Quilter’s Guide to Quilt Shows

By Mary Beth Krapil

Fall is a popular time for quilt shows. Busy summer activities have come to an end, the kids are back in school and life takes on a regulated rhythm and routine. The quilters start looking for that next project they can work on through the winter months. A quilt show is the ideal place for getting inspiration, buying supplies and learning new techniques. Chances are you’ll find a show in your neck of the woods during the next few months. Here’s a handy guide to help you enjoy the show to its fullest.

• Visit a local quilt shop.  Most shows, whether local or national, will have informational fliers announcing the show available at local shops. You can also ask the staff about any shows coming up in the area. These folks are plugged into the latest in the quilting world. They can guide you to the best shows.
• Check out the show’s website.  This is where you’ll find information about the venue, hours, class offerings, admission, contests, vendors and more.
• Sign up for a class. Shows are a great place to learn the latest techniques from the experts. Handi Quilter is proud to sponsor hands-on longarm classrooms at many major shows throughout the country and the world. We provide Avante, Simply Sixteen or Sweet Sixteen machines for students to use during class. It’s a great opportunity to really get to know a machine!
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• Come prepared. 
  • Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You will put quite a large number on that step counter! Get one that will make you comfortable even when standing for longer periods of time then usual. A lot of options on https://shoeadviser.com if you are looking for one.
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  • Dress in layers. The temperature at shows can never be predicted, it might be very chilly or it might be warm. It is always good to have a sweater or light jacket, just in case.
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  • Be ready for crowds. especially at larger national shows.
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  • Bring a tote. Do you have a roomy bag that is comfortable to carry? That’s the perfect thing for carting all the treasures you will find at the vendors. If you come to Houston Quilt Festival, the first booth you want to hit is the Handi Quilter booth. We give away bags, large enough to hold a king-sized quilt, every day of the show. Come early, they go fast!
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  • Camera. You will want to take photos of the quilts that inspire you. Maybe you love the color palette, or the piecing or appliqué, or the QUILTING! You’ll want to add those ideas to your inspiration stash.  If you use your phone as your camera, be sure it is charged.
  • Taking a class? A notebook and pen are a must. Be sure to check the supply list for your class to be sure you have all the items you’ll need, to learn the most.
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  • Snacks. You’ve got to keep up your energy. Chocolate is my recommendation.
• Time Give yourself the gift of enough time to fully enjoy all the show has to offer. This might mean planning to come to the show for 2 or more days.
• Come by the HQ booth and say “hello”! We love to meet our quilters. Not part of the family yet? Give a machine a test drive!
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• Don’t forget to look for the truck. Take a photo of yourself by the HQ truck and share on social media. #handiquilter.
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Happy Quilt show season!