Hi everyone,
It’s always fun when you are a seamstress and you get to go to one of these of shows… SEWING SHOWS! Whether it’s quilting or sewing that the show is all about, you can always find something fun to look at. When I go to a quilting show close to here, my favorite part is going to the Vendors Hall… you’ll find the latest gadgets for sewing, the newest fabrics, the best machines, the prettiest buttons, and everything in between. It’s just fun to wander around and “dream” mostly! It’s motivating, I guess… because you come away from a show like this with the biggest plans to make everything you saw… which seldom ever happens… but again, it’s about dreaming… :o)
Well, our very own Charlotte went to Sewing EXPO out in Washington state, and had a really fun time… as you’ll see by her pictures and commentary below.
Thanks Charlotte! Glad you had fun!
Hi Jeanne,
A while back I talked about Expo, and some of the gals mentioned wanting to see pictures. At long last, here they are! I’ll probably send you about 2-3 per email, as it takes less time time send them that way, and you may use what you wish.
For me, the most important thing about Expo is friends, so here are some pictures of me with some of my friends.
In the first picture, I am with my friends Mary Rose (in the light green) and her daughter Kathi. I first met Mary Rose at a doll show back in the early 90s, I think. She was carrying around a doll, and I said, “Excuse me, is that one of those American Girl dolls I’ve heard about?” and she said, “Yes, this is Kirsten. She just got some new red boots, and she Will not take them off!” And I knew I had found a kindred spirit. Mary Rose is a few years older than I, and told me three years ago that that was her “last” Expo, as it was getting too hard for her to walk around. But when I called her daughter to see if she was on her way yet (she just came for one day), she said “Mom’s coming, too–she said, ‘I have to see Charlotte!'” It was a happy reunion–last time I saw them was at the 2020 Expo (2021 and 22 were “virtual”).
The second picture shows my friend Tonya–who comes all the way from Utah every year–and me, in our “twinsie challenge” jackets from 2021!! We buy the same fabric and decide on a general item to make (top, jacket, bag…), and use whichever patterns we want. Mine is an old Stretch & Sew pattern–I flattened the Very puffy sleeves (late 1980s pattern!) and eliminated the double-breasted effect. The fabric is a bamboo and cotton French Terry from Stylemakers. Tonya and I actually met in a class at Expo about 15 years ago, and became instant friends. She’s young enough to be my daughter, but we’re just good friends. My birthday present this year was her phone call telling me she was coming after all!! (Originally she was going to skip it.)
The third picture shows you that it’s not all seriousness at Expo! Here we are, fooling around with the props at the photo booth!
The first picture shows the goodies I bought the first day I attended Expo (it runs for four days; I just attended two of them). The three small pieces of fabric are all destined for doll clothes, most likely–from left to right, a piece of dimity, some lovely Swiss voile with a woven-in “plaid” design, and a darling little print. To the right is a mister spray bottle–sprays a very fine mist, so nice for pressing. The “beetle” is a lighted needle threader, and there’s also a small bottle of Roxanne’s Glue-Baste-It (indispensable for attaching trims before sewing them in place). In the background are two cotton jersey knits from Indonesian Batiks; the one on the right is Tonya’s and my “twinsie challenge” fabric for next year’s tops!
The second picture shows my day 2 goodies. There are a couple of cute “mousey” print fabrics (for doll clothes) plus a nice “blender” fabric. There’s a vintage Stretch & Sew pattern (amazing I found one I don’t already have!!) and a package of mostly the old Dual Duty Plus threads–both items from a vendor who specializes in vintage and antique things. I also got some water soluble chalk pencils (the only thing that works on fleece, according to Tonya), some cute stickers, a set of “Alice in Wonderland” charms/knitting markers, a teaball with a camera charm (for my hubby), a key ring that says “Walk in closet? You mean Fabric Vault!” (or words to that effect), an embroidery/applique kit by a French designer, and three vintage hankies.
Tonya and I always do a “twinsie” challenge, but sometimes we do it inadvertently! Here you see us with our “twin” purses!! We had the same pattern, made them of different fabrics, and discovered we were both using them at the Wednesday night pre-expo dinner! Had to get a picture!!
I only took one class this year–the second one I’d signed up for got canceled, due to illness.
These are from the vintage linens class I took–repurposing vintage linens. I took quite a few pictures, but will just share a few of them.
The first one was made from embroidered quilt blocks the teacher had acquired. Instead of the traditional blocks with sashing, she chose to center them in a wedding ring pattern. This shows half the blocks, but I chose this picture because it shows the details most clearly.
The second one is a vintage hankie, folded into the resemblance of a pinafore, and then framed. I thought it was pretty cute, and might be nice on the wall of a little girl’s room.
