CHA Mega Show 2014

SewCalGal was able to attend the CHA Mega Show in Anaheim, CA, January 10-14th.   This amazing event was packed with professional seminars,an exceptional trade show with over 400 vendors, inspirational make-n-takes, demonstrations,  and buyers and attendees from all over the world.  And, I'm delighted to be able to share insights with you about this show today.

First, for those of you not familiar with CHA it is an association of Craft and Hobby Professionals from around the world.  It is an International non-profit organization with members involved in the design, manufacturing, distribution and retail sells of products in the nearly $30 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry.  And while they host many professional events throughout the year, the annual CHA Mega Show in Southern California is one of the largest and most opportunistic for "those in the business" to participate in.  To clarify, CHA is a great organization and SewCalGal highly encourages those in the business to become members, if you are not one already.  

Before I share insights on the Mega Show, I want to share that this is such a large show it is impossible to see everything in a day. Plus, there are multiple days of workshops and professional presentations.  And I'm only going to share glimpses of new products that caught my attention at the Trade Show.  While I attended this event to search for new products, I was also highly interested in learning more about ecutters.  In this post I'll share some insight, but I'll be writing a separate article about ecutters in the very near future.  

Here are highlights of what caught my attention at this show:

JUNE TAILOR

June Tailor has new tool for cutting Hexies: "You Hexie Thing - Hexie Ruler"  can easily cut perfect hexagons in nine sizes; 1-1/2", 2", 2-1/2", 3", 3-1/2", 4", 4-1/2", 5" and 6".  And, like their  Shape Cut Ruler, which cuts perfect strips of fabric in various sizes, you can cut multiple layers of fabric using your rotary cutter.

There are also free quilt project instructions you can download for this ruler: The Hexie Thing Strip Quilt, The Oh So Hexie Quilt, and other Hexie projects too! 

And June Tailor has a new Diamond Ruler that will also easily cut diamonds in 1" to 6" diamonds in 1/4" increments without measuring.

CRAFTWELL

The new eBrush, by Craftwell, was introduced at CHA and was also honored as one of CHA's top 20 products at the show, with a 2nd place award.  It is an airbrush compressor that turns markers, by various manufacturers, into spray art. The eBrush will be available in early April for retail purchases.  

While this product is clearly going to be popular with crafters, SewCalGal also anticipates it to quickly become popular with fibre artists and quilters alike.  Think of the fun and creativity this new tool will unleash to allow quilters to use stencils to paint on fabric, to free-form embellish fabrics, or to complete paint your own fabric and create your own unique piece of art!  

I also thoroughly enjoyed the ebrush demonstration by very talented Debi Tullier and artist "Slive".   And, I thought you might also enjoy this youtube video by Noel Hyman.

This product will be on HSN for $150 late spring, making it a reasonably priced air brush tool that you can use to paint on fabric, paper wood, food or more. 

LION BRAND YARN

Lion Brand Yarn had a spectacular booth that was decorated with the "Seven Wonders of the Yarn World", all made with beautiful irons.  I hope this exhibit travels to other shows, as it was super cute!

BROTHER SCAN N CUT

Brother has recently introduced a new ecutter, called the Scan-N-Cut.  It is the first ecutter that includes a built in 300 dpi scanner.

Like other ecutters, this product is marketed for scrapbooking and other crafts, but unlike other ecutters this product has done the best job SewCalGal has seen to-date to build in functionality that makes this product perfect for quilting, sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.   There are many options for how you may want to use this product to create.  

For example you may want to doodle on paper, scan it and cut out part of that design.  You may want to scan and cut a shape on fabric for applique.  You can even cut out quilt block pieces, where you set the size that you want your block to be, and stitch out your blocks.  

There are over 600 built-in Designs, including 100 quilt patterns, plus 5 fonts.  And don't forget you can scan designs and cut, as well as use various software packages to create designs that you can create SVG files to cut using this device. 

