 |
| {photo from ASE's Facebook page} |
Later this week it's time for the American Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan. You can see the entire course brochure here. (On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I'll be teaching "Intro to Retro Dressmaking" from 11-noon and "Writing a Successful Sewing Blog" from 2:45 to 3:45.)
Are you into sewing expos--or are you interested in maybe someday attending? If you're not going to this one, I would totally recommend saving your pennies for a future trip. Personally, I used to think that these shows were just for quilting/crafty types. But the wealth of resources for garment sewing is astounding. And the classes! Susan Khalje, Kenneth King, and Claire Shaeffer all in one place. (Plus: shopping! There are vendors for everything from scissors to fancy fabrics to sewing machines and accessories.)
I would love to see a younger demographic start attending these shows regularly--but do you think that's a tall order? Going to the shows certainly requires a wad of disposable income. What do you think organizers could do to get a new generation involved in the shows? (In my imagination, we all share hotel rooms to save money and it becomes a huge sewing slumber party and the convention floor is taken over by tattooed ladies and their bearded hipster boyfriends.)
Have you ever gone to a sewing show? Do you think you might in the future?
I would love to go to this sewing convention, but sadly I'm in England. I'm going to the Knitting and Stitching show in London next month, but it's not really for sewing, and it probably is a bit odd for my generation (early 20s)to go to these sort of things as I'm going with my mum's friends!
ReplyDeleteNatalie
I'm going to the Knitting and Stitching show too - it's great fun! I am going with my sister (who's into beading), and I am going for the yarn. I took my husband the first year I went, and I think he was a little scared at the number of (predominately old) women there. I think it is nice that there is a mix of ages, and I think it has definitely become younger in the last few years. Still mostly ladies, tho! (I like how we take over all the toilets).
DeleteI grew up in Novi and now live in New York. I'm visiting my hometown this weekend so my mother and I can attend the Expo together as we used to when I was a kid. It's a bit of a family tradition. And I'll be getting to take your dressmaking class!
ReplyDeleteoooooh! lucky you! over here in france im kind of out of the loop :/
DeleteI went to the show in Puyallup last year for the first time. I was really looking forward to it, and I turned out being horrified and depressed by what I saw when I got there. The hall was dingy. The booths weren't inspirational at all. The quality of the materials on sale was awful. The aesthetic of everything there was pitched to the kind of women who wear oversized mom jeans and appliqued sweatshirts. Instead of being inspired to sew, I was just inspired to leave and go shopping and looking for inspiration on the internet. It was a horrible experience and a huge waste of my time and money. I'll never attend another sewing expo again--unless someone does something very differently than what they do in Novi and Puyallup.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty Jane. Your description matches what I have heard from my family in that area who have gone in the past. Kinda sorry that an event like that so near Seattle and a few hours drive from Portland couldn't showcase more techniques and products to attract sewists looking for on-trend sewing experiences.
DeleteYou totally nailed it! Those are the exact reasons I won't go to a sewing convention. They make me sad. The only temptation are the classes but thankfully the instructors for the convention classes (Kenneth King, Susan Khalje and of course Gretchen) teach independently.
DeleteI went to a sewing convention in Sacramento, I don't remember who put it on and..ditto. Depressing, dingy, mostly quilting stuff but not even the nice quilting stuff and a smattering of random-crap vendors like comfort shoes, vacation timeshares, who knows what else. I'm a knitter also and my girlfriends and I make the trip to Stitches (West, for us) every year. I've wondered if there is just no sewing-focused equivalent or if I just don't know about it. I think some things that work about the Stitches shows are the variety and quality of vendors and the many styles and price points. This attracts a lot of different demographics- quilted jacket wearer and hipster alike! The Stitches shows are regional in the US so I think it helps that many people aren't too far from one. No, I don't work for them. Really though, I think sewing expos could be amazing but have to admit I'm a little leery now given my experience
DeleteIt's very true what Jane said about SewExpo. It's a very "crafty" atmosphere and most of the attendees are older and not really focused on sewing stylish clothes. It's very hard to find inspiration, but that's not really the reason to go to an expo. The reason you go to an expo or conference is to learn techniques. Get your inspiration elsewhere. The techniques are still solid and can be used to make whatever you wish.
DeleteBut there are other expos where that's not the case. The ASG Conference is quite different, although mom jeans still make a strong showing. And I have high hopes for ASDP, which is geared to garment sewing pros. So, since ASDP and ASE are held in conjunction this year, I'm really looking forward to experiencing both.
My best friend and I are going to the SAGA (Smocking Guild of America) Convention in October in Atlanta, Georgia. We will have a great time learning new things and practicing old things. We will just enjoy being with friends who like the same things we do. Also, hope more young people would get involved.
ReplyDeleteI live in Michigan and almost always attend the ASE just for the shopping, but the $14 admission plus $5 to park makes it prohibitive for me. I do understand it takes a lot of money to put these shows on, but that's almost $20 just to walk in the door.
