The Downton Abbey Schoolhouse: Quilt Market Houston 2013

Well, schoolhouse started off with a one of a kind event. There was only one room open: the ballroom. Instead of people all milling around to twenty or so different simultaneous sessions, Andover Fabrics made a big splash with a Downton Abbey special, featuring appearances and talks by the award winning Costume Designer for the series, Caroline McCall and Production Designer Donal Woods (who also does Homeland and did 24).

Hearing them talk about the design process and decisions on set was cool. There was a sizzle reel of season 4 snippets and pics of a visit to the castle and the set by Andover president David Weinstein and design director Kathy Hall. We loved hearing what it was like behind the scenes. It was…fun. And different. And well done. Show biz meets Quilt Market. Here are pics of projects using the fabrics from the Downton Abbey fabric collection from Andover. There are collections within the collection for the Dowager Countess, Lady Edith, Lady Mary and Lady Sybil.

Downton Abbey nesting oval boxes and storage boxes by Quilted Koala

Authentic 1920′s Hat and One Hour Dress Patterns by eVINTAGEpatterns using Downton Abbey fabrics by Kathy Hall

Abbey Star Quilt by Mountainpeek Creations using Downton Abbey fabrics by Kathy Hall

detail of Abbey Star Quilt by Mountainpeek Creations using Downton Abbey fabrics by Kathy Hall

Ladies of Downton Abbey quilt by Tiffany Hayes using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

detail of Ladies of Downton Abbey quilt by Tiffany Hayes using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

Counterpoint Quilt by Mountainpeek Creations using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

detail of Counterpoint Quilt by Mountainpeek Creations using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

9 Easy Pieces quilt pattern by Mountainpeek Creations using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

detail of 9 Easy Pieces quilt pattern by Mountainpeek Creations using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

Edith’s Grand Entrance Quilt pattern by Tiffany Hayes using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

Regal Mary Quilt by Tiffany Hayes using Downton Abbey Fabrics by Kathy Hall

Birds of a Feather Quilt by Lucy A. Fazely using Downton Abbey by Kathy Hall

detail of Birds of a Feather Quilt by Lucy A. Fazely using Downton Abbey by Kathy Hall

Simply Sybil Quilt using Downton Abbey by Kathy Hall

Ladies of Downton Abbey quilt pattern by Tiffany Hayes using Downton Abbey fabric by Kathy Hall

Lots of bags! Including Tahiti Tote, Manhattan Handbag, Tuscany Tote by Pink Sand Beach Designs

The Kathy Hall, designer of the Downton Abbey fabric collection

There was a HUGE crowd. I heard 1000, and then I heard 1500. The seats started filling up at 9:15, and the house was pretty full full at 9:45. We were captivated from 10-11, transported to Highclere Castle. And then there was the filing out where everyone got a tote bag. (even me and I don’t usually go for those things..) All I can say is I can’t wait for the next season to start!