We need to talk about Sew Expo 2024 

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What the actual hell??? I teach a sewing class where there is a LOT of measuring and touch involved, and I ask permission every. damn. time. Not just ask permission, but I explain what I'm going to touch and just as importantly, WHY, and give them options if they don't wish to be touched. Like 'The bust-span measurement is from nipple to nipple, are you comfortable with me touching there?' or 'For undies we need your groin measurement. Would you rather I instruct you how to take it yourself?' I've been in that exact position before, when I went in to a lingerie boutique to ask about openings for a bra fitting. Instead of answering, the woman immediately started fondling my breast, and when I backed away, stepped forward after me to continue. I would feel sick if I ever made a student feel like that. It's genuinely terrifying the number of women in positions of authority who think that this kind of behaviour is acceptable, and who would never see it as what it is- an outright sexual assault.

That pants fitter has been reported to multiple cons for really poor behavior like you described. I saw them listed and noped the heck out of this con - they’re invited, it’s going to be a poorly ran con.

I recently attended a pattern drafting 2 day course. At the beginning the instructor let us know she would touch us to help fix the fabric but before EVERY SINGLE MOVEMENT the instructor would confirm consent and reiterated if we were uncomfortable at any point to tell them and at one point I was fitting my model, needed help and as the instructor held the readjusted fabric i poked model with a pin and the instructor IMMEDIATELY LET GO at the models non verbal discomfort and checked consent etc with the both of us. I too, wouldve been too mortified/horrified if a stranger just randomly grabbed me and if it was on/near certain parts there would've been a physical rebuttutal caused by past experiences. I also cracked up at the word used for top of crotch. This is why bodily consent/vocabulary is so so important to teach from a young age as there's no excuse of culture/age/background.

Wow, such inappropriate behavior. I measured high school kids for costumes for years and besides requesting consent, I used various tricks to never touch students. I would coach them through measuring themselves, and send some measuring jobs home to parents. In addition, there is a lot to be gleaned from just asking for sizes. Put it all together and you can craft a costume. You are so right that being older doesn’t give you permission to touch anyone.

Mama. You grew another human! Your belly is a battle scar! Please accept this virtual hug. *hug*

"...we're here to sew and do nerdy things! That's what we do here!" Thank you for summarizing my life.

Yes you should teach a vintage pattern class… I’d love to go!!!

I’m 63 year old originally from Argentina, I googled that instructor and I said to myself for sure it’s an older teacher who grew up in the times where people were NOT very mindful of how approach body differences. I say this because I remember my grandmother and even my mom body shaming me for being too tall, and not petite like what was considered most desirable back then . Your video and that instructor comments brought back bad memories. You were right to say something ❤ I must add my grandmother and my mom were both professional seamstresses.

Girl! You had me crying with you! So glad you reported the first instructor, totally unacceptable. All bodies are not equal, and not all bodies grow babies!

Hello Stephanie. Body Positivity is so important at any age. I am a 71 year old woman and haven’t sewn since I was 14 years old. Why? I had a sewing teacher in grade school who shamed me into thinking that I was freakishly large and there were no patterns that would fit my body. Blanche DuBois (sewing teacher) exclaimed that she “just didn’t know what we were gonna do!” And for the record: I was 5 ft 3 inches and weighed 140 lbs.

Since I got my son I love every part of my body more - especially my stomach no matter how it looks now. You know why? Because it was able to create a miracle like him. Every mark from that experience shows that it happend. I was 41 as I gave birth so it was a too long wait. Having a healthy child or any child at that stage of my life makes me proud of myself. So don't let anyone shame you for the great body you have which made a new life minus a half sperm cell.

HOLY MOLY. So, I'm a retired ballet dancer and costumer, and in ballet we have to get very hands-on to make corrections. There is a LOT of communication about this, but it is constant and common. We also have some lifts that are supported by the pelvic bones, so a partner's hand(s) may be right on the pelvic floor in certain moves - this is for older dancers and always done with close instruction and communication. In the studio, in an atmosphere with all these hands-on situations, I still as a fitter would never take measurements of dancers in personal areas of their bodies like that. They could hold the measuring tape themselves to sensitive spots, and take directional instruction for turning when needed. Where I did make contact, it was done with permission and discussion with witnesses who were welcomed to step in to advocate for the dancers' comfort (it really helped that as a dancer I was experienced with being on their end of the situation). There's just no reason to do anything like what you described. It's the definition of gratuitous, and egregious at that. She made herself clear by SLAPPING your friend; she knew what she was doing.

