Expo Stage Presentations

 

See what's new and trending with presentations on the Expo Stage. FREE with general admission. 

 

Thursday
 

10:30	Do What Makes You Sparkle | Shanna Pappas of GlitterBugFairy
11:15	Favorite Things You'll Find at the Expo | Jim Suzio
12:00	Amazing Stencils for Fabric, Wood, Glass and more! | Eileen Guerrero-Hendricks of Eileen's Creations Galore
12:45	The Power of Using AI in Sewing | Lynn Gerard or The Cork Emporium
1:30	Tools and Notions for Quilters | Quilter's Select by RNK Distributing
2:15	Zip It! All About Teeth, Tape, and Pulls | Linda McGehee of Ghee's
3:00	How To Apply Hot Fix Crystals to Fabric | Amy Regal of Uniquely Crafts
3:45	Professional Results at Home: Techniques to Elevate Your Embroidery | Janet Oxley for Ricoma
4:30	Meet the Designer: Red Carpet Recreations | Jim Suzio
5:15	Super Prize Drawing

 

Friday
 

10:30	Turn Quilting Cottons into Fabulous Blouses and Tees | Pattie Otto of Great Copy Patterns
11:15	Favorite Things You'll Find at the Expo | Jim Suzio
12:00	Runway Fashion Show | Hosted by Amy Strumbly, Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
12:45	The Story of Wool From Fleece to Fashion| Bob Moosa from The Wool House
1:30	Binding with Minky | Sheila Ryan, Cuddle® Ambassador for Shannon Fabrics
2:15	Batting Basics | Corey Pearson of Linda's
3:00	Tools and Notions for Quilters | Quilter's Select by RNK Distributing
3:45	Cut with 100% Accuracy, PAIN FREE, with Martelli's Ergonomic Workstations | Melissa Bates of Martelli Enterprises
4:30	Behind the Seams: Sewing for the Stars in Hollywood | Joe Vecchiarelli for French European, Inc.
5:15	Super Prize Drawing

Saturday
 

10:30	The Palette Scout: Exploring Color for Quilters | Annie Smith of Annie Smith's Quilting Stash
11:15	Favorite Things You'll Find at the Expo | Jim Suzio
12:00	Hardware for Handbags | Jessica VanDenburgh of Sew Many Creations
12:45	Red, White, Blue & You: Sewing for a Cause with Maywood Studio | Michelle Freedman of Maywood Studio
1:30	Sewing with Textiles: Glitter, Cork, and PU Leather | Stephanie Folsom of Beach Potato Embroidery
2:30	Sewing's Next Generation: Youth Fashion & Project Show | Hosted by Darcy Nicholson, Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
3:15	From Sewing at Eight to Starting a Quilt Business at Fifteen | Angela Davis of Angela's DIY Designs
4:00	Quilts of Valor Award Ceremony | Quilts of Valor Foundation
4:30	Super Prize Drawing

 

Behind the Seams: Sewing for the Stars in Hollywood

Joe Vecchiarelli for French European Inc.

Are American IDOL & Dancing with the Stars a guilty pleasure of yours? Are you interested in hearing what happens in the sewing studio behind-the-scenes? Do not miss these “insider secrets” from Joe as he shows off and talks about the construction of some of the latest garments worn on these two popular television shows. Hear all the behind-the-scenes latest “show talk,” find out the challenges of fitting for a show like this and learn what tools they use in their sewing studio in Hollywood. This is a MUST-SEE presentation for all garment sewers!

 

Fashion Friday – Runway Fashion Show

Join us for a celebration of fashion sewing. You are invited to participate! Walk the Expo Runway to show off the fashion you have been sewing. From jackets and tops to dresses and pants...give your favorite creation its moment in the spotlight. To participate in the Runway Fashion Show, click HERE to register. All participants will receive FREE General Admission on Friday.

