In case you missed it, Quilts Inc. announced on Wednesday that Quilt Market – the long-running quilt industry trade show held in Houston each fall – has officially ceased operations. You can read the official announcement here. However, International Quilt Festival, the consumer show that usually follows the trade show, WILL continue. Dates for that show are November 12-15, 2026 at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston.
In 2022, h&h americas opened a new, competing trade show in Chicago encompassing all the needlearts – not just quilting. I’ve had a few creative-type colleagues from the greater ATL attend the h&h americas event. They recommended I attend this industry event as a sewing educator. Apparently, I have the credentials to do so. The 2026 dates don’t work with my schedule, but perhaps I can make plans to attend in 2027.
2025 has certainly been a year of big changes in the world of sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching and every other fiber & textile specialty. Private equity discovered our “grandma hobbies” and literally wreaked havoc on the entire crafts industry in its quest for investor returns. I’m still miffed about the whole Joann fiasco. Tariffs have also added to already higher prices on fabric, sewing machines and craft supplies. The Janome 9480 I’ve had my eye on is now $2,500 higher than it was this time last year due tariffs. Surprisingly, the Elna version (same machine AND includes the stitch regulator) is $1500 cheaper than the Janome. I’ll continue to wait until prices drop or my Janome 8900 gives up the ghost and will probably wind up with the Elna version.
Come Stitch With Me 