Kim, Anne and I were on the road to Hampton by 9:00 on a beautiful sunny mild day. We met up with Mom and her friend, Rita at the show. Everything about the day was great. As you walk into the convention hall the first thing you see is Summerset's Bluebird of Happiness with it's Best of Show ribbon! (You can see photos of the garment as it's exhibited on Summerset's blog). I almost missed the artist statement! I was totally surprised and honored. Thank you, Summerset!
If you are ponderinggoing whether to attend the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival this year, do go. I think this is the best Mid-Atlantic show that I've been to. The quilts are very high quality and the vendors have the best variety of fabrics and items ever. Last year it seemed like every vendor was carrying either Kaffe or Amy Butler and nothing else. This year there's something for everyone. We all did our part for the economy and so was everyone else. There were lots of attendees and a lot of buying going in at the show. I bought a new rotary cutter and thimble pads and a "few" fabrics. The rolled fabrics are vegetable dyed cottons from India. The others are a heavier cotton with Japanese prints. Anne and I fell in love with them and bought the entire set - these are my half. I was looking for a new pin cushion but didn't find one that I like.
We also met up with Mary and her Mom and sister. For some reason that conversation turned into which daughter takes the longest to quilt the Mom's quilts. Although she couldn't be there to defend herself, the contest came down to me and Deb (Mary's sister). I believe that it ended in a draw as we are both holding well aged quilt tops for our Moms.
Anne, Kim and I ended our day at Outback and we ate like lumberjacks. We were starved from all of the walking and buying!
It was a great day and it got even better at home because this gift from Karol-Ann was in the mail today! She sent me a tea kit and this cute fisherman stopper for Chris. Karol-Ann, he loved it! Thank you!
While I am on a roll with great surprises, I forgot to share this last one with you last week. When Ruth came to visit last weekend she gave me this beautiful embellished silk bowl that she made. I have no idea how she got it here on the plane from Montana but you can bet that it has a special place on my dining room table!
Last, but not least, a shout out to my brother Tim. We talked about you at lunch and we missed your commentary as we walked through the exhibit. Maybe you can join us again next year!
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this embellished silk bowl is absolutely beautiful.... needs some feather small gold or burg. balls in it...
Posted by: wanda wright | February 26, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Thanks for the report about the show. Nancy and I are leaving bright and early in the morning and staying for 2 days! We always enjoy meeting up with friends for Happy Hour at Embassy Suites. Glad to hear you all had such a great tiem.
Posted by: Becky in VA | February 26, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Glad you enjoyed yourself. Ruth's bowl is lovely.
Posted by: MargB | February 27, 2009 at 02:16 AM
well it sounds like a fabulous day! How lucky you were to see Summerset's garment in person.
Posted by: Sue | February 27, 2009 at 06:13 AM
What a wonderful honor from a friend, to have her dedicate her quilt to you. And best in show to boot!! I'm happy for you both.
Posted by: Cheri | February 27, 2009 at 06:20 AM
That a girl! The economy needs it! Love the tea caddy, lovely!
Posted by: Cindy | February 27, 2009 at 08:56 AM
What a nice day of fabric & family time. Wish I could go to the show! I like the bowl...very creative!
Posted by: Suzanne | February 27, 2009 at 09:33 AM
It's not often my commentary is missed. I was disappointed when I talked to mom and she was on her way. I had a blast last year. Gained a new respect. I'll catch it next year for sure.
Posted by: Tim | February 27, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I'm glad you had fun. I like the swatches, bowl and the tea caddy...very pretty.
Posted by: Carol | February 27, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Too much fun! Thank you for sharing your day and love all the goodies! That bowl is amazing!
Posted by: Becca | February 27, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Vicki, I love the bowl. Some day I hope to learn how to make one for myself. Sounds like you had a great time at the show; good for you!
Posted by: Kathy W. | February 27, 2009 at 04:14 PM
I went to the show on Saturday and I strongly agree that it was by far better than any I have been to. A friend of mine had a quilt accepted so I went to support her and to see everyone else's quilts too! Renea Haddadin's quilt was awesome!, to say the least. I watched her work on it a little in Paducah last April. I love seeing her work up close and personal.
Wish we could have met at the show!
Posted by: Thearica Burroughs | March 02, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Vicki - that is sooooo wonderful that Summerset dedicated that amazing outfit to you. You must have been so proud!
Posted by: Carolyn | March 02, 2009 at 09:57 PM
I'm glad for you, having this much fun with your friends! Summerset totaly deserved the award and I'm thrilled for her too!
The silk bowl looks awesome! What a fabulous gift!
Posted by: Tany | March 04, 2009 at 07:36 AM
We went straight to Chili's after the show because Ann was starving. I guess all that shopping works up an appetite!
Posted by: Mary | March 05, 2009 at 04:55 PM