Road Trip - Original Sewing and Quilt Expo-Atlanta

When the flyer and email reached me a couple of months ago, I knew this would be the year that I would indulge myself in the best time ever for a sewing fanatic and a fabricaholic once again.  I figured I would brave the six hour drive and avoid at all cost Atlanta's rush hour.  However the more I thought about the trip, the more I could feel driving panic raise its ugly head.  As I grow older I don't have the same confidence in my ability to drive in large Metropolitian areas, rain, night driving on unfamiliar roads and about a million other things.  I guess this is what happens as we age.  I investigated flying and it seemed rediculous to pay over $400 for a round trip flight to Atlanta from Biloxi/Gulfport.

I mentioned the trip to a couple of my water aerobics buddies and they were excited to go with me.  So for the third time I went to the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Atlanta, GA.  It was quite the road trip.  The weather was awful thunderstorms and tornadoes.  The weather channel broke in to the program and advised everyone on I-65 between Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama to take cover immediately.  We  exited the interstate and to our surprise the exit was just outside the Wind Creek Casino.  Heh, heh, heh.  We ate lunch and played the slots (lost of course).  The weather advisories indicated that the weather would remain stormy all day.  When the tornado warnings lifted we drove on to Atlanta.  Luckily, my friend from Los Angeles had no fear of driving and pushed ahead all the way to Atlanta.  We shared expenses (3 tanks of gas @ 65.00 each and a nice hotel suite).  We arrived the day before, shopped, ate, drank and were quite merry yet refreshed for the beginning of the Expo on Thursday.

It was fabulous as usual.  Hundreds of classes, exhibits, fashion shows, demonstrations and yes FABRIC, FABRIC, FABRIC.  Vogue Fabrics had the largest selection of fabrics and patterns.  I didn't linger too long viewing all of the fabulous machines that seem to do everything except clean and cook to free up more time to sew.  I must say that I restrained myself and didn't overdo the fabric and pattern purchases.  Here's what I bought even thought I needed nothing:

Three sheer coordinating pieces from Vogue Fabrics.......Maybe Linda Lee's shapes and flowey pants.....Hmmmmmm

Beautiful but pricey linen from the Wool House, exhibitor from Canada.  They remebered me from the last trip and gave a nice discount.  Jacket and striped pants planned.

Pattern and the excact linen from the Wool House.  

This is the sample.  Counterpoints Jacket by Gail Patrice Design.  This is absolutely georgeous.  The trim is varigated silk ribbon with beads woven through the linen and lined with contrasting print fabric and bound with yet another fabric.  Beautiful not quilt-tee.

I loved the fabric on top, a sheer floaty chiffon-like (Vogue Fabrics)  for a top that coordinates with the three knits shown belowfrom my stash.  

A nice krinkle poly knit from Vogue Fabrics that will join my fall stash.

Now, if I can just get myself in gear and get to sewing all of this wonderful stuff.  I'll keep you posted on  my progress.

Best,

Lillie