I came up with an uncharacteristic solution to the dilemma of what clothes to pack for my trip to Houston International Quilt Show - using our BeeSewcial branded fabric, I sewed five tops for the five days I’d be there, a badge holder and of course a large coordinated tote bag.
Linking up for the Maker's Choice December Aurifil Artisan challenge it's not one project but an entire new wardrobe! Two of my most trusted Aurifil 50wt threads sewed everything: a cone of Dove Grey 2600 and a large spool of Black 2692.
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Lawn
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| Cotton Poplin |
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| Lawn |
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| Aurifil Dove Grey 2600 Cone 50wt |
The Quilts of Bee Sewcial was an amazing feature of 26 quilts displayed in a prime location of the show floor. Here's a mosaic to give you an idea but honestly there's nothing like experiencing it in person and I'm so thrilled that ten of us were able to be together to share this debut event. Seeing them up close and some for the first time ever - plus hearing my beemates during the gallery talks are memories I will always cherish.
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| BeeSewcial at Houston International Quilt Show Nov. 2022 |
As you can see, I was not the only one sporting our BeeSewcial branded fabric - there was chiffon, poplin, double gauze, canvas, jersey - tops, pants, a jumper - you name it.
The vintage pattern sizing caused me to misjudge and my top was too snug. Just like in my quilting designs, often plan B is even better than the original. I added side gussets of the upcycled men's plaid shirt.
The last minute tote bag was worth the push as I've used it daily since. Having a nice big pocket inside for my cell phone and an outside zipper to keep things contained were key design elements.
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| Aurifil Black 2692 Large Spool 50wt |
My quilts Eyes, Reflections, Stretch and Connections were exhibited. Seeing them hang as a collection was a spectacular sight. I contributed blocks to 25 of the 26 quilts and it felt like a reunion of sorts, reminiscing about the prompts.
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| One of three Gallery Talks |
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| Me & my sister Sharyl in front of Stretch & Connections |
The early prediction of "tank top weather" turned a bit cooler as the date got closer so sweaters were added to my suitcase.
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| BeeSewcial visits Brad at the Aurifil Booth |
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| Thank you for your sponsorship Aurifil |
Not only was the quilt show itself inspiring, but a field trip to Art Museum was too. Despite the extra visitors in town for the World Series, getting around wasn't too challenging.
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| Houston Art Museum |
How fabulous is this swag from my sweet and generous bee mates ?!
Staying at a house that could accommodate our group in the museum district rather than downtown near the convention center was a smart decision - especially during the winning baseball games.
With more than two dozen finished quilts this year, it feels oddly fitting to highlight my garment making adventure. Because sewing clothes is outside my comfort zone, it was so helpful to know that I could rely on my Aurifil thread to get me to a successful finish line.
