Reflections on Houston Quilt Market

Last weekend, Kate and I traveled to Houston for the amazing, colorful, and slightly overwhelming experience of Quilt Market! We wanted to share some of our takeaways from Market and give you a head’s up on the gorgeous fabrics coming our way!

Schoolhouse Series

The Schoolhouse Series was a whirlwind of 30-minute seminars. We met some of the designers we love (like modern quilter Krista Moser), discovered new products (pre-filled universal bobbins are going to be a life saver!) and learned new skills (partially serrated scissors are great for cutting double gauze and silk…who knew?). We also discovered a learn-to-quilt curriculum that Kate will start teaching soon. It was non-stop fun and education, and also totally exhausting. So we ended the day at a fantastic Mexican restaurant with new friends from Fiddlehead Artisan Supply in Maine!

Market Time!

During the wholesale portion of the Market, we first met with the wonderful crew from Seven Islands. They import all the Japanese fabrics we love, like Nani Iro, Kokka, and Echino. Luckily for our customers, we didn’t show much restraint. We have some amazing double gauze, lightweight canvas, and cotton lawns heading our way this winter!

Next we headed to the Rimmon brothers, our source for some amazing designer garment fabrics straight from the runways (practically). As usual, they had so many unique fabrics we couldn’t resist. Be prepared for more wools, luxurious knits, and even some cool swimsuit fabric!

We also had the opportunity to chat with some of our favorite modern designers. It was so much fun to meet (and see again, in some cases!) Carolyn Friedlander, Alison Glass, Krista Moser, and Jennifer of Monaluna fabrics. (Plus, Kate had coffee in Denver with one of our very favorite indie pattern makers, Kelli Ward of True Bias. Be on the lookout for some fun collaborations coming up!).

Quilt Show

At the end of the day, when we didn’t think we could be on our feet any longer, we realized we could get an early viewing of the Quilt Show. It was well worth the extra steps. Here are just a few of our favorite quilts:

 

 

 

 

 

Quilt Market is like Texas itself: big, beautiful, and wonderfully diverse. To connect with so many of the creators and makers in our industry in one place, at one time, was an inspiring experience. We’re excited all over again to be in the business of sewing, quilting and crafting. As we learned in Houston, we’re in good company!

Happy Sewing,

Kate + Jane