Last week I told you I’d share all that goes into doing a quilt show. Lots of quilters head to shows and go to the vendor mall and see our smiling faces in the booth. But to get to that point takes some work. So here’s what I do to get ready.
Before the Show
A few weeks before the show, planning begins. I have to go over my inventory of patterns and decide what I want to feature. For this show, I had two new seasonal patterns so that started the lineup.
And since I participated in this show last year, I went through my inventory to see what newer patterns of mine were not available then. Those are instant adds to the inventory list. Then I look for patterns that have been stellar sellers. That leads me to believe they will be well received at the show again. Finally, I look for some of my patterns that may be older but are classics and haven’t been to a show in a while. Then I gather the patterns and get some printed if I don’t have enough for the show. Here’s a container packed and ready.
Then, it’s on to making kits (and a mess) for those patterns of mine that I kit up.
Then it’s time to pack it all in the car! I let my husband do that. It’s kind of like a game of Tetris for him!
Set up Time
Now it’s time to make an empty space look like a mini shop. All in 6 hours! Preview for the show opens at 5pm. So, this is what my space looked like at 10am as we were hauling supplies in:
From the photos above, you can see I like to also decorate my booth with antiques along with my quilts. I think it creates a “homey” look.
The first thing I do after loading in is to decide which quilt is my focus and get it hung up. The focus quilt is usually one of my newest patterns. This year, it’s Sun Catcher.
Then I start building around that display deciding where I want to feature each quilt. Here’s a series of photos showing the booth as I get to the finished product.
Now it’s time for people to come on in and shop! This venue was very well lit so I did not need extra lighting, although I tote along small flood lights in case they’re needed.
When Showtime is Over
We do everything in reverse! I start by taking down all my quilts and getting them safely into the suitcases that carried them.
And we also start packing up all the decorations and other items used throughout the show.
Then it’s time to pack up the vehicle. Once again I leave that chore to my husband, the professional packer. LOL!
We are done! Look at the space now:
So next time you go to a quilt show, marvel at the vendor booths. They look like rows of little stores. Seeing how they looked before and after shows you the work we put in to give you a fun shopping experience.
Here’s my sign I always bring to my booth. It gives many a laugh as they are walking the aisles.
That’s it for this week. Now it’s time for me to unpack and get everything back in its place.
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
We LOVED having you at our show! Your booth looked great!!
Thanks!
I love this post. I am always in awe when I attend a quilt show!!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing how to set up a booth, it is a lot of work! So we shoppers should remember how much work you do to present us such a wonderful shopping experience!
You’re welcome!
Wow! That is a lot of work. Your booth was sew beautiful. The quilts are gorgeous.
I know you are thankful for your hubby.
Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely, Linda Crumpton.
Thanks!
Fun to see the setup & takedown! Enjoyed seeing you again in Omaha!
Do you ever kit up requested patterns when I order one? Plenty to do now but I live in a “wool desert!” Thanks!
I do occasionally kit up patterns, but generally just the smaller wool ones since I do not own a quilt shop and don’t have access to wholesale fabric.
Fun to see the setup & takedown! Enjoyed seeing you again in Omaha!
Do you ever kit up requested patterns when I order one? Plenty to do now but I live in a “wool desert!” Thanks!
Thanks for showing us what it takes to set up for a show. In June I helped set up the quilts for the Greater Hartford Quilt Guild show. I know it is a lot of work over my years of working I helped set up several retail stores and reset sections over the years. Thank you for drawing my name to win your pattern from the last blog postings.
You’re welcome!
My sister and I got to see you at a quilt show, don’t remember which one we’ve been to several, and it fekt like getting to meet the star of a show. Lol which I guess you are.
I aporeciate all the hard work that goes into setting up for these things.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed my booth when you got to see it.😁
I have set up a vendor booth and worked a show several times and it is exhausting!
All the very best for a successful sale. You have many wonderful looking projects!
Very interesting. I always enjoy a beautiful vendor booth.
Thanks!