The Spot Demonstrations at Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Fredericksburg, VA

Fredericksburg, VA

The Spot Demonstrations

 

See your favorite sewing and quilting designers and personalities show what's new and trending. Catch all the excitement as you get up close for how-to demonstrations at The Spot – a more intimate setting. FREE with your General Admission ticket. Looking for even more presentations? Click here for the Expo Stage Schedule.

 

Thursday
 

10:30 Quilters SOS | Judy Phillips for Sew déjà vu
11:15 Tackle That T-Shirt Quilt . . . One Block at a Time | RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design
12:00 Threadology with Superior Threads  | Erin Byrne for Cotton Candy Fabrics
12:45 Poetic Images Materialized: The Inspiration  | Presented by Carol Hancuh
1:30 Get 'Er Done Sewing Tools & Techniques | Kathy Ruddy for kathyruddy.com
2:15 Stabilizing Your Craft: Tips & Tricks for Effective Use of Stabilizers | Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artistry
3:00 There is Magic in Your Cutting Board | Lorraine Henry for Lorraine Henry for Conselle
3:45 Notions - What's New, What's Hot, and What Are My Favorites? | Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio
4:30 Wonders of Wool: From Fiber to Fashion | Bob Moosa for The Wool House

 

Friday
 

10:30 Quilters SOS | Judy Phillips for Sew déjà vu
11:15 From Spools to Stitches: A Guide on Thread | Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artisitry
12:00 Move Into Free-Motion Quilting with 6 Basic Shapes | RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design
12:45 Mastering Fitting & Sewing: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfecting Patterns | Lorraine Henry for Lorraine Henry for Conselle
1:30 Threadology with Superior Threads | Erin Byrne for Cotton Candy Fabrics
2:15 Poetic Images Materialized: The Inspiration | Presented by Carol Hancuh
3:00 Getting Started with Rulerwork/Template Quilting | Donelle McAdams for Sew Steady
3:45 Wonders of Wool: From Fiber to Fashion | Bob Moosa for The Wool House
4:30 Zipper Tips & Tricks | Linda McGehee for Ghee's


Saturday
 

10:30 Zipper Tips & Tricks | Linda McGehee for Ghee's
11:15 How to Easily Quilt Any Size Quilt | Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio
12:00 Decoding Apparel Fabrics: Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Creations | Amanda Carita for Amanda's Bundles
12:45 Wonders of Wool: From Fiber to Fashion | Bob Moosa for The Wool House
1:30 Sew to Look Slimmer! | Kathy Ruddy for kathyruddy.com
2:15 Why Didn't I Think of THAT? | Kathy Ruddy for kathyruddy.com
3:00 Mastering the Sloper: Your Ultimate Tool to Fitting & Design | Lorraine Henry for Lorraine Henry for Conselle
3:45 From Spools to Stitches: A Guide on Thread | Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artistry

 

 

Decoding Apparel Fabrics: Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Creations

Amanda Carita for Amanda's Bundles

Not sure which fabric your project calls for? Join Amanda as she explains apparel fabrics so that you’ll know what works best for the garments you are creating.

 

From Spools to Stitches: A Guide on Thread

Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artistry

Join Michelle for an insightful presentation that explores different types of thread and their uses in sewing. Discover how to choose the right thread for your projects, learn about thread weights and types, and get practical tips on thread care and troubleshooting. Whether you're new to sewing or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you make better thread choices and improve your stitching.

 

Get 'Er Done Sewing Tips & Techniques

Kathy Ruddy for kathyruddy.com

When speed is important, Kathy has the techniques for you! Learn how she uses her favorite sewing tools, elastics and interfacing for good results, even on the very first try. Beginners and experienced pros will appreciate her original time-saving techniques, perfect to use with all your creative ventures.

