As many of you know, International Quilt Market was in Kansas City last week. Selina and I had intended to attend together, but sometimes life has other plans. Despite that Selina was unable to attend, I made the long, 45 minute journey downtown to see what all the fuss was about.
Market is a Trade Show for quilt store owners. pattern makers and suppliers. Credentials are required to obtain tickets, and I’m happy we are important enough to go! It is a three day event that includes classes, marketing strategies and, of course, Sample Spree. I had always heard Sample Spree was a mad dash because it’s one of the only events that allows you to bring home bundles of fabric. As excited as I was for Sample Spree, I actually left it empty handed. It was a great time, and lots of fun, but the fabric lines I was most excited to see were not made available at the event.
I noticed a trend of nautical themed fabrics; beach scenes, boats, pirates, maps, etc. All of which I adore. I have a special place in my heart for the nautical theme having grown up at the beach.
What I love about the Ship Shape line is that it reminds me of sheets my mom used to have on her bed. I think it would be amazing to create this quilt and back it in those vintage sheets!
Great. Now I’m homesick. =/
The Sarah Jane line is so sweet and fun. I love the project ideas they have chosen for this line. It seems versatile to use for children but also in personal projects.
Aprons were also very popular, or maybe I just like them! Here are just a few of my favorites.
I also met and chatted with Nancy Zieman of Sewing with Nancy, Mary Ann and Mary Fons, saw Amy and David Butler, and many many more quilt-famous people. It was too much fun! Next time I’m going to bring ridiculous amounts of money and a wholesale license. One will be easy to obtain. The other would also be easy to obtain but I don’t want to go to prison.
One of the best things I came across was a booth selling Fat Quarters of modern, current fabric lines for $2 per FQ. I was able to pick up a number of fantastic finds for myself and my absentee buddy. I had a huge stack of flyers and catalogs promoting new patterns, books and notions, so my wish list is now a mile long. One of the bundles I picked up was David Butler’s Parson Gray – Curious Nature. I can’t wait to pick up the book Big Blocks, Big Style to create a handsome, masculine quilt. I will not likely keep the quilt, so consider this a warning for an amazing quilt for the man in your life!
Best wishes!
Lizze