-
Step 1
Get on the mailing list. You'll receive the annual booklet for the Quilters' Heritage Celebration which is released during the fall for the next year's festival. It lists all the classes and special exhibits for the event, and instructions for submitting an entry into the quilt show.
-
Step 2
If you plan to spend more than one day at QHC, make your lodging reservations early. Some women will make their reservations for next year while they are attending this year's event.
-
Step 3
Prioritize. There are three categories of activities you can pursue at QHC: viewing quilts, buying fabrics and quilting gadgets and taking classes. Decide which of the categories is most important and make it your first priority of the festival.
-
Step 4
If taking a quilting class is most important, sign-up for the class when the QHC booklet arrives in the mail. The most popular classes fill quickly. Once you are accepted to a class, read the equipment and instruction list carefully and bring everything that is required.
-
Step 5
If viewing the quilts on display is your priority, begin each day in the quilt exhibits. These areas are most crowded between about 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. To get a better view of the quilts, arrive early or stay late. There are three areas at Lancaster Host Resorts where the quilts are displayed: The Main Building is where the larger quilts, miniature quilts and winning quilts are displayed with the featured exhibit. Lampeter Exhibit Hall is where the wall-sized quilts, teacher's examples and special touring exhibits are shown. The Ballroom Exhibit Hall features the Quilt National Tour (art quilts) each year.
-
Step 6
If shopping is most important to you, visit the vendors. There are vendors in all three of the exhibition areas. The vendors are on the perimeter of the exhibit halls, but don't miss the few in the aisles. You'll find few repeats among the vendors in the official QHC exhibits. So if you see something you want, get it. Don't wait to see if somebody else is carrying the same item for less money.
-
Step 7
Sewing machine companies such as Bernina, Pfaff, and Viking hold free sewing lessons in their booths in the exhibition halls. If you want to tryout the latest and greatest sewing machines, or purchase one at show discount pricing, find their booths and sign-up early in the day.
-
Step 8
Special luncheons, fashion shows, and lectures are part of the QHC experience. Consult the annual Schedule of Events to see if any are interesting to you. These occur in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.
-
Step 9
Right across Route 30 from the QHC the annual Quilt Blossom Festival is held concurrently. The Continental Inn becomes a vendor's market and a haven for quilt shoppers. This show opens an hour early and stays open at least an hour later than the QHC. Plan to arrive at 9 a.m. when the vendors open for an hour or two of crowd-free shopping.
