Have you booked your flights? Reserved your hotel? Made an appointment with your favorite Hoffman California Fabrics rep? It’s time to finalize your plans for the h+h americas show now!
The show itself runs May 6-8 (Wednesday through Friday), in Rosemont, Illinois (just outside of Chicago). This is THE event for the professional crafting industry, encompassing not just quilting, but also fiber arts such as knitting and crochet, and cosplay, garment and accessory sewing. There’s more, I promise, but you can learn all about the exhibitors and events on their website, hh-americas.com.
More importantly, why should you attend? Let me count the reasons!
Make in-person connections. You may even meet one of your idols (or me! Meet me!) Seriously, over the years I’ve met many designers who were willing to take the time to visit with me. Of course, you then have the opportunity to later tell a story or two about that designer’s personal approach to a new line that they designed, and what made it personal to them. Trust me, it makes it personal to your customers, too.
See the latest trends—in color, design and products. While you may have a favorite color palette, it can pale in comparison to the latest palettes that will be dominating collections in the future. Be in the know, and plan accordingly. Years ago, at a Quilt Market far away, I was told that the best way to spot industry color trends was to look through bridal magazines. While not a bad idea, I disagree. Go to the industry show. Walk the floor. Take lots of pictures and you’ll come up with a fresh new palette that works for you and your market.
Design trends and products are just as important as color palettes. One past piece of advice I do agree with is to come away from the show with at least one new product to take back to your shop. It doesn’t have to be showy, and it may only be new to your store. It’s just fun for you, and fun for your customers to see something new. A new notion, a bag, stuffed animal or clothing item (as in something you don’t normally sell) with the appropriate patterns, or something so new I can’t even imagine it to tell you about it (so be on the lookout) are just a few ideas.
Compare products. Everything all at once pretty much sums up the show floor, so it is good to have a plan. I personally like to walk the whole show floor once over before I start ordering. It gives me a chance to spot trends (see above) and compare products. See which products you like the best, and decide which products will be compatible with each other. Don’t forget to mark down where you saw them! It’s frustrating to spend time later looking for that one perfect thing that you saw somewhere!
Take a class and learn something new. h+h is offering a plethora of classes. Don’t feel comfortable discerning new trends all by your lonesome? Attend the Craft Trends for 2026 lecture by Renee Froerer on Thursday, May 7, from 10:30 to 11:30. Yes, that’s a.m. (they’re not monsters!) The list of classes is amazing; I’d like to attend them all and I don’t even have a store anymore. From Integrating AI into your business to using Instagram to build community (on a personal note I’d really be happy to not have my daughter-in-law stand behind me and sigh whenever I try to make an “Insta” post), there really is a lot to choose from if you can break yourself away from the show floor.
Get refreshed and get inspired! This may be the most important reason of all. We all need a boost every now and then, and there’s no better way to get it than hob-knobbing with your own kind. I for one, can’t wait to be among fellow quilters and crafters. I’ll be spending part of my day in the Hoffman California Fabrics booth, so please stop by and prove there’s actually someone who reads this! I’d really like to meet you and hear your thoughts about the show, the industry, the trials of running a business, or anything else you’d like to share.
Until next time, Karen
