Interested in Making the Iconic Marilyn Monroe Dress from "Seven Year Itch"?

If you've always had a hankering to sew the iconic dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in the movie, "Seven Year Itch," you can get the pleating from Tom and Sons in New York City.

You can read the full account of this company's recreation of the dress for the 2016 Superbowl Snickers commercial here. 

Tom clarifies the type of pleating used in Marilyn's dress, and you can download a book, "Pleating 101," that discusses pleating in full detail. 

Here are some interesting facts:

• The bodice of Marilyn’s dress was also pleated, though the pleats have relaxed over time.
• The skirt was hemmed before pleating, which added complexity due to the fabric’s bias stretch and the need to ease extra fabric into the hem.
• The original dress had a zipper in the back, and the recreated dress was adjusted to accommodate the bias stretch in the hem.

Tom's Sons International Pleating has lots of information and resources if you need pleating for your sewing projects or are just interested in pleating. You can sign up for the newsletter at their website. 

February Neighborhood Group Meetings

Happy Chinese New Year!

We have an amazing and inspiring list of neighborhood group meetings planned for February. We're sure you'll find something that is new, useful, or exciting! This includes a NEW neighborhood group, Lansdowne, west of Fairfax County! So, if you've been neglecting fellowship with other sewists because of long commutes and inconvenient times, this might meet your needs. 

If you're interested in starting your own neighborhood group, please comment and we can set you up with guidelines and best practices to make your group and meetings a success.  

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 2/1, 10:30 am
1st United Presbyterian Church (1st Floor Fellowship Hall), 14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA
We're planning a sew-in meeting to work on our charity items or our own projects. Get instant feedback or help on anything sewing related. Don't forget your sewing machine pedal!
In March, we will be making a Thrift Store Tour Field Trip.

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 2/7, 12 pm
Ben Glass Law Firm, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033. 
We'll be exploring all manner of denim upcycling ideas. Check out Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, or your favorite sewing sites or magazines and discuss what you found or were inspired to sew.  Bring your upcycled makes or what you've discovered online or through other sources.  As always, we will have Sew and Tell.

Sterling Sew N Sews – 2/12, 10 am
Sterling Substation, Loudon County Sheriff’s Dept
We'll be discussing Travel Jewelry Storage.  Sheila will demonstrate how to make a jewelry pouch for use while traveling.

Kingstowne Clothiers – 2/15, 10:30 am
City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North Street, Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA
This group offers hybrid meetings! Contact Neighborhood Group Leader for Zoom link. 
The Kingstowne Clothiers will be doing a presentation on interfacings. We’ll review the different types of interfacings, how to select interfacings, and where to source interfacing (beyond Joann’s). As always, we’ll have Sew and Tell, so bring your projects and works in progress!

Alexandria Seamsters – 2/17, 7 pm
Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria VA. 

Pam will present information on sewing order of construction. She'll answer why steps are supposed to be done in a certain order when sewing and how this affects the project. 
 
Springfield Sharing Threads – 2/19, 10 am
Burke Center Library, 5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke Centre, 10 – 12
Springfield Sharing Threads will do a demonstration of making those delicate rolled hems in chiffon or silk using Ban-Rol.  We'll also discuss how to use Ban-Rol in the waistband of your next pair of pants.  
 
Lansdowne - 2/20, 12 pm
Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square – Just tell the guard that you are there for the ASG meeting at the clubhouse
At this initial meeting, some of the items attendees will want to consider are:

• Group Goals and Objectives - Setting what the group wants to accomplish, such as sewing focus or specialty and community sewing projects
• Roles and Responsibilities - Identifying and assigning key roles, such as assistants, communication, and meeting coordination
• Meeting Events - Brainstorming and planning the first few meeting activities, including topics, dates, and times

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 2/26, 10 am

Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA
Join us for a delightful exploration of the art of needle felting! This meeting will cover the basics, showcase creative techniques, and provide hands-on demonstrations to help you create your own felted masterpieces.  

Wearable Arts Group – 2/26, 1 pm
8847 Olde Mill Run, Manassas
The Wearable Art Group will be doing Part 2 of the Origami shirt/jacket. At this meeting we will focus on sewing construction. 

January Neighborhood Group Meetings

Inclement Weather Policy: If County Public Schools are delayed or closed, meetings are cancelled. Please check with the Neighborhood Group leaders if you have any questions. 

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 1/3, 12 noon

This meeting will be devoted to planning our meeting topics for the upcoming year.  Zoom will NOT be available. 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group –1/4, 10:30 am

Maudine Graham will be here to demonstrate the pillowcase dresses for those who are new to our group.

Please bring your machine (don't forget your cord and pedal!), basic sewing kit, and materials to create either or both the pillowcase dresses for Maudine Graham's charity for girls in Kenya and/or fleece hats and gloves for Lucy Look's charity. We need as many cotton pillowcases, 1/4" elastic, 1/2" double fold bias tape, and fleece as you can bring!

