Last week, I traveled to Chicago, Illinois for the H+H Americas trade show. Vendors from a variety of craft-based industries had all their newest merchandise on display.
When the local quilt shop owner (Janet Lutz of Calico Gals, in the front) and two of her staff members, Jolene, and Jenifer (on my left) had an extra space available, I decided to tag along to do some 'trend shopping.'
The show appeared to be well-attended. This was especially nice because this is a relatively new show in the states with a solid, and growing, representation of the quilt industry.
Here we all are waiting for the doors to open on the first day.
Since I was trend shopping, I was on the look-out for anything that might catch my eye. Who says that fashion stops at the knees? Beverly McCulough of Flamingo Toes, combined fun and function in her footwear which featured crocheted granny squares!
More than some, this show paid particular attention to makers right on the show floor. We got a little taste of cosplay, including a large display of hand-made cosplay costumes (like Marvel's Dr. Strange, below) and a cosplay fashion show later in the week.
And the displays! "Trend shopping" turned into "Inspiration shopping" featuring texture and luscious color! It was refreshing to see a large number of needle arts like knitting, crocheting, beating and stitching at this show.
And if the cosplay garments weren't enough, the quilters and knitters had their fair share of representation on the show floor and in a full-blown Fifth-Avenue fashion show. (Sleeve detail, below)
Maybe it was just me, but animals seemed to be a common theme everywhere. You, too, could knit up this larger-than-life hedgehog to match your decor! I'm thinking about knitting up a bear hat for Dave for next winter, kind looks like Yogi, don't you think?
This wee little creature evolved from a bundle of wool at the Bear Creek Felting booth near the event stage in the center of the show space.
If you needed to give your feet a rest, you could cuddle up next to the campfire with some knitting or needle work and a chat with friends.
On the downside, the s'mores didn't heat up very well.
At the show, I made some good contacts, met some old friends, and picked up a few new items . . . Sh-h-h! Some things are top secret, but will be revealed in good time.
As always, it's good to be away, but at trail's end, it's great to be home and back to a comfortable routine.
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
That certainly looked like a good time. Maybe I can meet you there next year? Is it always in Chicago? Did you have a booth?
Hey Brenda, good to hear from you! I think it’s always in Chicago. Didn’t have a booth. Was ‘trend-shopping,’ or just shopping! I suspect representation from the quilting vendors will increase next year. I heard a lot of good buzz that quilting vendors were happy with their results. I’m not sure if I’ll attend next year, but you never know!