For so long as I’ve been quilting, the American Quilters Society present has glistened within the distance like a mirage. The present is at all times in late April and since that has at all times fallen within the final 2-3 weeks of college for my children, I by no means was in a position to attend…till this 12 months! That is my first 12 months and not using a child in class and I made a decision to search out out what AQS QuiltWeek is all about.

AQS QuiltWeek Enjoyable in Paducah

I opted to fly on to Paducah slightly than a bigger metropolis and drive. The airport might be the smallest I’ve ever flown into, and the employees was pleasant and type. Clearly, Paducah was prepared for the inflow of quilters… My first day on the present, I wore my cutest gown and headed over to the conference heart. And I point out my cute gown as a result of I’ve by no means gotten so many compliments in my life! I want to return to reveals extra usually!

The primary constructing was bustling with exercise. Quilters of all ages milled concerning the constructing. Downstairs, the massive present winners hung within the heart of the room as excited quilters crowded round them, getting as shut as doable to look at the attractive workmanship. The successful quilts had been each inspiring and intimidating. Whereas I used to be impressed to attempt some new strategies, I additionally felt so insufficient! The standard of the quilts was really distinctive. A number of the successful quilters stood close to their quilts to reply questions and take pictures, too. Listed here are the massive winners from the present.

2023 American Quilters Society Present Winners

Surrounding the quilts on the primary ground had been the sponsor’s cubicles and different distributors with a number of enjoyable merchandise on the market. After spending just a little cash and saying hi there to a couple mates, I headed upstairs. Upstairs there have been extra quilts on show, together with the Cherrywood problem quilts and problem quilts. There have been additionally a number of distributors. I spent manner an excessive amount of cash on this ground.

There Was Sew A lot to See!

First, I noticed Fashionable American Classic and their fabulous handcrafted quilting instruments!

Then I purchased beautiful jewellery from The Buttons Cease Right here. My bracelets are made out of Victorian buttons, together with Victorian mourning buttons. Do you know that black buttons had been first made for Queen Victoria?

By now I used to be feeling a bit drained and hungry. So I discovered a spot to sit down down and checked out my cellphone. A candy buddy realized I used to be in Paducah and requested me to swing by her sales space. Amy is the sensible quilt designer behind Purple Pineapple Studio. She has some enjoyable new merchandise that adopted me house!

Mates and Material In all places You Look

I additionally noticed Madi Hastings within the Laser Minimize Quilts sales space close to a quilt she made for Quiltmaker journal!

And I spent just a little time visiting just a few extra individuals within the Pavilion earlier than it was time to go to dinner with Persistence Griffin (patiencegriffin.com). She is the creator of many quilty fiction books. When you like romance novels, you need to take a look at all her books. And for those who like your romance on the candy aspect, learn her Alaska collection. However f you like your romance on the steamy aspect, head to the Scotland collection.

Museum Time!

The following morning, I headed to the Nationwide Quilt Museum.

There have been a number of displays on show together with a Kaffe Fassett assortment celebrating his eighty fifth birthday.

I particularly beloved the Marilyn Badger Showstopper exhibit. The quilts had been over-the-top stunning, embellished, and really sparkly.

When you ever get to see the works of Velda Newman, don’t miss it. Her larger-than-life quilts are beautiful!

Time to Say Goodbye

I shopped a bit within the reward store and grabbed the trolley again to the conference heart the place I grabbed a snack earlier than heading to the airport. My time in Paducah was too brief, however I got here away figuring out this could not be my final time visiting Quilt Week.

I had a pleasant time recharging my quilty batteries, shopping for extra quilty issues I don’t want however make me completely happy, and getting impressed to make quilts! Thanks, Paducah, for a beautiful few days!

Comfortable Quilting!
Tracy