 Like other ecutters it can accomodate 12"x12" and 12"x24" cutting mats, as well as rolls of vinyl.  Retail is $499.

SewCalGal also wants to point out that this amazing 3D swirly snowflake creation is designed by the very talented Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero (Kaleidoscope Collections).  Jeanie has been using the Scan-N-Cut to create a variety of designs and sharing insights on her blog, which you may want to follow to also see what she creates with this ecutter, as well as see how she uses it combined with her super fun and creative Kaleidoscope Collections software.

ECLIPS2 BY SIZZIX

Sizzix introduced eclips2, their 2nd and more powerful electronic cutting system.  Their first ecutter was actually introduced 5 years ago!  This version has an enhanced motor, industrial strength gears, reduced noise and other improvements to help get more precise cuts.  It is also accompanied with free eCAL lite software to allow you to create your own designs, plus cut, score, draw and edit unique shapes for unique projects.

SewCalGal liked the preview feature that allows you to place cuts on materials that may have been previously cut, to allow you to place your new cut to be efficient and optimize use of your materials.  There are also two new models of the ECLIPS2, one of which, will incorporate bluetooth technology to allow users to use the ipads or tablets to work with the eclips2. To clarify, both models can be connected to a computer via a USB cable, but the bluetooth model will allow you to easily bypass the USB cable when used with your tablet.   Retail of the basic eclips2, which will introduce this Spring, is $299 and the model that is bluetooth compatible will be introduced at a slightly higher price (~$50-$60 more), early summer.

These ecutters are definitely marketed towards crafters, with less emphasis on quilters.  But they will cut fabric even though they do not come with a blade for cutting fabric (you simply adjust your settings to cut and need to make sure your fabric is starched well and/or stabilized with a good adhesive stabilizer).   They also come with a basic version of the software and the Designer software version can be purchased for a $25-$50 upgrade price (final price has not yet been determined).

The cutting size for both these new models is 12"x12", 12"x24", or a roll of vinyl.

Also, Sizzix will be releasing a new ESHAPE store this Spring which will offer pre-designed ecut files that can be purchased and downloaded for use on your eclips cutters.

SILHOUETTE

New accessories for the Silhouette ecutters were introduced:  a stencil material,  12"x24"vellum sheets and new adhesive mats that have less tack that make it easier when cutting vellum.

SIMPLICITY EZ QUILTING

There were many wonderful products in the Simplicity booth. SewCalGal was particularly drawn to the SewEZ Jelly Roll ruler, the Joseph's Coat acrylic templates, and the Inkadinkado products.  The Inkadinkado products just seemed to be fun to be able to stamp and create your own fabrics and I think they would look wonderful with beautiful free-motion quilting.  SewCalGal definitely wants to spend more time playing with these products.

TOMBOW

Tombow had an inspirational booth filled with beautiful art made with their creative markers and other craft products.   

CHAMELON

Cameleon introduced some very new marking pens that are alcohol based markers that are refillable and the pen nibs allow excellent control for marking, and amazing color range.  These markers and their gorgeous colors look like they'd be great with artists, crafters and mixed media artists. 

While SewCalGal was told, during a demonstration, that these markers are permanent on most materials, SewCalGal has not yet had a chance to test them on fabrics. But I want to heighten awareness of these new pens, as I think they are going to be very popular.  

CHAMELEON SKINZ 

Cameleon Skinz introduced inspirational fabrics and tapes that change color based on temperature.  You can use your hands, ice, etc.to doodle on these materials.  

Fabrics by Cameleon Skinz have been popular for use in children's hospitals, as they certainly are more inviting for children and they are easy to clean.  But, SewCalGal thinks there are endless possibilities for these products.

Custom fabric orders can be made for different temperature sensitivity, as well as colors.  You can even embed secret messages as well as specifications can be set to allow an initial writer to write a secret message that someone else can then reveal it!  

