Getting Ready for Wonderland

GETTING READY FOR WONDERLAND—written about a week ago.

Perhaps you’ve wondered—that is, if you’re a rabid. . .no, I mean avid, quilter—what it’s like to participate in the International Quilt Market. For the uninitiated, it’s THE place where all aspects of the business of quiltmaking are staged and promoted.

To be held in Salt Lake City May 12-15, Spring Quilt Market is fast approaching. In fact, as a vendor (and someone trying to make a living with a pattern company) I’ve officially hit the large button labeled “PANIC!” as I try to finish up the text for new patterns, make lists of things to take, leave my house in order—its’ for sale—and a host of other imagined and real needs.

But despite all the apprehensions about jumping through the Market rabbit hole, I press on with anticipation of the new ideas and old friends I’ll see in Market Wonderland. The color, creativity, camaraderie and general splendor of the Main Hall, wherever the (wholesale) Market takes place, is a bit surreal as you attempt to take it all in.

The thing that impresses me most about the quilting business—and is impressed upon me whenever I have the privilege of participating in the IQM—is the general joy and authenticity found in the people involved, both at the wholesale level and the retail end of it all.

What a privilege to be part of this! And I want you to feel it, too! I’ll post a few photos and market stories in the coming weeks, in hopes of at least entertaining you, if not fanning your creative spark. www.seamsndreams.com