Thursday, October 30, 2014

Houston Fall Market - The People

I have no idea how one describes the kind of experience I have had.

All my life I have believed that the person I am today is because of the roads I have traveled in the past. Every step we take and turn we take, it changes the course of our lives.

When I agreed on doing a schoolhouse presentation for C&T I was unsure on what to expect. I am generally a very shy person, meeting new people and talking about my book, it was all happening for the first time in my life. With the thought of meeting and greeting every possibility with open arms, I booked the tickets and packed my bags. I took as many quilts as possible to paint a picture of my book to the shop owners from around the world. And for those who did not attend my schoolhouse, I am certain I made a lasting impression by wearing Indian outfits for the presentation and days that followed.

It was the best experience of my quilting journey so far! I met so many people who I have admired over the years, made many new friends. Most importantly, I got to share my book and quilts with them in person.  Their words of encouragement and willingness to help will forever stay in my heart and memories. Here are some of the pictures of past few days.

At my schoolhouse presentation
Kathy Doughty and Kaffe Fassett
This was a full circle moment for me. I began my teaching career with workshops based on his fabrics and books. One of the first people I ran into was Kaffe Fassett soon followed by Kathy Doughty of Material Obsession. It was great to hear their reactions to my book.

I spent my time attending various presentations. Here is a moment before Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and Liza Lucy did their presentation. They were the only people in the whole convention center I had met prior to this trip. Honestly, I was uncomfortable to be walking as a complete stranger.

Brandon Mably wearing an Alexander Henry print and of course, my book.  
 the presentation
Carolyn Reese, Anita Grossman Soloman, Jan Krentz

Conversations I had with them are carved in my memories. It felt like I was in a dream. Authors, designers, artists I had never met but seen pictures on social media or in books were there. I did not have nerve to walk up and talk to anyone of them but I did. Then again, some people I should have recognized, I did not and embarrassed myself. They all turned out to be forgiving and quite supportive.

On first day I debated my being there. Voices in my head kept screaming, "I did not belong there, it was a whole another world I wasn't ready to explore." Meeting these three incredibly supporting human beings was a humbling experience. Hearing what they had to say about the book was encouraging. 

On the second day of the market, I was a bit more comfortable. I stuck to wearing Indian outfit. No longer anxious I went with ''ready to meet the world and greet everything with open arms as it approaches me'' attitude.

Allison Glass in her booth

Alma Allen of Blackbird Designs
Pat Sloan
Amy and David Butler
I had the most wonderful conversations with both of them. In my head of course I was saying...This is not happening.. someone please pinch me!

 Liesl Gibson and Denyse Schmidt in Amy Butler's booth
Julie Silber and Deborah Turner Ursell
I am often inspired by antique quilts and have known them through a fb group. It was nice to meet them both in person.
I also met Victoria Findlay Wolf and saw her beautiful wedding ring quilts from her upcoming book. Mary Koval had her antique quilts exhibit in the exhibit hall which was inspiring. Adita Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts, Malka Dubrawsky of Stitch and Dye, Carolyn Forster, Pepper Cory, Jane Sassaman all are so charming and friendly. I can't believe in spite of the conversations we had, I did not get a single picture with them.

 
As we returned the car at the airport, I took a glance at the waiting area where I sat nervous and unsure less than a week ago! Much has changed. I am evolving and I can see this latest turn could be a very good thing.

I am learning to say, Yes! 






35 comments:

  1. what a wonderful experience! wishing you many more! :)

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    1. Thanks, Srividya! It has been an unbelievable few days. I am going to remember for rest of my life.

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  2. Cheering you on from far away!!

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  3. Wow! sounds like a great time!

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  4. I'm soooo happy and pleased for you!! It all sounds like a dream!!

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  5. Well done! Congatulations! What a big big thing you have done and no doubt a big step out of your comfort zone.

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  6. Your open and welcoming smile is a pleasure to see, you don't appear to be at all nervous. So pleased Quilt Market was such an amazing experience for you, despite your earlier doubts.

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  7. Congratulations-you look so happy!!

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  8. Gald is was an incredible experience for you! So awesome to meet so many people!

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  9. What a wonderful experience. I am sure that they were just as thrilled to be meeting you!

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  10. You must be on cloud 9! The first step is always the hardest....it sounds like you meet some wonderful people that gave you lots of encouragement. Good on you for having a go and being prepared to be open to new adventures.

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  11. It looks like a fun time, I can't wait to get my hands on your book!

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  12. What an incredible experience….you look so beautiful in every photo …just radiant…. it is easy to see your joy, pride, happiness ….Congratulations!!!

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    1. Hi Sally,
      It was indeed! Thank you! Lots of tears of joy and appreciation on my cheeks there.. Hugs to you!

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    2. Isn't wonderful when life's journey takes you on a roller coaster ride. Let your hair fly, girl! And yell whoopee!

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  13. I love that you were able to open your arms and soul and say yes to all of this - that you were real and humble and inspired and thrilled even though the "shy" was still there ... Eager for my copy of your book to arrive here.

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  14. What amazing experience you had Sujata. I congratulate you on remembering all the names of people you've met! I have been enjoying the photos to posted on FB and IG, thanks for sharing them with folks overseas. You look lovely in your saris! Sit back and enjoy the memories of a life time - Love and hugs Nat

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  15. I keep looking for your book at Festival, but have not seen it. I was disappointed to not be able to meet you, but it looks like your days were so full while you were in town. I'm so glad you pushed your envelope & had such a wonderful time!

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  16. That is so exciting and it is thrilling to see other's experience things outside their comfort zone. I'm sure you've grown immensely this week! It is also good for us to remember that they are normal people too with normal lives, who have a fantastic job that we get to enjoy the fruits of! Congratulations on the trip, your book and your future quilting success!

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  17. I have been thinking about you and waiting for this post. How very exciting!!! I'm sure this is only the beginning of many more challenging, yet rewarding experiences for you.

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  18. What an amazing week for you! It's hard to always remember that each of those people had a first time, also. I'm happy you enjoyed the magic of the newness of it all.

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  19. Wonderful post Sujata! You'd better get used to quilt celebrities as you're on your way to becoming one:) Congratulations!

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  20. I am so very happy for you. Enjoy every moment of this amazing journey!!

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  21. I'm so very happy for you and I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of your book! Congratulations!!

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  22. You totally deserve to be out there rubbing shoulders with the who's who. Ever since I found your blog, you have shared, taught, inspired and given so much of yourself away. It is only fair, you should be there, getting a little bit of well earned attention.

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  23. That's a great story. I can't wait to get your book. Congratulations!

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  24. I found your blog for the first time today from a link on the Selvege Quilter's blog. What wonderful quilts! I'm eager to get a copy of your new book - congratulations.

    :) Linda

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  25. What an amazing week you must have had. I can't wait to see where this adventure is going.

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  26. It is absolutely delightful to read your thoughts about this new experience. I have no doubt that you saying "yes!" will open many new and much-deserved doors. Congratulations on Cultural Fusion Quilts--it's gorgeous.

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  27. You look so beautiful in Indian clothes, Sujata! Wonderful to get a glimpse into your memorable experience at quilt market. Enjoy this time and fruits of your hard work :)

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  28. I am so happy and thrilled for you Sujata... what an exciting journey! As another shy person, I can relate to your thoughts and feelings of nervousness and trepidation, and I am so impressed by your courage and open and embracing arms philosophy. Your quilts are inspiring and YOU are inspiring. (And you look positively radiant in all the photos!)

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  29. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely moments! I am so happy for you and I wish you all the best! Through your quilts and your posts you share so much positivity and good energy! Anneli

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