AQC 2019

AQC is over for another year. In some ways I'm a little bit sad, as I love catching up with everyone and meeting new customers. In other ways I'm very happy, as it is a huge amount of work and a relief when it's all over and everything is packed away and I'm back home.  This was my 7th trip to the Australasian Quilt Convention, and I think I took the most stock that I have ever taken. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and after a delay, I was able to unpack the ute and get everything to my stand. It doesn't look much but I knew that I was going to have trouble displaying it all.

It usually takes me about 4 hours to set up.....I'm getting quite good at it......but the delay had put me back and I wasn't able to finish it off until the Wednesday morning.

My stand was absolutely full to the brim.

I had met Leanne from Petals & Patches at our usual meeting place on Tuesday afternoon, where I picked up her beautiful Bluebird Gatherings Quilt. We joke that we feel like we are doing a drug deal with the handover of bags in the parking lot......lol!

I was thrilled that Gail could be on my stand on Thursday morning to sign copies of her new book 'Changing Seasons'......and just maybe she gave me a fat quarter bundle of her new Christmas range called 'Christmas Elves' to play with......eeek! I will be getting the whole range in the shop.......but you will have to wait until next month for it to arrive.

Russell helped me on the Thursday before he had to head off to the Victorian Kart Championships at Puckapunyal. I think by some of the stories he has been telling me, he may have preferred to stay at AQC and help me for the whole 4 days instead of dealing with some of the go karters! On Friday and Saturday I was joined by Hannah who very ably assisted me. She is my 'shop keeper' at my Retreat, Christmas in July, and Stitch in Spring, so a lot of the ladies know Hannah quite well. Thanks Hannah.....could not have done it by myself.

Sunday is always a quiet day, so I was able to hold the fort on my own. Before I knew it, it was 4.30pm, and time to pack it all up and hit the road. It certainly was a quick pack up after a successful event, there was a lot less to cart out to the ute than I carted in on the Tuesday. I was on the road before dark, which was nice.

Thank you to everyone who supported me during the four days at AQC, and to those who couldn't make it but still placed orders. At this stage I haven't booked to go back next year. I'm a bit tired and emotional at the moment after a very busy start to the year. I will take some time to decide whether to return for an eighth year. 

Linda    :)

Comments

[Jill Henderson]

Hi Linda, wait until you are rested before making the decision. I know you put a huge effort in, so no wonder you are exhausted.

[Meredith]

Your stand was just beautiful, Linda! Thanks for the lovely chat, and for organising a signed copy of Gail’s new book.