Pets

It’s beginning To Look A Lot Like Market!

I’m getting so excited!  I think this quilt market is going to be one of the best ever.  More and more exciting things are starting to appear on blogs, web sites and ads. New designers are attending market for the very first time, and so many creative ideas are filling the quilting world.  This means great products for all of you!  International Quilt Market, Spring 2010 is going to be so much fun!  New and fresh products, fabrics,  ideas and patterns are just around the corner for all of us!

I leave in just 10 days and it’s looking like a bit of chaos at my house right now.  It always does just before market as we pull together last minute things. Our drapes are fireproofed, an event all on it’s own.   My front yard looks a bit like ma and pa kettle for a day twice a year as my husband “hangs” the drapes to dry.  Why he picks the front yard is beyond me. Our neighbors are used to it and just shake their heads. He could do this in the back yard, but he LOVES doing the drapes so much I don’t dare open my mouth and suggest it.

The boxes are shipped, but not without some excitement.  My husband puts everything on a pallet, shrink wraps, and waits for the freight truck to pick up.  The truck that came this time didn’t have a lift gate, so everything got unwrapped and carried on one by one and then shrink wrapped again.  Oh such excitement! My husband LOVES this too!

And in the middle of it all I’m on a mission to find the most comfortable shoe.  One that will take me from the convention center in Minneapolis to the Hilton without blisters or sore feet.  I’ve been shopping at Nordstom online and every day new shoes arrive.  They come in and go out, as I walk around with different shoes on my feet trying to find the perfect pair.  It’s quite a scene at Bunny Hill.  I’ve returned so many my husband says they are going to put me on a “no sell” list.  I think he might be right! Mephisto, Ugg, Born, Dansko, Finn, to name a few brands.  Spare no expense.  Just give me a comfortable shoe.  I’m still trying to choose one, or two, or three.

And my sweet little animals curl up where they can to watch all the market excitement.   I found Chelsea on a scrap pile of my new fabric.  She loves it and didn’t hesitate to tell me. I didn’t have the heart to move her!

A  return to normal will come sometime soon. Not soon enough if you ask my pets.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs,

Anne

41 Comments

  • Ea

    Buenos días Anne!
    Me presento, soy Eva y vivo en Zaragoza (España) y adoro sus diseños. HAce unos días mi hermana me regaló el patrón de Strawberry Hill, pero no sé con qué colección de telas está elaborado. Había pensado usar telas que tengo en mi cesta de retales, pero me gusta tanto el diseño original que no quiero estropearlo.
    ¿Podría ayudarme diciendome la colección de telas empleada?
    Tamién me he apuntado a un BOM sobre su nuevo diseño.
    Mi mail es evaculebras@gmail.com
    Agradcería su respuesta.
    Un saludo:
    Eva

  • Carmen

    Ohh, the never-ending quest for comfortable shows that do not like they belong to your great-grandma! Let us know what you wore, and how they worked out.

  • Michelle

    Try Clark’s shoes if you haven’t before. They are wonderful! So comfy!

    Enjoy yourselves at Market! Can’t wait to see the goodies when you return!

    Michelle

  • Stefanie

    Hi Anne!

    Just a quick “hello” and good luck with your Pre-Market preparations! I’ll see you in a few days at Market. I’ll bring you a cup of coffee just in case you need it…or another pair of shoes whichever one you want more) :0)

    Stefanie

  • John'aLee Burk

    I so wish I was going to Market. Its still up in the air, if we are going to make it.
    Its always a joy to see you and what great new things you have!
    I hope you have a very successful few days my dear.
    P.S. I have linked to you.

  • tammy

    Such a sweet little picture of your baby! Good luck on the shoes and can’t wait to see everything new after market.

  • Bonnie Nyquist

    Anne, for serious foot comfort,Brooks Addiction running shoes! about $100,but worth it, also Keen shoes, use Zappos for fast and free shipping both ways! You may need more than one pair/ style for comfort! We all envy you going to market!! Can’t wait til you return!

  • Gloria J Wellington

    Ooh Anne.. men are such funny creatures!! I fell about laughing at the site of the drapes on the front lawn!! Why would one put them out the back?? Have a lot of fun at the convention, and I hope you find comfortable shoes!
    Hugs Gloria

  • Bumpkin Bears

    All so exciting, I wish you luck with your shoe hunt, not easy for us women to find nice looking, comfy shoes is it!! I have this constant battle myself. Wishing you all the best for the show, oh how I would love to visit if I lived in the States! Hugs, Catherine x

  • Pam

    Shoes depend on your specific needs.
    I have a high arch and usually use orthotics. I need a springy (cushioned) heel.
    MBTs changed my life. They have a rocker sole. Very pricey but I have a walking pair and a sandal pair.

    Good luck.

  • Dara Jackson

    Dansko are the best! People in retail and nurses wear them.
    More comfortable than no shoes at all. Good luck deciding.

  • Sue Schultz

    Have a wonderful time at Market!! Wish I was going to be there. I am really looking forward to seeing your beautiful debut collection for Moda!!
    Sue

  • Debra

    When you find a great, comfortable pair or two (and notice I said when, not if)please let me know…I am also looking for new shoes before market. What is the brand name of the black shoe in the second row, please? Looks like not too high of a heel.
    Thanks, and hope you find the shoe that fits!

  • Katy

    I’m excited for you! It sounds like so much fun and I am patiently awaiting that fabulous fabric when it becomes available.
    For the shoes…my shoe of choice is Clarks Privo or any Clarks for that reason. I still have a pair I bought many years ago and they are still going strong. I did buy a dressier pair of Clarks sandals this spring. No one likes them but me…but they are comfy.