SewCalGal can certainly think of many projects that would be fun to create with these temperature sensitive materials.  But more awareness needs to be made to help this material cross into the quilting, sewing and even embroidery world.    

I hope you enjoyed hearing my insights on the CHA show. With over 400 vendors, it was quite a challenge as to which products I could share insights with you today. 

The NBC Today Show also attended the CHA Mega Show.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

SewCalGal also hopes to share more insights on many of these products in the near future and maybe a few sponsored giveaways too!  But, at a minimum I hope you'll keep you eye out for these products as they appear in your local sewing and craft shops, or favorite online shops.  And, if you don't see them do let store owners or managers know that you are interested in having them carry these products in their store.  After all, exceptional retail stores do appreciate hearing from customers as to what you'd like to have them offer for sale in their stores.

For more information on CHA:

https://www.craftandhobby.org
https://www.facebook.com/CraftandHobby
https://www.youtube.com/user/CraftandHobby
https://twitter.com/craftandhobby
http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/

Craft and Hobby Association/CHA 2013 Winter Trade Show

The CHA 2013 Winter is currently being held in Anaheim, CA thru January 15th.  If you have a chance, I hope you'll visit their fun Trade Show. CHA is a professional organization that helps those in the craft and hobby industry and stimulate excitement with consumers.  From SewCalGal's observations at this event today, the CHA organization definitely accomplished their goals and more!


The Anaheim Convention Center was packed with amazing vendor booths, many of which offered make & takes, as well as sharing inspirational projects.  And, there are also many amazing giveaways daily.

The show is dominated with scrapbooking vendors, from all over the world.  But, there are also many vendors that would be of interest to anyone with an interest in  quilting, sewing or embroidery. And, there are many wonderful products and inspiration that have crossed over from the world of scrapbooking to quilting, not to overlook mixed media/fibre arts.  So, it was not difficult to find inspiration in every booth at this Trade Show.  And, you may be amazed at what can be created with paper!

AccuCut, Craftwell, Sizzix, Silhouette, CT Pub, Liesure Arts, AdornIt, ArtBin, Clover Needlecraft, Fiskars, Grace Company/True Cut, June Tailor, Tutto Luggage and many more wonderful businesses that quilters love were their to introduce their new products. SewCalGal was only able to attend for a few hours, but is delighted to share a few insights with you about this fun show. And, I also want to encourage anyone that has a chance to attend a CHA show to do so.


Premier Yarns had an inspiration booth.

Beautiful yarns and spectacular projects.  I love the lacy swirly created on the skirt of this outfit.

Various Make & Takes are held Daily, thru Tuesday, January 15th. I had the pleasure of attending a ZenTangle session with the very talented Suzanne McNeill, where I learned insights on the art of ZenTangle and how to make a ZenTangle beaded necklace.   I also had a chance to check out her book "Zen-sational Stitches for Quilting", which looks like a really fun book for those that enjoy free-motion quilting and/or doodling.    I definitely want to get a copy and see create with it.

The Fiskars Fuse booth was beautifully decorated with inspirational projects.  I loved seeing these cute gift embellished gift bags with beautifully embossed birds.

Fiskars also had a beautiful table setting with interesting triangle bags stitched, leaving the imagination as to what treat or toy they might be filled with.

June Tailor introduced a collection of new Creative Covers Rulers that can be used to make unique "openwork" designs for bed covers, tabletop and wall art.  They have a flower, square and circle template that are reasonably priced.  They also look like fun and fast projects that SewCalGal thinks many quilters will  want to make.  

McCalls had a wonderful booth, but my highlight was seeing Michaela Laurie again.  I had previously met Michaela when she first came to CHA in 2011.  Her designs have now been picked up by McCalls for distribution in the US  They are fun designs that work well for paper crafts and fibre arts, creating fun decorations for the home and can make great greeting cards too.  Of course, SewCalGal is anxious to see someone turn Michaela's designs into quilted wallhangings and other quilted projects too!

