The tall gal in back is a new acquaintance, Jana Nielsen of Izzy & Ivy. I loved meeting Jana, seeing her beautiful booth and sewing pattern line. Jana, like nearly everyone I met is warm, friendly and super fun. I really appreciated getting her perspective on the sewing pattern biz. Thanks, Jana!
I was also lucky enough to attend the book release party that the publisher Wiley put on for Anna Maria Horner, Sandi Henderson and the unicorn-lovin’ Melissa Averinos. Lovely ladies, lovely books, and what a swell publisher!
Last but not least in the photo on the right, that’s me! Looking a little tired and buzzed out on cake, but thrilled to be with a fabulous supportive group. (many of whom are not shown here but are greatly appreciated none-the-less!)
Ok, so enough about the social butterflying, what about my pattern line pitch? Honestly, I didn’t realize how challenging it would be to get my work in front of the right people. Exhibitor or not, people are on the move at this show! Buyers are so busy working the show floor that it was a trick catching them at their booths. Turns out the social scene really was the best way to make connections! Many times it boiled down to “who ya know” and I am grateful for all of the introductions that resulted. And the good news is that the people whose attention I could catch gave me a warm reception and positive feedback. What more could I ask for?
The next few weeks for me will be all about follow-up with Distributors and Buyers, putting the finishing touches on the patterns in the pipeline and prototyping all of the new ideas popping into my head!
If you’d like to see some great photos and read some quilt market recaps, there are excellent ones to be found at True Up, Modern Organics, and Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop, for starters.
I’ll be back soon with photos of my new patterns. But for now I need to take the weekend off to catch up on household blah-blah but mostly major kid snuggling! Mwah!
Awww…. Betz! It was so great to finally meet you! You have true talent… and with great products and smart packaging I know we will see your stuff popping up everywhere soon! 🙂
Till next time!
patty
It was really so great to see you! Thank you for your sweet words, and we all look great in that pic!
I am so glad that you came. Everything will come together with your patterns. They are beautiful and really clever and there is always a need for that.
all my best to you!
Lizzy
it was nice to see you again! ..and yes… the quilting biz is like many others.. with the who you know… over the what you know… but you still have to have good work for any of it to matter… and you do!! best of luck with everything!
Thanks Patty Lizzy and Julie! Can’t wait til Houston!
sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of work! A really good combination in my opinion! Can’t wait to see your patterns.
Hi Betz –
Thanks for blogging about your Quilt Market activities!
As a vendor at Quilt Market, I do not always get out and look at all the beautiful booths so thanks for sharing!!
That’s pretty cool you let your readers know what went on!!
Douglas Eagleson
President, Kona Bay Fabrics
http://www.konabay.com
I’ve always wanted to attend the Quilt Market so it is great to be able to hear and see your experiences. Waiting to see more on your patterns, but kid snuggling is of the utmost importance. Take care.
Great catching up with you, Betz!
Your new patterns are adorable! And I agree…the quilt scene is very warm and friendly! I launched my patterns at Fall 2009 market and had no idea what I was doing. Glad for you that you got some advice before your first show! I learned alot the hard way, and am excited about Fall Market..hoping to atleast feel less nervous this time!
Hope to be able to meet you in the Fall!
Sheree
Your things are so wonderful I agree that soon you will be so successful everyone who crafts will know who you are. Your book and blogs have changed my crafting style and life. Thank you so much. I have always appreciated your kindness and willingness to be so personable. Every time I meet someone in a thrift store sweater aisle working their way through toughing the sweaters without looking at the size, I know I am seeing another fan of yours.