The last picture shows a quilt top made with a small square tablecloth (such as for a card table–lots of those around in the 1950s!) in the middle, and Christmas-print hankies around it. I have quite a few Christmas-print hankies–but I carry them all thru December and into January!! You can also see a few of the other things she showed in the class. It was fun to see, and more fun because Tonya and Kathi were sitting with me in the class!!
Thanks for sharing your outing with us, Charlotte! Glad you had fun!
See everyone tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
That’s wonderful that you were able to go to the EXPO and reconnect with your friends, Charlotte! It looks like you had a lot of fun, and got some good items and ideas too!
I love that small quilt with the Sunbonnet Sue blocks and Wedding Ring circles, because my mother-in-law made a quilt for my daughters first “big girl” bed with Sunbonnet Sue blocks! I still have it, but it is no longer on her bed!
That repurposed hankie folded to look like an apron is just adorable too! It would have worked perfectly in Jennifer;’s bedroom, along with the Sunbonnet Sue quilt! Her room was yellow and white gingham wallpaper, with yellow furniture,(still there). and touches of colorful stitchery and samplers made by me and her godmother. Such a fun room!
I think you did very well, both in finding items you could use, and having fun!
Thank you for your nice comments, Linda. As I mentioned, seeing my friends is always the best part of Expo for me.
I made a set of hand-appliqued Sunbonnet Sue blocks, too, but I haven’t done anything with them yet. I’ve always loved that pattern, and there are many variations.
Your daughter’s bedroom sounds like it was lovely! I would have liked a room like that.
Thanks, Linda.
Thank you for sharing my pictures, Jeanne! I was happy to help out, freeing up a little time for you. I know you can hardly wait to see Rebecca!!
Our Sewing & Stitchery Expo has been going for quite some time (next year is the 40th anniversary), and it is billed as “The biggest sewing party in the nation”. So true! It was almost a party atmosphere this year, after having been virtual for two years. If you’d like to check it out, just go to sewexpo.com. There is also a Facebook page for fans/attendees/anyone interested–just look for “Puyallup Sew Expo Fun”. You will need to ask to join the group, I think, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
I will try to check in during the day and answer/reply to any questions or comments.
Thank you for the fun addition to the blog, Charlotte! I would have loved going to that and really enjoyed all your photos and your story. I reminded Peyton of the time we joined you at the American Girl store in WA. It was such fun to meet you, I treasure that time.
hugs,
Sissy
Thank you, Sissy.
I remember that day very well–it was such a delight to meet you, too! I remember you had a doll with you–either a Little Darling or a Kish doll, not sure which, but I thought it was so beautiful! I believe you were working on a doll dress for one of the doll artists.
Yes, I’m sure you would have enjoyed our Sew Expo! It’s so much fun, and there are always new things to see. Many companies introduce new items to their lines at our show!
I really must comment this morning on Charlotte’s lovely post. It’s great to see your happy face, see your pictures and read about the Expo. What lovely friends you have. So glad you were able to plan so carefully and go this year.
I went to a huge Expo in Ontario, California, years ago which was wonderful and, frankly, overwhelming! So much talent and so many things to buy in one place. The quilts were amazing, so intricate and beautiful. Thanks for sharing your pictures and for encouraging people to go to one. What a great field trip!
Thank you, Susette. I do have lovely friends. Originally both Tonya and Mary Rose had said they weren’t coming–Tonya didn’t see any classes she particularly wanted enough to balance out the cost of coming from Utah, and Mary Rose had told me three years ago that she probably wouldn’t come back, as the walking was just getting too hard for her.
It was a lovely surprise when Tonya called the end of Jan. to let me know she was coming after all, and then, on Friday of Expo, I found out that Mary Rose would be there, too!
Oh, yes, those big sewing shows can be overwhelming. I recommend doing a quick overview (go online ahead of time if you can, to see if there are some vendors/products you especially want to look for, and Write Them Down!), and then go back and look more closely. If you see something really wonderful, buy it as soon as you see it. Sometimes new/special products sell out!
Wow, Charlotte, it looks like you had so much fun at the Expo! I really enjoyed seeing all of your purchases. I went to something similar here in Phoenix years ago and was overwhelmed by everything I saw! I have also been to a couple of quilt shows and love looking at all the beautiful quilts, although I am not a quilter myself. I hope to see more of your pictures!
Thank you, Terri, I did have a great time. I was happy that Ron was willing to stay in respite care so I could go and not have to worry about how he was getting meals or if he had fallen.
The nice thing about this expo is that they cover all the needle arts–quilting, garments, knitting, embroidery, you name it! And it’s not a “show” but actually an educational event, in that they offer a variety of classes which you can choose to take or not. This year, I just took the one class (I had signed up for a second one, but the lady who was teaching it had to bow out as her husband became ill). And although there are lots of quilts and other things on display, they are all in vendors’ booths, so you can get some ideas for projects and so on.
