mckwilter

I got signed up for classes at the Houston Quilt Festival in October-November. As always, I'm excited and soooooo glad I live close enough that I don't have to worry about travel expenses. Is anyone else going, have you signed up for classes, and what are you taking?

I've signed up for a Karen Kay Buckley machine quilting class, a Debbie Caffrey class, both the Friday and Saturday Samplers, and Quiltapalooza on Thursday evening. I went to my first one last year and had so much fun.

jamsbuying

My husband and I always go! I've never taken a class :-(. I would be embarrased in a class as I am very much a self-taught beginner. I do have fun though and have gotten great inspiration from the Quilt Festival!!

feline fanatic

Lucky you!

Jamsbuying you really should have no fear of embarassment in any class. That is the whole purpose of a class is to learn so why would you assume other people in the class already know the technique? You really should reconsider and take a class. They are so much fun and you will be in like company of other beginners. Most classes are labled for beginners, confident beginners, intermediate etc. Please you should take advantage. Think of all you could accomplish with a new technique learned.

nativetexan

Oh go for me, go for me!! I moved away from Houston when they were building the Convention Center so I've never attended it myself. sigh! Have loads of fun!! wear good walking shoes too. it's huge.

LadyElisabeth

I would love to be going to Festival. Went to International market in Portland this past spring. So many new products and ideas. HAVE FUN

cindi

My friend Peggi and I went for the first time last year, and we're slated to go this year, too. It was wonderful! And HUGE! We spent SO much time looking at the quilts and shopping there that we'd have never had time for classes the first year. The nice thing about going with Peggi is that while we spent time together looking and shopping, we also spent time alone to see the things we each liked, as we both have completely different tastes when it comes to quilting LOL. It's great when you don't feel you must constantly be with each other and worry about entertaining each other. We're both independent that way. What I really enjoyed was having someone who made me see things a little "differently" than I normally see them. She really opened my eyes to things I wouldn't have noticed were she not there. Took me out of my "comfort zone". We had a blast, and I couldn't think of anyone better to go with! You'll have a great time. Just wear seriously comfortable shoes

Anniedeb

I'm going! My friend lives in Houston, and sent me the catalog...don't know if we'll do classes...she's so far above and beyond my skill level!! She does incredible work, has an awesome studio, whips up amazing things... (hand quilts too)...think we'll just try and take it all in!! Hopefully I'll also get to watch her in action!!

mckwilter

jamsbuying -- they have beginner classes in every catagory -- beginning quilting, FMQ, applique, long arm, and this year they've added the HQ Sweet 16. And just remember, everyone in that class is probably a beginner, too. I've taken applique classes from several different teachers, both at different LQSs and at Festival, and I always learn something.

Cindi -- what you and Peggi could do is agree on one day to take a class and take what you want to. You will not only learn something you are interested in, you will meet lots of new friends. Several of us take classes, but I've only been in one where I knew someone. We sometimes carpool to and from, and we meet for lunch, but our interests are different.

Anniedeb -- you will love it.

If you are interested in taking classes, try to register as soon as possible, because some classes fill up quickly. Also, if you don't get into one, once you get to the Festival, there is a board where people who got into a class find they can't attend it and will sell it to you. Sometimes, they just give the class away just so the spot doesn't go to waste.

lakekids

I went one year. My oldest daughter gave me the plane fare as a Christmas/birthday present. She lived in Houston at the time so I stayed with her. I signed up for several classes at that time. I had to ship my fabric for the classes because I chose so much to take. LOL!

laurlync

This will be my 3rd year to attend and I CAN'T WAIT!! In 2011 I went mostly to try out all the different longarms and bought my Gammill there. Last year, my mother and I went and we had a blast!! We stayed with family, so had great fun visiting (and relaxing) in the evenings. We are going again this year and will be staying with them again.

Along with wearing comfortable shoes, I also suggest taking a comfortable backpack for carrying your new found treasures. We purchased our backpacks right after we got home last year so we would be prepared! Have fun!