Participation in the fashion sewing industry is essential to keeping it alive, thriving, interesting and accessible to everyone.  For that reason, we support local consumer shows that give sewing enthusiasts the opportunity to see first hand all the interesting fabrics, patterns and sewing supplies on the market.  We also host lectures, celebrities, fashion shows, trunk shows and demos to make attendance at these events a learning, fun and worthwhile experience for all show attendees.

CREATIV FESTIVAL:  International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON April 27 and 28, 2012. Fri 10am - 8pm. Sat 10am - 6pm.

The Spring 2012 Creativ Festival is an exciting two-day interactive experience where shopping, inspiration & creativity flourish!

Janet Pray, owner of Islander Sewing Systems, and the American Sewing Expo, is our celebrity guest at the Spring 2012 Creativ Festival. Janet will be delivering fantastic seminars full of tips to help you sew faster and acheive professional looking resutls. Janet will also be hosting fashion shows and greeting customers at our Booth #187. 

Get in-the-know and stay on top of what's hot, new and next in the world of sewing, knitting, quilting, beading, needlework, paper crafts, embellishing and other creative art forms. Design it! Create it! Embellish it! Make it YOU! ALL seminars, demos, make 'n takes & activities are free with admission. Free parking.

ST. JACOBS MERCHANT MALL: Woolwich Community Centre, Parkside Drive, St. Jacobs, ON. May 24 to 26, 2012. Thurs 10am - 7pm. Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 4pm. Free admission and parking.

Make a visit to the St. Jacobs Merchant Mall during the Waterloo and Region Quilt & Fibre Arts Festival. Plan to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea as part of your shopping experience with a great group of quilt, notion, book and sewing vendors.

Distinctive Sewing Supplies will have a booth in the Merchant Mall, with a selection of independent designer patterns, quality fashion fabrics and lots of samples!

THE PERFECT PANT - GUARANTEED! May 29 & 30, 2012, Oakville, ON. Altering a ready-made pant pattern is nearly impossible and more time consuming than drafting your own personalized pattern. Join Janet Pray, owner of Islander Sewing Systems, as she takes you step-by-step through the process of drafting your own pant pattern using the easy Islander method.

In this comprehensive two day course you will not only draft the pattern, you will also make the muslin to ensure you leave with the “perfect pant pattern” made just for you. It’s easy and works every time. Janet will show you how to make any style pant or skirt and you’ll never again worry if it will fit.

Click here for details and to register online.

DESIGNER SHIRT IN A DAY, May 31, 2012, Oakville, ON. Nothing looks, fits or feels better than a custom-made shirt. Learn the inside secrets found in those $200 ready-to-wear designer shirts as you sew along with Janet Pray, owner of Islander SewingSystems, creating a Tommy Bahama style shirt with perfect topstitching.

Discover the secrets to matching fronts and pockets seamlessly. Set perfect convertible shirt collars, pockets, sleeves & designer details, all without a single pin or basting!

Click here for details and to register online.