2016 Spring Quilt Market, Part 2

There is something particularly thrilling about attending International Quilt Market. There is always a buzz of excitement in the air. Collections ready to debut, new products to announce, old friends to seek out, new friends to meet… The event is super-charged with inspiration starting with setup day, straight through the final hour on the last day.

We kicked off our experience on Thursday, May 19th with a lineup of three Schoolhouse Sessions by three incredibly talented designers: Pat Sloan, Tula Pink & Susan Emory. Schoolhouse Sessions are designed to educate shops, to give them the tools needed to connect with their customers and to fuel creative inspiration.

Pat Sloan is a true Aurifil Ambassador, in addition to being a quilt author, a radio/podcast show Producer & host, and a fabric designer. She has worked with Aurifil for years and has run the Aurifil Designer of the Month program since 2011.

In Salt Lake City, she spoke to a full house of captive listeners and shared how to use the free DOM program to inspire sales and motivate consumers to create.

Tula Pink was one of the first to design a collection for Aurifil and presented her latest masterpiece at a short Schoolhouse. You can always count on Tula to have some amazing statement pieces — just check out that fabulous bag on the right in the image below. The bag was made from a pattern by Sew Sweetness and all 45 colors of Tula’s latest Aurifil collection were used to embroider the eyes.

The Ultimate Collection features a custom printed case containing 45 small spools of 100% Aurifil Cotton in 50wt. The collection was incredibly well received by shop owners and we anticipate that you’ll start seeing it in stores next month.

Our final Schoolhouse was presented by Susan Emory of Swirly Girl Designs. She is a true Aurifil Champion and even created a fantastic handout for her attendees. Susan focused on creating kits using Aurifil thread and how shop owners can put together kits that their consumers will love. She also introduced her brand new Aurifil Thread Collection, Summer Lovin’, hand-selected to coordinate perfectly with her latest fabric collection for Michael Miller.

Thursday evening was ALL about Sample Spree, one of our favorite shopping events of the year! Show attendees lined up hours in advance, hoping for the chance to snag a Fat Quarter Bundle of an exclusive collection or perhaps a favorite Aurifil thread collection. We started with this:

and ended with this:

People do love their threads!

Friday brought the open of the trade show itself and, as usual, the days sped by. We are always so grateful for the opportunity to meet with our Aurifil Designers, to chat with shop owners and reconnect with distributors. It’s an absolute delight to make that personal connection!

Barbara Eikmeier was one of the first to come by the booth. We are thrilled to present her debut Aurifil Thread Collection, Vintage 30s – Ruby’s Treasures to coordinate with her latest fabric collection with Paintbrush Fabrics. Featuring 10 hand-selected colors of our Aurifloss, it was created in conjunction with McKim Studios and pairs popular 30s-style prints with the embroidery designs of Ruby Short McKim.

Leslie Levy and Carolyn Ducey showcased the latest collaboration between Aurifil, Moda Fabrics and IQSCM. We simply adore that proceeds from the sales of Collection for a Cause – Preservation go directly to IQSCM (International Quilt Study Center & Museum). The threads are stunning and the reproduction quilt created from the fabrics is a total show-stopper!

Lynne Hagmeier, of Kansas Troubles Quilters, debuted Bees ‘n Blooms, a new collection for Moda Fabrics. Her coordinating Aurifil thread box was also on display, but we were even more in love with the clever way that she used the small Aurifil spools in her booth design. Can you spot them?

The amazing Jenny Doan popped by to say hello and shared a moment with Alex. Her debut collection with Aurifil was just released and should be available in stores in July. The Heritage Collection is a gorgeous collection of 50wt threads on large spools.

We were so thrilled to see the lovely McKenna Ryan who was at market presenting Tigerfish, a new line of premier batiks for Robert Kaufman. Her coordinating thread collection, The Tropical Box, will be available next month!

Her label may just be one of our new favorites!

Brenda Ratliff of Pink Castle Fabrics was at Market presenting her brand new collection with RJR Fabrics, One Room Schoolhouse. Her coordinating Aurifil Thread Collection was the perfect accent to the booth, and we love the container of perfectly selected threads!

RJR never fails to inspire with their market displays. Their company hashtag, #quiltwithlove, seems to be interpreted anew at every event. We just adored the book-themed heart on display in Salt Lake City!

What a treat to run into Amy Friend at the book signing for her latest release, Intentional Piecing. Amy is a huge fan of Aurifil threads and used them in every single quilt featured in her book! She is also the Aurifil Designer of the Month for May!

How cute is this display of Aurifloss in Shari Butler of Doohickey Design Studio‘s booth?

We also spotted some small Aurifil spools on display in Corey Yoder‘s booth. She was at Market presenting Sundrops, her new collection with Moda Fabrics.

It was a pretty terrific Market kick-off! We’ll have more Market love for you tomorrow. Until then, Happy Stitching!!