6 Tips for Quilt Show Shopping

Hi everyone:

I'm sure you're like me and love going to quilt shows (although you probably don't spend the kind of $$$ I do at shows - I just can't help myself!). All those wonderful quilts - and all those vendors! It's such fun to spend the day at a quilt show with quilty friends, but it can be such a pain - literally! If you're not properly prepared, you can end up with sore feet and an aching back and that's not fun. So, to keep you feeling as great at the end of the day as at the beginning, follow these 6 suggestions.

Okay, not the outfit I wear to quilt shows,
but this girl is obviously a savvy shopper - look at all those bags!

Wear proper footwear You're not on a catwalk, so those 5-inch stilettos aren't going to cut it at the quilt show. Believe me, no one's looking at your feet - they're wondering if you're really going to purchase that 40% off quilt kit in your hand or if they have a chance to scoop it up when you put it back on the vendor's table. Good walking or running shoes and proper socks will keep your feet cool and supported through the day - and that's exactly what you want. Happy feet, happy shopper quilter.

Photo courtesy of www.heels.com
Pretty, but not practical

Getting there - they're really comfortable,
but maybe a little flashy for the quilt show

Photo courtesy of http://www.asicsamerica.com
Just right!

Dress in layers This is especially important if the quilt show is outside. In Calgary, it can be near 0 celsius in the morning and warm up to +23 celsius by the afternoon. It can also get warm at indoor shows as the shopping frenzy escalates. Dressing in layers is critical to successful shopping. I suggest a cotton t-shirt with a cotton hoodie or sweater over top - if the show is outdoors, a Goretex jacket is not a bad idea, especially in Calgary. Anything that can be bundled up and stuffed stored in the bottom of your shopping bag is perfect.

Cotton t-shirt - good as first layer

Not that kind of jacket!

Carry your purchases properly I used to take a backpack to shows, but am starting to use a rolling bag. It has several outside pouches, good for snacks and a water bottle, an extendable handle and a zippered top. I think that the rolling bag carries more than the backpack (oh joy, oh bliss!) and is certainly better for my back. I'm not nearly as sore at the end of the day with the rolling bag.

Okay for small quilt shows and minimal shopping

Photo courtesy of www.young-hunters.com
Perfect for the entire-day-quilt -show

Stay hydrated I always carry a water bottle when I'm at a quilt show. I can refill it at the water fountain and it reminds me to keep drinking my water. All that competitive shopping burns through calories and it's easy to become dehydrated and tired if you forget to drink throughout the day. Pack a water bottle, it's as essential as your credit card.

Yes, this is actually my water bottle
Muppets rule!

Eat! I usually tuck a few snacks into my shopping bag. Not much, a few granola bars, some fruit, maybe some almonds and definitely chocolate (although I did forget the chocolate this past week-end and had to wait until I got home to restore my chocolate balance). Grazing throughout the day helps to keep up your shopping stamina and we all know how important that is.

Photo courtesy of www.dolecanada.ca
I love these and usually pack a few in my shopping bag

Sit down This is an easy one as there are usually chairs somewhere at the event. I know these are for husbands who have to wait while their wives are shopping, but if you see an empty chair, take a few minutes to put your feet up. They'll thank you later that evening.

Put your feet up for a few minutes - it will really help!

What are your tips for successful quilt show shopping?