October Meetings Feature Treats, Not Tricks!

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 10/3, 12 noon

Ben Glass Conference Room, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033

Korean Culture and Fiber Arts with Sarah

This meeting will include a very exciting presentation from Sarah Ha on Korean culture and fiber arts. Sarah will teach us how to do a Korean knot tying craft and we will be making the dragon fly key chain.

Sarah will be bringing kits for us to complete the project. She will supply two colors of 36" Maedeup cord for each attendee. After the session, if anyone wants to buy the Maedeup owl, Dabbi, and cords to explore more knot tying projects, she can sell Maedeup owl and Dabbi for $10 and 20 yds of cords (same color or various colors of different lengths) for $5.

Please bring your scissors and sewing glue. Since Sarah will be bringing Kits, please let me know by Monday, September 29 if you plan to attend so Sarah can have enough kits on hand. 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 10/4, 10:30 

1st United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Road

Group Patchwork Piecing Project and Sew-In

The October 4th meeting will be a sew-in. We encourage you to join us in our patchwork project--bring your pattern, fabrics, supplies, and machine! Let's surprise Cornie with our progress when she returns in November!!  If you are not participating in the patchwork project, we still want to see you! Feel free to bring any project you like to work on.  

Sterling Sew N Sews – 10/8, 10 am

Sterling Substation, Loudon County Sheriff’s Dept

Fitting with Rosalie

Join us for a presentation on Palmer/Pletsch fitting methods. Discover its history, learn to create a body map, and understand pattern preparation. We'll focus on sway back and forward shoulder adjustments. No tissue paper is needed—just bring your interest in sewing for this informative, visual session. 

If you own "Palmer Pletsch Guide to Tissue Fitting," please bring your copy to follow along.

ASG NOVA Annual Chapter Meeting - 10/11, 1-3 pm

Reston Community Center, Reston, VA 

We will be electing officers for the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB).  Please vote and RSVP online.  The link is in the email you were sent. No email? Let us know!

Online voting closes October 8th. If you miss the deadline, don’t worry—you can still vote in person at the annual meeting.

The Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) includes several appointed roles: Membership Chair, Newsletter Editor, Social Media/Technology Lead, and Special Events Coordinator.

Have questions? Reach out to any CAB member—we’re here to help.

It takes a team to keep things running smoothly—and we’re grateful for your support.

Springfield Sharing Threads – 10/15, 10 am

West Springfield Government Center

“Everything Elastic” with Kathy Saladino 

Kathy invites members to send in questions or requests ahead of time so she can address them during her presentation.

You're also encouraged to bring elastics—ones you've used or are curious about—to spark discussion. If you’ve found helpful resources related to elastic use in your projects, please bring those along to share with the group.

Kingstowne Clothiers – 10/18, 10:30 am

Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway

Panel Discussion on Buttonholes

Buttonholes can be surprisingly complex. Wondering which type to use, what size is best, or where to place them? Curious whether orientation—horizontal vs. vertical—or spacing really matters?

We’ll tackle all these questions and more in a session designed to demystify the buttonhole process.

Alexandria Seamsters – 10/20, 7 pm 

Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 

Let's Make a Bucket Hat! 

You've seen those cute bucket hats on our members' Instagram and Facebook posts--now you have a chance to learn how to make one yourself! We'll learn which fabrics perform best and how to sew this stylish accessory suitable for year-round wear!  

Lansdowne Woods – 10/16, noon

Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, 2nd floor clubroom – Just tell the guard that you are there for the ASG meeting at the clubhouse

Making Purses & Sourcing Supplies 

This month’s meeting will explore the art of purse-making. We’ll also talk about where to find the best materials, hardware, and tools to bring your bag ideas to life. 

Manassas Sew & Tails – 10/28, 1 pm

Park Place Senior Center, 9659 Manassas Drive, 4th floor Craft Room

Fleece Collars with Ellen

Ellen Maynard will guide us through everything you need to know to create fleece collars using a Patti Otto pattern.

If you’d like to participate, please bring fleece for the project. 

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 10/22, 10 am

Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Rope Basket Extravaganza

Bring your rope baskets. We can’t wait to see what you've created! 

ASG Northern Virginia and Community Service Sewing

As a chapter of the American Sewing Guild, we have always supported sewing for community service. Each year, the ASG Northern Virginia Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) would select a charity, and every neighborhood group would contribute time, sewing, and resources toward this chapter project. A few years ago, the CAB empowered neighborhood groups to select the charity they wanted to support. This change not only energized our members but also gave each group the freedom to reflect their distinct character and passions through service work.

