I went and thought that the quilts were amazing though I think the lighting is very poor on the 2nd and 3rd floors. I loved the "Wicked" competition quilts and the Red and White quilt exhibition on the 3rd floor. The 2nd floor exhibit of quilts made with old fabrics and old quilts was interesting too.
I do think that there were fewer vendors than other years but there were still plenty! I don't feel that I missed anything! I drove to the show and parked at the Marriott, I think it's the Penn Square parking facility. It costs $7 if you get your parking ticket validated. It was crazy crowded on Thursday, waited until mid afternoon to actually have room to really SEE the quilts up close.
I think driving in the old part of Lancaster is not fun but manageable if you use a GPS or if you mapquest it. It is not far, just lots of turns on one way streets. If you miss a turn, just go around the block. I have been going for 10 or 11 years, back when the show was at the Host. The show has changed a lot, some years better than others. I enjoy the vendors as there are very few quilt shops in my area. One of the biggest reasons that I go is to see the quilts. The variety is amazing, traditional and modern, thread painting and applique, think of any technique and you will see a superb example of that displayed.
I love the variety of goods that I see on my trip. I really love the machine dealers at the show. They offer great deals during the show and you can try everything! I also love the batting booths- I love that I can buy big squares of wool and silk for fifty cents. It's a great way to try new things and see demos of things that you may be thinking of purchasing. I purchased fabric and wool. I always get thread at YLI- Marathon,Superior,and Wonderfil all have great booths. I shop at the Continental as well as other Lancaster shops.
I had a great time, sorry that others didn't.

This was my first time attending the show. I thought it was wonderful. I did attend two great classes on Wed and Thurs from 8:30 to 4 so I did not have too much time to view the quilts or vendors (had from 4-6) but I thought they were adequate. In defense of the AQS, their website did give the location of the shuttle bus site and I used it both days and found it to be organized and quick. I drove from Intercourse both days and got the bus about 8:10. The shuttle at the Continental site was not related to AQS. I had information beforehand that the first bus did not leave until 11-12. I think I got it the previous week at the Mancuso quilt show in NJ. BTW, the NJ show was very good too as were the vendors at the Continental. I also thoroughly enjoyed the classes at the AQS show. One was on FMQ with Cindy Needham and the other was with Donna Lynn Thomas (Feathered Star). I am looking forward to next year!

I didn't love it last year, so I didn't go this year. I don't mind a small crowd but that was just to much for me! I couldn't get a good look at things through all the people. I do love the sales in all the shops though.

I might go up for a few days next month when it's a bit warmer. Thanks for the update on the show!

sewnsewsue like to know where you got the wool. I paid $5 for a sq.

Maureen nj the bus at the continental took you TO THE AQS SHOW. you got on the bus and paid $2 each way. the first AVAILABLE bus was 12 because the earlier ones were sold out.

Maureen,
Wasn't Cindy's class fantastic? I really enjoyed it. And her samples were gorgeous. Then I took two with RaNae Merrill. Also excellent.
Where were you sitting? I was the right end of the second row.
BJ

I bought packages of 5" squares at Shakerwood Woolens. There were 10 pieces per pack for $13. I also got a few pieces individually at Red Button Company booth for $1.50 each. Primitive Gathering also had packages of 5" squares. Lots of booths had fat quarters and other cuts,like charm squares. I wanted a variety of small pieces in certain colors for applique on a specific small quilt so I just bought for that. It seems that the wool is pretty pricey and I don't really know what I am buying. The lady in the Shakerwood booth explained the differences in wool and wool felt. They had lovely shades in their packages. I asked if they had an online store and they don't unfortunately. I know that Primitive Gatherings does sell online if that helps you. Sorry, I only bought wool from these vendors- don't remember the names of other vendors.

Just went to put away the wool that I bought and the ones with the Shakerwood Woolens wrapper have an additional sticker "Epicurean Boutique". Under the sticker, it has a website for the manufacturer/packagerhttp://www.shakerwoodwoolens.com

I went on Friday, usually go on a Thursday. Friday was so packed with people using walkers and wheelchairs that non-mobility impaired people couldn't get into the booths. I agree there were fewer vendors this year, and some of the quilts were repeats of other years, but all in all it was a good show. We found a parking space right in front of the Marriott restaurant, so that was a plus. I think the Hershey quilt show is set up a little better, but that convention center is larger. I didn't see a whole lot that I can't get get at my local quilt shops or online, but is nice to see what's new.

This was my first year going and I really enjoyed it. I went with a friend who was taking longarm classes each day, so we were there for the whole show. I was able to look around when it wasn't too busy. There were a lot of longarm booths! We both really enjoyed going to the local shops and eating at the smorgasbords (what's not to love?). I grew up just north of York, and hadn't been to Lancaster in over 30 years - man, has it changed! It's really beautiful and so fun and hip now!

Ok, so riddle me this, Batman. There was a booth selling already made quilted items. At a quilt show. I can maybe see people buying purses because maybe they're intimidated at the thought of zippers (that would be me), but they had quilt squares framed to look like pictures. I didn't check the price, but I couldn't help but wonder why a quilter would buy something they could, and do, so easily make?

Many of the quilts were really beautiful, but some were just ho hum.

I may check out the Hershey quilt show - I have friends/family in the Harrisburg area and could stay with them for the Hershey show.