Diaries Magazine

Countdown to My First Retail Show

Posted on the 27 February 2011 by Somanycolors
In late January I decided to take a leap of faith and signed up to vend my hand dyes at the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Cleveland. While my fabrics have received some exposure through Etsy and ArtFire, I want to jump start this business in a hands-on environment.
I've always been one of those fabric lovers who has to feel the fabric. As a child the only place we shopped for anything was the J.L. Hudson store in downtown Detroit. My parents met there and my father worked there until he retired so we received a "store discount" on everything. Besides, it was the most well stocked store in the city, selling just about everything.

Countdown to My First Retail Show

Once the largest American flag, this one covers 7 stories of the J.L. Hudson Company's Woodward Ave store.

It also had a fabulous fabric department on on the 3rd floor. When my mother shopped for fabric, I remember walking the aisles, touching almost every bolt. After I began sewing, I'd take the Warren bus downtown  to that same store to search for just the right piece for my next project.
Color, pattern and texture all contribute to my interest in a fabric but it is the feel that sells me. What better place to connect with like minded souls than an event devoted to all aspects of sewing, quilting and fabric arts?
The Expo starts March 24 so I have 25 days left to prepare. Still have to:
  • Finish my new web site
  • Complete all licensing requirements
  • Finalize my booth layout and purchase display shelves
  • Decide on shopping bags, giveaways, promotions, fabric labels
  • Sew the garments I'll wear and some for display
  • Dye up the last of the fabric I'm taking
It's going to be a busy time but I'm so looking forward to the show. If all goes as planned I'll post my progress then shoot some video at the Expo.

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