FINAL FALL QUILT MARKET FIGURES

Those in attendance at this year’s International Quilt Market in Houston know that we celebrated the show’s 35th anniversary in a big way…big exhibits, big events, and a big show floor.

There were, in fact, a final number of 537 exhibitors taking out a total of 1,168 booths at fall Market, including 34 exhibitors who were entirely new to the show. 135 of those exhibitors also participated in Sample Spree, and all-time high for the popular event.

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“Even after 35 years, I never tire of making my way around the show floor, meeting new exhibitors to the show or seeing the familiar faces who have helped to make Quilt Market such a success over the years,” says Market Founder and Director Emeritus Karey Bresenhan.

In terms of attendance, a total of 2,933 people enrolled for this year’s Houston show, with 1,712 also enrolling for classes, seminars, and events.

While that number is down from last year’s final attendance figures, it was entirely to be expected given the implementation of tighter credential requirements this year.

“Although we fully anticipated that this year’s attendance numbers would decrease as a result, we proceeded with the new credential requirements in order to deliver a better show experience to both our exhibitors and attendees,” Bresenhan explains.

“The tightened credentials are a direct result of repeated feedback from both exhibitors—who want to ensure they are spending their time at the show selling their product to qualified buyers—and shop owners, who were, too often, seeing their own customers and individuals without purchasing power on the show floor.”

Furthermore, these numbers are in no way indicative of a decline in the quilting industry, as evidenced by the 2014 Quilting in America™ survey, the results of which were announced at fall Quilt Market.

On the contrary, according to the survey, quilters in the United States spend an impressive $3.76 billion per year on their passion, a 5% increase in the value of the market over the last four years. And the average quilting household expenditure has also increased by 36% in that same time period.

The survey also shows that there are more than 16 million active quilters in the U.S., meaning that one out of every 20 Americans quilts, and further proof that the business of quilting is thriving!

The spring edition of International Quilt Market will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota from May 15-17, 2015 (with classes beginning on May 14). For more information, including the list of official host hotels and transportation discounts, visit www.quilts.com

OUR BREAKDOWN ON THE FALL MARKET
FABRIC TRENDS

From serapes to strawberries, our take on the new fabrics introduced at fall Quilt Market in Houston.

Another Quilt Market has come and gone, but the new product buzz (and the smell of those food court taco salads!) is still lingering in the air. With no shortage of fab new fabrics introduced at fall Market, we’ve got plenty of ground to cover for our post-Market eInsider.

Q&A: LILA TUELLER

Our interview with the delightful Riley Blake designer on all things fabric, family, and flowers!

"I do love designing fabric. It brings all of the elements together: the art, the fabric, the sewing, and the creativity I crave. It's all there, and it's the best job in the world for me."