Spring Quilt Market 2012 has come and gone. The largest wholesale trade show in the quilting industry is held twice each year. Spring Market rotates between 5 different regional locations: Kansas City, Portland, Pittsburg, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Fall Market is always held in Houston.
Quilt Market is different things to different people. As a shop owner I’m focused on assessing trends, clearing my head, and using my social time to network with other shop owners, vendors and designers. 4 days away from the bustle of running a business gave me time to think strategically. I always return rejuvenated. This market left my head spinning with new ideas!
Here’s my take on Quilt Market Spring 2012:
- Relatively new designers releasing their 3rd or 4th fabric collections have really hit their stride. There seems to be a comfort level with who they are that translates into confident designs. Collections appear original, polished and well-curated.
- Blogging is most definitely a gateway to entering the business. I made note of lots of pattern designers, fabric designers and shop owners that started their journey via that first lonely blog post. The online world has opened up the market in a way that is positive for every person in this industry. No need to be an insider. Just create, share your gifts with the world, and take flight!
- The speed at which the industry is growing and changing is mind boggling.
- Social media has left everyone wondering how to do it all and where best to put one’s energy.
- Color, Color and Color!
- Veterans in the industry are extremely gracious, humble and genuinely nice people. In addition to talent, it’s clear that being grateful for and respectful of your customers is a ticket to success. I waited 3 deep in line to talk to Amy Butler. She talked with each person one at a time in a relaxed, non-hurried way. Engaging them in a lovely conversation that was a delight to eavesdrop on. It was clear that the opportunity to talk with her was a special experience for each us. I just have so much respect for that and it makes me admire Amy more than ever!
- Cloud9 Fabrics took orders for their debut of organic canvas. Yay!
- Moda announced two new pre-cuts:
- Candy – 2 1/2 inch squares in a pack of 42
- Junior Jelly Rolls – 21 strips in a pack vs. the traditional 42
- Customers shopping in the internet age still value service. Yay for the thoughtful, passionate, conscientious shop owner (both online and bricks & mortar). She is appreciated and will thrive!
- The retail climate is healthy. Shops seem to be spending again and focusing on strategies to grow and thrive vs. just survive. Positivity swirled around the convention center.
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I have some super fabulous items of market loot to share (plus a few carry overs from Fall 2011, oops on that one!).
Leave a comment telling me what you think the market trends are. I’ll pick winners next Monday. Giveaway is open worldwide!
Books:
- A SIGNED copy of Denyse Schmidt Modern Quilts Traditional Inspiration!
- A SIGNED copy of Sew Serendipity Bags by Kay Whitt
- A SIGNED copy of Kaffe Fassett’s Quilts in Sweden (signed by both Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy)
- A SIGNED copy of Stupendous Stitching – How to Make Fun and Fabulous Fiber Art by Carol Ann Waugh
- The complete set of new pattern releases from Serendipity Studio including The Bebe Dress, The Sally Shirtdress, Artful Bags & Accessories, and Fashion Formula Dresses – a HUGE thanks to Kay Whitt who generously provided these! (patterns coming soon to the shop)
- Modern Quilts Illustrated #1 and #2 from Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr at the Modern Quilt Studio.
- Chateau Rouge by French General - 2 1/2 inch Candy squares
- Mini 2 1/2 square pack of all 28 new Kona Cotton Solid colors! (we’ll be getting all 28 when they ship in June)
- Moda Apron featuring the canvas text print from the upcoming Odds & Ends collection by Julie Comstock
- Moda tote featuring the canvas tape measure print
- Moda linen tote printed with the quote ’As Usual, Unusual’
- City Scenes by Jane Dixon promotional tote from Andover Fabrics
- Eco Messenger Bag featuring the Triangle Jubilee Quilt from Deploy that Fabric by Jen Eskridge for Stash Books
ps In the top photo, I’m standing in front of my Modern Cross quilt from the new book We Love Color. Pretty exciting. Will be back later to talk more about that. Visit our Flickr page to view all 227 photos I took at market. I’ve also pinned some of my favorite images on Pinterest.
Kathy Mack
Carrie + Diana
I love those new 2 1/2″ candy packs. I saw one on the Fat Quarter Shop site and did not know what it was. That is so great. I use 2 1/2″ squares all the time. The junior jelly rolls are nice too. Good for Bento boxes, log cabin blocks, etc. The large jelly rolls are too expensive when you only need a small amount of fabric. It is a good trend to come up with other pre-cuts. I use pre-cuts all the time.
Definitely trending to strong bright colors, edgy, against neutrals like white and even black, very geometric, love it!
I’ll step in line and place my opinion. I think it is color in the form of solids in cotton and wool. I just love your take on things, so fresh and unbiased.
I’m a new quilter, so I’m not sure of new trends. But I definitely enjoy your selection of solid colors and can’t wait for the new additions. Thanks!
