Sample Spree Thursday Night at Quilt Market

A Movie Star!!! Eleanor Burns was at Sample Spree in her beautiful boa signing books. Isn't she beautiful...what a great smile and boa.

Quilt Market is for business owners, designers, artists, longarm quilters and people associated with the quilting industry to meet and introduce their products, share information and take orders.


On Thursday night they have something called, "Sample Spree." The sample spree, from what I could gather, is to offer shop owners an opportunity to purchase fabrics and notions that have not yet been released for show in their shops or websites. Hence, Sample Spree.


After my last class at School House with Andover Fabrics I headed straight down to Sample Spree. I had been told by Internet friends that the folks line up early. The sale was to be 8-10 pm. It was just 6pm when I went to get in line. I was so surprised to see a huge line of two hours in advance. You have to remember this is my first Quilt Market. I could not believe people were actually lined up to PAY for things they could order from their home computers in just a few weeks....and some things that are already available. But I'm going with the flow here. We all patiently waited in line and chatted with one another. I really enjoyed that the most. I loved talking with people and learning about their lives and interests.


So the doors open and to my surprise they opened doors in the middle of the line as well. I guess that was a good decision on their part to avoid a stampede and having people rushed to the ER. I felt like I was at one of those soccer games you hear about on TV when people get trampled.


Just inside the door that I entered through, were the Andover Fabrics folks and then the MODA group. People were literally 3 and 4 deep and handing fabrics over their heads to other gals standing directly behind them. It was PANDEBALONIUM (if you are a follower of this blog you will know this word).

I asked the Andover guy how they know people are actually paying for all those fabrics they are passing overhead. He said, "I always trust a Quilter." That Andover guy says all the right things :) It is true....I've never been cheated by a quilter (knocking on wood) and I have found they are happier giving you something than taking something.

This was the line ahead of me.

This was the line behind me.

I loved this gals jacket. I was expecting to see more clothing created by quilting artists and designers. I only saw a handful of specialty clothing being worn. That was a big surprise to me.


Edyta Sitar was there with her husband signing books as well. I thought I was married to the best guy in the world. I guess Edyta must have gotten in the same husband gene pool as I did. He was right there helping, smiling and chatting in his friendly manner.

I ran into Katie and Mary from Needles Quilt Shop in Wellsboro, PA. Those are some seasoned gals....very wise. They strolled in after the rush and were just looking around. In the future....I'm following their lead!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

P.S....I went to bed last night at 9:30 and got up at 9:30 this morning. After a busy week with the family and being worn out by 4 days of walking and talking....I needed some rest.