Still a newbie, so please don't laugh.....

[Terri]

I shared in the last week or so about a Quilting & Knitting Expo in Columbia, SC taking place next weekend the 16th & 17th. I also posted to a thread yesterday (I think) that someone was sharing about going to a quilt show. I have only been to one quilt show...one that is held annually at out county museum, it is what I would consider small...but as I said it's the only one I've been to. That being said: Is there a difference between an "Expo" and a "Show"?? If so, can you tell me what the difference is....if not, please straighten me out. Thanks.

[dwil23]

If there is a difference, I would say that a show is simply showing off quilts that others have made - probably with them being judged. The Sewing and Quilting Expo that I went to in Lakeland earlier this year had a quilt show, but also lots of vendors (fabric, sewing machines, long arms and other items quilters would be interested in) as well as workshops and classes you could sign up for. It was held for three days and I scheduled leave from work for all three days, but we felt like we had seen everything we were interested in the first day,(not to mention spent more then we should have) so we spent the next two days sewing at my friends house. Have fun!

[Terri]

Thanks for the quick response. What you said makes sense, the quilt show that I have been to, only had quilts on display & were to be judged. The website of the organization/group sponsoring the expo has a list of vendors participating and states that there will be fabric, patterns, notions & all sorts of goodies for sale. This one is a two day event, and like you said I will probably see everything that I need to see & spend more than I need to in one day....esp since it is for quilting and knitting....I don't knit.

BTW...I see you were born & raised in Tampa, I was born & raised in Naples. But have been in SC since we married almost 33 yrs ago. Great to see another FL native here on the forum!

If there is a difference, I would say that a show is simply showing off quilts that others have made - probably with them being judged. The Sewing and Quilting Expo that I went to in Lakeland earlier this year had a quilt show, but also lots of vendors (fabric, sewing machines, long arms and other items quilters would be interested in) as well as workshops and classes you could sign up for. It was held for three days and I scheduled leave from work for all three days, but we felt like we had seen everything we were interested in the first day,(not to mention spent more then we should have) so we spent the next two days sewing at my friends house. Have fun!

[dwil23]

Thanks for the quick response. What you said makes sense, the quilt show that I have been to, only had quilts on display & were to be judged. The website of the organization/group sponsoring the expo has a list of vendors participating and states that there will be fabric, patterns, notions & all sorts of goodies for sale. This one is a two day event, and like you said I will probably see everything that I need to see & spend more than I need to in one day....esp since it is for quilting and knitting....I don't knit.

BTW...I see you were born & raised in Tampa, I was born & raised in Naples. But have been in SC since we married almost 33 yrs ago. Great to see another FL native here on the forum!

Yes, been in Tampa all of my life except for 2 years in Ft. Lauderdale. My Mom was born here and my Dad was here from the time he was 18mos old, so I am rare! Most of those years I have lived within a mile or tow of Busch Gardens and USF. My ex husband's father was from Laurens County SC, so I spent a few vacations in that area.

[tortugaquilter]

I have never been to an Expo, only quilt shows. The shows I have been to have quilts on display, most of which have been judged and the ribbons are posted next to the quilts who won each category and then a "best in show." There is sometimes a raffled quilt, and then there are vendors.

I went to the Plano Quilt Show today. Lots of vendors with gadgets, machines, fabrics, and display cases and stands plus charities such as Project Linus.

If I was going to something called an Expo I think I would expect it to be big and lots of vendors.

I know there are shows held by guilds and such where there are only quilts on display.

No matter what you try a show or an expo, you are probably going to learn something.

What I really like about looking at the quilts is they let you take pictures for your own use and I get great FMQ ideas.

Keep asking questions, that is how you learn.

Have a good weekend.
Cheryl