Market Week - Hints, I need Hints

25 comments
Allison's face says it all, "Wow! Spring Quilt Market is this week in Salt Lake City!" The blur of dots on her sweater also indicates perpetual motion felt over the weekend as multiple tasks finish for market.
Over the weekend I did some "stunt sewing" (to quote PKM) for Lori Holt and her Sew Cherry line of fabric.
A peek. I love making covered buttons.
A stack of finished items. All designed beautifully by Lori. I was happy to help her get her project completed.
Shelbie and I packaged yards of trim donated by Riley Blake for Swag bags and door prizes at our Saturday Bloggers Party. Preparations are almost done.

Since it is my very first appearance at Quilt Market and I'm kind of nervous and feeling a bit overwhelmed I thought I would ask for comments today about what hints you can give me to have a fun and stress free week. What have you learned from past Quilt Market participation that helped you or what do you think you'd do to get through School House, Sample Spree, Booth Hopping, Parties and meeting hundreds of people to have the best experience possible? Any hints you can give me for managing all that is going on will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance. I know you'll have some great tips for me.

-nanette
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25 comments

PamKittyMorning said...

Comfortable shoes. Bring water. Relax and have fun. Sample spree is crazy, have fun! Can't wait to see you in real life. Hope I win some great swag at the bloggers party. Get the market book as soon as you can and go thru it marking up who you HAVE to see, and then do those first, then go up and down the aisles. Luckily, there isn't much to actuallybuy on the floor so it's all looking. (book is at the registration area. it has maps and lists of booths. )

Melissa @Lilac Lane said...

Just have fun. You won't see it all. But don't miss sample spree. Go to a few Schoolhouse series. Don't miss sample spree. :) It's so fun. Then the day the show opens, WEAR SOMETHING COMFY! Don't try to be gorgeous because it's huge and you're gonna be tired if you try to go to it all. Will you be there several days? If so, take it easy! Don't miss sample spree!

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Morning, Nanette! I went to my first and only Quilt Market in 2003. It was Spring Mkt in Minneapolis. I had hoped to go again last spring but got sick. Ugh! But here's my tip(s)......first and foremost...wear comfortable shoes! You'll be on your feet forever. :-) Next, a good bag is necessary for business cards and leaflets. I didn't go to hand out my own cards, though, I went to observe others and how they had set up their booths, products offered, etc. I strolled the aisles all through the hall, noted ones I wanted to return to and checked those booths more carefully. I made sure to visit booths of a couple friends that were doing Market for the first time. I also visited two booths of businesses that I wanted to connect with and it is always good to do the "meet in person" thing when e-mail is the only way we've known each other before. I stayed relaxed. And when I went for lunch and there was no place to sit, a lovely lady offered me a place at her table. She was a well-known designer and I had no idea but we had a lovely chat and she invited me back to her booth to meet her partner. It was a great day. You'll have a great day, too. The Saturday Bloggers Party sounds awesome and I wish I could join you there. Enjoy the whole experience!!!

Sherri said...

Wow...these are some great tips...of course I don't have any since it's my first time too...but I'm going to come back and read more tips!

Unknown said...

You will come home soooo inspired and overwhelmed by all the eye candy :) Just go with the flow Nanette and enjoy!!!

Nedra said...

I love to see you and Lori working together. How I wish I was there to add to the fun, and help out too. No hints, but I am sending lots of happy thoughts your way for a great Market experience.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Nanette, you've got some good tips already. The only thing I can add is to trust in your own good sense! And have a great time. Wish I could be there, too.

Lynn said...

Take lots of pictures to share with us! (please!)

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

Great tips, Nanette! I agree. Comfy shoes and clothes. And don't put yourself on a time schedule. Believe me, by the time you run into everyone you want to visit with the days will be gone. Be sure you have a friend's booth where you can stow stuff under a table. Just relax and have a great time!

Kim Walus said...

Enjoy meeting new people and trying to see all the inspiration at every turn. That's my plan. Can't wait!

I'll be hanging around so just grab me if you need help with anything. I'm just a call away. Do you have my cell number?

kristyne said...

I've only been twice, but I suggest comfy shoes, a bottle of water, notepad & pen & camera. Organize your schoolhouse day before it starts so you know where you're going. Warning: most booths have candy...

You're going to have a great time! See you at the meetup in 5 more sleeps ;)

jen duncan said...

Wow! When did Allison turn in the baby hair for girl hair? Time really does fly. Now, I'm feeling like a dunderhead for having to ask= but is this your first market because you have a new line of fabric? A) It wouldn't surprise me a bit and B) seems quite the 'thing' for you talented quilter gals to be getting your own lines lately but C) if you've mentioned it I plumb forgot! I've deleted so many quilting blogs from Google Reader (never you!) in exchange for raw and healthy food blogs. I only have so much time to sit her and be amazed, you know? Thinking of you. Have big fun!!
xo, jen

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Sorry, I could not read your whole post for I stopped at that little cutie pie!! My she is growing up! No,really I did read. I have never been so I would say take it slow, you will not be able to see everything so just enjoy!

CreationsForEleanor said...

So of course I do not have any tips, however you know I LOVE a good hairbow. Allison looks so much older with the longer hair and the hairbow!

pratima said...

Allison is adorable in her blue bow and her polka dot dress Great tips! Have a wonderful wonderful time, Nanette :)

Neil said...

Be sure to take a jacket to market. It is always cold inside the building. See you there at Izzy and Ivy Designs booth.

Retrogirl said...

Nanette,
I've not been to market {yet!} but it sounds like you're getting some great advice. Have a blast!
I love covered buttons...but have no patience to make them. Yours are SO adorable! Perfect embellishments.
Heather

katie jean said...

Just remember to have fun!! Nanette, I'm going to keep an eye out for you :)

Gingercake said...

so exciting! hope you have a great time and enjoy meeting lots of fun people. No tips since I have never been but I am looking forward to hearing about it!

Mimi Sue said...

Have fun! Wish it was open to the public. Mimi

strawberrycream39 said...

Just wanted to say have fun and I can't wait to hear all about it!! I bet you sewed some lovely things. :-) Jen

Kathi Thompson said...

I've been 3 times helping my sister with her pattern company, the apron lady, and I'm looking forward to this one. It's like eye candy wherever you look, so bring a camera because you'll forget about all the great things you see each day. It will be fun to look back at all your photos.

Sinta Renee said...

Divide and conquer! Keep your map handy for the isles and take notes!
I am excited for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh you're going to LOVE it! Here's my hint...take a picture of EVERY booth, or at least every one you stop at because you won't remember them all! It's get a little overwhelming after a bit! And it's always fun to sit back and look at the pics while you're feet are propped up (so the swelling will go down :)) You're going to have a great time, see fun and exciting new things and you'll come home each night tired and broke...YIPPEE!!! xo, Nan

SewCalGal said...

Thanks for sharing insights on Quilt Market. Great post.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com