 

Getting Started with Rulerwork/Template Quilting

Donelle McAdams for Sew Steady

Rulerwork/Template Quilting is HOT! Dive in with knowledge that you will gain from this presentation by Gold Accredited Westalee Design & Sew Steady Educator, Donelle McAdams. Great handouts will be provided to assure you have all of the information it takes to take the rulerwork plunge!

 

How to Easily Quilt Any Size Quilt

Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio

Stop "quilting by check" by sending you quilts out to a long-armer and start quilting your own quilts. There are many ways to deal with the bulk of machine quilting. Learn some of the creative methods quilters have come up with to solve this problem. Then you can use your favorite method - walking foot, free-motion or ruler-work to create your designs. The right prep, products and techniques will get you quilting those larger quilts with ease.

 

Mastering Fitting & Sewing: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfecting Patterns

Lorraine Henry for Lorraine Henry for Conselle

Have you ever struggled with fitting your own figure variations? Join us for an interactive session where all your fitting questions will find answers! Witness firsthand demonstrations on how to rectify those perennial fitting challenges that seem insurmountable. Led by the seasoned expert Lorraine, she will guide you into the world of fitting variations—reframing them as opportunities rather than problems. Discover how to tailor patterns to accommodate your unique figure characteristics and bid farewell to ill-fitting garments forever. Don't miss this chance to unlock the secrets of flawless fitting and elevate your sewing skills to new heights!

 

Mastering the Sloper: Your Ultimate Tool to Fitting & Design

Lorraine Henry for Lorraine Henry for Conselle

Have you ever wondered what a sloper is and how it can improve your sewing experience? Join us for an enlightening session that demystifies this essential tool in garment fitting and design. Despite its elusive reputation, the sloper can be your best ally in achieving impeccable fit and unleashing your creativity. Learn how to create a personalized sloper tailored to your unique measurements and body shape. Discover invaluable techniques for using the sloper to enhance the fit of commercial patterns and even create your own designs. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the potential of the sloper and take your sewing skills to the next level!

 

Move Into Free-Motion Quilting with 6 Basic Shapes

RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design

Movement is the key for mastering free-motion quilting, and this interactive presentation is designed to help you get moving! Join us for an engaging session where you'll learn the six fundamental movements that form the foundation of all free-motion designs. Plus, you'll discover two additional movements that are crucial for creating stunning feather patterns.

Through audience participation, you'll practice these techniques and gain confidence in your free-motion quilting skills. This presentation will provide you with the tools and knowledge to enhance your quilting designs and achieve beautiful results. Come ready to move and be inspired to take your quilting to the next level!

 

Notions - What's New, What's Hot, and What Are My Favorites?

Adele Scott for Adele Scott Design Studio

Discover the latest innovations in quilting notions and my favorite tips and tricks in this engaging demonstration. Explore new tools designed to enhance your quilting experience and learn how to make them work harder for you. Adele will share practical advice to streamline your workflow and tackle common challenges. Join us to stay updated on the newest tools and improve your quilting efficiency!

 

Poetic Images Materialized: The Inspiration

Presented by Carol Hancuh

Curious about the magic behind Carol’s fabulous collection? Join me as I reveal the secrets behind my thread painting techniques, including how I transform a snowy day into a captivating winter's night scene. Discover how I infused the "soul" into a house quilt design and how to select meaningful poems for inspiration.

In this revealing presentation, you’ll gain insights into my creative process and learn the tips and tricks that bring these artistic elements to life. Whether you're interested in enhancing your thread painting skills or seeking inspiration for your own projects, this class will provide you with valuable knowledge and creative ideas to elevate your quilting artistry.

 

Quilters SOS! 

Judy Phillips for Sew déjà vu

Are you seeking the keys to unlock the full potential of your quilting projects? Look no further than Quilters SOS—a comprehensive presentation designed to equip you with everything you need, from inception to completion. Explore the fundamentals that form the bedrock of successful quilting endeavors, ensuring triumph at every step of your creative journey. Discover the latest products and techniques tailored to the modern sewist, empowering you to stay ahead of the curve. Join us for an enlightening session that promises to elevate your quilting game and guarantee future successes with every stitch!

