H+H Americas

Taking a selfie after visiting with two amazing Moda fabric reps!

I was watching a live stream from the Fat Quarter Shop YouTube channel and Kimberly Jolly mentioned that she was going to a Quilting and Yarn trade show in Chicago in the coming week. I was like…What??? I didn’t know about this only living 70 minutes away from the venue in Rosemont, IL! Mind you this was literally on the Sunday, just three days before the first day of the show. I texted my friend Kate about the show who owns Barn Door Quilts in Door County, WI and asked if it was worth to attend. Absolutely you should go, she said! She even found me a sponsor code so I didn’t have the pay the $55 exhibit fee. But, believe me, I spend a few $$$’s. LOL….

I have been to many trade shows, but never a fabric and craft show. I have also had an LLC for 15 years. I had a business plan to open a sewing studio 10 years ago, but after my backers left at the last minute, I decided it was a good time to wait. Ever since I started The Quilting Camper blog and rebranded my YouTube channel and Instagram, I’ve been seriously revisiting the idea of owning my own quilt shop. I’m on a 2-3 year plan, but it could happen on-line sooner than that. I have a different concept and approach which I can’t reveal at this point, but you know I’ve been putting a lot of thought into it.

The reps I spoke with at Moda Fabrics where so super helpful in answering some questions I was having. I met with Stephanie who would be my rep for my area of Wisconsin. So very welcoming and was excited to hear about my venture. They give me a cute zipper bag mini charm pattern and kit to work on and emailed me a ton of links. It’s important to understand the different fabric seasons and when you order for the season that is coming up. It’s all very new to me.

I met up with Kate who was at the show for all three days. I was there for just one day, the first day. It always brings me so much joy to see her! She also has been so encouraging and supportive of quilting journey. Please visit her store in Sturgeon Bay, WI!!! It’s awesome!

So much credit has to go out to Kate from Barn Door Quilts in Sturgeon Bay, WI! She has been such an inspiration for me on this journey and her support is so super appreciated! It was fun finding her at the show! I also ran into a local quilt shop owner in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area. Julie from Patched Works (see the photo gallery at the bottom of this post for our selfie). Since this show is all about making connections, it was amazing to see some of my favorite quilt shop owners attending as well.

Met with the rep Ed from Aurifil and was so intrigued by the amount of support and information he shared with me. Aurifil is my favorite quilting thread as it is for so many, but it was nice to put a face on that experience as well. They had a cash and carry section where you could buy items at cost, so I took advantage of that with Aurfil and also with Oliso. Another rep joined me at the Aurifil booth and challenged me to try a rich yellow thread with a slight greenish cast as my new neutral. While I use color 2000 for almost everything, I was surprised by her recommendation. Before I could say anything, Ed pulled a large spool off the display and gifted it to me. He mentioned I should hashtag a project where I use it. I took the challenge on! Lol. I also have to give Joy a huge shout out from Kimberbell. What a sweetheart and shared so much important information with me. Awesome people!!! Looking forward to building business connections with these people in my future.

Below is a photo of items I either paid very little for or was gifted to me. Received a ton of information too. So grateful to have learned about this event in such a short notice.

I’m definitely returning to this show next year and planing a two day trip instead of one. I was also invited to attend Quilt Market in Texas by Moda, but I really have to seriously think about the true impact of attending that. More than likely will go to QuiltCon in February. That is a little more up my alley, especially with the focus on modern style quilting.

Share comments below on your favorite quilting show venue or trade show. Have you heard of H+H Americas?

Enjoy the various photos from the show below.

Big hugs,

Scott