Sewing and Quilting Expo
Lakeland Fl
March 18, 2011

Brought to us by EMMA!

Emma on the mic!

Everyone is happy and ready to go! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Emma and Obie keeping us organized

Was This a Trip or What?

After many months of delightful wishing and thrilling anticipation of the Original Quilting and Sewing Expo and a chance to re-charge your creativity, March 18 and Candies Coachworks of Gainesville finally arrived and we were highway bound.

This was the 3rd annual expo trip sponsored by the ASG Ocala chapter.  This time in Lakeland instead of Tampa.  A lovely spot.  Once again we began in Gainesville with our usual two stops in Ocala.  Everyone was on time and full of pep.  After passing out the expo packets and giving the usual explanations, we were ready for fun and prizes.  The fun began with Jill Werschin passing out the tickets and prizes as each winner was called.  She managed to stay on her feet against the swaying of the bus and did a marvelous job.    Everyone was a winner!  A thrill in itself.

As the tour continued, Debbie Katz was quickly on her feet as the designated "candid camera" , capturing historic film for the net and newsletter and  borrowing precious moments  from her time at the Expo to hesitate and take many captivating photos of members.  She takes pictures like a "Pro".  You will enjoy them.

At the Expo, there were many classrooms, exhibit booths, stages and refreshments, all located on one level.  There were the quiltmaking categories, sewing, machine embroidery, computer software, home decor, exhibit hall, a new designers fashion show was scheduled, and quilts in the Gallery.  There was so much to see and do - enough for a year's worth of creative fulfillment.  Of note , there were two walls dedicated to rust decor, landscape quilts and numerous other kinds of wall quilts, using material designed and created with rusty items.  Oh, the creations!!!   

~ For lunch many of us sat outside ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Marge

Annette and Jennette

Carla ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Denise and Kathy

After lunch it was back inside for more shopping!

Kathy, Marge, Obie, Emma, Barbara ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Emma and Debbie

This year, none of our riders won the grand prize nor any of the smaller prizes, but I think we were all winners  by being a part of this inspirational and motivational expo and spending time with others who share our interests.  Of course, there is always next year to have the opportunity to win.  Do come along.

At the end of the day, I didn't see quite as much pep.  Still our riders  wanted to continue the fun but decided to board the bus anyway.  No one was left behind.  Each participant was given a snack of an apple, string cheese and a bottle of water to help bring back the pep.  As we got underway on the return trip, we were entertained  by an  informative and educational film of Pamela Leggett, introducing her perfect fit T-shirt, a workshop that Pam will present to our chapter on April 6th.  This film should have peaked your interest.  We were also shown an enjoyable film of Quilting Arts TV programs.  Check out our newly revised library - a lot of good, educational videos there.

When all is said and done, I think everyone had a fun trip and some riders definitely promised to return next year!  I enjoyed coordinating this trip and look forward to next year.  Thank all of you for your participation.  Without your attendance, this trip could not have happened.

Join us next year.  The Original Quilting and Sewing Expo is a not-to-be-missed event.

Respectfully submitted,
Emma Carpenter

A good time was had by all!

Photos courtesy of our roaming photographer, Debbie K