MAY 01 - JUNE 08
SUBMISSIONS
JUNE 09 - JUNE 12, 2025
EMBROIDERY SHOWCASE
+ VIEWERS CHOICE VOTING
JUNE 09 - 13, 2025
FEST DAYS
SMP VIRTUAL HOOP FEST
A SPRING EVENT with CONTEST + AWARDS
Join us for a unique virtual festival
celebrating the embroidery arts!
Save the dates!
JUNE 09—JUNE 13, 2025
AMAZING PRESENTATIONS
-and- FUN GIVEAWAYS!
PRESENTERS' BIOS
Our esteemed panel of experts
Alexis Galloway
Embroidery Coach, Brother Educator & creator of My Pretty Perfect (Embroidery) Planner, Alexis Galloway has cleverly combined her passion for crafting and embroidery with a natural talent for instructing. Always finding a unique way of sharing her gift and getting others to love this craft as much as she does. She’s a witty vibrant creative that was introduced to sewing and crafting early in life by her mother. Her distinct laid-back teaching style is the key to taking the frustration out of learning embroidery. You can often hear her reciting her favorite catch phrase... “It doesn't have to be perfect, but it has to be PRETTY!” It reminds everyone that mistakes will come but that’s where the true learning takes place. After years of working in healthcare, Alexis traded in her scrubs for a ring light and a vibrant Facebook group. In the fall of 2019, she opened Sew Sweet Academy, a machine embroidery program where she goes step by step, stitch by stitch guiding her students through their projects from start to finish. When she is not at home with her outgoing daughter she is out traveling the world experiencing new foods and cultures.
Anna Avery-Vaughn
Anna fell in love with quilting several years ago and has never looked back! She is especially drawn to designing modern quilts with a vintage twist and shares that love with everyone she meets as she travels to shops around the country and in her local area in Tallahassee, Florida. Not only does she like to embellish her quilts with machine embroidery, one of her favorite features to tap into in the IQ™ Designer functionality of some of her favorite Baby Lock machines. Anna believes that there is no such thing as a perfect quilt, just the perfect love that goes into making one. Anna’s favorite machines include the Solaris, Altair and Meridian and you can find her teaching using these machines and her favorite techniques in shops around the country and online on the Baby Lock Facebook pages and machine specific groups.
Anne Hein
Anne’s passion for sewing started with the required Home Economics class. Sewing, creating unique clothes, and crafting were her things – even using her grandmother’s trundle machine. Today you'll find Anne on the Artistic Digitizer facebook page, sharing her extensive knowledge of embroidery digitizing and editing; and helping everyone with troubleshooting their projects.
Cassie Cartmell
Cassie started sewing four years ago, knowing nothing about it at all. In that time, she has come to love how sewing skills all connect with one another. "Sewing open doors for my creativity, nothing is impossible to make without a little imagination and thought," she said. "I also love how technology is making its mark and having an impact in regards to making it more fun and making techniques easier for the beginner or the advanced sewer." The best part of teaching, she said, is adding value to a person's life by helping them resolve a particular pain point in sewing. "It really does mean the whole world to me to have played a part in that," Cassie said. Through her time as an educator, she said her students have shown her there is a connection through community that helps to create a movement and encourages the next generation of sewers. "It's fantastic having access to different types of personalities, and encouraging them to learn and grow within themselves and their abilities," she said. And while she loves her Baby Lock Soprano, she has a special place for her quarter inch foot. "I just couldn't live without it."
Cindy Hogan
Cindy resides in Georgia with her husband. She has a BS and MS from the University of TN in Special Education and was a full time Special Education teacher until 2003 when she decided to change career paths and use her knowledge of PE-DESIGN® and Education to be a freelance National Product Training Specialist for the for all Brother Software Programs. Cindy is an internationally recognized Brother Software expert. She began working with the PE-DESIGN® software when it was first introduced and began teaching all Brother Software thereafter. She is also national recognized as an expert on the Brother Scan-N-Cut and machine embroidery. She teaches classes on the Craftsy Platform and has been a guest instructor on the Hit TV Show “It’s Sew Easy”.
Coleen Swettman
In the mid 1990’s Coleen become fascinated with machine embroidery. It was love at first sight. She loves every aspect of embroidery from digitizing to seeing the design stitched out on the finished item. Coleen started with the earliest version of embroidery software and enjoys the many new advanced features and ease of use that are available in software today. If an item can be embroidered – she’s probably embroidered on it.