This brought memories of the quilt expo Wisconsin that I volunteered at. Very chaotic and not well planned. They weren't sure where I was stationed, or what I was assigned to do. No info given about the quilts I was to show or when break was. After 5 o'clock people started leaving and all the stalls were being secured. No one came to relieve me, so I went to retrieve my items. I was yelled at for abandoning my "station". At the secured locker room I found out that the room was locked, & everyone had left!!! Had to wait for security to open the door, so I could retrieve my belongings. Never again....

Your tears/trauma broke my heart. I cried with you and was taken back to the horrible bra fitting I had last year at a major department store. I had never had a bra fitting, but was tired of wearing uncomfortable bras, so I screwed up my courage. When the petite fitter measured me, she actually gasped and exclaimed, "that has to be wrong!" She measures again, yup exact same number and says, "I think you must be a size -----" . Think? She then waves me towards the racks, now I am humiliated and given no help. (I am busty, but by no means the largest size carried in the store.) I left the store in tears not willing to give them my business. After a sit down in the mall to calm down. I went to a major bra retailer, where the fitter was more professional, who actually brought me bras to try on, but then informed me they were samples because they do not carry those sizes in the store, If I wanted them I had to go home and order them online! I guess if you aren't a size 2 retailers don't want our business. A little sensitivity on the part of the companies and employees shouldn't be too much to ask.

Yes!!!!! Please teach!!!! And thank you so so so much for your words. Your feedback and review has meant the world to me. I’m so happy we got to hang.

As a native to Puget sound, I can explain why the air conditioner was on. It removes the excess humidity, which is about 100% from the week after the rains return in the early autumn to mid summer when the drought weeks start. It's the only way to stop the mildew. Seriously, to cold wet period is only 6 months long, we can have a very wide variety of fungi growing in the back of cupboard, closets, and anywhere there isn't enough heat and air flow. We then have the cool and wet, warm and wet. Moss grows on the south sides of our trees. My hubby uses our air con in the car more when temps are below 55F than above 75F.

I just want to give everyone who took that class a hug. I'm so sorry that happened. Teachers like Aaronica hope for the future of the sewing community. My body has changed quite a bit in the past few years. Sewing is one of the tools I'm using to love and accept my ever-changing body. I think a vintage sewing pattern class would be great. I live in a rural area so it would be great if there was an in person and virtual option. Thank you for being a positive light in the community!

Holy hell, I am so sorry to you, Haley, and the other participants. I am also a theatre professional & I would have been horrified in the same ways. Plus, I’m disabled/chronically ill. I’ve still attended conferences, but the extensive effort & energy exertion of just sitting in a long class means I’d be horrified if asked to move tables. I’d feel guilty for not helping without disclosing my invisible illnesses. Gross! And the lack of basic ADA access is appalling. I have to say, seeing Haley happily scarfing that sandwich while nodding at everything you said gave me a big smile (despite the shitty circumstances.) All I could think was, “yes girl! You enjoy that sandwich!” So when you shouted out the sandwich later I cackled. I have no idea if you’re in any Facebook sewing groups, but I can truly say they have been the biggest influence in healing my own struggles to accept & love my body exactly how it is. Right now. Not in some “distant future” where I’ll magically change a shape I’ve had for many years. I saw a quote once that said, “we don’t change our bodies to fit fabric. We change fabric to fit our bodies.” And I’ve kept that with me whenever I see fit fluctuations with my clothing for any number of reasons. We love vintage sewing, so we know people altered & resized their clothes almost annually. There’s evidence in the seams of surviving garments. In today’s world, we’re all being sold clothes designed for such a small percentage of women with a very specific body shape. Sewing is a superpower to bring what an excellent fit feels and looks like for you! Aaronica is a rockstar in some of these groups. So open & sharing with knowledge. Two of my favorite groups are The Curvy Sewing Collective Community and Plus Size Historical Costuming (lots of vintage clothes & excellent advice there too, not just pre-20th Century.) Incredible inspiration & tips from amazing people like Aaronica 😊

Wow, I hope they make some changes in their teacher list. How uncomfortable for everyone, sounds like. I loved your interview on Just Get It Done Quilts!

