Quilters Marketplace

Marketplace was fun, and something I will definitely do again. It was like a good-sized quilt show but without the quilts on display being part of a competition The vendors had plenty of quilts on display to sell kits or inspire folks to buy fabrics to make them. 

I went with a woman who is new to the sewing group I belong to. It was so much more fun going with someone. We had lots of time to chat and get to know each other. We had a few laughs and oohed and aahed over different things we discovered.

I tend to get overwhelmed when I go into this sort of situation, where there are multiple vendors selling all kinds of beautiful fabric. My brain freezes. I can never think of what I need, or of a pattern I'd like to try. Next time I need to make a list. But, that didn't stop me from buy some things: 

• If I have microwaveable batting, it has disappeared among my other - so I picked up this small pack. Most quilt batting has a synthetic scrim to help keep it together. If you put that in the microwave the scrim will melt and your piece will be lumpy and stiff. Therefore, if your intended use is to heat something in your quilted item, you need a 100% cotton batting.

• One booth had some nice quality nylon strapping that I’ll use for bag handles on tote bags.

• I fell in love with the folk art designs of the fabric at one booth and had to get something as they were so unique. This particular design reminded me of Swedish motifs, and since my mom was a Swede, I knew that I needed this! The fabric designer was manning the booth and was delightful to talk to. It's interesting to meet someone who is designing and producing her own fabric, instead of working through one of the large fabric companies.

• I have never made rope bowls. A guild where I used to live had classes in making fabric-wrapped rope bowls - it looked like fun. But that year I only had my Singer Featherweight with me and those machines do not have a  zig-zag stitch, which is required to attach the ropes together. I saw the book at one booth and another attendee told me that the supplies were available at another location….so I picked up the rope as well. I found out the shop, near Jacksonville, will give you free tutoring if you stop in - but, the book looks like it has great beginner tips. 

I bought a bowl when we were in Nova Scotia several years ago. It is made from ropes that were used by the lobstermen. The lobstermen have to replace the lines when they get lightly worn, and a few enterprising sewists  are crafting and selling bowls! 

• This is a panel created by the owner of Bold Notion Quilting, a long arm shop with a great selection of threads, wide back fabrics for quilts, and notions. Lauren, the owner, is the most amazing quilter. I can stare at the work she has done for hours...and that work has taken her many hours! She created this panel for custom quilting practice. Later this year she plans to run a workshop with ideas for quilting this.

• I picked up a T shirt. I sew with a group of women who call themselves Piecemakers. I had to have this shirt to wear when I sew with them! 

I picked up one other thing....and I'll share that in another post as it needs a lot of explanation! 

Judging by the fact that I could not find a parking place at the venue, and left for another errand and came back, I'd say that Marketplace was a success!