QU in Northern Virginia

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Q: I don't like the new facilities. Why did the quilt show have to move?
A: It just wasn't feasible for QU to continue at the NOVA facilities in Annandale. I think everyone will agree that the facilities there were cramped and poorly lit, with the marine blue paint on the walls lending to the overall air of dinginess. Additionally, the only way to access the building was up a series of stairways that was difficult to negotiate for our senior members and vendors. In our last couple of years, NOVA began charging us for use of the parking lot during the show (and several of our members were actually ticketed during the show!), and had indicated that they would enforce the pay lots during our show. They also advised us that they would no longer rent us the dance room, which is where our smaller quilts, wearables and dolls were displayed, and were going to decrease the space we were allotted in the entry area. Despite being promised two consecutive years that we could have the upstairs area, this promise was retracted both times, and by our last year we were advised that they would no longer be renting the upstairs area out.

Over 20 commercial facilities were contacted, space, price, usage and availability comparisons were made and field trips were conducted to five facilities. It was determined through this process that the Dulles Expo Center was the best location for the money and had the most to offer our group. It was by far the most economical commercial space available (and yes, it was far cheaper than George Mason which actually charges almost twice as much for substantially less space and fewer hours usage).

At the quilt show last year, surveys were handed out to attendees, asking (among other things) whether or not the attendee liked the new facility or preferred something else. Responses were overwhelmingly in favor of the Dulles Expo Center.

If anyone has prices, availability, square footage, and other information on a commercial facility that they believe to be better and cheaper than the Dulles Expo Center, please let the Quilt Show Committee know. We're always interested in better deals, but please be aware that before you ask if we've checked out a place, the odds are that we already have. It's far more helpful to us if you come to us with facts and figures - there may be some new place we haven't heard of yet, or you may have an "in" with that facility that we don't.

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Q: The quilt show is getting so big that you have to have too many volunteers just to make it work!
A: This is not an accurate statement. In fact, last year's show used fewer volunteers than previous years at NOVA. The lay-out of the Expo Center buildings with the wider aisles made it more practicable to have fewer "white glove" ladies, because you could see straight down the aisles, and keep an eye on more people. Round number ticket prices (i.e. $5 and $10) made making change at the ticket booth easier, and thus required fewer people to work that area. Last year we used a little less than 500 volunteers. The previous year at NOVA, 800 volunteers worked the show. In years before that, volunteers varied between 600 - 800 people.

While it's true that we do need volunteers to make the quilt show a success - and I want to emphasize that without their help this quilt show could not happen!!! - and that some of the jobs have changed somewhat due to the new facility, it is not true that we need more people to operate the show.

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Q: I don't want to have classes at the quilt show!
A: At the same poll described above, an overwhelming number of people who filled out the application wrote in the comments area that they wanted to have classes too. The Dulles Expo Center has beautiful classroom facilities separate and apart from the exhibition buildings, and many people were eager to try to make this feature work. Additionally, our corporate sponsors were willing to donate the use of sewing machines for some of the classrooms, which would eliminate the need for many attendees to have to bring their own sewing machines, and which may make taking classes more attractive for some people. The classrooms are set up for audio-visual and sound equipment usage. The classes will be offered largely over a weekend and the prices are very reasonable - particularly when you compare them to what you may have to pay to take a class from this teacher elsewhere!

If the classes do not pay for themselves and are not subscribed, they certainly won't continue. I would recommend that everyone give them a chance. I think you'll be impressed at how well they'll work within the confines of our show. If you personally don't want to take a class, no one will make you. However, it is possible that other attendees do. Who knows, the day may come when you actually will want to take a class there!

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Q: How do I enter a quilt into the show?
A: You must be a QU member to enter a quilt. If you are a QU member and wish to submit a quilt, please click HERE for the Entry Instructions form. This form includes all the requirements for entry as well as the official entry form.

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