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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Quilt Market...It's About?

Choose the best answer.
Quilt Market is about?
A. Fabric
B. Parties
C. Networking
D. Business
E. Quilts

For me, the best answer is business. Quilt Market is the trade show for the quilting industry and it's about doing business: selling books, patterns, fabrics, notions etc and the majority of people there are all about business. It's pretty easy to identify the saavy businessmen and women. I noticed the serious and sometimes stressed looks on faces as quilting business owners worked market. People are making decisions which will affect their livelihood and it's hard work. Attending quiltmarket is an investment of both time and money and making that investment pay off in terms of your quilting business.
Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew....Workin' It!
My purpose for attending market was two-fold, to prepare for and understand book marketing so that when my book is released I'm ready. Also, I was gathering information for my new business venture. I came home with a two foot tall stack of information/ideas to sort through and with many decisions to make. I so appreciate those quilt market veterans who were willing to share, talk with me and give helpful advice to a newbie. I'd love to name all of you, but I'd miss someone for sure. Thank you. Coincidentally, my first market coincided with the release of Alissa and Kristen's book, Block Party, so I was there to support their book and accomplish goal #1 with friends.

Next post...All about Block Party and a chance to win Alissa and Kristen's fabulous book!
I hope you want to hear more about Quiltmarket. I have so much to say and Bruno is a little tired of hearing about it.
Right now, I've got sewing to do...laundry will have to wait!

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27 comments:

  1. CJMay 17, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I want to hear EVERYTHING about Market! The more details the better. :D

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  2. DorisMay 17, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Bruno... :-) He's just worried about catching up on all that missed quality time.

    When I've attended, it's been as a shop employee scouting ideas for which lines to buy, display and marketing ideas, class ideas... yes, it is a lot of work indeed.

    You are smart to scout it for future marketing and business reasons, it can be overwhelming that first time.

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  3. VickiMay 17, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Welcome back! Can't wait to hear more :)

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  4. Cheryl ArkisonMay 17, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Bang on! It's still always going to be about business. I get that and I'm looking forward to chatting with you further about that. Shall we plan a call?

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  5. Jackie RussellMay 17, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    New business venture? I'm all ears! Can't wait to hear more about Market. I have only been to one and I'm looking forward to next year in KC (close to home).

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  6. Jen BMay 17, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Can't wait to see what the future brings for you. Sounds like there's some exciting stuff going on behind the scenes. :)

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  7. KristenMay 17, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Jacquie- Thank you so much for your friendship and support this weekend and also for your amazing contribution to Block Party. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

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  8. audreypawdreyMay 17, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    I am looking forward to all you have to say about Market! I am also so intrigued about your new business venture, and I can't wait to hear more about it. I am glad you had a good, productive time!

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  9. AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I would have loved to walk around with you talking about quilting&business! I need to come up with more of the sort (book 2??) to have a reason to get over there. For me it would be great to see that quilting can be business, there isn't much of it where I come from.

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  10. leighMay 17, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Since I was kind of a tag along and wasn't there for business - it was all about the people for me - and seeing all the great stuff! You were my favorite person to meet! I had so much fun I want to go to the next one.

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  11. pauletteMay 17, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Love hearing about market and love all the pictures!! Keep it coming!
    P

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  12. AllisonMay 17, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    talk about an action shot! :) I loved meeting you and hope you got lots of fun info! -Al

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  13. AnnieMay 17, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    very exciting keep sharing

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  14. C. JaegerMay 17, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    I'm with CJ...I want to hear everything! :)

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  15. Erin @ Two More SecondsMay 17, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Love this post! Great take on it - I was about half business half pleasure I'd say - a great mix for my first time at market! ;] SO happy I got to meet you!

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  16. Esch House QuiltsMay 17, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Can't wait to hear everything you have to say about Market! And a new venture? Exciting!

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  17. PoppyprintMay 17, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    You've certainly got my interest on high alert...new business venture, eh? EXCITING!!! Yes please on more posts. I love the weeks following market when everyone shares.

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  18. Live a Colorful LifeMay 17, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Ditto Poppyprint!!

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  19. GlynisMay 17, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    Looking forward to hearing, but can't promise we'll be as cute as Bruno.
    And aren't you such a tease - new biz venture, book, and Bruno, oh my!
    Enjoy your sewing, and laundry!

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  20. Mary on Lake PulaskiMay 17, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Waiting to hear and see more! New business venture??

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  21. Tif / Halu-HaloMay 18, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    woohoo! how *so* exciting! i can't wait to hear more!!!

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  22. Janelle JMay 18, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    I love your explanation of market. I work at a shop and although there is fun involved and anticipation over all the great new things, it really is about business. Sometimes I think it is forgotten that although it's a fun industry it is still work and business. Thanks for the insightful review.

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  23. BrookeMay 18, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Wish I would have known you were there too! I would have loved to meet! I work for Aunt Martha's we make embroidery patterns in the City Market. We had a booth on the north end. I keep wanting to get to a meeting to meet you and see what the group is up to--I just LOVE reading your blog. I am a new quilter and just getting into some more modern designs. I will come introduce myself at a meeting soon!

    Brooke

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  24. ValerieMay 18, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Thanks for sharing your take on market. As a hobby quilter, it's been fun to read everyone's accounts of market. While of course I'd LOVE to go sometime, you make an excellent point about the business side of things. It is obvious how hard people have worked to get ready for such a huge event and I just love all the excitement and buzz that gets created. I am sooo excited to hear about your upcoming book and will look forward to hearing the details! Your work is inspirational, thanks for sharing.

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  25. PatSloanMay 22, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    it was totally awesome to meet you and chat! if you ever have a question I can answer just shoot me a note!

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  26. Nanette MerrillMay 23, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    LOVED LOVED LOVED meeting you and talking to you. It was so great to physically be with people I admire like you. I am still not down from market high. I love seeing everyone's photos because I see things I missed.

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  27. MightyMomMay 24, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    sweet Bruno's so patient!

    fantastic!

    NOW,

    what, my dear, is this new venture you're hinting at?????

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So, what are you thinking? (please don't put links in your comments...the spam police like to grab them and hide them away! if you want to share a link, feel free to email me.