IPCA Ticket to Paradise

On Sunday, the IPCA (Independent Pattern Company Alliance) -- had their contest -- this year the theme was Ticket to Paradise. Our audience picked up passports and went to each booth to vote for their favorites. On Sunday, the finalists were on the stage -- and this year they ANNOUNCED THE WINNER...IT WAS SO MUCH FUN....Great job everybody. The companies, the contestants and our attendees...the best audience in the sewing world...

Emma Seabrook -- Sewkeyse

A new speaker this year -- Emma Seabrooke. Her specialty is knits -- and I am a big, big fan. Emma has a great eye -- and she's coming to Puyallup fresh from a fabric-shopping trip in the cutting rooms of Los Angeles garment district!!

Emma travels all over the world teaching sewing -- and she LOVEs what she does. Here home is in the Florida Keys in a town in the upper keys called Islamorada, the fishing capital of the U.S. (and her husband loves to fish!)

Emma says, "I was born with sewing DNA as my great-grandmother was head costumer for Barhmin/Bailey Circus. Her daughter and my grandmother was a trapeze artist and her husband my grandfather did all the theatrical lighting for Flo Ziegfeld and was the only man allowed to work the with Houdini and his lighting and props. On my other side all my female relatives sewed. I learned to sew from my mom and went on to study under a couturier.

For me, the best part of sewing is making it all come together. I like to design the pattern, find the right fabric in the right color for me and then make it fit me. If I do this right the sewers will tell me I love your outfit and can you show me what fabric to buy and which pattern did you use so I can buy the fabric, the patterns and instructions and feel just as pretty when I am done. Hopefully they too will enjoy and pass this along to others.

I am teaching two hands-on classes, the Nancy Cardigan and the Suzanne Wrap. Both are garments that will add a new spark to you wardrobe -- and they make great gifts as well. The Lecture/Demos are New Tee Necklines and Using Stay tapes to improve your sewing with knits. I like using a basic tee or top and change things so no one sees that it is the same pattern used again and again. The Stay Tapes I developed to improve the look of the knits and not have them look like a poorly home made garment. My Tapes make hems lay flat no ripples, my side seams are straight and look well sewn, my necklines don't sag or fall away. The Stay Tapes keep the knits from fighting with each other or woven fabrics.

If you love knit clothing (and if you look in your closet you will find that you probably do), it is because it is comfortable and easy to wear. You should make knit clothing and I can show you the easy ways to work with knits and have them look good so you will proudly wear them."

SEE YOU SOON, EMMA...thanks again for playing my blogging game!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SHOP YOUR BOOTH...

Buying Tickets AT THE SHOW

If things are going according to plan -- you received the last e-newsletter today. You are putting the finishing touches on your ZEBRA outfit (Friday mostly -- but Rita is wearing zebra every dayjust because she can... talking in third person, as though she was SUEDE)...

And now you're checking out this blog to make sure you didn't miss anything.

We have crews setting up at the Fairgrounds. They are placing the chairs in the classrooms, building the stages, setting up the booths. On Wednesday, the vendors come onto the grounds to set up their merchandise..
So by the time you arrive -- everything is in place. You know the Showplex...

This is the building where we have our ticket office...there will be bulletin boards on the wall, listing the classes that are available. You can use these boards to save yourself some time in the line...

Because standing in long lines is not a good use of your time...

If you go to the boards first, you can see if the classes you are interested in are available -- and write down the number (i.e. #1021)-- our very capable ticket office staff can very quickly SELL YOU THE TICKETS...


As you read this blog -- I am cutting some fringe on my obnoxious maxi-dresses -- to pack into my suitcase to fly to Seattle. AND I CAN HARDLY WAIT...my cousin Jackie is coming from Oklahoma City and I MADE HER A ZEBRA DRESS, just in case she didn't get the memo....

Lisa Shaw ROCKS

Lisa Shaw is on a new path -- this year "re-inventing herself" at SewExpo as Lisa SewBubbles. When I asked what she would be doing -- she sent this...

