Although summer is in full bloom, quilt enthusiasts are already looking at their fall calendars. Why? They're eagerly anticipating the first-ever Quilt Expo, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

Presented by Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), producer of two acclaimed national quilt specials, and "Sewing With Nancy," hosted and co-produced by Nancy Zieman and WPT, Quilt Expo is designed to celebrate and revitalize the creative quilting spirit.

Stitchers will learn new techniques at Sit & Sew Workshops with nationally known instructors and draw inspiration from 144 informal lectures. Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the popular Elm Creek Quilts novels, will speak. Twenty-seven central-stage presentations will feature quilting masters sharing their ideas and expertise.

Other highlights include quilt exhibits, a 50,000-square-foot vendor mall, a 10-category quilt contest, an on-site radio broadcast, a community service project for U.S. military troops, drawings and two limited-capacity evening events.

Thursday evening, "Sewing With Nancy: Lights. Camera. Action." offers a rare opportunity to attend a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception in the WPT studios with Nancy Zieman. View a mock taping of "Sewing With Nancy" -- complete with lighting, and camera and sound crews.

Friday evening, "Quilting With PBS Stars" presents Zieman, Eleanor Burns, Karen Good, Sue Hausmann and Sharlene Jorgenson sharing outtakes, blooper tapes and personal experiences from their programs.

Whether a seasoned quilter, a novice or just curious to learn more about quilting, don't miss the opportunity to learn, laugh and draw inspiration at Quilt Expo.

For complete information, visit the Quilt Expo Web site or phone 608-262-5256.

Funding for Quilt Expo is provided by: A & E, Baby Lock, Hinterberg Designs, Koala Cabinets, Krause Publications, Bernina, Pfaff, Quilt Yard, Stitcher's Crossing and Viking.