Who Are You?

On the first day of Expo -- in one of those accidental meetings that happens all the time -- I had a nice visit with this woman...note the front of the jacket she's wearing...

As I recall, she was meeting a friend -- and had a bag of sewing projects to share...

I was completely BLOWN AWAY by the caliber of her sewing -- which was phenomenal...

I believe she was attending a musical event on Sunday -- which was the reason she made this awesome jacket:

AND, YES -- this is the BACK of the jacket she was wearing when I first bumped into her. (before I insisted she TRY EVERYTHING ON SO I COULD TAKE PICTURES)...

And, finally -- my personal favorite -- THE PEACOCK JACKET. Oh My Goodness.
I wanted to honor your effort, your designs, your embroidery skills. But I didn't know your name. And I swtarted thinking about how many women with incredible sewing skills come to Expo -- and we never really find out who they are, either. It's no surprise that I lost your name -- the real surprise is that I managed to keep track of THESE GREAT PICTURES.

I apologize for not knowing your name -- but, on this day, I am using your projects to honor EVERY WOMAN WHO COMES TO EXPO to learn more about this hobby we all love...

You are all awesome...

2011 Quilter's Night OUT

SO IT'S OFFICIAL!!

If you got the Expo e-newsletter -- you know that Ricky Timms will be our special entertainment for the 2011 Quilter's Night OUT...!!

Here's a picture of me with Ricky at the 2009 International Quilt Market in Houston, Texas.

Hey -- sometimes it takes a LONG TIME for us to actually talk these people into coming to our little show!!


I can hardly wait to see Ricky's show AGAIN. He is half entertainer/half quilter. Hummm...maybe that makes him a "quiltainer?"...I wonder if I could just make up a new word for him.

Janet has sent out the vendor packets -- if you WANT TO BE A VENDOR -- go to the website.

The website is also getting a big revamp...

AND Ann and Joanne are reviewing hundreds of prospective class descriptions, even as we speak.

Oh, yeah -- IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME!!

P.S. To see the Inspired2SEW NYC challenge garments -- be sure to check out my personal blog -- Ritassewfun.blogspot.com

Upcycle-Rama

The Upcycle-Rama was a BIG HIT at the show. Hummm...embellishment comes in all forms, right? I don't think this picture is so much about the sewing, eh?

Janome sewing machines helped to set up the Upcycle-Rama -- and everybody really dug into the supply of "stuff" that was available for makeovers..

Our team -- the Sew Up Seattle blog crew -- made lots of great samples, and had some easy directions for fun, easy projects...

By Sunday -- word had spread and you could NOT GET NEAR THE PLACE...

Thanks, people -- for playing our SEWING GAME!!

Stalkers New Vendor Video Tour

On the last day of the show -- I took a quick walk with the Ya Ya Stalkers -- Judy and Chris. These two women KNOW THE SHOW LIKE THE BACK OF THEIR HAND. They keep extensive notes on every single class -- and they have done that for YEARS. They are the show's BIGGEST FANS -- and I listen when they talk...

Their little tour was special -- and I only wish I started to follow them around SOONER...

Where Were You?

On the first day and the LAST day of the show -- I took lots of audience shots -- maybe you'll see yourself...were you here, in the Quality Sewing Booth -- getting a demo?

I'm not sure which booth this is? Did you shop here? One lady is already carrying her Eleanor Burns "Quilt In A Day" tote...

I love this logo -- "Sewing Fun Starts Here" -- which booth is this?
Sometimes, I get a glimpse of a group of sewing friends who are wearing team outfits...

At Pacific Fabrics -- the crowds were non-stop! This is about as close as i could get...

The FREE STAGE was rocking every single day. Lots of great teachers and topics -- with new things for you to see and learn about.


THANKS AGAIN for playing our sewing game!! Check this blog every week -- as I'll be making new announcements about the 2011 show!!

Totebag challenge?

Here's a picture of our Dynamic Duo -- Jan Potter and Bonne Swett. They have done an awesome job this summer with my NEW YORK CITY sewing challenge over at the Rita's Sew Fun blog. Here they are -- backstage at the Coats & Clark Pink & Red Fashion Show:

Of course, they are the MASTERS of matching tote bags. Here's a picture of the hey Rita tote step-sister totes...

Of course, I have done entire MOVIES with the Hey Rita tote...here she is, exhausted, backstage during the fashion show...

Here's my question. Would ya'll be interested in a tote challenge for next year? Last year, the recycled denim challenge was great fun -- and I thought maybe we could mix it up a bit and for 2011 -- have a day when we'd all carry our OWN TOTES??

Let me know what you're thinking. yes, I know it's hard to post a comment on this blog -- just email me directly: ritafar@aol.com

And BE SURE TO CHECK OUT the latest creations from Jan & Bonne over at the Rita's Sew Fun blog.

Last week, I posted pictures of the FIRST PART of their challenge -- the gorgeous floral knit rom Mood Fabrics. I only leave their finished projects up for ONE WEEK...and today, I'm posting the pictures of what they did with the "Statue of Liberty" shawls I sent them. I CAN HARDLY WAIT..!!