My view on lancaster aqs show 2015
 

we went to the continental 8:00 to pick up the shuttle bus. only to be told the next bus available was 12. seems people were allowed to sign up before time. which was not good. okay so we drove. there were half the vendors there than usual. although 3 floors. not really when you consider that on the 2nd floor there were 4 vendors and the third floor had 2 and they were in the back of the room so you didnt even know they were there. quilts for show were in between separating the 2 vendors from the front door. very very disappointing. i know we are not goin back next year and we always looked forward to this show.

I went 3 years ago & loved it, as it was packed with vendors. Spend a bundle. We parked in the one parking deck 2 blocks down the hill & walked. Not easy for me, as I have neuropathy/muscle loss in both legs & walking is a struggle at times. I considered going this year, as I haven't been able to go in the last 2 years due to personal health issues. A few weeks ago my 2 old dogs (15 & 17) took sick, so I stayed home to care for them. Now I'm glad we didn't make the 3.5 hour long drive there. I would have been very dissappointed at the lack of vendors, like you were, as it's hard for me to get around & the set up there isn't that great. They do have a elevator, but there's always a long waiting line. I remember the lighting on the 2nd & 3rd floors not being too good either. Sad as this was a good show at one time.

I"m about to try one here in two weeks. The last one I attended had quilts on view but they
were hung at ceiling height!! Hopefully that won't be the case this time.

I think vendors have to be very choosy what shows they go to. The booth fees are outrageously expensive for the big shows plus their time, paying for hotel room, travel, and many have shops that have to be managed during their absence. I can see where it isn't worth it to set up for every quilt show. I think the quilts are the main reason to go to a quilt show but without the vendor's fees the show won't make a profit, less vendors less people will come. It's a big circle.

so sorry to hear that it was so disappointing; it is usually a good show...

That is so sad! Sounds like that show is dying a slow death. Hope other shows live up to our expectations!

I intended to go this year and didn't. I've always loved the Lancaster show. I wonder if the other quilt show down the road hurt the AQS show. Maybe the vendors decided to set up there instead, since many who attend visit both shows while they're there.

I went almost annually for about 11 years, then skipped a few. It had been held at the Lancaster Host, with a smaller show and many vendors at the non-affiliated Continental across the street. My understanding was that the person holding the rights to the Lancaster Host wanted to sell, but wasn't doing well finding a buyer. The AQS opened a show downtown instead- don't know if they bought the rights or went into direct competition. I went the first year of the downtown AQS show and it was very difficult getting around. Central Lancaster has narrow streets and limited parking for huge crowds. Paid extra for the show's hotel shuttle bus loop pass but the bus schedule was a disaster, and parking the car was worse. One bus was even hit by a thrown brick on it's travel loop. The show was crowded and very disorganized, and the vendors were complaining hotly about the costs and confusion. I spent more time and money at the Continental Hotel show instead. Free parking, easy to get to, a bit cramped. It had always hosted the vendors that weren't invited to the Lancaster Host or weren't willing to pay the high vendor fees for Lancaster Host or AQS shows. The next year wasn't any better, so I stopped going. I'd heard some vendors found the high AQS fees and difficult parking location made the AQS show too much for them. I'd hate to see it fold because it brought a lot of tourists, but the downtown location is untenable.

I attended this year with a friend, an hour away for me. We did the show and lunch in 4 hours. Too many long arm booths, at least 2 or 3 jewelry booths, and 2 or 3 skin care booths. I went to see quilts, but I found only a few were better then I expected. I was disappointed - I wanted to see more quilts. Then we traveled to the Cont. Inn and was out of there in an hour, so we traveled to Intercourse and took in 3 fabric places, all crowded. Saw a bus load from Vermont. I wonder what they thought. But my money was spent at the Inn. I was looking for specific fabrics and I found them. I hope it improves by next year. I always love the one in Chantilly, Va. Will go there next year, and I plan to do Paducah next year. I must do it while I am young enough to travel.

There definitely were not nearly the number of vendors there as the past two years. I talked to one vendor and was told the fee had gone up quite a bit this year. It's a shame as the vendors help bring in the day trippers as well as those who take classes. They would have done better to keep the fee lower and attract more vendors.

I took three classes and they were great and I did buy threads that I pretty much can't get around home. It's nice to actually see the thread colors instead of getting them via the web. There were some fantastic quilts in the displays as well.

I haven't ever had trouble parking as I get there early for classes but I could see that it would be a problem for those coming later in the day and it costs a fair amount.

I never made it to the other show and I'm sorry I didn't, so I can't compare. I think I might try the Hersey show, at least as a day trip or one day overnighter.
I can do both Lancaster and Hersey as day trips although both are pushing it, just at the far limit for me.

Overall I was satisfied, as my classes were wonderful, but I was disappointed in the vendors.

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.