Our Neighborhood Groups support such charities as Quilts of Valor, Ryan's Case for Smiles, Dress a Girl Around the World, and Little Dresses for Africa. Individuals within the chapter also contribute their time and sewing expertise to personal charity sewing organizations, such as Dolls for Appalachia and Beyond, NICU Helping Hands, Virginia Green Baggers, and Hand to Hold. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, when Sew Friendly! is in session, you’ll often find our members lending a hand in the Pohick Library Maker Space. They assist patrons with sewing machines, troubleshoot issues, and offer guidance. After a year of meeting weekly with Sew Friendly experts, one patron progressed from having no sewing experience to creating her own winter coat—complete with expertly crafted welt pockets.

Sometimes, we serve as matchmakers for individuals who want to donate sewing machines, textiles, fabric, and notions. We are happy to connect donors with non-profit and community organizations who could benefit from this generosity. Additionally, our members may be available to support community events that require sewing expertise—whether it's hands-on help, demonstrations, or behind-the-scenes prep.

Name That Pleat!

Tom's Sons International Pleating, a family-owned company in the heart of New York City's Garment District that specializes in pleating fabrics, has made learning about pleating fun! They’ve launched a new YouTube channel that explores current fashion trends through the lens of pleating. Each video breaks down how to identify specific pleat types by name and offers insights into why a designer might choose that particular style—whether for movement, structure, or visual impact.

They are only on Episode 7, and the videos are quick and engaging. You can subscribe to the channel to be notified of when new episodes are uploaded. 

They've also written a book on pleating. Pleating: Fundamentals for Fashion Design has over 300 photos of pleated fashions and shows you how, by understanding the types of pleats and their requirements in terms of fabrics, grain, bias, and other factors, you can improve your design's creation process, budget planning, and "wow" factor.

September 2025 Sewing Meetings

Fairfax Seams So Fun 

Friday, September 5, at 12:30 at the Ben Glass Law Firm, Conference Room, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA  

Joyce will lead a mini workshop on the slow stitch project of making tiny houses.  Marvel at Joyce’s miniature fabric houses and all the detail that she puts into them!  Joyce will share all her tips and tricks and will provide kits, but you are encouraged to bring your own fabric, trims, and buttons. Please bring basic hand sewing supplies: needle, thread, scissors, ruler, thread wax or conditioner, glue, pins, paper and pencil.

Woodbridge Sewcial Group 

Saturday, September 6, at 10:30 am, 1st United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA

Group Patchwork Piecing Project.  This project will span several months, breaking this project into workable steps.  For this meeting, bring a variety of fabrics.  Cornie will provide each person with a one-on-one consult on how your fabrics can work for your project.  We will discuss perspectives, trims, embellishments, and other add-on features like button plackets.  Create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece! No need for a machine this meeting.  Contact Ellen for a full list of supplies.

Sterling Sew N Sews

Wednesday, September 10, at 10 am, Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff's Dept., 46620 East Frederick Dr., Sterling, VA 

Chair Yoga. Sandy will lead chair yoga exercises.  This is great for a quick break from long periods of sewing! Wear comfortable clothes.

Alexandria Seamsters  

Monday, September 15, at 7 pm, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA

Kathy has been doing a deep dive into printing, painting, and drawing on fabric.  At this meeting, she will tell us everything she’s learned!  We will also have Show and Tell.

Springfield Sharing Threads

Wednesday, September 17, at 10 am, West Springfield Governmental Center, Conference Room 200, 6140 Rolling Road, West Springfield, VA 

Ban-Rol?  Ever wondered what to do with it?  Linda will present advanced applications of Ban-Rol interfacing, including its use as a stabilizer for achieving consistent, narrow baby hems. She’ll demonstrate how to adapt the technique for lightweight and slippery fabrics, integrate Ban-Rol into everyday garment construction, and apply it structurally in tailored elements like waistband finishes and belt-making.

Lansdowne Woods

Thursday, September 18, at noon, Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, 2nd floor clubroom – Just tell the guard that you are there for the ASG meeting at the clubhouse

This month will be the beginning of several meetings on a cork sewing project.  This meeting will be organizational and informational:

• How do you get it? 
• What do you order? 
• How do you work with it? 
• What do you need to work with cork?

Get all your cork questions answered!

