AlvaStitcher

The ASQ quilt convention is in Daytona Beach which is just 5 or so miles from me. However much I want to go to it, I am sitting here undecided because I have to attend alone. I know, Pity Party of one. LOL
I just don't like to attend things like this by myself. Husband has volunteered to go with me but I know he would not enjoy it and I would feel that I needed to cut the time short because of him. We have only lived here about 1 1/2 yrs and I belong to a very small quilting guild (usually 8-10 attend) and I don't know any of the members well enough to try to attend with them if they are going. None of the friends I have made here are quilters or I would ask if they would go with me. Sigh! Anyone else ever feel like this?

Doggramma

I've attended a lot of AQS shows alone. It's more fun for me to wander around and look at things on my own schedule. I think you should just go! My husband drops me off and then comes back later to pick me up so I don't have to worry about where to park. One thing, the shows don't allow wheely carts.

Tothill

Alva,

I am heading to Sew Expo at Puyallup, about 5 hours and 175 miles away from my home (ferry and border crossings to boot) by myself. A few years ago, I would have felt uncomfortable going alone, but not now.

I do not have any close friends who sew and the odd time I invited one to attend my local sewing or quilting show with me, it was not so fun. They really were not interested in sewing, quilting etc and wanted to leave early.

So I leave tomorrow and will spend 4 nights in hotels and can not tell you how much I am looking forward to it.

I have put the word out here and Pattern Review and plan to meet up with one lady from each site while there.

I tend to be an introvert, but I am friendly, not shy. I will find people to talk to wherever I go. At a quilting show, you know before you step through the door that most people there will share your interests, the ones that do not are the ones that are going with someone to keep them company.

You may be surprised with your small guild. At your next meeting when they do announcements, just say you are wanting to go and ask for suggestions on making the best of the show. If you do not say you are interested, the other members will not know and will not invite you along.

Last year I attended a 'Women's Show' with a friend. It was the event that made me decide that I will attend shows by myself, so I get the most out of it for me. Her way of attending the show, interacting with the vendors was completely different from mine. She would not agree to go our own way and meet up at a designated time and place. I finally just walked away. Now I am sure she was not impressed with my way of attending a Show too, it was a complete mismatch.

Go by yourself, you maybe surprised how much you enjoy being on your own.

lynnie

I go to a lot of things by myself, I don't mind. I also would have asked a member to go with me. How else will you get to know someone, and what better way to get to know someone. I met Dotty (dotcomdtcm) on this board. she drove from NYcity to my house on the island, and we welcomed each other with open arms. Another good friend from the board, came to my house, and now we get together every Tuesday. If you don't put yourself out there. you won't meet people. Go, and talk to people and make a new friend. You can do it!!!

dunster

5 miles away? You go, girl!

Seriously, whether you go alone or with DH or with someone else, what do you have to lose? I found that my DH actually enjoyed quilt shows to some extent, and if he got bored he always had a book along to read. If you go with a friend and she wants to see things at a different pace, you can always do things her way and maybe get something different and good out of the experience. If not, it's only 5 miles away - go back and do it your way. If you go alone you will be surprised at how many friends you'll make at the venue. Quilters are always ready to talk to other quilters. Go and have fun!

nativetexan

Well, if I were near you I'd go with you. AS it is i go by myself and it's OK. No one to go with and sometimes I feel like doing something I like. So perhaps you could talk someone into it. and husbands are not so bad. Find him a place to sit if he feels like it and continue to drool over the fabrics!!

Stitchnripper

Oh and it is so close! It isn't like you are making a giant commitment, is it? I've gone to most quilt shows by myself. I took Mr. Stitchnripper once and it was fine - he liked looking at the quilts - but that was just because of timing. I really do prefer going it alone. People tend to be very friendly.

notmorecraft

I too prefer going to theses things myself, as I like to wander around and spend time at the vendors and stands I am interested in. Sometimes if you go with a friend it can be a bit restricting as Tothill says. I was in Davenport the first two weeks in February and was really miffed to find Daytona on later and a quilt expo at Lakeland in March.

TexasSunshine

My DHL likes to go to quilt shows, he can talk to anyone. I do appreciate that he takes me to shows away from home. But the shows close by I really enjoy going alone because I can take my time, look all I want and enjoy myself.

ManiacQuilter2

I would go with you but I am in Southern CA. I liked to go with other quilter's to save on parking & gas but then I prefer to do the show by myself. I can take time shopping with the vendors and skip the quilts I am not impressed with.