Each year, in anticipation of the Original Quilting and Sewing Expo, our heads are filled with all sorts of wild creativity, our hearts go flutter-flutter, our breathing gets rapid, and other strange things happen to our bodies. This year was no exception. We all got excited and drooled to the point of needing a bib.

Once again the Ocala chapter sponsored a bus trip to the expo. On February 19th we set off from Gainesville, making two stops in Ocala and continued on to Tampa with a FULL bus (57 passengers). Everyone was in very good spirits as we played sewing-related word games with prizes and contemplated what classes we wanted to sign up for.

Once at the expo, a special treat was in store for us. Loralie (the woman who designs the famous Loralie fabric and embroidery designs) met us for an autograph session. Many of us took items that we had made from her fabric and got them autographed. She is a charming and beautiful lady. That alone made the trip worthwhile.

Then we entered the world of creativity and wonder. With so many vendor booths, stage shows, quilt show, and 'make-and-take' opportunities, we were entertained and inspired throughout the day. It was mind boggling. There wasn't one thing related to sewing that wasn't represented in some way. If you've never been to a sewing expo, you have really missed something. This is a yearly event held at the Tampa Convention Center and you absolutely need to plan to experience it next year.

To make the day even better, two of our ladies won prizes at the expo! Carla Chapman won a basket filled with goodies and a Rowenta iron from Hancock fabrics. Leslie Klein won a tote bag filled with goodies from various vendors. Congratulations ladies!

With tired feet, minds filled like sponges with ideas and promises to go home and make something we had seen, we reluctantly boarded our chariot for the ride home. Each participant settled in with a snack of an apple, string cheese and a bottle of water and socialized with each other over what we had just experienced. A lot of 'show and tell' went on with what we purchased and sharing of ideas of how to hide from our husbands all the fabric we purchased. Another word game was played and then we all relaxed with an excellent video of Nancy Zieman on her top 25 sewing tips.

All in all, it was a most successful trip. In my mind, what made it successful was that we didn't leave anyone behind in Tampa. I thoroughly enjoyed chairing this event and look forward to our next trip. I thank all of you for your appreciation and emails of thanks.

Respectfully submitted,
Marge Hollnagel