The thousands of fans streaming into town for the International Quilt Festival Houston this week will be glad to know that the queen of the quilters, Libby Lehman, is recovering.

Last year, when the annual quilt show came to town, the master quilter and teacher was unable to walk or have a normal conversation after suffering a ruptured aneurysm and a stroke.

This year Lehman can do both, and while she's not ready to make an appearance at the George R. Brown Convention Center, friends are making sure that the work she inspired will be available for viewing at the nation's biggest quilt show.

The exhibit, titled "Inspired by Libby," features 33 quilts made by award-winning artists and teachers who were influenced by Lehman over the years. Clara Lawrence of Elgin organized the show and its online auction to both honor Lehman and help defray her medical expenses.

Bidding will continue through Nov. 5. An additional three quilts for sale in the exhibit were made by Lehman's mother, Catherine Anthony.

"It's been a tough year-and-a -half, but the support from the quilting family around the world has been overwhelming," said Cathy Arnold, Lehman's sister. "There's just been a steady stream of love and support."

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2014 International Quilt Festival

Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas

When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday preview; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $12; $9 for students and ages 65 and older; free for children 10 and younger with a paying adult. A $12 preview night pass includes one free additional day.

Information: 713-781-6864 or www.quilts.com