Kingstowne Clothiers

Saturday, September 20, at 10:30 am, City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North Street, Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA

Brenda will be presenting Statement Sleeves....Steps from a Basic Block. How can you create more interesting garments by changing sleeves?  Join us for a review of sleeve options and how to create them from a basic sleeve block.  We will practice a few of the basic styles and look at resources available for future creations. Please bring 8x11 paper (colored and white), tape, paper scissors, ruler, and pencils to practice your skills.  

Manassas Sew 'n' Tails

Tuesday, September 23, at 1 pm, Park Place Senior Center, 9659 Manassas Drive, 4th floor Craft Room, Manassas, VA

This month Cindy Messick will present on making dog toys.  Please bring 1/2 yard of fleece or cotton t-shirt fabric cut or torn into 2-inch-wide strips the width of the fabric. 

Shenandoah Valley Girls 

Wednesday, September 24, at 10:00 am at the Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760 in Berryville. 

Beading Workshop: Explore techniques for integrating beads into textiles! This session will cover methods for securing seed beads, bugle beads, and specialty shapes using hand stitching, with attention to thread selection, tension control, and fabric compatibility. Participants will learn how to enhance garments, accessories, and fiber art with dimensional embellishments—from subtle edgework to structured motifs—while maintaining durability and design integrity.

Check out the Neighborhood Group page for details on meeting locations and contacts. 

New Neighborhood Group, the Sew and Tails, Will Be Meeting in Manassas Park!

The Wearable Arts Neighborhood Group in Manassas has transitioned to new leadership, a new name, and a new location! This group is now the Sew and Tails Group meeting in Manassas Park. Neighborhood Group Leaders are Kathy Wright and Ellen Maynard.

The inaugural meeting will be on Tuesday, August 26 from 1-3pm at the Park Place Senior Center, 9659 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park, in the 4th floor Craft Room.

This Neighborhood Group will meet the 4th Tuesday of each month at this location. The upcoming presentation will be a hands-on activity practicing easy seam finishes on a sewing machine. Bring your sewing machine, scraps of fabric, thread, and scissors.

August 2025 Sewing Meetings

Fairfax Seams So Fun 

Fairfax Seams So Fun will meet Friday, August 1, at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly, from 12:30-3:00.  

Michele Parker will present information on the Stash Hub app. This sewing organizer app catalogs fabrics, patterns, notions, and more. We'll also discuss ideas to celebrate National Sewing Month.  Of course, be sure to bring your sew and tell.

Woodbridge Sewcial Group 

The Woodbridge Sewcial Group will hold a sew-in meeting on Saturday, August 2, at 10:30 am. We will also discuss an upcycle project for fall. Cornie has suggested a vest project made from your choice of upcycle materials.  Please bring your ideas! Do you have a vest or jacket pattern you like? Bring it for a sample pattern consideration! I love my quilt jacket coat pattern! It's a super easy 4-piece pattern, easily converted to a 2-piece vest just by eliminating the sleeves.  Maudine is leaving for Kenya mid-August so bring all your pillowcase dresses to the meeting.  Thank you, Maudine!

Sterling Sew N Sews

At the Sterling Sew N Sews meeting on August 13 at 10:00 am, Sandy will lead a gentle chair yoga session—ideal for quick stretches during long sewing sessions. It's the perfect complement to creativity: stitch with less strain and sew with more comfort.

Kingstowne Clothiers

Between Pattern Con 2025 and the Taste of Retreat this month, we're taking a break. We'll have great programs starting in September that will take us through the rest of the year!

Alexandria Seamsters  

The Alexandria Seamsters will meet at the Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA, on August 18, from 7 pm to 9 pm. The program will be on sewing tote bags, tool kits, sling bags, and so on. Marjorie B and Susan L will discuss fabrics, patterns, interfacings, notions, hardware, and sources for supplies. Please bring any bags you've made to the meeting.

Springfield Sharing Threads 

We'll meet at the Springfield Governmental Center at 6140 Rolling Road on Wednesday, August 20, at 10:00 am.  Despite the recent heat, the winter holidays will be here before we know it! Let's talk about easy gift ideas!  Bring projects, patterns, resources, and your handmade treasures for inspiration.  Don’t forget your Show and Tell!

Lansdowne Woods

Lansdowne is taking the summer off.  Next meeting is in September.

Shenandoah Valley Girls 

We'll meet on Wednesday, August 27, at 10:00 am at the Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760 in Berryville. Brenda Goodwin will show how to create fabric greeting cards. Use your creativity and fabric scraps to create one-of-a-kind designs. Get ready for the holidays!

Wearable Arts Group – Looking for a Leader

The longtime Wearable Art Group is seeking new leadership—and we’d love for it to continue! Whether you keep the name or change things up, Manassas offers a vibrant community of sewers ready to connect.