ReplyDeleteI presented at the American Sewing Guild conference last year and was shocked that I was the youngest by decades! (I'm 41 by the way) But you're right, the information and shopping is really worth it for young non-quilters to attend! I'm not sure how to get them to come, but perhaps hiring people like you is part of that plan!
ReplyDeleteI have been to Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup several times: 1989, 1993, 2006 and 2010. For the first 2, I lived in Tacoma. Now that I live in Texas, I shall go to Puyallup about once every 5 years. I have never been disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI have also been to the International Quilt Festival in Houston, and shall go again this year.
BTW: the one I have regretted missing recently was The Sewing Summit in SLC. My daughter (katiekadiddlehopper) met, and had her picture taken with Gertie!!
I'm so jealous!
Hah, I love that mental image. Seriously though, someone should get on that. Sadly, I don't have that kind of cash laying around, it definitely sounds like something I should save for though.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the one in Puyallup, and always had some fun and certainly learned some things; however, there is a certain "old-lady" aesthetic that one must wade through to find the "good stuff" I think because historically the groups that go (and spend their money) at these shows are an older crowd, all my good experiences at the shows have been tempered with some sadness over the "snobbery" of many of the vendors. My self-pitying thoughts on sewing expo vendors (especially indie pattern designers) of the past are blogged at http://susiehomemakerdeservesacocktail.blogspot.com/2012/08/in-defense-of-big-fourmaybe.html
ReplyDeleteBeing from the UK nearest thing to that I've found is the 'creative stitches' event at a shopping centre in a neighbouring county. Went for the first time earlier this year. Would probably go again, but it quite far to travel. I'm still kicking myself for not buying some lovely silk fabric on offer for a very good price.
ReplyDeleteI didn't do the 'workshops' coz I thought they were a bit...twee.
I'm going to try and go to the sewing expo in Raleigh, NC next year. I've never been to an expo before (I just started sewing this year), but I'd love to apply my love of comic conventions to sewing. Conventions for ALL the things!!! And it would be awesome if there were lots of young folks there like me (I'm 22). I suppose I'll have to get used to being in the minority at these things as a young person, just like how I had to get used to being in the minority as a woman at my local comic con.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to a convention if I could find one close by and someone to go with. I'm glad you posted this because I wondered about who attended and how many younger people would be there. Maybe now that you are teaching classes that would bring more younger generation in. I would definitely love to attend one of your classes!!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to one, actually never even thought about the idea and we do have one in Cleveland next March. I do have to agree about the price being difficult. 10.00 admission isn't bad, but an additional 8.00 to park makes it a little expensive for me, considering I'd want to buy fabric as well.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Lakeland this past year. I am fairly certain I was the youngest one there. They really should have just called it the Quilting expo as most of the vendors were geared to the quilting set rather than those of us who prefer to make wearables. There were plenty of notions and I did take some classes about fitting. However, as a 26 year old, the dowager's hump adjustment was not really on my "need-to-learn" list. There was not really any kind of selection for affordable apparel fabric (though SO many bright, bright batiks) and there were only a select few independent clothing designer patterns (colette, for example) but many, many quilt and froofy accessory patterns. I most likely will not be going to that particular expo again.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the sewing conventions could use a major face-lift, and I'm over 50!! If you look hard, you can definitely find some gems at these events....fine fabrics, indie patterns, and cool tools that are unavailable locally. I like being able to test drive a few new sewing machine models. But I am tired of the same old workshop presenters that offer the same classes season after season. The free presentations are dominated by these ladies who make the sewing expo circuit their whole career [eye roll.]
ReplyDeleteI think this is because the expo organizers are a bit out of date themselves, and booking the same-old, same-old is easy. We need fresh faces and new ideas!!! Sorry. Rant over.
I'd love to attend an expo. Pretty much everything here is geared toward quilting. We have a fashion week now, which is awesome, but not really for teaching. I'm not even sure how to find the expos, do you have to belong to ASG or another group to get the info?
ReplyDeleteGoogle "Sewing expo" or ask at your local fabric store. There are sever around the country.
DeleteI of course, am going and have gone twice to Novi before. I love looking through just about everything, but agree that there's way too many "quilted jackets walking around". As an almost-50 y.o. , l too would love to see it geared towards the younger generations. Oh! My 28y.o. dtr came last year and loved it (if only she'd follow thru with her projects!)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go, but like you say it's wadding out a ton of cash to go to the middle of nowhere (I'm from Miami, FL--and don't think we have any down here). But they definitely need to make them appeal to a younger crowd. We're the ones keeping the craft going, so they should want people like us to attend.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to attend a class taught by you Gertie! Have a great time!
My mom and I have been going to SewExpo together for years. I agree with you about the age issue and will readily admit that I can only afford to go because my mom treats me. Mom and I discovered that the classes we like best are the hands-on ones. We've been to some startlingly bad lectures and some wonderfully good classes. I was very disappointed last time when I tried to register for your classes only to discover they were cancelled!
