OSQE is the Original Sewing & Quilting Expo. Shows are held in various cities around the lower 48 states from March through October every year. Some variation of the March show has been an Atlanta staple since the mid-1990s. COVID literally shut the OSQE down mid-show in 2020 when everything went into lockdown mode that Friday. A lite version of the show returned last year. This year was definitely back to normal. Lots of vendors and lots of people SHOPPING!

Classes are offered at the Expo. It’s been a while since I’ve taken any classes offered through them. As a beginning sewist, I found the classes helpful. Not so much as my skills progressed. Instead of class, it felt as if I’d paid to sit through a sales presentation because the teacher was promoting her products so heavily during class time.

For once, I actually got to attend on opening day. Thanks retirement! I met up with some crafty friends at the Expo. It was a nice way to spend the day. I ran into a former library colleague who served as an advisor when I went though the national board certified teacher process in 2006 – 2007. She retired many years ago, but now volunteers as a regional coordinator with Sew Powerful. She was in their booth at the Expo. I learned about the program and will see if it’s something I can incorporate as a service learning project for my more advanced sewing students.

Besides meeting up with my friends, I also went to the Expo to learn more about the Easy Piecing Grid from Ten Sisters Handicraft. Two reasons: (1) I found 2 grid panels and a project sheet in my stash (retreat swag) and (2) I registered for a class taught by Carmen Geddes at Mountain QuiltFest on this very same topic. Ms. Geddes was actually in a booth showcasing the Easy Piecing Grid products and answering questions. She confirmed that a 1/4″ foot is necessary – preferably a foot without the guide. It does not matter if the foot is clear like a Little Foot or all metal. I inquired about this because I’d read conflicting information in handouts for various classes featuring the Easy Piecing Grid. This also narrows down which machine I need to take with me to Mountain QuiltFest.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the displays, window shopping, product demos and listening to various lectures in the presentation areas. Despite the excellent shopportunity, I purchased very little at the Expo. I spent less than $20 on a couple of hard-to-find small notions I needed (and finished off the balance of a VISA gift card in the process).

There were quilt shows in Charlotte, Pensacola and Ft. Walton Beach this past weekend. I wasn’t able to to make it to one of those, but I did attend a quilt show sponsored by the Cotton Patch Quilt Guild. The show was located just outside of Athens, Georgia. Traffic was a beast going both ways. I probably spent more time commuting than I did attending the show. Anyhow, it was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Besides pretty quilts, there was an also small vendor area. I met reps from Project Linus and QOV, plus checked out booths from NE GA quilt shops I’ve yet to visit. Yes, I indulged in a little retail therapy. While shopping, I met two teachers who are in the same position I was last year – figuring out if early retirement is doable. I shared that my quilting skills had definitely improved since retiring last May.

Both ladies echoed my mother’s sentiments that I should renew my about-to-expire teaching certificate for one more 5 year term. If not, then at least convert it to a retired educator certificate. This will give me options should I need them in the future. Psst: I applied for renewal. Certification rules keep changing, but it looks as if I have enough PD hours for automatic renewal. The process is a little different since I’m not employed by a local school district. We’ll see what the state certification office says.

Bye-bye Bendable Bright Light! This dimmable LED kit purchased from Amazon fits my needs so much better. It’s about $10 and I only used 1 section of the light strip because I needed additional lighting over the needle area only. Of course, this would be a non-issue if sewing machine manufacturers would just install brighter lighting when the machines are made.

Why all the fuss? I teach with this machine and students complained the Bendable Bright Light got in their way. The on/off button was also not working. I tried the new set-up out at my Friday Sew with Friends Day. Sweet! Plenty of light and the switch is easily accessible/dimmable to the desired amount of light. No more intense beam and glare like we had before. The kids should be happy. I know I am. This small hack now makes this sewing machine a true contender for air travel. The Elnita EC30 is a more versatile machine – and only about an inch wider than my Elna STAR. This means it’ll fit in the same rolling tote that I take on the plane.

Here’s how I affixed the wiring and on/off switch across the back of the machine. Power button is easily accessible and wiring is out of the way.