www.sewexpo.com Issue 7, April 2008
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Every time I write this newsletter, I struggle to come up with a better greeting. Sewing Sister just hit me. It’s who we are. It’s what we do. Your love of sewing is the reason you come to the show. It’s why you read this newsletter. So from now on, I’m going to start off with "Dear Sewing Sister." We’ve been combing through all the suggestions and
class evaluations we received after the show. Joanne Ross, Ann
Sagawa, Janet York and I read every single thing you write. As
you can imagine, it’s a big job. Most of your feedback is full
of joy and enthusiasm, which we love! Although there were a few
wrong notes, we can only fix a problem if we know about
it. It is our mission to make every Expo experience the best it
can possibly be!
This issue of the newsletter is about the CTA program. The "Clothing and Textile Advisors" are the heart of the show. You see them everywhere. They hostess the classrooms, work at the information desk, take tickets at the doors, and so much more. These women volunteer their time to work at the show in return for their CTA training. But the CTA program is about a lot more than just Expo! Throughout the year, the CTAs volunteer their time with 4-H groups, Tribal communities, and local schools. The CTA program is the perfect outlet for introducing sewing to the next generation. You too can become a CTA! Spring CTA training
is coming up fast - it kicks off May 8. For more information,
visit http://pierce.wsu.edu/Life_Skills/CTA/index.htm. |
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What’s it like volunteering as a CTA? Here’s what some of CTAs said about their experience: Being a CTA has reaffirmed my belief that sewing/quilting women are the nicest, kindest women in the world. -- Liz Burris, Pierce County CTA The Expo is the one thing I look forward to all year long. I go, I help, I look, touch, and enjoy. There is something so very deeply satisfying in spending three or four days with like-minded women. We come from all walks of life and are of many diverse personalities. The one thread (no pun intended) common to all is a love for needle arts. I do not remember names but I have met wonderful 'soul mates' at every Expo. -- Judy Von Hagel, Snohomish County CTA It renewed my enthusiasm in sewing. I learned a lot from the seminars that went on in the rooms that I hosted. One was on sewing as a business and the other one was how to make purses out of materials other than from the fabric store. Volunteering at Expo gets me up early in the morning and gets me going. I always enjoy it when I get there. -- Doris Holcomb, Lewis County CTA
Volunteering is a social outlet. It's also a selfish action; if done right, volunteering gives back enormous "feel good" benefits to the volunteer. -- Darleen Price, Pierce County CTA On Friday I was approached by a gentleman who asked me what company I was working for and I told him that I was a CTA with WSU and one of the hostesses here. I told him why I became a CTA, and my dreams and goals for teaching the next generation to sew. I noticed his shirt logo and just assumed he was a dealer from Babylock. He was excited and offered his help for my afterschool sewing program, and then handed me his card. Well, to my complete surprise he was the president of Babylock! -- Connie Tkach, Pierce County CTA Volunteering with the best women in the world is very
inspiring. I feel I am a better person for the chance to
volunteer for such a wonderful organization. -- Trish
Wagner, Pierce County
CTA |
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We’d like to give the CTAs a big, hearty THANK YOU. These cheerful, knowledgeable women are the heart and soul of the show.
So what do you think? Is this the year for you to become a CTA? We need you! Visit http://pierce.wsu.edu/Life_Skills/CTA/index.htm to download an application. (Hurry! The application deadline is April 25!) You can also call Lessie Tompkins at 253-798-3255 or e-mail her at tompkins@wsu.edu for more information.
Here are some well-kept Expo secrets: The CTAs who work Expo:
This is your chance to step up and take an active role. You can make a difference! Join us in our effort to introduce the next generation to this hobby we love. Remember - Each One Teach One. We’d love to see you at the May training!
Best,
Rita Farro |
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Washington State University
Center for
Distance and Professional Education
208 Van Doren
Hall
Pullman, WA 99164-5222
