Pittsburgh—Here We Come!

Twice a year Kona Bay Fabrics attends International Quilt Market—the big daddy of quilting trade shows. Spring Quilt Market this year will be May 15-17 in Pittsburgh. Each spring show goes through a cross-country rotation and Fall Market is always held in Houston.

Quilt Market is a wholesale only show. This is where the folks from local quilt shops go to see all the great fabric designs, products and patterns that end up in their stores. They can also attend classes to learn new techniques they can share with customers. Kona Bay loves the shows as it gives us a chance to see and visit with our customers up close and personal.

Kona Bay Fabrics has been attending Market since 1991. I’m looking forward to venturing back to Pittsburgh. It’s an easy to navigate city with a great convention center. I’ve already mapped out some of the local good eats I want to try; fabric and good food—what more do we need!?

Although consumers can’t attend Quilt Market, Quilts, Inc, who put it on also host three consumer shows. The next will be this summer in Long Beach, California July 24-25. The company has held Houston and Chicago show for a number of years. The Long Beach show was their first west coast venue. Read more about the show at Quilts, Inc. I wasn't able to attend but I heard it was lots of fun for all who did.

I’ll see you in Pittsburgh!

Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival 2009

Although I wasn’t able to attend the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival 2009, I’ve heard good reports. The show ran from Friday, January 16 to Saturday, January 24.

Held at the Tokyo Dome, the show is always a sight to see. It is huge and perhaps one of the largest gathering of quilters anywhere! It’s billed as a —Fabric, Needles and Thread Exhibition—an understatement to say the least. Along with the many rows of filled to the brim booths for craft loving attendees, a quilt display of extraordinary proportions is available for viewing.

Anxious to see quilts since I could not be there, I found a wonderful collection posted by a quilter living in Tokyo, Japan who was able to attend. She has 178 photos posted on flickr for your viewing pleasure. Thank you movinghands’ for providing this wonderful tour.
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The show captures the essence of quilters’ enthusiasm and creativity. The quilts represent the works of renowned quilters from around the world. You can read more about the exhibits and who was involved by clicking here.

This is historically a popular well attended show. If you’re thinking about attending in 2010, plan early. Maybe I’ll see you there! In the meantime, check out some of the new favorites at konabay.com.