 

Sew to Look Slimmer! 

Kathy Ruddy for kathyruddy.com

Lose ten pounds simply by choosing the right style and fit. Sew a high-end wardrobe that fits, is comfortable and will camouflages any weak points. Watch Kathy model a variety of clothes in styles that will “work” for you too, making you look good and feel great. Learn about the secret techniques that really work, are easy to apply and will inspire you to sew. Discover all the tools and tips you’ll need to make the creative process fun.  

 

Stabilizing Your Craft: Tips and Techniques for Effective Use of Stabilizers

Michelle Umlauf for Sewing Machine Artistry

Learn how to select and use various stabilizers to enhance your crafting projects, from sewing and embroidery to quilting. We’ll cover different types of stabilizers, their applications, and how to achieve the best results by choosing the right one for your project. Discover practical tips and techniques for applying stabilizers effectively, ensuring your projects maintain their shape and quality. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or new to stabilizers, this guide will help you achieve professional and polished results in your creative endeavors.

 

Tackle That T-Shirt Quilt . . . One Block at a Time  

RaNae Merrill for RaNae Merrill Quilt Design

Oh, the often-daunting T-shirt quilt! It doesn’t have to be a hassle—it can be fun, easy, and even creative with the right approach. Imagine quilting each shirt individually before assembling the quilt—no need for meticulous planning ahead of time! Plus, you can add the binding to the border before attaching it to the quilt itself.

 

Curious to learn how? Join us and discover a new, exciting way to tackle your T-shirt quilt project. Get ready to transform those treasured shirts into a finished quilt with ease and creativity!

 

There is Magic in Your Cutting Board

Lorraine Henry for Lorraine Henry for Conselle

Join Lorraine as she teaches you how to say goodbye to uneven hems and discover a transformative approach to understanding your body's nuances. The magic lies in our cutting board grid, offering insights that revolutionize your perspective on measuring techniques and pattern layout. Join us to explore tips that will redefine your approach to achieving the perfect fit effortlessly. Experience the magic of precision in every stitch as we unveil the secrets to achieving a flawless fit with ease!

 

Threadology with Superior Threads

Erin Byrne for Cotton Candy Fabrics

Join us for this thread talk where you will learn about different types of threads, their uses, and how to use them effectively. We will cover the history of thread, types of thread, thread construction, thread tension, thread weight and the different materials used in manufacturing. Learn about the different types of thread available including cotton, silk, polyester and nylon and how to choose the right thread for a specific project. You will also learn how to properly adjust the tension, and how to troubleshoot common problems when using thread.

 

Why Didn't I Think of THAT?

Kathy Ruddy for  kathyruddy.com

Join Kathy as she unveils her wealth of ingenious techniques to revolutionize your sewing experience. Discover her unconventional yet remarkably effective methods that promise to enhance speed, ease, and the overall quality of your projects. Get ready to elevate your sewing game as Kathy reveals her collection of clever insights that will leave you wondering why you didn't think of them sooner. Prepare to be inspired and take your sewing skills to new heights!

 

Wonders of Wool: From Fiber to Fashion

Bob Moosa for The Wool House

Step into the captivating wonders of wool where the journey from fiber to garment unfolds in a mesmerizing exploration. Gain profound insights into the unique benefits, performance, and fabric attributes of wool, as we unravel the mysteries behind this extraordinary material. This presentation goes beyond answering the question "What is Wool?" It dives into the versatile benefits and properties of wool, offering a detailed guide to its various uses. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of wool and elevate your appreciation for this remarkable textile.

 

Zipper Tips & Tricks

Linda McGehee for Ghee's

Zippers are easy to insert with a little knowledge. Learn several ways to insert a zipper. Let the zipper be a design feature. Yes, you can put a zipper back together when the slider comes off!

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