Behind the Scenes at the Dallas Quilt Show
Have you ever found yourself curious about the experience of participating in a big three-day event? Wondering how one prepares for such an occasion and what surprises might await? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of diving into a lengthy show extravaganza!
How did I get there?
The Dallas Quilt Show is an annual March delight held at the expansive Dallas Market Hall, conveniently nestled off I30 in Dallas. Securing my 10 by 10 booth six months ahead of the event was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
My inaugural year at this particular show was in 2023, although I had prior experience as a vendor at the Plano Quilt Show. This gave me a decent grasp of what to anticipate.
After being invited by attendees at the Plano Quilt Show, I excitedly contacted the Dallas Quilt Show organizers through their website's vendor tab. They were incredibly welcoming and provided clear instructions for registration. I secured my spot by paying half of the booth fee upfront, with the rest due three months later.
How do I prepare?
This year was my second year as a vendor so it didn’t require as much preparation as prior years. About a month or two before the show, I embark on a thorough inventory of my available art, prints, and cards, assessing whether I need to replenish my stock for the upcoming event. I firmly believe in avoiding last-minute rushes, so I allocate ample time for preparation. Additionally, I strive to infuse each show with fresh energy by introducing new items. This time around, I focused on crafting some captivating new prints to showcase at the event.
A new design
The Logistics
One of the perks of larger shows like the Dallas Quilt Show is that setup takes place the day before the event kicks off. This contrasts with smaller shows where setup often happens on the day of, requiring an early start. Thankfully, the Dallas Quilt Show offers what I like to call an "easy load-in" process. Armed with my trusty, sturdy wagon, the transition from car to booth is now just a few breezy trips.
Getting to Market Hall from my condo is a breeze too. I simply hop onto the Dallas Tollway and head towards Wycliffe. Upon arrival, there's a designated loading area where I park before making my way inside to locate the Vendor's desk. There, they guide me to my booth on the map and provide me with a packet containing a badge that identifies me as a vendor. It's all smooth sailing from there!
Setting up
Setting up my booth typically spans between 2 to 3 hours. For the Dallas Quilt Show, I bring along nearly a dozen framed quilt prints that I hang up on the post and beam curtain walls that create three sides of my booth. Thankfully, these curtains are included with my booth fee, making setup a bit easier. However, I do need to bring my own tables to complete the display.
Hanging my framed art is the first thing I do once I've brought all of my boxes and containers in and have set up my tables. I want the frames up out of the way, so nothing gets broken. After they are in place I put my tablecloths on the tables. I use 2 tables, one for cards and the other for prints and original art. I have a whole Ikea bag full of acrylic containers that I use to put my cards and artwork in. I will get those out next. They are labeled so I know what goes where. I have a rack for cards I fill next. Then the rest of the time I use to straighten things and make sure everything looks nice. I have signs that I put up to help people understand what my products are. I set up my samples and signup sheet for my newsletter, along with business cards. Then I'm pretty much done.
The Show
Friday morning, I got there early because I had some last-minute things to do. I also tried to spend a little bit of time looking at all the beautiful quilts. This year I worked alone on Friday. There was only about a 15 minute period, where I probably could have used a little bit of help. But people at quilt shows are the nicest people, so everybody was very patient with me. I think that's one of the things I like the most about quilt shows is the people.
The People
In my second year at the Dallas Quilt Show, I was overwhelmed with joy as visitors stopped by to greet me and share that they had signed up for my newsletter the previous year—and they still eagerly read it! That made me happy. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my newsletter continues to resonate with readers, reaffirming the value of the connections I've made through the show.
-Christina Lee & Sheena Johnson from Rogers, AR
And of course I met some new people. I like talking to you when you come into the booth. I like hearing that you love watercolors or that you paint watercolors or that you want to learn to watercolor. This year, I had the pleasure of sharing exciting news with attendees: I'm in the process of developing watercolor classes! While the details are still taking shape, I encouraged interested individuals to sign up to receive updates as soon as I finalize the plans. As I prepare for retirement in June, teaching watercolors will be a fulfilling new chapter for me.
If you're interested in joining my watercolor classes, simply reply to this email, and I'll ensure you're added to a special list for future updates. I can't wait to embark on this creative journey together!
The Stories
What I love most about the Dallas Quilt Show is the sense of community it fosters. Seeing people gather with friends and share in the joy of being together is truly heartwarming. Additionally, the stunning beauty and craftsmanship displayed in the quilts, never cease to inspire me. There is so much color!
It's a celebration of creativity and friendship that leaves me grateful to be part of such a vibrant community.
-Paula Ramsey from Frisco, TX
The conversations I have with people at the Dallas Quilt Show are truly special, and this year, two stories stand out in my mind. One touching moment was when a lady shared that she buys cards from me to send to her friend who is battling cancer, sending her a card every week as a source of comfort and support.
Another heartfelt encounter was with a customer purchasing cards for her hard-of-hearing mother, who communicates with her family through written notes each week. Knowing that my cards made from my paintings bring comfort and joy to others in such meaningful ways deeply touches my heart. These stories remind me of the profound impact art can have on people's lives, and I'm grateful to be a part of that connection.
The Quilts
Saturday brought a welcome helping hand as my daughter-in-law, Casie, joined me at the booth. Despite the unfortunate turn in weather with torrential rain engulfing Dallas for most of the day, resulting in fewer attendees at the show, we found a silver lining in the slower pace. With fewer customers, we had the opportunity to leisurely admire the breathtaking quilts on display—an experience we both relished. Because we weren't busy, we both got to spend more time looking at the stunning quilts.
-Dawn Scheffer from Krum, TX
1-Ian Garland & Nancy Houston from Fort Worth, TX 2 -Debra Milkovich from Honolulu, HI 3-Cindy Handt & Richard Larson from Argyle, TX
4 -Joe Ellen Ticknor - Special Exhibit 5 -Joe Ellen Ticknor - Special Exhibit 6 -Barbara Oliver Hartman from Flower Mound, TX
7-Martha Wolf from Leonard, TX 8-Kathy Carson & Joan McGee from Dallas, TX
Just to give you an idea, it took me about an hour on Sunday to dismantle my booth and pack everything into my car.
My connection to quilts
The connection between a watercolor artist and quilt shows may seem unexpected at first glance, but it's deeply rooted in my personal journey. When my children were young, quilting became a cherished pastime—a creative outlet that offered solace and satisfaction amidst the whirlwind of parenthood. Unlike other tasks that seemed endlessly undone, completing a quilt brought a sense of accomplishment and permanence.
As my children grew, I transitioned into a small business, specializing in selling quilted mini wall hangings. This venture allowed me to share my passion for quilting with others and to immerse myself further in the craft I loved.
While my primary medium is watercolor, my heart remains firmly intertwined with quilting. This connection is evident in the quilt-inspired cards I create, which pay homage to the intricate artistry of quilting. My participation in quilt shows is a natural extension of my deep appreciation for the craft and the community it fosters.
So, when visitors to the show ask about my involvement as a watercolor artist, I'm always eager to share this personal connection—to convey my enduring love for the art of quilting and the profound respect I hold for the dedication and skill of fellow quilters. It's a passion that continues to inspire and enrich my artistic journey.