November Neighborhood Group Meetings

 Here's what ASG NOVA Neighborhood Groups will be doing this month!

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 11/1, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Bring your holiday-themed projects! Plus, Tina will host a no-sew tutorial on the Scandinavian Star. Scandinavian Star Directions by Tina Chester:

1. Cut FOUR fabric pieces (4 inches wide by 20 inches long). Preferably, two pairs of coordinating fabrics, but any combination works.

2. Fold and iron 1 inch on each long side to meet in the middle, then fold and iron again. You should end up with a 1-inch wide, 20-inch long piece.

3. Bring your pre-folded and ironed pieces, along with scissors (and tweezers if you want).

We'll also thank Ben Glass Law for hosting our meetings by gifting them a bundt cake or bundtlets from Nothing Bundt Cakes (cost: approx. $50). Lastly, if time permits, we'll brainstorm topics for next year.
Location: Ben Glass Law Firm, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr Ste 250, Fairfax, VA 22033 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 11/2, 10:30 AM

Join us for a sew-in! Enjoy some wonderful companionship and get ready advice from your fellow sewists.
Location: 1st United Presbyterian Church (1st Floor Fellowship Hall) 14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA

Sterling Sew N Sews – 11/13, 10:00 AM

Topic: Seam Finishes Members will demonstrate the Hong Kong, French, and Felt Felled seam finishes, among others. 
Location: Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Dept

Springfield Sharing Threads – 11/20, 10:00 AM

November is our challenge month. The 2024 challenge: Detail Detective. See a detail on a garment or sewn object and replicate it on your own project. Members are welcome to bring their in-progress or completed challenge pieces. Note: No Zoom access this month.
Location: West Springfield Governmental Center, 6140 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA 22152

Kingstowne Clothiers – 11/16, 10:30 AM

Topic: Sewing Holiday Gifts Attendees are encouraged to bring and discuss holiday gifts they've created. Special presentations: Scandinavian Star ornaments and Bojagi (fabric gift wrapping).
Location: City of Fairfax Public Library, 10360 North St., Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA

Free parking available in the library parking garage.

Alexandria Seamsters – 11/18, 7:00 PM

We'll brainstorm program ideas for 2025 and discuss potential charity efforts. Bring mending or hand sewing projects to work on while we chat. Share any great finds from the Chapter sale on Nov 9. We'll also decide on a location for our holiday dinner on Dec 16. And of course, bring your show-n-tell!
Location: Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA (NOT Thanksgiving week!)

Shenandoah Valley Girls

No November meeting. Please join us for a holiday lunch on Dec 4 and a lunch during the Winter Retreat in January.
Location: Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA 

Wearable Arts Group – 11/27, 1:00 PM

Most likely everyone will be prepping for Thanksgiving Day but check in to confirm any meeting plans.
Location: 8847 Olde Mill Run, Manassas 

ASG NOVA is Holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, November 9 from 11:30-2:30

Get Ready for the Ultimate Rummage Sale for Sewists, Crafters, and Makers! 

Dive into a treasure trove of fabrics, threads, tools, and crafty goodies! Whether you're a sewing newbie, a seasoned crafter, or a passionate maker, this is the event you don’t want to miss. 

• Date: Saturday, November 9
• Time: 11:30-2:30 
• Location: Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St, Vienna, VA

Stand by for amazing 

• Apparel fabric, home decorating fabric, quilting cottons, and fat quarters
• Notions, elastics, buttons, zippers, and trims
• Patterns
• Sewing books 
• Sewing demonstrations and "Make & Take" stations

Why You Should Come:

• Score amazing deals on high-quality materials and supplies
• Meet fellow creatives and share ideas
• Get inspired by unique projects and innovative designs
• Perfect chance to stock up on essentials for your next big project

Bring your friends, family, and fellow craft enthusiasts for a few hours of fun, shopping, and creativity. Let’s make this an unforgettable event!

