Vending Joy

I have had the pleasure of vending two weekends in a row, and it has filled me up in the best way. Vending at quilt shows has become one of my greatest joys as an adult. I love the chance to chat with fellow quilters and to cheer on the “wannabe” quilters who just need a little encouragement. While I love being a dealer of all things quilty, the truth is, this role gives me more than I could ever give, the conversations, the laughter, and the connections all fill my cup.

This weekends show was especially nice because so many of the vendors were familiar faces from previous events. There is a special comfort in seeing friends across the aisles, sharing laughs, comparing notes, and cheering eachother on. It feel like its own little growing community.

Last weekend’s show, however, was my favorite yet. For the first time since 2019, the Great Lakes African American Quilting Network hosted a quilt show. I was invited to their event a couple of months ago, and I’d been looking forward to it ever since. I knew the quilts would be fabulous(they were!), but what truly made the weekend unforgettable was the joyful, uplifting spirit of the members. Their warmth and enthusiasm filled the room and made every conversation a delight.

Even more inspiring was the way the community showed up. So many non-quilters came out to support their neighbors, cousins, and friend. Buses even rolled in from Cleveland and Chicago.

I left the even inspired, grateful, and reminded why I love sharing this creative journey. Thank you, Great Lakes African American Quilt Network for such a heart lifting experience! And also thank you to the Oakland County Quilt Guild for inviting me back to your great space, it always feels welcoming and full of creative energy.

Mandy, Chief Maker at Cut It Up Quilts