In August I'm going to a quilt fair/show for the first time and so looking forward to it. But, I have so many things I want to make that I'm getting rather frustrated in deciding what to buy.

I have one definite quilt that I'm planning and want to buy for that (if I can find the right fabric). Plus, I've been going through all my fabrics and trying to decide... do I...

Try and tally up every bit of fabric, then plan what I can do and match up the fabric once I'm there, or do I forget everything else at home and just buy what I like?

I can imagine that it could get quite overwhelming trying to decide what to purchase and how long to hold off with the money till you find that special something... So, is there a plan of attack anyone knows of for once you're through the doors? :D
Joanne

How Exciting !!
It depends on what you enjoy doing at events... I like to see and are amazed at all the creativity that goes into whats being shown, the ideas I've never thought of, these events always seem to inspire me. Most of what I'll never do myself.
If they allow take photos of somthing you see to recall later, graph paper if somthing simple.
I buy some but never much, unless you have something absolutely can't find a match for, take a swatch. may run across it. May be collect buisness cards so you don't have to carry bought goods?
Great Walking shoes a must, a bag big enough to carry your goodies, If you do shop.
Relax and enjoy the day around people who enjoy the craft as much as you do !!! Have fun talking to other quilters. :)

I go empty handed and decide once I get there. Last year was my first show and my son had to remind me to breath once I went through to door. It was overwhelming. I loved it though. Just go and enjoy. I took two trips through it. One just to look and the second to buy.

I am with Littlehud. Whatever jumps up and says "Buy Me!".

1. wear confortable shoes
2. dress in layers (never know if hot or cold)
3. take a small purse $, credit cards, checkbook
4. Camera (if they allow it)
5. bottle of water to put in a tote bag
6. tote bag to carry your goodies
7. pen and paper to mark down what you might want to buy with booth # so you can retrace your steps
8. snacks in your tote bag
9. if it is crowed go the opposite direction, less crowded
10. have fun!
12. take fabric samples with you if you need to match up to anything

:lol: Thanks, that's all sound advice.

Ok, I'll go along with leaving all my fabric at home and wait for that special fabric to jump up and bite me! I'm on tenter-hooks... I can't wait to go and see all the lovely quilts people have been working on.

I'll take both camera and note pad, then, just in case and get bedding my new trainers in now. I've also decided that although I've been saving and taking a decent amount of £s with me, I'm taking my credit card with me now it's back at zero... just in case ;-)

edit
Didn't think of a drink etc, but will add to the list along with my extra tote bags

I make a list of things I want to see in person before I buy and make it a point to see those things. I keep a list of booths I may want to go back & take a closer look at something & what that something was at what price. You may find the perfect rotary cutter 12 booths down and around the corner for much less. Example being a Brooklyn Revolver cutting mat compared to a Clover or Omnigrid (I can't remember which brand I have.) One year, in Paducah, there was a line of people waiting to pay $80 for the Brooklyn Revolver cutting mat but a few booths down they had a different brand for half that.

Since you're in England, I would pay particular attention to anything on my dream list that has to be shipped in from other countries. You could save a bundle on shipping, taxes &/or duties.

Also, if it has to be shipped in they won't want to pay to ship it back so check back at the end of the show and you will probably get a great deal too.

Take a pair of white gloves just in case you can touch. They will tell you if you can....some are very picky.....but you always ask and wear gloves if they say yes.

If you are going to the NEC in Birmingham there are a few of us from the board hoping to go. Go to the Offline- Events Section and there is a post for NEC. Nearer the time we will make arrangements to meet. I check online to see who is appearing. There are lots of quilts on display. I take lots of photos. If I see something that I like I buy it. Items are snapped up so fast. Wonderful helpful tips on this board.