What a whirl of fun and fanfare these past few weeks have been! I'm a bit overwhelmed with deadlines at the moment, so instead of writing a clever and entertaining narrative to accompany these "recap" posts, i'm going to rely heavily on the ol' adage that "a picture is worth a thousand words." Oh, and a truism: "If you have to set up or break-down a booth at a convention center, you can count on it to rain." You haven't heard that one? Hmm..
So here's what a booth at Surtex looks like before it's all spiffed up. It comes with walls, 3 chairs, 4 lights, and a desk — mine also came with a very helpful husband who went on a city-wide scavenger hunt for 3M picture frame hangers (yup, i bought the wrong ones). The day came with other challenges, too. For instance, that's me in the corner trying to get
our extension cords untangled:
Showing a little progress...and a lot of relief— 3M command strips in-hand
at last. Pete ended up buying every last one in every Staples store
in New York City. No joke.
And now for the moment of truth...will they stick to these walls?
Sweet relief, yes! Note: this is where we should have stopped for lunch.
But of course we didn't. We pressed on until it was finished and i was so happy with how it all came together:
Another highlight is catching-up with fellow artists and sharing some of the challenges and successes that we've experienced over the year. Hey, we can only help each other by sharing what we've learned, right? For this reason, i was so happy to chat with several new exhibitors. Perhaps some of the mis-steps i've made can turn into stepping stones for you. Congratulations on your accomplishments already!
Finally, i couldn't have done any of this without the love, support (and patience) of my husband, Pete. Thank you for cooking dinner when my fingers were too sticky with spray mount, for tolerating my month-long "trial run" booth set-up that took over our living room, for spending 4 long days with me in an 8' x 10' space...and for keeping your sense of humor the whole time (with the exception of the 3M incedent).
Yes, this picture was taken on the last day.
Still standing, still smiling.
But we also kind of felt like this:
Next up...Quilt Market recap!
Ok, i admit it. I might have had a liiiittle something to do with these.
I think that about sums it up. I love you!
Lauren, i think it's so wonderful that you're setting out to make Christmas quilts for your whole family. Wow, are they ever lucky! I admire your goal, and hope the jelly roll will get you off to a fun start. Please email me your mailing address and i'll put it in the mail right away. Oh, there will be a little extra "stocking stuffer" surprise in there for you, too. Just because ;)
(It's the Marcia who said, "I would like to make a coffee table runner as a backdrop for Christmas decorations, and if enough material, a banner to hang over the front window.")
There will be a little extra stocking stuffer in there for you, too! Who doesn't love surprises!? Please email me your mailing addresses so i can get these out lickety split.
you should head over to Fat Quarter Shop and do so right now! There are still some spots available and the first block is shipping this month (woohoo!). I'll be sewing along with everyone and will even be posting the blocks i make (did i actually write that??) in the 12 Days flickr pool. It'll be such fun to get to know you a little better...one block at a time!
Gudrun has a fun new book available! It's called Fast & Furious Holiday and has 16 different holiday-themed projects to "quilt as you go". Christmas, Easter, 4th of July and more!
You can buy a copy from Gudrun's etsy shop. Or read more about it on her blog where some of the projects are featured. There are tree skirts, ornaments, table runners, wall-hangings and yes, these adorable stockings she made with...eh hem...a certain line of fabric that you might just win...
Gudrun, thank you so much for using my fabric in your inspiring project (and for featuring it on the cover no less). I'm so honored. It was such a joy to finally meet you in person!
Lightbulb moment (it should've clicked on a while ago).
when you enter that section, there's a handy list with lots of the things that are out in stores now — or coming soon. You'll notice a certain someone's Mom is now carrying my kitchen textiles at Home a la Mode (thank you, Karen!). Anyway, i hope this helps.
Showing a little progress...and a lot of relief— 3M command strips in-hand
And now for the moment of truth...will they stick to these walls?
Sweet relief, yes! Note: this is where we should have stopped for lunch.
One of my favorite parts about doing this show is having a chance to talk directly with manufacturers about some of the innovative new products they're in the process of making. I'm always inspired by the contagious enthusiasm people have for what they do, and thankful that my artwork speaks to their visions. It's this type of collaboration that keeps me wide-eyed and eager. I came out of the show with some promising opportunities that i hope to share with you...soon!
But we also kind of felt like this:
Next up...Quilt Market recap!