Keep an eye out at your local JoAnns, sewing centers, and craft stores that carry McCalls patterns.  I think you'll enjoy these new "Paper Quilt Creations" designs.

You can find CHA at:
http://craftandhobby.org
http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CraftandHobby?v=wall&ref=ts
https://twitter.com/CraftandHobby

Shows that may not be on your radar, but you won't want to miss these CHA shows & conferences

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is a professional organization for those involved in the craft and hobby business, which includes quilting, sewing & embroidery!    While CHA has many members that come from quilting, sewing & embroidery, I believe there are many more that could benefit from being a member of CHA, and many that would have fun and be inspired by attending their conferences, trade shows, and craft supershows.  As such, I want to share insights with you today about some upcoming CHA shows and conferences that you may not have on your radar, yet could benefit
by.

An example of the wonderful things that CHA does for their members is their educational webinars.  They even hold a webinar to help show exhibitors learn how to maximize their experience.

First, for those that may not be aware of CHA, it is an international not-for-profittrade association consisting of thousands of member companies engaged in the design, manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products in the nearly $30 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry. CHA promotes education among members, to help them succeed in the business, and enables ways for crafters to connect with other crafters, to develop their skills, and much, much more.  For those in the business, I encourage you to check out CHA and ideally join.  And for those, that are consumers in this business, I hope you get a chance to attend one of their Craft SuperShows, which they open up to the public. For teachers, you may also want to consider becoming a demonstrator for one of the CHA members at a trade show, as it is a great way to show off your talents, as well as attend a wonderful trade show that is not open to the public.

• July 19-21st, 2011 The CHA 2011 Summer Conference & Trade Show , 2011 in Rosemont, Illinois at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The theme is "Craft Fusion: The Selling Power of Mixed Media."  This event is targeted to CHA members and will offer a number of conferences and workshops to help sell mixed-media, there is even a social media bootcamp session!
•  October 7- 9, 2011 The Deseret News Fall Home Show to be held at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah and they will have a CHA Pavillion that will certainly be the highlight of this event!
• January 29-February lst 2012 CHA  Winter Conference & Trade Show will be held in Anaheim, CA. This is a wonderful conference & show, but it is open to CHA members only.   Insights on the CHA SuperShow, which is open to the public, are not yet available online, but rumor has it that the supershow will follow the Winter Conference & Trade Show.

CHA members that may inspire you to come to see their booths, as well as network at these conferences include:  June Tailor, Making AccuCut, Making Memories (SLICE), Mighty Bright, ArtBin, CT Publishing,Dill Buttons, Fiskars, Hancock Fabrics, Loralie Designs, Simplicity Creative Group, Sizzix, Prym Consumer USA/Dritz, Silhouette, Westcott, and many more.

Congratulations to CHA for being named as a finalist in two American Business Award categories, also known as the "Stevie Awards".  And congratulations to Victor Domine who is also named for an award for his contributions.

Victor Domine

Public Relations Manager, Craft & Hobby Association
(201) 835-1224
vdomine@craftandhobby.org
www.craftandhobby.org
http://craftandhobby.wordpress.com
CHA on Facebook

CHA Craft SuperShow (open to the public)

CHA Winter Trade Show 2011

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend the CHA Winter Conference & Trade Show 2011 in Los Angeles, Ca..  This show is packed with excellent conferences appropriate for anyone in the craft & hobby business, including quilting, sewing and embroidery businesses.  The Trade Show that is held along with the conference is also a fantastic trade show, with vendors and attendees coming from around the world, representing a large variety of craft & hobby businesses (e.g. quilting, sewing, embroidery,fibre-artists,  jewelry, scrapbooking, etc.).  It is fun to see so many talented people and amazing businesses come together under one roof and share their insights to inspire creativity and business health.

I'm excited to have an opportunity to share with you some of the items that new products at this show, which I think will make a difference in our world of quilting, sewing and embroidery, as well as related items that you may be interested in for yourself, or for gifts. 

