Class Review: The Biology of Color

** I served as an ambassador (volunteer) during the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.  I was the class assistant for "The Biology of Color."

** I'm hesitant to post this review because I didn't pay for the class and I didn't go through all of the projects with the instructor and the other students.  I decided to post because I initially thought this class wouldn't be a good fit for me based on the title and the description (don't judge a book by it's color - pun intended), but I was wrong.

"The Biology of Color" is a class that's designed to teach you how your eye sees color (biology) and how that affects the overall look of your finished product (all of the examples are quilts).  The instructor, June Colburn (www.junecolburn.com) provided the students with a booklet "Color and Design" and swatches of about 30-40 different fabrics (it could have been more).  Each student was responsible for bringing the required materials (pen, scissors, tape, etc) and an optional glue stick.  **You need all of the materials to effectively work through the in-class assignments.

Through various projects - you see the colors (primary, secondary, tertiary) and then, you work through looking at those same groups different ways (i.e. "toddler" primary, very red, yellow, blue vs. "country" primary, dark red, gold, navy).  There are other assignments that deal with tint, tone, and shade (going from light to dark) and contrast.  As you work through the assignments, you use the fabric swatches to create a color handbook that you can later reference.

Although, the class was geared to quilters as a fashion sewer, I felt this was exactly what I needed to be made more aware of.  Especially, as I gear up for a one year no-RTW challenge.  June was very thorough, she patiently answered all questions and she made this a very interesting (and, challenging) class.  The class lasted 3 hours, but I barely noticed the time.  It was especially interesting, seeing everyone choose a different swatch for a color (i.e. different shades of red).

I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in learning more about color or anyone planning on working on a large project (i.e. a quilt or wardrobe).  This class will have you looking at color, texture, and fabric in a new light!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

The Sewing and Quilt Expo (ATL) Review

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.)

That's me (wearing V8541 Jacket & Skirt) in front of the Welcome sign

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