by Sandra | April 19th, 2009
It is considered an annual rite of spring– The AQS show in Paducah.
I haven’t attended every major show, but I have most of them and this show is very special and like home to me. I love the people, the atmosphere, the Hancock’s shopping frenzy and the town. The Schroeder’s and all of the AQS staff are the most supportive and genuine people and always make me feel individually special when I am there. This is one great big party of like-minded quilters who are laid back and ready to have a good time (no attitudes or egos permitted here). I always meet new friends, of course everyone becomes your friend instantly here, and shares a common passion and bond for quilts and quilting.
Shirley Kelly my good friend, Paducah party buddy and housemate with her "Puffins" quilt (hand appliqued) now in the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. One of four of her quilts in their collection.
It is not easy for me to get there and it is a grueling travel schedule. However, it is worth every ugly minute in an airport, airplane and rental counter to get to this show. I have been fortunate enough to stay at the home of the Hines (Jeff is a local Circuit Court judge and a hilarious story teller) and he and Trish always put the signs out in the lawn to welcome Shirley and I every year we come. They also have a large (refilled many times) pitcher of Margaritas waiting on the pool patio veranda every evening when we come home tired from the show. Trish also lays out a huge Southern breakfast spread in the morning before we are off on our adventures for the day. Like, how great is that???? 
)
My home away from home in Paducah. The Hines' home along the infamous Dogwood Drive Tour
With the warm temperatures and sunny weather here in Oregon, I am really feeling disappointed and left behind knowing I won’t be going to the show to meet up with my friends, see the quilts, shop, party at dinner and just have a good time knocking about around town. You see, unlike any other show, Paducah is an EXPERIENCE. One I think every quilter should enjoy at least once in their lifetime if at all possible.
If you are going, have a great time, eat some barbque for me and darn it, I envy you! )
©2009 Sandra Leichner
Sorry to hear you wont be attending AQS this year.
I will be headed that way Bright and Early Tuesday morning! We are going to have some Barbecue for lunch so i will think of you when i am stuffing my face!
Oh, to miss the 25th anniversary show! But, you’ll be back. The AQS show in Paducah is unique in that it has such character. I love the town, the river, the show (that snakes into the underbelly of the Executive Inn…. ); nothing in the quilt world quite like it that I know of! I so admire Shirley Kelly’s quilts (esp. the panda quilt). I’m sure they will miss YOU this year, Sandra; but, you will return.
I almost made it there once : (
That year there were severe tornados all along the highway from MI ( where I was staying ) to Paducah . There was no let up for traveling either coming or going , so I wasn’t able to drive there !
I was heart broken !
Maybe someday I will get the chance again and if you do too we could say hi in person .
Sorry you can’t go this time !
Oh Elizabeth, savor each bite of that BBQ slowly for me. My mouth waters at the thought of it. Have fun, I know it will be!
Ha! I already have my bags ready to go for next year. I have informed my husband that this is officially on the calendar so work around it. . Yes, Shirley’s work is phenomenal. I was lucky to meet her when I first started out entering national shows and she is a HUGE kick in the pants. I would love to hear about the updates to the Exec so you are here by assigned that duty.
)
Oh Boop,
It is a hard one to get to for various reasons for those of us furthest away from Kentucky. The cost of travel and time come immediately to mind. But, if you love quilting in the traditional sense, this is one of the last national shows that truly showcases them. The over the top commercialism just isn’t there, which I appreciate immensely. It is ALL about the quilts and quilters. If you get the chance to attend one show and this is where your heart lies in quilting, it is the ONE to go to. Of course we could meet in person and that would be way too much fun eh?
You can also visit my quilt in the Museum too.
If only I could give you an update on the Executive Inn– but, alas, I also will not be going this year… I was fortunate to be able to attend in 2006 and 2007 (or was it 2005 and 2006?), and hope to be going next year. So you will have to learn from others if there has been any improvement in the old Exec. Inn. In fact, I enjoyed the privilege of taking a class from you. To this day your class remains, of all the many classes I’ve taken, the class for which the instructor was best prepared. Your class was AMAZING!
I have a tip for Boop on attending the AQS show in Paducah: I suggest considering a tour going to the show. The tour company I used (twice) and can highly recommend, is “Country Heritage” (which included the dubious but convenient fortune of staying at the infamous Executive Inn). This way, you only have to concern yourself with getting to the Nashville airport, and they take you from there–so easy.
You know Frances, I THOUGHT I knew you! You have to forgive me as my brain does not hold on to memory as well as it used to (Meds). Thank you so much for the feedback and great compliment on the class! I am so glad you were able to reap some benefit. It always difficult to teach hand work in a six hour class (especially with 24 students!) and I want to show everyone soooo much. You made my day.
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