Quilting Me Softly: My Unforgettable Netflix & ill Experience at Houston Quilt Market 2023

The Best Laid Plans of Quilts and Women

In a parallel universe, yours truly, Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic, would be gliding through the aisles of the Houston Quilt Market like a quilting queen. Flashing new fabric line "Flirtation," taking selfies with my adoring fans, and schmoozing at the hippest industry parties.

Weeks of prep—four quilt samples and a plethora of smaller projects like cute bags and boxes—all courtesy of my tireless Heinzelmännchen (those are German house gnomes, FYI).

A Cough, A Sneeze, and A Whole Lot of "Nope"

Ah, the best-laid plans. Instead of finalizing my packing, I was feeling something not-so-chic—a fever, a scratchy throat, and a night of tossing and turning. A cough decided to make a grand entrance the next day. Imagine, a cough so dramatic, it deserved its own runway show. "Just a seasonal flue," I told myself, clutching a negative COVID test. So, onward to the plane, with an arsenal of painkillers courtesy of the flight attendants.

Netflix and Ill—My Houston Experience

Touchdown Houston! I managed to drag myself and my jam-packed suitcase to the exhibition hall. Then it hit me, like a failed quilt pattern: This was no flue. Another COVID test confirmed my worst suspicions. My grand Houston soiree had been canceled by a virus. But fear not—Moda, the rockstars they are, offered to set up my booth and save the day. So while my sewing marvels were turning heads, I was in bed turning Netflix episodes. Parties? Nope. Designer dinner? Uh-uh. Networking? Let's just say my network was limited to Wi-Fi.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a Quilt(or Just Watch Netflix)

So there you have it. My Quilt Market experience was less glam, more jam(mies). But hey, I got to have virtual meet-and-greets via video calls! While I missed the buzz and the people, I found a new appreciation for health—and for Moda, who turned my quilt dreams into reality even when I was out of action.

And you know what? It's all material for the quilt of life. Sometimes you're the vibrant pattern, sometimes you're the backing fabric. This time, I was definitely the latter, but as we all know, every quilt needs its support.

So here's to the adventures that never go as planned but make for fabulous stories. Let's just say, Quilt Market 2023 was one for the (quilt) books. Just don't ask me for a Netflix recommendation; I've seen them all by now.