ROAD TRIP.....The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo @ Birmingham

Hi Everyone:

I returned Saturday night around 10:30 p.m. from three days at The Original Sewing and Quilt Festival held at Birmingham, AL.  Let me tell you it was really a fabulously put together event.  I took five classes for a total of $119.  The average cost is about $20 per class, some more depending on the time over an hour.  I learned so much about fitting from some real experts like, Louise Cutting, Cynthia Guffey  and others.  I must admit that I knew nothing about some methods of pattern adjustment i.e., the seams and hinges method.  The class I had was hands on and we used 1/2 sized patterns for practice.  I was amazed at how easy it was and can't wait to try it on real patterns.  This method is now being taught at colleges and universities.  The textbook is "Fitting & Pattern Alteration" which can be purchased from Amazon for $89.  I purchased it from the vender at the show and it reads like a novel (not really,  I just like it).  Information on the seams and hinges method is also online, so you can just google it and see what you think.

Louise Cutting and Cynthia Guffey both were excellent.  Of course they had fabric for sale and I was very good and only purchased 3 pieces.  However, I did purchase five of Louise Cutting's patterns which are pricy as they are by an independent pattern maker.  I had tried her one seam pants several years ago and they just had too much fabric in them for my taste, but I noticed at one of the new designer fashion shows that they seemed less full.  I asked her about this and was told that yes they had been tweaked and instructions were online for the changes if you had already purchased the pattern.  So I'm planning to try it again.  I also purchased some of her elastic that  makes a wonderfully comfortable waste band.

This was the fourth Original Sewing and Quilt Expo I've attended and the first in Birmingham, the others were in Atlanta.  Because this was the first time in Birmingham, there were not as many vendors.  I especially missed Vogue Fabrics and the Wool House vendors, however, I saved me money because Vogue Fabrics has such a large selection and the Wool House has great quality linen as well as wool (you know down here in the really deep south, we wear linen year round:  We just darken the color selection and weight for winter).  I know the temptation to purchase would have been too great to pass up especially when you live in a town that only has a Hancock and a few upholstery fabric shops.

Overall a good time was had by all especially since my travel buddy agreed to drive as I now have  serious anxiety about driving outside of my area.  I guess its a senior thing.  I don't care as long as I can get someone else to do the driving.

This show travels to many cities, so if there is one near you; I highly recommend you go.  Check then out online at originalsewingandcraftexpo.com (I think thats the correct link).  If not google it.  It is well worth it.