Giant ATC Swap in Chicago: April 13-15

[onetomatotwo]

I hope this is the right place for this (this is where the ATC junkies hang out, right?) I just searched an it doesn't look like anyone else has posted this, so I thought I would.

At the International Quilt Festival in Chicago, the magazine Cloth Paper Scissors sponsors a giant ATC swap. When I went last year, they had everyone mail in their ATCs ahead of time, then they were all posted on a huge board and you got to pick the same number that you sent in to take home -- it was pretty incredible. There were, um... 100s of ATCs posted there. Quite a sight!

This year, you bring them straight to the festival, so I'm not sure how they're going to do the swapping... I just looked on their site and there aren't too many details... but I'm sure they'll handle it well, as they really do fantastic work.

Don't be thrown by the fact that it's a quilt festival -- all kinds of different techniques are represented in the ATCs at this thing. If you're going to be in the Chicago area on April 13-15, I highly recommend this show.

Besides the ATC trading, there are tons of vendors there and there's an entire row devoted to [I'm pausing for dramatic effect here] "embellishments." Like, any little doo-hickey or hoo-ha or whatever you can imagine wanting to put on an ATC? They've got it.

You'll find slightly more information here. If you've been to the Houston show, I actually felt that one was bigger, but this is a pretty amazing show. So inspirational! Worth going to if you're around.

(Oh, and I'll want full details posted here if anyone goes!)

[Stifflersmom]

Thanks for the heads up! If anyone attends, please take & post pictures.

[eloiseinmoscow]

that sounds just amazing!

[catdaddytn]

Hi,  I read about the workshops at this festival.  From that description, you are right, that this is more than quilts.  I love quilts, but they aren't part of my skills.

Since I read about the festival when it was too late to go, I've been reading about upcoming festivals.  I noticed that there is a festival in Long Beach, CA in July.  The timing would be great - not sure, if I can go.

Do you know if the Make it University, pre-conference workshops are presented at all of the festivals?  Do you know the schedule for Long Beach?

thanks.  catdaddy

[xxmetal_mistressxx]

Awwwssommmee!! I'm 15 mins away from chicago! I need to go! I'll take pictures I promise. 

[rackycoo]

Awwwssommmee!! I'm 15 mins away from chicago! I need to go! I'll take pictures I promise. 

It looks like you missed it. It was in April. I'm going to delete this post soon so no one else gets all excited. 

[onetomatotwo]

Awwwssommmee!! I'm 15 mins away from chicago! I need to go! I'll take pictures I promise. 

It looks like you missed it. It was in April. I'm going to delete this post soon so no one else gets all excited. 

You did miss it... this year. The good news is: They have it every year!

In 2008, it will be April 11-13. Check back here for more details as the show approaches.

Perhaps I should edit my original post title to be "Every April"?

[xxmetal_mistressxx]

Awwwssommmee!! I'm 15 mins away from chicago! I need to go! I'll take pictures I promise. 

It looks like you missed it. It was in April. I'm going to delete this post soon so no one else gets all excited. 

You did miss it... this year. The good news is: They have it every year!

In 2008, it will be April 11-13. Check back here for more details as the show approaches.

Perhaps I should edit my original post title to be "Every April"?

lol i keep forgetting it's may and not april. I was like man it's this weekend!!!! I then realized my mistake. I can't believe I missed it. I will look forward to it next year.