The Sewing Sisterhood

I believe that sewing makes me a better person. I'm not kidding. I also believe that women who sew are the most giving, generous people in the world today. We sew mostly so we can MAKE THINGS for the people we love...

And you don't have to be biologically connected to be a Sewing Sister...Mary Mulari is the reason I know this for sure...And it seems to me that the Sewing & Stitchery Expo has always brought sewing sisters together....like our friends the Inspired2Sew duo -- Jan and Bonne

Here I am again with the Ya Ya Stalking Sisters....Chris and Judy...



There are sewing sisters ALL OVER THE SHOW...
Sometimes -- LARGE GROUPS of sewing sisters -- coming from another continent, even...

And two of the show favorites -- Helen and Wendy. Who come together in Puyallup every year, even though Wendy now lives in North Carolina (I think...)

Next year -- for the first time -- I've been bugging my ACTUAL SISTERS...Deena sews, and so does Ronda. They would SEW LOVE EXPO...and we could stay at Gail's condo in Tacoma...we would have such a great time!!

But I'm pretty sure DEB IS THE ONLY ONE COMING...she already has some friends in Nashville who come every year...



And she has been embroidering my Expo jackets for several years now...For the 2012 show -- we'll have to make some look-a-like outfits...

THIS IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN...

Send me your sewing-sister-stories! I'd love to write about you and what brings you to Sew Expo!! ritafar@aol.com

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

DO NOT FORGET to make some pillowcases for the children at Mary Bridge! The other day I got an email from Chris (of the Judy & Chris Ya Ya Stalker duo) -- and she wanted to know if we were still doing the Pillowcase Patrol.

The answer is a resounding YES, YES, YES...

They used up every single one of our pillowcases, ladies!! SO START SEWING THEM RIGHT NOW...I can't imagine a better use for your sewing talent...!!

According to Barbara -- our contact at Mary Bridge -- your pillowcases PUT MANY SMILES on the faces of children who are in a very scarry place.

Barbara said, "sometimes, we have to tell the kids that their Mommy or Daddy can't go in the room with them -- but they can take this pillowcase..."

2012 Coats & Clark Pro-Am Sewing Exhibition

2012 Sewing & Stitchery Expo
Coats & Clark Charity Event
Pro/Am Sewing Exhibition

WANTED: Youth sewing enthusiasts!



Twenty lucky young sewists will be paired up with a Sewing Star mentor for a fun and creative sewing experience.

Who: YOU. If you are interested in sewing, and are between the ages of 8 to 22.

What: A Pro-Am Sewing Exhibition, sponsored by Coats & Clark.

Where: The 2012 Sewing & Stitchery Expo, at the Puyallup Fairgrounds.

When: Sunday, March 4, 2012

Why: THREE GOOD REASONS!

1. You are creative! Sew your own outfit to be modeled at the charity event of the biggest consumer sewing show in the USA. You will be mentored by a local sewing expert and a national sewing star.

2. You like free stuff! Each sewist will receive a “Swag Bag” from Sew Expo and the Pro-Am Sewing Stars.

3. You are generous! All the money raised at the charity event will be donated to the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. This is a VERY GOOD CAUSE…and your participation can make a difference in the life of a child.

If you are interested, contact: Ryliss Bod—253–380‐6915 or Ryliss@comcast.net

Create a Free Slideshow

Sister's Sew Expo

My sister Deborah is the best. As you know -- she embroiders ALL MY EXPO SHOW CLOTHES. She is the Empress of Embroidery...and like many of you -- every single thing she sews or embroiders ends up being a GIFT she gives to somebody...


A couple of months ago, we had a chance for a rare dinner out -- and before I knew she did it, she PICKED UP THE BILL...which was sooo wrong....and I'm still kicking myself that I let it happen...


Deborah is always planning the NEXT thing she can do for somebody. Remember the "Deborah New York City Trip"? Here she is with her granddaughter Ally...


She paid for ALL OF US to have dinner at The American Girl...


Deb's posse of girls in NEW YORK CITY...it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Deb embroiders more than anybody I ever personally met...every single day....jackets, shirts, blankets, quilts, cars, water heaters. You name it -- and SHE HAS EMBROIDERED IT...


Deborah is one of the most generous people I know. Even though she doesn't talk about it -- she does something kind for another person every single day. Here I am, wearing one of the MANY outfits she embroidered for me. (it says: I'm creative, you can't expect me to be neat, too)

Guess what -- DEB IS COMING TO SEW EXPO!!

I am soo excited!! It's going to be wonderful. I'm PUTTING HER TO WORK...and in the next coupla months -- you'll hear about some projects or events she will be attending.

Because -- at Sew Expo -- WE'RE ALL SEWING SISTERS...!!

Look Who's Coming!!

Things are moving at lightening speed for the 2012 Sewing & Stitchery Expo.

If you VISIT THE WEBSITE -- you'll see the cover for the 2012 registration brochure. Hey -- the cover is not the hard part...

Of course -- the HARD PART is picking the hundreds of vendors, seminars, style shows, and free stage events that will make up the biggest and best jam-packed, action-filled-four-day-sewing party IN AMERICA.

We're off to a great start. Two of the biggest names in the sewing world will be coming to the 2012 show. It is with great pleasure that we are officially announcing our special event roster:

Alex Anderson will be our special entertainment for Quilter's Night OUT.


AND -- drumroll please -- the fabulous Martha Pullen will be doing our Friday Night LIVE event!


You know it is our mission to make every Sew Expo BETTER THAN THE LAST ONE...and we're working night and day to come up with exciting topics, new seminars, and interesting topics and techniques. Our intention is always that Sew Expo will provide you with the sewing inspiration you need to keep your creative juices going for THE WHOLE YEAR.

I'll keep you posted on what's happening with the show -- and your ONLY JOB is to get there. So mark your calendar -- it's March 1-4, 2012. Bring your friends...plan an outing...make it a sister event.

2012 is the YEAR OF THE SISTERS. Because my sisters, Ronda, Deborah and Deena are all planning to come to the show. I AM SO EXCITED...we are going to have the BEST TIME EVER!! BRING YOUR SISTERS...maybe we should have a Sister Celebration??

Cuz, after all -- we ARE ALL SISTERS IN OUR SEWING...