Quilt Market Houston 2012

Codi and Greta at Quilt Market

Made it home on Monday from Quilt Market (unlike many folks from the East Coast, who had their flights canceled). It was, as always, a visual whirlwind, as well as a time to reconnect with friends old and new. I especially enjoy meeting in person the people with whom I've had email and phone relationships. This time around I met Amber Eden, the editor of Stitch. We bonded over our journalism backgrounds and agreement on who was might be Quilt Market's newest "It" couple (Julie and Eric Comstock).

I traveled and roomed with Codi and Greta and spent quality time with Mel and Mary Lou. It felt a little rushed this year, as though I had a day less than I usually do. Here are photos of some of my favorite things this time around.

Marny of Modern Quilt Relish talks about their new BOM (while Jill holds it up)

Michael Miller's fashion forecast included jewel tones, pastels, and neon

Alexander Henry's booth was a little simpler this year, but still lovely

Amy Butler's new line for Renaissance Ribbons rested in vintage cigar boxes

I was in love with Anna Griffin's Blend lines—so many outstanding designers and a partnership with designers and Etsy shop owners—want to make a project with their fabric? Just ask. 

Designer Jessica Swift's Blomma line--one of the lovely Blend collections from Anna Griffin

I liked Brigette Heitland's Zen Chic Juggling Summer collection for  Moda even more than her last. These quilts were outstanding

Carolyn Friedlander and her Architextures collection were one of the biggest hits of Market. The quilt is from a Jaybird Quilts pattern

Echino eye candy at the Seven Islands booth 

Detail of some of the Echino bags at Seven Islands' booth

Fairfield created a natural wonderland entirely from batting and interfacing

Greta Songe's Studio 37 collections for Marcus Fabrics--Adorable!

Benartex's Kanvas Studios fabrics won a ribbon for their bright booth

Lisa Bongean's luscious wools. Always so tempted, but I've yet to figure out what to make with them

Have long loved Marcia Derse's fabrics for Troy, and she's so much fun to talk with—fresh, honest, simply who she is

Moda brought in a vintage Airstream to celebrate designer Mary Jane Butters Glamping line

I thought Melody Miller's booth should have won an award...such vintage good cheer

Moda's well-deserved blue ribbon hangs on their booth-of-many-colors featuring hundreds of paint-dipped stirrers, paint cans, pantone tablecloths and "paint"-dripped chair covers, along with fantastic sample quilts.