Thanks! I’m so sorry you had to endure that abuse. 5 children later you can understand I’m in the same boat and your tears are mine. You are beautiful and funny!

Good on you and BIG respect for bringing this to light! Many people would not have! I am so sorry you and Haley went through this. This behaviour is NOT acceptable and in today’s day and age (no matter WHAT generation you’re from) instructors should ABSOLUTELY. KNOW. BETTER!

I’m so sorry you were put through that. I would have had a meltdown if that was happening to me. I felt even weird when I was measuring the crotch of a dress form for RU-vid. Seriously I am so mad at that teacher!

Wow... gotta give you props for not leaving that one class. My best friend and I think being event planners (retired) have jaded us a bit. Whenever one of us goes to any planned event... we just can't help but see what could have been set up better or what we'd done different. Cords NOT taped down usually leads the way.

Hi Stephanie. I ran into you at one of the booths and managed to squeak out of HI. It must be very strange to run into people who feel they know you and you have no clue who they are. I tried to be cognizant of that. It was my second time at Sew Expo. The first time was about 10 years ago, and it has not changed. What I learned from my first experience was to pick out your classes when the catalog was released and then just input the course numbers the day the tickets go on sale. I also had the delight of waiting for them to open late. My classes were a mixture of good and mediocre. I would love to take a class from you. Stay well Dotschi

I would love to take a vintage pattern class from you, Stephanie, not because I don't know about vintage patterns (as a teenager in the 1960s, I had learned to sew on '50s patterns and continued sewing with many of the patterns you now feature on your channel, so vintage patterns are a trip down memory lane for me) but because I so so SO enjoy your enthusiasm and humor. OMG, that pants-fitting instructor - you are too professional to have called her out on the spot, but I think I might have done so! As an, ahem, older woman I have no time or patience for insulting behavior, plus just being on the planet this long means I'm walking around in a body that drastically differs from pattern-makers' "norms". But hey, at least I'm still walking ;) LOVE your channel!

Thank you for speaking out about this topic and informing the organizers of the show!

Watching this morning I have no words ..Rage, Anger, and Shock come to mind but real words to even describe the experiences I have had to go through with my own issues with dysphoria. I have to say I admire your courage in the face of that travesty and also your strength You are a Beautiful crazed and loveable person and We the many who take part in your chaos love you and accept you with all your many facets. Thank you for speaking up and shining a light on it

This was my first year of attending in person. I did the Virtual one during COVID, but only the Free and Lecture classes. I did do a class with the first teacher later on Friday (Cloning your clothes). It was the class I was most looking forward to, but it was meh. She wasn't touchy in that class, but did make us move the tables twice. We got told off by the facilities people the second time because of the noise in the draped class rooms. She did say this was her last year of teaching. And I agree that Aaronica was lovely. I took the second class that you were in and got a lot out of it, which is amazing for a 45 minute class. Your advice on vetting the teachers is a good one. The other complaints I heard were the increase in pricing. And the class that had kits were really added up. I heard people say they were only going one day rather than 3 or 4. The vendor prices went up also, so many vendors didn't come this year also. Over all I had a good time and will go back. Thanks for your input, it was helpful!

Omg I really hope they take your comments and make the changes that really need to change. I think if I had been there I would probably have left that class in tears 😢

Wow! Wow! WOW!! I am so sorry to hear about the horrific experience you and Haley (I love Haley too!) experienced in that class! I would assume that anyone wanting to take any fitting class is doing so to be able to have their garments fit them in the best and most flattering way possible in an effort to overcome any body image challenges that person may have; not to be left feeling ashamed or embarrassed by them. I looked up this “instructor” so I can avoid any future classes offered. I have my own body issues as a plus sized gal and love watching what you and Haley and the oh so lovely gal in pink at the ECCC ;) do! You wonderful ladies have helped me in my sewing journey. I certainly would not have been quiet while being handled in such a way and would have immediately pulled the instructor aside for a real quick “come to Jesus” chat. Unacceptable, unprofessional, and immensely disrespectful behavior. Thank you so so much for work. ❤️ I hope any other instructors seeing your video and reconsider their own teaching methods. Now to go and finish watching the rest of the video. Love ya!

