I just returned from two days of vending at the quilt show in Warminster, PA,  sponsored by the County Line Quilt Guild.  They organized a wonderful show and I highly recommend that you mark this one on your calendar for the future.  The facilities were great, the food was good, there was a very nice display of quilts and a nice selection of vendors.  The people from the guild were extremely friendly.  Thanks very much County Line Quilt Guild!

I began watching the people visiting the show and for some reason I decided to focus on what each person brought with them to the show; or, happend to be carrying at the show.  This might be a useful reference for anyone planning to visit a quilt show for the first time in the future.  This highly researched list will allow you to blend in quickly.  I give this information in statistically validated order from most popular to least popular.


1. Money and credit cards.  I suggest that Guilds consider using venues that have ATM's or ask a local bank to set up a temporary branch office.

2. Shopping bags bursting with fabric, quilts, patterns and the latest tools.  Shopping carts might be a nice addition to ease any ergonomic concerns.

3. Camera.  An essential for recording your favorite quilt, coolest block or hottest vendor (so many people got me mixed up with George Clooney).

4. Purse.  Almost always carried by the owner but occasionally carried by the token male (see number 10 below).

5. Show Program.  These are carried proudly like passports and are sometimes used for #8 below.

6. Literature.  Vendors, like me, love to load you up with about five tons of literature.  This literature is often carried in #2 or #4 above but is sometimes loaded into the loving hands of #10 below.

7. Cell Phone.  The most popular calls being,
    a. "I'm is row 1,023, aisle K87 standing beside the guy that looks like George Clooney.   You've got to get over here right now and 
         see this quilt."

        ; or,

    b. "No, Honey, I haven't spent a dime."

8. Fans.  Menopause is a bummer.

9. Scissors.  I haven't really figured this one out yet.

10. Husbands.  The husband always looks ashamed; especially, if they have been blessed with #4 above.  They are almost always carrying #3 (this makes them feel useful).  They are always looking for: 1) a place to sit down,  2) the food. 


So, there you go.  You now have the experts guide to fitting in at a quilt show.  I do welcome corrections and additions.