Thanks in advance for the advice - I just love reading all about you and your helpful tips, and wonderful pictures which I save and look at over and over. You have given me so many ideas and courage too!

I am new to quilting and love it and plan to go to all quilt shows - guild shows within reasonable driving distance from Milwaukee, WI

If I were to plan for three quilt shows trips anywhere in the US in 2011, what shows would you folks recommend I plan for? (My gift to myself this year - nearing retirement LOL).

I take the trips with the quilt shops. I took one from the Sew n Save that is in Racine. I have also taken trips with Patchworks from Elm Grove. They are so much fun and you make a ton of new friends. Hope to see you one day on one of the trips.

I vote for Paducah, Ky. However I flew down and rented a car from here in Pa. so it is not driving distance for you either. But it was worth every penny.Been there more than once.

There is a Mancusco show near OHare in chicago
A Machine show in Milwaukee in August
Check the quilt magazines or go on the internet and search for quit shows.
Don't know how far you want to travel. Paducah is a really big one. So just how far do you want to travel.
Minnesota State Guild has one each year, it floats around the state

How far from home do you want to travel

I'm not sure how far you want to travel. The largest one I know of is Houston, TX first weekend in Nov. Guild shows are great. Google quilt shows and you'll find a lot. If you like you can check our website, we have a list of shows we attend, then click on the link and it will take you to the promoters website. The promoters website has a list of shows, classes available, directions and sometimes coupons. Hope this helps and if you get to any of the shows we're in let me know. I'd love to meet you.
http://www.ohanacreations.biz/index

how about Lancaster PA ??

Vermont quilt festival in Burlington Vermont. You need a day alone to go around the vendors and when you are done you haven't see a show quilt yet. Is incredible. It has tons of classes as well and you can stay at the dorms of St. Michael's College nearby. Is a great experience.

just have fun fun fun

Nancy Zeiman does a show in Madison Wisconsin. Google and get the dates. Is a good show.

Again...you don't say how far you want to travel