Should I go?
 

I am trying to plan some getaways for the coming year. I have a pretty stressful job and I need to figure out some "me" time. I am considering going to the AQS show in Paducah. So, talk me into or out of it!

I'd like to know about the classes, the show, really anything.

You should definitely go. I always find it so exciting and a real break from routine. It is something just for me.

Oh yes go! So nice to be with like-minded women! You'll leave so inspired!

Oh yes GO, you will not regret it. So much to see and do, and their classes are wonderful. You will be come away so inspired!!

Yes go .. but book your hotel NOW! Some are already sold out during the show.

Definetly book now. The year I went waited too long and closest we found was 45 min away in Illinois.

I can't believe you're even asking the question. Silly girl. GO! I went in 2010, didn't take any classes, but had a blast, really enjoyed all the quilts and the shopping. Save your cash up and/or take your credit card!

Absolutely go.
Many years ago the President of a college where I was an Administrator really seemed to delight in giving me a hard time.
I went off to Quilting by the Lake for a week - saved my sanity!

Go, go, go!!! I wanted to go next year, but I have to go to a family wedding and I can only afford one big trip a year, so Paducah is out for 2013, but I so want to go in 2014.

Why would you not want to go if you can? :eek:

Is that the one in upstate NY? Did you go for one week or longer? I have heard it is superb.

Yep, you should go!!!!!!

That would be a good way to get out your job wos You would come out feeling like a new person. Treat your self

Yes!!! go if you can. I've never taken any of the classes because there is so much to see. Try not to miss the Quilt Museum's stained glass window quilts.

You will be so inspired! If you can take a class, take one, but it's certainly not necessary in order to meet some lovely people and see some wonderful quilts. Plan to spend some money on the most beautiful fabrics and do post pictures when you get back.

Sounds like a great idea to me! I'd leave my cell phone in the car or hotel so no one could interfere with my "me" time. :)

GO! I think everyone should go at least once. You will have a great time, see some awesome quilts, shop to your heart's content at the vendors, and come home with oodles of quilting ideas.

If you can go to Paducah - GO! Classes are great and all the machines are provided. You just bring the items on the supply list - machines are ready to go with a machine rep in the classroom to help with any problems.

Of course, if you are in the market for a machine now is the time. The machines used in classes are sold at a substantial discount because they are "used". You can tell the machine dealer you want the machine, they mark it sold and you pick up at the end of the week or in some cases they will ship to you. They usually sweeten the deal with add-ons because they don't want to take them home.

Biggest challenge is finding a room within a reasonable distance. If you are travelling with a group they already have rooms booked, otherwise, start checking now - it is not unusual for people to stay 30 or more miles from Paducah during quilt week.

If you are looking for rooms the AQS site has a list of all the hotel/motels in about a 40 mile radius and you start close to Padcuah and work your way until you find a room.

My friends and I go every year - great fun, lots of temptations to buy, good classes.

I have never been to the AQS show in Paducah BUT DH did take me to the quilt museum there and I almost had the entire museum to myself! It was heaven. I am not into crowds so this worked for me. If you planned to go for the big event, I'd plan to stay over for a day or two when the crowds leave. Also, I think you might find one of those quilt retreats where you get pampered and either bring your own projects or learn something new. I have always wanted to do one of those. Sounds so relaxing and you could still get bunches done.

You should go. We never know what tomorrow will bring so go while you can. It will be the experience of the year for a quilter.

Yes it's in NY State: Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn.
I went for many years - in its early years in Cazenovia, later in Morrisville at the State College. Always for just 1 week; once for two and I wouldn't do that again - too long for me.
I've not been since it was sold and moved to Auburn. It's gotten way too expensive for me. If you can afford it - it can't be beat: faculty from around the world, best show I've ever seen and great vendors.

http://www.quiltingbythelake.com in 2013 will be 7/15-7/19 and 7/22-7/26

Do go! It is a wonderful experience! Do wear comfortable shoes. The crowds will be huge, so be ready.

GO! GO! GO! If one get the opportunity to go to an AQS show one should go, if for nothing more than being refreshed to start new and wonderful quilts!

You should go but first you should drive to Maine to pick me up so I can go with you :-)

My vote is to Go. We all need some "me" time.

check out AirBnB.com for places to stay. It is a great site that has private homes and rooms in homes for rent. Though in US , it does seem to be more like traditional B & B's. In Paris, France, it got me the use of a small apartment complete with kitchen near Montmarte for 100.00 a night. It was wonderful and so much less than a hotel.

Do you belong to a bee or a guild? I think spending time with other quilters is a really good way to de-stress. With a high pressure job you need more than just a vacation. You need to find a way to release that tension! My step daughter runs, I wouldn't find that relaxing! Exercise is really encouraged to get relaxation. As far as going to a big show with classes, I think you will enjoy it. I am really lucky to have the Houston international quilt festival here every year. Hope you find many ways to relax.

YESSSSS, by all means GO......I see you are in CO, so that means either a vacation trip "on the road" or "fly in to Nashville, rent a car" and have a wonderful time. In my mind, it would be more fun with more than one person on your trip, but if that isn't feasible, you should still go, and you'll have a wonderful time. Folks come from all over the world to this show; I guess that's the reason you can't get accomodations at all after the first of the year. I am near enough to drive up every day, but it is a 3-hour trip, one way. I have been twice; it was a sisters' vacation for four of us one year, we took classes, and loved all the quilts on display; and still have my t-shirt to show I was there. The second time my son, a friend, and I went for one day. We had a great time; and he learned a lot about my LA machine at the Gammill booth. I probably will go again this year--even though I would love to venture out and go some place else.....

gone there for 15 yrs. just girl friends no classes and lots of money GREAT TIME! you go girl

My husband and I went in 1993, and loved it. We had to get a motel about 30 minutes west of Paducah, but it was worth it. It was a nice small mom and pop motel, and when my husband got sick and we had to stay over an extra day or two, they were so helpful to us. But the show was well worth it and we are glad we went.

By all means go! and you might look into a quilting retreat. Making time for yourself is important, so whatever you do, don't fell quilty.

Go, go, go. And if you do maybe we will meet!!!

I think all quilters should go once. It is fun but it did NOT meet my expectations. I did not take classes but I found it too disorganized and chaotic for my taste. I want to try to make Houston at some point.

For relaxation I would go to a retreat.

Definitely, go! It sounds like fun.

you go girl did that help:thumbup:

You have all pushed me over the edge and I could not be happier! I am booking a hotel tomorrow and checking on flights. Thanks!

Have a great time!!

You should definitely go. I went to the AQS Show in Des Moines a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately Des Moines is about 7-8 hours away from me so I won't get to go again for awhile.