 

Favorite Things You'll Only Find at the Expo

Presented by Jim Suzio

Come rest your feet and take a quick look at these amazing products you may have missed on the sales floor. This isn't a pushy sales presentation, but rather a fun and sassy look at sewing goodies you can't live without.

 

How To Apply Hot Fix Crystals to Fabric

Amy Regal of Uniquely Crafts

Discover the magic of Hot-Fix Crystals with Amy! Learn how to iron-on Hot-Fix Crystal and Stud Transfers, Crystal Strips, as well as Individual Crystals. This craft is beginner-friendly. You'll get all the information you need to know about using your iron or heat-press at home to add a touch of sparkle to your quilts, any cotton-blend shirt, jackets, and more! If you enjoy bling or a unique, easy DIY, you won't want to miss this presentation!

 

Professional Results at Home: Techniques to Elevate Your Embroidery 

Janet Oxley for Ricoma 

Ready to take your embroidery from good to truly polished? This education-focused session is packed with practical techniques to help you achieve professional-quality results at home. Learn proper hooping methods, how to choose the right stabilizer for quilts, garments, and bags, and tips for reducing thread breaks and preventing puckering. We’ll also cover clean backing finishes and how to use multi-needle features for greater precision and efficiency.

Small adjustments. Big difference in your finished work.

 

Quilts of Valor Award Ceremony

Quilts for Valor Foundation

Join us in acknowledging the service and sacrifice of those who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces, as we award comforting and healing Quilts of Valor to those whose lives have been touched by war.

 

Red, White, Blue & You: Sewing for a Cause with Maywood Studio 

Michelle Freedman of Maywood Studio 

Join Michelle for an inspiring lecture and trunk show celebrating the impact of sewing for a cause. Featuring fabrics from Maywood Studio, this presentation highlights a collection of red, white, and blue quilts created with purpose and heart. 

Michelle will share a variety of quilts that reflect this year’s theme, including designs that meet size guidelines for Quilts of Valor. Along the way, she will discuss fabric selection, design choices, and practical ways to turn your sewing skills into meaningful contributions. 

You will also learn more about Quilts of Valor requirements, ideas for planning donation quilts, and how to get involved in community-driven sewing efforts. This session offers thoughtful insight and plenty of inspiration for anyone interested in giving back through their craft. 

 

Sewing's Next Generation: Youth Fashion & Project Show

Hosted by Darcy Nicholson of Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
This fashion and trunk show featuring students ages 18 and under will be SEW much fun! Get an insight into the interests and talents of our newest sewing enthusiasts as they show off their latest accomplishments. Whether it hangs in the closet, hangs on a wall or hangs out on beds and sofas, the creativity involved will inspire audiences of all ages. Don't miss it! (If you know a young person who might like to participate, click HERE for more information.)

 

The Story of Wool from Fleece to Fashion

The Wool House

With so many exceptional features, wool is the superhero of fabrics; and Bob Moosa is your expert. This informative presentation begins with how raw wool is processed through thread and textile production. Learn about the high-performance properties of wool and why it is considered an all-season fabric. Plus, see samples from The Wool House with beautiful variations of color, weight, and texture. Regarded by fashion sewists and ecologists, wool is the premiere sustainable fabric of choice. What will you make next with wool?

 

Super Prize Drawing
Fabulous prize packages and sewing machines are awarded daily at this drawing. You will receive your Super Prize Drawing Ticket at the Expo. Drawings are held at 5:15pm on Thursday and Friday, and at 4:30pm Saturday on the Expo Stage inside the Exhibit Hall. Winners must be present with a photo ID to claim their prize.

 

Turn Quilting Cottons into Fabulous Blouses and Tees 

Pattie Otto for Great Copy Patterns 

With so many beautiful fabrics on the shelves, why reserve them just for quilts? Explore the wonders of easy-to-sew blouses to expand your wardrobe. Pattie has a delightful selection of patterns with styles that include the classic Camp Shirt to comfy cap sleeve options. Many can be sewn in a day or less. She will share some charming embellishments as well as easy fitting techniques to customize your garments.