Has anyone here attended conferences, or conventions or shows relating to needlework, or sewing or quilting? Do you have a favorite group or guild that you belong to? I'm sure there are members or reader's who would like to learn about new things like this, I know I would. You could share you region, and if there are any related web sites that might have information about upcoming shows, or information about organizations to join. Edey

Greetings, Yes I've attended two cross stitch conventions. One in 1995 in Saratoga Springs NY and 2005 in Hershey PA. I think if you type in what specific "needlework" and the word "convention" into a search engine you should find what your looking for. The one I attended was called Spirit of Cross Stitch and they do a yearly conventions in medium size cities. Some people actually fly in or drive long distances to attend. Hershey PA was about 6 hours away. Hubby came with me and ended up golfing with other husbands whose wives were at the same convention. The first time I went I spent about $500.00 (meals and lodging included) and the second time $1,500 but I had hubby in tow. I invested heavily into my hobby and ended up with thousands of dollars of charts and supplies to last me a lifetime. Then after the last convention, I lost interest for about two years which really upset me. I just started to get back into it recently. Personally, I think I had too many charts (projects) to do and I got overwhelmed. Once I got rid of 2/3 of my collection, I felt I could pick it up again. They are usually held in fairly nice hotels which have vendors booths set up in larger meeting rooms. Most people usually stay at the hotel that hosts the convention although some people stay in more inexpensive locations. I recommend that you save up plenty of money for what you want, take a list of what your are looking for, and look at everything several times before purchasing anything. Attending a hobby convention is like being a kid in a candy store..You want it ALL and you want it NOW, which of course can blow a budget out of the water. If you want more information or have specific questions, let me know. Toni

I did cross stitch up until I got in my mid-40's that I just couldn't see it well enough to continue, even with good glasses. And I had lost interest right about that same time too. Like you I had many projects and wasn't finishing them. After that I went to doing quilting, piecing, and needle turn applique; it wasn't as difficult to see unless I was working with black fabric. The hand quilting I had to give up due to wrist problems, but needle turn applique didn't cause problems. When I work on an applique project I use a size 11 milliners needle, which is very long and thin, and silk thread; those two items make for much less drag when pulling the thread thru the fabric, causing less stress on my wrist.

I went to a local quilters convention several times, and was thrilled with what was offered compared to what is found in shops. The heavy crowds weren't fun, though. That was too many people in too small a space. The crowds grew larger every year, but the quilter's guild wouldn't move it anywhere else. 

I thought it would be fun to share experiences with others who have attended the different events. Thanks for sharing. Edey

Edey, of course you can't buy anything there, but I love going to my state fair every year and walking thru the Home Ec building.  I go mostly to see the baked goods and winners, but you can't help but see the winning quilts, sewing and needlework projects that are right there, too - awesome!  It wouldn't be the first place I'd look if I were a beginner, tho, waaaay too overwhelmed by the time and expertise involved in such intricate work, but they're such works of art that they're worth going to admire if not duplicate...Liz

Fairs are another good idea, I didn't think about. County fairs usually are fun and have such charm about the whole atmosphere, especially if they are in more rural areas. They were a big event in my families life when I was a child. When I was learning cake decorating there was a display at the county fair and I saw some of the most beautiful cakes in designs I could never have thought of.

Edey

I would love to go to a cross stitch show but there are only a couple in the entire country, and none close enough for me to travel to. I don't have the money to go anyway. What I've done is to join (and help own/run) yahoo groups in cross stitching and quilting. My quilt group has gone rather quiet lately, but our cross stitch group is quite active and does exchanges and round robins often. My local needlework guild has a $30 annual membership fee, so I don't belong. Doesn't cost a thing to join an online group.

A number of years ago I went to a needlework show that was held in King of Prussia, PA. The focus was mainly on cross-stitch. I did not enjoy it as much as the knitting conventions. I guess it didn't help that I enjoy surface embroidery instead. (Yes, cross stitch is surface embroidery, but only one stitch of surface embroidery)

I have gone to a number of knitting conventions. I went to a number of "Stitches East" when they were held at King of Prussia, PA. They are now are held in Baltimore. I would love to go, but they are held in the fall, a bad time for my schedule. The classes are rather pricey. I have also gone to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival as well as Rhinebeck, NY (sheep and wool festival). They are great for knitters and spinners. I am planning on going to the MSWF this year, if things work out. 

I enjoy shopping at the conventions/conferences because I am able to see the items close up instead in magazines. It also gives me the opportunity to buy speciality items that I wouldn't ordinarily come across. In addition, there is no shipping and handling! Many times the vendors will also give special discounts just for the show/convention time. You are usually given an opportunity to sign up for mailing lists of vendors you really are interested in. 

While I don't belong to any guilds or groups, I do peruse a lot of blogs that focus on knitting. Conventions as well as speakers such as Yarn Harlot are usually mentioned. Most teachers/speakers/authors have their own sites that list their speaking schedules. I imagine it would be the same thing for quilting as my SIL and nieces attend a number of quilting conventions.

 

 

There are so much more presented at shows that are the new things available. It's fun to mingle with like minded people, too, without the commitment of joining a group. I don't like physically joining a local group, but so like being part of groups, like here. I'm in several on About.com and Yahoo. Right now I'm absorbed with learning about old sewing machines, so I'm in groups concerning that. Edey

They have a big sewing/needlecraft tradeshow in Abbotsford (about a hr away) but I haven't gone because I know I will buy more craft stuff!   A couple of small local shows/fairs is about all I go to now :)  plus a couple of antique shows.    I have to satisfy my interests with second hand piecework/needle crafts mags plus  Monica Ferris's needlecraft mysteries!  reading the latest Knitting Bones.

MarthaMFI:

second hand piecework/needle crafts mags

I would get several older crafts magazines by going to the library sales. It beats paying $5.00 or more for a new magazine. I don't know how they keep printing magazines anymore with the price they charge. You would think that with all the advertising in mags that they could cut the prices. I know subscriptions are cheaper if you like getting them every month or every other month. Edey