Portland Archives - American Quilt Retailer

Posted on June 6, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Spring Market Recap

Every year, people come from around the world to attend the International Quilt Market and promote their craft through hands-on and visual demonstrations.

I’m sure many of you kept up with American Quilt Retailer’s journey to Portland for the Spring International Quilt Market—but if you didn’t, here is what you missed.

American Quilt Retailer Editor Heidi Kaisand was tasked by her son to bring food back from each state, and although the feat wasn’t easy, you can bet Heidi went above and beyond.

Llamas continue to be a hit, as seen by the abundance of craft displays at market. Another craft tip included putting wool applique in picture frames if you don’t have enough time for a quilt.

Other trends included batiks (yay!) and tertiary colors, otherwise known as colors hyphenated on the wheel, such as red-orange, yellow-green, and red-violet.

People got creative with certain themes, like wanderlust, through travel-inspired crafts, as well as mythology which turned out to be too cute for kids. Another trend moving into the craft world is farmhouse living through home decor.

As always, quilt market provides an opportunity to meet with industry celebrities (through events hosted by companies like Moda) and provide a laid back atmosphere to find out what they’re up to. These conversations allow you to hear their stories, how they started, and what products they like.

Check out more from market through AQR’s social media posts using the hashtag #8statesin8days, or download the free digital copy of the more sights and sounds.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

Posted on May 15, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece

Connect at Quilt Market

American Quilt Retailer is returning with Better Homes & Gardens American Patchwork & Quilting for another Schoolhouse Series at this spring’s Quilt Market!

The Spring International Quilt Market is May 18-20 in Portland, Oregon, and the Schoolhouse Series will feature three classes on Thursday, May 17.

Editor of AQR and shop owner Heidi Kaisand will be joined by editor of American Patchwork & Quilting Jody Sanders and Roseann Kermes to feature three classes.

The first class of the Schoolhouse Series covers something we all wish we had more of; time. Owning a small business can make it difficult to reach business goals and often interferes with our personal lives. This session will cover organizing, delegating, and making essential decisions to run your business.

The second session is as dynamic as the people running it. Editors Kaisand and Sanders will cover information for consumers and shop owners alike through topics like color options and products to inspire customers.

Lastly, Heidi Kaisand is again joined by Roseann Kermes to share how to make a staff operate like a well-oiled machine. A team that works well together makes victories so much easier to obtain, and thus an even more successful business that everyone can reap the benefits from.

Finally for the part you’ve all been waiting for… AQR is happy to announce the now-legendary blue bags are back, and the first 400 people to attend the Schoolhouse Series will receive one filled with information and product in exchange for a business card.

Just some of the product to be featured in the blue bags AQR will hand our during their Schoolhouse Series at the Spring International Quilt Market in Portland Oregon.

If you so happen to be sticking around the Quilt Market, feel free to stop by American Quilt Retailer’s booth at 839 and talk to editor Heidi Kasiand about how we can make the issue better for you. We love feedback—and conversations with other small business owners, too.

Posted on February 28, 2018January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Jaftex Corporation to buy FreeSpirit Fabrics

You heard it here first folks, Jaftex Corporation has announced their intent to purchase the one and only FreeSpirit Fabrics.

Jaftex Corporation is a fourth-generation, family owned business based in New York City. Other names under the Jaftex umbrella include Henry Glass Fabrics, Studioe Fabrics, The Blank Quilting Corp., Fabric Editions, A.E. Nathan Co., Inc., and now, FreeSpirit Fabrics.

FreeSpirit Fabrics is known for their trend-setting artists including none other than Tula Pink and Anna Marie Horner, of whom you can catch at the International Quilt Market this spring in Portland, Oregon, along with the unveiling of the “new” Free Spirit. There Horner will also be hosting a schoolhouse on her new conservatory program.

Outside of Tula Pink and Horner, FreeSpirit is known for their unique collection including Kaffe Fassett Collective, The Original Morris & Co., Dena Designs, Snow Leopard Studios, Jennifer Paganelli, Heather Bailey and more. FreeSpirit was previously under the Coats family, which is known for providing services to the apparel, craft, and footwear industries.

FreeSpirit can be found in many fabric stores, and are known for providing quality fabrics that inspire young and old creatives alike. Jaftex Corporation intends on remaining true to the FreeSpirit brand and cause minimal disruption in the marketplace for what FreeSpirit customers have come to know and love.