QuiltCon East just transpired and for those of us who didn’t go, maybe you were like me: sitting in your kitchen compulsively eating microwave popcorn, refreshing your Instagram feed, eagerly awaiting to see friends and colleagues at the meet-ups, read about their observations of the show, and of course, to see the winning quilts! I also wanted to see how teaching was going for my friends, especially those new to teaching.
Just last week, working out at my local gym here in Napa, a quilting friend of mine waved at a distance and shouted, “I did two classes today in readying for a shrimp and grits feast in Savannah!”
She was QuiltCon bound, and I was so jealous!
I was jealous because of the camaraderie, the networking, the inspiration I have found at QuiltCon. I have been to every edition, and this past one in 2016 in Pasadena, frankly, bowled me over. I am very impressed with the production of this show and how quickly they have been able to develop it in a very sophisticated, forward-thinking manner, not to mention the excitement that manufacturers and movers and shakers in this industry have for it.
The reason I didn’t go to QuiltCon this year was because I got another upcoming invitation that was a conflict: an invitation to…well…Disneyworld.
When you can only be away so much, and only take so many transcontinental treks…it’s family first. So instead of seeing the best in show quilt in person at QuiltCon, in a couple of days, my niece and/or nephew will be my seat mate on the Crush ‘n Gusher…or The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Underground Adventure–whatever they choose.
In the meantime, today I was interviewed by Abby Glassenburg, co-founder of Craft Industry Alliance and founder/host of the While She Naps podcast. We have a shared history; we both were public school teachers and taught in the same school district nearly at the same time in Massachusetts. She is a true journalist, she asks questions and seeks answers in order to gain an understanding to issues that have not been previously addressed in this industry, with the designer, the crafter, the author, the teacher, the talent in mind. I wish we had a couple more hours to talk. Her podcast with me as a guest will go live this Monday, March 6th.
So tomorrow I head east–not to view amazing quilts–but to raise my arms high above my head, screaming at the top of my lungs at the peak of Expedition Everest, smiling, with a niece or nephew by my side. Because in five or so years, they will be moving on, and I won’t be asked to sit next to them on a roller coaster probably ever again.
QuiltCon will still be there, but for this year, I am trading the viewing of quilts and quilter camaraderie for a pair of Mickey Mouse ears.
And I am totally good with that.
You made the right choice! Your niece and nephew will always remember your time together and will feel so special. Nothing compares to making memories with young family members. Enjoy every minute!
I will. Glad to hear you are doing well, health-wise, by the way!
It’s the right choice for this time in their lives and yours. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
Go have fun!
I should have specified, the are in college, but it will be a fun/ hilarious time together, for sure. I am so looking forward to it. 🙂
Wow! Two of my favorite quilting folks together, you and Abby G. I hope to listen in to the March 6th podcast. Also, I miss seeing you on “Create”TV. Have a good time at Disney World!
Thank you, June.
Have a total blast with the kiddos! Memories for these two and you are what is most important!
Agreed!
I think most people totally understand. I think it’s wonderful that you make time for family. (And I wish I could have gone to Quilt Con, too.) But I know you will have fun with your nieces at the Magic Kingdom of Disney World!
We will have a blast, for sure. Not having kids of my own, I look forward to this kind of thing. They are older (college-aged) so we will balance spa stuff with roller coasters. This will be fun. Hope you are doing well, Cindy!
I didn’t go to QuiltCon either, as I can only take so many days off from work and chose to take a trip last month to Craft Napa!! The best days of hanging out and learning from a talented group of people (with great food and wine thrown into the mix!) I had the opportunity to network with fabric designers, authors and artists, too!! Have a blast in Disney!
Johanna! Hope you are well…and so glad you came back to Craft Napa again. That means a lot. Hope business is doing well and to maybe grab a cup of coffee at an industry deal within this next year,
Family first always the right choice
Bridie! My eyes smarted seeing your post! It’s been so long. I hope you are well. Would love to hear how you are doing! I hope you are quilting lots and life is good to you… xo,
That is the right choice for sure Pokey! These are special times spent with nieces and
nephews. I traveled with my niece to Italy a few years back and it was such a special
time together that made our bond that much stronger.
Enjoy and have a great time!
I can totally understand your choice! Even though there are still activities your niece and nephew will want you to do with them, they are only this age for such a short season and I’m sure you are their favorite aunt! I have wonderful memories of the times I spent with my “favorite aunt” and they have been especially important because she was diagnosed with early onset dementia and Lewey Body Disease (a very fast progression of Parkinson’s disease & severe dementia). She is no longer with us; but my memories will last forever! Thank goodness for all of our ways to communicate online and by “face time” so QuiltCon is just a different kind of experience this year. Have a blast with the kids!
Go Pokey! Spa is more my speed.
I was probably refreshing my Instagram feed at the same time! I did not go to QuiltCon and it is one show I’d love to visit as I’ve never been, but as you say … there are so many places you can be in a year and I need to balance my vacation days and save them for when I have to travel to teach. But maybe next year?
Have fun with your niece and nephew. I had my nieces along with two of my kids over on Sunday for an afternoon of board games and munchies, and those are some of the moments I treasure.
Have a wonderful time and I look forward to reading all about it.
Family is always worth it!!! I hope you had fun! I am very jealous as over the years I have become more and more motion sick on rides. Enjoy an extra go for me please!