I'm very non confrontational by nature. I struggle even with little near inconsequential things. However, I also have this little thing my bff and I like to call "mom friend override" where, I can and will initiate a confrontation if my family or friends are the ones who are affected. I don't know that I would have been able to make it through that class without (politely, because that's the best way) telling that teacher where she could stick her handsy hands and her rude, and unnecessary comments. I've had 2 kids, and while most of me is VERY petite, I have a pooch that I'm aware of, but certainly don't need pointed out. I've accepted it's a part of me, and the price I paid and would pay willingly again, for my 2 beautiful children. I don't have to love it, but I have learned to accept it, and the rest of me, as it is. I'm glad you took steps to get yourself in a better mental place after (thrifting is the best

Oh Stephanie!!! So sorry that this happened to you and everyone involved!

Just listening to this horrifying experience I feel for all who had to endure it. I also have insecurities about my stomach area along with other places since having my kids and I sympathize with you. After all our bodies created a whole human being and we carry the battle scars. And should not be disrespected like that. So much ❤ Stephanie

I always have to choose between Emerald City Comic Con and Sew Expo as they are usually on the same weekend. However in 2025, they are happening on separate weekends. Hope you are able to come out again next year.

As someone who has struggled with body issues I found so much grace and relief in sewing because it gave me agency over clothes again. I have to say I’ve watched a lot of your videos and really enjoy them ❤ I’m so sorry you and your friend experienced that and I just want to say you are beautiful and a huge inspiration to me as a beginner sewist! I’m so honoured to learn from someone like you than someone who would be so dense, inappropriate and cruel to you and your friend. ❤❤

Couple of things: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider giving a class next year at the Expo in Atlanta so I can (selfishly) meet you, but also so you can share about how to best preserve/use vintage patterns. ALSO, I am AGOG at the experience with being inappropriately touched and the body shaming. I know that can happen any time, any where but good LORT, the one place I would expect to be safe is at a sewing class taught by a woman-identified person. I am SO sorry that you both went through that. :(

I admire and support your fury. Thank you. As a medical college instructor, my goal was to be at the classroom, meeting the class at the door. For labs, I set up the day before. For fire alarms, I directed all students up, and followed them out to evacuate. For our hands-on classes, all students are expected to participate, but are warned well in advance and allowed to choose their partner(s). This was also used to demonstrate how to touch patients. Permission first.

I went to sew expo a couple of years ago. As soon as you said you were asked to put the tables in a circle, I knew who it was. I didn’t do pants fitting but another of her classes. My class was so hard to follow just because of the constant random stream of consciousness of the teacher. I did Aronica Cole’s measurement class, a bodice fitting class (where no one touched you without your OK and never inappropriately), and Jennifer Stern’s yoga pants class. Everyone was super positive and supportive, from the instructors to fellow students. I’m so sorry you had such a negative experience the first day. You are beautiful, and every single body is unique. That’s why we need classes on fitting! We’re not all the same! I have learned so much and been so entertained by from your channel and look forward to new videos! Hugs from Texas

Thank you so much for this video, for so many reasons. Your perspective as both an event planner, and an event participant are invaluable. I'm so sorry you had to go through the trauma of that first class. On the other hand, I'm happy to hear about what to look for in a good instructor at an event like this.

Thank you Stephanie for sharing your experience with this instructor. I am registered for the same class in Cleveland and have already contacted the show organizers about switching my registration.

So sorry all of that happened Stephanie! ❤great coverage of the event, who knew I would go on a sewing expo rabbit hole this morning lol!