Interested in donating items for this event? ASG NOVA is a 501(c) 3 charity. 

All proceeds go to funding educational workshops and supporting charities.

Charities and non-profits supported through ASG NOVA volunteer sewing and expertise:

Dress a Girl Around the World

Pohick Regional Library Maker Space

Quilts of Valor

Days for Girls

Fleece hats for local hypothermia prevention efforts

 

Do You Know Where Your Meeting Is?

 Due to the elections, many of our regular meeting locations have changed for October. Please see the list below for details:

FAIRFAX SEAMS SEW FUN

Friday, October 4, 1-2:30pm
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!

Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA
Presentation: Shari Emery will be giving a presentation on packing for travel. Group sharing is encouraged.

WOODBRIDGE SEWCIAL CLUB

Saturday, October 5, 10am-3pm
First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, Woodbridge, VA
Presentation: Sew-In!
Get together and sew with some wonderful companionship and ready advice from your fellow sewists.
As always, RSVPs are appreciated so I can anticipate group size and seating/electrical outlet capacity.

• Do we want to do a program in November? 
• A holiday lunch/2025 planning session in December? 
• Do we want to get back to doing a few programs in the year or do you prefer the sew-ins?

If there is something you'd like to do or learn, let me know. I'm working on a few fun things for 2025, including a bag series, a spring thrift store day, and a chapter-wide trip to NYC in May 

If you'd like to do a couple of upcycle project classes next year, such as a mini skirt tote, a canvas art upcycle, a bling or line drawing beading class (part of my Fashion Graffiti class), a full deconstruction type upcycle, or any other project, let me know! These are just some of the things in my own personal queue. We can do pretty much anything you can imagine!
Please RSVP for Saturday so I know whether or not there will be sufficient turnout.

STERLING SEW-N-SEWS

Wednesday, October 9, 10am-12pm

Eastern Loudoun Sheriff Station
46620 E Frederick Drive, Sterling, VA
BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO'S GOT THE BUTTON?
Presentation: Buttons: Unique Buttons, Unusual Use of Buttons, and Unconventional Buttonholes.
So, start rounding up your favorite buttons for our collaborative meeting!

ANNUAL MEETING

Saturday, October 12, 10am-2pm
Vienna Community Center
120 Cherry St SE, Vienna, VA
Voting: You should have received the monthly email newsletter and an email with the voting link. Ballots will also be available onsite if you forget. 

Challenge: This year’s challenge is Zipper/Flower/Button!  Bring anything that you have made that shows off your skills and creativity that incorporates zippers, flowers, and/or buttons.  

Potluck: This year potluck assignments are by last name:  

A-D – Drinks 

E-K – Side dish

L-T – Main dish/Entree 

U-Z – Dessert

SPRINGFIELD SHARING THREADS
Wednesday, October 16, 10am-?
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE! 

We will be fitting our blouse muslins at a private residence. 

RSVP for meeting address.
Presentation: Using your sloper, template, or measurements, you will have altered your blouse pattern prior to constructing your muslin. Ideally, you have gotten your commercial pattern closer to your body type.

Muslin construction requirements will make the tweaking easier to do and easier to transfer to your pattern.

Even if you have not made a muslin, you will see and learn the fitting process by reading wrinkles and folds. Plus, the more eyes and assistants, the better.

The program will end once everyone has been fitted.

KINGSTOWNE CLOTHIERS  
Saturday, October 19, 10:30am-1:00pm
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!
Fabric Place Basement, 6660 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306 
Presentation: Do you know what necklines are most flattering to you?

There are 23 unique necklines! That's a lot to consider when sewing a new dress or shirt. You've got to think about the silhouette, the fabric, and the print (or lack thereof). But you may also want to keep neckline types in mind to ensure you sew garments that are flattering and appropriate for the occasion.
If you're unfamiliar with the different necklines available, or if you're unsure which types are best for you, you've come to the right place! From necklines for broad shoulders to necklines for every bust size and body shape, we're covering it all.