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely like to make it to one (or more) sometime soon. Any advice on picking the more worthwhile ones?
ReplyDeleteI was really excited to see that the ASG national meeting was in Houston (within driving distance!) this past year, but even passes for individual days were $175, and the full meeting was over $500. Yikes!
I’m very new to sewing. (I started my lessons 3 weeks ago.) I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on. I saw a convention that is coming to Texas along with the paper-crafting convention I attend every year. After a quick glance of last year’s schedule and photos, it looks like the same old, frumpy,applique sweater for every occasion crowd. Don’t get me wrong, I love learning from those more experienced, but I just turned 30, I live downtown and drive a convertible. I’m hoping to find a convention that is lively and engaging! Something where all of the events don’t end before 8pm and all of the wonderful online material that I find so interesting can be seen live. Maybe it’s too much to ask for, but I envision teaming up with a boutique hotel and independent shops for a big girl’s night out sewing extravaganza. I would beg, borrow and steal to attend something like that!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a great idea to have a convention in more of a hotspot—and maybe focus a bit more on apparel sewing, not just quilts, to draw the attention of those of us who don't do the quilt thing. That said, having people like Gertie at expos and conventions is certainly a move in the right direction!
DeleteI'd LOVE a convention, but nothing cool ever happens in Iowa. I'd have to drive about 4 hrs to KC, STL, or Mpls/St Paul...and then the cost of getting there kinda outweighs what I'd be able to spend on fabric and/or classes. :( so I content myself with Craftsy, your blog, and online fabric stores. :) my sister and I always joke that we should have been born in New York or London because we both have expensive tastes in pretty much everything, including fabric!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Council Bluffs native, so I bet you are not far from there :-). I know what you mean! Used to make a lot of clothes in high school and endured some eye-rolling, but now I'm finding more & kindred spirits here in Portland OR. We really ought to have an alternative gathering here. This concept makes me miss my tribal bellydancing days (and yes, of course, I made my own costume pieces!). Perhaps a smaller traveling show could work?
DeleteAnother Iowan (east central) here - I totally agree on the lack of sewing conventions, other than quilt guild shows (which I do like also). The cost of travel plus room and food, sort of puts a damper on going to sewing conventions held even remotely close (less than 5-6 hour drive). So internet, books and mazazines it is for me.
DeleteIf the local quilt guilds can put on a show with several hundred quilts and a bunch of vendors every year, why can't the ASG groups do something non-quilting at least every 2-3 years in Iowa? Even if it means getting all the local groups working together... and rotating between areas for each show. Must be something I'm overlooking, or they'd have already done so? Maybe lack of support from the non-quilting sewing comunity?
I think smaller venues kind of like a road show or sewing circus that gets it happening in more cities across the country. Conventions do cost a lot of money and in the current economy many are opting for more accessible free or lower cost options like the Internet or local sewing center. But nothing gets the creativity flowing like a show with make and takes and new ideas.
ReplyDeleteYes! I see a bit of this happening locally but it's usually more craft-oriented, and pretty light on the classes...
DeleteI would be going this year, again, to the ASE in Novi but my bridal shower is weekend and I guess that should take priority... :( I actually prefer to go alone. None of my friends really sew, so by going alone I can do what I want, see what I want and do it whatever time I want. I make it a mini-me vacation. I'm a couple of hours from Novi, so I drive and get a room. The shopping in the area is about the best I've ever found too. Yes, it does get expensive but I just save for it each time. And, yes, it would be nice to start seeing a younger group attending.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to go to this... next year! I'm from Michigan and totally thrilled they have this expo in Novi each year. Sadly, this year's budget requires me to stay in Los Angeles. But I do like your question about how to get younger sewing enthusiasts to the expo. I think they have to find a way to make it more contemporary on some level--bring in more elements of design and high fashion. Shows like Project Runway are such a huge hit with people who sew and don't sew alike. There is a certain buzz and excitement missing in the sewing expos that you do see in other things like Fashion Week. Yesterday I was honored to be featured for National Sewing Month (http://bit.ly/patterninaction6723) and while I have a whole host of new followers who sew, my biggest champions in the blogosphere have been people who don't sew! They simply adore the dresses I make for myself and really appreciate fine garments. When I talk about expos like ASE to non-sewing friends, they get really excited and say they wish they could go but they had no idea it existed. Maybe ASE needs to have a younger group of advisers to help plan next year's expo?
ReplyDeleteI have attended them and I also believe they are magical! I love your idea though and that is definitely something I would attend. I remember seeing a post you did on a weekend you had attended in Palm Springs, CA. literally right down the street from where I live and I was soooooo bummed I knew nothing about it until after the fact! I'm still not over it ha! But I am definitely cued up for the next one for sure!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to the American Sewing Guild conference next year. My cousin went for the first time this year and her stories about the classes had me drooling. But I expect I won't be able to join her for quite some time due to the expense.
