University of Wisconsin - Extension

For More Information:

Lynn Brockmeyer, WPT publicist, (608) 263-3364 or lynn.brockmeyer@wpt.org

DeAnne Massey, WPT events manager, (608) 262-5256 or deanne.massey@wpt.org

Fall is a great time for a getaway to Madison, Wis. to enjoy dining and shopping, and to attend Quilt Expo.

Thursday, Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 15 quilt lovers from all across the country will gather at what has become the Midwest’s premier quilting forum –– the third-annual Quilt Expo.

Quilt Expo, presented by Wisconsin Public Television and “Sewing With Nancy®,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison.

While the event's educational components attract quilters, it also is a chance for non-quilters to come and see what all the excitement is about. A 10-category quilt contest is the keystone of Quilt Expo, and this year's exhibit will contain more than 260 quilts. The exhibit represents the diverse artistic expressions and stitching techniques of hundreds of quilters around the country.

Quilters of all levels will want to take advantage of Quilt Expo's educational opportunities. The event's 144 one-hour lectures offer a chance to acquire new ideas and learn helpful tips from leading quilting educators. At 36 Sit & Sew workshops attendees can learn, practice and master new techniques on state-of-the-art sewing machines. This year 24 new hands-on workshops will focus on teaching hand stitching and design methods. Throughout the event, stage presentations, by industry leaders will feature innovative products and techniques.

In the vendor mall, attendees will find a plethora of quilting supplies –– fabrics, notions, gifts, sewing machines, long-arm quilting systems and more. Appearances by Nancy Zieman, host of public television's Sewing With Nancy®, prize drawings, a community-service project and two special evening programs round out the event.

Admission is $8 daily at the door and allows entrance to the quilt exhibits, stage presentations and vendor mall. Lecture, workshop and evening event fees are in addition to the admission ticket. For a savings, advance tickets and mutliple-day tickets are available for purchase at wiquiltexpo.com on the Web. Parking is paid separately at the Alliant Energy Center entrance gate.

To register for lectures, workshops and evening events, and to learn more about Quilt Expo, visit the Web at wiquiltexpo.com or phone (877) 496-8060.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM- TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.