You'll come away from this interactive presentation with a better understanding of what looks good on you, and you'll have the opportunity to take photos for your sewing files!

ALEXANDRIA SEAMSTERS

Monday, October 21, 7-8pm
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!
Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA
Presentation: Chelsea will present a program on Applique Techniques. Applique is not just for quilting anymore! Although some of us do like to quilt...We can use it in fashion details, mending, home decorating, and crafts. Join us to learn some techniques or brush up on your skills.
Bring your show-n-tell, too!

SHENANDOAH VALLEY GIRLS
Wednesday, October 23, 10am-12pm

VFW Post 9760, 425 S Buckmarsh St, Berryville, VA
Presentation: Holiday and gift giving ideas. We'll be sharing our ideas so bring your plans, patterns, projects, or finished items!

WEARABLE ARTS
Wednesday, October 23, 1pm-?

DAR Museum, 1776 D Street, Washington, DC

Presentation: FIELD TRIP!
We'll be viewing the exhibit, "Sewn in America," at the DAR Museum.

1. There will be a carpool leaving from Manassas. Meet at the Giant grocery store, 10100 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA.

2. If you are driving yourself, meet at the main entrance to the museum at 11:15 am.

Bring your camera or smartphone and remember to take lots of photos!

Set Time Aside for DAR Symposium on "Making - Meaning - Memory: Sewn in America"

 If you love the history and details behind garments or sewing of any kind, the upcoming symposium at the DAR Museum may hit all your interests! This event promises to dig deep into the rich tapestry of textile history, showcasing intricate techniques and the evolution of fashion. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore rare and exquisite pieces from the museum's collection, participate in hands-on workshops, and engage with experts in the field. Whether you're a seasoned sewist, or simply someone with a passion for the craft, this symposium offers a unique chance to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for the art of sewing. 

Link to Registration and Tickets.

The DAR Museum has a number of programs for the crafter, including creating fabric flowers, finishing UFOs, and a special Halloween event. 

The current exhibit will be available until December 31, 2024.

Kingstowne Clothiers August Meeting Recap #TDCO

The Kingstowne Clothiers had a great turnout for our meeting on the Top-Down-Center-Out technique for pants fitting. Attendees were given information from Threads Summer 2022 issue and Crooked Hem's YouTube video series to provide background and prep for the meetings. 

Everyone had worked on their waistband, which is a key component of the TDCO technique. Everything hangs from the waistband, so having it marked, interfaced, and fitted for where the wearer wanted it on their body was critical. We also brought one leg so we could check for overall fit before building the rest of our trousers.

I think everyone was happy with the outcome. As one member remarked, "It's a lot more fun to do fitting in a group than by oneself", and I agree. It's also a lot less tedious.

We have several lessons learned from this exercise.

1. Mark all seam allowances, especially center front and center back seam allowances. Do this for both the pant legs and the waistband.
2. Mark grain lines. 
3. Draw horizontal balance lines.
4. If you have standard alterations you make to your patterns, such as shortening for petite sizes, make those changes. 
5. Staystitch the waist and crotch seams. This enables clipping without distortion when fitting.
6. Add extra allowance (1-2 inches) to cutting lines in case more volume is needed when fitting.

It'll be great to see the next iteration of toiles and possibly finished pants!

Show and Tell

Here are the notes from our Show and Tell.

Sandra modeled the Geneva Blouse from Liesl + Co. She made it out of Liberty Fabric and deemed it a wearable muslin. She is still refining shoulder fit. 

She had an interesting observation on order of sewing and how it might affect the final fitting. Sandra used paper bodices to check order for shoulder slope, forward shoulder, and broad/narrow shoulder. This was an excellent discussion and might be a great topic for a future presentation!

Resources discussed included techniques on "pivot and slide" and Nancy Zieman's book "The Busy Woman's Fitting Book" provides the best descriptions of how to do this. 

