If you’re a total geek like I am, QuiltCon is the perfect place to spot your favorite sewlebrity.
This was my first time at QuiltCon, and besides just going for pleasure – I took on the project of documenting it for Sewing Report. (See coverage on the event itself, and the latest sewing gear)
Not gonna lie – it was a tall order.
A few years ago, I worked as a Special Projects Producer for a television station in Florida. The Special Projects department covers stories that aren’t “news of the day.” Meaning – weekly feature segments, longer form programming, and politics. It was heavy on field producing, and I was able to produce lots of fun and interesting programming. We did interviews with celebrities in town, profiled restaurants, and even spent a few days at the Walt Disney World Resort for the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Covering QuiltCon really brought back all the old memories and feelings of that role, and although my entire body felt like it was falling apart by the end, it was an amazing experience.
On the show floor, I had quite a few folks asking about the equipment I was using – so I’ve created a complete source list just for all of you!
It was surreal meeting and talking with so many people I’ve been stalking, er, following online. Every single one of the sewlebrities was incredibly kind, gracious, and more than happy to take photos with me.
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- YouTube star Melanie Ham
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- The one and only Mary Fons!
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- Violet Craft with her amazing new quilt Elephant Abstractions
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- The one and only Jenny Doan with the Missouri Star Quilt Company
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- Design genius Jennifer Sampou
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- Beautiful FMQ expert Angela Walters
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- FMQ ninja Christina Cameli
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- Philipp Ueltschi, 5th generation owner of Bernina
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- Amy Smart, Diary of a Quilter
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- Hoffman Fabrics 4th generation leader Aaron Hoffman
Someone else I was excited to meet in person was Riane Menardi, Communications Manager at The Modern Quilt Guild. We’ve known each other for almost a year, since we started corresponding about me doing a webinar on Navigating the Media for the MQG. If you’re a member – you can still catch a replay here!
While at QuiltCon, I stayed at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel located conveniently next to the Pasadena Convention Center. I’d missed getting in on the special QuiltCon rate block, so I ended up paying a tad more per night, but ended up getting a “Club Floor” room – which meant access to the Club Lounge and complimentary breakfast, all day snacks, afternoon appetizers and WiFi. That saved me from spending a lot of money on food while in Pasadena, because I was able to eat a good breakfast and come back later for the afternoon appetizers – which included items like cheese, crackers, bread, meatballs and chicken tenders.
But I did manage to find time to check out a few Pasadena food spots. I’ve dreamt of eating at an In-N-Out Burger since reading the book “Fast Food Nation” over a decade ago. (AFFILIATE LINK) I realize that might sound strange, but I’m a long time fast food junkie. (In high school I ate at McDonald’s twice a day senior year, and could eat 5 Big Macs in one sitting – not sure how I weighed 85 pounds back then) My roommate, Angelina, took me there the first day we both arrived.
Another day I snuck across the street solo for an hour to have a delicious, and surprisingly inexpensive sushi lunch at P.F. Chang’s. Yeah, I know it’s not exactly something unique and local, but I have always had a weakness for the Chang’s. The staff at this location was great, and the server was super interested in what I was doing for Sewing Report.
Randomly, I met Alison Glass in the restaurant, but didn’t recognizer her in that setting. Maybe that’s a good thing, because at least I didn’t ask her to take a selfie with me there. Alison – enjoyed meeting you!
After one of my three-hour evening workshops, I stopped at the hotel bar – Charlie’s – to dine on braised short-rib sliders, and these absolutely decadent desserts – shared with two fun ladies I met. It was a magical evening!
Lastly, I’d like to thank the Academy, QuiltCon, and my new leather Uggs for keeping up with me for the five-day Pasadena QuiltCon adventure! Unfortunately, I noticed this style – Classic Short Leather in Chestnut – is sold out. Not everyone is a fan of Uggs, but I now own three pairs and will say this – they last FOREVER. I’ve had the suede chestnut version for over ten years, and they look just about the same as they did brand new. I do own the cleaning/care kit and use that to spruce them up. Before I left, I treated them with saddle soap and leather conditioner. They are SO COMFORTABLE!
That’s it from QuiltCon!
-Jennifer