Many of these items I hope to be able to research and share more insights with you in the future, but for now I wanted to provide you a summary of what I found at the CHA Winter Trade Show:

Cutting Tools:

Making Memories' new Slice Fabrique is a lightweight cordless cutting tool that can really make it easy to create quilts with applique designs and fonts.  While the Slice Elite is designed to cut paper and capable of cutting fabric, the new Slice Fabrique also cuts both, but has some features that make this new product better for those that will primarily be using it for cutting fabric.  There are many new dies memory cards designed specifically for quilters that compliment the Fabrique model, but are also compatible with the Slice. While typical Slice memory cuts max out at a 4" cut, these new designs enable an applique design using multiple pieces that can result in a large than 4" applique design.  Each design can also be created with a shadow feature, as well as mirroring image.  The new Fabrique also has a special holder that essentially weights down the cutting device to make it a hands free device, unlike the earlier Slice.  And, the new Fabrique can also cut items popularly cut by the Slice (e.g. paper).  I'm excited about the new memory cards, with designs by popular designers, that will soon be on the market.  And, I hope to be sharing more insights on these new products with you very soon.

Creatopia by Xyron is a new cutting system that will cut fabric, but is primarily a paper cutting & embossing tool.  It can use any AccuQuilt GO! die that works with the GO! Baby (e.g. up to 6 1/2" wide)  and what I found really cool is that it uses 3 normal rotary blades that you can align to cut fabric strips of any width!  This is a big plus for those that primarily want to cut strips and don't want to buy or store a die for each size of strip that they want to cut, up to any strip combination of 12" wide.

eCraft by craftwell has several electronic cutting systems to cut & emboss paper, and cut fabric without the use of a mat.  The rep giving the demo did not appear to be that familiar with how quilters use cutters, as many answers to my questions did not make sense.  Still, this looks like a cutter that is worthy of consideration for those looking for an electronic cutting system. It can also cut adhesive vinyl.  And it comes with software that allows you to create your own designs. I'm definitely wanting to investigate this tool further and plan to share insights with you.

silhouette is a versatile product that comes bundled with software where you can create your own designs to cut designs on paper, vinyl, and fabric.  They have recently introduced a printable heat transfer product that comes in two forms:  Clean cut and sewable.  This is a fun and versatile cutting product that is great for home decorations, scrapbooking and I believe will become very popular with sewing, quilting and embroidery enthusiasts in the near future. 

AccuCut was at the show, promoting their cutting system to cut paper.  The AccuQuilt side of their business, focused on cutters for fabric, sadly, was not represented at this show. 

SizzIx
It was fun to see Tim Holtz demonstrate his new Vagabond cutter, which is an electronic cutter primarily targeted at scrapbookers.  There seems to be some potential for cutting fabric, but the demonstrations and informations that I've obtained to-date from Tim and/or Sizzix have not been able to answer all my questions, thus I'm holding off on forming an opinion on this product at this time.  While I have previously seen demonstrations of the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro, I liked to see more emphasis by Sizzix on what these products can also do for quilters.  While I've not been able to use one, the versatility of these products to use a variety of manufacturer's dies is a big plus.    Still, I'm holding off to forming an official opinion until I have more hands on time with this Big Shot Pro as I've heard a variety of opinions from fellow quilters and Sizzix appears to have their focus on scrapbookers vs quilters.  But, like some of the other cutters, both of the Big Shots are able to use dies from other manufacturers (e.g. AccuQuilt GO! and Studio dies).

Simplicity has a fun booth packed with their products.  While their Rotary Cutting Machine has been on the market for awhile, I wanted to include it in this group.  I was able to see it demonstrated cutting fabric strips from 3/8" to 2 3/4", of any length.  I also saw a demonstration of using craft blades to cut and/or mark metal tape for use in fibre-arts and liked this application very much.  The price for this product is very reasonable, making this a good product for someone primarily interested in cutting strips.

