Planet Patchwork won't be undersold on quilting software!

Jazziest booth decoration honors were a tie between Riley Blake and Alexander Henry. Riley Blake’s “Eye Candy" gets kudos for the beautiful candyland they created in the aisles. Super cute, too, was the Utah firm’s fabric catalog that contained project directions using their fabric lines along with some yummy treats to cook. Most notable of their designs in my mind was the Wanna Be a Cowboy, available in two colorways -- pink and brown or blue and brown. This would be darling for children’s clothing or bedrooms. Alexander Henry’s “Sew Spooky” was way over the top as well, with a life-size witch and all of her pals -- crows, skulls and spiders. I couldn’t help but realize that much of my favorite Halloween fabric in the last few years has been thanks to this fabric group. Cutest dress-up mention should go to Bunnie’s Designs' Alice in Wonderland and her husband, the Mad Hatter. It took us a full day to catch a glimpse of the hatted one because he preferred wandering the floor to staying in the booth , but he was worth the search.

The cleverest giveaway was Warm and Natural plastic bracelet which held a jump drive loaded with the company’s catalog! Have to love the creativity. However, Shannon Fabric was handing out mini-blankies made of their soft cuddly fabric (some with the famous minky dimples and some not) and they sure were popular. Many of us walked around feeling our nice mini-throws as we walked the aisles. Their catalog lists so many colors, prints and soft textures that I’m sure shop owners needed comfort as they tried to chose among all the soft, cuddly fabrics!
 
Chair covers this year did not seem as inspired as they might have been, although I was sort of partial to Henry Glass’ “Whimseyland” covers with appliquéd backs. Windham Fabric’s school house theme ( I think all my years in education may have resulted in my not totally loving it) was very nicely done, complete with math-problems on the chalkboard. The chair covers there were pretty awesome, especially the cushioned seats!

Most unusual at the Food Court had to have been what appeared to be Chinese vegetables atop corn chips. I overheard someone comment “Fusion? That looks like Asian nachos!” However, after some Googling, I suspect that we were not viewing corn chips but wonton wrappers, which, in retrospect, sounds pretty good. Otherwise, it was pretty much what you expect -- Quizno’s, hot dogs, Southern stuff, BBQ potatoes, fudge, nuts, and lots of sugar-laden baked goods. I stuck with my protein bar!

As much as we love Market, Market is really all about business. Shopowners have important decisions to make about what and how much to buy, which tends to be stressful. Although the quilt display is there, it is the icing for attendees, not the cake. They visit the exhibit, but usually not until they have done much of the work they came here to do. For that reason, I always love to be sure to spend some time in what I call “the Quilt Cathedral”. The dimly lit (to minimize possibility of light damage) cavernous hall with the hush that comes from few people in the high space seems to mirror a giant church. And of course, being in the presence of all the artistic beauty is a pretty awesome experience.