were very popular.
Art around the city
We stayed at the Magnolia Hotel - great place
I had time to do a class with Jane Sassaman. Lots of ideas for future projects.
With nearly 500 shops there was a lot of variety and some pretty good displays
Two days at the show and we were of to the Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange. These murals are on the side of the building in a lovely garden setting.
Houston is a big city with lots of homeless people around. We were there for the Astros' win of the baseball World Series and the city went crazy for two days. Partying and a big parade that gridlocked the streets for hours.
Farewell dinner then home - here is our tour manager Lyn on the left and Helen from Michelle Marvig's group on the right.
Goodbye Houston and the Magnolia - we had a blast!