Road to California 2015 – 20^th Anniversary Show will have 220 retailers set up more than 700 merchant booths devoted to selling a wide variety of merchandise of interest to quilters, textile artists, home sewist, and crafters.  Of those 220 retailers, there are five vendors who have been with Road from the first year:

ABC Patterns

Sally Bertetto, owner of ABC Patterns, remembers that in 1996, their dimensional patterns were VERY popular as well as their applique tools like mini-irons. In 2015, they have more patterns to choose from including at least 20 new paper piecing patterns, large baby quilt patterns, dimensional quilt patterns, redwork patterns, stained glass patterns, applique patterns, mini-quilt patterns, and more….patterns that is…  They will also carry some applique tools and small lightboxes, as well as some very nice hand dyed fabrics. 

ABC Patterns is thankful to be a part of Road for the past 20 years. Sue would like to wish Carolyn, “The very best this next year.  May her quilts shine bright above her mantle (or on her wall or bed), may she learn new quilting techniques, may her quilts touch the hearts of those around her, may she meet new quilting friends, and may she have fun quilting this next year!”

Pincushion Boutique

Pincushion Boutique, which carries Sweet Treats™, the coordinated groups of eight fat-quarters, uniquely named and tied with a ribbon, have been grateful to see the transformation of Road from a little “quilt shop” in 1996 to a national vendor and quilt show in 2015. Owner, Mary Hubka, reflected on the quality of the show for the past 20 years. Says Mary, “Carolyn has maintained the integrity of the show since the beginning.  The quilts are outstanding, and so are the vendors, which many shows can’t claim. We tell everyone across the country to come and check it out for themselves.  We’ve had many, many of our customers do just that!”

This year, Pincushion Boutique will not only have an assortment of Sweet Treats™ in their booth but also Pressed For Time Quiltworks patterns (they are the original designers) and Snuggle Upkits  that all use Sweet Treats™ interchangeably. In addition, they will have an abundance of specialty kits, including a salute to Frozen with a cuddly minkee back.

Mary wishes Carolyn “continued success” and thanks her for the opportunity to be a part of Mary’s “favorite show in the country.” 

Prize Possessions

Back in 1996, Prize Possessions owned by Susan and Allan Baker, made jewelry from antique and collectible buttons and somehow got named the “button people” which has stuck until this day. Susan remarked, “Just like 20 years ago, we still have the name Prize Possessions and we still make jewelry from antique and collectible buttons.  We like to think our skills and the quality of our jewelry has improved with age and experience.”

Susan added, “It feels great to be at Road for 20 years although it makes us feel a little old. However, we just like to think of ourselves as ‘experienced’. We have seen lots of changes over the years and have had many memorable experiences. I will never forget the day the Santa Ana winds almost blew us all away. I also remember the move from the Hilton to the new Convention Center. It was great to have so much room and such a beautiful facility to work in.”

“Allan and I wish Carolyn continued success. She has always been a good friend and a first class promoter. Road is a great show and it is definitely due to Carolyn’s talent and hard work as well as the great work of her outstanding staff.”  

TreadleArt

Janet and Tom Stocker remember Road’s first show in 1996. Says Janet, “We were fortunate enough to be at the inception of helpful gadgets, notions, and even CD’s with tutorials. It was an exciting time in the quilting business. New techniques were introduced and more books made variations to the original books.” That year, TreadleArt featured in their booth a lot of books, patterns, and new notions and gadgets just coming onto the market. Janet recalls, “Do you remember the adjustable cutting table; rolling cutters and mats; Laurel Burch bags; the walking foot; the Open Toe Applique foot which was the first device to hold your quilt while you did free motion quilting?”

Look for books having to do with quilting plus lots of notions, patterns, and rulers that make quilting more fun and accurate in this year’s TreadleArt booth.

On Road’s 20^th Anniversary, the Stockers hope Carolyn can relax and that Matt keeps up the good work. Wallow in your accomplishments and remain excited about what is to come.” 

Treasures of the Gypsy

In 1996, Treasures of the Gypsy had a small 10X10 booth that featured four art dolls and one small art quilt on display. Says owner Pamela Armas, “ It feels great to have been a part of this show for 20 years and having watched it grow from Carolyn’s dream to one of the largest and most impressive shows in the country. We have always felt like we were part of the ‘Road’ family. Carolyn has been a good example for us all. Now after 20 years, I feel like ‘dead Gypsy walking’ But at least I am still walking!!”

This year, Treasures of the Gypsy will have lots of new fabrics, embellishments and patterns plus a huge selection of trims, braids, and ribbons to co-ordinate with all the fabrics. There will also be 160 art dolls on display with some new surprises!! 

“The Gypsies wish for Carolyn healthy years to come and some well-deserved REST!”

Road to California thanks these five special vendors for being with us for 20 years and we hope 20 more.