One too many expos?
 

Yesterday I went to an annual sewing and quilt expo. After about an hour of wandering around, I still had no bags of "must haves" to schlep around. I was surprised at myself, I go at least once a year all bright eyed and eager. What was wrong with me? Took a coffee break and figured it out. Everything looked the same. Booth after Booth was so crowded and jam-packed with stuff that soon it all looked like a mess. Nothing seemed to stand out and scream "buy ME". A sameness about the venders, new tools (stuff that didn't seem to work all that well, or that I didn't want to fiddle with learning) patterns, last year's fabrics from booth to booth to booth. Even the wonderful quilts on display had an odd sameness to them: beautifully pieced and professionally quilted masterpieces. I don't care if I never again see swirls, feathers, or diamonds, etc. I went back and finally bought some hand-dyed wool for my rug-hooking. a new type of glue stick, and a table runner pattern. Anyone else ever had this type of experience? Ah well, there's always next year.

A curious observation.... I have always loved going to anything quilt related because it was an escape from the sameness associated with big box retailers, but I understand how your perception could be formed: after plowing through half a dozen tables of fat quarters, the next six tables lose their appeal because they start looking like the first six and not worth the effort.

Come to think of it, when we lived in Houston, I did stop attending the quilt show every year and went every other year.

This is not uncommon for me either. I do two big shows a year and usually one will be ho-hum and the other will be better and the next year they switch. Partially because I love the old style quilts I look for those. One year the San Diego Quilt Show had a display of quilt tops that were different styles and techniques, they looked like the ones people in their grandmother's home she never had time to finish - I was so intrigued by them I went back all three days. It just really fascinated me - but the year it was all modern I walked through rather quickly. Just never know what I am going to find so keep on going because it's fun to be around other quilters and see what is new.

I understand that reaction. I always look forward to going to a quilt show and frequently end up wondering why I am not at home quilting. I am torn between being inspired and intimidated. I have come home with some wonderful "stuff" and then never look at it again.

Yes, that's happened to me too! Although I haven't been to many "big" shows, I have walked around Quilt Shows and thought, this was a waste of time, not my style. My tastes are simple and traditional except in batiks. So often the art quilts or modern quilts just don't do it. I'm not into FQs or following patterns. But, if I hang out long enough, usually waiting for my friends to finish, I find something to occupy my time even if I don't buy.

Nope, even if I don't buy, I love to look. It's a pleasant way to spend the day.

I totally agree with you. I think that is why I don't care for most quilting magazines anymore. Everything looks the same, and all of it seems to be too modern for my taste. It is hard to find traditional looking fabric and patterns anymore. I do love some of the new color lines coming out, and still manage to find more fabric than I can afford.

I've always wanted to go to a major quilt expo but haven't had the opportunity. I've only gone to small shows, but I've had the same experience at those. And I usually don't buy the magazines either. Just yesterday I went to the local guilds rummage sale and they had 10 magazines for 50 cents. I bought 2 stacks and went through all of them when I got home. There are a couple of things that are interesting but most of it is the same-0 stuff. I miss the days of wanting to make every quilt I see. I have to really struggle to find something that I can't live without. I feel the same way about antiques..... must be getting old.

I go each year to the quilt expo near my home town and always bring money - just in case. And year after year I come home with a couple raffle tickets and not much else. It's so overwhelming and crowded that it's nearly impossible to shop. And it's so big that I get tired walking around fighting the crowds. Didn't go this year due to health issues and didn't miss it.

The last few years I've been able to go to the Raleigh, NC show with my sister and a close friend. When I look at quilts I don't look for what I might want to make, I look at them as art- so I'm looking at what the maker (s) are expressing-hope I'm getting across what I want to say. I also focus on just enjoying the day with my buddies. It's interesting to hear what someone else is "seeing" as opposed to me. Guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes we may put too much pressure on ourselves to come away feeling all inspired, mentally jumping from one great creative idea to the next, and sacks full of fabric and new gadgets/patterns/notions that will push us to the next "level". Maybe it's just going to be an enjoyable day and recognition that we've got a good bit of stuff at home, and don't need to add much at this time to pursue the projects we have on our mental "I want to make this list". The idea of going every other year is a valid one too. I'm sure most every show has a personality, so there aren't going to be huge changes in presentation, layout etc. the off year could be planning a museum or other drivable destination trip. Creativity and inspiration can come from anywhere! :)

I guess there are two ways to look at this. Quilting has a looooong history, so some of the best "stuff" looks just like it did a hundred years ago. Historically, all it took to make a quilt was the good part of worn-out clothes, a scissors, needle, thread, and lots of time. We have become so gadget oriented that the marketing is for bigger, faster, easier. Jo, I'm like you, maybe I've seen the same thing too many times, and I don't need another ruler. I'm happiest in my own humble sewing room. But, I'll probably go to the next expo - just in case !