  • Julie

    Try Clark’s Wave or Softwalk. They are incredibly comfortable for all day walking. The Finn Comfort sandals are great too!

  • Janie Jones

    I’m planning a trip to tour the United Kingdom so have been looking for comfortable shoes. I came across Propet brand and ordered a pair. They are wonderfully comfortable and need no break in time. They’re cute too.

  • Vicki

    Merrells are my absolute favorite shoe! So comfy with a great arch support. Good luck with your hunt.
    Chelsea does know good fabric, doesn’t she? Have a wonderful time at market:)

  • Diane

    I just love Chelsea — how did you ever find such a discerning pet? She really does seem to enjoy your fabric. Good look with the shoes. Have you tried a really good athletic shoe with custom orthodics? Not much of a fashion statement, but your feet will thank you at the end of the day.

  • cheryl in kansas

    loved the pic of Chelsea!!!! And can’t wait for that blue fabric….wish I was snuggling with her…….

    seems to me this is more work than your “career” job huh????

  • Ina

    Hmmm, the most comfortable shoe for YOU will depend on Your arch and your foot. I wore Clark’s for years and just loved them UNTIL I stood on a tile floor in barefeet for an entire day sewing. I couldn’t walk the next day. :(

    Anyway, saw a podiatrist and he told me what shoes to buy to support my high arch and recommend 2 different brands of shoe inserts for cushin.

    I now wear an expensive pair of Brooks brand running shoes. $86 for running shoes and I don’t run. ;0 However, I can walk and stand in them. My husband, a runner, bought the same brand and style and he loves them.

    Good luck finding YOUR shoe! Once you find it, you won’t care how much it costs or how it looks. You will just be so happy to wear them!! ;0

  • Donna Liljegren

    I remember Market from years and years ago. How much fun – and terror (Will they like me? Will they love me?) all in one. Hope you find the ultimate comfy shoes, and that your trip is a roaring success (Of course, it will be!). Chelsea is just the cutest little thing in your (her) pile of fabric, too!
    Happy Mother’s Day.
    xoxo
    Donna

  • Patty

    http://www.bayareacomfortfootwear.com/
    This is a site for the most comfortable sandals EVER! On my right leg, I’ve had a broken hip and ankle, and my left knee is awaiting knee replacement. Trust me, these sandals are the BEST! I’ve worn Eccos, Clarks, Bjorn, Birkenstocks, Finns….I won’t buy anything now but the above referenced sandals. Have a great show!
    p.s. I LOVE Tiny Towns….so cute!

  • Shirley Owens

    Softspots and Clarks are pretty comfy and if you want a flip flop type shoe that you can walk around in for hours a day – go to BATH and BODY and order FITFLOPS. They are super comfy!

  • Stephanie

    Perhaps Chelsea is hoping to secretly sneak into your suitcase for the trip. Best of luck with finding THE most comfy shoes. I hope you’ll let us know what you decide.

  • Les

    I have found that Soft Walk shoes are the most comfortable for standing and walking. They actually have an “eggcrate” type inner lining. I buy them online at softwalk.com.

  • Piecefully, Pam

    I too am a Nurse and have worked 8, 12 and 16 hour shifts wearing Birkenstock’s, Dansko’s and Keens. ANY of those get my vote! Not unlike another commenter, I LOVE Zappos – GREAT service and fast shipping! I recently bought a pair of Merrill’s and although comfortable, they don’t compare to the others I’ve mentioned.

    Chelsea is absolutely precious swaddled in YOUR fabrics!!! A place of perfect contentment. Bliss.

    Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, Anne! Enjoy the excitement and fervor. Take a few stitches when you get the chance.

  • Danielle

    Try the dansko’s! I am a nurse and work 12 hours in them… They are not only great for feet, but your back and knees, too! Good luck finding a pair good enough for ‘goldilocks’.

  • Viv

    You must try some Ecco’s. Once we tried them, we haven’t bought anything else. Best wishes at market. Can hardly wait to see the new fabric.

  • Mary

    The shoe I love is the Merrell Encore MJ. It comes in a “canvas” or leather. I own 5 pairs so I have the right color for whatever I want to wear for Quilt Festivals and shows. They have been my trusted go to shoe for 3 years now and when Merrell intros a new color I buy it! The “canvas” (it’s really a lined mesh) is cool and not sweaty, you can even wear a light sock with them. Onlineshoes.com always has them.

  • BJ

    Another shoe to try is Keen. They have become my favorite, although I have some Merrill ones too.
    How do you fireproof your drapes? I had not heard of doing that. I assume it is something that you soak into it (kind of like Rit?)
    Have lots of fun – will be watching for your pictures on the blog!

  • Beth Friend

    Looks like lots of fun. The little quilt shop I work at just vended at the show in Chicago and I understand the need for comfy shoes. I have a pair of Merrills that are sooo comfy.
    Good luck at market andwith the shoe hunt.

  • Melody

    Have you tried Privo? That’s what I wore to Market last Spring. Also Merril is great for all day, just not as cute. Good Luck! Let us know what brand you choose and if your feet were happy with them.

  • annie

    Now not only do you share the most important news about quilting, but you will tell us (please) which shoes you have chosen. I need a comfortable pair too, so I am depending on you sweet Anne. Love to the pets and I know you will be a HUGE success at market!!! XXX

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