What a Neighborhood Group Leader does:

• Serves as the contact for members and newcomers
• Sets the pace and tone for meetings
• Shares updates with the board and communicates chapter news

Prefer to co-lead? Even better—share the role and have built-in support!
This is a great way to contribute, build community, and enjoy the creative rewards of involvement. Ready to take the lead? Let’s keep the art (and the group) thriving.

Check out the Neighborhood Group page for details on meeting locations and contacts. 

July 2025 Sewing Meetings

Image by Spike Summers from Pixabay

Join us at any of our upcoming Neighborhood Group meetings to capitalize on our collective sewing knowledge and experience. We have a broad array of interests and fresh topics planned for July. Yum!

Fairfax Seams So Fun 

1st Friday at 12 noon, Conference room of the Ben Glass Law Firm, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033

NO MEETING. Friday is Independence Day! Enjoy wearing your makes and collecting compliments! Happy Fourth of July!!!

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 7/5, 10:30 

1st Saturday at 10:30 am, 1st United Presbyterian Church (1st Floor Fellowship Hall, entrance in back)

Program: Sew-In & Planning Meeting
Bring your sewing machine and a project to work on—July’s gathering will be a hands-on sew-in!

We’ll also:

• Plan upcoming programs through the end of 2025
• Share Chapter news and upcoming events
• Review article submission guidelines for the Fall Chapter newsletter (due August 15, 2025)

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’ve completed pillowcase dresses for Maudine’s upcoming trip to Kenya in August, she’ll be at the meeting—please bring any dresses ready for delivery.

Sterling Sew N Sews – 7/9, 10 am

2nd Wednesday at 10 am, Sterling Substation, Loudon County Sheriff’s Dept

Program: Your Best Sewing Reference 
Let’s learn from each other! Members are encouraged to share a go-to sewing reference—whether it’s a favorite book, website, YouTube series, or another trusted source. It’s a chance to build our collective knowledge and discover new resources together.

You’re also welcome to bring hand-stitching projects and join the kaffeeklatsch—an informal space for conversation, connection, and creative exchange during the meeting.

Springfield Sharing Threads – 7/16, 10 am

3rd Wednesday at 10 am, Burke Center Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke

Program: Beyond the Binding: A Deep Dive into Bias 

Think bias is just about binding? Think again. Join us as Kathy S. unpacks the full spectrum of bias—from the practical to the unexpected. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for this versatile technique and how it can elevate your sewing in surprising ways.

NOTE VENUE CHANGE FOR THIS MEETING -- Burke Center Library - 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke, VA

Alexandria Seamsters – 7/21, 7 pm 

3rd Monday at 7 pm, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA

Program: Travel-Smart Sewing

Get ready to stitch your way to smoother travels! This month, we're diving into sewing and packing tips for life on the go—with a special focus on garments that travel well, wear beautifully, and pack like a dream.

Bring along a recent make for Show & Tell—we’d love to see what you’ve been sewing! 

Kingstowne Clothiers –7/19, 10:30 am

3rd Saturday at 10:30 am, City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North Street, Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA

Program: Collar Confidence: A Design Journey with Sandra
Join Sandra as she shares her hands-on journey to crafting the perfect shirt collar. Through trial, error, and lots of interfacing, she’s explored the ins and outs of collars and stands—and now she’s passing along her go-to tips, tricks, and lessons learned.

Come for the sewing wisdom, stay for the inspiration!

Lansdowne Woods

3rd Thursday at noon, Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, 2nd floor clubroom – Just tell the guard that you are there for the ASG meeting at the clubhouse

NO MEETING. Lansdowne is taking the summer off.  Next meeting is in September.

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 7/23, 10 am

4th Wednesday at 10 am, Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Program: Purse Making Basics & Beyond
Ever wanted to make a purse that’s as functional as it is fabulous? Whether you're curious about construction techniques or looking to personalize your accessories, this session is for you!

We’ll cover:

• Choosing the right fabrics, hardware, and stabilizers
• Tips for creating sturdy handles and professional finishes
• A look at different styles—from totes to crossbody bags

Show-and-tell: Bring your handmade bags or ones in progress! Bring your other projects, too!

Wearable Arts Group – 7/23, 1 pm

4th Wednesday at 1 pm, 8847 Olde Mill Run, Manassas

Program: Work in Progress
A new sewing program is in the works—details are being finalized, but we’re threading the needle on something both inspiring and hands-on. Stay tuned for more information, including any supply list, soon.