My Reflections on Quiltcon 2019

Wow! I can’t just stop the post here, but that’s what I woke up feeling this morning. To be honest, I haven’t sewn much this year. My creativity has been in a slump. Getting away for the weekend was just what I needed personally and creatively.

Nashville was such an easy drive from Indy. A quick five hours, but next time I’m making sure the Bluetooth in the rental car will connect with my phone. There are some areas lacking anything but church and country music. Which isn’t bad if that’s your jam.

My friend Rachael and I had no real agenda for our Saturday at Quiltcon but both reflected last night it was the right amount of time for us. Did you see us from 10-12 helping out the amazing Heather Givans at CrimsonTate’s booth? Jen from @jenmadecrafts popped over to say hi to me after following me on Instagram. She loved the liver and onions story. Ha.

After working the booth it was time to get some food. We hit up a taco spot around the corner from the convention center. Rachael picked out a table and as I found her, I noticed someone sitting in the corner by us. No big deal it’s just Tula Pink having a little lunch chat with someone. I don’t want to say who since their conversation was more work/collab related. I totally kept my cool. As they went to leave I did thank her for creating Neptune since that is the fabric that got me started with modern quilting.

We had roughly five hours left to explore the show. We started on row 1 and worked our way through. Let’s dig through my bag and photos to reflect on my favorites from the show.

New Designers and Companies

Some of these companies are not necessarily new, but they are new to me. A couple I just really liked the direction they are going and see the need in our quilting community.

Figo Fabrics –

Let’s chat Figo Fabrics. We saw guild members posting pictures at this booth and were intrigued. This is a new modern offshoot of Northcott fabric. The hand on the fabrics is soft and their colors are on trend. I’m excited to make something with my Lucky Charms 2.5″ squares and my fat quarter. Be on the lookout for shops to start carrying their line. I like where this company is going.

figo fabrics, quiltcon 2019, quiltytherapy

Brooklyn Mojo –

There is a secret spot in my heart for hand printed designs. I mean hello I love Lotta Jansdotter. Brooklyn Mojo shared some of their designs but also some handmade items on hand. We had a wonderful conversation about products. Pantera noted that she had witnessed someone at a show that really wanted an item, but didn’t have the funds. From there she wanted to have something on the table that everyone could afford. I appreciate that.

As a maker that can be hard to have something at lower price points and still pay yourself. Because I love supporting small businesses I picked up one of her pouches.

brooklyn mojo, quiltcon 2019, quiltytherapy

Pineapple Fabrics –

Their bag sucked me in. I wanted a bag with a pineapple on it. Not many companies were giving out branded bags.

This booth was an experience. We started roaming around and noticed a number of precuts. The precuts were arranged in kits and I haven’t seen this. The idea is simple and I think genius for those getting started with quilting. Or someone like me that needs a quick project to get her sew-jo back.

Plus they are currently carrying the Paintbrush Studio solids that were recently released. They are soft and offer a huge range of colors. Bonus that Pineapple offers them at an affordable price point, or at least at the show.

Sara Parker Textiles –

Eco friendly fabrics and inks are used to create her lovely line of work. Sara Parker offers a variety of prints and I’m going to ponder some of her fabric for upcoming projects.

Quilty Decor

I came across companies making some cute signs/prints for your home or office. These make a great gift for a guild member or friends when you aren’t sure what fabric to get them. Also, nice for those that aren’t into fabric to get something for you that you may actually like or use.

Kati Cupcake –

While this designer has been around, she is branching out into prints. Kati Cupcake has cute patterns for dresses and bags. Seriously, I wanted to purchase the Hard Core Quilter sign she had. Right now I don’t have anywhere for it. However, it’s on my list once I get some artwork back up on my walls.

Crafted Moon –

Whimsical designs and saturated colors created a line I’m now adoring. I can’t show you what I bought because it’s a gift for a friend’s upcoming birthday. Loads of cute art prints, cards, and temporary tattoos are available on Crafted Moon’s website.

Everything Else

You guys, I need this quilt. Red Thread Studio is hosting an EPP Stitch-Along. This quilt is stunning and I want it. No seriously, I want to purchase it since I won’t recreate this one. It has drawn me in.

Red Thread, decadence

Paducah here we come. Rachael and I are adding a trip to the National Quilt Museum this year. Did you know they are hosting a 2020 School Block Challenge. If you have K-12 kids you should check out what they are doing.

We were able to score free tickets to Paducah as well.

Overall I was excited to see the quilts in the show. I was surprised by the trends that I saw. It’s a great show and so happy that we went. While I didn’t do any classes or workshops I think I found some inspiration again.

Now I need to get ready for the drive home and see my nugget. But first some true Southern breakfast. Later y’all!