Danielle Amato
Danielle has been sewing on Janome machines since childhood, where she developed a deep passion for fashion design and textiles arts. She earned degrees in Fashion Design, Textile Development, and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. With years of experience as a Sample Maker and Technical Designer for ready to wear brands in New York City, Danielle has worked on a variety of projects, including sample making and alterations for Brooke Shields for her line with QVC. She has her own alterations business, including custom bridal accessories and embroidery, as well as managing a successful e-commerce shop featuring personalized embroidered creations.Before becoming a Janome Educator, she first joined Janome as a Maker and then spent years in the Marketing department at Janome America, combining her industry expertise with her love of sewing. While her background has always been in fashion design, she has embraced the quilting world, enjoying the opportunity to expand her skills and share her creativity through tutorials and education with the Janome community. You’ll see Danielle in many of our educational videos on our social channels. Her most-loved machines are the Skyline S9 and the Continental M17.
Dawn Chace
With over 50 years of sewing experience, Dawn turned her passion into a business in 2007, selling embroidery and appliqué items locally. She soon expanded online, offering personalized, one-of-a-kind appliqué and embroidery shirts. In 2013, she officially launched Creative Appliques, blending her love for machine embroidery, quilting, and technology. Since then, Dawn has created over 6,000 unique embroidery designs, including appliqué patterns, embroidery fonts, and in-the-hoop projects. Her dedication to quality and creativity continues to inspire customers worldwide. Dawn is also an independent educator, author, and product developer and designer. You can find her designs on her website www.creativeappliques.com. She can also be found on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest as @creativeappliques.
Emily Thompson
Emily created the sewing blog “Life Sew Savory” in 2008 which has become a huge resource of free sewing patterns, craft ideas and recipes. She has been featured on PBS, Sew Daily TV and has worked with Brother, Blueprint/Craftsy plus may other top brands.
Garrett McMinn
Garrett is currently the Sales Manager at SWF. Garrett has been with the company for 10 years and has been around embroidery throughout his career. Garrett worked his way through the ranks starting as an embroidery tech with the company in 2011. Outside of helping his sales staff and communicating with customers, he enjoys playing golf and loves spending time with his wife and young son.
Jennifer Gigas
Primarily a self-taught sewing and embroidery enthusiast, there are few types of sewing that Jennifer doesn't enjoy. She considers it a privilege to be heavily involved in the development of the BERNINA long-arm and multi-needle embroidery products.
Joanne Banko
A graduate of Progressive Fashion School formerly located in Cleveland Ohio, Joanne Banko is an author, freelance sewing educator, and self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader! As a Brother Ambassador Joanne contributes regularly to the official Brother blog, Stitching Sewcial. Guest instructor on the popular PBS It’s Sew Easy TV show, and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery, Joanne enjoys designing projects to help sewing and embroidery enthusiasts make the most of their machines. Visit Joanne at her sewing and embroidery website, www.letsgosew.com, where you’ll find inspiration and information to keep you happily creating in your own sewing space
Karlie Belle
Creator and Owner of KarlieBelle.com, who loves teaching how to make beautiful things on an embroidery machine. On her YouTube channel and website she shares tutorials on many different types of machine embroidery projects including applique, baby items, home decor, in the hoop, quilting, Embrilliance embroidery software, and so much more. Her online courses on beginner machine embroidery, Embrilliance software, and Sip & Stitch Squad VIP monthly membership group have helped thousands of students become more confident in using their embroidery machines and software. Karlie is from New Orleans, LA and when she is not crafting, she enjoys parading, festing, and shopping with her 2 daughters Abigail & Elise and husband Chris.
Kathy Stipe
Kathy started sewing for others as a teen because I would rather sew than babysit to make spending money. She has 45+ years of sewing experience and loves to sew in her sewing room. Her favorite machines are the Luminaire XP3 and PR1055X.
Lisa Knight
Lisa started sewing at age six, or, as she puts it, "a long, long time." Over the course of those years, she fell in love with the endless creative possibilities sewing provides. When it comes to teaching, Lisa said she loves interacting with her students and seeing their reactions. She also adds that teaching is a two-way street, where she learns from her students in turn. It's a lesson she's retained throughout her career, and it's helped her keep a fresh approach to teaching.
Mary Nesnay
"Born & raised in New Jersey, my background is in computer animation, graphic design, & American history. I began embroidering in 2019 when Disney’s D23 held a design contest for the 50th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion. Since then, I have learned the art of digitizing and tested a myriad of patch-making methods before finally perfecting my craft. While there are many techniques that can be applied to creating a patch, I believe my method creates the sharpest and cleanest results."
Matt Lamb
Matt is the Western U.S. and East Central U.S. Regional Sales Manager for TEXMAC / HappyJapan Embroidery Machines, a role he has held since 2023. He oversees sales operations across 17 U.S. states and all of Canada, splitting his time between the company’s North Carolina headquarters and its California office. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance, Matt brings a strong foundation in business strategy, financial insight, and customer-focused sales. Known for his practical, solutions-driven approach, Matt helps clients succeed with cutting-edge embroidery technology and responsive support. Outside of work, Matt has a strong interest in cars, enjoys traveling, catching baseball games, and exploring local foods and regional cuisine wherever he goes. He’s recognized for his integrity, product knowledge, and genuine dedication to customer success. He thrives at the intersection of technology, service, and strategic growth.
