The Facts

This year, the 21st Annual Educational Conference was held in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania October 15-19.

There were 92 attendees:

• 52 core conference 
• 19 pre-conference master classes 
• Several members who attended for the first time have been members for some years 
• 9 new members 
• 40 pre-conference tour 
• 12 members from Threads magazine who attended the Lifetime Achievement award for Judith Neukam 
• 12 Board members (100% attendance) 
• 4 past Presidents 
• 4 non-members 
• 18 non-Board volunteers 
• 15 teachers

Breakdown by State:

• 13 New Jersey 
• 12 Pennsylvania 
• 8 Maryland 
• 5 Indiana, Michigan, New York, Virginia 
• 4 Oregon, Wisconsin 
• 3 British Columbia, Texas, Washington 
• 2 California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Vermont 
• 1 Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee

The Fun & Learning

There was an air of excitement as old friends and new friends gathered in their classes each day. Those in the Sassy Straws class were able to model their projects for all of us.

Most who went on the tour to Drexel wished they could return to school and experience the 3-D printing and 3-D knitting, among other things.

I was able to join the Thursday tour for just the Philadelphia Museum of Art segment and I’m still enjoying, and being inspired by, my photos of the Issey Miyaki “Flying Saucer” dress, and the great color and whimsy of the Patrick Kelly exhibit.

Pamela Ptak’s keynote speech and her models wearing Ralph Rucci and her own garments were amazing. We needed more time than was allotted!

Looking back over the years this seems to be the norm and is an indicator of the quality of the Keynote speakers we have been privileged to have speak to us.

Our Fashion Show was again a highlight and who will forget Debbie Bone-Harris’ Jane Fonda impersonation?

It was also delightful to have 12 of the Threads staff join us to celebrate Judith Neukam as our Lifetime Achievement honoree.

“Betsy Ross” discusses business with her linen importer

The Betsy Ross Bed Clothes National Volunteer Project: Carol Lees, Brenda Breitenmoser, Debra Proctor, Leslie Littell, Donna Fortier, Alesia Booth

Pamela Leggett presents Judith Neukam with our Lifetime Achievement Award

Learning Period Dances at our Banquet: Karen Gay, reenactor, Erin Retelle, Denise Liss, reenactor

Barbie McCormick wearing a draped “dress” of yardage bought that afternoon

Reliable Iron Door Prizes: Sue Tenney, Christine Kazmerzak, Linda McCoy

Challenge Winners: Lena Stepanenko, Patricia Robison,

Juliette Kimes, Barbie McCormick

Thank you everyone for coming to Philadelphia.

If you were not able to join us this year, please plan on coming to Minneapolis next year!