I've learned at the various shows which vendors will be there that I like. I make sure that I buy something - anything from them to make sure they keep coming back. There is one woman from NE Ohio that drives 4 hours to be at a quilt show in March. I LOVE that she comes, she carries thimbles - and she's smart because she has sample ones that I can try on to see if they'll work for me.

And yes, the vendors change over the years. I bought my quilt frame from a vendor at a quilt show years ago - have never seen another one like it - even online. I'm sooooo glad that I got it when I did. At the same time, vendors aren't bring things like this quilt frame to quilt shows either and that's too bad.

I just went to a small quilt show last week-end and was a little bit disappointed. There were only 5 vendors and about 75 quilts (most of them small wall hangings). I did not have to drive 1 1/2 hrs. so did not have that expense, but did have to pay parking and entry fee. One of the vendors did not have anything quilt related, and 2 only had very expensive stencils and no varigated thread (only lg. spools of plain). There were some really cute kits for Xmas items but that was about it. Oh well, the wall hangings were nice and I did get an idea for a guild project for the coming year.

nice to get a perspective from the vendor's view.

One of the reasons that "stuff" does not interest me any more is that I already have it all !!!!!!!!

Well, I also went to the Gathering. And yes it was just Blazing HOT. That part seemed to take away all the joy. I enjoyed seeing all the quilts.( something I will never be able to do and quite frankly do not want to do) I sew for the joy of sewing and not all my projects are successful. It is just for the fun...really a hobby. I also agree that it was a disappointment. I had to walk a mile from the parking garage..(probably a good thing haha) and there were no show specials..they always make one feel good. I am not so sure I will attend such a large gathering again. I think I will try some smaller quilt club ones.

every quilt show i've been to have been "vendor" shows. now it seems display of quilts is the last thing the organizer cares about. hanging them at ceiling height does not make me happy. i go for the quilts first, vendors second. and i 've found that too many vendors are only for long arm quilters, not me.
quilt guild shows are great though!!!

Wish there was a quilt show that I knew of around me.

I think seeing all the latest tools at the vendors would be great! Quilts- great! Simple quilts - The most important of all.(this is where I'm at in my quilting)
The only quilt show I know of is a benefit auction for a camp.

I go to shows for both .. quilts and vendors...I am always hoping for something new in both quilts and vendors.

So sorry you did not have that much fun...I'll wish you luck on the next adventure! :)

Not sure where in Minnesota you are, but here is a link to quilt shows in MN:
http://quilterstravelcompanion.com/q...uilt-shows.php