Friday 12:00 noon-1:30 pm
Industry Meeting (Retailers & Exhibitors together) will take place in the downstairs 1st Floor Banquet Room Friday, March 7th, 2025 starting at 12 noon. Wholesalers and Retailers are encouraged to attend this free meeting. If you have a topic you would like to discuss at the Meeting, please fill out this short form.
Our Panel of Industry Experts:
Fabric dyer Michael Hernandez from Rogue Fabrics
Designer Judy Whitman of JBW Designs
Retailer Barbara Hils, of Keepsakes in Cincinnati, OH
FlossTuber Stephanie Schaffner of Just Keep Stitchin' & Stitch-Con team member.

Friday March 7, 2025 Classes

Friday 8:00-8:45 am

Making the Most of Fibers

Teacher: Amy McClellan, Under the Garden Moon

Class Description: Amy McClellan will give you many ideas on combining cross stitch, surface embroidery, quilting cottons, wool applique and other techniques to give your customers a varied experience as they stitch. Find out about a new “Stitch of the Month” that is brand new, as well as see ideas for incorporating different textures. 

Location:  Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price:  $30 will include a small kit.

To Register:  Email underthegardenmoon@gmail.com

Friday 8:00-8:45 am

Surprise Project - Spool Holder

Teacher: Marie Claude Picon- Les Secrets de Marie

Class Description: Join me for a fun class…Make a Spool Holder with a special French touch. No experience required, all materials will be included.

Location:  Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $25.

To Register: Email marieclaudepicon@icloud.com

Friday 9:00-9:45 am

Beyond Biscornu: 8 ways to finish small samples/class demos

Teacher: Alla Blanca, Orimono Imports  

Class Description: We all have small charts, but have you run out of new ideas for how to finish them? This class will offer 8 unique ways to finish small samples, giving you eye-catching shop displays of any charts or techniques you’d like to highlight. We will stitch a little sashiko item together and finish it into a coaster while learning a bit more about the Japanese tradition of sashiko.

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $25.  Includes full kit of materials to make 1 coaster and 1 extra stitch cloth; bring snips.

To Register: Email: alla.orimonoimports@gmail.com

Friday 9:00-9:45 am

Fine Silver Needlework Accoutrements

Teacher: Michelle Arsenault, Michelle Ink Designs

Class Description: This is a sampling of what I can teach your customers in your store/retreat - You will be treated to an introduction of the Fine Silver Fun! I can bring to you an all inclusive, singular awesome event! I bring all supplies, all tools, all the equipment necessary for the class to create their very own silver accoutrements! Class can be tailored to your event/retreat/theme. No experience required - just enthusiasm and time set aside to play! This class/intro will give you a look see, your very own silver piece or 2 and a chance to get all the answers - see just how you can bring the excitement to your customers!

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $65

To Register: Email micheleink@aol.com

Friday 10:00 am-10:45 am

Pincushion's Lovers

Teacher: Simona Bussiglieri, Mani di Donna designer

Class Description: During the lesson, Simona will teach the finishing of 3 different pincushion models. The kit will contain the chart (with finishing info) and all the materials necessary to make the 3 models. Linen and Threads not included.

Location:  Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $35

To Register: Email  Info@manididonna.it

Friday 10:00-10:45 am

Keepers of the Thread

Teacher: Liezbeth Gottschall, Thistles

Class Description: In this little bag the stitched ladies keep your threads ready to stitch. I love all kinds of little bags and have a lot!! They hold my make-up, nail polish, charging cords etc. This is a lovely addition to my collection. It is an easy to personalize design. Also including many tips to finalize the bag.

Location: Williamsom Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $25

To Register: Email thistles@thistles.nl

Friday 11:00-11:45 am

How to Finish A Stacker

Teacher: Pam Lewis, Praiseworthy Stitches

Class Description: I am going to show How to Finish a Stacker. Attendees will make a cotton fabric stacker so that they can learn to make a real one when they finish stitching it. They wll receive everything they will need to make one, (including the spool) and be able to feel good about the whole process.

Location: Williamsom Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $25. Class limit 24.

To Register: Email praiseworthystch@bellsouth.net

Friday 11:00-11:45 am

Belle Frog Purse

Teacher: Isabella Abbiati, The Primitive Hare

Class Description: I’m thrilled to invite you to a truly special class that combines history, creativity, and craftsmanship: Belle Frog Purse.
We will be crafting a vintage frog-shaped purse. This charming design was all the rage in the early 20th century, especially around the 1920s and 1930s, and now you have the opportunity to create a piece that is both unique and timeless. These whimsical purses were once the height of elegance and originality, and now you can recreate their magic with your own hands!
Why Join This Class?
• Historical Inspiration: The design is rooted in a timeless trend, adding a touch of vintage charm to your collection.
• Unique and Exclusive: You’ll create something absolutely one-of-a-kind, perfect to showcase in your shop or gift to someone special.
• Simple and Fun: The process is straightforward, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to seasoned makers, can enjoy crafting this unique piece.

Location:  Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $35. Extra kits for your customes $30. Pin Set $10.

To Register: email: ilfiloincantato@hotmail.com

Friday 12:00 noon-1:30 pm

What is this thread and how can I use it?