Omg...The tears nearly burst from my eyes when things got emotional there... THE WORST. Im so sorry this happened to you. I know this struggle only too well. It is an everyday effort to love ourselves ❤❤❤ i love you and your channel so much ❤❤

Stephanie❤ I am so sorry that you had that experience, I appreciated you being able to share, your very brave and extremely professional on how you handled this. So proud to be apart of your beautiful community let’s make lemonade out of this. Steph you need to start your own expo! Oh yeah 😀

Hi there, long time watcher, first time commenter. I have always enjoyed your content and am absolutely an admirer of your chaos and fun. What you do is amazing and that you share it here brings a ray of sunshine to my little part of the world. To answer your question as to whether or not we'd be interested in seeing you teach a class in vintage patterns (honestly anything!), if I could ever get out of Alaska, I'd be sew there! Hehe, nerd puns. I am so sorry for your first day experience. As one who is working on my own healing from my body image, I totally understand your pain and can't believe the actions of that teacher. Appalling doesn't even start to describe it. I'll be mad about it for weeks. Finally, thank you, thank you, thank you. I have been looking for something to push my creativity and own chaos and was able to snag one of those free months of your sponser. Love what you do, love your channel, love your work. Thank you, thank you!

The bad instructor's website is receiving so much traffic that it's down. She's probably never had this kind of attention and it's for all the wrong reasons. I hope nobody is sending her absolute hate, but I also hope she learns from this and issues an apology. A good apology. Not a non-apology. She really needs and deserves a wake-up call. That behavior was not acceptable and expecting her students to rearrange the class to boot likely violated expo policy if not the ADA. And before anyone asks, I'm not naming names. You can search through the class catalog yourself like I did.

I hate anyone had such an awful experience. Thank you for being bold and vulnerable enough to share it here so others have a clearer picture.

I am absolutely appalled at what you and the other students in that class went through! I am so sorry you experienced that! Thank you for putting it out there to make others aware.

Thank you for this honest and detailed review. It's so important to make sure consent, communication , and body positivity are a part of classes like you pointed out. Sharing this information helps us all in the future and hopefully improves everyone's experience at events. Also, thank you for the recommendation of an awesome sewist to follow on social media.

29:17 I would love to take a class with a teacher like Aaronica. 🥰 EDIT: I am proud of you for talking about the first teacher. It can be hard to speak out when it happens in the classroom.

“Sew and do nerdy things….” I love it ❤😂 You go girl, and we are with you xx

Wow! Stephanie your insides are eye opening. Consent is ALWAYS necessary. Looking forward to seeing your Comicon video.

I adore your rants, you say exactly what needs to be said. Vintage pattern class, yes please!

First of all, so sorry you experienced that in the pants course. My jaw dropped at what you described. I took a sleeve class (room G after they fixed the entrance issue) which was much less intrusive, and while I didn't dislike the instructor, he was super snarky to a couple ladies in the back who had a hard time following. I don't feel like he stuck the landing. We got most of the way through the sleeve draft and he just sort of stopped to sell us some dress forms. Bummed I missed you (I did spot Haley and that gorgeous coat of hers though). I spotted you in passing the next day at ECCC. Loved the Deadpool dress! I noticed the garbage cans too and my first though was "Oooh, Stephanie is going to have something to say about this." I know they have tons of garbage bins during the fair so it was so weird that they were so lacking during this event. Also, Aaronica was great. I took a 1 needle class from her, totally felt like I got my money's worth, and found it really validating and uplifting. 10 out of 10 would recommend a class from her. I think my biggest problem with the show is value for money. There are so many classes offered that I could just watch a youtube video on. I wish there were more fitting and drafting classes (not like the one you took, oof!) and like you said, more difficult techniques. I felt like I just wasn't the audience. This was my second year, first year taking classes, I'll probably go again but mostly just to shop.

Oh Stephanie I'm so sorry that happened to you and the others. I would have been in tears. You my dear are very kind. ❤

Every word worth saying, and so many of us would be too afraid to speak up. You spoke for us. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing, sorry you had to go through that, but that you for sharing the really good teacher, (Aaronica). I subscribed to her channel based on your recommendation. Always love your honesty and sewing chaos.

