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In my last post I wrote about my eager anticipation for the American Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan. I've now returned from the expo, and I'm happy to report it was fantastic! Fabrics, notions, stylish garments, creative people, inspiring competitions, fashion shows—I was like a kid in a candy shop! I came back with new scissors from both Kai Scissors and Famoré Cutlery and two, yes two, irons from EuroSteam. 

I saw beautiful and even exotic fabrics. Maendeleo Imports has richly colored batik cottons. Vogue Fabrics, as always, offered a wide assortment of great materials from knits to denim to super soft silk chiffons.

There were so many great notions! Keep reading Threads for more coverage on some of our great finds. Victorian Purses by Sue had many beautiful beads and patterns to make vintage inspired bags.

There were wonderful fashion displays. The Haute Couture Club of Chicago displayed their fashionable garments. I particularly love this multi-textural jacket and red evening gown.

Raminta Skipityte-Vilkiene, the winner of last year’s Passion for Fashion competition displayed her collection called, “Raminta loves Koos.”

Many talented designers attended the expo. I met Suede, former Project Runway competitor and current Simplicity Pattern designer. He recently expanded his line to menswear (more on that later). I also saw Angela Wolf. Angela is a very talented designer and SewStylish author—check out her article, “Take the Luxury Leap,” in the fall SewStylish available on newsstands.

Gretchen Hirsch is another SewStylish author—check out her article, “Festive Circle Skirts,” in the winter Quick Stuff to Sew available now on newsstands. Gretchen participated in the Passion for Fashion challenge and won third place—we’re so proud!

This year’s challenge was inspired from movie posters. Erin Miller won first place for her clever dress and jacket inspired from the movie, The Mad Hatter. Cheryl Zemke placed second for her chic dress and coat inspired by the movie, One Hundred and One Dalmatians. And Gretchen Hirsch won third for her tribute to Frida Kahlo.

Did you attend the American Sewing Expo? What inspired you?

Annie O'Connor, assistant editor
Posted on Sep 30th, 2011 in sewing, design, Novi, American Sewing Expo

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Comments (4)

Sewfie writes: I was so happy to be able to attend the Expo this year. When I lived in MI I attended every year and took in many of the classes as well. This year I had the luxury of fondling the many fabrics that were displayed by the fabric vendors. In our area, we only have 1 garment fabric store and it isn't anything that I am used to. I am spoiled by the fabric stores in MI as well as the surrounding areas so this was a treat. I hope to be able to travel back to MI next year and make this a regular outing again. Great show.


Posted: 7:12 pm on October 6th

Dudysews writes: It was good to see Fabrications there! Vogue and The Fabric Gallery as well. And of course Haberman's. The notions were very good as well. I didn't get a chance to get back to the wonderful cutting edge and mat booth and will have to get in touch with them online now that I have my measurements. It seems that the fashion sewing is being overwhelmed by quilting. I realize that quilting is sewing but fashion sewing is as well. The availability of excellent fabric choices at the Expo is the real reason that I attend. The availability of wonderful wools, silks and knits is limited by Joann's and Hancock's in my world. I am glad for them, but the luxury of the fabrics available at the Expo are worth the 8+ hour trip!
Posted: 4:21 pm on October 5th

wondering04 writes: Seems like a wonderful collection of fabrics, for one who loves to quilt.

Posted: 5:38 pm on October 4th

nobodysgrandma writes: Every year I swear I will be at the next Expo. Still haven't made it. My brother lives only 20 miles away. Perhaps I will make it to Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. My son lives close by. In the Quad Cities, sewing seems to be all about quilting and machine embroidery. Fabric availability is the pits.
Posted: 10:25 am on October 4th

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