Sandra's SEWAPALOOZA Adventures 2014

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Well it's a tough job but someone had to do it:) I spent August 31-September 8 in Honolulu Hawaii. I was asked to demonstrate the E16 at the Women's EXPO Sept. 4-7. Who can go to Hawaii and not plan a few days to sight see? My hubby was suppose to be in Africa with Heart Beat for Africa, Ghana to be exact so I invited my friend Patti to tag along. His trip was cancelled because of the Ebola outbreak, and Patti said he wasn't getting his bed back, so off we went on a girl's trip! It was beautiful weather and we had such a great time. I attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa my Jr. year of college and had been there once with hubby about 30 years ago. It was so fun to go back. Things have really changed. The traffic is ridicules, I'm surprised the island doesn't sink, and it is so sad to see so many homeless on the island. Patti and I did all of the tourist things, Circle Island tour (lunch on a private island), a Luau, and of course Pearl Harbor (the new visitor's center in amazing), The Iolani Palace and a few museums, as well as several beach days. It's pretty sad when I stayed long enough that the Starbucks guy across the street, knew my name and had my drink ready when I got to the front of the line!

I guess I should talk about the real reason I was suppose to be there! The women's EXPO happens every year and one of the sponsors is US Sew and Vac with 2 locations in Hawaii and several in California. They are a BERNINA and multi line dealer and one of the sponsors of the show. It was not a quilt show or a sewing trade show, so the clientele was much different than what I was used to. It was fun to run the E16 and answer all of the questions everyone had about machine embroidery. I was so impressed with that machine. It had not been run or set up until I got there, that was enough to send me into panic mode. I loaded the software opened the manual and had it running and threaded in 20 minutes! It ran for 5 straight days with no broken thread and no broken needles. I was so impressed on how easy it was to setup, thread and embroider with. The directions were fabulous (great pictures) and of course I had Judy Hahner on speed dial! Michael Rifkin, DM of California and Hawaii, had sent out a pile of large tote bags and they just embroidered beautifully! I love this new machine! Carry the E16 in your store and don't be afraid of it! They come with great education (and Judy)! Raza Ebrahim is the owner of the California and Hawaii stores. What a nice gentleman. He and his staff were such great hosts and so helpful and friendly. They gave away a Bernette every day at 3:00 and boy did that bring the crowds in. He is so personable and the customers love him! Make sure you make it a stop on your next trip to Honolulu! Here is my week in pictures!