Teacher:  Jane Garrison, Threadnuts

Class Description: With so many different possibilities to stitch with these days it is difficult to help your customers explore new experiences and open their wallets as well. Join Jane Garrison – owner of Threadnuts as she guides you through the features, benefits and around the pitfalls of many different fibers. You will receive samples of every fiber discussed and more in your kit. Bring normal sewing supplies including an 8” spring hoop (or similar size). Thread, needles, and background fabric are provided in the kit.

Location:  Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $25

To Register: email: jane@threadnuts.com

Friday 12:00 noon-1:30 pm  

Industry Meeting

Our Panel of Industry Experts:
Fabric dyer Michael Hernandez from Rogue Fabrics
Designer Judy Whitman of JBW Designs
Retailer Barbara Hils, of Keepsakes in Cincinnati, OH
Flosstuber Stephanie Schaffner of Just Keep Stitchin' & Stitch-Con team member.

Our Industry Meeting (Retailers & Exhibitors together) will take place in the downstairs 1st Floor Banquet Room Friday, March 7th, 2025 starting at 12 noon. Wholesalers and Retailers are encouraged to attend this free meeting.

If you have a topic you would like to discuss or questions to ask our expert panel, please fill out this short form.  

Location: 1st Floor Banquet Room

No need to Register. Free to attend.

Friday 1:30-2:15 pm  

Ann Haines an Ackworth Sampler

Teacher: Robin Laukhuf of Olde Willow Stitchery Designs sponsored by The Gentle Art threads and Lapin Loops linen.

Class Description: Come stitch this petite Ohio, Harmon Museum Ackworth Sampler in beautiful The Gentle Art wool threads on Lapin Loops linen. Learn some of the tricks of using wool threads to produce beautiful samplers. If you haven't already added wool threads this is a great addition to your shop's thread selection.

Location:  Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $20

To Register: Email: rlaukhuf@gmail.com

Friday 1:30-2:15 pm

Bring ‘em in with Classes & Shop Events!

Teachers: Karen Owen / Cross Stitch Cupboard and Jean Farish / Jean Farish Needleworks

Class Description: Offering classes and other shop events is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss! Learn the direct and indirect benefits to your bottom line. Find out how to effectively promote special events and class offerings. Discover what you need to know to successfully price fee-based events. Bring your questions and be ready to share your experiences. Our goal is to help you book financially viable classes and events. Together Karen and Jean bring their years of experience as shop owner, teacher, and event organizer.

Location:  Williamsom Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $25.

To Register: Email jeanfarish@gmail.com

Friday 2:30-3:15 pm

Let’s Make Some $ and Get Shop Action!!!
A Mini Shopowner’s Camp!!!

Teacher: Susan Greening Davis

Class Description: Susan Greening Davis has been in the needlework industry 51 years! She has had three shops (2 at one time) and they were in the middle of “nowhere.”

Location:  Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $40. You will receive six kits for really different and easy finishing, a notebook with more patterns (you can kit, copy and hand out, whatever suits your shop) and just as many tips as we can get through in class.The notebook alone is going to be great!

To Register: Email: sgreeningd@aol.com

Friday 2:30-3:15 pm

Piggy Needlecase

Teacher: Nicoletta Farrauto, Nikyscreations

Class Description: Pretty spring colours for this super cute pinky little pig to keep your needles and pins safe!! Join our class for this fun project that you cannot miss in your stitching basket.

Location:  Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

Class Price: $30. Kit contains: cotton fabric, linen, ribbon, pins, felt, chart and finishing instructions.

To Register: Email: nicoletta.farrauto@aol.com

Saturday March 2, 2024 Classes

Sunday March 3, 2024 Classes

Cost To Rent The Classrooms

Franklin Room or Williamson Room:  $50/hour (or Free)

We will advertise the classes to buyers, but stores will be asked to contact the instructor directly with questions about the class, and to sign up and pay for the class. The instructor will set the price for the class and can sell merchandise in the class. The only charge to the instructor will be the hourly rate for the classroom.

Free use of the classroom. We want to encourage classes that help store owners improve their business skills. For example, maybe you (or your spouse) could teach a short class on bookkeeping, computers, social media, taxes, radio advertising, etc. The room will be available for free for these types of classes. You would still be allowed to charge a fee to attend the class.

After show hours use of the class room. Some classes need extra time to finish up. We also have had requests from buyers that they would like a time and place to get together and visit with other business owners, to relax, and do some stitching. Again this year we are planning on having one of the classrooms (or both, if needed) open after show hours as an informal get-together location. If your class needs extra time to finish, you can use the classroom after show hours for free.

Classes during show hours should last no longer than 45 minutes. Please keep your class to 45 minutes to allow 15 minutes for clean up and move out before the next class starts.

Ideas For Classes

Besides the satisfaction of helping other business owners, teaching or sponsoring a class is a great way to gain exposure for your business.

• Finishing classes (advance homework ok)
• Social Media
• Business Classes (newsletter, teaching, time management, etc.)
• Technique Classes
• Previews of new designs and a start on a class model
• We would like to have classes of interest to exhibitors to attend on Thursday afternoon. This would be a great opportunity to share ideas on marketing, packaging, etc.

You do not need to be an exhibitor to teach a class. We would love to have more classes taught by store owners. Also, while we ask that the classes are sponsored by either an exhibitor or a retail store, the instructor can be with another company.

If you have any questions

Free free to contact us if you have any questions about the show.

Megan Chriswisser at Needlework Retailer at 800-561-5380 or info@needleworkretailer.com

Larry Johnson or Beth Johnson at Yarn Tree at 800-247-3952 or info@yarntree.com