Dear Rita,

Normally I provide a handout stapled with coupons and goodies

This year because I'm here at the show as Lisa Shaw - Machine Embroidery Software Specialist I thought I might just go a bit hog wild. Some of my friends who are digitizers and have worked with and supported me over the years have really gone above and beyond for me this year.

We have put together a CD containing over 20 professionally digitized designs, some projects, tips and tricks! I think its priceless, but it is at least worth $75 just for the 20+ designs. Everyone that attends one of my classes is going to get this CD as my gift to them! Yes, this is in addition to the bundle that is normally stapled and I will figure out a way to get it all together...

AND WAIT there's more! Sheesh I feel like a Ginsu knife commercial! You all know that I love machine embroidery and believe that the computer is supposed to help us be creative not be an anchor dragging us down. Well I've found new to me software that is easy, and fun, and affordable AND will run on a Mac or a Windows Computer - yes you've heard that right! Affordable and will run on either a Mac or a PC -- I know I couldn't believe it either so I had to try it out for myself. And because I am so excited about these programs that - I am giving away a free copy, a $50 value, in each of my seminars. I told you, I am going HOG WILD this SewExpo! I might even wear zebra stripes on Friday!

So what have you got to lose? Worst case scenario you get to take a 40 minute break, get a CD of designs, spend some time with me in the classroom and learn a little bit about what you can do with machine embroidery software. If you have a Mac and always heard that you have to use Windows to do machine embroidery - let me show you otherwise! Even if you are just thinking about joining our addiction -- whoops I mean thinking about getting an embroidery machine - or better yet, you have an embroidery machine and the embroidery unit is still in the box…yes, I've met a few of you over the years :-) Sign up for this one needle class, #1090 and see what this is all about.

Can't wait for SewExpo 2013 to begin -- this will be a stellar event!

all my best, Rita -- safe travels! SEE YOU SOON...great job on the blog -- Lisa Note: the quickest way to see Lisa's schedule is to go to the SewExpo website and type Lisa Shaw into the search box. ALL her classes will come up! She is really turning up the heat this year!!

The Zebra Games

For me -- 2009 was the year of the GREAT Zebra gift...
Ann Sagawa told me she when she saw this zebra watch -- she just HAD TO buy it for me... (and I wore the band OUT!)

AND -- no list of Rita-loves-zebra- would be complete without a picture of the HEY RITA TOTE...designed by fabric artist Jan Potter. (who, as one of the Inspired 2 Sew girls -- HAVE A DEAL WITH SIMPLICITY to design totebag patterns!)

In 2010 -- I wore zebra on the RECYCLED DENIM DAY... (great pic, Charlotte!)

And in 2011 -- the Ya Ya Stalkers actually MADE ME AN IRONING BOARD COVER out of zebra fabric (and red t-shirt fringe!!)


That year -- Claire gave me my favorite zebra scarf (which I wear all the time) -- AND I also got a zebra jewelry case...



My point is -- HOW MUCH FUN IS THE ZEBRA??? so -- BRING IT ON, PEOPLE...!!! JOIN ME IN MY ZEBRA FOLLIES...
I have heard from lots of Sew Expo fans -- and they will BE PLAYING THE RITA ZEBRA GAME. On Friday -- Bonne and Jan, and Linda, Lisa, Amanda, Molly, Laura, Deb, Carol, Amanda, Amy, Diana...

IF WE ALL WEAR ZEBRA -- THINK HOW EASY it will be for us to FIND EACH OTHER...I am sooo excited!!
Counting the days now...

BAG CHECKING

This is what the inside of the Pavilion looks like today....


But next Wednesday -- set-up day -- this is what it will look like...The best vendors in the country have already packed their trucks up and are ON THEIR WAY to Puyallup. When they get there, Janet will have them lined up out the back gate -- and with military precision -- the unloading will begin in a very orderly manner. (yes, this is a work of compelte fiction)...