Joyce discussed her "Magic Box," a clear plastic tackle box that contained all her sewing supplies. 

Marjorie demonstrated the Chakoner, a Japanese chalk pencil that will delight sewists and ASMR enthusiasts! It makes a nice line and easily brushes away.  Sandra pulled out a chalk pencil from Lidl which was also a cool tool. Unfortunately, it's hard to know when or if Lidl's chalk pencil, which was part of a sewing kit, is still available.

Brenda and Marjorie are working on sleeve slopers and will have a compendium of what works and doesn't work with sleeves. They described draping a sleeve using a corded armscye from Threads. 

Bonnie added information about a rolling ruler to measure the armscye. Sewists can also make an arm for their dress form. Use a ham to steam the seam allowance and set the sleeve. Be aware that different armscyes should be used for patterns that feature variations for sleeveless and sleeves.

Susan showed how she kept her thread and bobbins together. 

Bonnie showed her Classmate Bag from Kathy Saladino's Workshop. 

We also talked about the book, "Fitting and Pattern Alteration," by Elizabeth Liechty, Della Pottberg, and Judith Rasband. The fourth edition was published this year, but there's no need to buy a new edition if you have an earlier edition----especially since the latest edition is rather pricey and doesn't seem to add much new information, except for a discussion on sustainability. We also discussed ASG's "University of Fashion" subscription, one of the benefits of membership. Keep an eye on your ASG email newsletters for the next opportunity to enroll. Subscriptions run through October 31 each year. 

At our next meeting on Saturday, September 21, at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, we'll check the status of our pants fitting and we might even have some pants completed for Show and Tell!

Alexandria Seamsters Monthly Neighborhood Group Meeting for July 2024

The Seamsters' next meeting will be Mon, July 15 at 7 pm at our usual location, Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Rd.  Alexandria, VA.  Our program, “Techniques for Sewing with Sheer Fabric”, will be led by Lisa and Diana.  We will have some sheer fabric items for you to cut and stitch during the evening.   This should be a lot of fun!

If you can, please bring:

• a pair of fabric cutting scissors
• pins to use when pinning and cutting a small pattern piece
• hand sewing needle(s) - preferably a thin needle

And, of course, bring your show-and-tells!

An Intro to American Designer Anne Fogarty

I picked up an interesting vintage sewing pattern, Advance 7914, by Anne Fogarty. A native of Philadelphia, she designed clothing that was fashionable, affordable, and practical. She is known for her signature look: full-skirted dresses with petticoats worn beneath. 

Advance 7914

As Lizzie Adams Bramlett states in her blog, "For the first time since the Edwardian era, adult women were putting on a petticoat--a necessity to achieve the desired tiny waisted, full-skirted silhouette." Fogarty altered her skirt silhouette for a narrower, longer look after 1956. 

The Met has several photos of her completed designs, mainly 1960's. I encourage you to take a look at their site as pictures cannot be downloaded, enlarged, or viewed at full screen. There is a beautiful red wool and silk coat embellished with couture cording! The coat has a matching sleeveless dress that can be worn with a black fitted turtleneck sweater. For more on surface cording, you can watch this YouTube video  

This site features many movie stars and models wearing her designs. The dress is from the February 1952 issue of Vogue Magazine. You can find the pattern for this in several online stores, just search for Advance 6160. As you can see from the photos, velveteen was a favorite fabric!

In 1957, Fogarty wrote a book, "Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife." 

In 1962, Fogarty opened her own design house, Anne Fogarty, Inc. She retired in 1974 and continued to do freelance work with Shariella Fashion until her death in 1980.  

This pattern from 1959, Simplicity 3152 is suitable for everyday wear and comes highly recommended from Sew Retro: Sheath!

It appears that Anne Fogarty's design aesthetic is paid homage in the Anne Fogarty Boutique.