A brief retelling of the Sydney Quilt Show!
I tell you what Possums, this has just been such and action packed month. I really need to info-dump and tell you all about SQS before I fall in a heap. That, and say a huge thank you to all the Possums who popped in and said a hello. It absolutely made my day(s).
Believe it or not, this is the best (and only) picture I managed to snap of the booth during set up. I was overly sanguine about how long it would take me to set up my tiny section of the booth I was sharing with Jackson (@house_of_jackson), we were kicked out around 5pm... which was a full hour after we should have been done. There may have been a quick trip to Bunnings (turns out I am not great at reading product descriptions), some general faffing and some serious flat packs to assemble. Bless Jackson's "helper monkey" Kylie, she was a GODSEND! Helping me out with said flat packs, assembling some much needed seating and generally keeping Jackson and I on task. That all before the show opened, during open hours she occupied the booth so I could take bathroom breaks, bless her heart.
The show itself was a blur, there were so many people to chat to - or lure over with the offer of a mentos (then thrust a flyer at). Surprisingly one bulk bag from Officeworks did the whole show (it was my Misters contribution to show planning).
I have worked show booths before, both in trade and retail spaces of the textile industry, never for my own brand though. Everyone was so NICE, it was honestly the best vibe for the four days I was in Sydney. The team at QuiltNSW, the amazing volunteers and the visitors were all so warm and friendly and it was such a calm stress free show. Special mention to Molly Sparkles who was an exceedingly good sport about me shoving Kokoshniks onto him and snapping photos. I also had the pleasure of (briefly) meeting the man of the hour @giucy_giuce himself, did I run screaming oh so dramatically through the competition quilts? Why yes. Was that so much fun?? Absolutely.
Was there a whole social media campaign involving my Kokoshnik pattern to drive people to our crazy corner of the show? Absolutely. It was a lot of fun and next year I am thinking of running a best Kokoshnik competition with a great give away at the show! Do I have any takers on this idea??? I think it would be so much fun. Remember Possums, chin up or the crown slips.
Of course there were hiccups, first and foremost the car breaking down 10 mins after we started our journey home. I had issues with a bad batch of fuel on the way down (water, gunk or both) and the Emotional Support Husband came down with a replacement filter to swap in. Saturday morning at the show I am being extra and he is under the car trying not to get his good clothes covered in diesel. Long story short the replacement filter had a crack and we ended up with air in the fuel line. Some rapid pivoting and six hours later the car was towed to a dealership, the mother in law saved us from the road side and we spent a fairly comfortable night on the pull out lounge.
I had a long (nearly 6 hours and three trains), scenic trip home to Dungog on Sunday, someone had to come home to wash school uniforms and make school lunches. Hubby stayed in Sydney with the car and had a great time playing with our nieces, there was some real silver linings to be had. Thankfully the car was a super quick fix and he was home the day after me, the kids and fur babies were especially happy to have him home again.
I know they say small minds are amused by small things, and for me, stuck on a train coming home that was most certainly true. I had moved my SOHMO Australia sticky thimble off my finger to the back of my hand during pack up. Only to realise 12 hours later that it was still there. In the end the little sticky heart survived three full days on my hand, a shower, a looong hot bath, and a lot of hand washing ( public transport and all). In the end if fell off my hand and has been stuck to my yeti drink bottle for days. Long story short, if you want to know how good the sohmo thimbles are - I can assure you the adhesive doesn't mess around.
Some of the best things about finally unpacking everything is that Pox and Plague are now set up in my studio, didn't Jodie do an incredible job with these!! You can check out Jodie's patterns HERE and she kindly used my SPOT fabric to make them - they were adored greatly during the show. My girls are also begging to be allowed one each for their rooms. Especially the middle child, she is my chicken girl.
Speaking of SPOT, please take a moment to admire it. By best bestie of all time Nikki at Cotton Craft Designs made it for me. I won't lie I was gutted when the weather turn out to be too hot to wear it for long at the show (temps above 30deg C most days). It is the Vixen Vest (you can find the designer here), if you are in for a quilted vest I love this one, it has a scooped front and enough length in the back to hide your butt. IT ALSO COMES IN MINI SIZES!!! I do think my kiddo's will be needing a vest next winter. I love that Nikki made this one with off cuts from the Quest Quilt which you can download for free HERE. I love Quest, and I may be loaning her to Jackson for his booth in Melb later this year. Jackson is a good friend and stocking ALL of my ranges in his store!!! When they land... there have been some delays.
Speaking of the lovely people over at K and K fabrics, I finally got to meet them in person! I think I scared Rodney, Chantelle seems to be a kindred spirit and was a great laugh. I did gift them all an ICONIC lanyard that I had made with my upcoming Binding Glory range.
Right Possums, I think that about covers it! I am sure I have left out a lot, but you have the broad strokes of five days in the life of Cass. Until next time, be good or be safe. Cass xx
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