Quilt Market, Part 1

It's hard now for me to believe that just last weekend, just 7 days ago I was in the midst of Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Quilt Market is always such a rush...one day is classes, lots of classes....really way too many classes. By the end of the day you feel as though your head is going to explode with information about the newest notions, the coolest fabrics, books and patterns to WOW our customers...plus the "how to run a quilt shop" type of thing too...how to make displays, how to fold fat quarters, how to do the accounting (I usually send Mr. Scottie Dog to these!) and so much more. There are 20+ sessions of 15 minutes or 30 minutes over 6 hours.

But what I am sure YOU want to hear about is what I saw at Market. Here's some pictures.Cindy Taylor Oats in her booth. We've ordered her new book: Mother and Daughter Aprons.
My good friend Jo Morton and I pause for a picture. Jo taught in Eureka several years ago. She designs Civil War era fabrics for Andover, writes books and patterns.

Button, button, WE'VE got the buttons...yes these fantastic over-sized buttons are coming soon. Use them on jackets, purses, bags even quilts if you want!
We can't go to Market without seeing our friend Jackie Clark! She designs lovely clothing and accessories for babies & children. I'm sure you've seen the baby jackets & ruffled pants hanging in the store. Now she has a delightful little Posy Pocket Top. The patterns have already arrived! Jackie mentions Liz in every class or lecture she gives....Liz told her how easy to follow her patterns were and made quite an impression on Jackie.
Are you a Princess? A Quilting Queen, Diva of Everything? Then you'll need some "PINcess Pins." They come in several color collections. So sweet, so beautiful...you'll feel like a Princess every time you use them.

One of the great things about the booths is that you'll get lots of ideas...check out the tiny rick rack on the quilt and the Jumbo rick rack on the pillowcase.
These darling baby shoes are just one of the projects in Anna Maria Horner's new book....should be arriving soon!

So that's just Quilt Market Part 1. Come back soon for Part 2.

Last Market Update

I keep getting asked, "When are you going to tell us more about Quilt Market?" So I thought I'd post the last pictures.

Who am I posing with here? This is Brenda Lou from Whistlepig Creek Patterns (and yes, there IS a Whistlepig Creek), I think in Colorado where the pattern company is located). I've never met another BrendaLou before. Most Brenda's seem to be Brenda Lee's.

It wouldn't be Quilt Market if I didn't connect with my good friend Jo Morton. She came to Eureka to teach the first year I opened the store and we've kept in touch. She has a new book out and of course a new Civil War Vintage fabric line with Andover Fabrics.

Eleanor Burns (with son, Orion) is always fun--

-this year her crew were all wearing these brightly colored "pony tails." See the Scottie Dog on the quilt in the background? We ordered the new Eleanor Burns Big, Big Flying Goose Ruler and we expect Eleanor's Trunk Show for her book, Victory Quilts to arrive any day now at the store.

Next I'm posing with the "Vampire Couple." Dennis and Julia are with P&B Fabrics and they always dress up one day at Market. You usually find Dennis in a big black cowboy hat, until he dresses up. One year they were Fred & Lily Munster. Last year Dennis was a Red Hat Lady! I've never seen such large high heels before! As I've said before, "You never know what you'll find at Quilt Market!"

Isn't this booth beautiful, calm and serene. These colors of green, aqua and cream were seen in many booths.....fabrics, sample quilts and patterns.

So there you have it....Quilt Market 2008. Until next October.