June 7 2010
Posted by fibergoddess on Monday, June 7th, 2010
I just returned from spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis. The weather was at a record high and beautiful, although it did rain for a brief time on Friday. Market, as Quilt Market is fondly called, is always a great time to see old friends and to catch up on everyone's news. Lots of hugs and love! 
Unfortunately, my daughter, Nicole, was unable to attend the show with me to help out in the booth. It seems that she has her own customer fan club now and they were all asking about her. I may be losing my place on the throne as the Fiber Goddess, now that there seems to be a younger up and coming Goddess-In -Training.
I spent all of my time in my booth demonstrating my Diva Cord Maker and selling tons of my Ribbonry boxes. I was so pleased that the ribbons were such a big hit. I displayed a beautiful scarf made by Anna Stuart, a customer of The City Quilter in New York City, which uses silk fabric strips, Ribbonry, and water soluble stabilizer. (See the photo below) However, I was very disappointed that I was unable to "walk the show" to see all of the new goodies brought to the show by the other vendors. It's always fun to see the beautifully and artistically decorated booths. Moda Fabrics won the Best Booth award.
Sample Spree, the two-hour sale held the night before the official opening of Market, was a "hoot". Those sedate shop owners were like kids let loose in Toys”R”Us as they were, literally, RUNNING, to try to be one of the first 50 people in line at the Moda booth. I never got a clear understanding of just what the prize was, but these ladies could give NFL running backs a run for their money! Lots of fun was had by all. I'm sure there were many sore shoulders, arms, and hands on Friday morning as a result of carrying around all of the heavy bags of fabric. Moda gave away a really pretty fabric shopping bag to hold all of their goodies. Most of the customers were carrying them packed to the brim.
On Saturday night, I went to dinner with my pal Dianne Springer and her daughter, Brandy. You will remember Diane from my first blog post. She's the brains behind Quilt-in-a-Cup. As usual, she kept us in stitches as she regaled us with her exploits involving her hometown police department. She drives a Corvette convertible with a lead foot! Somehow, she never seems to actually receive the ticket. Some people just naturally have the gift of gab. Diane is currently working on some fabulous designs for quilting fabric and stationery items. I can't wait to see them in production. I'll keep you posted on her progress. She is one talented and funny lady! Check out her blog at threadsfrommyhead.blogspot.
Stephanie Brandenburg, the Design and Marketing Director for Camelot Cottons, came by the booth with her mom and picked up packets of Ribbonry to embellish her quilts. Her floral and architectural fabrics are wonderful. She is one of the young designers that is working hard to design fabrics and quilts that appeal to the young quilter. We need the young quilters to keep quilting marching along; after all, many of us baby boomers are now suffering from cataracts and/or arthritis and we may be slowing down a bit. Just speaking for myself, of course!
I, also enjoyed meeting quilt artist and designer, Scott Hansen, from BlueNickleStudios.com. We met while waiting in a ridiculously long line for the hotel elevator. Of course, the situation was perfect for striking up a conversation about quilting. . His name seemed quite familiar to me and I asked him if I had seen his work in any magazines. He said I probably would not have seen his work since he worked for various fabric companies. When I arrived home, the latest issue of Quilter's Home magazine had arrived. What do I find inside, on page 27, but a beautiful quilt designed and made by Scott! Seems he's modest, too! Anyway, he came by the booth the next day and introduced me to designer Kaye Prince, from Miss Prince Designs, and long arm quilter John Q. Adams from Quiltdad.com. It was very refreshing talking to these young, excited quilters. Please check out their blogs and websites.
As usual, there were some beautiful quilts on display from Quilt Festival 2009. We have some talented and innovative quilters out there.
Well, I think I've about covered everything. Until next time………..
Comments
-
Thanks for the overview on Market! I was unable to attend and missed the comaraderie and excitment. Missed seeing you and Nicloe, too. Hope to see you soon. Jill Jillions of Buttonsby Jill M Gorski on 08 June 2010 at 8:15 a.m.
