We just returned from the Golden Triangle Quilt Guild Quilt Show and Market in Beaumont – what a fun weekend! I love quilt shows, they are like family reunions! I get to see and visit with friends who don’t “live in my neck of the woods” and I love it when I am able to meet new friends! Yep, quilt shows are where friends gather!
The Quilt Rambler Booth
This isn’t my first rodeo. Trade shows, special events and vending at quilt shows must be embedded in my DNA – we have done everything from little craft shows while living in the foothills of the Tennesse Smokey Mountains, to vending Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream at national events, and we’ve even sold longarm quilting machines at quilt shows – but Beaumont was our entrance into promoting Studio 180 Design products as a Certified Instructor and celebrating the release of our first (of many more to come) patterns published under The Quilt Rambler name. Yep, exciting times to be in the quilt world!
I have always loved being “behind the scenes” and seeing how something comes together – whether it was being the field trip momma and taking my boys to the local grain mill to learn how they turned wheat into flour or seeing how a major event like a NASCAR race is set up before the public arrives…well, I just find it thrilling. We arrived in Beaumont Thursday afternoon and began the task of turning this “black and white” 10′ x 20′ designated space into something colorful and we hoped inviting!
I found this great “chalkboard” sign at Hobby Lobby and made the mistake of waiting until I got to the show to TRY to remove the sticker….when life gives you goofy sticky stuff on your chalkboard decorate it with your signature “feather puff” quilt design as if it was just supposed to be there!
It was a wonderful surprise when I learned that our booth would be an “end cap” so I planned ahead and brought extra quilts to hang to help create the anticipation of what was just around the bend.
I think we succeeded in being a colorful booth! Especially with my lime green flooring. Eventually, the orange strip table covering will be replaced with quilts – I have so many planned for when my studio is ready to be occupied again! Quilts in the above photo with patterns available from The Quilt Rambler: Refraction – located on the left-hand front table made with Island Batik “Christmas colors”; two blue Hunter’s Star quilts on the back wall are an original design called Double Occupancy taught on the 2016 Cactus Quilt’s Quilting Cruise, made with Island Batik fabrics, corner “orange” quilt is a circle of nine setting made using the Lemoyne Star Technique Sheets from Studio 180 Design, small wallhanging on the right wall is the original Illuminated Journey taught on the 2015 Cactus Quilt’s Quilting Cruise, and next to it is Stormy Stars, my most recent pieced top. We are offering fabric kits for Stormy Stars as well as fabric by the yard for the backing. My “online store” isn’t up and running yet, but if you are interested in this kit or the Illuminated Journey kit you can contact me and we will work out the details!
It took a while to set up the booth as this was our “first time” with this product line but an hour before the “closing bell” we were ready for the quilt show to begin the following morning!
Where Friends Gather
My favorite number is 723 and I have this little hangup about feeling “special” when I see the numbers – the good news is it rolls around twice a day 7:23 AM and 7:23 PM but I’m not always standing on watch to see the event transpose (pun intended). Our son Jake, who was on this adventure with us, has a likening to Friday the 13th, which doesn’t roll around quite as often…story there is because my grandfather was born on Friday the 13th in 1913, he had 13 letters in his name and as baby number eleven he was the thirteenth member of his family…so…. I thought it was rather fun that at 7:23 AM on Friday the 13th we were rolling down the road to prepare for the opening of the quilt show!
It goes without saying how much I love socializing AND sharing my love of Deb Tucker’s tools and techniques. The booth was busy both days, so much so that I really didn’t have the opportunity to “shop” the other vendors and only was able to see half the quilts prior to the opening of the 2nd day…
I am always thrilled when I see people I know at quilt shows – sometimes friends from other areas that I only see at quilt shows, and sometimes I see folks from my home area that travel to the same shows I do. Equally thrilling is getting to meet people whom I “know” from social media. My only regret is I didn’t take time to take photos of several of my friends who stopped by to say howdy. But here’s just a few!
Quilt shows are about making new friends, and we love love love our “neighbors across the aisle” Doris and Gregg with X-Block. I was thrilled to learn that Doris will be one of my students on next year’s quilting cruise! It’s a small world after all!
All Good Things Must Come To An End
All too soon the quilt show was over! Goodness, we just got started! So many folks came by to add to their Deb Tucker toolbox, many learned of the Studio 180 Design tools and techniques for the first time and were eager to go home and try their new purchases! Can’t wait to see Rose’s Hunter Star quilt from her Royal Treasures book purchase and the beautiful Island Batik fabric line Blue Moon. Thank you to each and every customer who purchased a Quilter’s Magic Wand, Island Batik precuts, patterns from Studio 180 Design and our pattern Illuminated Journey and any of the multiple tools from Studio 180 Design. Indeed it was thrilling to help the customer who said: “I’ve watched ALL of Deb’s YouTubes and I’m here to buy tools!” Please do remember to send me photos of your creations!
Oh, I almost forgot! Johnny & I celebrated our 38th Anniversary on “set up” day of the show – I love it that he found a gift for me at the quilt show! Don’t you think this will be wonderful to hang in the newly reconstructed studio when it is complete?
What’s Next For Little Lion Judah and The Quilt Rambler?
Glad you asked. I’m actually flying out today to join Deb Tucker and company for another adventure! I’m so excited that she asked if I would work in her booth at Paducah this week! I’ve always wanted to go to this event and I’m thrilled to be joining Deb, Sarah, and Bernadette sharing the love of Studio 180 Design tools and techniques! I have no idea where I will be (booth wise) but I’m in good company and we’d love for you to find us and come say hello!
Now I have a question for you my dear readers….if you follow me (and you should) on social media I realize that some of these photos aren’t “new” to you as I posted “live” from the event. My question is – what is your preference – seeing photos on social media as the event is happening or should I “save” the photos until I can tell you “the rest of the story?” Inquiring minds want to know so please leave me your thoughts in the comments below.
I enjoy the “live” photos on social media! Sure hope you enjoy your time in Paducah! Blessings!!
I really enjoy the live photos on Instagram. Would also love to see pics of various quilts at the show to inspire me to use my newest ruler. Have fun in Paducah!
I will get more quilt photos this week as I can Sandy!
I enjoy receiving pics both ways, Karen! I have more time (and a larger screen!!! wink-wink!) to read the blog posts!! But I love seeing pics on social media as well.
PS: Looks like you had a great time – and happy anniversary!
Hi Karen !! Great to see you in Beaumont. What a terrific show. Maybe I’ll see you in Alvin today at the Lakeview show. Maybe you’re a vendor ?? And I agree… let’s keep these impromptu meetings going. LOVE your idea of land locked cruises !!!