We're Going to Houston Quilt Festival

In a few weeks, Cupcake Quilts is headed to the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas as a vendor. Every year, this anticipated event occurs at the end of October with quilters flocking to George R. Brown Convention Center to see beautiful quilts and shop the newest products. We wanted to share a brief history and its importance to quilting culture!

When did Quilt Festival start?

International Quilt Festival dates back to 1975, when Karey Bresenhan and her mother, Jewel Patterson, decided to create an event, then known as the “International Quilt Market” as a marketplace for quilting-related businesses to network and sell. Additionally, it featured a small quilt show. The modest beginnings of the International Quilt Market would soon become the largest and the most important event for quilting businesses and consumers alike.

What is Quilt Festival today?

Today, the event spans two weeks and is split into two parts. The first week is for businesses only and is called “International Quilt Market.” It is a wholesale tradeshow and not open to the public. Once Quilt Market closes, the same space is transformed into a marketplace for vendors selling to the public and becomes “International Quilt Festival.”

Why should a quilter attend Quilt Festival?

Festival has extended beyond celebrating quilts and showcasing businesses. It has also evolved into an educational platform: workshops, lectures, and classes have always been integral to the festival, allowing attendees to learn from some of the most accomplished quilters and artists in the world. The International Quilt Festival is also known for its competitive exhibitions, where quilters from around the globe submit their work for consideration. Winning an award at the festival is a prestigious achievement.

How many people attend Quilt Festival?

Festival regularly attracts 55,000 people from over 35 countries all around the world. Usually, there are more than 1,000 booths for quilts, fabric, supplies, and crafts, along with 550 classes and lectures for all experience levels. Festival features more than 1,600 quilts and unique works of textile art on display.

If you’re attending Quilt Festival, you can find us at Booth 1447. You can also find us at the Bernina Accessory Booth and the Elna Booth. We hope to see you there!