Quilt Market Part 2

As a newbie, Quilt Market was overwhelming in the sense of scale and diversity. It is the place where quilt shop owners from around the world meet manufacturers in the industry all in one place for three days. It runs the gammet of fabric, books, patterns, needlework, notions, embroidery, sewing machines, thread, wool and crafts in 27 aisles lined with booths. We were in row 25 between Penguin & Fish selling embroidery kits (and based in Minneapolis) and Pieces From My Heart fabric designs.

April, me and Melissa

We had a steady stream of visitors to our booth inquiring, buying and placing orders for quilt labels. They loved the colors, variety and the option to customize and buy as few or as many as they wanted. It gave me the chance to see what designs they liked best and how I'd design them differently in the future.

This was actually the first time I met April, the owner of Modern Yardage and her husband Jay since working with their company for over two years. It also gave Melissa from The Linden Tree the chance to meet them, too, since she supports and purchases my fabric for her shop. Melissa and other friends sewed many wonderful items for me out of my fabric. A special thank you to Carole who made the lovely Poppy Hop purse for me. I love wearing it and admire the craftsmanship of her work.

Lindsey modeling the backpack made by Melissa using my City of Lakes panel

The City of Lakes panels really resonated with customers, along with Modern Yardage's other panels for Milwaukee, Vancouver, Austin and Pittsburgh. But they'd ask...what about Seattle? Alaska? Colorado? Atlanta?  We will continue to expand out designs and make them available. I made a lot of great contacts so I can collaborate on what imagery they'd like to see their city represented by and also pass along information to our other designers.

April made a large cheater quilt panel out Modern Yardage labels and added funny custom names to them. It made for a fun conversation piece but also showed that they can add custom names to quilt labels, too.  Here's a couple up close.

Having a booth at Quilt Market was a wonderful experience!  I'm so lucky that it was held in my hometown and that Modern Yardage decided to exhibit. Next year it's in Salt Lake City which is Modern Yardage's hometown, so look for them with all new designs.  Until then, shop their online retail fabric here. Contact them about wholesale orders, too.