1st Quilt Show Suggestions
 

I am very nervous about going to the Lancaster quilt show this weekend. I have never been to one before. I thought you all could give me good advice. I suffer with a really bad back & sciatica. I am going on a bus with my quilt guild. What should I take? Advice welcomed. Thanks!!

Good, comfortable walking shoes, a large tote bag with pockets, comfortable clothing, a camera. A list if you want to see particular booths, products, people, shop booths. A small notebook to jot down booths, items that you may want to look into, check out later. So often I see postings from people who say ( I was at the show this weekend and saw this great display- but now I can’t remember who it was, or what the pattern was etc...)

I see a lot of ladies with small fold up totes with wheels, sort of like a grocery/laundry cart. With a bad back you may not want to carry all the goodies you are sure to find at the show. Here's a link to what I'm trying to describe. Or if you have a small weekend suit case with wheels that would work also. It's much easier to pull a small case behind you than carry a dozen small bags even if they each only contain a yard of fabric, plus you can stash your purse in there also.

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...=c&matchtype=e

Gone to several quilt shows over the years. Best thing I eventually learned was to take a headache tablet prior to getting out of the vehicle as the buzzing noise of a crowded room gives me headaches. I also carry a small purse just for essentials (money, Note phone, kleenex, pair of glasses, hard candy in case air is dry, and a snack bar) that hangs around my neck to keep my hands free; a pair of lightweight support shoes so my feet don't feel so heavy with all the walking and give support to my legs and back; support stockings as my ankles swell terribly when on my feet for hours; a lightweight sweater or jacket for cooler rooms and light enough to slip through the strap on the purse so nothing was in my hands in case it does get warmer (it will); and my DH. He carries all the packages, holds my jacket, tells me when we should stop for lunch, drives to and from the shows, lets me handle the budget. He waits in a chair along the wall so when I end up with a package, I can hand it to him once I go up the aisle and back down again. He's a trooper. Loves every minute of it. Especially when someone sits next to him that doesn't mind conversing. Take the time to stop and rest. Have a snack or light lunch. Enjoy it!

I know the AQS show in Paducah does not allow wheeled carts. The one in Lancaster may be different, but since it's AQS, they may not allow them either. You may be able to arrange a wheel chair thru the venue to use. It might be worth checking out.

I agree that quilt shows don't allow rolling carts/suitcases. It's a safety issue, since the people around you would be likely to trip over them. However if you are handicapped you can probably use a walker. Many of those have a seat and a place to store things. Check before you go to be sure it's allowed. Most shows have seats at the end of the aisles so tired shoppers can rest, but those seats are often full. Also check to see if you're allowed to bring in food or drinks. This year Road to California actually checked purses and bags on the way in to make sure you weren't bringing them in.

I would suggest a small backpack instead of a purse so your hands are free shopping.

some great advice given--besides taking some rest breaks, I'd suggest you take advantage of the bag check services--you can have them hold onto your purchases which will keep you have having to haul them around. Definitely do not take a big/heavy purse--just the essentials in a cross body wallet. Many shows won't let you bring in food because the convention centers they use require food vendors be through them--but do take a bottle of water. or if they won't allow that, then be sure to purchase a bottle and hang on to it and re-fill.

I went to the Road to CA show and when they checked my bag - the water was okay but they questioned my granola bars. Told them I am diabetic and they said then it was fine. When my blood sugars drop it can be sudden so I always carry a granola type bar. The glucose tablets are a waste of time - so the breakfast bars or granola type work the best. They did not allow the little rolling carts which I can agree to - I have been to 2 quilt shows this year - Road to CA and another one in Phoenix (can't remember the name) and there were so many people it was hard to move.

As much as I am dying to see the quilts at a quilt show, I have learned to visit all the vendors first. When I didn't do that, there was always something I wanted to buy that was sold out when I discovered it. Now I force myself to visit all the vendors first even at smaller local shows. Also, don't try to proceed around with a buddy if you can get around on your own. It's too crowded and inefficient to try to "travel" together. Plan to meet up at a certain place an time and do your own thing.

As of a few years ago I know that the Lancaster show definitely did not allow wheeled carts of any kind any longer. They also do not allow food anywhere in the display or vendor areas. They do have a 'food court' per se but finding a spot to actually sit and eat your food can be a challenge. At least it was - they may have changed that set up as well since it's been a few years since I've been there.

I agree with a small notebook of some sort or, if you have a smart phone, use the memo or such app on your phone or even just the camera. DH takes pics of everything from labels to large items that he wants to remember or refer to later.

Comfy shoes are a must! I have really nasty arthritis in both feet and hips. If I know I have to do much walking, I wear flip flops regardless of time of year. The back acts up after a time as well. Take breaks.