Okay fellow sewing people. And a teacher at Sew Expo. And that 8:00 am class was just MEAN. 😂

Stephanie, I watched this last night and had to take the evening and morning to think. Your body is a miracle from above! It does amazing things! It has born a child! My mother once told me that the reason she sewed and taught us to, was so we could create items to wear that were as unique and beautiful as we were. Not sure why the "teacher" of that class thought she was so perfect and her students weren't, but I do know the world would be a boring place if we all looked and dressed the same! Please continue to show us your beautiful spirit and all of the unique and beautiful items you make that reflect your beautiful self. Every beloved woman in my family over the age of 40 has a gorgeous, womanly, curvaceous body! Catch up world of fashion!! We're coming for you! ❤️

I am so sorry this happened to you and to Haley, as well as the rest of the class. On another note, I am so glad you enjoyed Aaronica classes! She is amazing and I can’t wait to take an in person class with her!❤

Really enjoyed listening/watching this, lots of good information. Thanks.

Im a retired seamstress specializing n bridal alterations. Omg!?!?! Touching anywhere on the front of the body is assault. Particularly in a class where people might feel pressured to give permission when they really don’t want to. I would train my staff to use correct terms, always refer to the faults in the dress/sewing pattern and never ever refer to faults in the body. It’s just professional. I do think it is old thinking because I grew up in the 80’s and it was very normal to make fat jokes, comment on my enormous feet, huge hips and etc. Watch old tv shows and you’ll notice the difference. But for an instructor to use this language is unacceptable.

ABSOLUTELY, I would attend your classes. Even though I am vintage and have used the 50's and up patterns, love you, your sense of humor, the animated way of speaking. I can see a career in stand up comedy.😂😂😂. So thankful for Aaronica who flipped diasterous situations to raise the vibrations of the trauma causing classes. THAT IS NEVER OK IN ANY BOOK. THAT IS ASSAULT, PERIDOT. Sorry yall had that experience. I love how you gave an order do,not spew hate, as it never solves anything. Your pocketbook speaks volumes. Promise ya💚. Stephanie, only women can create the miracle of a child. The best SUPER POWER you have, don't forget that. Your followers love you💚💚💚. Peace, love and light sent to you. My bestest friends in life who got me through the toughest times were melenated sisters.

I'm so sorry that happened. That was so not OK and disgusting. After that first section, I was worried that you were going to have a terrible time overall. I'm glad Aaronica was able to help turn that crappy experience around for you and the others (quite a bit from the sounds of it!), and I'm glad the event seems to be taking it seriously. I would love to take a class from you, either online or in person! Just let us know when and where!

Was not expecting a Con review video to make me cry. 😢 I’m still learning to accept and embrace my belly and my youngest is 9 years old! I don’t think I mind it so much except measuring the exact same at your bust, waist, AND hips, makes for exciting fitting challenges that I don’t always want to mess with. So sorry for that traumatic day. I’d totally have spent the rest of the day thrifting, too! And I’m glad you had a bit of redemption with Aaronica’s courses!

What the most ACTUAL AND LITERAL heck?!?!? Im SO sorry you went through that, it shouldn't have happened at all!! Im shocked because I remember from your vid of last sewing expo wasnt great and the fact they flopped SO bad AGAIN?! not only that they let an instructor COMMIT actual crimes?! So awful!

OMG 😦 Stephanie!!! My heart is just weeping for y'all. That instructor, and I say that lightly, was very unprofessional. I'm just floored. Honey, I had 4 kids. They called my tummy a roadmap and now at 60 it is a 3d roadmap. I totally get the uncomfortable position she put you in. I am so sorry sweetie. ❤

Thank you for posting this video! I am so sorry you went through this issue. Wow! How unprofessional!!

Sending you ALL the love, Stephanie ❤

I am so sorry you had that experience the first day!! I had a sewing teacher in Jr High that was like that. Hands everywhere and just shoved you around as she saw fit. It was a shame because she was SUCH a fabulous seamstress and so knowledgeable! But she made me so uncomfortable whenever there was fitting and measuring to be done. I pray the professional, yet outraged, letter you sent will be taken seriously. No one should be treated like that. Ever. There is a reason the class was rather small. The Words out!! I went to a sewing expo about 30 years ago. Other than the vender floor, whole thing was a waste of time and money for me. The classes I went to involved different woman standing in front of us reading a script so fast, using a sound system that was so poor I only understood about every 10th word. Or was doing complex pattern modification at top speed, assuming that everyone there was already an expert!! No explanation of how or why. I tried to take notes but it was impossible. Then there were the classes that were basically just an hour long commercial for products they were trying to sell. It was the first and last Sewing Expo I ever went to.

