Do you need something to do this weekend? Try to attend a quilt show
Quilting is a phenomenon that is sweeping the country. You do not believe me? Look at the numbers. In a study commissioned by Quilts Inc. in 2003, there were 21.3 million active quilters in the United States, and of that number, 25% were dedicated quilters who spent more than $500 a year on supplies. According to Quilters News Network, QNN, there are an estimated 30 million quilters worldwide. If you’re still not convinced, consider the fact that QNN is one of the few 24/7 on-demand TV networks devoted entirely to one trade, quilting.
Taking advantage of this hobby, Quilt Shows have started popping up all over the country. Three of the largest show producers, the American Quilter’s Society, the National Quilting Association and Quilts Inc. hold annual shows in places like Houston Texas, Des Moines Iowa, Columbus Ohio and Panducah Kentucky. These events are so large that they are often held in convention centers, have hundreds of vendor booths, huge contests, and hotel packages for attendees.
Visitors to these quilting shows enjoy classes, workshops, and demonstrations. It’s interesting to see displays of quilts in both traditional and modern styles, and there are plenty of quilt fabrics, notions, machines, and other supplies available for purchase.
Because these events are often attended by women accompanied by their patient husbands, special efforts have been made to make these men feel more comfortable. Many shows now offer a special Men’s Den area complete with comfy couches and big-screen TVs showing sports video shows for the guys to enjoy while their wives shop.
However, the big production quilting shows are only half of what is available. Small communities across the country, like Sisters, Oregon, sponsor their own quilting shows. The whole city has fun as the streets are cordoned off and visitors wander through the city center admiring the many exhibits. There are sewing shops and vendor stalls to visit and local cuisine to sample.
These small unaffiliated shows can be found across the country with clever names like The Sea to Sea Quilting Show in Long Beach, California or Autumn in the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas. A simple Google search for quilt shows and state names is all it takes to locate these area shows.
Regardless of size or location, most quilting shows offer many of the same activities, like the quilting contest, that allow local artisans to show off their skills. These programs often include multiple categories for everything from creative quilt blocks to kids’ quilt dividers. With so many beautiful quilting projects available, quilting shows are a great place to get ideas, inspiration, and learn a new technique.
Quilting shows are held throughout the year and make for fun outings for individuals, community groups, or even an organized tour of a fabric store. For those who love fabrics and crafts, a Quilt Show is a must-see event!