Sewing & Quilt Expo in Tampa

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 03-19-2009, 07:58 AM

Just a heads up for those in the Tampa Area. Theres a big Sewing and Quilting Expo at the Convention center for the next 4 days. Thur - Sun. All sorts of classes and goodies. Does have an steep entry fee of $10.00. Heading off this morning for it and will report back tonight.

Lauire in Bradenton

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-19-2009, 04:40 PM

The show comes to KC in the fall, too. I have been the past two years and enjoyed it. Last year I took advantage of the 'bring a friend' offer and we each got a free class out of it. I did not think the $10 entry fee was too high. It's the classes that get expensive.

There are 3 parts to the show, the vendor hall, the exhibits and the classes. The $10 gets you into the first two areas. I love wandering the vendor area and looking at all the new products, though some of them all seem to sell the same new trendy things. It's nice when you can catch the demos and see how something works and maybe try it yourself and see if it is a product or a craft you'd like. There are usually patternmakers other than the "Big 3" so you can get patterns for clothing that is different or in a wider range of styles.

The exhibits are also great to wander through. There is a quilt display, a fashion clothing display, and usually a doll exhibit. So much to gather ideas and inspiration from. They also do at least one fashion show. There are other talks or demos through the day, on pattern software, or trends in fashion, and various things.

I took classes last year for the first time and have kind of mixed feelings about them. One of the classes on clothing tricks was pretty good, but it was taught by a vendor who was obviously pushing her own product. The other class was less well presented (also a general sewing tips class) and the teacher acted like we were all kindergardeners, to the point where she was using baby talk and sparkle wands that really detracted from the "class". I didn't take any of the hands-on classes because they are more than I am willing to pay: $19 for the class plus $20-40 in materials fees!

Anyway, I will probably go again this fall, but I don't know if I will sign up for classes again. Parking here is free, so for $10 (and I thought there was a discount coupon last year) it's a nice "girls day out" for me and a friend. The vendor hall and exhibit area are about the right size to see in a leisurely afternoon.

Let us know how your show compares, Laurie! Did you take any classes? What did you think of the vendor hall and exhibits?

**mauimagic** · 03-19-2009, 05:36 PM

What month does the quilting show come to KC? I would love to attend one.

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-19-2009, 05:39 PM

October. You can get info on all their shows at their website: http://www.sewingexpo.com/

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 03-19-2009, 07:39 PM

It was a wonderful afternoon!!!
I did not take any classes but would have loved to. Just not in my budget at this time. Perhaps next year. The classes were $19.00 each plus materials and that was just outside my reach this time. The cost to enter the vendor hall was $10.00 and the parking was $5.00 in the garage. Unfortunatly it was held downtown and the usual free parking areas we full of folks doing county and federal business. So I parked in the garage.
I walked the floor twice and got a head and notepad full of ideas. There was an offer to the driver who showed up with 3 or more rider for free admission.
There were all sorts of vendors from the gadget folks to the big three sewing machine vendors. There was also a fashion show, quilt display and textile display. Several of the booths had baragins like Hancock fabrics offered 40% off many items. They had sold out of many such as the replacement blades for roatory cutters. There were also many fabric vendors with a kaleidoscope of materials. Almost to the point of being overwhelming.
I will go again next year and will put back a few extra dollars for a class or two.
I also liked the fact that several of the vendors had local places within the state of Florida so I can go and visit them when I have more funds. All offered web sites.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Debbie-cat** · 03-19-2009, 08:19 PM

Sounds like a blast! I wish I could have attended.

**Momto2Boyz** · 03-20-2009, 08:38 AM

Thank you so much for the link! I checked it out and they are coming to Chicago this year too for the first time! I am beyond excited...I don't want to wait until November!

I already e-mailed my mom, and we have the weekend marked on our calendars and plan to go. Definately going to plan ahead and take some of the classes just for fun!

I can't wait! We actually considered driving to the one in Ohio at the end of this month, but it's just too close to plan it! But that is how excited we are...so thanks for sharing it!