Shopping at Quilt Shows Survey Results

Shopping at Quilt Shows Survey Results


Welcome to the wonderful world of quilt shows, where creativity knows no bounds and surprises await around every corner! From quirky treasures to must-have tools, attendees often discover unexpected gems that inspire their quilting journeys.

We’re excited to share some of the most delightful and unique purchases made by fellow quilters at recent shows. Whether you're on the hunt for a new favorite gadget or just looking for a little inspiration, these favorite finds and quirky treasures are sure to spark your imagination and bring a smile to your face!

Memorable & Favorite Finds

Quilters often cherish the unique finds and special pieces they acquire at quilt shows, each item holding a story that adds to their creative journey. From rare fabrics that sparked inspiration to tools that transformed their sewing experience, these treasured purchases become lasting memories, reminding them of the joy and excitement of their quilting adventures.

Sewing Machines and Accessories

  • Bernina Q20
  • My Bernina 790
  • My Janome sewing machine
  • My new Bernina 820
  • Bernina TOL sewing machine
  • Bernina 880 Plus sewing machine
  • Janome sewing machine
  • Baby Lock classroom sewing machine
  • Viking serger
  • Longarm machine 
  • Sewing machine
  • Portable quilt wall
  • Accuquilt cutting system

Quilt Kits and Patterns

  • Wool quilt kit
  • Halloween quilt kit
  • Jefferson Star EPP kit with patterns/acrylic templates
  • Kit of Australian prints
  • My first quilt kit!
  • Laura Heine Protea quilt kit and pattern
  • Quilt kit for a hymn quilt with Moda fabric
  • AQS quilt kits
  • A pattern for a block that looks like a button
  • Quilting patterns for a longarm
  • Log Cabin quilt pattern with embroidered flowers and buttons

Fabrics

  • Fabrics printed in France
  • Hand-dyed fabric bundle of color gradations
  • Cherrywood fabric
  • Fabric from Japan
  • African fabrics
  • Panel of wolves
  • Gelli plate for fabric printing
  • Feedsack bundle
  • Fabric for my space quilt
  • A certain piece of fabric that was sentimental to me
  • A particular fabric I was having trouble finding
  • Wool kits
  • Hand-dyed fabrics from Africa
  • Japanese kimono fabric
  • Dupioni silk from a large selection of fat quarters, half yards, and bolts
  • 5” feed sack squares

Sewing Tools and Notions

  • Martelli sewing table
  • Martelli rotary blades
  • Cutterpillar Glow LED light board
  • Stiletto
  • Ruler for curves such as borders and appliqué shapes
  • Love my set of Amanda Murphy circle rulers
  • Wooden seam ripper
  • A set of ruler tools
  • Accuquilt dies
  • BlocLoc ruler 
  • QS rulers
  • Thread (various types, including Superior Thread cones)
  • Variegated thread
  • Machine embroidery software
  • A wooden handmade lazy Susan that fits a small cutting mat
  • Mini iron
  • Iron
  • A thimble that actually fits
  • Silver thimble 
  • Custom-fitted sterling silver thimble
  • A handmade thimble fitted by the vendor
  • Enamel pin of my favorite quilt block
  • Daylight lamps
  • Bias turning tubes

Miscellaneous Items

  • AQS t-shirt
  • A beautiful handmade needle case with embroidery
  • A shopping bag on wheels
  • My large Tutto bag
  • Sweet sixteen Handy Quilter
  • Baskets, wood gifts (sewing notions, yarn bowls)
  • A cat pincushion (used for over 20 years)
  • A vintage fussy-cut grandmother’s flower garden quilt
  • A beautiful piece of cork fabric
  • Wool pressing mat
  • A beautiful top that gets compliments
  • A special light
  • Custom silver thimble
  • Home Sweet Home book with 4 other friends
  • Scott Flanagan’s books
  • An $8 button for a purse I had just made
  • My cutting mat at the AQS booth
  • An Asian-themed fabric panel and Halloween quilt pattern
  • Zippers on a roll
  • OMG! I discovered Margaret Sew Fun Quilting at the 2024 Daytona Beach Show! Her designs made me laugh out loud.

