Though I named my son Denver, it was not to honor the city I've not visited until now. I usually pack lighter than most vendors, but flying in for the show meant that I'd have to pack even less.
I kept telling everyone that I left the dancing girls at home, but what I really meant was that there would be no mannequins, displays, body forms, props or even extra clothing samples.
Conscious of how much all this stuff would weigh (besides the airline limit, I had to lift and tow it all around!) I cut some pattern displays from foam board that served me very well. They were compact, light weight, easy to pack and assemble.
Together, DenverMart and Rusty Barns provided for, and treated their vendors very well. I had access to tables, risers, clothing racks, chairs, and waste baskets at no charge. There was a "break" room set up for vendors and every day was a fresh assortment of bagels and cream cheese, cookies, donuts, juice, water, coffee along with ice and a toaster to flavor, nourish and supply us during our hectic day. Everyone working for Rusy Barn Promotion group, including the owners, were friendly and hospitable.
With the show underway, I met many wonderful people. This group of Victorian/Edwardian ladies belong to a club (I forget the name!) that sews true to style clothing for any decade before 1940 and then they attend various venues together. Every town needs a club like this!
My favorite vendor was Edie and Luc Roelens of Trims on Wheels. They have a little something (and priced) for everyone- high end and interesting to low cost basics. Positioned very close to my booth, it was an awful temptation. I managed to limit myself to 4 cuts of fabric, one rhinestone belt buckle and a brooch. They sell their trims online also, but the fabric you can buy only at some shows. See their show schedule online at
www.trimsonwheels.com
This local vendor, Pam Cole of heavenly Threads sold kits for "Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery". It reminds me of the lovely handwork they did on dresses in the 1920's.
These shoes at Sue's Sparkler's are very cool! They make it possible to put sparkles on anything. Not that I would do it, but a great pair of shoes can't be missed.
www.suessparklers.com
This ribbon work by Helen Gibb Ribbonwork is especially lovely. Using any ribbon, wired or not, you can gather, pleat, embroider, and arrange ribbons to look like a bouquet of flowers. Many years ago my college professor put this ribbon work on a gown. Helen has written a book and put together an instructional DVD if you want to learn how to do it.
www.helengibb.com
The criteria for vending at this show was extremely loose. Besides real sewing and craft related stuff, there were vendors for pillows, massage chairs, shoes, makeup and jewelry, doll makers, and vacuum sales. Most of the jewelry by this vendor was hand made (though she doesn't want you to learn how to make it) with this set being a best seller at $50.
www.victorianelegancejewelry.com
There was a high ratio of booths for various quilt and sewing guilds, the
American Sewing Guild,
Association for Sewing and Design Professionals, and other groups hoping to add new numbers to their ranks.
At the shows end I pack up my gear and head across the parking lot. I see a single forlorn shoe. There is a mother out there with a frantic search in her future.
The sky is dark with a storm brewing. It's finally time to get out of Dodge. I mean Denver.
Great show! I love Trims on Wheels! I always stop by and get a load of stuff when they come this way! They are great people!
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