QuiltWeek in Paducah is something to be experienced and I had a wonderful time. This sleepy little town by the Ohio River is transformed during QuiltWeek and quadruples in size with over 30,000 quilters descending. I was thrilled to be on the teaching faculty and had a busy schedule with only half a day off. When I wasn’t teaching, there was so much to absorb. In addition to the American Quilters’ Society international quilt show in the Convention Center, I went to the amazing National Quilt Museum, a fiber arts exhibit at the Yeiser Art Center, a display of antique hexagon quilts at the Civic Center, Hancock’s of Paducah and more. I will write several blogs to share my photographs.

Quilters from 50 states and 12 countries entered their quilts into the show and 404 quilts were juried into the contest. The array was stunning with so many outstanding pieces, but my favorite was Thank you! Gratitude, 78” x 78” by Akiko Matsumura from Japan. This quilt won the AQS Best Hand Workmanship award. The hand appliqué and quilting were absolutely exquisite and I loved the beautiful soothing design. Akiko wanted to express her gratitude to the important people she has met and lost. They opened up the world of quilting to her. Here it is in all its splendor.