ASG Conference 2015

Resort grounds

     This year's ASG (American Sewing Guild) Conference was in San Diego.  It was held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.  I flew out on Thursday evening.  My flight was delayed due to rain in Chicago.  I got to the hotel around 9PM after easily finding my shuttle.  Even though there were only a few people in line, it took 30 min before I finally got checked in.

Resort grounds

     I was very disappointed when I got to my room.  I had a first floor room right by the parking lot and my drapes would not close all the way.  I had to pin them shut in order to have light control and privacy.  The wallpaper was peeling off the walls in the bathroom and the decor looked like it hadn't been changed in 20 years.  I don't mind it much when I am paying less but for almost $200 a night, by the time you add in all the extra fees and taxes, I expect a lot better.

Resort grounds

     The grounds when I saw them the next day in the sunlight were beautiful.  Flowers blooming everywhere and pretty winding walks and lots of benches and tables set outside.  I picked up my packet Friday morning and then enjoyed a nice breakfast.  The meals were good but when they had the buffet set up outside the room it made it difficult to juggle your belongings and a plate of food.  At least when the buffet was inside the dining room, you could put your stuff down and then get your food.

Resort grounds

     My first class was Sew Clever with Linda McGehee.  She showed us different embellishment techniques and tricks to use on clothing or purses.  I got some great ideas to use on things.  Next up was Fun Photo Projects for Your Smartphone or Tablet.  After lunch I had Combining Commercial Patterns to Create Unique Garments.  It was very interesting to see what elements were used from different patterns to create a totally different look.  We practiced with half scale patterns.  Really sparked my imagination as to what I could possibly do.

     That evening while walking over to the mall to have dinner, I ran into some of my fellow Chicago Chapter members and we enjoyed a nice meal in the food court.

Sue Hausman

     Saturday morning I woke up to rain.  Yes I said rain in San Diego.  It rained most of the day which made it hard to get to classes since they were in different buildings spread out throughout the grounds.  By afternoon there were many flooded walkways which made things even worse.  My first class was More Quick Gifts to Make with Sue Hausman.  Saw all kinds of fun things to do and the best part is she has most of the instructions on her website.  I will be checking it out for sure.

Panties with ruffles, I think I will do this for Maggie when she is older 

Jean purse with sparkles

Jean purse with ruffles

     Next up was Style Q & A with Louise Cutting.  Got some great tips for altering patterns and taking proper measurements.

Louise Cutting

     

     After lunch it was another class with Linda McGehee, Addicted to Bags.  Again more great tips on how to do things easier and better.  After shopping the vendor hall again I had a 6 mile run to do which I wound up doing on the treadmill because of the rain.  After cleaning up I headed to the mall for dinner as the rain had finally stopped.

     Sunday my first class was Let's Teach Sewing with Connie Crawford.  I know she is one of the best in her field but it was my least favorite class.  She knows her stuff and makes sure you know she does.  I just didn't click with her.  Next up was another class with Louise Cutting, Searching for a Pant.  More great tips on altering the pattern to fit you.  I love her One Seam Pants pattern.  

     After lunch I had my last class, Flippy Gored Skirt with Marsha McClintock of SAF-T-POCKETS patterns.  I was able to cut out and almost finish sewing one skirt in the two hour class.  The only reason I didn't finish was because you needed a sewing machine and not a serger for the last parts.  We got to sew on the newest Babylock 8 thread serger.  Oh I was so tempted to get one.  I was also able to cut out another skirt that I will sew up at home.  It was nice to have different sizes to try on since I wound up going down a size from what I thought I should make.

     It started raining again during our afternoon classes so I just headed to the sports bar on the resort grounds for dinner.  My, was it noisy in there.  

Resort grounds at 4AM when I was leaving

     Up early the next morning to catch a 4:20 shuttle back to the airport.  At least the checkout went more quickly than the check-in.  We left San Diego on time and landed in Chicago half an hour early :-)  I was able to catch an earlier train home and not wait two hours for the next one.  Then it was just a warm walk home pulling my suitcase which weighed in at exactly 50 pounds.

     All in all I enjoyed the conference, though I was disappointed in the number of vendors.  It seemed really light compared to other years.  Of course I still bought lots of fabric, patterns, purse stuff and a new cutting mat.  And a few pieces of jewelry.  The classes were good except for the one and the walking wasn't too bad except for the rain.  I know some of the older attendees were having difficulty getting around and I felt sorry for them.  Next year it is in Indianapolis and the following year near Disney in Florida.