A Sewing Expo You Don’t Want to Miss
The Scissors Man is very excited to introduce Mark Ingraham, Senior Director of Sales and Planning for the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo. Starting in 1995, Mark helped build a foundation for educating a community of sewers, before YouTube and internet television were readily available for quick information. The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo has now formed into the largest multi-market consumer sewing expo in the country, where sewing, quilting and machine embroidery enthusiasts can go to continue to share ideas and information, present new designs, and learn more about the constantly changing art form.
In 2019, Original Sewing and Quilting Expo holds events in nine cities:
- Atlanta, GA | March 7-9
- Lakeland, FL | March 14- 16
- Cleveland, OH | April 4- 6
- Raleigh, NC | Aug. 1- 3
- Arlington, TX| Aug. 22-24
- Worcester, MA | Sept. 12-14
- Cincinnati, OH | Sept. 19-21
- Fredericksburg, VA | Oct. 3-5
- Novi, MI| Nov. 14-16
As Mark explained, the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo offers more than 150 different classes, hands-on workshops and lectures, trunk shows, stage shows, runway fashion shows, how-to demos, incredible display galleries, fabulous shopping, and everything from free motion quilting to garment making. There are 100-plus vendors at every show and community organizations, featuring sewing projects intending to give back to the community, like blankets and quilts for babies, veterans and homeless shelters.
Each expo is regionally based and revolves around what’s happening in that specific community, so not all vendors appear at every show. The expo also features presentations and demonstrations, so viewers can get close and personal to ask questions. It will also include a daily fashion show at noon, featuring independent pattern designers, as well as a kid’s sewing contest.
Mark described that he is most excited for the cosplay exhibit every Saturday, presenting a full entree of costume making classes and a runway show with custom-made cosplay costumes.
“Everyone who comes in costume on Saturday, will get in free,” Mark exclaimed.
There’s still plenty of time to register, volunteer and teach at the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo – trust us, this is an event you don’t want to miss!