Hi Charlotte. So glad you shared your photos. It’s wonderful to see some of the craft ideas and to see kindred spirits having a good time. You made it feel like we were there. Thanks
Thank you so much, Dorothy! There is no end to ideas there, that’s for sure! And often some of them come from the attendees! I know I’m not the only one who has stopped someone wearing a garment or carrying a bag, and asked, did they make it? and may I take a picture? I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks so much Jeanne and Charlotte for sharing the fun photos. I’ve never been to any kind of sewing show. Nothing like that around here. The photos and explanations were wonderful. Great find on the Dual Duty Plus and adorable vintage hankies. Loved the vintage tablecloth/hankie quilt top. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Thank you, Joy. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures.
Yes, I was thrilled to find Dual Duty Plus thread–it’s not made any more (they now make something called Dual Duty XP, and IMO it’s not nearly as good.
Yes, wasn’t that tablecloth/hankie quilt top fun? I recognized at least two of the Christmas hankies in it!
Hi Charlotte, thanks so much for sharing your fun days at Sewing Expo. So nice to see you and your friends. It looks like you had a really grand time!! I’m so happy for you that you could attend.
I love all the goodies you brought home, but especially that kitty hanky and the fact it is blue! The hanky folded into a pinafore is darling.
The quilts are lovely. I treasure the three I have that my grandmother made.
Thank you, Laura. Yes, my friends and I all had a wonderful time. The nice thing is, my friends have become friends to each other, too (met at different times/circumstances), and we all enjoy each other’s company.
That kitty hankie is a treasure for sure, as it’s a child’s hankie, and you just don’t find those very often. I remember carrying hankies like that when I was a little girl. My dime for the Sunday School offering (or my nickel for milk at school) was tied into the corner of my hankie. I don’t know what mom did with my little hankies–I suppose she gave them away when I “outgrew” them.
You are fortunate to have three quilts from your grandmother. I have some pillowcases with crocheted lace that my one grandmother made, and my baptismal gown and a couple of cloth dolls made by my other grandmother. Treasures, for sure.
Wow Charlotte. Your pictures are great. It was like being there. I wish. I’ve never been to anything like that. There is an annual Quilt Show in Houston but I have never been. I have no friends who are sewing enthusiasts and I really don’t feel like driving to downtown Houston (50 miles) by myself. Now I think I should go and maybe make some friends. Perhaps we could end up riding together. I wish they’d move it further west but all the facilities for something so large are downtown. I love all the things you purchased and had to enlarge the pictures to take it all in. So much fun! I love the tea ball for your hubby. So glad you shared all your wonderful pictures.
Jeanne, thanks for sharing Charlotte’s pictures with us sofa sisters. They were wonderful.
I hemmed Jaiden’s skirt last evening. The pattern showed to sew it on the machine but I wouldn’t have liked the look so I hemmed it by hand. Jaiden would not have been able to do that just yet. You can’t even see the stitches, so nothing interferes with her border of butterflies. She loves unicorns and butterflies so when I remembered I had the small piece of coordinating butterfly print to go with the striped fabric I located it and said my prayers. It was a remnant and barely enough and the shape of the pattern piece is what allowed it to work as well as it did. I still was lacking a small piece on a corner but it was taken up in the seam so it was no problem.. When I see her at lunch on Easter I will take a picture
Oh, so hope you can get a pic of the skirt and Jaiden. Would love to see it. 🙂
Thank you, Barbara! Oh, yes, you Should go to that big quilt show! Be sure to talk to people while you’re there. Sometimes just a comment said to whoever is standing next to you looking at something is enough to start a conversation. One thing the Expo people have always suggested is that, when you have a chance to sit down (whether you’re having a snack, or waiting for a class to start, or whatever), ask questions! “What’s the best thing you found today? Which class did you like best? Is this your first time here, or have you come before?” things like that. When I met Tonya, she had come into a class at the last minute, and I said “you can sit at my table” (it was a shibori dyeing class), and here we are, 15+ years later. I’m thinking you may find more than one new friend who comes from your neck of the woods. Even if not, you’ll meet others, and next time you go, you can look for those people and you’ll have a connection already.
I am looking forward to seeing the picture of Jaiden in her skirt! I’ve been known to “fudge” a bit at times, too, when fabric is just a teensy bit short. Glad you made it work out.
Almost missed the blog today…so glad I saw all the pics and info from Charlotte.
It is like the UFDC Doll Convention. All kids of vendors and getting roses folks that you only see on eBay or a doll group🫣 And vendors galore plus doll sales and exhibits . Friends having fun together…it doesn’t get any better!
Thanks for sending it to Jeanne and thanks Jeanne for sharing!
You are so welcome, Kathie–I’m glad you got to see it, too! And, yes, it’s rather like a UFDC get-together (I’ve been to a couple of conferences but not the conventions); there are always some people that go every year (attendees and vendors), so seeing them is like a big reunion party!! It’s the best!