Episode 139 - Inside The Inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival - 2026
What happens when thousands of makers, sewists, quilters, embroiderers, and creators gather under one roof for a brand-new event? In this episode of Sew & So, we take you directly to the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois, where creativity, community, and inspiration are everywhere you turn.
From the organizers who brought the show to life, to exhibitors sharing their passion, to attendees discovering new techniques, tools, and friendships, this episode is a behind-the-scenes and on-the-floor look at one of the crafting industry’s newest events. Join us as we meet the people shaping the future of sewing, quilting, cosplay, embroidery, and fiber arts — and discover why experiences like this continue to matter so deeply to makers everywhere.
(1:16) Join us for the grand opening of the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Show
(2:10) Meet Jessica Boweek – the show’s director and learn how this event came to be
(4:10) Jessica explains how her team put this show together – it’s amazing what it all takes!
(6:28) How does the show team build the sense of community into the event?
(7:43) What trends is Jessica seeing in shows like this?
(9:29) Meet Suzie, Judy and Terry – visitors to the sow hand hear their first impressions
(10:54) Join us as we visit with the ladies of Linda Z’s. Linda Z, and her daughters Terry and Debbie
(12:10) Teresa from the Fabric Center in Morris, IL – a first-time exhibitor – explains why it’s important for them to be at this show.
(13:33) Deidre and Erin from So Modern talk about their wares
(14:10) Meet Gail from BERNINA of Naperville and learn what trends she’s seeing this year.
(15:20) Next, we catch up with Melanie Jasmin, a past guest on this podcast
(16:28) Meet Annie Driscol – cosplayer extraordinaire!
(17:36) Let’s talk with Jeannie from Quilters’ Quest and hear what attendees are looking for.
(18:50) Visit the Content Creator’s booth and meet Kyle who will take us for a tour
(20:27) Meet Darrin Stern the President and General Manager of the show team and learn the behind the scenes working of h&h and this show.
(27:13) Darren talks about the challenges of producing this show.
(29:51) What does Darrin think are the biggest opportunities in this crafting space?
(31:52) Meet a group of people who are attending the show and learn why they chose to do so. Here are Lynn, Sandy, Cathy, Jan and Judy!
(32:45) Let’s stop at Hudson Sewing and talk with Amanda! And by the way, ask her about karaoke!
(34:01) Let’s chat with Tania Norris and Joe Vechiarelli. Tania of Disney’s Haunted Mansion Purple Wallpaper and Joe of Dancing With the Start and French European. Both past guests on Sew & So.
(38:22) Chris from Simply Classis talks about her up and coming crafts
(39:25) Robin from Robin Ruth designs talks about her quilt rulers and the techniques to use them.
(40:26) Maddy from the Badd Ass quilters talks about her organization and what they do.
(41:29) Let’s review with Jessica and Darrin learning about special experiences they’ve had and how their superior customer service is the norm.
Join us at this event in 2027 – April 30 – May 2 in Rosemont, IL
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