The Sewing and Stitchery Expo Story

The Sewing and Stitchery Expo was launched in 1984 when Joanne Ross pitched her idea to Washington State University to "create a place where each year the best experts in the industry came to share their expertise, where you could try the latest technology in the industry, and where you could spend four days just soaking up new ideas with others of a common interest."

The Expo started as a two-day event at the Tacoma Dome Convention Center with 56 exhibitors and 3,200 participants attending. Each year Sewing and Stitchery Expo grew bigger and the demand for more time and content increased. In 1992, the Expo expanded to three days and in 1995 it became a four day show. It has continued to gain popularity with participants coming from nearly every state in the United States along with the Australian, Asian and European continents.

Over the past 20+ years, we've seen the serger arrive on the market and witnessed the use of computers and embroidery machines in our sewing world. Sewing experts have taught us to do heirloom sewing, sew on polar fleece, make wearable art, use new threads, print pictures on fabrics, and to emulate the quilts of our grandmothers. Sewing programming is regularly featured in the media and sewing has shifted from traditional clothing construction to home decoration, quilting, and using an embroidery machine to embellish. And, the Sewing and Stitchery Expo has evolved with the industry.

Today, there are more than 100 different seminars offered daily along with Hands-On Classes, Style Shows, and Free Stage Events. The 30,000+ attendees learn from national experts and look for new entrepreneurial opportunities. They can procure the latest industry technologies such as computerized sewing equipment, initiate and/or review management plans and acquire new skills. Sometime they test small scale business ideas, develop networks with agencies, and find resource suppliers.

If you haven't experienced the Sewing and Stitchery Expo, give it a try. We are willing to bet you will return year after year like the many attendees who have bolstered the growth of the Sewing and Stitchery Expo!

WSU's Center for Distance Learning and Professional Programs promotes life-long learning and professional excellence by linking the University's resources to learning opportunities.