"An Old Woman With Joyous Face"

The Houston International Quilt Festival truly is a global event. Over a dozen countries and 37 states were represented in the judged IQA Show. Above and beyond winning first place in each of the many categories, there are eight special awards, including Best Of Show. This colorful quilt won the World of Beauty award. Created by Brazilians Marina Landi and Natasha De Souza Bugarin, from the moment it was unveiled at the awards ceremony, it became a favorite. Crowds gathered to examine it closely, phones waved above heads, like appreciative fans at a Bruce Springsteen concert. All week long, every time I walked past it on the show floor, the quilt drew people over to look and linger. Everyone walked away with a smile. Joy is contagious.