Overstuffed booths drive me a little crazy, especially when they're crowded. I feel like I can't move or I'm going to knock something over, especially if I already have a bag full of stuff slung over my shoulder. I usually won't go into a booth like that, I'll stand back and give a look, and if nothing really wonderful catches my eye, I move on. I will gladly miss a deal to avoid dealing with a crowd.

I don't tend to buy a lot at expos and shows though. Fabric if it's a good deal and comes in at least a half-yard cut. Thread, if it's a good deal and something I need. MAYBE a decorative item, more likely to buy it if it's handmade. I bought a pattern once. Mostly I go just to look at the quilts and to kind of immerse myself in the quilting world for a little bit.

I think some of us have hit a stage in life where we have ENOUGH! and have become a lot more selective in what we want or need to bring home.

Any quilty thing, big or small, is hugely motivational for me.

I like going to big quilt shows and expos. I don't really care what type of quilts are displayed, I love looking at them thinking someone made this at their home on their sewing machine. I visit every vendor booth. I ask questions. I wait patiently to see a demo. I spend all day sometimes two or three days if I have to travel to go there. I always go alone. Even my best quilt friends can't do my pace at quilt shows. They want to rest too much.

I have never been to a big quilt show, just small local ones. Now that I'm retired I may go to the Grand Rapids show in August. After organizing my stash last week (found 3 wolf panels) and some of my accessories, I don't even feel like going to quilt stores. I did though go Monday to see if I wanted to get anything with my retirement gift certificate and bought some fabric for my granddaughters quilt who is graduating to a big girl bed.

I passed on our expo this year because last year when I went I had the same feeling, every booth the same as the one before it and the same as last year. I found myself telling DH yesterday that I am looking forward to next year's expo. Maybe I just needed a break. Shop Hop is next week and I am so looking forward to it.

Just went to our quilt show yesterday, had two pair of scissors sharpened and looked at all the quilts. I wasn't much interested in the vendors as a friend and I shop hopped to Denver just a month ago and before that went on a shop hop (10 quilt shops) in our area. I will be going back tomorrow (I will work at the admissions table) to look at the quilts again. Even when the quilts aren't my style I do learn from them. I especially like it when the quilters give an explanation or story about their quilts.

I don't go to quilt shows for the booths. Sure, I wander through them, but unless I'm really captivated by something new or looking for something specific I seldom buy. But oh my, the quilts! Those are what I go to see, and I don't care if they're modern or traditional (though I don't like shows that have mostly small art quilts). I like looking at the quilting, the piecing, the fabrics, the designs. I take digital pictures of most of the quilts and enjoy looking through them when I'm trying to decide what to make next. So what disappoints me in a quilt show is not having enough quilts, or (if it's a professional show) not having quilts that are well made.

When I went to my first Quilt Show a few years ago I walked in and thought I had died and gone to heaven! All my favorite stuff in one big room. I bought so many wonderful things - fabric, patterns, kits, etc - I found it all so inspirational. There were lots of booths with so many different things including hand embroidery, so many different types of fabulous quilts, embroidery on wool, penny rugs, handbags, gift items, I could go on & on. Anyway, It was a 10 hour drive to get to it so didn't have a chance to go again until this past spring. When I went this time I was SO dissappointed!! Practically every booth had the same things and they weren't my taste. Big loud fabric with huge pattern and big block quilts are not my thing. As someone else mentioned all those swirls and feathers from long arm machines are fine but not on almost every quilt. Thanks for letting me rant - I won't be rushing back to that Quilt Show any time soon. I go to my favorite quilt shops when we travel and I find them more inspirational. Guess I'm getting old. ha ha

I used to go for the shopping and the quilts. Now I mostly go to look at the quilts. I already have oodles more fabric than I'm going to use in the next 10 years and all sorts of gadgets and books for inspiration, not to mention the board and thousands of free patterns all over the internet.

I did discover when I went to the quilt expo in Loveland last year that I had a much, much better time by myself than I did with the friend that I used to go with. I suspect it's because I didn't have her negativity in my ear the whole time. I didn't have to listen to her "critique" of every single quilt and got to appreciate the workmanship and time that went into each one, even if they didn't suit my taste. I did shop for a few very specific things for future projects and mostly found what I was looking for.

I haven't ;been through a vendors mall in at least 10 years. That lemming to the cliff buying is ffar behind me and thanks be. :)

I don't always find something to buy at a show. Sometimes, I just love to look at the quilts to see what other people are doing. It helps me stretch my imagination for quilts I want to do. If I do buy something, it will be fabric I have never seen or a pattern.

I have an additional thought to add to the comments about sameness: The shows are held a considerable distance from where I live and there is very poor public transport. Therefore, I have to pay petrol for the return journey of 1, 2.5 or 13 hours journey. Once I get there, the parking costs can be $13-$35 to add to the entry fee of $14-$20...With less spending money by this stage it has to be something pretty spectacular for me to even want to go again next time.

I did the same thing this year at ours. I waited months and found nothing I wanted to do. There were no kits either.