ReplyDeleteAs far as a younger demographic goes, I think the largest part of the younger demographic is tied up with costume cons. I'm part of the DFW Costumers Guild and let me tell you, when we started looking at dates to hold our first wee little Costumers' Lost Weekend, the sheer amount of cons catering to Anime and Western Fandom costuming was just dizzying. We were left with a small pool of date options.
To add to that, for years we have been trying to reach out to non-historical costumers so we can all play together. We are gaining ground, but slowly. The age gap with our group is probably smaller than what has been described here as the perceived audience for sewing conferences, but not by much.
I have a feeling that the outreach for sewing conferences would be even slower going since there is less costume play focus involved. BUT, if the sewing conferences want to tap a growing and younger crowd, they should think about luring in the costuming crowd. One of the best costume cons in the nation is Costume College and it is rather pricey. It is designed much more like a sewing convention. So there Are costumers out there willing to pay that kind of money for workshop classes. Somebody just has to convince them that it is as worthwhile as CoCo.
Ohhh, I dream about attending Costume College or even the east coast equivalent, Dress U! Either one would be so much more fun and offer far more possibilities for connecting with like-minded individuals than the regular quilting and sewing conventions. One day it will happen.
DeleteI would LOVE to go to an expo. I'm a self taught sewist so going to something like this would be both fun and informative for me.
ReplyDeleteI live south of St. Louis so I'd be willing to drive to St. Louis or even KC but I never find out about most events until a day or two before of after the fact.
So spreading the word better would be most helpful.
But if I found out about an expo a few weeks or month beforehand I would go and have expendable cash to spread around. lol.
The Sewing Expo in Kansas City is October 11-13, you still have time to check it out
DeleteNever been to one, but I would curious to try it. Cautious though, to be honest. I have been on the receiving end of "sewer snobbery" - and I have no patience for that at all! If the owner of that shop only knew that their attitude made me refuse to buy a machine from them.....
ReplyDeleteMoving on from that stroll down memory lane.... I think it would be interesting to attend one. Think anything will ever come to Las Vegas?
I have been living under a rock (and by a rock, I mean Idaho). I had no idea sewing conventions even existed. Be still, my heart! I would totally go to a sewing expo if there was one anywhere in the northwest or intermountain west regions. I guess I should start researching to see if there are any that are held in those areas.
ReplyDeleteI would be so in for a sewing convention slumber party!! otherwise there is no way I would go to Michigan voluntarily..
ReplyDeleteNever been to one but would love to go. If there happens to be one in NY or surrounding area please let us know because I would def attend
ReplyDeleteI'm based in London in the UK and have attended a couple of Knitting and Stitching Shows at Alexandra Palace. Um, I have to agree with some of the people above - I felt pretty much totally alienated and depressed by the experiences. I'm shocked that the organisers aren't engaging more with the vibrant community options we have. Someone needs to seriously shake up the bag! The craziest thing of all is that it really wouldn't be so hard. Thanks for raising a very interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteI might go to a sewing show if it was local, but there's no way I'd do a long-distance show.
ReplyDeleteDown here in NZ, we have an annual quilting symposium which I think is very similar. But it is organised by a rotation of guilds on a voluntary basis. Because noone is setting out to make a profit from holding it, the cost of involvement is quite low, and the merchant hall is free. I'd love to see this event start to include fashion sewing, but it's not likely to! The demographic here is definitely younger - at 47 I'd be around the middle of the bell curve.
ReplyDeleteThe Quilt and Craft Show in Hamilton (NZ) a couple of weeks ago was disappointing. Great if you like quilting and beading, but as a garment sewer I found it a waste of time and money. Regarding age, at 49 I was mid-range.
DeleteThe Australian Sewing Guild 2013 convention is in Auckand, 29 Sept to 4 Oct. exciting! I'll be there!
I'm attending this year and excited to take one of your classes! I'm not surprised that the average attendee's age skews older but the sewing trend seems to have gained momentum amongst my generation so I'm hoping the range in age will start to shift. I've never attended an expo of any kind, I'm anxious to see what it's like!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited you posted about this. I only live about an hour away and I had no idea it was happening! Cost of the workshops is a little prohibitive for me but I may go just to browse the vendors and see what its all about.
ReplyDeleteI'm so psyched for the sewing EXPO the first weekend of October in Chantilly, Virginia. It will be my first. I've been saving my pennnies because I know I go shopping crazy. I'm taking my 10 year old sewing student who is entering in their "next generation" contest for kids ages 9 and up. We have to sew like mad and double up on classes this week to finish her project in time! She is making a shirt and they actually have a fashion show for the kids to model their wearable entries. I think its an awesome way to get young people and their youngish parents there.
