Quilt Market & Festival ’24: the Recap

November 11, 2024 / Kat /

So…

we’ve been participating in Quilt Markets & Festivals since 2008, but this year’s Quilt Market & Festival was definitely the most unusual & personally challenging we’ve ever taken part in!

And here’s the deal… the problems we were presented with this year, had nothing to do with the dynamics of the show, and everything to do with us & the dynamics of our family!

(At right, is an overhead view of the Market floor & if you follow the yellow arrow, it’s pointing straight at our booth (wrapped in its security curtain!)

First off– just before Market began, my husband came down with a wicked cough & cold! I sure was glad he was present to help me set up the booth, but he was totally absent during the Market, and that was tough!

There were good things though… this Fall marked the 50th International Quilt Festival & the 45th International Quilt Market & this year’s quilt displays were appropriately incredible!

So… do stay tuned for an upcoming post where we’ll share our favorite quilts from this year’s show, but in the meantime…

Let’s talk about this year’s International Quilt Festival, and one of our favorite parts of vending at shows, and that would be our getting to catch up with some of our fellow vendors that we love the most!

A man and woman standing in front of a table.

(at left) Lisa & Luke of cork & cloth
(center) Jill Finley (of Jillily Studio) with 2 of her four sisters, Margaret & Susan
(at right) DanTran & Thong of Block Party Studios

Two men standing in front of a display of cards.
Three women standing in front of a display of quilts.

(at left) Jim Chapman & Carol McCleod of Auntie’s Two Patterns
(at right) Deb and Bob Wendt plus Nancy (in costume) of Wendt Quilting

But as luck would have it, I came down with that same cough & cold that my hubby had, just on the eve of the International Quilt Festival… only for me, it was to become MUCH WORSE!

That’s because on Friday, approximately one hour before the start of the 2nd day of the Festival, I was notified by my Dad’s caretakers back in NC, that he had in fact, passed away.

I knew that my Dad was praying for his end for weeks before we left for Houston, and that he was placed in “palliative care” a week before he finally left this world.

Nevertheless, is one ever really prepared to lose a parent? I think not. (Here he is at right, with his favorite & last canine companion, Maggie.)

So… rest in peace, Dad. Until we meet again.

And in conclusion, is it any wonder that I would have to say that this year’s International Quilt Market & Festival was successful, but by far… a very trying & stressful event?

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

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Kat

28 Comments

  1. Mary Beth Nett on November 11, 2024 at 11:05 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace.



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 12:11 pm

      Indeed! Thanks Mary Beth!



  2. Kate on November 11, 2024 at 11:25 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Losing a parent is never easy. but while traveling, vending and dealing with sickness- just makes it worse. Hugs to you.



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 12:11 pm

      Thanks Kate. It was good to get back home.



  3. Pattie Cockerham on November 11, 2024 at 12:27 pm

    My deepest sympathy for your family. Prayer are around you and your family.Lossing a love one is very hard,but God is your strength and he will never leave you alone 💕💕💕🙏🙏❣️🙏❣️



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 4:01 pm

      Thanks Patti and you are right about this! 🙂



  4. Lillian Conti on November 11, 2024 at 12:59 pm

    So sorry for your loss – I just placed my hubby in palliative care this made me shed some tears to hear about your Dad! I’m still looking forward to your new purse pattern – not sure I can handle it but will be a challenge I need! Beautiful photos of the Quilt Show – thank you & God Bless!



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks Lillian and I’m sorry to hear about your hubby. It’s such a hard time for you!



  5. Dawn King on November 11, 2024 at 2:33 pm

    I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. No, no one is ever prepared for a loss of someone close to you.



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks Dawn! 🙂



  6. Beth on November 11, 2024 at 4:55 pm

    I’m very sorry for the loss of your dad. May your family’s support, your furry assistants, your happiest memories, and most of all your faith help you get through this difficult time.



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 5:34 pm

      Thanks Beth! 🙂



  7. Alma Lou Annab on November 11, 2024 at 5:53 pm

    Ineed stressful.
    It’s always sad to say goodbye to our parents. May he rest in peace. Console yourself in that he was ready to go. Do hope you and your husband are recovering. That nasty cough and cold was with me in Jordan before I came to the US. BUT got rid of it before I traveled.
    Even though the show was successful, there’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed.
    Best wishes
    Alma Lou



    • Kat on November 11, 2024 at 8:15 pm

      Thanks Alma Lou! Its good to be back home again!
      🙂



  8. Georgia Segura on November 12, 2024 at 8:44 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Wish I could have been there to help you out.



    • Kat on November 12, 2024 at 8:48 am

      Thanks Georgia. I was looking for you! Hope you feel better.
      🙂



  9. Annie Romero on November 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    I am so sorry about your father. It must have made everything so hard for you. But you greeted me with the happiest and nicest smile. I have loved your bags and website. The pictures from the different shows. The one time I saw you at Road to California your booth was beautiful with lots of finished bags and people showing off yours. Couldn’t get near. But, this year in Houston your booth was quiet. My friend and I found out that the late afternoons were quieter. I finally got to meet you. You were as lovely, delightful and nice as I had always imagined. I forgot my cane and you found it for me. Thank you. You were so brave at the show. I appreciated the chance to meet you. Loads of Hugs.



    • Kat on November 12, 2024 at 7:31 pm

      Thanks Annie. I’m glad you came back to claim your cane. We were worried about that! 🙁



  10. Barbara Flowers on November 15, 2024 at 9:34 am

    So sorry about the loss of your father. It is always difficult to lose a parent. He is with our Lord and will be waiting for you there. Please know that there are thousands of people out here in Studio Kat Land that are praying for you. Count me in on those numbers. Please take some time to heal both your heart and your body.



    • Kat on November 15, 2024 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks Barbara! 🙂



  11. Susan on November 15, 2024 at 5:27 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of the death of your father. Losing one’s parents is hard. I lost my mom in 1993 and my dad in 1996. It is comforting to know that they and your dad are now rejoicing together as I am sure my dad at least is on the welcoming committee 🙂 My prayers for your recovery and dealing with this loss. You are in my prayers.



    • Kat on November 16, 2024 at 8:42 am

      Thanks so much Susan. 🙂



      • Carolina W on November 17, 2024 at 5:38 am

        Sad to read of your loss. It is true no matter our age or theirs the loss of a parent is a marker in our lives. 2001-mom and 2013-dad for me. Just this week I thought ‘I should call mom and ask her’ , after 23 years it still happens. So thankful you have the assurance of faith you’ll see him again. It really does ease the pain of loss.



        • Kat on November 17, 2024 at 8:43 pm

          so true! Thank you Carolina! 🙂



  12. Leigh Traylor on November 15, 2024 at 5:47 pm

    I am so sorry for you los, but I am grateful that I got to meet you at the QF.



    • Kat on November 16, 2024 at 8:42 am

      Thanks Leigh. I hope you enjoyed the show! 🙂



  13. Jeri Dillavou on November 17, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    God bless you, Kat. I am so sorry to hear such sad news. We are never ready, even when they are ready to go. My thoughts and prayers are with you.



    • Kat on November 17, 2024 at 8:44 pm

      It helps to know he’s out of pain though. My granddaughter told me this week that she thinks he’s “frolicking in a field with God” now. And it make me smile thinking about this! 🙂