Our lives are like quilts – bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love.

Debbie and I went to Paducah Kentucky this week for 2 days of AQS Quiltweek, along with approximately 30,000 other people.  We last went in 2014 and previous to that in 2009. It is a week filled with lectures, classes, 128 vendors (this year), and award winning quilts. Over $127,000 in prizes were awarded in 2024 and there are quilt entries from all over the world. It's always fun to meet other quilters and see the sites of Paducah. Not a quilter? I think everyone would appreciated the varied quilt-art displayed, whether it's large or small quilts, contemporary or traditional. They are just beautiful! 

Of course it was really nice to catch up with friends from Palmyra. I even got to see  Texas neighbor!

Best of Show winner, "Serenity," received  $20,000.

Best Hand Workmanship Award, "Fullness"

"Presidents" exhibit 

A 20x20" textile challenge

The National Quilt museum opened in 1989. It houses quilts from all over the world and has special exhibits.

A wooden quilt carving hangs in the entry.

"Roaring 20's" exhibit

Dr. Nyberg talked about NASA and her life-long love of quilting. During her 6 month stay in 2013, she became famous for quilting in the space station.  While she quilted her block in space NASA requested quilt blocks from people on earth. 30 quilts were made with those blocks, with several on exhibit at the museum. She now has her own line of fabric.

Dr. Nyberg's square she quilted in space.

Dr. Nyberg's husband, Doug Hurley, was the pilot on the last space shuttle flight. 

In the past we had had taken a class. With so much to see and do, this time we just went to one lecture and an evening program.

We attended a lecture entitled Convergence and Cool Kaleidoscope by Ricky Tims, a musician and contemporary quilt maker. 

Thursday night we attended a program hosted by Alex Anderson, Fabric, Friends & Fun Night. In groups of 8 we had a lot of fun with a trivia challenge. We were treated to a candy and popcorn smorgasbord. 

We took a shuttle to Hancocks, a massive store of fabric, precuts, patterns, and notions. It was packed.

Friday evening in Palmyra.

Where are the Piepers now? Grain Valley, MO.