The 18th annual American Sewing Expo returns to the Suburban Collection Showplace the weekend of Sept. 23-25.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned seamstress you won't be disappointed. Fashion and sewing challenges, celebrity experts, fashion shows, workshops, demonstrations and more await showgoers.
Celebrity experts include:
Find out what's happening in Noviwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Stephen “Suede” Baum, 2008 Project Runway semi-finalist;
- Sandra Betzina, author, Vogue pattern designer and Power Sewing Web-TV and HGTV Sew Perfect show host;
- Sue Hausmann, author and PBS-TV sewing and quilting show host and producer;
- Kathy Delaney, author and quilting expert;
- Plus other award winning fashion sewing designers including Barb Callahan, Joi Mahon, Kathy Ruddy and Angie Wolf.
Industry professionals will conduct more than 160 lectures, hands-on classes, seminars and all-day workshops, and more than 60 presentations are planned.
Good causes are represented, including the themed “Show Your Support Bra Challenge” sponsored by Janome, Coats & Clark and BurdaStyle and benefiting Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, featuring unique bras.
Find out what's happening in Noviwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you're a sew-it-yourselfer, you can buy a "Yes, I Made This!" pin to show off your hard work and help the Dress for Success charity.
Competitive types should consider the reality TV-inspired Passion for Fashion Sewing Challenge, where 12 finalists design and sew garments for judging and a fashion show.
If that’s not enough fashion for you, check out Suede’s new collection, brought to you by Simplicity Pattern Co.
The expo is truly a global bazaar as 125 exhibitors from 35 states, Australia and Canada will display fabrics, sewing machines, notions, threads, patterns, yarn, sergers, technology, embellishments, kits, gadgets, embroidery designs, tools and other products.
Showgoers can participate with quick Make and Take projects at some vendor exhibits. Several exhibits will display art quilts, couture collections, fiber art and fashion designs.
Show hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Pre-show workshops are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, and Thursday, Sept. 22.
Expo admission is $14 and children 15 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
One-hour seminars are $14, all-day workshops are $98 to $148 and special combination packages are available. Onsite parking is available for $5.
Social networkers can become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanSewingExpo. For more information, visit www.AmericanSewingExpo.com or call (248) 889-3111.