American Sewing Expo

The Am. Sewing Expo was celebrating their 20th year this past weekend.  On Fri and Sat they gave away goodie bags to the first 200 people in line to get in the door.  And each of those days 2 lucky people of those first 200 got a free sewing machine.  I was #74 in line Fri. but no free sewing machine for me or anyone near me.  This show is wonderful for anyone who sews, quilts or works with fabric in anyway.  They have classes that start several days before the actual show and run thru the weekend.  Classes can be 1/2 day or full day and seminars are generally 1-2 hr.  there is also demos, talks, trunk shows, and fashion shows during the shows 3 days.  I took some pictures of some of the exhibits that I'll have to put up later as I'm having trouble getting them to post (I'm sure it's me and not the computer).  I found some embellishments that I want to use on bracelets.  Also picked up some stencils to try bleaching patterns on felt, will see if it works.  Was good and did not buy any fabric but did pick up a few buttons that were unique.  If you get a chance to go next year it's Sept 26, 27, & 28, 2014 aT Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mi.  Check them out on the web too.

Creating While Traveling

I bought this Omnigrid quilting case a few years ago on sale at Joann Fabrics.  I find it is perfect for not only quilting projects but to take beads,yarn, etc. along for projects.  On this trip I have beads, thread  ,needles,  pins, buttons,and  fabric for brooches..  The beads I have in tubes and round containers that fit into a covered box so I can take out what I need and set the rest aside while I work.  The beads are contained in the case if I should drop them while sewing.  The needles/pins I can put in the pin cushion (the rectangle of white/black/yellow in the upper corner of lid). It beats using pant leg or shirt to keep them in and sticking myself or loosing them. The case has a number of plastic pockets to store things, one of which is zippered.  It's nicer using this case  than juggling a tray, or having things loose on my lap or in a bag at my feet. If I'm only crocheting then the yarn can go in a bag at my feet and it is no problem but  I am often trying to finish up projects on the way to shows and this is a nice way to do that.  Happy traveling.  What ways do you carry your supplies to work on while traveling?