Hi Stefanie. I really enjoyed your review of the Sewing and Stitchery Expo. I live about a hundred miles north of Puyallup , and have attended this sewing extravaganza many times. I’m so sorry that you had to experience that terrible pants fitting class. I usually skip the classes and only go one day every few years. I have found in the past that the classes were over promised and underwhelming. I went on Saturday and now my big disappointment is that you weren’t there. I think n intro to vintage patterns would be a class I would enjoy. Next time you are in the northwest come on north and I’ll buy you lunch.

Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear about your very negative first class was. I was there all 5 days and had a blast. My check book not so much. I bought a new serger and a new sewing machine. As far as ticket purchase, I had a Dr appointment that started 15 min before tickets went on sale. I took my iPad because I knew I would have lots of sitting time. I was able to start the ticket purchase process right at 9 PST and by 9:10 I had purchased a 4 day pass and 10 classes! Thanks for the fun video! Oh and Aronica was awesome. I took a class from her and will happily take more!

Got half way through this and had to step away. But I wanted to come back and leave a positive comment. You are spot on. In your own outrage and in turning it to something both productive and protective of others. I'm glad you had the email back from the organisers re: their immediate changes.

Part 2: I am so glad the rest of your time there was fun and uplifting! I just started following Aaronica on Instagram. Yes! I would love to see you teach a class at an expo! I like in central NY but would absolutely fly out to WA attend! On that note, do you know of any really great sewing expos on the east coast? Again, all my thanks for what you do!

i had to pause this vid because i started crying! i didn't KNOW how triggered i was about body positivity! THANK YOU for your kindness in the midst of this Review of the EXPO.

I’m so glad people like you are strong enough to use your platform to combat the horrible issues like this. This is absolutely horrific on so many levels. I was upset just at the beginning with the disrespect of time and everything of her arriving late and having you rearrange the room but then the horrific details you outlined later just broke my brain.

Thank you for making us aware of this cluster F. As someone living in the Western Washington region, I've always wanted to attend, but have been unable to due to my work schedule. Though I'm a sewing machine sales professional & instructor, I still have lots to learn outside of my personal skill set. This whole episode for you will certainly inform any future attendance.

I can tell you living in the Puget Sound area the reason everyone cleared out by 2pm on Friday is TRAFFIC. If you don't get through Bellevue or Seattle before 3 it will take hours and everyone tries to avoid that

I am sorry for what happened to you and everyone at that class. I would love to see you teach a class. I think you would do a fantastic job. ❤❤

I’m so sorry your initial experience was so difficult. Whew! I signed up for a class at the sewing expo in Cleveland in April. It will be the first class I’ve ever taken at one of these events. I usually just do to the “show” and vendors. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

I am SO SORRY this happened. Omg this sounds terrifying. Since peri menapause started for me, I blew up in size and I would be VERY sensitive as well. I am stunned how you made it through this class. You are a strong woman. Glad you let them know about this class. Absolutely mindowing.

Thanks so much for being open and sharing how bad it felt to be the victim of that body-shaming first instructor. Back in the way back when I was young enough to care what the "fashion" industry declared acceptable, I was nearly six feet tall and never actually got the right look. When Twiggy was the icon, i was nicely rounded like Sophia Loren. When Sophia Loren was the icon, I was lean as Twiggy. I got sick of trying to be the "ideal du jour" I decided to wear whatever felt good,, fit properly, and most of all wear what I enjoyed. I raised more than a few eyebrows but man was it great. My Mom taught me to sew starting when I was five years old, so I was able to make clothing that fit MY standard. I appreciate you so very much and I'm so glad you're available to people like me. Keep going -- you're awesome

I feel bad that I had to pause the video several times to process. I have a bad history with s.a. and body image. I would have had a panic attack in that class. I hope all the attendees were alright afterward and able to rise above the negativity and inappropriate behavior thrown at them. I am just floored by this situation.