This is my best picture of the outside of the buildings -- and to the right of the Pavilion entrance (you can't see it) -- there is a BAG CHECK. This is REALLY GOOD INFORMATION for you to know...
So you don't have to carry your purchases with you all over the show -- YOU CAN CHECK YOUR BAGS. The nominal fee is 50 cents for a shopping bag...and $1 for a very large one.

HOW REASONABLE, EH??

The people at the bag check are volunteers -- working for their own good cause...(4-H?) -- so, yes, they do accept tips.

This is just one of my recycled-t-shirt-maxi-zebra-striped-dresses...I HAVE MADE FIVE OF THEM SO FAR...but you will only see three or four of them. I think this one makes me look fat...

Ten Day COUNTDOWN

REMEMBER -- From the ticket office:
If you have received your envelope with tickets, please open it and check your tickets. If there is a problem it can perhaps be taken care of before the Expo. Also if you have never received your tickets, please let us know immediately. Our e-mail is expo.tickets@wsu.edu.
NOW WE CAN BEGIN THE TEN DAY COUNTDOWN...

So -- here's a big question -- what's the weather going to be like? Last year, Wednesday (set-up day) was cold and rainy. You SHOULD bring a rain coat, of course.

Here's an email I received yesterday:

Hey, Rita!! Can't wait for the Expo in Puyallup. I live 30 minutes away so I never miss a day.
We were just at a major antique show last weekend, held at the same venue as the Expo. They did not have the rule about carts and suitcases. Soooooooo dangerous for those of us walking behind them.

Would you write again (and again) about this dangerous habit. There are always a few at Expo who ignore the rule on 'drag-abouts' as I call them. Please remind people about checking their bags and purchases. I even noticed a few last year that were using strollers. No babies, just out-smarting the rules. Still dangerous, not to mention annoying.

I have never used the check service because I have my car parked across the street, but I've always wondered if there is a fee and/or should we tip the personnel. Is it run by volunteers or the fairground staff? I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering.........

Thanks for all you do to get the word out about the Expo. I look forward to it every year. I just hope we can give you visitors some decent weather.
Best,
A Sew Expo FAN
***********************
When I received this email, I realized I DID NOT KNOW THE ANSWER...about the bag checking. So I will post the answer by the end of today.

AND the most important thing you should know right now is that the ticket office will be closing ON WEDNESDAY.

But do not worry -- TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHOW. The ticket office is located in the Showplex. Over by the Mary Bridge PILLOWCASE PATROL booth. They set up a board -- with ALL THE AVAILABLE CLASSES...


I have been walking ONE MILE EVERY DAY on my treadmill...today I'm going to do TWO MILES...trying to get into shape for ALL THAT WALKING...at the BIGGEST, BEST SEWING PARTY IN AMERICA..!!

Got Tickets?

Rita,

Can you blog about this please.

If you have received your envelope with tickets, please open it and check your tickets. If there is a problem it can perhaps be taken care of before the Expo. Also if you have never received your tickets, please let us know immediately. Our e-mail is expo.tickets@wsu.edu.

Thanks Rita
Katy

Rita is Learning New Video Skills...kinda...

Okay -- I am always trying to LEARN NEW SKILLS. Because I've had a lot of issues with YouTube, I am trying a new video place -- Vimeo. And so far, so good. Although apparently, one minute of new video per week is all you get for the "basic" service. If I want to do anything really interesting -- I must upgrade my service. Upgrade...hummm...it's such a tempting word, isn't it?? Anyway -- this is a gem I had on my camera that was never uploaded to YouTube. Vimeo did it WAY quicker -- and I am sorry, Steve -- I don't have that kind of power...(he wanted a whole room at Sew Expo to be equipped with Sashiko machines!)

Steve Jeffery from Rita Farro on Vimeo.

