Baby Lock Tech 2011

Thank you, St. Louis!

We had a great time at Baby Lock Tech 2011!

Johanna and Shirley have returned from the 2011 Baby Lock Tech, the annual convention for all things Baby Lock and affiliated businesses.  It was a blast!  Being the newest dealers there, we think, we just soaked up the excitement and knowledge from everyone participating.  Saturday night kicked off the weekend  - themed Go for the Gold!  Being our first time there, we enjoyed the speakers telling us the history of this family owned and operated (3rd generation) company.  From the people we met, we could feel the family atmosphere.

We took many classes and attended many seminars.  We both attended the Serger Line-up workshop, where we used all of the sergers.  Must say we are in LOVE!  Couldn't contain my excitement when I used the ruffle foot and thought how much easier it would have been than using a gathering stitch and gently pulling (and pulling) for our Maggie bag.  

While Johanna attended the seminar introducing the Ellisimo Gold and the amazing embroidery capabilities, Shirley did some heirloom sewing on a beautiful shirt.

We attended some Sashiko workshops, including this mini quilt workshop.  Did you know you can mimic hand embroidery with the Sashiko?  In addition to the tradition stitch that looks like hand sewing and quilting, you can get the look of a stem stitch, cross stitch, seed stitch and feather stitch.  

We met a lot of WONDERFUL people, and Barbara Randle was one of them.  She is a talented artist who teaches bobbin work.  Shirley switched into her class so she could learn some of her techniques.  The results, using a special bobbin case, are stunning!

Her bags are gorgeous (she also does super cool lampshades!!).  We can't wait to have her at our shop!!!

The trip was inspiring!  We came home with heads filled with ideas for classes, techniques, much more sewing and quilting knowledge, and lots of new friends.  And we will share them all with  you!!