Mini Market Recap

Last week, I mentioned that I would be attending Quilt Market, the quilt industry trade show in Pittsburgh, PA, but that I wouldn't be exhibiting. By now, I'm sure you've seen tons of pictures on social media outlets--of the booths, new products, samples, and the excitement from the trade show floor. So here's a few more--just a few--to add to the collection.

The bird's eye view is unique to the Pittsburgh Convention Center. Before Market opens, you can watch the activity develop from above, like having a balcony seat at a live performance while watching the audience gather before the curtain is raised. Or like watching the activity on an anthill.

A good friend and truly sweet person, Carolyn Friedlander received top recognition for her booth!

As an exhibitor, you have to corral all the activities of a booth in a packed and busy schedule--you rarely get to see the rest of the show, including the quilt display. Fall Market boasts a huge quilt display, and Spring Market has a smaller quilt show, too. Before I left Pittsburgh on Sunday, I took advantage of my 'boothcation' freedom and snapped a few pictures of some of my favorite quilts from the show.

Indian Summer Sunset by Shirley, Gisi, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Gathering Hearty Roses. This large quilt was a collaboration between four women in Setagaya, Japan. The quilt was hand appliqued and hand quilted. It includes a wish by the four stitchers that they can continue to work together forever. 

Here's a closer look.

Not all the beautiful quilts were appliqued! The color radiated on these pieced blocks! Mass Maples by Timna Tarr in Shadley, Massachusetts.

This amazing piece isn't larger than a yardstick in any direction. The project was completed over five years and can be viewed from both sides. The design is stitched into two layers of fabric, then batting is stuffed between the layers to enhance the details. To get the batting between the layers, the fabric is gently pulled apart to allow for the stuffing to be inserted between the threads. Then the threads are carefully moved back into position. Jaw-dropping. It's called Boutis with a Vase of Flowers by Marie Christine Floucard.

In Flanders Fields by Robin Gausebeck of Rockford, Illinois. Seems appropriate, as Memorial Day approaches, to conclude with a quilt that celebrates the poppy of remembrance and pays tribute to the poem by the same name written by John McCrae.

Exquisite detail of the machine applique and machine quilting on this fabulous quilt which is only about 18" square.

Whenever I travel, I like to find inspiration. Even if I pick up one little idea that I hadn't considered before, take a moment to take in the sights, or stop to take a quilty stitch or two, the trip is worthwhile. How about you? Do you take time to look for that one golden nugget in the quilty events you visit?

Happy Stitching!
Joan