(CLEVELAND) – VSM Sewing Inc. once again gave industry professionals the experience of a lifetime when they embarked on their sixth bi-annual trip to Sweden this August.
Hosted by Sue Hausmann, Vice President of Consumer Motivation for the company, the seventeen ‘Sewing Stars’ and their guests traveled throughout the Nordic country and experienced traditional Swedish culture, food and hospitality.
During their five day trip, the sewing stars were able to visit the Husqvarna Museum and take a factory tour where they were able to see a variety of Husqvarna Viking sewing machines manufactured from 1872 through today plus an embroidery hoop from the 1950’s, experience how machines are manufactured and learn why and how the machines are oil-free. They were also able to meet the employees who affect their business from afar.
“It was very nice to see the plant and meet people on their home turf,” Marti Michell, from Michell Marketing in Georgia, said. In addition to the factory and museum visit, the Sewing Stars were also able to travel to the island of Visingso for a horse-drawn tour of the island as well as a walk in the herb garden and visit the castle grounds. The Sewing Stars also enjoyed a demonstration by the “Linen Lady”, Nanya Florin, who grows her own flax and creates linen material from start to finish.
Aside from their journey to the “Linen Lady”, the Sewing Stars were also able to participate in a trip to “glass country” to experience a Hytsill and were able to watch the glass blowers mix colors and styles of glass with a single pinch of material or flick of the wrist. Several were even able to try their hand at blowing a glass vase.
When not traveling throughout the country expressing and viewing creativity, the Sewing Stars enjoyed a variety of cuisines from different Swedish restaurants including Ribbagården and Strandgården, where they enjoyed both beautiful views and extraordinary menus. “The food was great,” Michell said.
Between culture and cuisine, the Sewing Stars enjoyed an experience they will never forget. “I keep looking at photos and memorabilia,” Sewing Star Barbara Wright said. “I have to pinch myself to realize that I was actually there.”
December 2005