Texas is BIG and Houston is HUGE!!! So is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! There are many Go-Texan competitions as part of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and on more than one occasion I have been asked to be a participant in the “Quilts” Competition. Even having a quilt I own – take Best of Show Metro along with several other ribbons that year!
So there is a story that goes with this quilt. I purchased the top at my guild auction in 2003 and it was bidding war to the end. Luckily some folks sitting near by adversary convinced her I was not going to give up and she finally stopped bidding. What she did not know, is my final bid was truly my final bid – had she bid one more time this beauty would’ve gone home with her. I arrived home and tentatively showed my hubby – he wondered out-loud what this had cost him; I don’t think I told him that night! Fast forward to May 2004, I entered my now finished quilt in the Lakeview Quilters Guild show, out of 3 entries in its category it took 3rd. I had it appraised that year and I highly recommend you have your special quilts appraised, this one appraised for 4 x my initial purchase of the top. Some interesting information regarding appraisals – the backing fabric DOES matter. As part of the quilt I was given a beautiful Jane Sassaman for the back; that added value. I used to say “it’s just the back” but not anymore. Also, the number of years you have been quilting, your status in the quilting community and many other little things add to the value of your quilt. I have considered having this quilt re-appraised because my status in the quilting world has changed and it is probably more valuable now. Fast forward to 2006, I was asked to allow this quilt to represent the NASA/Clearlake/Friendswood Go-Texan Region and I of course agreed. Well this quilt, took Best of Show, 3 first places and a judges choice! Be sure to view the photo of the label I included below – I give these women ALL the credit for any ribbons this quilt has received. I am just the quilter and the proud owner!
For 2016 I was asked to quilt this quilt for the competition. I do love how these wool appliqué quilts quilt up! Be sure to find this quilt when you visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year – be sure to share your photos! Here are my photos; but they never do the quilt justice because the quilt is not yet trimmed and there is no binding. The binding always just gives a quilt that polished look!
Wishing this quilt and it’s owner best wishes in the quilt competition for Houston 2016!
Denise