Lansdowne Woods Neighborhood Group Meeting on Thursday, March 20, at 12 PM

Mitered corners are a technique used to create clean, angled edges where two fabric sides meet, often at a 90-degree angle. This method is commonly applied to hems, bindings, napkins, tablecloths, or any project requiring polished corners.

There are several benefits to sewing mitered corners. 
Clean Finish: They eliminate bulk at the corners, leading to a crips, flat appearance. 
Professional Look: They elevate the overall quality of a project, showing attention to detail.
Durability: A properly constructed mitered corner withstands wear better than bulkier, overlapped corners.

Incorporating mitered corners can transform even simple projects into polished, professional-looking creations. Examples where mitered corners might be used include:

• Napkins and Tablecloths: Perfect for creating crisp, clean edges on dining linens.
• Quilts: Often used for borders to ensure seamless and sharp corners.
• Pillowcases: Adds a refined touch to decorative pillows.
• Curtains and Drapes: Enhances the overall look with neatly finished edges.
• Blankets and Throws: Provides a durable and elegant finish to cozy layers.

Mitered corners are not as commonly used in garment sewing or tailoring as they are in home decor projects. However, they can still play a role in achieving clean finishes for specific areas. 

 

 For instance:

• Hems on Lightweight Jackets: A mitered corner can ensure a neat finish on jacket corners or along vent openings.
• Shawl Collars: Occasionally, mitered corners are used to create sharp, precise edges at the point where the collar meets the garment. In the Aug/Sept 2020 Threads Magazine, Louise Cutting wrote, "Without a miter, a double-fold hem has nine layers of fabric to stitch through at the corner. With a miter, that number drops to four. Properly engineering a mitered corner at the pattern stage makes the sewing easier and neater."

• Bias Binding on Garments: For garments with bias-bound edges, mitered corners provide a professional finish at intersecting seams.
• Skirt or Dress Slits: They may be used to add finesse and reduce bulk at the ends of slits or vents. In this example from Threads, they're used to add movement and ease to a side seam. 
  Learn How to Sew a Tab-Front Opening or a Mitered Side Vent - Threads

While they aren’t a go-to technique for most garments, incorporating mitered corners into tailored pieces can elevate the overall craftsmanship and provide that coveted professional touch.

We hope this post has piqued your interest in mitered corners and inspired you to think of other ways to incorporate mitered corners into your sewing toolbox. To learn more about this technique and how others might use this, please attend the Lansdowne Woods Neighborhood Group Meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 12PM.

Here are the meeting details:

Lansdowne Woods Neighborhood Group Meeting- March 20, 2025, at 12 PM

Second Floor, Club Room, Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Leesburg, VA 20176

*Tell the guard at the gate you are there for the ASG meeting

Have you used mitered corners in garment sewing? Do you have any tips for making perfect corners or a favorite blog post that details an always perfect outcome? 

Springfield Sharing Threads Indie Pattern Discussion on Wednesday, March 19, at 10 AM

Independent pattern companies offer a wide range of sewing patterns that cater to diverse styles, body types, and skill levels. These companies often use unique pattern blocks, which are the foundational templates for creating sewing patterns. The choice of pattern block can significantly influence the fit and style of the final garment, as it reflects the company's design philosophy and target audience.

Indie pattern companies often cater to niche markets or specific body types. They may offer patterns for curvier figures, petite sizes, or other unique shapes. Indie pattern companies may provide more inclusive sizing and detailed instructions for customization. Some even offer patterns based on personal measurements. Indie patterns tend to reflect the designer's unique aesthetic, offering modern, trendy, or unconventional styles. For that reason, evaluating the designer's own figure may provide insight into how well a pattern might fit. Indie patterns may have less ease, resulting in a closer fit. This can be ideal for sewists looking for a more tailored look.

One of the benefits of indie patterns is their extensive tutorials, online resources, and community support. This frequently makes them beginner-friendly and sets sewists up for beautiful garments! Indie patterns are usually sold through the designer's website or specialized platforms, offering a more personalized experience.

