Minneapolis is playing host to the International Quilt Market and to hundreds of quilt shop owners and vendors –they fill the aisles of the Convention Center today and through Sunday. The crazy thing is that at the same time--at the same convention center--on the same floor even--Minneapolis is also playing host to the “Sex-po ’06-Where Education Meets the Erotic" convention.

Needless to say, there is quite a mix of people in the aisles…there are plenty of push-up bras and leopard tights mixed in with the denim jumpers and sturdy Keds. Both groups however are interested in what new gadgets and gizmos are available…in both of their respective industries…so to speak.

Anyway…
On with happening of the show---Quilt Show that is!

One of the reoccurring themes at the trade show seems to be catering to the needs of the beginning quilter and the quilter “on-the-go”. Many vendors are showcasing easy projects for all ages…and quilting for those who want to make a home-crafted gift, but have limited time or skills.

I was a particularly impressed with “new mom” Valori Wells who designs for FreeSprit Fabrics. Valori is a second generation quilter, her Mom Jean Wells, is a quilter, and designer and owner of “The Stitchin Post” quilt shop.

At a schoolhouse workshop, Valori presented her new line of fabric, “Fleurish”, which mixes brights, dots, stripes, paisleys and flowers. It has a sort of updated 1970’s look. In her simple quilts she mixes her fabrics with solids to create wonderful “do-able” quilts—they are easy to make, but look anything but!

She also displayed aprons, kimonos, jackets, pillows, children’s clothing and pajamas all made with her “Fleurish” line.

Quilting fabric patterns and product lines are expanding to include the “sewers” as well as quilters. Home décor, garments and quilting products lines are beginning to cross over and compliment each other. Fabric companies and designers are also expanding their products lines, samples and displays to include the sewing customer into the quilting family. And because of this more quilt shops are beginning to carry more sewing notions, such as zippers, buttons and trims...

Valori’s simple pillows were embellished with big stitch embroidery—easy for anyone to do… but the handwork adds a great finishing touch. She also displayed a cute “breakfast cloth” made from just two pieces of fabric and embellished with a cute ribbon.

‘Young mothers and working women love to give stuff to people, and these are great projects that are quick and easy to do and they make great gifts”, said Valori.

Valori’s work has great appeal to the new quilter/sewer as well and as the seasoned stitcher. To learn more about her designs and other fabric lines see her bio on FreeSpirit’s website. Here is part of her bio:
 

(Photo shown here is a free pattern posted on FreeSpirit's site.)

“Valori Wells draws her inspiration from nature, using photography to capture the images and scenes she wants to re-create in quilting and fabric design. A designer at heart, she see ideas and is able to capture them in her artistic endeavors.
A graduate of Pacific Northwest College of Art, Valori received the school's "Outstanding Photographer of the Year" award in 1997, when she graduated. Since then, she has become involved in the family store, The Stitchin' Post, in Sisters, Oregon, where she uses her talents in pattern and book design and is involved in the daily tasks of running a business.

(Photos and grahics thanks to FreeSpirit Fabrics and www.Quilts.com)

Look for many more posts about the happenings at Quilt Market...So much to see! (And I have not even had time to check out the "other" convention happenings! lol)

More to come about: Alex Anderson (I talked talked blogs and pod-casting with her), new fabric and patterns, embellishing quilts, Amy Butler, Billie Lauder, Debbie Caffrey, El Burns, fantasic new products from lots of vendors, new fabrics from Moda, Timeless, Andover, Westminster, and many more.  It will take me weeks but you will hear it all...look for more guest writers from designers and artists who will tell their stories as well.  Whew!