I’m all excited over the prospects of going to the 2008 Glendale quilt guild show at the end of March, and was wondering if anyone else was planning on attending?

Since it is my first show is there any tips or advice that you all could give me to help enhance the experience? I figure wearing comfortable shoes and having a 'little' extra cash is a good start.

http://glendalequiltguild.org/2008quilt-show.html

Take your camera and be sure your batteries are charged and you have an extra picture card!

Comfortable shoes and extra cash are a good start. Notice I did not say a "little extra cash." :) Most vendors at quilt shows will also take credit cards.

When I go to a quilt show, I find it useful to wear hiking pants with lots of pockets. I bring my wallet keys and some water. Also, I usually pack a lunch and leave it in my car in a cooler. Much better than what is available at the show.

If it is a large show, it can be nice to spend two days viewing it. I tend to get visually overwhelmed at some point. If I have time I like to go back and look at the quilts that really impressed me.

Have fun!

I'll probably upset some people, but I have to say I find the number of people taking pictures at shows to be very distracting. The people taking pictures completely block others from viewing and act like everyone else is in their way. Or they get mad if you accidentally walk in front of them while they are taking a picture. Flashes gong off are also distracting when you are looking at a quilt.


I am for a camera ban myself. Some shows sell videos of the show. I think is a good idea.

You have a strong point in regards to the photo taking. I hope I'm one of the considerate photographers. I wait my turn and often have pictures of peoples backs. I know there are some rude people out there but for every rude one I'm sure there are two polite ones. I have become very fast at taking my photos and very sneaky at times too!
One reason I find photo taking advantageous is that I can not stand or walk for long periods of time so once through the show is about all I get to do. By taking photos I am able to go home and enjoy the quilts again and appreciate all the wonderful stitching.
If they are selling photo CDs that's wonderful but I've seen that at only one show I've attended.
That's my case for photo taking.

Take some of your personal return address labels and use them on all the tickets for any opportunity quilts you take a chance on. Saves time filling those things out, especially if you buy a bunch!

Quite honestly I didn't even know cameras were allowed to begin with. So rule of thumb: take the camera, but be polite about it if you're going to take a picture; got it!

Yes, I was planning to buy a pass and go for at least the two days. I'm within easy driving distance from the location so that should help. I've also figured out some of the things I'd like to purchase but took the time to check out on-line prices so I don't get caught up in the moment. It's probably going to have “a kid in a candy store” feeling to it, so some restraint will be in order if not down right required.

I’d not thought about food and water, but that’s a good one too. I’ve been to the venue for book shows so it should be interesting to see how they set it up. I’d take in a class but noted they want you to have your sewing machine, which I really don’t care to tote along or leave in the car. There should be enough to keep me busy anyway I’d imagine since it's my first show.

Yvone, I'm glad you're fast when taking pictures and I understand why you would want to. You're right about the photo cds not always being available. I've seen them at larger shows, but not at smaller local shows. But for whatever reason, I haven't noticed photographers as much at local shows. Maybe the aisles are less crowded.

Last year, when I went to the Pacific International Show the vendor aisles were so crowded it was difficult to even walk through them. The aisles with quilts on display were also crowded. I took a long lunch and came back at about 3 pm, when the crowds thinned out.

Steve,
If you want a picture of something in a vendor's booth be sure to ask permission before taking a photo. Some vendor's don't mind but others are very touchy about it.

Also, check at the door that taking photos is okay. It's also the polite thing to do.

Lisae also makes a valid point, it's easier to get around later in the day or on the second day. Time your visit accordingly.

Steve, this is off subject, but I just have to ask about your avatar.

What is that? No matter how many times I look at it, I see the same thing - a flashback to high school biology class!

Please tell me I am terribly wrong!