Mike Johns
Mike has a very simple philosophy when it comes to being a Baby Lock Educator. "It’s really about the people," he said. "I have been so lucky to meet so many amazing people over the years and it is so heart warming to hear how sewing has impacted their lives." Growing up in a family of crafters, Mike said he didn't become serious about sewing until he studied Costume Design and Technology at Florida State University a little over 20 years ago. He said he enjoys the unique creative process sewing provides. "I love that sewing allows me to take an idea all the way from a pencil sketch (or a sketch on my iPad) and work it up into a pattern and then to a fully realized project," he said. "I also love the freedom that sewing provides for each person to create and bring his or her own vision to life." Mike added that teaching has also shown him the special relationship sewers have with one another. "This is a community full of wonderful, kind and giving individuals. I am constantly amazed by the generosity of those in our community," he said. "This is really highlighted by all of the service organizations, such as Quilts of Valor, that people in our community are involved in. I love hearing about them all."
Milinda Stephenson
Throughout her time as a Baby Lock Educator, Milinda made an important discovery. "I’ve learned that people who sew tend to be smart, creative and determined. These are people who make the world a better place—they are givers—the majority of their sewing tends to be for other people. That generous spirit is contagious, and brings me so much joy!" She said connecting with those people is her favorite part of teaching. "We are healthier when we are in community, and teaching engages me in this fabulous community of men and women who love to learn and love to sew." Milinda started sewing since she went off to college and — as she readily pointed out — since her mom stopped sewing for her. She said she's been obsessed with sewing and design since then. She said her favorite thing about sewing is the infinite possibilities it provides. "It allows me to dream of all the things that can be created—those dreams are fabulous therapy—they help me move beyond daily problems and imagine what can be rather than what is," Milinda said. "And there is this wonderful physical benefit—sewing lowers your blood pressure! It is soothing and therapeutic."
Reen Wilcoxson
“My love of sewing, crafting & designing began at an early age. After seeing an embroidery machine for the first time almost 18 years ago, I knew I had to have one. Shortly after purchasing a machine, I began to create my own designs. ‘In the hoop’ designs are what I focused on and are what I love to digitize. I offer my fun, unique designs & projects on my website, Embroidery Garden. I’ve been selling my designs online for the past 15 years and have recently begun teaching classes across the country. I enjoy meeting fellow embroiderers and constantly learning new things about this wonderful industry.”
Sam Fung
Sam, an Educational Coordinator, has been sewing for the past 47 years. Prior to joining Janome 17 years ago, he owned a custom sewing business where he made everything from couture wedding gowns to home decor and even taught students of all ages how to sew. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of sewing through teaching. Sam is Janome’s resident notions expert - he probably has enough notions to open his own shop! His love of embroidery began when he couldn’t find lace for his custom wedding gowns, so he learned how to create his own. Although garment making is Sam’s first sewing passion, he’s also adept at ruler work quilting. Sam is well-rounded in his sewing skills and has a vast knowledge of domestic sewing machines and sergers.
Sara Vetser
Sara Vetser is a Brother ambassador and educator. She also creates content for various social media outlets in order to create an online brand awareness and presence. Sara also specializes in incorporating sustainable sewing and quilting by using recycled material.
Stephanie Young
Self proclaimed “Professional Crafter”. Stephanie is the Craft Coordinator for Siser North America, which is the industry leader in HTV and PSV vinyl. Siser has launched their own electronic cutters, Romeo and Juliet. Stephanie educates on all things vinyl, embroidery and sublimation and offers helpful tips and tricks no matter what the topic is. If you want to have a great class and a good time… be sure to take a class from So Stephanie Says. Be Creative. Be Siser.
Trevor Conquergood
Trevor Conquergood of Saskatoon, Canada is considered one of the True Embroidery Masters of our time. Just like Walter Floriani Jr., Trevor was born the son of an Embroidery Master, and his father and family lived embroidery. Forging his own path, Trevor has learned and taught almost every brand of embroidery software. Even software companies invite Trevor to Europe or Asia to teach educators on maximizing their program’s functionality to get the most of their features and benefits.
Wendi Owens
Wendi Owens is a full-time Event Specialist for SVP Worldwide and brings creativity, enthusiasm and skill to every classroom. She has a true passion for all things sewing, including garment construction, heirloom quilting, embroidery, and incorporating modern techniques and technology into her garment sewing. Her work has been published in Romantic Homes, Women's Day Special Issue, and most recently Classic Sewing Magazine. She is a Martha Pullen certified instructor.