Fiskars introduced many new products, including some very cool new Titanium Comfort Loop Rotary Cutters (45mm and 60mm) with a new updated handle to reduce hand fatigue.  And the blade has new titanium coating for improved durability and lasting sharpness. 

Publishers:
CT Publishing had a nice collection of the STASH books.  I also caught a demo of their new TAP media which I found to be an exciting way to transfer images to ATCs, t-shirts and other medias.  I'm definitely looking forward to trying out this media and will certainly share more insights when I do.  

Random House was introducing many new books at this show.  "Modern Log Cabin Quilt", by Susan Beal will be on sale in March, along with other new books that I'm not able to share insights with you at this time.  And do be sure to check out "Dare to be Square Quilting" by Boo Davis.  I had a chance to check out this book at this show, and it really has some fun designs and excellent tips.

Leisure Arts
There were some wonderful new books introduced at this show.  So new, in fact, I can't share much info with you at this time.  But keep an eye out for a new release from Leisure Arts called "3 Times a Charm".  And I hope to share more  insights on this new book, as well as others, as soon as they are officially release. 

Storage & Organization:
ArtBin is celebrating their 35th Anniversary this year with some wonderful new product introductions.  New color collection solutions boxes can are available in purple, rasberry and teal, along with a translucent clear.  They also have a cute new Magnetic Slime line case that is perfect for those that like to keep needles, scissors, bobbins and/or pins in a small case.  Their Tote Express originally targeted for scrapbookers, now has a version to carry small sewing machines.  I am a big fan of ArtBin Super Satchel Series,  and was drooling over their Super Satchel Cubes to help organize your sewing room.  They also have a new Super Satchel Thread box and an option to help store 20mm, 32mm and 45mm spools in a large Satchel.

DBest Products has a  Smart Cart that is lightweight, yet durable,  cart that collapses to take up minimal storage space.  While originally designed to help scrapbookers, I think this cart will also be of interest to many quilting, sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.  It comes in black, blue or navy and holds 12"x12" paper (or small sewing machines and other sewing items that do not exceed this width.  The wholesale price is $12.50, with a retail at $25.  I also understand they have a wider version, but it was not exhibited at this show. This is certainly a cart that has caught my attention. When I can get some hands on time with these carts, I'll certainly share more insights.  I the meantime, I hope you'll get to check out DBest Products' Smart Cart.  And, I also think this could be a great product for quilting & sewing stores to consider as a product for their customers. After all, we all like great storage that also helps us take our projects and tools to classes and retreats.

Fabric Manufacturers/Designers
Adornit is a new manufacturer of beautiful 100% cotton fabrics and pattern books.  With their business background firmly established in the world of scrapbooking, they've used their creative talents to expand out into the world of quilting.  They launched fabric line at Spring Quilt Market 2010 and they continue to expand their product offering.  This is definitely a brand name that will soon be familiar with every quilter.  Beautiful fabrics, lovely pattern books (aka quilt books and more).  I look forward to sharing more insights with  you on Adornit in the near future.

Eco-Fi, a product of Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC, produces engineered, non-woven fabrics and specialty synthetic fibers.  These fibres are all high-quality polyester fiber made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, completely made in the US.   An ecotote fabric that also looked excellent to machine embroider on or embellish to make beautiful totes and an ecofleece fabric that looked wonderful to make stuffed toys, pillows and other fun sewn items from.  I definitely am planning on doing more research on their products as I'd like to find more ways to go green, in the future, with my love of sewing.

Oil Cloth By The Yard  is the largest oil cloth company in the country.  They offer beautiful oil cloth by the yard, as well in a number of kits (to make lunch bags, pennants, tote bags, market bags, pouches and more) Freckled Sage is the side of their business with pre-made products (e.g. totes, aprons, placemats, bibs, tablecloths, etc.).  They also take custom orders.  The oil cloth was of excellent quality with a large range of spectacular designs.

