Whew! Another fall market done and dusted and I’m worn out. Dead. D.E.D. (that’s not a typo — that’s how you spell dead when you have droopy eyes and aching muscles!) As always, market was tons of fun, but I’m worn out. I think I say that after every market.
First up, the gulls. As I mentioned before, Kellie had a new helper, Kathy, and she’s just adorable. SOOOO sweet and fun to work with. We were in the shy/reserved phase for the first day or two, but after that, we were off and running. We had lots of fun and, as ladies-in-waiting do, we bonded. (If only we could have been with Jan, the original lady-in-waiting — we missed you Jan!!!) Booth set-up is always a lot of work — we went from this:
to this: (Where’s Kellie?)
I loved the booth set-up this year. For the first time, we got rid of that pesky center pole which was always required to hold the chandelier. We went from one chandelier to two on cross poles. And look at the adorable chandeliers we found this year (Shandi is VERY jealous!):
Sadly, I didn’t get a picture of the other side of the booth. Heck, I didn’t even get a full sized shot of Kellie’s newest quilt. Here’s a partial shot though — it’s adorable robots!
Kellie made a new table skirt for the booth and put the robots on them too. And we had new aprons this market — also with robots. Aren’t they cute? (Here’s Kellie and her two Wilsons — doesn’t that Wilson on the right have a beautiful smile?) Kellie commented that I didn’t run around taking pictures of them doing weird things this time. So true. I think I was trying to be on my best behavior for Kathy. With this being Kellie’s fourth market, she’s getting used to the states and she’s not nearly as goofy. Plus, Kellie and Kathy don’t look like twins, so I couldn’t make fun of them for that. And, I think I might be getting used to Aussie-speak. Although, when Australians came into the booth, I told them they’d have to speak to Kellie or Kathy, ’cause I only speak English. I think I offended a couple of Kiwis when I inferred that they speak Aussie! (I’m sorry! I’m a dumb American!)
Oooh, look — we interrupt this post to bring you some dessert! We ate a LOT of dessert. Here’s a gorgeous chocolate cake that Kathy and I split one night.
And I introduced the gulls to “Cheesecake”. Not just any ol’ cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory. Our first trip there was right before sample spree and we had trouble finding it, so there was a little stress. I’m thinking the gulls weren’t that excited about it — but then they had some Cheesecake food. We may or may not have visited SEVERAL more times. Yum…Yum….
Ok. Back to market. After set-up was sample spree. Here’s our table this year — or rather tables (with a better shot of those robots) and Kellie talking to Maura, our helper extraordinaire in Houston. (Hi Maura!)
Our view of Sample Spree. Anna Griffin’s table was right across from us — in the foreground of the picture below. We were crazy busy all night and I didn’t really even get a chance to look around. I ran off to the Moda table (waaaaay in the very back of this picture) just as they were opening the doors, and hit the Lecien table for a quick look too. So, no time to take more pictures at Sample Spree.
Here are the Lecien guys with their goods after all the mayhem. Gotta love a guy who will wear a frilly apron and flash you the peace sign.
Ok. That’s it for tonight — must get some shut eye. (Work was brutal today). More market report when I get a little more rest!
XOXO,
Anna
Looks like sooo much fun! Looking forward to what new lines were your favorites…well besides the obvious!
I always look forward to your market reports Anna! Glad you had a great time :) I have been to the Cheesecake Factory in Houston – seriously good!
I love that table skirt! So cute. Will there be more updates? Please say, yes!
Told you Kathy was a sweetie, didn’t I? (Knew you’d hit it off.) Love that chandelier. My mouth is watering just looking at those cakes. Looking forward to reading more….. once you’ve recovered some of course!! You do such a good job with your Market Reports!! x
I LOVE the robots (but I think my sone might be just a little too old for a robot quilt!) The cheesecakes look delicious – my mouth is watering! Looking forward to seeing your next report.
glad you had a wonderful time once again……….
It does look like fun! The robots were cute and the booth was adorable! :) That cake made my mouth water! :)
Thanks Anna, I love reading market reports and seeing all the great fabrics and such. LOVE Kellies robots!! Too cute.
Get some rest!
Wow, it looks like you all had an awesome time! I miss living by The Cheesecake Factory…sigh…
Good job mate! The booth is adorable as always. I must have that robot pattern. Quilt show in February. Let me know…I’m so jealous, Cheesecake Factory. MMMMMMM. Glad you had fun! It is a lot of work, but so much fun. I’m surprised Lecien had anything left!
First of all I have to say I didn’t notice the thimbles in the pumpkin before now. Genius. Love hearing the market buzz. I didn’t even feel bad this time that I wasn’t there. Too much going on with my family. But I am always glued to the photos and reports. Thanks for taking the time. Put your feet up and relax. Ha. LIke that can happen.
Gosh what a stall – it all looks absolutely fab!
You’re right about the chandeliers – I could do with a couple of those around my place,
X
Love the table. Can’t wait to more about market.
That chocolate cake trumped the cheesecake and the rest of your post (I had to go back and read it again to see what I missed). Good report!
whoa looks like fun and a LOT of work anna…so amazed you made it to Gwen’s lecture!
It sounds like you had a fabulous but exhausting time! Lucy xx
Glad you had a good though busy time (as always). Look forward to seeing more Market report from you. You always do such a great job of making us feel like we were almost there. Mr. Muddling and I plan to visit Quilt Festival on Saturday. Can’t wait!
Friends, Quilts, Chocolate and Cheescake! Wow Anna, that’s a whole lotta fun packed into one week. :)
So nice to meet you at Sample Spree!!! The booth was gorgous, so wonderful to get to see all those quilts in person: )
Glad to hear that you and the gulls had another successful market. Have a good rest over the weekend1
Dear Anna,
Thanks for sharing..!!
i didn’t know, mnn look so nice wearing the aprons,
better make one for my hubby to wear one .. ha ha..
It was so wonderful to finally meet you in person! Thank you for everything! I had a blast!
Next year, we’re branching out and trying OTHER restaurants, right?!
That was SO way fun! :) I’m totally bummed we didn’t get to chat more. Every time I walked by you were swamped or absent. ;) Oh well, at least we got to say hi. Next time, right? Tx for the pretties.
It was so good to see you again Miss Anna. I’m with you, this market kicked my butt and I wasn’t even setting up a booth like you were. Every year I say that I’m dead tired too. Shopping is rough on me. haaa
How fun! Wow the booth looks amazing. I bet your dead but I am so glad you got to do it xoxo Clarice
Hey there – great blog, thanks for the link! Dear Stella was very cool, it is a new design group (www.dearstelladesign.com) – I met the designer briefly, and could tell you the rep in Canada, but in the States it looks like it is direct. I lingered as they have some awesome laminates and a source for umbrella findings…..I am tempted. But the idea is modern influence/old traditions….interesting stuff, the peacock feather umbrella did me in.
well we’re glad you made it back safely, esp. after visting or not visiting cheesecake factory on more than one occasion. your booth looks great and kellie’s quilts are fun as always! glad you’re home.
i am so jealous, it looks like fun always. looks like another ghastlies blog hop next year, thanks for the report.