2014 OSQ Expo Recap Part II/ Meeting my Blog Followers

Really, has the entire week almost gone by? Really?!?!!?!? I've been busy playing catch up since my trip to ATL Original Sewing & Quilting Expo of which I still need to recap in this post. It just so happens that Mr. Jim at the OSQE in Lakeland, Florida at the very moment. So if any of you are attending that Expo please be sure to stop in and say hello to him. I believe he's booth #1307.

Ok, so about the rest of my OSQE trip.....
The expo itself was really enjoyable. I'd been to the one in 2006 to take classes and I have to say that not much has changed. There were lots of classes offered, alot of great vendors and just the phenomenal feeling that you're surrounded by talented and crafty people.

 It was really interesting being there as a vendor and working with Mr. Jim to promote his outstanding DVD's (Tailored Ladies pants and Basic alterations---all on his blog HERE). We worked from 10am-5pm everyday and had a little commute to make too and fro. Fortunately Mr. Jim has a house in Atlanta (where he used to live for 30+ years) so that made it feel like home away from home.

Here's our booth.....

 (In Mr. Jim's booth highlighting his DVD's, Vests and Bags for sale)

(Mr. Jim in his booth. If you haven't picked up your copies of his DVD's then you're missing out! They were selling like hotcakes! He teaches anyone hot to  professional tailoring results in a fraction of the time.  You can get then at his blog HERE---just look on the left side.)

(Our view from our booth. Do you see what's directly in front of me???? Vogue fabrics!!!! I was in Heaven, I got to stare at beautiful fabric all day and see when they put out new items LOL!!!)

(Booth next to us.....We were in a high traffic area for sure)

We were located in the best spot. We were right between the food and stage. Also, Vogue Fabrics was positioned right in front of me. It couldn't get any sweeter that that!!! You know they have the BEST discount fabric. Of course I gave them some of my business. Some items I purchased from them were featured in my last post.

What was also cool was interacting with alot of folks who just flat out love to sew. Now the conference was dominated primarily by quilters but the apparel sewers did represent well. Mr. Jim taught 4 classes and I was AMAZED at the response he received. Now I shouldn't have been entirely amazed since 1. I'm one of his students and think he's about one of the best tailors out there!!! Trust me I'm not be impartial I watch this man tailor Sports coats and vests like it's the easiest task with impeccable skill and 2. He practically sold out of the class and they had to increase the seats. Unfortunately still everyone who wanted to take his classes couldn't get in them. Anyhow, it was really cool to have the class attendees visit the booth after their class in pure amazement on how Mr. Jim simplified techniques were done and yielded the best results. If you've seen his Basics DVD then you're familiar on his cool technique for sewing on buttons!!!!

I also had the EXTREME and I do mean EXTREME pleasure of meeting some of my & Mr. Jim's blog followers. That was really cool and humbling. They were all some beautiful and smart ladies. We were able to chit chat about our sewing work and the blogs we follow such as the talented Carolyn, Erica, Amanda (folks I was stalking before I even had a blog) and too many others to announce!!! I told them the penalty for them introducing themselves was they had to be featured on my blog. All agreed. Here they are.....

 The talented & gracious Shenetha who has such a calming persona and relaxing voice. I could listen to her talk for hours! We had some really good conversations....

 .....the "too cute for words" Vanessa who is a talented seamstress & has a wonderful blog at sewfilled.blogspot.com

 ....The spunky and fun Geannene. I loved her energy!!! She's a serious sewer and has a son who sews too!!!

 ....the vivacious Ebony who has a Etsy business (www.theglamdoll.etsy.com) centered around making cute doll clothes. 

 .....Monique with the pretty smile! Not only did she attend but she worked at the ASG booth helping others!

 ..... the Sweet and Smart Kathy! We had a very insightful conversation that I deeply cherished!

...and last but not least, Michelle who had the sweetest smile and demeanor.

I ENJOYED talking all things sewing with these wonderful Ladies!!!

The OSQE was definitely a great event. It was nice to meet so many other sewers and to present Mr. Jim's work to everyone. I'm not entirely sure I will go again since this show is predominated by Quilters (no offence quilters, you know I love you (smile)) but I look forward to branching out and attending other sewing shows in the future. In the meantime I have my Fearless February sewing to finish up and a Father/Daughter Dress to have ready by this Thursday. Lots of work to do! Happy Sewing to you!!!!