ReplyDeleteI love the American Sewing Expo -- it's not far from where I live, and I've been able to get some great deals from the vendors. This will be the first year that I'm taking some classes (your retro dressmaking class is one of them), so it should be fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm not big on sewing expos, but I do think that a good way to attract younger people (I guess I'm in the middle of the age range now, at 41), would be to do something very "Burning Man" meets fashionista. It would need to be an EVENT to get people to come. Otherwise, I think it would be pretty dull for most people.
ReplyDeleteWe have a quilting expo in my city (Madison, WI) but no garment related sewing expos. I've never attended, but I would imagine folks of our generation (20s to 30s) aren't the norm.
ReplyDeleteI would really love to attend one and learn some new skills, though. I should probably check out Chicago - bet there's something there.
As a college-student, I couldn't afford college expos. As a young professional, I couldn't afford the time off from work. Now, as a SAHM, I can't afford the babysitter =\ So, hopefully when I'm 60 I'l have the right mix of money and time.
ReplyDeleteI have been to a few and have enjoyed/stuck out like a sore thumb,LOL! "You don't look like you sew!!!" Ummm....can someone clue me in as to that specific "look" minus the strip-pieced vest and bracelet pincushion? :)
ReplyDeleteI soak up as much as possible and ignore the boring...the Quilt Show in Houston is EPIC and so is the cost to attend,parking (IF you can find it) and the prices inside but it's amazing!
I LOVE Gertie's idea: shared rooms and resources and a new "tribe" to stroll the halls, all decked in "nouveau vintage" and armed with tape measures and red lipstick! :) I am only now connected to another VERY special seamstress in my area and am taking a fabulous "corset construction" class with her as we speak...a very specific skill-set I've always wanted to learn and she is one of THE best...learning a lot and it's the first sewing class I have taken in like 10 years! I did all the "heirloom/quilting" classes my brain would allow :)
I agree with the "burning man" vibe someone mentioned above. I think a show that was a bit more inclusive then just "sewing". Something to attract people who make their own cos play and burning man attire as well as more retro inspired items. I live in Los Angles and I am sure you could fufill your vision of a hipster sewing slumber party if it was in a bit of a destination location like Vegas or LA for the garment district.
ReplyDeleteNot all sewing shows are alike. The last decade has finally brought a younger woman to the forefront of sewing in America. We at American Sewing Expo in Novi, work all year to find teachers and vendors as well as events within our show that will appeal to a younger audience. Each year we make a few more strides as we continue to improve but as with all things worthwhile it takes time. By the way; I too cringe at the Mom jeans and the $%&## appliqued sweatshirts and I'm over 50 too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing!
I would like to attend the one in Kansas City, MO but I do not have anyone to go with. All of my friends bailed out on me. If there is somoene in this area who would like to meet up and hang out, please email me at jmajne@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to a sewing show! I didn't even know there is such a thing, with vendors AND classes! I've only seen a quilt expo in my town, and it IS all older ladies, and there aren't any classes or skills-teaching stuff, just vendors. How do I find out about these things and if there are any in my area?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to Novi and I can't wait!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to the Novi expo on friday and taking your class on retro dress making. Can't wait! I've been going to the Novi show for years. It's the only sewing expo I've been to and I enjoy going because the Detroit area has a definite lack of fabric and sewing supply stores so I look forward to seeing all the vendors. I treat myself to fabric from Vogue Fabrics every year.
ReplyDeleteMy rulers are going to Novi (SA CURVE) with Barbara of A Fine Notion (exhibitor). I would love to go next year. I think if there was live music and drinks and lower the lights, you may appeal to the younger set.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! Maybe a cocktail hour with fashion sketching techniques and idea swapping. I know that the 20 something have strong fashion ideals and love to talk about them and put them down in writing.
DeleteI'd love to attend something like this, if in fact "we all share hotel rooms to save money and it becomes a huge sewing slumber party and the convention floor is taken over by tattooed ladies and their bearded hipster boyfriends." I feel there'd totally be a market for that here (San Francisco), but sadly I've never encountered anything of the sort.
ReplyDeleteI do wind up going to a fair number of craft fairs (e.g. Renegade Craft Fair) and events where people sell things they've sewn, like Prepare for the Playa and The Edwardian World's Fair. But these are usually strongly associated with particular subcultures (burning man, steampunk, etc.) and draw a pretty clear line between vendors who make stuff and attendees who buy stuff.
I have no idea where sewing expos currently advertise, but with the exception of this post it has pretty much zero overlap with places I'm likely to be looking. Since I'm basically unaware of sewing conventions unless someone blogs about it, I suppose the best way to recruit my demographic would be to rope in bloggers and makers of indie patterns. Which it sounds like at least Novi is doing!
Our state of Michigan has a robust art fair scene. Huge happenings in Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, and everywhere in between. I often thought that a sewing expo could run inside one of these festivals, with a community arts exhibit and awards. I think that sewing fits closer into the art fairs than the county fairs. The young designers who make a line of clothes and sell at these fairs would really benefit from sewists buying their patterns and clothes... or fabrics. People come to see family members display their entry, and the crowd increases.