Wow! I am a big blog reader and love getting the photos from market. Next time the market comes to KC I’m definitely going to be a volunteer! It seems like beautiful colors are everywhere! I’m so happy for the shop and web owners who can perhaps more freely choose their products. Thanks for the giveaway!
What a great post! I love this time of year when everyone shares photos from market and I love all of your insight and positivity. I have been waiting and waiting for someone to carry the Don’t Look Now robot pattern. It’s on it’s way to me now from your shop, yay! Great giveaway, thanks for the chance to win.
I LOVED that Kellie had a single robot appliquéd on her apron – goodness that gal is talented!
I think one of the biggest trends right now is . I absolutely love the texture quality of the quilts I’ve made with birch fabrics and other organic cottons. Another similar trend I’ve seen are Eco-friendly fabrics such as .
I think all the minimulism and solid colors is the hotest trend!
Love all the great photos from Spring Market! Bright colors with geometric patterns and Art Quilts are the trends for today.
I like the idea Of the candy packs and jr jelly rolls but I wonder if they will be successful or go the way of the turnovers. People seem to be more about mixing lines and designers and less about using complete lines. I love the quilts you featured especially Tula pinks and that awesome hexie quilt!!!
I think one of the biggest trends right now is organic fabrics . I absolutely love the texture quality of the quilts I’ve made with birch fabrics and other organic cottons. Another similar trend I’ve seen are Eco-friendly fabrics such as hemp and bamboo.
I think the use of beautiful, fresh colors that are part of the Modern Quilting are an exciting trend. They catch your eye and draw you in. Lots of geometric design too. Thanks for the giveaway. Would love to win . . . . Mary
Gray! It,s everywhere, both as a design color and as a neutral. While the saturated brights haven’t gone away, there seems to be more room for more calming and tailored looks – very interior design influenced.
Longing to have gone to market to be inspired, I’m so thankful you are posting pictures here! We love having a peek at what the shop owners get to see!
As far as popular trends I’m weighing in with Color! Brights and neons are everywhere right now. They give new meaning to the neutrals in our stash! I’m also thrilled with the Junior jelly rolls. My daughter who made her first quilt at 9 with a jelly roll is going to be delighted with this!!!
Thanks for the pics and commentary. It’s nice to get a peek, and encouraging to hear that the market is picking up. That’s a good sign in so many ways.
..and my trend prediction… Continuing whites, greys and solids as significant components…(though I’m hoping lots of people share my love for the elaborate, metallic accented oriental designs too)
Love your pics! Is not Kellie Wulfsohn’s work amazing? I don’t know why her blog has stopped at last December, but I wish it would start up again! Thanks for your pics. They are different than others I’ve seen.
Kellie is one talented designer. Her booth is always one of my favorites to visit at market. Always a very happy place.
Kathy, It is so fantastic to see your pattern included in We Love Color – congratulations!!!
I’m no good at picking trends. This past week I read that using stripes vertically is old-fashioned, and I felt so out of it. It’s funny because some of the quilt booths above remind me of a 1980′s baby nursery (I love the booths, that’s meant as a compliment). I guess it’s good that I don’t feel compelled to follow the latest stuff – I let you do that for me!
I simply want to say how great your quilt looks, and how impressed I am with your work!
Thank you Robyn!!! xoxo
You are so right about the growth of the industry being mind boggling… Explosive even! I am loving the modern quilting teend with its clean lines, lots of color mixed and laid on a calming background of negative space, and diversity of styles. Excess wonkiness is not my favorite look, but I do appreciate the comfort in destressing perfect quilt blocks. Mixing the traditional with modern can be very pleasant…as in Farmer’s Wife blocks with updated aesthetics. There has never been a better time to be a sewist and quilter!
Unquestionably, bright colors whether it’s florals or geometric. I love that English paper piecing is making a resurgence, as much as I like the modern quilting, infusing the antique aspect is fun to see. Modern Antique quilts is that an oxymoron we can embrace?
I think fabric designers are noticing the increased skills of the customer and creating lines with more diversity and flexibility.
I’m a fairly new quilter and in my early thirties and not many around my age and around where i live get into quilting so with these new trends hoping others will be inspired to come out and try the new modern quilts. I think the new trends are white, bold bright colors, which make it crisp and clean looking with all the geometric lines, shapes and angles and add ecofriendly fabrics and ideas to have less waste or which in turn more for your money.
It seems like the trends from market are very bright colors, maybe has something to do with summer coming, and very simple lines, leaning a little more toward modern. Solid colors also seemed to have a big emphasis.
You have such a fresh light on quilting and creating! I think Modern Quilting has made big inroads into the ‘traditional’ quilting mindset. Their use of solids as well as prints in dimensional quilts with a large space of solid fabric around the design is most striking.
I am just loving the trend of more sewing with quilt fabric creating one of a kind bags and clothes. I love making things I can use and wear out of the current fun fabrics especially me being a 50′s gal I am loving the designs from my childhood reappearing in a fresh new way in modern fabrics.
