A Quilter’s Dream: My First Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival Experience
Hello, fellow crafters, artisan makers, and quilters!
I’m back from my very first Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA (Mancuso Show Management), and I can honestly say—it was an amazing experience! So amazing, in fact, that I’m making it an annual tradition for my business. Let me take you on a journey through the weekend, from vendor shopping and workshops to a surprise late-night fire alarm!
A Vendor Wonderland
With 110 vendors packed into the venue, it was overwhelming in the best way possible! Since I pre-registered, I had the special perk of early access to the Merchant Mall floor—two hours of uninterrupted shopping bliss. Let me tell you, it was worth it. From fabric to sewing tools, every booth was a temptation! It took me two full days to visit them all.
Just look at the crowd waiting to enter the Merchant Mall floor!
The excitement was palpable as we stood in line, eager to explore and shop. Seeing so many like-minded crafters in one place was inspiring! If you’ve ever wondered what a true quilting and craft lover’s paradise looks like, this was it.
Workshops & Learning with Quilting Masters
I had the opportunity to take two incredible workshops from quilting masters:
- Cynthia England’s Picture Piecing Technique – This innovative technique transforms fabric into intricate quilted images.
- David Owen Hastings’ Seams-Out Quilted Pillow – A modern, textured design that adds dimension to quilted projects.
I walked away with new skills that I can’t wait to incorporate into handbags, tote bags, and fabric art pieces!
A Night to Remember—The Fire Alarm!
After a long, fulfilling day of quilting and learning, I was unwinding in my hotel room when suddenly—the fire alarm blared! Half-asleep, I quickly grabbed my essentials and joined my fellow hotel guests standing outside in our pajamas! Thankfully, there was no fire, and after 25 minutes, we were allowed back in. But it definitely added an unexpected adventure to the trip!
A Fabric Treasure Hunt at Michael’s
On my way home, I made a quick detour to Michael’s (Coliseum Dr., Hampton, VA)—and wow, was it worth it! This location was huge, stocked with fabric, and I even found some fantastic clearance deals. Who doesn’t love a good craft store find?
Final Thoughts & What’s Next?
This trip left me inspired, excited, and eager to bring my new quilting knowledge into my designs. If you’ve never been to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, I highly recommend it!
