Are you ready for the best sewing party around? I am looking forward to my trip to Puyallup for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo, and I hope to see you there! This show is great with so much excitement, inspiration, energy and friendship. I love the location at the Washington State Fairgrounds with Mt. Rainier always looking over us, even when not visible. Expo is unique and special in so many ways. I want you to get the most out of these four days, so here are a few tips:
Coordinate visits with friends in advance. One of the best things about the Sewing & Stitchery Expo is sewing friends gathering from across North America. Even if you are attending alone, no worries! You are surrounded by sewing friends in waiting. For many, this is the annual chance to meet up. Have your friends’ cell numbers programmed into your fully charged phone. When muting your phone during classes, remember to use the vibrate mode so you can receive text messages. Remember that the days can be long and you may be using your phone more than normal so you may want to bring a portable charger with you.
Check the schedules in the Showplex for classes, free stage events, drawings and more.
Enjoy the variety of foods at Sew Expo. The food selection is just as extraordinary as the class schedule. No show has more delicious food. The variety and quality is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I’m talking about the famous Fisher’s Scone or one of those fantastic French Crepes!! Take advantage of the location, the food, and (hopefully) the weather. Arrange to meet friends outside, eat at the picnic tables or take a simple break between classes.
Keep track of your possessions. But, if you misplace a tote or phone, check the Visitors Information booths in the rear of the Showplex and Pavilion. Each year lost and found items are turned in to these two locations.
Take advantage of the wonderful entertainment offered Friday and Saturday nights. These special events are perfect to enjoy with friends old and new. Share laughs, create memories, and learn while you’re at it! This year Joe Vecchiarelli heads up Friday Night Live full of comedic anecdotes and fashion straight from your favorite shows like Dancing with the Stars. Not to mention he’s bringing a special guest, winner of season 16 of Project Runway, Kentaro! The Stitchin’ Post’s Valori Wells will grace the stage Saturday for the annual Quilter’s Night Out with more than 60 of her favorite quilts from over the years and share with you some stories from her vast experience in Textiles.
Attend style shows upstairs in the Pavilion and the Free Stage presentations in the Showplex. With a little planning, these locations provide a nice opportunity to hook up with friends, sit for a bit and take a break from the action. The bonus is — you might learn something new.
Take pictures. Take lots of pics and post them on our Facebook page. We know friends near and far that due to health or other commitments cannot attend, but they are watching on social media. You don’t have to be a Kardashian to take lots of pics! Bring your smiles and selfie sticks and take advantage of the fun Expo photo backdrop on the red carpet to the evening events! Be sure to tag @sewexpo and use hashtags to share your photos with everyone: #sewexpo2018 #sewingandstitcheryexpo #sewandstitchpuyallup
Try something new! Expo is all about fine tuning our skills and expanding horizons! Maybe it’s time to test your garment sewing skills in a new realm such as cosplay! Or, after years of stitching quilts you want to pick up a pair of needles to being knitting…who knows? What’s for sure is that Expo is the place to test the water!
My last, and most important, tip… WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. My shoes are to my happy day what my sewing machine needle is to my happy sewing. No matter how wonderful your sewing machine is, if your needle is not right, it WILL NOT SEW properly. Same thing with my shoes. It doesn’t matter how much time or money I put into my Sew Expo experience — if my shoes aren’t right — my day will be uncomfortable.
This is not the time or place to wear new cute shoes. I’ll be wearing boots and shoes …which, sadly, have seen better days. But I can walk with a kick in my step around the fairgrounds regardless of the weather. Rain or shine, and be prepared for snow too, I know comfortable shoes are a giant step to enjoying the best Sew Expo ever! Meet me there…
About the author: Rhonda Pierce is spokesperson for SCHMETZneedles.com. She is giving the popular SCHMETZ classes each day at 9:30AM. Rhonda also serves as a contributor to the Expo’s FB page during the show so you may see her around taking lots of photos to share. She loves to see the outfits and projects you made. Be sure to say hello, and have your pic taken by Rhonda!