July 31, 2008

Dana and I got the booth set up on Thursday. Then I lost my camera. It fell off the Handi-Mover on the way back to the car, and even though we retraced our steps immediately, there was no sign of it. I had a feeling, though, that it would come back to me, because it did have my name in it. Anyway, now there’s a gap in my photos and I didn’t get any of our wonderful neighbors, Kim and Lisa of Kathy Van Bruggen Designs. This mom and daughter team (daughter and granddaughter of Kathy, who had another commitment) were delightful to have next door.

On Friday morning, as we vendors were putting the finishing touches on our preparations, we heard an announcement that the doors would open 15 minutes early due to the number of quilters waiting to get in. Whoo hoo! At 9:45 it began, and it didn’t stop all day. Quilters converged on the Long Beach Convention Center in droves. Unfortunately, the CC was not prepared for the power of the quilt. We began to hear stories of long lines to get into the parking decks, more than an hour’s wait to buy tickets, and long waits in lunch lines only to have the food run out. All of the nearby restaurants were swamped as well. The next day, the CC doubled everything, but I heard they still ran out of food. Next year, guys, don’t underestimate us quilters!

Saturday was not quite as crowded. In the afternoon, a man stopped at the booth, smiled, and held up my camera. THANK YOU Jamie from Janome!!

Here’s what my happy place looked like:

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Me (the tall one) with my angel friend Renae (the short one) who volunteered to help me in the booth on Saturday.

I was pretty much chained to my booth the whole time, but I did get short breaks to go over and check out the show. I was mighty impressed! Emerging into the show area from vendor-land was like stepping into a gallery. The atmosphere was dignified and respectful of the beautiful quilts and amazing pieces of textile art that hung from the walls. Over at Quilts.com, you can see lots of pictures from the event.

I also got to meet some quilting dignitaries. Christine Brown, executive editor of American Quilter, appeared at my elbow. She has published articles of mine, and it was great to get to meet her in person. In line for coffee, I accosted Cheryl Uribe, The Quilt Show‘s Gizmo Girl. Later I saw her chatting with my photographer Gregory Case, who is Photo Man for TQS. After repeated attempts, I finally met Verna Mosquera when she wasn’t surrounded by her fans. I was also able to touch base with many other friends and acquaintances over the weekend.

At 3:00 sharp on Sunday afternoon, the bittersweet announcement went out that Festival was over for the year. What took 3 days to set up in vendor-land had to be down and out the door 5 hours later. That was no problem for us… we were out in a little over an hour, even with the three trips. I’m already psyched up about next year! Mark your calendars… July 24-26, 2009, same venue!

Until next time,
Kay
Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs

Comments

2 Responses to “On with the show”

  1. Gale on August 3rd, 2008 7:55 am

    Just found your blog and LOVE it! I love to quilt and applique and you have so many beautiful things to look at.

    I have a question, do you have a holly hock or poppy pattern? I’m all about flowers, appliqued, pieced, flowered fabric. That was passed down to me from my mother who at 80 still quilts. How lucky am I?

    Thanks for the great blog.

    Gale, Kentucky

  2. admin on August 3rd, 2008 8:27 am

    Thank you so much Gale!

    I haven’t done hollyhocks or poppies (yet) but I found some beautiful poppy patterns on the website of fellow designer Ruth Blanchet of Arbee Designs in New Zealand. I think you’ll love them!

    http://www.arbeedesigns.co.nz

    Thanks again for writing, and I’m so glad you enjoy the blog.

    Kay