First off, I posted a sneak peek of MY FABRIC over on Instagram a few weeks ago! I haven’t really mentioned it here, and more details are to come for sure–but for now I will just show you what’s already out there! I can’t wait to show you more. Soon, SOON! (YOU GUYS! I’m designing for MODA!!!!!!!!) <—dream come true.

Pardon the freak out. Back to business. *ahem*

I’ve had a few questions about Quilt Market, and thought I’d throw some information out there for anyone who is curious.

What you need to know about International Quilt Market

Things are ramping up around here, and if you haven’t noticed, basically everywhere in the quilting world. Anyone who is involved in the quilting industry professionally is getting ready for an event that happens twice a year: International Quilt Market. It is a beautiful show full of new products, new fabrics, new patterns, and more. If you’re into quilting, this is basically your mecca. It’s like fashion week, only for quilting. Quilt Market is also where shops get advance precuts and products before their release date, so that they can make shop samples and work with the new fabrics before they ship.

Quilt Market is a Trade Show

That means that all the people exhibiting are showing what they produce to the people who will be selling it. Translation? I go to show my patterns to shop owners, so they will buy them, and sell them in their shop. Fabric companies are there too, to show what fabrics they have coming down the pipeline. Often this means they are showing fabrics that will ship up to 6 months or more from the time of the show. In order to attend Quilt Market you have to have credentials–proof you own a quilting related business and you can qualify for wholesale terms. It is not open to the general public.

When is Quilt Market?

Fall Quilt Market usually happens the last weekend in October, though in recent years they have tried to avoid having it fall right on Halloween. There are lots of mamas and daddies who want to be with their babies that day. It is always in Houston, Texas.

Spring Quilt Market usually falls the second weekend in May. This show travels around the country, falling in one of 5 locations around the United States on a rotating schedule. This spring, I am traveling to Pittsburgh to exhibit.

International Quilt Market sounds awesome! Can I come?

I love going to market, even though it is hard to be away from home for that long sometimes. The whole experience is so inspiring! There are so many beautiful things to look at, and admire. When I’m exhibiting, I don’t have as much opportunity as I would like to go see the entire show–but what I do see always impresses. And it’s also exhausting. I’m always ready, when the time comes, to be home.

If you’re a shop owner or employee, and would like to attend market, check out the Quilts, Inc website and get in contact with them about the credentials required. I’d love to see you there!

If you’re a quilt lover who would like to experience market, thank goodness for the internet! Many, many attendees post pictures and blog posts, and show market real time via Instagram. Just check out the hashtag #quiltmarket ! You can follow right along, even tell attendees what you want to see–and we’ll do our best reconnaissance for you! Or, go snag a part-time job with your local quilt shop! If you’re really determined to go, you’ll need the qualifications (and your own check stub!) from a company that has wholesale credentials and purchasing power. After all, this show isn’t just for show, it’s for sales!

Alright kids, I’m back to finishing up writing these new patterns (5 new patterns coming soon!) so I can START SEWING WITH MY VERY OWN FABRIC. (Eeeeeeeek!)

xoxo

April