I Went to Quilt Market

My First Quilt Market Experience

At the end of October, I had the opportunity to attend Quilt Market for the very first time! Quilt Market is an annual trade show hosted by Quilts, Inc., and it's one of the largest gatherings in the quilting industry. The event is primarily for shop owners to preview and order the latest fabric lines and notions, but industry professionals like pattern designers are also welcome to attend. While I've experienced the consumer side of the event, known as Quilt Festival, this was my first time going to Market as an industry professional with Emerald Falls Quilts.

Owner, CEO, & President - It sounds so official!

Since Quilt Market isn't aimed at designers like me, my friends suggested that I set a few goals to make the most of the experience. Thankfully, as a native Houstonian, one of my goals was to visit my family still living in Texas. My business goals, however, were simple but important: 1) to find the perfect fabric line for the next Wanderlust Quilt Society trip, and 2) to learn as much as possible to prepare for future Markets. (And, of course, to snag some Ruby Star swag for my friend who's obsessed with them!)

The Schoolhouse Series

Market kicks off with a day of short sessions known as the Schoolhouse Series, where vendors introduce new fabrics, notions, and programs. It’s a whirlwind, with over 20 sessions to choose from, each lasting 15 to 30 minutes. You only receive the schedule on the morning of the event, so it feels like a race to decide which sessions to attend!

This year’s general session was sponsored by Free Spirit Fabrics, and they unveiled Tula Pink’s newest line, Full Moon Forest II. It’s a stunning homage to her very first fabric line, Full Moon Forest, and celebrates her 50th collection.

Tula Pink

The Original Full Moon Forest and the new Full Moon Forest II

After the general session, I hopped from room to room, trying to soak in as much as possible. Here are a few things I learned:

1. Make time for lunch. There’s no official break, so you need to carve out a lunch break for yourself. I skipped it and ended up with a headache, missing a dinner with fellow designers.

2. Bring business cards. I had cute postcards with my information but left my business cards at home. Many drawings required a business card for entry!

3. Cheer on your friends. Watching friends present their sessions is incredibly rewarding.

Chrissy from Sew Lux Fabric showcasing her Project Club

Stephanie Organes of Pretty Please sharing her new fabric line, Memories Unfold

I skipped the Sampler Spree, an event known for intense crowds.  I wasn't ready to try it this year!

Seminars and Show Floor Highlights

The following three days at Market included seminars and networking on the show floor. My favorite seminar, I’m New Here by Becky Jorgensen, was a fantastic experience. We learned to set goals, create affirmations, and make a plan, and Becky provided us with small notebooks to collect business cards and take notes. I gained invaluable advice that made Market even more productive, and I highly recommend attending at least one or two seminars daily—they’re a great way to take a break from the bustling show floor and gain new business insights.

On the show floor, I followed Becky’s advice and started by visiting booths that aligned with my goals. This approach was much more effective than wandering aimlessly through the 500+ booths. After meeting with specific vendors, I explored the floor and admired all the exciting products on display.

Just one aisle of the show floor.

I think these would make a great class!

Loved discovering Poppy Cotton Fabrics

Here are a few other takeaways from my time at Quilt Market:

1. Worth the Investment. Even as a small business, the connections and inspiration I gained made Market absolutely worthwhile. It jump-started my creativity and renewed my confidence as a business owner.

2. Stay Nearby. Our hotel was 10 minutes away, but being even closer would have allowed me to recharge in between events—especially helpful for introverts!

3. Meeting My Favorite Designers. Fangirling over designers like Deb Strain and Robin Pickens was a highlight. They were so warm and genuinely excited to hear my appreciation for their fabrics.

4. Instagram in Real Life. Seeing designers I follow on Instagram felt surreal, like I was meeting friends I’d known forever—even though they didn’t know me! If I stared, I apologize—I was just in awe.

5. Connecting with Online Friends. Meeting my online friends in person was the most rewarding part of the entire Market experience.

1. Take Time to Recharge. After four days of extroverting, be sure to give yourself a day or two to recover once you’re home.

And yes, I did find the perfect fabric for the next Wanderlust Quilt Society trip.  I haven't revealed the location yet, but the sampler quilt is going to be made with Cherrywood Fabrics.

Look at all the beautiful colors.  The photo doesn't convey how luscious they are!

Quilt Market was a memorable, inspiring experience. I can't wait to go again next year!

Me, tired, but having a blast on day 3!

 PS - I was also excited to see that the Quilt Exhibit was up for Market.  There were so many beautiful quilts on display.  I'll share more about the Exhibition in another post.