The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center

NEEDLES & THREAD SHOWCASE

Win Dinner with a Schmetz Designer Schmetz Needle Education

Euro-notions, USA distributor of Schmetz household needles, will unveil new needle education materials next month at 2009 International Quilt Market in Houston. Schmetz continues the "Get To The Point" educational program with three components available to store owners:

• New print materials in easy to read format;
• PowerPoint Presentation reviewing needle production, anatomy and needle types;
• New two hour hands-on class format.

At Quilt Market these materials will be presented in two Schoolhouse presentations and in two Take & Teach classes.

Rhonda Pierce, marketing director, stated, "Focus groups were conducted this spring to better understand consumer needle knowledge. We were stunned at the lack of knowledge and equally pleased at consumer eagerness to learn and expand their needle repertoire. We have responded with educational materials readily available to machine dealers, quilt shops and fabric stores. Most Schmetz educational materials are free through their distributor. Plus the Schmetz "Super" needle is now available for easy demonstrations."

In conjunction with needle education, Schmetz kicks up the traditional store show and tell program. Euro-notions, announces the Triple S Project - Schmetz Sewing Stories. Stores already have a version of show and tell in their existing class schedule.

Pierce stated, "We are bringing show and tell to the digital/internet arena with a competitive edge for retailers. As part of Schmetz education, a video session is integrated into the class format. Dealers conduct a Schmetz needle class with the added format of asking consumers to bring their favorite show and tell project or a favorite sewing story. The dealer videos customers with their project or story and sends the video files to us for uploading at www.schmetzneedles.com. The three retailers that send the most consumer video stories will win a Schmetz Super Needle and a special dinner with a high profile Schmetz Designer at Spring 2010 International Quilt Market. Schmetz Sewing Stories are due to stories@schmetzneedles.com by April 30, 2010."

Every consumer who shares their sewing story will be entered in the Triple S Project sweepstakes. The winner of the Triple S Project will receive Schmetz Special Needle Collections - retail value of $500 -- and special recognition for the retailer that submitted the story. The winner's name will be drawn on May 10, 2010.

The Triple S Project will be promoted on the Internet, in advertising and as a sponsor of National Sewing Month. All participating retailers will be listed on the Web site.

See Rhonda Pierce in the Euro-notions booth at International Quilt Market or contact her at rpierce@euronotions.com for detailed information on Schmetz classes and the Triple S Project - Schmetz Sewing Stories.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, September 2009