Quiltingboard Forums - What did you think about Lancaster Show this year?

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)

- Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)

- - What did you think about Lancaster Show this year? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/what-did-you-think-about-lancaster-show-year-t216535.html)

It's very interesting to hear everyone's comments on this. One of my quilts was accepted into the show (thanks to maryb119 for suggesting that I submit it!) so DH and I made the trip up. I agree with several of the observations about "too much applique" and "too much quilting" but it really was inspiring (and humbling) to see all the fine workmanship. The ratio of vendors-to-quilts was very high; this was my first big show, so I wasn't sure if that was normal.

I took one class, and while I enjoyed it, I don't feel that I got my money's worth. It was a LA class (I had never used one before), and was 3 hours. The teacher spoke for over an hour, then 2 people shared a machine for the remainder. Not much actual hands on time. Should have cost about 1/2 what it did.

We had a good trip, though! I'd do it again, for sure!

if your looking to purchase fabric, and who isn't, than lancaster is the place to go. considering batiks were 5.49. and there are so many shops to spend money. hershey has a nice amount of vendors, but its good to take classes at. they provide a room for sewing all night if you want. and you don't even have to be staying at the hotel. they also have a welcome evening w/games, which was very nice. oaks has vendors, and some quilts to be shown. of course, your good time depends on what your looking for. me..........it's fabric.

did anyone get out to the vendor mall east of town at the Continental Hotel.
If so what was there and what did you think?

No quilt show I have ever been to compares with Paducah Quilt Show. It's all quilts, quilting, and more quilts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holice (Post 5937142)

did anyone get out to the vendor mall east of town at the Continental Hotel.
If so what was there and what did you think?

I thought it was okay. I found a few things I'd wanted to get. I would go again if I was already there. There were many fabric, pattern and kit vendors. Several places had gadgets for sale. There was a HQ vendor, and a FW place (which was so packed I never did get close enough to get a look).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holice (Post 5937142)

did anyone get out to the vendor mall east of town at the Continental Hotel.
If so what was there and what did you think?

I did white gloving all morning, went to the rest of the show in Lancaster and then went to the Host and VM across the street. As a result I was pretty tired and "Quilt showed" out when I got there. ( Which may have influenced my opinion) Don't think I would bother with them again. At $3 and free, they were worth the money but after seeing the big one they were a bit of a disappointment.

I opted out this year. I thought last year's show was not as good as the year before. I feel as if the show has been going downhill for the past few years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermint31 (Post 5936223)

This was my first time to attend. Had no idea that there were 3 shows to visit. Went to the Host first. Then the Continental via shuttle (the traffic was awful) . Finally headed downtown and had no signage to tell a stranger where to go for parking. Asked a mounted police officer for directions and he was very nice and helped us. We spent the next day going to quilt shops and the roads are made by going around every farm. NOTHING straight about them. got lost and turned around numerous times but the people are very friendly and helpful,

Bought a beautiful clock that chimes, my souviner for my trip! Got LOTS of fabric at the local shops but not at the shows as it was much more expensive.

I like going to the Des Moines show where everything is in one place and it is much easier to find your way around. Enjoyed the many quilts and vendors. I bought a pattern that will be just stunning when I get it made. It is so new that I had to order it.

Peppermint31, I went to the Des Moines Show last year and I loved it. Visiting GS and wife in Iowa City and they graciously drove me there. I loved it!
PA does not spend money on signs. I guess you're supposed to know where you are. Rough for those of us not born here. I've lived in Lancaster for 10 years and I still get lost. And yes Peppermint, there is no such thing as a straight road in PA . . . but the people are great and the country is beautiful .

This was my first visit to Lancaster and I have to say I enjoyed it. I was at the show only on Saturday and didn't make it to the other 2 shows. I had no idea where to go to see them. I wish there would have been directions on how to get to them. My quilt "Crazy About Iris" was showing in Lancaster and my DD said "Mom! Let's go" so we did. I would love to go back to Lancaster when it is not so crowded and just explore the area. I know there is a lot to see there.

Overall, I thought it was a great show. If I had a question, I could ask anyone and get an answer. I thought there were a lot of interesting quilts on display and a wide variety of vendors. I would like to go again someday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellaBoo (Post 5937177)

No quilt show I have ever been to compares with Paducah Quilt Show. It's all quilts, quilting, and more quilts.

Well, yeah! Paducah is the BIG AQS show (you can tell by the prize money) the other AQS shows are regional, so they can't quite compare. I've only been to Des Moines but the quilt quality was phenomenal.