If you have the opportunity to attend Quilt Festival this year, along with 60,000-plus others, between October 30 and November 2, you will have a chance to observe all those things at the George R. Brown convention center. As for vendors, there will be more than 1,000 booths. Exhibits will include the usual fantastic selection of judged quilts from the International Quilt Association, but more special exhibits than ever, including some related to the anniversary.

"Ruby is the stone for 40th wedding anniversaries, so we are calling this our Ruby Jubilee," says Karey. There will be a special exhibit of 130 red and white quilts made between 1974 and the present in homage to the amazing Infinite Variety show in New York, in 2011. Karey missed that show because she had just gotten out of the hospital, but thought this was a perfect way to celebrate the red tie-in. One of the quilts included is the exquisite red and white Dear Jane above, which was made by Deborah Bingham and friends as a gift to Joanna Rose -- the collector whose quilts were showcased in New York (Joanna Rose is Deborah's aunt.) The quilt is called Infinite Gratitude.

Another nod to the anniversary is a special exhibit called "Life Begins at 40," showing contemporary quilts that express what turning 40 means to their makers. 

The success of Quilts Inc., the parent company of this and other shows, along with Fall and Spring Quilt Market, comes from a strong work ethic and smart choices by Karey and her veteran staffers. But she says the real key has been keeping quilts and quilters as her top priority. Literally. For the past 25 years, the company has conducted meetings with a sign on the table that guides all decisions: "First, is it good for quilting? Second, is it good for us? Third, can we make or save money on it?"