Quilt Market, Quilt Festival, and “Is It a Hot Flash, or Is It Houston?”
By the end of Quilt Market and Quilt Festival in Houston, I’d started asking myself a serious question:
“Is it a hot flash, or is it Houston?”
Spoiler: it was both.
This year’s Quilt Market and Quilt Festival were equal parts overwhelming, inspiring, and sweat-inducing. I came home with a full notebook, a full heart, and—if I’m being honest—a full suitcase that barely zipped. Here’s what stood out.
The Line
Let’s talk about that Sample Spree line.
Four hours of anticipation, caffeine, games, and conversation led to one of those perfectly serendipitous encounters. I had met a woman whose Instagram handle is @oneredblossom earlier in the day, and we ended up next to each other in line. While we waited, she was English paper piecing (EPP) like a boss.
That was my first real exposure to EPP in the wild and up close—tiny stitches, steady hands, zen-like patience. I officially joined the club a few days later during my EPP class from Nina Clotfelter at Quilt Festival. (Translation: I think I may have a new addiction on my hands.)
The “I’m New Here” Blueprint
Becky Jorgensen’s class, I’m New Here, was absolutely clutch. She somehow condensed years of experience at Quilt Market into one session that helped me plan my time, my priorities, and my sanity.
If you’ve ever been to Market or Festival, you know it’s like Disneyland for quilters—minus the churros, plus a thousand more fabric temptations. Becky’s insights helped me move through it all with purpose instead of panic.
Inspiration, Innovation, and Some Serious Talent
I sat in on Ricky Tims’ session about AI and photography. He spoke openly about the backlash he faced when he started using AI in his creative process. Toward the end of his talk, he pointed to me in the audience, called me out, and asked me to share about AI, who I am, and my book. I was floored—and grateful. That kind of collegial generosity is what makes this community shine.
Then there was Tricia Camacho, whose pattern-making classes left me feeling creatively recharged and personally changed. The kind of teacher who reminds you why teaching is an art form itself.
And Heidi Kaisand—oh, Heidi. Her advice for quilt shop owners (Profit First, inventory formulas, and all the mathy magic in between) was pure gold. Every shop owner in the room was scribbling notes like their next fiscal year depended on it—because it probably does.
This photo does NOT do this quilt justice. You definitely should find an opportunity to see it in person. This was Ricky’s Best in Show quilt. AMAZING.
There’s no way to capture every moment, but a few deserve the spotlight.
I met the designer behind Tilda, whose fabrics I first fell in love with in Amersfoort.
I also got to chat with Noelle from The Warm Company and Sophia from C&T Publishing, both brilliant women who make the industry stronger just by showing up.
And then there was Patrick Lose—I heard someone mention Des Moines as I walked by, and of course I had to stop. That’s what Iowans do! Turns out we went to the same high school (different years). That chance moment turned into a long, warm conversation that led to meeting Joanna and Lorelai Kuecker (Lorelai’s quilted clothing is next-level) and Julius Rempe-Night, a ridiculously talented FPP pattern designer.
Other highlights:
- Reconnecting with Karlee Porter—always a joy and a source of laughter and I couldn’t be more grateful to call her my friend.
- Meeting Nik Knott, a new friend I’m so glad to know.
Catching up with Marina Landi from Brazil—my instructor last year who still inspires me. Seeing her again was like a full-circle moment.
The Wonderfil “Bobsled” and the Spree That (Sort of) Wasn’t
At Schoolhouse, I spotted the Wonderfil Thread “bobsled” and knew I had to have it. Found it later at Sample Spree—one of my responsible indulgences after waiting in that marathon line.
Sadly, several vendors skipped Spree this year, which left a bit of a buzzkill hanging in the air. But between the laughs, the new friends, and the shared endurance of standing in line for hours, it still felt like a rite of passage.
The Hawai‘i Connection: Leilani the Quilting Rockstar
One of the most heartwarming moments of the trip was meeting the folks from Kilauea Kreations over coffee.
Together, we co-created a story about Leilani the Quilting Rockstar—a narrative about legacy, creativity, and the ways quilting connects us.
Things That Made Me Think
Not everything was sunshine (or humidity) and stitches.
At Quilt Festival, I was struck by the physical barriers between attendees and the quilts. Plastic ropes made it feel like “us vs. them,” when it could’ve been more welcoming. My heart broke for the quilters whose work was displayed, and there was no way for them to get a “clean” photo of it. Then, there were a couple quilts that were partially blocked by VERTICAL structures. Oh my goodness how sad that was.
Some will say that the barriers are necessary because quilters are notoriously handsy, but my position is that other global quilt shows are able to succeed without the barriers. What if we had white glove volunteers to invite people closer instead of pushing them back? Quilting is meant to be experienced up close.
And then there’s the conversation around AI in quilting. I heard some educators describe AI as “just a search engine that steals,” and honestly? That’s both inaccurate and unhelpful. AI doesn’t always steal—and it isn’t a replacement for creativity. It’s a tool, like a rotary cutter or a sewing machine, that can help us see and make differently when used with care and integrity. In fact, I spend a lot of time teaching about AI basics so people can come at the technology with an informed position.
Respect, Reframed
One of my biggest takeaways from Quilt Market: quilt shop owners deserve medals. Watching them navigate fabric reps, orders, and endless decisions gave me a whole new appreciation for the business side of quilting. They’re not just selling fabric—they’re building community, one too-big-for-a-smaller-shop bolt at a time.
The Final Stitch
By the end of the week, my feet hurt, my voice was shot, and my brain was buzzing with ideas.
Houston may test your endurance (and your deodorant), but it also reminds you why we keep showing up—to learn, to connect, to create, and to keep this wild, beautiful craft alive.
And honestly? I’d stand in that four-hour Sample Spree line again in a heartbeat—preferably with air conditioning, caffeine, fun party games (I’m looking at you, Porter!) and another quilter doing EPP beside me.