We’re back from Spring Market in Kansas City with many thoughts and images to share. If I had to say it in one word: VIBRANT. So very vibrant.

But here are a few others to describe the buzz in Bartle Hall:

Connected
Creative
Excited
Kind
Interesting
Enlightening
Super-duper-fun

It was like a giant three-day party, filled with talented people and good talks. Personally, I am still blown away by the warm welcome I have received into the community. I feel grateful and lucky to be part of it.

Here is the way I see it—this modern craft movement is the cure. It is a form of global therapy for all of us and we are seeking it out as a panacea for modern life. Crafting heals us. It excites us. It puts us back in touch with our hands and each other. It stitches together everything from our fractured two-party system divisions, to disconnection from our neighbors due to garage-entrance-only-architecture, to our tweeting/screen-staring stupors and separations. We are literally sewing ourselves up—putting ourselves and our culture back together. And it is an awesome thing to be a part of. The craft cure of Quilt Market was not only evident in the fabrics and colors in each booth, but in the joy and connection of each person in attendance.

Here is my tiny booth—definitely modest compared to the incredible displays of many booths—but I was so proud to share my work with the world.

Our newest pattern, Giggle & Squeak, was received with…well…giggles and squeaks!

I met so many incredible people doing all sorts of amazing work—bloggers, designers, shop-keepers, publishers, connectors. First, and most importantly, I was so excited about my friend Shea Henderson’s debut. Her awesome company, Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio, had a gorgeous booth filled with saturated, graphic quilts.  

I met just about every amazing blogger and designer that has inspired me along my journey:

With kind and generous, nicey-nicerton designer and writer, Rashida Coleman-Hale, and lovely Ellen Luckett Baker of the Long Thread. Both of whom have great fabrics and books out right now…

With the petite and adorable, Alyssa Thomas, of her well-branded company, Penguin & Fish. Her embroidery patterns are delightful. I can’t wait to make mine!

With Jake Finch of the cool, new modern quilt magazine, Generation Q, and my amazing trooper of a mom, in fabric designer Marcia Derse‘s holy booth. I think I could live in a fort made entirely of her fabrics.

Had the chance to meet this incredible woman. You know…Tia…from Camp Follower Bags? She uses the emotionally-loaded camo shirts worn by enlisted men and women and turns them into gorgeous bags. Check her out. She is doing good work and making a difference.

How about that dress!?! That is the lovely Leslie from Denyse Schmidt wearing Denyse’s funky, fresh new Chicopee fabric line (below) sewn up in Heather Ross’s Kimono Dress from her book Weekend Sewing. If ever I have one second to actually sew something for myself, I’m starting with this!

Denyse Schmidt’s Chicopee fabrics…seventies camp chic!

How have I gone this far without mentioning the exquisite and timeless booth and fabrics by Amy Butler?

…or the adorable Sarah Jane booth, which included darling built-in nautical bunk beds…

…or the wonderful Violet Craft fabrics for Michael Miller…

…and the precious Croquet Dress and other patterns from Oliver + S…

I was so excited to meet the graceful and gracious, Liesl Gibson (with wise hubby Todd) at their chalkboard booth for Oliver + S and the Straight Stitch Society.

I feel lucky to have connected with so many talented people. What a wonderful whirlwind Quilt Market was. I could keep going on and on…but ’nuff said for now…