ReplyDeleteI will be at Novi this weekend, third year in a row, and I will be at the blogger meetup on Saturday and at your intro to dressmaking class on Sunday. I'm interested to see if the ADSP raises the level of dressing for the attendees.
ReplyDeleteYour description of slumber party sounds a lot like Pattern Review weekends!!!
I think you make the Expos what you want. If all you see is "old people" and make assumptions that everyone over 40 wears frumpy applique sweatshirts, you missed out.
ReplyDeleteSewing encompasses a lot of areas. Quilts, garments (current AND retro, plus kids and dogs), home dec, embroidery, fiber art - no one is going to like every booth or every type of sewing, just like everyone doesn't decorate their house the same. But there's booths for pretty much everyone, which is cool.
I sincerely doubt that Expos are going to turn into Burning-Man-Sewing. Why would the organizers alienate their current customers who go every year and spend a *ton* of money just in case they might get different customers? (Who don't go now.)
If you want something new, go to the expo, then tell organizers what you thought was missing. Make suggestions as to who and what to include. Believe me, they would LOVE to have input. They would really like a younger demographic to attend their expos too. Tell THEM how to reach you. Don't complain on a blog - even one as well-known as this one. Expo organizers don't have time to read all the comments in all the blogs in case they might get something good from that 57th comment.
I often go to the Puyallup Expo, and yeah, there's a lot of older ladies there, but if you LOOK, last year there was a Project Runway Fashion show (free), discounts on the related PR patterns, several independent designer fashion shows (free), the fabulous Vogue Fabrics booth (sure wish THAT was free!ha!), cool stuff that could totally be used for CoCo, scissors, books, the really good elastic, tailoring stuff, etc. etc. etc. Lots of quilty booths for me means that I can spend more time in the Vogue booth without missing stuff.
Classes can be what you make of them too. Just because you'd NEVER make the skirt doesn't mean the zipper insertion, funky cool seaming and pocket techniques are useless.
I get that there some sewing snobbery out there, but it really goes both ways. I've gone to younger groups and gotten the 'you're old' brushoff where no one would talk with me (I'm 40s, and dress younger - no applique sweatshirts here!) I guess the lesson on that is that we should none of us assume things and stuff doesn't change on its own.
Happy sewing.
Love your attitude! Could not agree more that an expo is what you make it.
DeleteRight on, Leigh! All very good points.
DeleteI agree too, Leigh. Trade shows and expos will evolve as the organizers receive more constructive feedback. Having worked trade shows in the music industry in my previous life, I found that a good audience mix makes the event way more interesting for everyone. Banjos can get along with electronic drum kits :-), so why can't Burning Man types and quilters?!
DeleteLeigh.... you nailed it. it works both ways!
DeleteI am in Canada. Have attended a sew and quilt expo. Should get a name change to quilting expo.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to go to Sewing Summit next month but I have to be at work...it's blackout time for retail. It's a bummer that so many of the cool sewing/crafting conventions and whatnot are out on the west coast. Where's our cool east coast convention? Seriously, if I knew how, I'd start my own.
ReplyDeleteI have been to National ASG Convention a few years back, I was young for the demographic there. At the time in my mid-40's. Now I am wondering with the last of my 40's lingering, would I be in your young demographics? I sure feel young! LOL. Enjoy the show, next year, I might try to attend.
ReplyDeleteI am attending this year for the first time - Sewing Summit & ALT. Would love to hear your recommendations for conventions to attend!
ReplyDeleteSewing Summit: can you give us more info on that?--it seems like this event in Salt Lake City might be a good one with a focus on fashion sewing.
DeleteI've never been before but I live about 40 minutes away from Novi so I am heading up with a friend this weekend! I saw that you will be teaching classes, while I won't attend them I hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteOh Gretchen, you are singing my song. I usually attend the Int'l Quilt Show in Houston (I live in Austin) and this year will attend QuiltCon here in ATX. They are great fun, but you are right. I see many older women there who are (sadly) 100 lbs. overweight and riding around on scooters. It makes me wonder if there will even be anyone around to pass down the craft.
ReplyDeleteI have this passion for finding new ways to reach younger sewists. I've recently written a new sewing series that I will be teaching throughout the Fall. Crossing my fingers and hoping there are younger women who want to embrace sewing and hopefully pass it along to the next generation.
If you have any great ideas, please share them. I just know that there are gals out there that are interested in sewing and I would love to help point the way.
SO jealous that you get to go to Houston IQS!! Someday...
DeleteYou might try using Meetup to get the word out, possibly Craigslist. Is there a Church of Craft near you? Maybe you can post your meetings with them. Here is their link: http://churchofcraft.org/our-mission/
Is there a BurdaStyle group near you? Could you start one?
I am a member of ASG. We would love to have younger members. The balance is keeping the interest of our existing dues-paying members and finding ways to welcome younger sewists, regardless of skill level. There are LOTS of younger sewists out there, some are new, some are fantastically advanced. We all have things to share.