The BIG ONE in Chantilly ( the Sewing & Quilt Expo) moved to Fredericksburg 3 years ago! The QU show is still held in Chantilly in June, but is not as large..........I have found that the Sewing & Quilt Expo in Fredericksburg and the Mancuso Mid Atlantic QuiltFest in Hampton VA, and the show in Hershey PA in July ate the ones to attend on the East Coast ( Mid Atlantic area at any rate ).

I saw that booth too, and thought the same thing. DDIL was with me, a non-quilter or sewer, but a graphic artist. She likes to see all the different things that are done with textiles. She was trying to find some small easy hand-stitched item to try her hand at, but couldn't find anything really easy. There used to be more of that stuff in past years. I didn't go last year, so it was interesting to see what has changed in just a couple years. Lots of new sewing machines and lots of longarms.

The Hershey show is not an AQS sponsored show, so it is different. It is in the summertime, I think. More local stuff. I love seeing how the whole quilting world is evolving to meet the needs of the next generation. We need to get the younger set quilting so we can carry on for generations.

We have a Mancuso Quilt Expo in my area in the fall. I always enjoy that one too. I would love to attend the ones in Virginia, but with a senior dog here ( 12 1/2 year old Great Dane) I'm not going very far away.

I have often seen where some of the venues for the shows, because of a great turnout one year, will raise the fees for the vendors and they end up making less. Vendors just say no because of possibly making little to no profit. Then there's a no win no win situation. Quilts are displayed and classes taught and sometimes the only lesson learned (maybe?) is not to do it again.

shorebird you're right. because there were not a lot of vendors at the somerset nj show. I was told most went to Hampton, va. and the others to fla show. and mancuso always has a great show.

I have to agree that Lancaster didn't have nearly as many vendors as in the past. I missed last year so I can't say how it was then, but 2013 was amazing. Eleanor Burns was there and had an awesome booth, several others with bolts and bolts of fabric - very little of that this time. I've been to Oaks, PA and Baltimore/Hunt Valley MD and believed they were "lame" compared to Lancaster. I guess that one's down the tubes too.

I like to go to shows that have lots of vendors. I like to see different fabric and notions and patterns.

I've been going for 15 years and since the show moved to downtown, I've gone to the show once. My friend and I spend our time visiting the 20+ quilt shops in the surrounding areas. Never pay more than $8.50/yd for fabric and most of the shops run specials for the week.

Same for me reason I go as I live in Canada.
Found the same thing at Grand Rapids last year. Thought I'd go to the Chattanooga one this year but according to the Web site there is less vendors than Grandrapids!
Maybe just a trip to a few quilt stores would be better.
Gale

Gra

Sorry, didn't think that the bus at the Continental was provided by AQS but by the vendors at the Continental. Their location was not listed on the AQS site.

The first day of the Hampton show it snowed and the interstate exit according the state police web site was shut down most of the morning. I got an email from the event planners at noon saying the parking lot was still being cleared, but by 1 it was suppose to be clear and the email also said the classes had started at 9 as scheduled. You have to sign up months in advance to get the classes you want. Lucky I wasn't taking a class or I would have been mad. On Sunday, there was ice and the roads again weren't in good shape. The show was a bust for me this year, because of the weather conditions.

I would like to go to the Lancaster AQS show, but I don't normally plan trips north in the winter. How was the weather/roads?

Cindy Needham's class was every bit as good as her class on Craftsy. I was sitting in the last row, 2nd in on the hall side. My FMQ leaves a lot to be desired, but I am learning and will get there someday. I think it's a lot of fun!!

bus may have been provided by the show at the continental; however, it did take you to the aqs show. all I was saying was we were there at 8 and the buses were already sold out until 12 because reservations were taken earlier the days before.

bayberry the roads were fine. didn't even look like it had snowed there. but ya never know.

I went on Sat, and stayed in Wyomissing.. The show was a let down, as there weren't that many quilts on display, and few vendors..
I like the show in Philly by Mancuso. It is amazing, and huge. I like that there are quilts from all over the world. The Hershey show was also better...

i think what bothered me the most was on the 2 and 3 floors rows of quilts separated the 2 or 4 vendors from the front door. the vendors were in the back of the room. I know if it were me I would have been pissed to say the least. paying all that money and if the customers didn't go to view the quilts, no one would have known you were in the back. very poorly handled.

how disappointing! Come to Kansas City this summer for the first annual KC Regional Quilt Fest Jun 18-22! Only weather will be hot!

I wonder if the low vendor turnout had anything to do with the horrible snows, ice, floods and cancelled air flights that most of the eastern portion of the USA was going through?

i think it had more to do with prices for the show being outrageous for the vendors and the vendors finally said enough is enough and opted out of going to Lancaster show.

I was at NJ Quiltfest the following week (or the week before???). At any rate, there were lots of vendors but not what I have seen there in years past. This show is run by Mancuso just maybe not as large as the one in Philly. That one is typically a week we are out of town - rats! The quilts were very nice - lots of variety. The weather was horrible at that point...major snow the day before. Not sure if that was a contributing factor with respect to the vendors or not.