The Vibe Check: A Tale of Two Markets
You know that feeling when you pack your bags, hop on a long-haul flight, and throw yourself headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of fabric, friends, and creative mayhem? That's Houston Quilt Market for you – and this year's edition had me riding a rollercoaster of emotions that I absolutely need to share with you.
Let's be real here – walking into this year's Market felt... different. And not in a "oh, they rearranged the booths" kind of way. We're talking about some serious industry shifts, my friends.
Here's the tea: only about a third of the usual exhibitors showed up this year. Yep, you read that right. Since COVID turned our world upside down, shop owners have discovered they can place orders from their cozy offices (probably in their pajamas, let's be honest) and keep their stores open on Saturdays instead of trekking to Houston. Smart? Absolutely. A bit sad for those of us who live for these in-person connections? Also absolutely.
Some of the big players were noticeably absent from the show floor, and I won't lie – it stung a little. But before you think this is turning into a "woe is me" kind of story, hold that thought! Because where there's change, there's also opportunity and celebration.
The Bright Spots (And Oh, Were They Bright!)
Let's talk about the good stuff, shall we? Moda Fabrics showed up and showed OUT for their 50th anniversary celebration. We're talking a photo booth that had people lining up like it was the latest iPhone release, and a party with a light show that would make any rock concert jealous.
Speaking of that photo booth – can we take a moment to appreciate the universe's sense of humor? My booth was positioned directly across from Moda's photo booth, which meant I had a front-row seat to the most delightful people-watching experience. Serious poses, silly faces, heartfelt hugs – it was like a constantly changing art installation, and honestly? It became one of my favorite parts of the whole Market.
Design Darlings and Fabric Finds
Now, let's talk eye candy. In our industry, the spectrum runs from traditional to modern, quiet elegance to bold statements, and this year was no different. That's the beauty of quilting – there's truly something for everyone.
But can we take a moment for Anna Maria Horner's booth? The artistic influence and sheer level of craftsmanship on display was absolutely stunning. It's booths like hers that remind you why we fell in love with this industry in the first place.
As for my own contribution to the fabric universe, I was thrilled to present Mira – my newest collection launching next May. Think modern minimalism meets neutral sophistication. It's the kind of collection that whispers rather than shouts, and I'm absolutely in love with how it turned out. Plus, I debuted four brand-new patterns that I can't wait for you to get your hands on!
And here's some exciting news for Elizabeth Hartman fans (and let's be honest, who isn't a fan?): she's officially joined the Moda family! If you know her foundation paper piecing patterns, you know this is huge. Even better? There are new Bella Solids precut bundles that's going to make your life so much easier. Because who doesn't love a perfectly curated bundle of basics?
Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Market isn't just about pretty fabrics and finished quilts – it's where the seeds of future projects get planted. I had a fantastic meeting with C&T Publishing to develop a new book project (stay tuned!), and Aurifil is cooking up ideas for a Zen Chic thread collection. How cool is that?
But the moment that really got me in the feels? The tribute to Mark Dunn at Moda's anniversary party. This man didn't just found Moda Fabrics – he co-founded Quilt Market itself and shaped the evolution of our entire industry. Honoring his life's work surrounded by the community he helped build? That's the kind of thing that reminds you why we do what we do.
The Florida Recharge
Here's something they don't tell you in the glamorous Instagram posts: preparing for Market is exhausting. We're talking weeks of planning, pattern making, sample sewing, shopping for booth supplies, setting up displays, and then – oh yeah – flying across continents to actually BE at the show.
By the time Market wrapped, I was running on fumes and fabric scraps. So I did what any sensible person would do – I headed to Key Biscayne to decompress under the palm trees. A few Miami adventures, some seriously good Cuban coffee, and plenty of vitamin D later, my creative batteries were fully recharged and ready to go.
The Real Talk: Where We're Headed
Let's address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the empty booth spaces on the show floor. Houston Quilt Market as we know it is decreasing, and the future is taking shape in Chicago with the H&H show. This isn't just about quilting anymore; it's about embracing the broader world of handcrafts and fiber arts.
And you know what? I think that's exactly what we need.
Here's the thing: we're in a generation where handicraft classes in school are no longer taught, where social media devours hours of our day, and where not every woman automatically learns to sew. If we want our beloved craft to thrive, we need to evolve with it. That might mean celebrating simple sewing projects alongside elaborate quilts. It might mean embracing garment making, baby essentials, and quick creative fixes that fit into modern life.
Fabric design will always be at the heart of what we do – that's not changing. But how we welcome new people into our community? That definitely needs a fresh approach.
The Takeaway
So what did I learn from Houston Quilt Market 2025? That change is inevitable, but community is forever. That empty booth spaces don't mean empty hearts or creative bankruptcy. That sometimes the best moments happen in the spaces between – like watching strangers become friends at a photo booth, or raising a glass to someone who built the stage we all stand on.
The quilting industry is entering a new era, and while it might look different from what we've known, it's still ours to shape. So let's roll with it, adapt where we need to, hold tight to what matters, and keep creating beautiful things together.
Because at the end of the day, that's what this is all about – making something beautiful with our hands, sharing it with people who get it, and passing that love on to the next generation, whatever form that takes.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Mira fabric to pet and a few more patterns to dream up. The future isn't going to quilt itself! 😉