Mooshie! I am going to that show too. I am meeting my Cousin-in-law. I have the Red Snappers and I love them. I bought side ones too and don't like those though. What classes are you taking?

Never heard of red snappers either, what are they ?

I find the selection of books and patterns is always excellent at a quilt show. I always try to find new rulers (I'm a sucker for a new ruler or template!) or tools you don't already have. There are often the vendors with gobs of new thread that is always tempting. One thing I DON'T generally buy a a quilt show is fabric, because the lines for it are generally long, so I write the name and manufacturer down so I can locate it later.

Visit each vendor booth and write down what you are interested in along with booth number. Think about it while you view the quilts in the show.

I have a system when I go to a quilt show, especially a large one. First I go the vendor area and watch the demos of new tools. Then I go to each booth and take my time seeing everything. Then I go see the quilts in the show. I get so inspired by the quilts I know what I want try something new. I go back to the vendor booths I really liked and buy. At a large quilt show, or one spread out all over town like Paducah, my system will take at least 3 days. This is why I go to quilt shows alone. LOL

Thread. You will see may brands. Be sure you check the yardage. YLI has 3000 yrds and King Tut only had 2000yrds. YLI is about ?13.00 and King Tut 24.00. Check out prewound bobbins. Know your size. Its is really good to see the colors and different verigated ones.

Martelli's rotary cutting mats are the best and don't warp with sun exposure. Check their website and sign up for their redline specials for online purchase, they have great 50% off sales a couple times a year.

This really sounds like a good plan. I would like to have a friend along too though. Think about what you plan to buy and don't make any rash decisions. You probably have rulers at home you've never used. I do, spend your money wisely.

I was also going to suggest looking first - writing down what it was - and WHERE it was - and then look some more - before buying anything.

Kbeuchert, I haven't decided if I'm taking a class yet. I suppose I need to see what they're doing and decide soon though. I've never taken a class at HMQS before. I like to go for the specials and to see what's new, play with stuff, see the quilts, be inspired. My first year I was just getting into quilting, I just bought a piecing foot for my machine. Last year I was really trying to narrow down which LA I would want if I could get one. This year I don't have a plan except to get red snappers. LOL! Though I like the, look at everything and then go back for the things I want, plan.

Are you taking a class?

Are those different than the side clamps you purchase with the Red Snappers? Love the snappers but not the edge clamps they have.....unless I'm doing something wrong as they always pop off!!:p