Most folks are back in the office now that the Market in Salt Lake City is over the feedback is that the show was a good one.  Vendors reported seeing stores that had never been to a market before as well as folks in the process of opening a store. Good signs for us as a healthy independent base is important to our industry.

I think there are some opportunities for designers to exploit for the next show. One is wearables- across the board, particularly for children and items more to the fashion side than the wearable art side. Perhaps the punchneedle designers can show us how their designs can be incorporated into jackets etc.

We need all kinds of patterns for those neat contemporary prints that were in abundance. Favorite Things had a great band collar jacket that brought a few of these prints together very successfully. I hope other fashion designers do as well. We also need to see some great ideas for home decor (tabletop?) and quilts. Amy Butler had some great items in her booth using her pillows. I'd like to see more inspiration for our customer. Consumers may love the prints but they need some direction on what to do with them.

Am I missing it or are there few dolls and other soft sculpture items. As a Santa and Angel collector I am always eager to see what designers introduce.There are so many soft squishy yummy fabrics out there, perhaps some more baby items as well as collectible soft sculpture.

Looking at all the thread options... I want to encourage folks to educate their customers however possible about which is the right thread for the job. It is in your vendors' best interest to help you with that info so ask them for information.

I am glad to see that the fabric purse as an accessory item has not gone the route of the scarf. Designers wisely keep reinventing this fashion item and the latest versions are soft and slouchy  with self fabric straps. Alot of these were shown at market in dyed wools, Consider what you have in faux suede, velvet and other textured home decor fabrics to switch them up.

All in all another great market with great ideas from fabric companies and pattern designers. Start planning now, while the ideas are fresh in your mind, for promotions and classes to keep folks engaged. It's going to be a stay at home summer- I figured out when I gassed up in NJ yesterday. Yikes.

That could spell opportunity for crafting close to home. Check out our online forums for advice on kids camps-- Beth