Home from AQS Grand Rapids

Made it home from Michigan okay - still not totally unpacked or decompressed yet. I attended the show on Wednesday & part of Thursday, as I needed to be back home by Friday late afternoon to meet obligations for the whole weekend (sit still? NEVER!!). The drive home had a few detours along the way - but that's another post.

 

The show was amazing!!  Go to the AQS website to view the winning quilts and check out AQS on Facebook for multiple show related posts including the Zumba flash mob.

 

While there were many things to do & see at the show (and don't forget it was also Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids), my most favorite thing was seeing the Egyptian Tentmakers return again in person.  Watching Tarek & Hosam stitch is simply mesmerizing!  These two men are warm & gracious, quite comfortable at being stared at for hours on end, for several days running.  And the exhibit of the Tentmakers work (Khayamiya) was beautiful.  I am grateful to the AQS for bringing their work to America.  The true highlight of seeing the Tentamkers was my opportunity to sit and actually stitch on Hosam's piece as he watched.  He said my stitches were good but, of course I couldn't even come close to matching his speed!

AQS is the exclusive representative of the Tentmakers work here in the United States and has a beautiful selection of their work available for purchase on their website.  They also have 2 books and a DVD available.

 

 

 

QuiltWeek in Grand Rapids is a great show to attend. They offer a wide range of classes and lectures, as well as hundreds of vendors of every size, shape & products. The DeVos Convention Center is conveniently located a few blocks off Interstate 196, with parking right underground. The facility is large, well laid out, bright and has numerous restrooms (that were constantly attended to & spotless). The AQS hangs a variety of quilt exhibits, not just the competition quilts.  This year they had exhibits of  the Miniature Collection from the National Quilt Museum, Applique Artistry by Patricia Campbell, The Silk Road Tour Exhibit, and AQS Authors' Exhibit, to name just a few.  The entire show was very inspiring.  Next year, AQS QuiltWeek - Grand Rapids will be held August 20-23, 2014.