Travellady MagazineTM


A Passion For Quilts

Colorful Quilt Competition and Show offers Surprises for the Eye and comfort for the Soul.

By Madelyn Miller, The TravelLady

I am passionate about chocolate, sex and quilts. Each offers so many sensory experiences and can be enjoyed in so many forms.

Luckily I was visiting Hampton, Virginia on opening night of the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show.

I did not plan my trip around this event. But I will next time.

For the next four years, the quilt show will be in the new Hampton Convention Center.

This is not just a show for sewers and quilt collectors (although they will be big fans). Anyone interested in art, history, textiles, crafts or jewelry and clothing will find something to love here. And there is plenty to buy. I spent several hundred dollars on original jewelry and only left the show because the doors were closing. I wished for another hour, or even better, another day of browsing at this gorgeous stuff, but alas, it was on to another city in the morning.

Thousands of visitors delight in the event which, for many, has become as much a winter tradition as quilting itself.  And while traditional quilting is showcased, cutting edge designs and techniques are presented as national experts lend secrets on the craft.

Workshops, lectures and demonstrations are presented for the novice to expert textile artist and vendors will exhibit and demonstrate their products.  Artists not only sell their lovingly crafted quilts, but also compete for over $23,000 in prizes and awards, with   special exhibitions from around the country featured.  A certified insurance appraiser will be available to appraise your family quilts Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Pre-registration is required to reserve an appointment.

Do It Yourself Or Not

Everything you need to complete your own masterpiece is all under one roof. Serious shoppers and quilt lovers come with wheely carts to carry off their acquisitions.

There are kits for beginners and tools that I could not even begin to understand for more experienced textile artists.

A big draw for the quilters is the classes and workshops. Many came the night before the show officially started to purchase supplies for the classes.

The award winning quilts are on display, and I started my visit by viewing the wonderful display of quilts and clothes. But I soon  found my way to the various vendors and bought four pieces of jewelry and two knit scarves.

I hope to be back next year. But I better start saving up now.

Quilters save this date:
February 23-26, 2006
www.quiltfest.com

For more information
Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau
800/800-2202
www.hamptoncvb.com.

HELPFUL WEBISTES

www.virginia.org

GREAT GUIDEBOOKS

The Thirteen Colonies
Travel Historic America
Fodor’s
www.fodors.com

QUILT BOOKS

QUILTS! QUILTS!! QUILTS!!!
The Complete Guide to Quiltmaking
Second Edition
By Diana McClun and Laura NOwnes
Quilt Digest Press
A division of Contemporary Publishing Group

Teach Yourself Quilting
By Janet Armstrong Wickell
Teach Yourself Books, a division of McGraw Hill
www.books.mcgraw-hill.com

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