What You Missed at Houston Quilt Market 2023

Hello Quilty Friends! I’m writing this as the 2023 International Quilt Market (a trade show for industry professionals) in Houston Texas is winding down, and Quilt Festival (open to everyone) is about to start.

If you missed the trade show, either because you couldn’t come or because you don’t qualify as an ‘industry professional,’ I get to show you all my favorite things! If you are coming to the George R. Brown Convention Center later this week for the 2023 Quilt Festival, you will get to see many of the same things. Some of the vendors are staying for both shows, and even more vendors are on their way.

If you are more interested in the judged quilt show than the show booths, make sure to read:

• 31 Animal Quilts from the 2023 Houston Quilt Show that You will Swoon Over
• 6 Winning Quilts from the 2023 Houston Quilt Festival

Quilt Market Booth Photos

The Benartex Fabrics booth held this stunning paper-pieced quilt. The pattern is called The Heart of the Lion by Pride and Joy Quilting. This quilt was pieced by Koleen McDowell, and quilted by Jefferson Williams.

Poppie Cotton Fabrics was a major sponsor of the show so we saw lots of their darling fabrics. It’s a sweet brand that has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The style reminds me of Riley Blake.

Speaking of Riley Blake Fabrics, my favorite thing in their booth was this beautiful Christmas Quilt Coat. I have been putting off making a quilt coat because I live in Florida, but this might be the year that I finally make one and wear it no matter how warm the weather!

Annie Unrein of Patterns ByAnnie was there with a beautiful new collection of patterns. Many of her patterns were sewn in the upcoming Roar! fabric collection by Tula Pink.

Here’s a cute photo of Tula and I. Roar! is Tula’s newest fabric collection that’s coming next year from Free Spirit Fabrics. It has dinosaur fabrics for everyone – not just little boys. Don’t you love that dinosaur bag she is carrying? This quilt pattern is called ‘The Big Bang.’

Interesting Quilt Market Vendors

Most of the large sewing machine manufacturers were here (Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Elna, Hands-Quilter) but not Singer. Fortunately for Singer fans, there was a Featherweight Store filled with darling machines and other things to look at. I believe this is one of the vendors staying for Quilt Festival.

Scanfil Organics brought the most beautiful display of threads. None of these were for sale, they were just for drooling over!

If you love vintage and unique buttons, come to the show… These are staying for Festival.

I got to look up close at (and even touch) these beautiful fabric bowls made by Kirsten Fisher. I’ll be giving away a copy of her book, Round Fabric Art Bowls soon.

That’s all I can share for now… watch for another post soon with pictures of all my favorite quilts from the International Quilt Festival Judged Quilt Show. Here are the show winners.