I lead a small monthly ASG group and the ladies in my group range from mid-30s to mid 70s. We have a GREAT time. It can be done.
My un-scientifically-researched opinion is that younger sewists can be hard to reach because they don't have a lot of time - sewing was fun as a teen, but college/family/job responsibilities have pulled them away. If you have little ones and/or a f/t job, or have a really small apartment, it is hard to make time for groups and regular sewing. It often ends up that when the kidlets start being more self-sufficient, or the job is stable or college is done, there is more time for sewing/interests. And that is often when people hit mid to late 30s or early 40s. And we often have a bit more money about then too - for fabric, for club dues, all that. Anyway, that's my theory on why there's fewer younger folks at the expos, in clubs, etc.
Best of luck with your teaching series!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI have never been to one. I would in theory be interested, but I don't tend to buy very expensive fabric, so I question if it would be worth the entry fee.
ReplyDeleteI'm 20, and in theory I like the idea of sharing a hotel room, but in practice I would never share a hotel room with a stranger. If I couldn't afford a room, find a local one, or go with a friend I already knew, I wouldn't go.
I've never been to such an event for sewing, but think it would be such fun to go to one. Though this sort of thing—all of the people, the sensory overload—tends to overwhelm me, sewers in general are patient and understanding types, so I'd probably be fine. Really, just to be able to talk in person with other sewers serious about doing WELL behind the presser foot would be inspiring and just plain fun. Even if some of the classes didn't totally fit into my style, certainly they could at least teach me something, yes?
ReplyDeleteThough I would worry about melting my credit card. A sewing convention sounds like temptation galore.
That said, I'd not heard about this one, which is a shame, as I'm a native Michigander and would have a room waiting for me at my parents' (actually, they have TWO lovely guestrooms, so if someone was really in a jam...ha, poor Mom and Dad—I can see their house overflowing with sewers hopped up on New Fabric Smell now!). Really, I need to pay better attention so I can pop into one of these someday.
Have fun, Gertie!
I live near Novi so this will my first year. I've been to several knitting conventions as well which do seem to have a younger, hipper vibe than this Expo. But I always have a good time at the sewing expo. I'm saving up for a Babylock serger so I love to stop by their booth. I will be taking Gertie's class on Friday. I love your book Gertie and I'm bringing it in hope you'll sign it!
ReplyDeleteOops, I meant this will be my third year.
DeleteI desperately wanted to go to the Novi Sewing Expo, and take one of my friends as well. I enthusiastically perused the catalog, then realized that the prices were just for the classes--never mind the entry fee. It was just too big a chunk of change for me to shell out, and I've still never been to a sewing convention. I think my sewing would benefit from attending tremendously, but I can't justify that financial outlay right now.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't previously heard of sewing expos like this, but if there's one in my area (probably Denver) I'd love to go. :D
ReplyDeleteThere are two shows per year in Denver, called the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo. The next one is in February, 2013. The other one is always in July. Hope to see you there!
DeleteI like to go every two years. I downloaded two for one coupons for the entry fee this year which I am glad I did, because now that it's less than a month away, the coupon is no longer available. I also bring just a certain amount of cash to keep my spending in check. Hoping my mom will be in town this year to come with me!!
ReplyDeleteHeather from Calgary
I've gone to knitting expos and I definitally agree that more of the younger crowd needs to attend!
ReplyDeleteI'm active in the knitting community and we have a few shows of our own. I don't tend to go because I'm pretty shy and money has been tight for a few years, but I'm far less skilled at sewing than I am at knitting and the classes as events would definitely be a plus for me. It's certainly on my to-consider list. I'm not sure if I still count as "younger" is nearly 40 still younger or am I now considered part of the existing demographic?
ReplyDeleteTrust me. You are a youngin at the sewing/quilting shows.
DeleteWell my mom goes to sewing expos Dallas or Ft Worth to look at quilt fabrics and she is 70. That seems to be the median age here in TX and the shows are not geared to to apparel makers who want to make fitted, hip, and/or retro clothing.
ReplyDeleteI live in Austin and you would think that sort of thing would exist here with the Craft Mafia but not yet.
What I really want is a Maker Fair like gathering that includes apparel sewing, costuming, knitting, crochet, modern quilting, with some subversive embroidery and other needlework work. Throw in green elements (remake/reuse) and some steampunk and I think you would get your audience.
As for now, I use etsy and blogs and assorted internet resources. Sigh.
I went to the Novi, Mi show year before last. I liked the notions that I don't get to see in the stores here in Toledo, Oh. That was my first expo and want to attend this years for one or two of the classes but they're in the morning and that would mean getting up at at least 5 a.m. and I am not a morning person. I thought about just staying in a hotel to go to one since I don't see sewing classes of that kind-or much of any kind-offered here.
ReplyDeleteI'm attending the Sewing Expo in KC this year, which will be my fourth. I always find new skills, meet really nice sewists, and enjoy the escape from work for three days. The instructors are so accessible and helpful, and I come home truly inspired to try new techniques. It has helped me improve.