You said it all, Bearisgray! :thumbup:

I went to 1,it was 5 hr drive each way-it was the year we test drove every long arm we could before deciding the one for us.The show was amazing,wonderful quilts displayed,toys,tools and fabrics every where.T hat was the only one I was at and that was 5-6 years ago,lol.

I love going to see all the wonderful "stuff" at quilt shows/conventions, etc. but I seldom spend any money. I have cupboards (3) and shelves (2) plus a plethora of bins full of fabric that I need to use up and tons of books and patterns that I haven't made yet. Since I am now 80 years old, I don't need to stock up any more so it really has to be something that strikes my fancy in a big way for me to buy any more.

This is the main reason I don't attend the big shows any more. Friend & I attended some smaller shows a few years back and quite enjoyed them. Friend even won the door prize - a lovely blue & white quilt with sunflowers. These days I'd rather stay home and sew. Sounds boring but I have so many things I want to make and with two embroidery machines I'm getting plenty of that done.

I was going to go to the quilting expo. In my mind I had the wrong weekend. I realized last night at 6:00 that it was yesterday. I forgot to go. I figured that I had saved myself a bunch of money. I would probably have come home with a bunch of fabric etc. I have been trying to sew mostly from my stash for 2 years. I did really want to see the quilt display.

I live in Houston, so I have the option of attending the quilt show annually here, plus smaller shows that I find out about here and there. I don't go every year to Houston - in fact, I didn't go for two or three years because of the sameness of them. The same quilts, the same vendors, the same wares.

I go through the vendor booths at the quilt show not to buy fabric - I can buy that any time. I look for the new innovations that I haven't seen before (a few years ago, it was the Tru-Cut ruler/rotary cutter), or to try out the various machines. But there was a period there when I wasn't really seeing anything new, and I wasn't interested in the machines. Also, I kept seeing several of the same quilts at the show, so I stopped going for a while.

My biggest complaint the last couple of times is the number of booths that have nothing at all to do with quilting or sewing. I know there are "other vendors" that are welcome at these things, but it seemed like a quarter of the booths were full of tacky jewelry and such.

I feel your pain. Our guild attends the Sewing Expo in Cleveland and the major show in Columbus, OH and I've skipped both this year. You are correct in that it's the same items for sale, with the same display quilts, in the same booths in the same location. No wonder the shows have lost their luster for those who attend regularly.

With computerized long arms the show quilts are too perfect and over quilted, so there is a sameness. Very few quilts are original patterns and it's possible to find 5 Judy Niemeyer quilts in the same pattern on display, lovely, but the same.

Sometimes a good shop hop to out of the way QS can rejuvenate interest.

I would like to have more "rest stops" - benches or chairs scattered around in more places - so that I would be able to recuperate a bit between forays - and stay longer at the show - otherwise I get sooo tired and my legs and feet ache and then I want to leave sooner.

I know these seats would take up valuable space, but I have heard that the longer a potential customer is in a shop, the more she is apt to buy.

Another reason I don't buy much, is that I have learned that the stuff gets heavier and heavier and heavier the longer I lug it around.

The Expo in Madison is wonderful for resting places. I can only go a little then I need to rest.

I know the feeling. I have sworn off random purchases until I use some of my stash. I now go with specific needs in mind and to look. Compulsive shopping MUST quit before I retire next year due to the foreseen drop in income. That's my story and I'll stick to it for now or until temptation strikes again!

I went last fall to a sew and quilt expo, but was a bit disappointed. It was not near as big as I had anticipated and very crowded. I am planning on going to the Chicago International Quilt Festival this coming Saturday. I am hoping this will be a good one to go to. Has any one gone to an international show?

I have never been to a large show.......small quilt shows with a few vendors.
I feel overwhelmed in a quilt shop! My favorite is to find quilting fabric at a thrift store or garage sale.
There are two reasons for this, the price and I don't have to make a decision about which fabric to buy and how much.

I thought it was just me. I thought I had everything. Still enjoy getting away but purchases have changed over the last few years.

ditto here, so often quilt shows have quilts done in a class, the colors may vary but the pattern is the same, I like traditionally hand or custom quilted quilts, I feel that most time the overall crowded machine quilt design overshadows the fabric colors or the workmanship. I used to get so inspired by shows that I couldn't wait to go home and start a new project.

I've been to the Houston and Paducah shows with my good friend, Peggi (Peckish on this board), and it really makes a huge difference when you go with a quilting friend. Our tastes are the same, but very different. Which gave each of us an advantage. Peggi is very technical-minded, and I like things a bit more simple. She'd point out things that excited her that I'd have never thought of even looking at - that I realized I really liked! And I'd do the same for her. We'd spend as much time with each other as we would alone - we're both the type who like to go off exploring for ourselves. We never felt we had to entertain each other. We'd message each other when we'd find something at a booth the other might like to see, so we were able to double-cover the same show in half the time. And we'd both spend a lot of time looking at the quilting in the quilts to see if there was something we wanted to try or felt was "different" than the usual boring feathers and swirls. There's nothing, NOTHING like going with a friend who makes you see quilts in a completely new way!