Conventional wisdom would denigrate Boston as a prime winter destination.  Too bad for you, if you follow conventional wisdom.  Currently it is cold, with no snow, blue skies and a slew of fantastic textile exhibits that should not be missed.

Iris Apfel: A Rare Bird of Fashion from the Peabody Essex

Scurry over to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem for one of the most inspiring fashion displays I’ve ever seen.  Virtually travel across seas and time, study embroidery, jewelry, high fashion and street markets.  Reevaluate your personal design statement.  Iris Apfel, A Rare Bird of Fashion shares her ideology and wardrobe gathered in every imaginable place.  I’ve been there three times since the exhibit opened in October… beautiful curation.  There’s a closing party tonight, and the show will be on display only until Sunday, so hurry over.

Going to the Peabody Essex is like traveling around the world while hanging out in Salem.  Not to mention that a couple of blocks away, there’s a dream street: a yarn, a quilt, a bead and an embroidery shop on Front Street.

Pioneer art quilter Nancy Crow was in town last week teaching classes, but her quilts will remain on display at the Fuller Craft until April 19.  It’s great to see how this pillar of the 20th Century quilting world has evolved already in this Century.

But to really grasp how quilting has changed around the world, head to the New England Quilt Museum. Their “Masters” Exhibit highlights cutting edge quilting from Australia, Japan, South Africa, Europe,  the UK and Israel.

Leave conventional wisdom to those freezing folks in Florida: don those woolies and come on out!