Unexpected & Quirky Finds  

Quilt shows are a treasure trove of creativity and inspiration, often leading to delightful surprises along the way. In this section, we celebrate the unexpected and quirky items that quilters have stumbled upon, showcasing the fun and whimsical aspects of the quilting journey. 

Quilting and Sewing Accessories

  • The best needle threader in the world
  • Purple Thing
  • Flexible pattern weights
  • Lighted ruler
  • Sewing chair
  • New sewing gadget
  • Thread cutter for chain-pieced items
  • Machine feet I didn't know existed
  • Wood-turned seam ripper
  • Binding ruler
  • Finger stiletto
  • Rolling cart
  • A needle holder that looks like a tube of lipstick
  • Extended magnetic tool
  • A serger
  • Ironing board cover
  • Vibrating cushion
  • Thread holder stand
  • Accuquilt die cutter
  • A ruler guide

Unique Quilting Patterns & Fabrics

  • A pattern for a button block
  • Fabric featuring race motorcycles
  • Vintage cotton rick rack
  • Australian Indigenous fabric
  • Small prints from France at the Lancaster show
  • Charley Harper fabric I didn’t know existed
  • Blanks for doing sashiko embroidery
  • Hand-dyed embroidery threads
  • Hand-dyed panels (looked like poinsettias or flowers)
  • Box of authentic Japanese Yukata fabrics
  • Zentangle kit
  • Piece by Tentmakers of Cairo
  • Wild fabric from a vendor in Wisconsin

Fun, Unexpected Craft & Sewing Supplies

  • Artificial flowers made of wood shavings
  • Cork fabric
  • Sticky silicone lint rollers (for fabric and floors)
  • A fancy awl with boiled wool balls for the handle
  • Scissors holder that attaches to my machine
  • Sequined, embroidered trim from India
  • Quilt hanger
  • Clock kit (fabric face)
  • Rhinestone heat-applied designs
  • Iron-on crystal transfers
  • Handcrafted earrings made of clay
  • Painted wire cat refrigerator magnets

Storage & Organization

  • Tube project keeper with shoulder strap
  • Storage box made of wooden rulers
  • Lime green basket
  • Quilt display cabinet
  • Quilt cabinet

Jewelry & Accessories

  • Earrings with scissors design
  • Earrings with real flowers inside
  • Earrings shaped like tomato pin cushions
  • Quilt-themed jewelry
  • A necklace (silver button on a leather cord)
  • Jewelry
  • Souvenir pins collection
  • A bedazzled lanyard
  • A big silver button necklace

Clothing & Apparel

  • Boutique-style jacket
  • Tshirt: "She quilts, I cook"
  • 2 dresses
  • Clothing (general)
  • A shawl
  • Sassy mug
  • Quilt-themed windbreaker jacket
  • Good walking sandals
  • Socks
  • Alpaca socks
  • Sneakers
  • A bra

Bags & Carriers

  • Laurel Burch tote bag (on sale)
  • A wallet made out of cork
  • A black leather fanny pack
  • Small tool bag: "Say hello to your dog for me.”
  • Lime green basket
  • Bag of scrap fabric pieces

Craft Kits & Miscellaneous Patterns

  • Pattern outside my skill range (completed it!)
  • Zentangle kit
  • A dress pattern

Household Items & Decor

  • A glass fingernail file
  • Dryer balls
  • Spray spot remover
  • Ice cream at the end of the day
  • A massage pillow for the sewing chair
  • Sticky silicone lint rollers (for fabric and floors)
  • Painted wire cat refrigerator magnets
  • Chair cushion
  • Lime green basket

Here’s to many more quilt shows filled with inspiration, laughter, and the thrill of discovery!

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