Expo Stage Presentations

 

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

Looking for even more presentations? Click here for The Spot Schedule.

 

Thursday
 

10:30	10 Things You Don't Want to Miss at the Expo | Presented by Jim Suzio
11:15	Cut Smarter, Not Harder! | Joallyn Cartwright for Martelli Enterprises
12:00	How to Easily Quilt Any Size Quilt | Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio
12:45	From Spools to Stitches: A Guide on Thread | Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artistry
1:30	A Pressing Matter | Judy Phillips for Sew déjà vu
2:15	Move Into Free-Motion Quilting With 6 Basic Shapes | RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design
3:00	Decoding Apparel Fabrics: Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Creations | Amanda Carita for Amanda's Bundles
3:45	Paper Piecing Revolution | Chuck Ely for Legit Kits
4:30	Zipper Tips & Tricks | Linda McGehee for Ghee's
5:15	Super Prize Drawing

 

Friday
 

10:30	10 Things You Don't Want to Miss at the Expo | Presented by Jim Suzio
11:15	A Pressing Matter  | Judy Phillips for Sew déjà vu
12:00	Fashion Friday – Runway Fashion Show | Hosted by Lindsey Johns for Inside the Hem
12:45	Cut Smarter, Not Harder! | Joallyn Cartwright for Martelli Enterprises
1:30	Notions - What's New, What's Hot, and What Are My Favorites? | Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio
2:15	Paper Piecing Revolution | Chuck Ely for Legit Kits
3:00	Decoding Apparel Fabrics: Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Creations | Amanda Carita for Amanda's Bundles
3:45	Tackle that T-Shirt Quilt . . . One Block at a Time | RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design
4:30	Hollywood Sewing Studio Secrets REVEALED! | Joe Vecchiarelli for French European Inc.
5:15	Super Prize Drawing

Saturday
 

10:30	10 Things You Don't Want to Miss at the Expo | Presented by Jim Suzio
11:15	Move Into Free-Motion Quilting With 6 Basic Shapes | RaNae Merrill Quilt Design
12:00	Threadology with Superior Threads | Erin Byrne for Cotton Candy Fabrics
12:45	Cut Smarter, Not Harder! | Joallyn Cartwright for Martelli Enterprises
1:30	Paper Piecing Revolution  | Chuck Ely for Legit Kits
2:30	Sewing's Next Generation: Youth Fashion & Project Show | Hosted by Darcy Nicholson of Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
3:15	Getting Started with Rulerwork/Template Quilting | Donelle McAdams for Sew Steady
4:00	Quilts of Valor Award Ceremony | Ginger Fondren for Quilts for Valor Foundation
4:30	Super Prize Drawing

 

10 Things You Don't Want to Miss 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.

 

A Pressing Matter

Judy Phillips for Sew déjà vu

In the realm of sewing, pressing isn't just a matter of smoothing out wrinkles—it's a pivotal step in ensuring the accuracy and quality of your work. Join us for "A Pressing Matter," where we dive into the indispensable world of pressing techniques and products. Discover the best practices to elevate your accuracy and achieve impeccable seams, leaving no detail overlooked. From essential tools to expert tips, this presentation equips you with the knowledge and skills to add flawless finishing touches to every project. Say goodbye to uneven seams and hello to perfection with the power of pressing!

 

Cut Smarter, Not Harder!  

Joallyn Cartwright for Martelli Enterprises

Unlock the secrets to cutting with unparalleled precision and efficiency in this transformative presentation. Discover techniques to achieve 100% accuracy, drastically reduce cutting time, and enjoy a pain-free cutting experience with our ergonomic, height-adjustable workstations and tools. Whether you're a seasoned seamstress or new to the world of cutting, this session will equip you with invaluable skills to elevate your projects to new heights. Say goodbye to frustrations and hello to seamless, effortless cutting with our expert guidance. Join us and revolutionize your cutting process today!

 

Decoding Apparel Fabrics: Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Creations

Amanda Carita for Amanda's Bundles

Not sure which fabric your project calls for? Join Amanda as she explains apparel fabrics so that you’ll know what works best for the garments you are creating.