I am so glad Sew Expo was redeemed! We had Thursday class together with Aaronica and I agree she is amazing. I think I attended 3 or 4 of her classes. I attend every year and have made recent class choices with more of an aim to support the instructors I enjoy. I will look for you in next year's class catalog if your there I'm in.

thank you for giving us contact for the good instructor. ALSO, I was in tears. Two babies, and my beautiful daughter saying that despite running and eating vegan, she has a tummy forever from her baby. And some of us are this way (We found out at a family reunion, it's a thing we have, going back in history I am sure the women all had it). Even so, we both have people that will touch our tummy and ask when the baby is due. Know, every single time in burned into my head forever. Still brings tears. My own doctor was "Well it is your body weight is there, all there. But people need to know never to say anything about when is the baby coming..."

Ironically, I live in Puyallup and did not attend the Sewing Expo although a friend, who is an expert seamstress and always attends, did. She came came away with some mixed feelings this year after noticing fewer venders than usual. After chatting with some of the vendors there she found that some of them will not be returning next year because of escalating prices for their booths.

Yiiiikes. 😬 The pants fitting class alone is the kind of thing that's going to completely turn people off from sewing/sewing classes. Now I feel so lucky that I got back into sewing via a very fat-centric/body positive community. (I would like to add a tip I've heard re:taking your measurements when that's a source of body anxiety, which is to swap from imperial to metric or vice versa, depending on which you typically use. It helps to reduce the measurement to a more neutral number.)

Thank you for sharing this. People need to know this isn't okay and not be afraid to talk about it when something like this happens. That being said, I loved your coverage of this expo. It was really fun to see everything. :-)

I’m so sad that you all went through that but so glad you reported what happened. People need to speak out or nothing changes. Also I am very much not a morning person!

Omg. I'm watching this video and it just gets worse and worse. I'm so sorry you and everyone else had to go through that.

Wow. I've been to partner dancing workshops - where touch is kind of required - that do a better job of prioritizing consent than that class. I am aghast at this story, and I am so sorry you went through that.

Stephanie, you are beautiful. Thanks for giving us the strength to stand up for ourselves.

I'm so sorry you and everyone part of that class had to go through such awful treatment, verbally and physically, from that instructor. That was absolutely unprofessional of them. You are a beautiful human, inside and out! You created another human and that's so incredible! ❤

I would love to go to a sewing expo with you teaching a class about vintage patterns. Or talking about vintage fabrics or vintage sewing manuals. Those would be awesome.

It seems like the instructor isn’t positive about her own body and is taking it out on her students. I’m SO glad you spoke up because people like that should know that times have changed and it’s not appropriate nor helpful to treat people that way. The whole reason most of us sew is because initially we couldn’t find clothes that fit us properly.

thank you Stephanie for you detailed video on the expo❤ the pants fitting class instructor was not respectful of her contemporaries (fellow sewers) and I am so sorry you and your fellow sew students experienced this😔. As an older sewest (71) and instructor, I believe respect for others is a part of being a good teacher. your second instructor Aaronica, obviously respects others and proved it❣️i love your channel, thx again🪡🎉

I don't know how I got here but I'm glad the algo brought me XD So awesome you got to have that lecture with Aaronica. She sounds amazing and so knowlegable!

Stephanie I am sorry you had a bad experience at this event but it sounds like that the other classes were way better. I have been to similar events here in Australia and understand many of the frustrations you shared. Keep on being you

I design maternity and postpartum patterns and might teach there next year. You should sign up too! It sounds like they could really use some new instructors. That instructor... I have no words. You are right, there's no excuse. It isn't hard to measure or fit a body without touching it.

When I worked for the costume department in professional theater, the amount of consent and explanation of each move was EXTREME. We'd check if they were okay with us calling out their measurements and then I would explain each measurement and were I was going to touch them. Same with fittings and quick changes during the show. I think I pulled something in my face with the expressions I was making about the first class and I'm so sorry you all went through that. That being said, thank you for introducing me to Aaronica! She looks delightful and I'm excited to dive into her stuff