RSVP and we will send you the patterns for the projects.

Sterling Sew N Sews - 1/8, 10 am

The Sterling ASG January's meeting topic will be Travel Jewelry Storage.  Shelia will be demonstrating how to make a pouch for jewelry for use while traveling.

 Springfield Sharing Threads – 1/15, 10 am

We will be making thread catchers.  You will need some cotton fabric and regular hand sewing supplies such as needle, thread, scissors, etc.  Bonnie will include a more specific list in her announcement email in early January.

Kingstowne Clothiers –1/18, 10:30 am

We will be doing fabric reviews and developing a fabric sampler. This will help our newer members with deciphering pattern recommendations and assist our more experienced members with “scary fabrics.” We’ll review one member’s fabric sampler and look at Claire Shaeffer’s “Fabric Sewing Guide” as well as Sandra Betzina’s “Fabric Savvy.” 

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own books, samples, and garments. Show and Tell is always appreciated and enjoyed by all! 

Alexandria Seamsters - 1/20, 7 pm 

We will be showing and sharing our "Tried and True" sewing patterns and notions.  What patterns have you used again and again because they work so well?  Maybe portions of them have become a staple in your sewing or fitting work.  What notions do you absolutely need for your sewing?  We all have some and sharing them may give other people ideas for solving sewing issues they are having.  Please bring a couple (or more) items to show and discuss.  

As always, please bring your show and tell so we can see what you are doing! 

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 1/22, 10 am

The January meeting will be a lunch during the Winter Retreat. 

Wearable Arts Group – 1/22, 1 pm

Our January 22 meeting will have the group starting on the Origami Shirt project.

              

December Neighborhood Group Meetings

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

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 12/4

Holiday lunch is scheduled for December 4th, then a luncheon during the Winter Retreat in January.

Location: Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 12/6, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Our Holiday Luncheon will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 at Chloez Cafe starting at 12:00.

Chloez Cafe is a veteran owned restaurant in Burke, and highly recommended by Tina. 

Location: Chloez Cafe, 5622 Ox Rd, Unit F, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Once again, we will have a gift exchange. Please plan to bring a hand-crafted (not necessarily by you) gift in the $20.00 range. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by December 1, so that we can give the restaurant an accurate count. 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 12/7, 10:30 AM

The WSC will be doing a finger/snack foods potluck and white elephant at our December meeting.

Ellen will be doing a Bojagi (Korean wrapping cloth) demo too, with everyone bringing supplies to play with the techniques. We are also doing a snack potluck, a white elephant gift exchange ($15 or less, please), and practicing Bojagi! Please message the group leader for a list of what to bring, including supplies for the hands-on portion of the meeting.

Location: 1st United Presbyterian Church of Dale City

14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA

(Corner of Minnieville and Cardinal Drive)

If you are new to sewing, I am happy to take an hour in each of our sew-in meetings to help you build your sewing skills. Bring a beginner project you are working on or reply here, and we can figure out a good first project for you.

Sterling Sew N Sews - 12/11, 10:00 AM

The Sterling ASG December meeting will be our annual holiday party.  Members wishing to participate in the gift exchange, should bring a wrapped gift valued at $12-20.  Members are encouraged to bring a treat (finger food) to share during the meeting.  As always, members should bring their show and tell.

Location: Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Dept

Alexandria Seamsters – 12/16, 6:30 PM

Alexandria Seamsters will not have a regular program meeting in December.  We will be enjoying our holiday dinner on Monday, Dec. 16 at La Fiamma Italian Kitchen, 6124 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310.  Reservations are for 6:30. This location is across the street from our usual meeting location at the government center.    

Location: La Fiamma Italian Kitchen, 6124 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310

Effective January 1, 2025, the Alexandria Seamsters new co-leaders will be Lisa Dyson and Susan Lee. 

Springfield Sharing Threads – 12/18, 11:00 AM

Sharing Threads December meeting is our annual lunch on December 18.  This year it is at Milano's, 6230 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA., just a block away from our regular meeting space. We will gather at 11:00.  Please RSVP.  This is a great time to sit and chat with no time limit.

Location: Milano's, 6230 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA

Kingstowne Clothiers – 12/21, 10:30 AM

We will work on our sewing program for 2025.

Encore Presentation: Croquis

• Intro to croquis
• How to create your own croquis
• How to use it with your sewing patterns

Bring your show and tells and works in progress! Enjoy a stress-free mid-day break with your sewing besties before finishing up your last-minute sewing projects!

Location: City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North St, Fairfax, VA

We'll be in Conference Room 103, just outside the main entrance.

Wearable Arts Group – 11/27, 1:00 PM

The Wearable Art Group will not be meeting as the date falls on Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah.  Have a wonderful holiday!

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!