What? What’s this? You mean we don’t just go back to our rooms and pass out between laps around Market? Yes, that’s right…Market is a full time social event as well and you better be ready with your party shoes! I find the moments “between” Market (the lunches, meet-n-greets and one on one time with designers, publishers, shop owners, etc) to actually be the most productive. Besides meeting great new people, it’s a chance to get a little “inside dirt” on upcoming collections, books, etc.

So on Thursday, after all those Schoolhouse Series classes, Jona, Bari J and I strolled over to the Omni Penn to enjoy a little Starbucks before the evening’s festivities in the lounge there. On the way, we ran into Sandi Henderson and I HAD to ask her about the current issue of Ottobre magazine and an apparent lack of crediting fabrics to her. Let me tell you, Sandi is too much of a lady to say so herself, but she did confirm that her beautiful Farmer’s Market fabrics had indeed been copied by a European manufacturer! This was followed by a very loud swearing by me and, while I AM loud, I am not in the habit of swearing. So, if you want to recreate those lovely looks, be sure to do it with REAL Farmer’s Market fabrics, designed by Sandi and manufactured by Michael Miller!

After all that, I really DID need to sit down and have that cool, refreshing iced coffee…

Here’s me and Bari J cooling our heels and tweeting. I lifted this picture from Jona…she REALLY needs a smartphone of some kind so she can tweet and stuff too (Joey, if you’re listening…lol!!!) What I really enjoyed that you can’t see happening in this picture, was the business related conversation Jona and I were having. I picked her brain a little on how she keeps it all together with her 5 kids (vs the paltry 2 that I have, lol!) and how she seems to squeeze in almost daily sewing and blogging. The best info? She pointed out that I am in a different place in my life…my kids are only two and five, compared to her 3 teens, the oldest of which is really helpful both with business and the siblings. Right now I’m just looking forward to the day they are both in school full time! lol!

After resting up a bit, we relocated to the main lounge/lobby area and positioned ourselves so we could catch people coming in, looking for our little gathering. I won’t even try to tell you who arrived and in what order…I’ll just say it was so fun!!! The more relaxed atmosphere of a casual gathering, combined with a few drinks really lends itself to getting to know each other more than you can on the show floor.

Ok, so totally embaressing or not, I don’t know…I didn’t take ANY pictures during the party! I know, terrible, right? But again, I like to travel light people! The mingling was fun…meeting new people and catching up with old friends…Scott (Blue Nickel), Geniveve Gail (Windham), Susanne (C&T Publishing) are just a few names coming to my mind…I need to get out my business cards to remember everyone’s name! Yikes! I did get to hang out with the elusive Tula Pink and HER MOM! And I met Jessica L (juicy bits blog…if you haven’t checked it out, you’re missing out!). Totally one to shut a party down, I think Jessica and I were the last ones to leave! She was just around the corner from me, so we walked and chatted and of course, I invited her to dine and hang out…I collect friends like that

Omg, I look like a hot pink grimace *shudder* Ok, everyone look at Jessica instead…Did I mention her blog?

I’ll see if I can find a few pictures to bring over…there’s one of me and Paula Prass and, for once, I am not the one with the open mouth! I know, it’s like a miracle, haha!

I suppose you want to know who’s getting the prize from the last post too? Ok…how about Chops says #12 Vanessa…whoo hoo!!! I have your address girl! I’ll get this right out to you!

Now it’s late, too late to take pictures, dang it…but if you come back tomorrow, I promise MORE Market blogging…Friday was when the REAL action started…AND another fun little giveaway!