While we check to see if we can still fit into our pre-pandemic bathing suits this summer (after spending 15 months working from the dining room table that was so close to the refrigerator!), we are excited. About a gradual return to normalcy. And about the comeback of live, in-person events including International Quilt Festival with vendors, classes, and quilt exhibits!

The fall edition will be held in Houston this Oct. 28-31 (with classes beginning Oct. 25 and Preview Night on Oct. 27) at our usual home of the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. And as was just announced, Festival will be returning to Long Beach, California Aug. 4-6, 2022 for summer stitching fun!

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In this issue of Friends@Festival, we meet three young “Modern” ladies whose Color of Connection Quilt group aims to make quilting more inclusive and show newbies (or at least potential newbies!) the basics of the art form. Then we profile longarm teacher Karen Marchetti about her class offerings at the 2021 Houston Festival. You’ll read about the lives and creative journeys of a double dose of “Rising Stars” in Margery Hedges and Molly Hamilton-McNally and their special exhibit at Houston Festival.

And finally, we present a special look at the whopping 70+ page final issue of the International Quilt Association’s journal, Quilts…A World of Beauty, originally sent to members only. Festival was proud to host the annual exhibit of the finalists and winners of the IQA Judged Show, until the nonprofit organization had to dissolve earlier this year. IQA’s rich and rewarding 42-year journey truly made an impact on and for quliters around the world, and we know you’ll enjoy learning about this group’s place in quilting history and the stunning gallery of all the Best of Show winners over the years!

So stay safe, stay well, and keep quilting!