On Saturday, March 9th - I attended "The Sewing & Quilt Expo" in Atlanta, GA.
This was my first time attending a sewing expo, so I didn't know what to expect. Since, I'm still doing my TMMO (Total Money Makeover) - I decided before I went that I would only look and observe, so I would know how to plan my spending for next year. (**I had my personal money - in case I saw something that I just couldn't live without.)
This was a huge event!
The expo took place over 3 days (Thursday - Saturday), but I only attended Saturday.
There were quilts (all types and varieties) on display - and, of course, I forgot to take my camera. And, you've gotta know my phone battery was nearly dead - the end result, just one picture from an entire day spent at the Expo.
All of the sewing machine vendors were present - and, giving demonstrations of their sewing machines.... So tempting!
There were also vendors that sold fabric, patterns, thread, quilts, garments, and every notion you can imagine. For a complete list of vendors for a particular city, visit www.sewingexpo.com and click on the Shopping link for the city you are interested in.
Classes - the classes can be broken into free classes (and, demonstrations) and classes that require payment. (A list of classes that require payment can be found at www.sewingexpo.com, and click on Class Descriptions.) There are several of both types offered during the expo, with lots of concentration on either garment, craft or quilt construction. I served as an Ambassador (class assistant for the biology of color), so I received free admission to the expo and I was able to sit in on a class. I'll talk about this class in a separate post.
Fashion Show - on Saturday there was the youth fashion show, where prizes and recognition were awarded to young sewers in two age groups 9-13 and 14-18. I was really amazed at the talent some of these young sewers displayed.... I mean, Hong Kong seam finish on an unlined jacket. WOW! There was an opportunity for adults to show off what they made on Friday night.
Giveaways - at the end of each night, there's a giveaway on the main stage. Although, I didn't win anything, I really enjoyed watching the people that won go racing towards the stage. The Grand Prize was a Juki sewing machine.
Location - the Gwinnett Center. This is a huge meeting location / facility in Northwest Atlanta. Easy access from Interstate 85 - and, there are very clear directions on the Gwinnett Center's website (www.gwinnettcenter.com).
Food - The food available was typical concession food offered by the center and you were not allowed to bring food inside the building. I only had a cup of coffee while I was at the Expo, so I can't really comment on the quality of the food. I know that the best deals were the souvenir cup (for soda) and the largest size of popcorn, both were about $6 each with unlimited refills.
Parking - FREE parking at the Gwinnett Center and that's great! It's an open parking area (not a covered garage), so be sure to take the weather into consideration. It was bright and sunny when I arrived, but much colder during the walk back to my car at the end of the day. This place is huge, so make sure you arrive early to park in the general vicinity of the entrance. Otherwise, expect a decent walk to get to the entrance.
Will I attend again - absolutely YES. I'm looking forward to attending next year. And, since it will be after my birthday next year, I hope to be able to attend each day and have an opportunity to take a few garment construction classes.
Needles Up,
Always Audrey
This was my first time attending a sewing expo, so I didn't know what to expect. Since, I'm still doing my TMMO (Total Money Makeover) - I decided before I went that I would only look and observe, so I would know how to plan my spending for next year. (**I had my personal money - in case I saw something that I just couldn't live without.)
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| That's me (wearing V8541 Jacket & Skirt) in front of the Welcome sign |
The expo took place over 3 days (Thursday - Saturday), but I only attended Saturday.
There were quilts (all types and varieties) on display - and, of course, I forgot to take my camera. And, you've gotta know my phone battery was nearly dead - the end result, just one picture from an entire day spent at the Expo.
All of the sewing machine vendors were present - and, giving demonstrations of their sewing machines.... So tempting!
There were also vendors that sold fabric, patterns, thread, quilts, garments, and every notion you can imagine. For a complete list of vendors for a particular city, visit www.sewingexpo.com and click on the Shopping link for the city you are interested in.
Classes - the classes can be broken into free classes (and, demonstrations) and classes that require payment. (A list of classes that require payment can be found at www.sewingexpo.com, and click on Class Descriptions.) There are several of both types offered during the expo, with lots of concentration on either garment, craft or quilt construction. I served as an Ambassador (class assistant for the biology of color), so I received free admission to the expo and I was able to sit in on a class. I'll talk about this class in a separate post.
Fashion Show - on Saturday there was the youth fashion show, where prizes and recognition were awarded to young sewers in two age groups 9-13 and 14-18. I was really amazed at the talent some of these young sewers displayed.... I mean, Hong Kong seam finish on an unlined jacket. WOW! There was an opportunity for adults to show off what they made on Friday night.
Giveaways - at the end of each night, there's a giveaway on the main stage. Although, I didn't win anything, I really enjoyed watching the people that won go racing towards the stage. The Grand Prize was a Juki sewing machine.
Location - the Gwinnett Center. This is a huge meeting location / facility in Northwest Atlanta. Easy access from Interstate 85 - and, there are very clear directions on the Gwinnett Center's website (www.gwinnettcenter.com).
Food - The food available was typical concession food offered by the center and you were not allowed to bring food inside the building. I only had a cup of coffee while I was at the Expo, so I can't really comment on the quality of the food. I know that the best deals were the souvenir cup (for soda) and the largest size of popcorn, both were about $6 each with unlimited refills.
Parking - FREE parking at the Gwinnett Center and that's great! It's an open parking area (not a covered garage), so be sure to take the weather into consideration. It was bright and sunny when I arrived, but much colder during the walk back to my car at the end of the day. This place is huge, so make sure you arrive early to park in the general vicinity of the entrance. Otherwise, expect a decent walk to get to the entrance.
Will I attend again - absolutely YES. I'm looking forward to attending next year. And, since it will be after my birthday next year, I hope to be able to attend each day and have an opportunity to take a few garment construction classes.
Needles Up,
Always Audrey
sounds like you had a great time, I love to go to quilt shows, one of these I'm going to get brave enough to enter a quilt just to say I did it lol!
ReplyDeleteHelen
If only I knew how to quilt.... I would give it a try. Even, if it was just so a 1,000 people could see what I made. My motto: I made it, I LOVE it!
DeleteThanks for commenting.
I try to go to the Expo every year,but this year I had a few more urgent expense. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a good time. I love taking classes. Do you live in Georgia?
Yes, I'm in Marietta - in Metro Atlanta. I see from your profile that you are in Macon. That's not that far away. Let me know if you want to plan something.
Delete