Hi all.
I am going to be in CA for vacation in July. While we are there my mother and I will be checking out the International quilt festival in Long Beach.
So being that this is my first show (I am still new to quilting/sewing). I was wondering what to keep my eye open for? I don't want to spend all my money on stuff I can get at my local shop..... Does that make sense?
I am excited to go and see some awesome quilts and get ideas. I guess what I am asking is. What do you guys like to look for and or buy, while at shows?

Tricia Foley

How about what not to buy instead? I have been so intrigued at shows with a certain technique, ruler or pattern, so purchased it & then never used it when I get home. Do you have a fabric stash or a project that you could "collect" towards? For me it's fun if I have something particular in mind to watch for when I'm there. I guess it depends at what point in your quilting journey you're at, as well......the first 10 years I bought anything & everything that caught my eye......now I've had to downsize my stash & magazines etc. I'm a little more discerning. Whatever, have a blast and enjoy all the wonderful quilts!

my first quilt show I went to was with my son's grandmother in law. I was not a quilter at the time and had no idea what I was doing. She told me to buy the 36x24 cutting mat, the olfa cutting tool, rowenta iron and any material that even caught my eye. Best info I ever had. since then I have bought yoyo makers, circle makers, rulers and other fun stuff. Go for it. It's all good. Only been doing this for 3 yrs so I got lots of stuff to buy.

You come to California for your first quilt show? Prepare to be amazed.

Think about patterns and fabrics you might need.

There are beautiful Japanese and Javanese fabrics in CA that you find hard to get in other parts of the country. Think about what you might like and how much of what you might like.

tim in san jose

I'm just jealous at everyone that can go to quilt shows

Thanks everyone for the great tips. I am getting excited about this show. I can't wait to see all the great fabrics.

k_jupiter: I can't say I am going to CA for my first quilt show. More like we just lucked out at being there at the same time.

As I just went to the one in Lancaster, PA and going again tomorrow, my tidbit is to know your prices. They can vary so much from one booth to another, so keep in mind what the shops around you charge as well as online prices.

You can make a wishlist of sorts to keep better track, either for what you see there and want to check for cheaper prices or bring along a list with the cheapest price to decide if you want to buy it there.

Above all else, just have F-U-N and take lots of pictures of the quilts.

I love quilt shows! Buy what you like or want because later you will regret you did not buy something. So just have fun and enjoy the show. Pack lite on the clothes so you can bringback all your goodies. Show us what you bought when you return. Have a good trip!!!

Bebe

If you like it, buy it. I went to the show in Hampton, Va and told myself to look on Sat. and buy on Sunday. I had spotted a blue and yellow raggedy heart quilt on Sat. Went back on Sunday to buy fat quarters and the pattern. I circled the convention center a half dozen times and never did find the vendor or pattern again. So learn from my mistake. If you like it, want it and can afford it buy it right then and there. Don't wait. It might be gone if you do! :cry:

Lucky you! I still have yet to go to a quilt show. There aren't any near us other than the county fair every year and it really isn't a quilt show, just art and crafts that you can walk in a circle and look at. Be sure to show us pictures.