Houston international quilt show
 

I am sure there are plenty of people that have gone. Can you offer any advice? I need to save money now to go. Where is a best place to stay, eat, how to find the list of classes, and anything else you can think of ? I am excited about going. Thanks Beth

Bring lots of money or credit cards. Wear comfortable shoes. Cheaper to stay out of downtown but if you can afford to stay in one of the host hotels you will not have to worry about transportation to and from the Convention Center because they furnish shuttles. Lots of classes offered I still work so it is difficult for me to get to them. I plan one day for vendors and one day for exhibits. Very crowded on Saturday!

Thanks for the advice. Was looking at the hotels but they do seem expensive downtown and not within walking distance anyway. I cant find the classes being offered so don't know how long I will stay anyway. Will have to check it out some more. Thanks for the advice. Beth

The class schedule will be on the Houston Festival website. Classes fill early so keep checking. If you are driving, stay out of downtown. You can park at the George R Brown parking garage for about $12.00 a day. Plan at least two days to see the show, one for the quilts and the other for the vendors. Usually good buys if you are looking for a machine.

Make sure you have a large shopping bag (wheeled ones not allowed) if there on Sun...usually after noon a lot of vendors will sell at half price so they don't have to pack it up, always ask. Got my Bernina there at half price -- a demo --under warranty. Could not have afforded it any other way. We always take lunch and a bottle of water in our bag... food very expensive as are drinks....leaves more money for notions and fabric. Be prepared for "culture shock" It is fantastic. We stay in Katy Texas, but we go on a tour --- 3 buses full.

The George R. Brown (Hilton) parking garage is now $19.00 a day. The Discovery Green Garage across from the GRB is cheaper but fills very quickly. There is a lot of parking around and a variety of prices. I would stay away from the parking lots east of Hwy 59. That's a very questionable neighborhood. There is a place called Houston Center two to three blocks west that has a large food court with very good food and reasonable prices. The food at the GRB is expensive and IMO poor quality. As far as hotels go, downtown is pretty expensive. It helps to have roommates. I live in Houston so if you have more questions feel free to ask. I work part time very early morning so I go every day to the show.

Take your own food if you can. I agree with Marijeaux in that the food is expensive and poor quality. I take a great big bag, and we all put our lunches in it. When I get there, I check my bag with my food upstairs at the bag check , then at lunch, meet up with friends, get the lunch bag and eat. Then we load up the lunch bag with our purchases (so we don't have to carry them), recheck the bag. And shop until we drop, or the festival closes, whichever comes first.
Make sure you get your friends cell phone numbers because it is so big, you can't find anyone.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring some aspirin, and carry as little as possible in your bag. I don't even take my purse in. I need my phone, aspirin, credit card and some cash. That's it!

Link to the classes: http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/fqf12/catalogue
You can also order a copy of the catalog. It's a great show, and it's huge. Agree with the suggestions above... Know your products before you buy though. I bought my sew-easy extension table cheaper online than it was at the show.
On the last day, my friend bought a case of batting at a very good price.

Or you can wait until next spring and go to the Paducah show. I understand they are comparable, except in size. I would love to go to the Houston show just for the experience, but can't handle the crowds and frustrations anymore......

WOW ... the Hilton garage is now $19 a day ?? Ridiculous ... we paid $12 last year, we always parked there in recent years ...
I live in W Houston. Yes the downtown host hotels are $$$ expensive and book up fast. They are too far to walk to, except the Hilton which connects to the convention center. The other host hotels are on the shuttle route. There are good restaurants downtown and more in Midtown. There are a lot more hotels & motels in the Galleria and Medical Center area that should be more affordable. Saturday is always most crowded but in the past Thursdays were always crazy crowded too

I am also heading to Houston for the festival. I will be staying in the Galleria area. Just wondering, does anyone know if there are any kind of shuttles that will be going from that area. Would sure be nice if there was and would save the headache of driving and parking.

I have not been able to find the list of classes. Where did you?

Your hotels should be able to tell you if they have shuttle service.

I went to this show last fall. It is HUGE!! Make a shopping list before you go. It will be easy to impulse buy. I bought a Janome serger at the show. I think I got a good deal but I have not had the nerve to compare after the fact, LOL! It is a great show for shopping for machines and talking to the vendors. Again, take a shopping list with you. And, know your prices for machines prior to attending the show. This way you will know if you are getting a good price. Be informed and print out the machine info you are shopping for.

Bring lots of $$$. Yes, food, parking, and hotels are expensive. Frankly, this is a show that I prefer to be staying close and convenient. I hate to drive all over. But I flew into Houston so my legs were my transporation. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. As someone mentioned, carry a light purse. I prefer a small purse with a cross-body strap. Safe and convenient.

I carry Zone Perfect protein bars in my purse. It is an inexpensive "meal" with lots of protein. Supplement it with a salad. They have a huge concessions area at the show. Prices are higher but not obnoxiously so. A decent salad cost me around $10 if my memory serves. Definitely worth it. Again, convenience. And you don't waste time looking for a restaurant. And waiting to be seated during lunch hour, etc.

There is a lovely park area outside of the Convention center. Very nice place to take a break and enjoy the weather and they have bands too.

Traveling is always expensive. Period. This show was fun to attend and "worth" it but I probably don't need to do it again any time soon. There are plenty of quilt shows to attend throughout the year.

Have fun!
sandy

I went to the show site: http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/fqf12/catalogue

There’s a heading “Classes, Lectures, and Special Events” click on General Info/Classes by Category. There’s also a heading for breakout class sections by subject. Classes and events begin October 29. Show dates November 1-4.

If the above link doesn't work, just do a copy and paste of the address to get there.

Thanks Sandy and everyone else for the info! I am looking forward to this!

Clicked on link; web browser not found

Did you try to copy and paste the address?

MattieMae, thanks for the info. I found it somehow. Looked through the list but I don't think I will take any classes this year. Maybe next year. Will just go and look around for a couple of days, try to check out some of the vendors things. and just have fun. I have my jar of coins that will be extra money. Have told everybody to stay away from my quilting coins.

so does anyone want to meet for lunch or dinner? one day? I just hope that it works out that I can go.

Thanks for the info on the Houston Festival. I've made reservations for a room and sent in my registration and class schedule. Now, however, I've decided to cancel it all. After figuring the cost of everything it'll take to go, I'm looking at almost $2000 before I even get to spending money for vendors, etc. I know that it's a real popular festival and a money maker but sure wish they'd find a place less expensive and easier to get to!

I will probably not go either after I have gotten myself so excited about going. I was looking over the cost and just with food, parking, hotel and stuff to buy I will spend way to much money that we don't have right now. But I have not even checked out the quilt stores in San Antonio yet. Will rather keep my money and buy stuff around here instead.