Preparing for the Expo

I know that the American Sewing Expo (in Novi, MI) is not until the end of September, but the activities surrounding it have all called for my immediate attention.  This will be my 3rd year attending the expo, and it's so much fun to be surrounded by people who also love to sew.

Registration for classes opened this morning, so I quickly snagged the computer back from the kids and got the 2 classes that I wanted.  I'll be spending 3 hours in a "Make Pants That Fit!" class with Judy Kessinger and a 1-hour class later in the afternoon doing "Serger 911" with Kathy Ruddy.  Here are the blurbs from the brochure:

Take the smiles out of your pants - they belong on your beautiful face! Learn how to measure and draw a pattern that only fits you by making any necessary adjustments on the finished garment, then transferring them back to your pattern. Discover all the sewing and fitting tricks to make pants look and feel perfect.


All serger owners and prospective owners need to know how the serger operates from the inside out. Learn about burrs, how width is used to improve stitches and how to create a perfect balanced-tension control strip. Discover a sequential tension formula that works on any serger and all thread types. A five-minute serger pocket that can be added to any pattern plus some fun projects using a balanced stitch will be demonstrated.

Pants never quite turn out the way I like, there are so many places where fit can go wrong.  It's the only garment that still makes me nervous to sew! As for my serger, I know that I am not taking full advantage of it's capabilities, and really want some clear direction on how to properly use wooly nylon and make a rolled hem.  Maybe it'll even shed some light on my coverstitch, who knows...

Those two classes will leave me plenty of time to shop the vendor floor and check out other demonstrations.  Vogue Fabrics have been there the last 2 years, along with the Fabric Gallery (from near E. Lansing), and my favorite, Fine European Textiles, which is owned by a very nice man from Toronto.  He always has the most luxurious suitings and shirtings, so I look forward to visiting his booth! 

Then there is the Pattern Review Natural Fibers Contest & Fashion Show.  Last year I made a dress for the Top Ten Contest and Show, and had so much fun meeting other PR members.  I finished my muslin for my first entry today, and the fit is good, so just the slightest tweaking to that pattern, and I'll cut into my silk habotai and chiffon.  I have another cut of silk habotai from Habermans (a border print) that I'm dying to make up too, so we'll see if I have enough time before the entry deadline (Aug. 10).  I'm pretty sure I can pull both off.  If they both are selected for the fashion show... I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!

If you're planning on attending the show, let me know.  I'd love to meet you and chat!