Even though the publication I used to write about the Quilt Festival is now defunct, I still get the media kit in advance. Here's some interesting tidbits to whet your Festival appetite.Dates: October 30-November 2, 2008
Classes and events begin October 27
Preview Night is October 29; your ticket for that evening includes admission for another day.
Next year's festival is earlier in October -- October 15/18, 2009
Ticket prices -- $10 daily, $8 seniors and students. Children under 10 are free. Full show pass is $35.
"Rendezvous," The Bernina Fashion Show is 6:30-8:30 PM Thursday evening, October 30. Ticket price is $12, which includes the "Through the Needle" program with all the garment photos and designer information.
The "Stitch in Time" Fashion Luncheon is Friday, October 31. Ticket price is $32. If you participate, this could be an opportunity springboard to get that coveted invitation to be in the Bernina Show...
Alex Anderson is the 2008 Silver Star Recipient and the Silver Star Salute dinner honoring her is Saturday, November 1 at 7:30 PM. Ticket price is $39. There will also be a special exhibit of her work at the Festival.
Pfaff leads the pack of sewing machine companies offering their machines (250) for classes, followed by Janome (150 machines), Baby Lock (100), Bernina (75), Husqvarna Viking (50), Brother International (50) and Elna (25). Here's an insider tip -- visit these companies' booths during Festival...they sometimes offer special deals on these gently-used machines at a great discount! Also good to know -- if you are in the Houston local area, the dealer stores will often beat the Festival Show Special Price on brand new machines.
Speaking of stores, there's shopping to be had! On Wednesday there's the "Truly Texas," ($108) and "Missouri City" ($106) tours. Thursday is "Houston Sights, Fashion Fabrics, Antiques & Tea," ($91) and "Gateway to the Bay" ($96). New this year is an after the show overnight to San Antonio, "Out West Quilt Shops & Alamo City Tour" - departing 8 AM Monday and returning 6 PM Tuesday ($306 double/$361 single).
The 2008 Hoffman Challenge fabric for this year's wall hanging exhibit display is #E9062116 "Green Tea Gold"
"Make It University" will be back with Cloth Paper Scissors workshop sessions for $10 each. Class size is limited to 25 and admission by lottery so everyone has a chance. Really you do, many people just drop in their name and if you are not nearby, they pull the next name. It could be you! The Festival Program, Q2 will have the official schedule. There will also be a "Take It and Leave It" ATC swap.
Want to take a class? If you do, your separate $38 enrollment fee has some great benefits. Repeat admission to Festival (a savings of $10/day), the VIP Preview of the Show (you are allowed in before Preview Night's official opening time - sometimes you need that 2 hour head start on some of the more popular booths!), Q2 Festival Program, the official show pin and tote bag.
Be a Quilt Angel - volunteer for 3 hours and get a Quilt Angel Pin, volunteer for 6 hours - you get the pin, free class catalog and priority advance enrollment next year.
Mention the Quilt Festival to get a special rate for the nearby hotels (Hilton Americas, Doubletree, Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza). FYI - Filling up quickly are the Hilton (it's right across the street and there's a skyway adjoining the George Brown) and the Four Seasons (just a few blocks away). However, there are hotel shuttle buses. You need to call the hotels directly for the discount, not the 800#. And if the reserved block is full, do check back a week, a few days and the day before, even the day of your arrival. Also if these hotels are full, check the hotel and http://www.quilts.com/ websites for other Houston locations. Especially around Loop 610 (The Galleria) and the Southwest Freeway (U.S. 59). Often they become back up hotels with special rates and a shuttle bus to the Convention Center.
Continental and Northwest Airlines also have special telephone numbers and discount codes. And Hertz is the official car rental company. Given the increased airfare cost and extra fees nowadays, you may and probably will be able to do better on your own.
To get a class catalog and for more information, visit the International Quilt Festival website, http://www.quilts.com/
Click here to get a recently updated post about some cool booths I found yesterday and today.
Parking update: If you arrive early (around 9 AM) you may find surface parking on either side of the George R. Brown Convention Center for $7. Otherwise, there is underground parking right across the street underneath the new Discovery Green Park. The entrance is in the middle of Avenida de las Americas. Well-lit, safe, secure, two levels - only $10.
