Puget Sound Sewing & Craft

Sew Expo!

Not even a snowfall can dampen the spirits of the Sew Expo!  I'm happy to report that in spite of the weather elsewhere in the Puget Sound region, the roads here in Puyallup are bare and wet - no slippery spots. 

Inside it's hot - hot deals, that is!  One of the things that makes Expo special to me are all of the show specials and unique items that are difficult to find.  Whether I'm looking for a new sewing machine or simply a particular spool of thread, I can find it there.  It's especially a great time and place to find out about all sorts of new notions and tools.  If you haven't updated your sewing tools, you might be pleasantly surprised at all of the new ways you can perform your usual sewing tasks easier and more professional-looking.  Plus you have the fun of meeting all of those sewing personalities on your television and in your bookshelf! 

So don't worry about the snow or rain - it's warm and dry inside the Showplex and Pavilion buildings.  And of course, when you're done with the show, it's time for the after-show parties at Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing!

See you in Puyallup!
--Katrina

Only 4 More Days Until the Sewing and Stitchery Expo!

It's true - only 4 more days until the 'Nation's Largest Sewing Show' here in Puyallup, WA.  The excitement is building on the Yahoo! Puyallup Sew Expo group list and everywhere sewing enthusiasts get together.

One of the things that makes the 2009 Sewing and Stitchery Expo fabulous are the special events that are planned. 

When Expo closes, the party begins at Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing!  Did you know that there is a Pacific Fabrics and a Quality Sewing store just up the hill from the Expo?  From 7pm to 10 pm, Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing will be hosting post-Expo parties on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights! 

Click here for more details about the Pacific Fabrics parties.

Click here for more details about the Quality Sewing parties.

Of course you won't want to miss the special events during Expo, either.  Friday night is the 'Friday Night Live!' with Nancy Zieman and Mary Mulari.  This event has been sold out, but don't forget - you can catch Mary Mulari at the Pacific Fabrics booth #728-738. 

Saturday night is the Quilter's Night Out with Mark Lipinski from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Pavilion Building. Who is this guy named Mark Lipinski? Mark has been called “the bad boy of quilting.” His no-holds barred, brutally honest, riotous PG-13 talks are half-quilting and all stand-up comedy. The award-winning talk show producer worked on such shows as “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The View,” “The Joan Rivers Show,” and “The Ricki Lake Show.” He developed a magazine for quilters, Mark Lipinski Quilter’s Home, which is published by CKMedia.

Sunday it's time to GO RED!  Sunday is officially 'GO RED!' day to support women's heart disease awareness, and everyone is encouraged to wear red!  Make sure to come early to see the special GO RED!  Fashion Show at 8:30 am in the Pavilion.  Among the models will be Quality Sewing's very own Paul LaPonte.  Not only will the fashions be fabulous, but everyone receives a 'swag bag' and is eligible for door prizes!  All of the $10 donation goes to the American Heart Association.

Now is an excellent time to coordinate with your friends for the best possible show experience.  The 2009 Vendor List, complete with booth numbers, is now available online.  Use this to help strategize your shopping.  When you enter the Fairgrounds, you will receive an Expo newspaper.  Make sure to take one - they contain a map that shows the locations of the booth numbers.  If in doubt - look up - there are large signs above the aisles to help you determine where you are located.

Make sure you have those comfy shoes ready! 

--Katrina

Sewing for Your Sweetheart

Handmade coffee cozy from web 'how to' by Sharon Neth

Look out - Valentine's Day is nearly here!  It's not too late to whip up something special for your favorite sweeties.

This time of year nothing warms the heart (and hands!) like a nice, hot cup of comfort.  Whether your special ones are a coffee, tea or cocoa person, a handmade cozy to slip over their hot cup is a simple but sweet way to say "I love you".

Thankfully, the Internet being the vast place that it is, someone has already posted instructions for making a fabric coffee holder .  There is a pattern you can trace, and ideas for using recycled wool scraps.  Pacific Fabrics has so many cute cotton prints available.  I like the idea of using a heavy interfacing like Timtex as the base for the holder - you could simply cover it with your fabric of choice, and lap the edges for your holder.  Flannel would make an especially soft and warm 'cozy'.

If you have an embroidery machine, Anita Goodesign has a special Valentines 'In The Hoop' design pack.  There is a door wreath/centerpiece, a wall hanging and a gift card holder - all stitched and assembled right in the hoop!  Other great stitched Valentine-themed embroideries include cards and Accessories - perfect for a personalized gift.

Of course, we should also remember ourselves on Valentine's Day!  Quality Sewing is having a sweetheart of a sale specially for Valentine's Day.  Arrive before 11am and save 30%!  Can't make it before 11am?  Don't worry - you'll receive a 25% discount for shopping between 11 am - 5pm.  This is a great gift opportunity for anyone with sweethearts who sew. 

Hugs and Stitches!

Are You Ready for Sew Expo?

This stylish new logo for the 2009 Sewing and Stitchery Expo is available for free download from Adorable Ideas

Wow - it's February already - that means that the Sewing and Stitchery Expo is only a few weeks away!  If you haven't attended before, you are in for a treat.  Tons of workshops - both hands-on and demo/lecture, vendors selling everything you can think of (and more) for the quilter, apparel designer, knitter, crocheter and needleworker.  And did I mention sewing celebrities?  You'll recognize all those faces from your book and magazine collections.  It's enough to make your hands twitch with anticipation and your head spin with ideas.

Of course, your favorite local 'sewlebrities' from Quality Sewing and Pacific Fabrics will be there, too!  Both Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing have huge booths at the Expo - just bursting with new products and ideas. If you want a demo of a new machine you've had your eye on, or would like to learn more about the latest and greatest tools and notions, this is the perfect opportunity to explore new things.  They'll have special deals on machines and merchandise, too - stay posted for 'previews' of special events and products in upcoming pre-Expo posts.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sewing and Stitchery Expo - and to celebrate they are sponsoring a 'Make Your Own Souvenir' contest.  You can either embroider their official logo (free download available) or make a heat transfer using their design. 

If you haven't already submitted your seminar registrations, send them in right away!  There are many workshops and seminars that are already sold out.

So, it's time to start planning for Sew Expo.  Might I suggest a few pointers?

1.  Exercise.  Start walking, if you are able.  The Sewing and Stitchery Expo is HUGE!  This is a good time to test your 'Expo Shoes' for comfort and support.  A little arm exercise (put some fabric in a shopping bag) is a good idea, too!  Thankfully, there is a package check - click here for a handy map of the Fairgrounds so you can plan ahead.

2.  Strategize.  Use the map to make a plan for the day to minimize back-tracking and save your energy.  Know where the restrooms, ATM's, bag check, classrooms and other necessities are located in advance. Avoid scheduling too many seminars in a row - you need a break! Remember that food and drink are not allowed in the seminar classrooms - plan meals and snacks accordingly.

3.  Plan Your Wardrobe.  Are you traveling with a group?  Do you need to find one another?  It can be very challenging to find one another or hear a cell phone ringing (vibrate setting may work better) in the busy vendor areas.  Hats, brightly colored garments and/or dramatic accessories are some of the ways that attendees make themselves more visible.  Also, consider wearing layers.  Puyallup weather can be unpredictable, and the temperature/conditions can vary dramatically between the indoor vendor areas and the outdoors between buildings.  

See you in Puyallup!

--Katrina