Zebra is the New Black

You KNOW HOW HOOKED I AM on zebra stripes. Although I keep thinking I'm going to get over it -- zebra continues to be a joyful part of my life...

And it goes way beyond fashion...as you know -- I love it for HOME DEC...

Little sofas look great when wrapped in zebra...

I wear it and write about it so much -- people give me many wonderful ZEBRA GIFTS...

And these two women -- Bonne Swett and Jan Potter -- the "Inspired 2 Sew" duo -- gave me the BEST GIFT ever...

The Hey Rita TOTE -- the words say, ZEBRA STRIPES...WOW...

That was the year we did the recycled denim challenge...which, of course, I paired with ZEBRA and some t-shirt fringe to tone it down a bit...

Obviously, I cannot stop myself...

It's everywhere...in bedrooms, bathrooms, on rugs,

And it always circles back to the Hey Rita tote...!!

And I get so many wonderful comments from people -- wearing zebra stripes always makes me smile...

SO WHY DON'T WE ALL DO IT???!! Did I tell you my cousin Jackie is coming to the show this year? FROM OKLAHOMA CITY...I've gotta get her to wear some zebra...her family will not believe it...
JOIN IN THE FUN...BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A ZEBRA-STRIPE CHALLENGE THIS YEAR, PEOPLE. How about FRIDAY??

It's long overdue...

Pictures for the Seattle Times

You have NO IDEA how much time I spend working with Sew Expo pictures. First of all -- I have NEVER PRETENDED that this is one of my particular skills. Neither the picture-taking part NOR THE "keeping track of them on my computer" job...It is a misery for me -- but I know the BEST way to tell the Sew Expo story is with PICTURES of you -- having a great time at the show!! But I always seem to be looking for that one perfect picture that DOES NOT EXIST...

And then -- HOW DO I LET other people see the pictures and pick the ones they like?? Email doesn't work that well -- we all get confused with who's looking at what.
So -- today -- Janet wanted to see some picture options for the Seattle Times -- and I decided to PUT THEM UP ON THIS BLOG. So at least you can see yourselves having a wonderful time!! And -- whether or not YOUR picture gets into the newspaper -- I want you to know you WERE IN THE RUNNING...

Bonus Days is OVER...

Bonus Days are over -- thanks for taking a second look at your class schedule. SO MANY OF YOU came into the system to order new tickets (over 300 orders) -- the ticket office is buried again (just like we like ém)...but I promise you -- YOUR TICKETS WILL ARRIVE in time for the show. Be patient...

When I have to look over my 1100 photos from last year (which I do A LOT -- TRUST ME) -- it is shocking how many times this picture appears...

My pictures don't ALL suck...this is a great shot of my sisters Deborah and Barb -- with their SEWING HERO -- SIMON HASKINS!!

Did you see these sisters last year at the show?   We are not related by blood -- only by unfinished sewing projects...

One of the small classes that takes place in the little theater upstairs...(see -- not EVERY class has 300 students!)

And, of course, my favorite picture from 2012. I NEVER get tired of looking at it. I smile every single time...Because I love these sewing sisters of mine -- and because of the thousands of hand-made pillowcases for the children of Mary Bridge behind us...I just got an email from Sharon -- telling me she is bringing 300 pillowcases to the show!  Holy Cow.  I had to give her my cellphone number so we can meet in a parking lot...

Women who sew ARE THE BEST.  Really.  The kindest, most generous...ALWAYS....and I love hanging out with you!!   AND -- once again -- for 2013 -- I am bringing a special guest to Sew Expo.  MY COUSIN JACKIE will be attending the show for the first time. From Oklahoma -- she is SO THRILLED -- even though I keep telling her I'm putting her RIGHT TO WORK...!! I guess I make it sound like so much fun -- nobody ever hears the IT'S A LOT OF WORK part...(until they get there!)

Luckily, I already have a recycled t-shirt dress for Jackie. It's a late-Christmas, early-birthday present. And IT IS AMAZING...