to market and back again

I had the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh last weekend to attend International Quilt Market. (It's a twice a year trade show that isn't open to the public. Spring quilt market alternates between 5 different cities. Fall quilt market is always held in Houston in conjunction with International Quilt Festival.)

It isn't easy to get away from home, especially being a mom of 3 kiddos as the school year is wrapping up. The pace of our schedule has been intense! Thankfully my husband is very supportive and helped make it happen.

Beyond THAT, it would have been so much easier to NOT attend, to stay home in my thready pajamas and put my sewing machine pedal to the metal all weekend long. But, some part of me really, really wanted to go. I persuaded the lovely and talented Anna of Noodlehead to travel and attend with me. It's more fun to go with a buddy!

I had about 3 outfits of clothing actually that fit me and they were pretty tired, so I had to go on a binge shopping spree for clothing a few days before I left. At one point I panicked when I realized my roomies (Kaye Prince, Jeni B. and Anna) were going to see me in my jammies, too. Eeeeep! Add it to the list! (Yes, I can find anything to worry about. I have an entire set of insecurities for each situation.) I finally worked all that out and made the trip to PA.
 

Do you know what? I'm so glad I went.

Do you know why? The people!!! It was beyond amazing to have face to face conversations with people I've "known" through the internet for years. Standing in this line up with all these ladies...it was surreal.

It was reassuring to hear that others experience many of the same issues that I do related to my business/blogging. It was amazing to hear other peoples stories and experiences. To laugh over dinner. To giggle with friends in the hotel room. To bounce ideas off each other. It was good!

I had the chance to stand in Jen Kingwell's booth and just take it all in. Simply breathtaking.

Jen and I had a heartfelt conversation in the space of 5 minutes. This lady is the real deal. I met her daughter and her husband, too. Such nice people! I had all kinds of warm fuzzies when I left her booth. That was one of many, many wonderful drops in the bucket.

It's really hard to capture an accurate picture of the whole of Quilt Market. It isn't all fun and games and partying. It's a lot of work, but it's very good work. I went into my trip feeling extremely intimidated. I came home very encouraged. I didn't expect that to be my takeaway, but I'm so grateful.

I'm also happy to be HOME, back to my wonderful family and back to quilting. There is so much I want to do! Always.
 

Happy Monday to you!