A Beginner's Guide to Houston Quilt Festival

by Maureen Garner October 27, 2022

I’ve had several friends attend the Houston Quilt Festival (HQF) over the years and I’ve always been envious.

With my new position at SewTites, I AM SOOOOO EXCITED THAT I GET TO GO THIS YEAR!!!!!!!

This is a bucket list event for me and I want to make the most of my time there.

I’ve asked prior attendees for a little advice on attending HQF and I’ve compiled it all here just for you (and me!)

See All of the Quilts

Here is the floor plan for special exhibits!

If you are like me and limited on time, start here to make a list of the exhibits you want to see.

My top three are:

Kaffe Fassett: 85 and Fabulous (I want to be like Kaffe when I’m 85!)
Award Winning Quilts
Color Sequences and Improvisation

Learn Something New

Take a class!

It isn’t too late to register for a class, lecture, or forum.

Check out the schedule here.

Learn more about free motion quilting, longarming, applique, or patchwork.

There is even a class on making an umbrella!

Sewing machines are provided in the classroom.

If you need to pick up a few SewTites magnets for your class project - see below.

SHOP!!!!

Where else can you shop directly from all of your favorite sewing and quilting companies???

Only Houston Quilt Festival! Advice from a shopping expert - pace yourself.

Review the list of exhibitors and start with all of your favorites.

I’m sure SewTites is at the top of your list!

We will be at booth 1060, right next to the Open Studios.

We will have all the new products at the show.

And most important: there will be exclusive promotions for attendees!

(PS: Don’t forget to wear your comfy shoes and bring a tote bag!)

Need a Zen Moment?

Check out Discovery Green Park at 1500 McKinney St. near the convention center.

They have free yoga, pilates, and tai chi classes! The schedule is on their website, linked above.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next quilt, check out the art installation, Synchronicity of Color.

To top it all off the park has free WIFI and open-air reading rooms.

Grab a Delicious Lunch

The SewTites team highly recommends Phoenicia Specialty Foods at 1001 Austin St.

They have over 15,000 products including fresh-baked artisan breads, European pastries, boutique wines and beers, hot grille items, prepared foods, and exotic produce!

You’ll find me swooning over the gourmet cookies.

And an Even Better Dinner

Xochi Dinner

If you are looking for a great place for dinner, be sure to check out Xochi at 1777 Walker St, Suite A.

Xochi celebrates the culinary and indigenous richness of Oaxaca, Mexico!

Last year, Suzi had Queso de Rancho which has chicatanas and chapulines in it. (I don't speak Spanish, but those are insects!)

Don't let that scare you away, because everyone says it was delicious. Jessica can't wait to go back!

I'm all in for the cocktails!

Get Your Best Instagram Selfie

If street art is your thing and you cannot resist a good backdrop for your Insta-selfies - head over to the Houston Graffiti Building at 1503 Chartres St. It is located right behind the convention center.

This is an industrial area. I hear some vacant lots might be a little iffy, so take your buff friends.

Don't Miss All the FUN!

Whether or not you are attending HQF, make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook, as I’ll be posting our highlights and shenanigans!

We also want to know what you are up to in Houston! Please tag us in your social media posts!