ReplyDeleteI joined the American Sewing Guild this last summer. I love it, but the age of the group is really in older than me (and I am 36). I have started tweeting for my sewing guild and helped them create a facebook - great ladies and lots of ladies who like to sew clothing which is helpful for me. I am not able to attend the Expo over in Novi but I know there are several ladies going there from our Kalamazoo sewing guild group.
ReplyDeleteI live only a few hours away from Novi, and I've just talked my hubby into bringing me to the convention Sunday! I can't wait to meet you!!!!!!! EEEEK!!!!!
ReplyDelete:) :) :)
I attended the ASG convention in Houston earlier this year and I had an absolutely amazing time. I am 25 and was one of very few 20-30 year olds but that didn't bother me at all. The ladies there were so friendly and thrilled to share their wisdom with a young sewing enthusiast. I was also pleasantly surprised that there was a big focus on garment sewing instead of the crafting and quilting that I expected. The best part was the fact that I got to enjoy two full days of couture instruction from Susan Khalje. I would love to go to another sewing conference soon and I think more young people should give them a try. You can learn so much in such little time.
ReplyDeleteAh ! I would LOVE to attend this kind of expo. I'm not sure if there's anything happening in Australia though...
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to a convention, but I wouldn't have anyone to go with. I'd feel weird going by myself.
ReplyDeleteI never realized there were such things as sewing conventions until I read this blog. I'm a self-taught sewer since last year, so I'm pretty new to the whole needle arts thing! I went to Google and it turns out there's on in my area that I might go to!
ReplyDeleteIf there are any readers in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, there's going to be one in Hampton in a few weeks: http://www.virginia.org/Listings/EventsAndExhibits/BellaFabricsQuiltingandSewingExpo2012/ . I think I might go to check it out, but I'm wary that it might be mostly quilting, and I sew clothes instead. :)
Next month I'll be attending ETA Expo in California. I really look forward to the bra fitting workshop and the fashion show that my friend is apart of.
ReplyDeleteTho, I am pretty sure there will not be a lot of people in my age group in attendance, I still plan to enjoy myself.
I think the reason that there is not a lot of younger people at conventions is money. The cost of admission (sometimes individual classes) and travel adds up and not to mention spending at the exhibit hall/dealer room. Also, sewing is still kind of a new trend for the "younger generation". The online sewing community is big, but locally it is not as big. Most of my sewing buddies are older. And since sewing is pretty much a solo event, if you don't have other sewing buddies to go to the conventions with, you are less likely to go. I am usually always doing things solo, that would not be a reason to keep me from doing a lot of things.
Like people said above, a convention is what you make it. Sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zone, to make things worth your while.
I would love to go to sewing shows or QuiltCon or Sewing Summit or... My budget simply doesn't allow for that right now. Not to mention getting time off work (hard to do as a teacher!)
ReplyDeleteThose, dear Gertie, are nonexistent in my whereabaouts (Catalonia, Europe). But of course I would attend if there were any! It would be nice to have a calendar of these convention/fairs/... in the States and in the UK (there might be some there as well?), so that when I plan a trip over there, i can check if there is some near my line of action...
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime... have fun, those of you who can.
Wow, I loved reading all the comments especially about the Sewing and Stitchery Expo in Puyallup. Being the founder and owner, I want to listen to what you have to say. In defense however, we do our very best to keep the show balanced so there are plenty of vendors for garment sewers and quilters alike. The age argument has gone on for years and we have tried to offer classes to appeal to all levels. And we do have suggestion boxes at the Expo and all of the management team has phone numbers and emails on our website for you to share your comments good and bad. We work hard to keep prices reasonable with free parking and low-cost seminars.....we are listening to you all. Thanks for your support. Joanne Ross
ReplyDeleteWe just returned from the Expo in Novi. My mom, myself and 12 year old daughter attended. We had a fantastic time! I think there were a great balance of vendors. I was disappointed that I didn't sign up for classes but they are certainly on my list for 2013. My daughter took the Fashion Boot Camp and now I think I have created a monster! I think youth classes with hip and trendy projects are an absolute must! I saw you at our hotel and was too much in shock when I realized who you were to say hello! You are doing great things in the industry!
ReplyDeleteI have dreamed of attending the conventions since I started sewing in 2001, when I was in the bloom of my tattooed cutie phase. Now I am a plump mother of two and inhabit the world somewhere between little hipster (after all the tattoos don't disappear) and middle aged sewing lady. For me the barriers are definitely financial. I mean, no offense to Novi, MI (Holla Uncle Jeff!) but I Cannot really lump a family vacation together with a trip there and I cannot justify shelling out for a hobby conference all on my own. Move it to Oakland, Brooklyn, Seattle, Portland, New Orleans, Austin, or someplace else I could actually convince my hubs to to go? Now you are talking.
ReplyDelete