Paducah vs other Sew Expos?
 

I am traveling to Jackson, TN and will be there for a couple of weeks to help care for my ailing mother. I noticed that Paducah is only a couple of hours away, and have heard lots of chatter here and on other forums about the Paducah Quilt Show. Is it really that great that I should arrange a day off and make the drive since I will be so close? I attend the Sew Expo here in Puyallup, WA every year that I love (and take classes, etc). Would Paducah be similar? If I go, it would only be for a day - so no classes - what is the absolute DON'T MISS? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

there is a lot to 'take in' in Paducah---each expo is a bit different from another (just like quilt shops vary from place to place) but also there is a wonderful quilt museum in Paducah which is the 'must see' anyone * quilter or not* should experience. a day in Paducah would be a wonderful way to spend a day when you are close enough to do it- whether during the show or not- there is always lots to do/see.

Definitely go! I went for one day, and really only went to the main (?) site and the quilts were just amazing. Also, check a local paper...lots of little towns in KY and TN have quilt shows that same weekend. We ended up at one in Sympsonia on our way back home from Paducah.

I would make time to go. It a major quilting event. Try to see Eleanor Burns' show .

I have also attended the Sewing and Stitchery Expo in Puyallup. I have not had the opportunity to attend the Paducah show. Puyallup's Expo has lots of vendors, many of whom sell quilting supplies and fabrics, but it is not a quilt show. Most of the classes are just short introductions to a technique, meant to encourage you to buy the book or supplies sold by the instructor. I would jump at the opportunity to attend the Paducah show, which is a true quilt show, one of the premier quilt shows in the world, though certainly not the largest. I am sure the classes there are much more in-depth, and the whole town, not just the fairgrounds, is involved in the show.

Yes. Go to Paducah. Don't miss the Quilt Museum.

Paducah is a "whole town" event. The show itself is fantastic - some of the finest quilts I've ever seen. For quilters entering a show, it is one of the premier shows. Naturally tons of vendors. But Paducah is also the home of the Quilt Museum and it's a must see.

Also in town is Hancocks of Paducah - don't forget to explore the "back rooms" for really good sales. Eleanor Burns has a store and she holds a tent sale with entertainment. Another shop rented the warehouse across from the Museum and had a fantastic sale on a lot of stock (one table was nothing but assorted white-on-white and white-on-cream for $5.00/yd).

Mostly ... go for the museum and the quilts at the show. Simply blew my mind.

I don't know about the Paducah show, but there's a little online fabric store with amazing prices in Smith Grove, KY. It's called Whittle Fabrics and I believe it also has a retail facility. The fabrics on their site are mostly closeout types, and if you like retro fabrics you'll love them. They do have some brighter and more modern things, but that doesn't seem to be their stock in trade. I have ordered from them, but have been slightly disappointed -- just at times -- in how their web pictures match their fabrics. However, I've always wanted to go visit their store to buy at their wonderful prices while actually SEEING what I'm buying (a luxury, yes? ;-). So if you need another day trip, visiting their store might be something to do.

Their page: http://www.whittlesfabrics.com/. No affil.

If I were that close I would definitely go. you may never have the opportunity to be there again! Each Expo has its own flavor!

I've been to both Puyallup and Paducah, and they're not even in the same league. Paducah is about 5 times the size, both in number of vendors and sheer volume of show quilts. The quilts are gorgeous, the classes are top-notch. If I found myself an hour or two away from Paducah, you can bet I'd be doing whatever I could to get there!!! And the others are right - you MUST see the museum.

I hope you go.

While at the museum, be sure to go into the conference room on the left of the entrance - there is a carved basswood "quilt" that will blow your mind!!