And I agree with starting with the vendors if that is part of what you are going for. The quilts aren't going anywhere, lol. Items at the various vendors can be gone in a heartbeat. Although I do think most are fairly well stocked.

Most of all - enjoy your trip! Have fun with your fellow guild members and heed the advice of the veteran show goers.

We went to the Lancaster Quilt Show several years ago when it was at the Host. Early in the day, a child in a walker somehow tripped one of the upright displays and it was domino effect. Almost every quilt hit the floor. When we returned at the end of our day to see the "best", the quilts will still down. Never did get to see the big winners. What a disappointment!

Today the LQS starts and we had planned to go, however the bad weather is here and so are we. I think we have 6-7" of snow already down, it is snowing hard and is to snow for several hours. Good day to stay in and quilt (or perhaps clean the sewing room). Decisions, decisions!!!

i always rent a scooter when doin these shows. i cannot walk the distance. and while there are seats throughout the show, i cant really enjoy myself. so i rent the scooter. id spend the money on fabric quick enough why not so i can enjoy the show. you can rent them where you pay the entrance fee. across from the doors to get in.

and dont forget the continental hotel/inn also has a quilt show and vendors.

I would highly suggest a walker on wheels....they're called "rollators". I have one simply to prevent falling. However it's extra nice as I can sit anytime my back/leg starts hurting or I need a breather. If you decide on one, be sure the storage area under the seat is made of vinyl so it will fold up easily. Other considerations are its weight capacity and its width . The 1st one I got was 1" too wide for the doorways in the hse. Any medical supply place has them as well as Walmart, Walgreens and other places.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, take pain pills in case you get to hurting especially if you have sciatica and riding on a bus that long.,water. You should see if they have the walkers with seats.
Don't carry a big purse or anything heavy. Use their coat and bag check.
If taking pictures at a booth #1 Rule Always ask the Vendor First. I never have any problems if I do that but there are a few that won't let you. Now my opinion on that is why bring your stuff and show it if the people can't admire your works. (I don't want to hear copyright)
But the main thing is Have Fun take your time. Are you going anywhere else like to any quilt shops local there?
I wished I still lived there I'd be going. I'm in CA. Now.

If you buy a rollator (walker with a seat) at Walgreen's on Senior Day, the first Tuesday of every month, for 20% off.

I am not going to the quilt show, but was wondering where you live? I also live in South Central PA

I agree with all that's been said except the backpack. Backpacks in crowded quilt show aisles are a nightmare. I can't tell you how many times I've been whacked by someone in front of me wearing a bulky backpack who decides to turn around suddenly. They are also a problem because people want to stand in a crowded booth and take them off and take things out or put things in which entails everyone around having to make room for them. To say nothing of the theft hazard if you are carrying you wallet in one. In general, a bad idea.

I came up from my home in NC to York, Pa (visiting family, too - I’m originally a born Yorkie) - Lancaster is right over the river - but I still haven’t been here yet. Darn big snow!!!! The show has always been wonderful and all the suggestions are super. Rolly type bags are definitely,not allowed -thank heavens - as I’ve been run over by them many times in the past. I tried the backpack thing for a few years - always got in the way, especially when I started making purchases!! So I use a small cross body purse and just put in the essentials - money, credit/debut cards, drivers license so I can be identified when my purchases overwhelm my body �� a pen, small notepad and of course, the most important - my phone. Haven’t used a camera in years - makes life so easy and it also contains my ever-growing list of items I’m interested in buying at this show and others, Remember to bring a few empty totes and your bag starts to get too heavy, just use the sack sitters -best deal since sliced bread. A ciuoke dollars and yiu can shop some more, take back your full tote and start filling up,another. Just don’t loose your ticket or forget to claim your bags!!! And one big thing. I tried to prepare some friends when AQS came to Charlotte a few years ago - after the show I asked them about it - many were disappointed as “the Quilts were not even in my ability to make”. Of course not - this is a bigggg show with bigggg $$$ and many Quilts are made just to try to win bigggg prizes. It’s nit your local guild or church show so dint attend and get disappointed. Every year I always here ladies say “I never could do that” - appreciate all the work that goes into them, plus the time, etc. - take lots of pictures for inspiration and have a good time. Sorry for my rambling -

Sandy in Mooresville, NC - but actually in York, PA waiting to get to the show,tomorrow (Friday). See you there. Old Country Store in Intercourse is having a sale,in Batiks - $5.98 yard. Everyone is having sales!!!!!

Wow--Sandy, that is such good advice! (and I hope the snow cooperated so you got to the show today!) While all the rest of us were thinking comfort,comfort,comfort, you reminder that at big shows you are often seeing the BIGtime quilter projects that are going to many big shows in hopes of winning many $$. I think being reminded that these are quilts to admire, aspire to, and get ideas from is really what these shows are about--thank you again.

so did anyone go to the show and how was it