Some of the ladies in my local quilt group had never been to a quilt show so we decided instead of our monthly group, we’d take a road trip. Our plan was originally to go to Spring Hill but then I heard that was a small show, maybe 30-40 quilts. We decided to try Ocala since it boasted 200+ quilts and vendors.

I have to say I haven’t been to a show since before Covid and maybe that’s what affected it, but it wasn’t the best I’d seen. I think the local guild tried their best but they were way short of 200 quilts and I was surprised to see how many were the same pattern, in the same fabrics. I was more surprised that the few vendors they had only brought their sale fabrics instead of new lines and there were no food or drink vendors. They did have an excellent array of donated gift baskets. They looked enticing until we found out they won’t mail. We’d have to make a 4 hour round trip to pick it up if we won.

So was it worth a 4 hour round trip? For the quilt show, maybe not. For the fun and fellowship, I think so. We had a day away from home with breakfast and a lot of funny stories and I had a great time. We even found an Ocala quilt shop retiring and offering 45% off the entire shop.

I think the ladies had a good time. I didn’t get to talk to Pam or Claudia before they left but Pam messaged to say she had a blast and Marilyn and Brenda were thrilled for a day away from hubby with friends and having fun.

So all in all, I think it was a great day. we’ve already planned to go to the sewing expo in January so that should really give them a look at quilt shows.