There seem to be a lot of quilts being made with a rainbow effect–very pretty. Also, the almost solid choices have really improved–dots, chevrons, etc in every color. I need to add some more to my stash, to tone down all of the wild prints!
New trends are brights, geometrics, and new pre-cuts. I love everything I’m seeing.
Thank you so much for a very thoughtful market post, Kathy! I love that trends change from season to season, but also many of the old keeps thriving. I’m also very glad to hear that the industry is back in “thrive” mode!
Cheers!
thanks for the great update! great ideas and fabrics to look forward to seeing!
Love the new trend towards simple geometric patterns with large negative space — so pleasing! Thanks for the peak into the Market this year – gorgeous pictures of gorgeous work!
Rainbows, rainbows everywhere! Rainbows combined with strong geometry seems to be a trend at my local quilt store, in a lot of the blogs I frequent and in several of the photos posted above. My very bold 8 year old and I fully approve! Thanks for the giveaway!!
I think the trend is bold contrasting color. One of the reason solids are so in demand right now is because they allow the quilter the opportunity to create contrast instead of leaving it to the fabric designer. The modern quilt movement shows that a new generation of bold quilters are ready to create and inspire the fabric designers as much as they inspire us.
Colour and graphic lines. Quirky and unusual designs. Get blogging or tweeting or on fb. More solids in many colours. Brilliant giveaway, thank you.
I think strong, bold colors are the trend right now. And I love that the overly cutesy nursery prints are being replaced by fun, modern, graphic prints such as Ed Emberley’s collection.
I’ve been noticing that the trend these days is solids, solids, and more solids. And color crazy. I’m loving it!
It seems to be solids used in a modern way…many patterns that transform the solid into textured, patterned designs. Love the precuts…they make quilt ing with small kids go so much faster!
they are all beautiful. I love the fox pillow and the house quilt
Thank you for a chance at your giveaways. I think market trends will continue to see an increase of using solids in quilts.
I love books. I have Denyse S’s book on my wish list! Seems the trend is modern…simple, graphic, colorful, balanced with a bright white and/or grey. Loved seeing the pictures and your descriptions of what you saw and learned. Thanks!
I think the trend is clearer, brighter and with more ‘negative space’ like in modern art. More colorful. And, more dynamic quilting, specialized for bringing out the design of the blocks or particular areas. I love the new trends, I love what the world of fabric is offering us and I have a major crush on the modern patterns!
What a fabulous visit you must have had! Just looked at some of your photos on Flickr–a feast for the eyes and the creative soul. I think the modern quilting movement is the most exciting trend–people are so creative. I like all the negative space in these modern quilts–makes the colors look like they are floating. I vote for modern quilting and useable sewing projects (bags, clothes, etc.) as the trends of the future in quilting/fabrics! Wish I could have gone along in your purse to see this show–how wonderful~!
I see a trend in re-interpreting classic shapes with modern, graphic prints, solids and lots of negative space for quilting!
You are so kind to share your wonderful Market finds with some of us! A trend I’ve noticed (and love) is the availability of more solids. I’ve bought Kona’s for a long time, but now you carry the lovely Micael Miller line, along with the Moda Cross Weaves. I like to mix the solids with various print lines in my quilts and you do a great job of putting packs of solids together too.
I see a trend of more solids like the Michael Miller solids, the Moda Crossweaves, in addition to the Kona cottons. I love using them with prints in my quilts and you do a great job of putting packs together to match some of the lines.
did you happen to see lots of foxes on the floor… in patterns and fabric designs that is? i hear the fox is making its debut in trend land, joining its woodland friend the owl. what booth did you see the “clever as a fox” pillow? i’d love to make that.
New fabrics are Superlicious!!! Love more vibrant oranges, greens, azures. Nice eye candy after Civil War fabrics. So much fun to switch to brights. Going to the Mn Quilt Show next mo. Hope to see lots of things from Market.
Your website is so cheerful, inviting and refreshing. Always have to look at the email from you immediately when they arrive. Especially like that you carry so many solid lines. Thanks, Anne
I’m new to quilting so am a bit uncertain as to trends, but I just made my first quilt with 5 inch charm squares so the candy precuts look great. And the bright colours are amazing, totally different from what I thought quilting was
I think fruit and farm themed fabric is done and fresh modern florals are the rage.
I expect kelly green to replace the sulfur yellow we have been seeing!
There seems to be a trend towards more vibrant, almost luminescent colours (I don’t mean fluorescent – let’s leave that right back in the 80s where it belongs!). Jewel-like colours, vivid greens combined with deep oranges and blues and shades of the same to complement. I’m just so enjoying looking at all the pictures from Quilt Market, it’s so inspiring to see a freshness in the colour schemes, and also new patterns which really are new, not just re-dos of things we’ve seen before. We really do live in an environment which nurtures and fosters creativity – and the Internet and blogosphere have really spawned that. It’s so exciting and I’m excited to be a part of it (in a very tiny way!)
Thanks for the giveaway!
So nice to see these new ideas and samples for quilts that would suit our sunny hot Queensland climate