Today we head up to Portland to participate in the International Quilt Market! I am very anxious to attend and maybe understand what is occurring in my world of quilting. I have been a passionate consumer of the quilting industry which has provided so many hours of enjoyment and friendships. As with all aspects of life, there is a wax and wane and I am going to gather information and share what I can...so we can all keep this activity that brings so much joy, healthy! There are more shops closing than opening...As in Star Wars...there is a shift in the Force...and I want to understand why! I can't wait to share with you what's new and what to look forward too so we can support that local brick and mortar quilt shops. Between the Woolie Mammoth Blog, Quilt Roadies and Anna & G On The Road we will bring you all the latest and what you can look forward to! To give you a full spectrum look, I will be working in different aspects. G and I will be videoing market for Quilt Roadies, interviewing industry professionals for The Quilt Show, and working one day in the Buttermilk Basin booth! I am hoping to see first hand what is happening in the quilt world...wish us luck!

Just so you have a little background...The International Quilt Market is an industry wholesale trade show which was founded by Karey Bresenhan in 1979 as a place where buyers and industry professionals could gather to showcase their products and learn from each other. It occurs twice a year with Fall Market always held in Houston, TX and Spring Market rotating. This year Spring Market is in Portland! There will be more than a 1,000 booths with new and familiar fabrics, books, patterns, machines, notions and supplies. Classes are held to help with professional development from marketing to creating a healthy shop enviroment. One evening there is Sample Spree where fabric companies, designers and publishers sells samples of their latest designs and patterns. All things quilts in one Convention Center is going to be so exciting to share with you next week...so stay tuned!