A couple of years ago Betty Register from the Tall Pines Quilt Guild in Huntsville, Texas contacted me and asked me to teach and lecture for a special event that her guild holds once a year in May. The name of the event is called “Airing of the Quilts”. I arrived on Thursday and Betty’s sister, Linda, picked me up at the airport and I must say we bonded quickly. Both Betty and her sister are two of the nicest and most organized people I have ever met. They are a true asset to their guild which has about 100 members. Huntsville, by the way, is about 1 hour north of Houston, Texas.
On Friday I taught a 6 hour workshop for a full class of very nice ladies. They worked hard all day learning new hand applique techniques and talking about the next day’s festivities. There was lots and lots of talk about the weather since this is an outdoor event and the weather man kept mentioning a dirty, four letter word ……. RAIN.
Betty and Linda had arraigned for door prizes from many sponsors so during the course of the day many goodies were disbursed and there were many cries of delight. 
I have to add just one little note about Linda. She is the first program person who has ever gone on a Starbucks run in the afternoon for me and the students. Any other program chairs who are reading this, please take note! You have some big shoes to fill. When Linda was driving me from the airport in Houston to Huntsville I mentioned that if we got close to a Starbucks I would love to stop for a Chai tea latte. I love my Chai tea latte in the afternoon (Venti, skim milk, no water and a shot of sugar-free vanilla. At my local Starbucks they call it “the Karen Special”). And Linda being the kind soul that she is remembered this. So on Friday and Monday during class she went on a Starbucks run not just for me, but for any student who wanted something. I love you Linda! I have to say that Linda’s efforts went way above and beyond the call of duty for the program chair person. It was greatly appreciated by all.
I was almost afraid to open my curtains at the hotel on Saturday morning as this was the day of the outdoor “Airing of the Quilts”. I was so afraid there would be ….RAIN. But the prayers of the guild members were answered. The weather was clear all day long. Linda picked me up at 8:30 and we drove the short distance from the hotel to the downtown area. As we rounded the corner, I was in awe. Quilts were hanging along the streets , they were draped over the Courthouse second floor balcony, on quilt stands in the streets, in the local shop windows….it took my breath away. What an amazing site. About 300 quilts were hung in about 2 hours!
Truly an amazing site. Since I was the featured teacher they had an exhibit of two of my large quilts and about 6 wall quilts inside the local theater on the stage. On the day of the event they had a booth area for me to talk with people, answer questions and sell some of my books, patterns, etc. I met so many nice people. I had a wonderful day. This is me and Betty in the booth. Linda and Betty brought all kinds of things from home to decorate the booth. I’m telling you again….two very organized ladies.
In addition to the quilts being “aired” there were several vendors with outdoor booths along with items for sale from guild members. Inside the theater was an exhibit of small quilts for sale. These were donated by guild members to be sold for guild projects. What a great idea for a fund raiser for the guild. Here are a couple of those quilts. I think the guild raised around $1200 from the sale of these little minis.
There was also entertainment during the day. Several different bands played in the gazabo. Then shortly after lunch a group of young ladies came into the square in beautiful dresses and preformed some traditional Mexican dances. These young ladies changed their outfits about 4 times during their show.
When they were making their clothing changes this group of really young ladies preformed some dances. They were so darn cute.
I finished this trip with another 6 hour workshop on Monday and a lecture for the guild that evening. I felt so welcomed by this guild. If you live close to this area you certainly will want to join the Tall Pines Quilt Guild and if you don’t live in the immediate area mark your calendar for next years “Airing of the Quilts” held the first Saturday in May. You won’t be sorry if you spend the day at this event. You can find out more about this guild at www.tallpinesquiltguild.com
A special thanks to Betty and Linda for making my trip one of the best ever and to all the guild members who helped make the “Airing of the Quilts” a day I shall long remember.