Originally Posted by
GagaSmith
I went to the AQS show in Phoenix in Feb. (the show in Lancaster is also AQS so the same quilts would be on display) and I agree that there were a LOT of vendors selling longarm machines. Also, embroidery machines, batiks and embellishments. Quilting is changing which isn't a bad thing but not much left for traditional quilters to choose from. I did buy the stencils with the pouncer but haven't used it yet. I now buy most of my fabric online or at a few LQSs.
Sorry you had a bad experience with most the quilt shops.
I was able to go to one quilt show in Wichita when we were in the states last May/June. I, too was surprised by the "bling" on the quilts there. I hadn't noticed much bling on quilts here on this board so it took me by surprise.
I thought it was pretty for wall hangings, maybe. But I mostly make bed sized quilts, so while "quaint" or "interesting", it wasn't something I really cared much about learning in depth.
I noticed a lot of long arms for sale, but there were some fabric places with good prices. That made me happy.