Notions & Accessories
Prym Consumer USA (Dritz Sewling Notions) introduced many new products.  Their new OmniAngle 6"x14" Wedge Ruler (RA624) allows you to create fans, circles, wedges and spirals making it a handy to make table runners, wall hangings and tree skirts.

DMC introduced several new products: ready-to-stitch plushed stuff animals (Monkey, Duck & Pig),10 new beautiful Color Infusions Memory threads which looked like they'd be fun to use in a variety of fibre-arts and 3D quilts.  They also had fun kits to learn to crossstitch in half the time. I also liked their project books for tweens to help them learn the art of sewing.

The Knit Kit is a handy new accessory that is a great product for knitters on the go, of all levels.  In a cute little case it includes a stitch counter, measuring tape, thread cutter, scissors, darning needle and more.   They also have a new Quilt Kit for quilters that includes a seam ripper, measuring tape, pins, sewing needles, bobbin, thimble and scissors.  Great price @ $22-25, making these also good gift ideas.   Both portable kits are  also TSA approved and are reasonably priced.

Offray
Offray always has beautiful ribbons and had many new ones introduced at the show.  Of course, I really enjoyed seeing Cat In The Hat  showing off his favorite ribbons.

Embroidery Items
Quick Stitch Products, from Neil Enterprises, Inc. has a beautiful collection of embroidery papers and gifty blanks that any machine embroidery person could have fun making beautiful items for their home and gifts with.  All reasonably priced.  I also think their papers and blanks would be wonderful products for any store that has machine embroidery customers, but anyone can also order directly from their online store too.  I am certainly looking forward to doing some ME products with their products and blanks.

Knitting items
The Art of Knitting had a variety of kits and videos to help teach people to knit. I was very impressed with their collection for kids, including their dvd "The Art of Knitting for kids" that helps teach kids ages 5+ how to knit.  All reasonably priced and would also make great gifts for those looking for a crafty gift idea for kids.

Other Items
Frank A. Edmunds Co. had beautiful quilting frames and hoops that looked to be high quality and reasonably priced.  I liked their full size quilt frame fashioned after frames from the past.  Perfect for the single quilter or a group.  These frames can easily adjust from a baby quilt up to a full size or King quilt.  They also offer a large selection of round, oval and half boarder hoops.  These would be excellent hoops for any hand quilter.

Michaela Laurie (I Love Paper Quilting), from Australia, was vending her line of "Made by You" which are beautiful quilts made from paper.  This talented designer has created an interesting style of quilt art that I hope you will take time to view more on her site, and consider making on your own.  She also teaches and is willing to travel to teach or give presentations.  I anticipate seeing her work at Quilt Shows and in Quilt Museums in the very near future.  Absolutely beautiful!

Halcraft USA had several booths, some filled with beautiful glass beads perfect for jewelry and fibre artists.  I was drawn to their booth that was full of quilts, fibre-arts, and other sewn items.  While there I was able to learn of some new stablizers that have been manufactured by Halcraft and will hopefully be picked up soon by a large retailer (e.g. JoAnns, Hancocks, etc.  I really liked what I saw and plan to follow this product and hope to share more insights as it is introduced in the retail market.  Definitely a product that is going to be popular with applique quilters, machine embroiders, fibre-artists and more. 

As I have enjoyed creating fabric thru the use of sewing fibers and using stablizers, I was very excited to see the new products by Halcroft also included stablizers to support such projects.  And it was fun to see that they also utilized AccuCut products to cut such sewn fabrics for applique'.  Again, I look forward to sharing more insights with you on their products, as I research more. 

I hope you are able to check out these new products in your local sewing & quilting stores soon.  And if you don't find them, let the respective owner (or buyer) know that you are interested. 

You may also want to attend the CHA Craft Super Show, as I think you'll have a lot of fun checking out new products and participating in a variety of make-n-takes too.  It will be held July 21-24, 2011 in
Rosemont (Chicago), Il

http://www.jfashow.com/
http://www.craftsupershow.com/