About this episode
Welcome to Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA, made to create! I’m Meg Goodman, and today, you’re in for an exclusive treat. Join me on a behind-the-scenes tour of a truly extraordinary milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Houston Quilt Festival. This isn’t just any quilt show; it’s an international celebration of artistry, creativity, and history. We’ll be diving deep with attendees, educators, personalities, and prize-winning quilters, capturing those moments that make this event so iconic. And, of course, we’ll be peeking behind the curtains… because that’s what we love to do on Sew & So, bringing you right into the heart of the action at one of the world’s most renowned quilt festivals. This legendary event began in 1974, a time when the world was changing fast. Karey Bresenhan, a visionary, opened her quilt shop, Great Expectations, in Houston, Texas, sparking what would become an incredible journey. Just to give you a sense of that time: President Nixon resigned over Watergate, ABBA’s Waterloo was topping charts, and movies like The Godfather Part II and Blazing Saddles were captivating audiences. Nike was filing its first patent, People magazine launched, and fashion was all about flared pants and leisure suits. Quite a backdrop, right? The Festival’s Remarkable History (1:34) Bob Ruggiero, Vice President of Communications for Quilts, Inc. ( www.quiltsinc.com ), shares the fascinating story of how the festival began in 1974 and grew into an international sensation. From behind-the-scenes secrets to exciting plans for the future, Bob’s insights set the stage for our journey. International Flavors and Creative Innovation (6:31) Meet vibrant vendors like Isabelle Bische from France and Karen Barry of Quilt Passions in Kailua Kona, HI. From Quilts to Mysteries (8:56) Bestselling author Arlene Sachitano ( www.Arlenesachitano.com ), known for her Harriet Truman/Loose Threads mystery series, explains how Houston inspires her work and why this festival is close to her heart. Stories from Attendees (11:37) Quilters Kim and Jean from Quero, TX, and Becky and Anne from Georgetown, TX, reflect on their favorite moments, while April from Texas and Scott from California share their first impressions of the festival. A Global Masterpiece (13:05) Discover this year’s Best of Show quilt, a breathtaking creation from China. Hear from the artist, Chen Jing, in a touching conversation made possible through a friend and Google Translate. Let’s let Bob Ruggiero introduce it. Artistry Meets Innovation (17:29) Past Sew & So guest Kestral Michaud ( www.kestralmichaud.com ) returns as the winner of the Master Award for Contemporary Artistry. Her journey continues to inspire! Empowering Communities (18:36 & 22:35) Spotlight on nonprofits: Meet newcomers like Danielle Harper from the Barbara Bush Foundation ( www.bushhoustonliteracy.org ) and Jessica Rudolph from My Very Own Blanket ( www.myveryownblanket.org ), as well as returning groups like MD Anderson ( www.mdanderson.org/ovarian-quilt-project ), Sew Powerful ( www.sewpowerful.org ), and Creativity Shell ( www.creativityshell.org ). Learn about their incredible missions and how you can help. Deep in the heart (24:58) In the charming town of LaGrange, TX stands the Texas Quilt Museum. www.texasquilymuseim.org Meet Executive Director Deborah Blanchette Bradley who shares its story and its effort to preserve the history and future of quilting. Why they were there (26:47) Meet attendees April from Texas and Scott from California and they talk about their event experience. Meet Jeanne Delpit of BERNINA (27:42) Making her Sew & So debut, Jeanne ( https://weallsew.com/author/jeannecd/ ) offers a peek behind the scenes of the BERNINA exhibit and her role as National Events Manager. Rising Stars and Seasoned Pros (30:50 & 34:31) Get to know Nick Jarrett, a newcomer mentored by Ricky Tims, and Uzoma Samuel, who updates us on his artistic achievements since QuiltCon. Serging Queen and Quilting Royalty (34:58) BERNINA’s Pam Mahshie (@pammahshie) and Toni Smith, a.k.a. Quiltoni ( www.quiltoni.com ), share their latest projects and Houston experiences. The Magic of Haute Couture (37:52 & 41:19) Fashion visionary Joe Vecchiarelli (@joevecchiarelli) who has many collaborations with Disney, Dancing with the Stars , and Dolly Parton, tells us what he’s been up to lately. (40:22) And then there’s the wonderful “Evening of Style with Nick Verreos” that Joe was responsible for making happen… An Evening of Style (41:19) And then…there’s Nick himself! www.nickverreos.com (46:32)Join us now in the front row for this amazing display of Haute Couture as Nick Verreos provide commentary on his wonderful creations. Here’s Jill Benge to lead off the evening! And the Winners Are… (48:41) Meet the three winners of the BERNINA machines raffled off at the fashion show Kim GImblet, Wendy Shapiro, and Elizabeth Martin Reflections (49:49) And what did Beth from Pittsburg, Kathy from Prescott, AZ and Lynn from Colleyville TX think of the show?! A Grand Finale (50:37) Bob Ruggiero wraps up the festival with his reflections on this momentous event. And it’s this very spirit—the connections, the creativity, the shared passion—that makes the Houston Quilt Festival so extraordinary. We at Sew & So were honored to be right there on the floor, immersed in it all. Our deepest thanks to everyone who shared their time, their stories, and their enthusiasm with us, painting a vivid picture of what makes this festival a cherished experience year after year Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. That’s S E W A N D S O Podcast.com. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.