by Patricia Belyea
KANSAS CITY MO My favorite part of Spring Quilt Market is learning what's new and catching up with industry leaders. Here are some of the folks who participated in this year’s trade-only event:
No one sleeps in Tula Pink’s brilliant booth for Free Spirit showing off her Monkey Wrench collection. “They’d better not,” says Tula. “Those are just boxes!”
What a delight to finally meet Kristin Axtman of Brooklyn Haberdashery, a purveyor of super-cool supplies and tools for needle crafting—many from Japan!
Thread gurus Alex Veronelli and Elena Gregotti of Aurifil join the team to introduce their private label program available to retailers and teachers.
Kelly and Aimee Spargo represent their celebrated mom, Sue Spargo, and demonstrate a set of Stitch Guides for adorable hand-stitched circles.
Fabric designer Alison Glass for Andover launches her line of specialty products—from notecards and stickers to enamel pins and gift wrap.
Stephanie Hackney of Hobbs—with the most complete line of batting in the industry—continues to stress education...education...education so quilters can understand what a difference batting makes to their projects.
Tina Hilton of Turtle Hand Batik flaunts outstanding Malaysian fabrics for quilters who appreciate artisan craftsmanship and ethical trade practices.
Dealer Mary Koval of Mary Koval Antique Quilts captures everyone’s fancy with her impeccable collection of vintage and antique masterpieces.
Candice Hoffman of Clothworks shows the back of Maria Shell's amazing quilt created with American Made Brand solids.
Alexia Abegg of Ruby Star Society for Moda points out that some of their fabrics have moved beyond flat yardage to become ironing board covers and other products.
Seattle’s local hero Jason Yenter of In The Beginning Fabrics poses in front of Antelope Canyon Quilt, a pattern by Laurie Shifrin.
Elizabeth Hartman for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, known for fun animal patterns, presents her Adventure collection of quilting cottons.
Andover’s brand manager Daryl Cohen and prez David Weinstein ham it up in front of Giucy Giuce’s fabric collection.
Veronica Salazar of Clover reveals colorful flexible thimbles for hand stitchers—more helpful notions from this innovative Japanese company.
Northwest fabric designer Marcia Derse for Windham beams beside lively compositions made with her arty fabric collections: The Opposite in black and white, and Palette in 80 colors.
Father Jerry Tippets with daughter Stacy Lewey promote Sew Steady’s ever-growing line-up of quilting and sewing accessories—as well as their popular custom-made extension tables.
Quilting star Catherine Redford welcomes shoppers to Global Artisans with its eclectic line of embroidery products.
Lori Valle of June Tailor lets me know that the company no longer makes indispensable hardwood clappers but is now a great source for cutting and pressing tools.
Kristin Rodriquez of Fiber on a Whim displays samples of softly hand-dyed fabrics—such as 40 ct linen and osnaburg—for embroidery, cross stitch, apparel, crafts, and quilts.
Pearl Kush of Pearl Louise Designs introduces her new oval Rag-A-Muffin Rug made with fabric strips.
This photo story shines a light on just a fraction of the pacesetters who radiated energy and inspiration at Spring Quilt Market this season. It was another glorious gathering of the quilting clan.
To finish up, check out the enchanting flowers you can make with Sue Spargo’s set of six Stitch Guides!
