Hello! Thanks for visiting my site and if you’re new here… Welcome!
I’m kicking off this weeks blog hop along with a group of Makers from Sew Pro! In September I went to the first Sew Pro Convention held in Chicago. Sew Pro is an event for Designers, Bloggers, Authors and Creatives, giving us the opportunity to meet other creative people in the industry and talk about the business!
I arrived to the event early and I’m so glad I did! I got to meet all these creative women! A group of entrepreneurs, shop owners, and designers (of fabric, bags, quilts and fashion)!!! Makers of all kinds! During the convention, we shared meals, inspiration, stories… and aLot of notes!
The list of Presenters at Sew Pro included Pat Sloan, Tula Pink, Alison Glass, Sara Lawson, Kristen Link, MiMi G… to name a few!
Quilt Author, Radio/Podcast Host, Author and Fabric Designer Pat Sloan was our keynote speaker. She was the first person I met in Chicago (at the airport)! One of the things she said to me that stuck was “Don’t Wait” and she shared a story about going to her first quilt market.
Some of her presentation points elaborated on this same thought:
- Don’t wait for things to be perfect.
- Get your family on board.
- Do the work!
- Don’t stop trying the doorknob.
- Build relationships
Thanks for the inspiration Pat!

Tula Pink talks fabric design
Everyone was learning and sharing!
Alison Glass and Spoonflower gave out these pretties during one of the sessions… including some panels for a needle book.
Of course I had to make one!!! And… with a few more supplies
I made this adorable Needle Book!
I customized my needle book and added a couple pockets to store my scissors and packets of new needles. I also added some purple and gold wool to make the pages. This book will get TONS of use, I love it!
If you want to make a Needle Book, you can find the Full Tutorial HERE.
The Theme of the Sew Pro Stars hop is to share a project inspired by Sew Pro… but I thought about this and realized…
I was inspired by the Attendees AND the Teachers! So much creativity in one place!
Plus, these Teachers have been inspiring me ALL ALONG! I love to listen to their podcasts (Pat and Abby – links below) while I sew, I’ve contributed to some of their sites (sew mama sew!) and magazines (GenQ), I’ve got two Alison Glass projects going on and I’m not going to tell you how many Tula Quilts I’ve already made (if you follow me you probably already know).
I feel an even stronger connection to these projects now that I understand the stories behind their fabric.
I even used Tula’s lazy stripe fabrics in my Scandinavian Tomte Christmas quilt pattern! (included in the givaway below)
If you haven’t already, go check out some of these inspiring women who were part of Sew Pro ~ and sharing all kinds of knowledge!
Creative Talk Network with Pat Sloan
While she naps podcast with Abby Glassenburg
Join the Craft Industry Alliance!
Thanks for visiting and be sure to visit the other Sew Pro Stars Participating…
Monday Nov 14
Lisa Peterson – lisaandlorelai
Sherri Noel – rebeccamaedesigns (here)
Andi Stanfield – truebluequilts
Tuesday Nov 15
Vanessa Behymer – vintagebarngirl
Pam Cobb & Lynn Rinehart – thestitchtvshow
Sherry Shish – poweredbyquilting
Joanne Kerton – canuckquilter
Lisa Nielsen – thequiltjam
Wednesday Nov 16
Carmen Ross – seecarmensew.com
Anne Beier – hudsonvalleyquilts
Jessica Caldwell – desertbloomquilting
Pamela Morgan – mysweetlittlestitches.com
Thursday Nov 17
Maryanna Powell – marvelousauntiem
Cathy Smith – aquiltingchick
Lissa LaGreca – lovinglylissa
Paula Mamuscia – creationsbypaulamamuscia
Friday Nov 18
Becca Fenstermaker – prettypiney.com
Holly Stockley – lighthouselanedesigns
Teri Seal – daymoonquilts
Trinia Braughton – www.penguinfeats.com
Deanna Wall – stitchesquilting
Enter below to win a prize from the Sew Pro Stars including fabric bundles and patterns! (you can enter from any participants site)
If you want to know more about the convention, Erin from Sie Macht wrote a great post about the takeaways of this event…
5 Sew Pro convention takeaways for every sewist
It was an inspiring few days few days! I’m sure you’ll remember all the wisdom shared every time you use your pretty needle case.
Loved the event! It’s so nice to look through the pics and read your take on it. Love your needle case!
I’m so glad I met you at Sew Pro! Your Scandinavian Tomte Christmas Quilt is so cute!
Sewpro was the best💕 I love how your needle book turned out!
Hey roomie! It was such a pleasure hanging out with you for the weekend! All your quilts are gorgeous!!
LOVE your Scandinavian Tomte quilt! Well, I love everything in your post, but that one stands out! Great article on SewPro! I had such a great time meeting everyone and just being with other makers :)
Wonderful event ♥
So glad I found you! Your colors and designs make me happy!
I truly enjoyed this post. It is so full of positive energy and inspiration. I look forward to taking the time to visit all of the participants. Enjoy your day! ~karen
That Tomte quilt is too cute for words!
Love the Christmas quilt at the end, especially.
Awesome looking time – wish I had been there!!!
The Xmas quilt with red trees and the little elf is darling.
Excellent summary, and I love your work! So glad I got to get to know you.
Thanks Becca! I enjoyed meeting you all and I’m looking forward to the next event!