 

Fashion Friday – Runway Fashion Show

Hosted by Lindsey Johns for Inside the Hem

Join Lindsey Johns for a celebration of fashion sewing. Lindsey will showcase her designs and host this special event. 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.

 

From Spools to Stitches: A Guide on Thread

Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artistry

Join Michelle for an insightful presentation that explores different types of thread and their uses in sewing. Discover how to choose the right thread for your projects, learn about thread weights and types, and get practical tips on thread care and troubleshooting. Whether you're new to sewing or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you make better thread choices and improve your stitching.

 

Getting Started with Rulerwork/Template Quilting

Donelle McAdams for Sew Steady

Rulerwork/Template Quilting is HOT! Dive in with knowledge that you will gain from this presentation by Gold Accredited Westalee Design & Sew Steady Educator, Donelle McAdams. Great handouts will be provided to assure you have all of the information it takes to take the rulerwork plunge!

 

Hollywood Sewing Studio Secrets REVEALED!

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!

 

How to Easily Quilt Any Size Quilt

Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio

Stop "quilting by check" by sending you quilts out to a long-armer and start quilting your own quilts. There are many ways to deal with the bulk of machine quilting. Learn some of the creative methods quilters have come up with to solve this problem. Then you can use your favorite method - walking foot, free-motion or ruler-work to create your designs. The right prep, products and techniques will get you quilting those larger quilts with ease.

 

Move Into Free-Motion Quilting with 6 Basic Shapes

RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design

Movement is the key for mastering free-motion quilting, and this interactive presentation is designed to help you get moving! Join us for an engaging session where you'll learn the six fundamental movements that form the foundation of all free-motion designs. Plus, you'll discover two additional movements that are crucial for creating stunning feather patterns.

Through audience participation, you'll practice these techniques and gain confidence in your free-motion quilting skills. This presentation will provide you with the tools and knowledge to enhance your quilting designs and achieve beautiful results. Come ready to move and be inspired to take your quilting to the next level!

 

Notions - What's New, What's Hot, and What Are My Favorites?

Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio

Discover the latest innovations in quilting notions and my favorite tips and tricks in this engaging demonstration. Explore new tools designed to enhance your quilting experience and learn how to make them work harder for you. Adele will share practical advice to streamline your workflow and tackle common challenges. Join us to stay updated on the newest tools and improve your quilting efficiency!

 

Paper Piecing Revolution

Chuck Ely for Legit Kits

Immerse yourself in the "Paper Piecing Revolution" with Legit Kits, where quilting transforms into an art form. Join us on a journey where every quilter, regardless of experience, can create award-winning masterpieces using foundation paper piecing. Legit Kits introduces luxurious, ready-to-sew quilt top kits, meticulously designed with generous fabric cuts and impeccable organization. Unleash your creativity as you witness the magnificent colors and precision that unfold effortlessly in the final results. Elevate your quilting experience and let your inner artist shine with Legit Kits' revolutionary approach to paper piecing.

 

Quilts of Valor Award Ceremony

Ginger Fondren for 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.

 

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.)

 

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.

 

Tackle That T-Shirt Quilt . . . One Block at a Time  

RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design

Oh, the often-daunting T-shirt quilt! It doesn’t have to be a hassle—it can be fun, easy, and even creative with the right approach. Imagine quilting each shirt individually before assembling the quilt—no need for meticulous planning ahead of time! Plus, you can add the binding to the border before attaching it to the quilt itself.

 

Curious to learn how? Join us and discover a new, exciting way to tackle your T-shirt quilt project. Get ready to transform those treasured shirts into a finished quilt with ease and creativity!

 

Threadology with Superior Threads

Erin Byrne for Cotton Candy Fabrics

Join us for this thread talk where you will learn about different types of threads, their uses, and how to use them effectively. We will cover the history of thread, types of thread, thread construction, thread tension, thread weight and the different materials used in manufacturing. Learn about the different types of thread available including cotton, silk, polyester and nylon and how to choose the right thread for a specific project. You will also learn how to properly adjust the tension, and how to troubleshoot common problems when using thread.

 

Zipper Tips & Tricks

Linda McGehee for Ghee's

Zippers are easy to insert with a little knowledge. Learn several ways to insert a zipper. Let the zipper be a design feature. Yes, you can put a zipper back together when the slider comes off!