This past weekend was the annual Martha's Sewing Market at the Arlington Convention Center. This was their 16th year I do believe and our 15th year to exhibit for the Pullen Company. It has always been the hightlight of our entire summer, but sadly this year, it appears to be the last one. F & W Media bought the magazine, Sew Beautiful and Martha's Sewing market about a year ago. They chose to combine the venue with their annual Scrapbooking convention; however they segregated us to a separate exhibit hall and reduced our classrooms from twelve to one!
As you can see, their signage for us was kind of an afterthought - not a professional looking sign, just a hand drawn one! And, this only appeared on Saturday after numerous complaints that no one could find the sewing market!!!
It was sad to see how small the show was reduced to and how few free seminars were offered ~ only one per hour. In years past we had as many as twelve per time slot. It is heartbreaking to realize that the show must surely "die" after this pathetic attempt. I am extreemly disappointed in how little F & W Media seemed to care about the show, the customers or the vendors. I suppose all good things come to an end eventually.
For those of you who attended the show, I sincerely thank you for your support! If you wish to send your comments, in the form of an email, the show director's is Dana Groves: dgroves@interweave.com
AND, for those of you who attended my seminar on Thursday,
ONE SEAM WONDERS ~
here is where you will find the pattern instructions for
The Essential Shrug ~ Tuesday, July 12, 2011 and
My Diagonal Skirt ~ Monday, November 12, 2012
As always, I wish everyone Happy Sewing adventures!
. . . . & please stay tuned as I do have a few ideas for next summer!
I welcome any of your comments as well!
I loved shopping with you all at Martha's Sewing Market. I can not wait to come and visit you actual shop. I will be back in Grapevine at the Babylok store end of July and will definitely come to see you all!
ReplyDeleteI truly hope that I am in the shop that day to visit with you - you are so filled with joy!
ReplyDeleteI was afraid this would be the case. I tried to arrange to make the trip again this year but couldn't get there. I will just have to plan my trip at a better time and come to the shop. MP Market was always such a great resource for those of us who really wanted to touch everything before buying rather than just ordering off the internet.
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