Understanding the pattern blocks used by different companies can help you choose patterns that align with your preferences and body shape. For example, some companies focus on inclusive sizing, while others specialize in vintage-inspired designs or modern minimalist styles. Let's explore various indie pattern brands to discover designs that reflect your aesthetic and provide a better fit!

Springfield Sharing Threads

West Springfield Governmental Center, 6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10AM

Do you have a favorite Indie pattern company? Let us know!

Kingstowne Clothiers Celebrates Claire Shaeffer's Couture Mastery This Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 AM

Are you seeking the epitome of elegance in sewing? Look no further than the extraordinary collections created by Claire Shaeffer, a renowned couture expert and educator. Bring your books, patterns, and examples of stylish discoveries that showcase her mastery in couture techniques. 

Join us at our next meeting, where we will discuss Claire Shaeffer's remarkable contributions and celebrate her legacy! You might also be astounded to see how much copies of Claire Shaeffer's Custom Couture Collection patterns are selling for now. 

Meeting Details:

City of Fairfax Public Library, Conference Room 103, 10460 North St., Fairfax, VA.

Saturday, March 15, 2025. 10:30-12:30

Please bring your makes for Sew & Tell!

Which book or pattern do you have on your shelf or in your stash? What technique are you most proud of mastering or have on your bucket list? 

Alexandria Seamsters Program for Monday, March 17, 2025

Join the Alexandria Seamsters group as Lisa demonstrates ways to sew t-shirt necklines! Learn how to avoid too large or too small binding, use different joining and finishing techniques, and variations such as facings, bias bindings, interfacing, and stabilizers. Bring your basic hand-sewing tools (scissors, needles, thread, and knit fabric scraps) to practice.

Do you have interesting neckline examples to share with the group? Let's see them! What techniques have you put into your tried-and-true sewing rotation? 

As always, bring your makes and works-in-progress for accolades and encouragement!

Meeting Details:

Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310

Monday, March 17, 2025 at 7 pm. 

What interesting necklines have you sewn on knits? Do you have a favorite technique? Who makes your favorite t-shirt pattern? 

If there is inclement weather, we will switch to Zoom. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday!

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun Neighborhood Group Presents Kitchen Sewing!

 

We will meet Friday, March 7th, at Noon.  

NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE:  
SULLY GOVERNMENT CENTER
4900 STONECROFT BLVD
CHANTILLY VA 20151

This is the same location as the Annual Meeting about two years ago.  We will meet in the smaller, Frank Room which is adjacent to the larger room. 

Melissa will give a presentation on sewing for the kitchen, including the Quilt-As-You-Go Method. If you have examples of either topic, please bring them to share.

Let's catch up with each other and share our makes, so please plan to attend if you can.

 Zoom will not be available at this meeting.

Here are some ideas for the upcoming meeting!

• Quilted Potholder
• Fat Quarter Tea Towels
• KitchenAid Mixer Cover
• Toaster Cover
• Cloth Napkins
• Apron
• Bowl Cozy
• Casserole Hot Pad

Patterns you might have on hand include aprons, appliance covers, and curtains. Many are available for free online, or you can search Simplicity.com for inspiration.

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to think about sewing for your kitchen. Melissa will discuss how sewing for the kitchen can be fun and rewarding. One of the methods she will cover is QAYG and its applicability to a variety of benefits, including: 

1. Customization: You can create kitchen items that perfectly match your style and the dimensions of your kitchen. From aprons to oven mitts, to placemats and table runners, you can ensure everything fits and looks just right.

2. Cost-Effective: Making your own kitchen items can be more affordable than buying them, especially if you use upcycled fabrics or repurpose old clothing.

3. Personal Touch: Handmade items add a unique, personal touch to your kitchen, making it feel more homey and inviting. Plus, they make great, thoughtful gifts for family and friends.

4. Durability: You can choose high-quality materials and sturdy construction methods, ensuring your kitchen items last longer than many store-bought alternatives.

5. Functionality: You can customize the features of your kitchen items to suit your needs. For instance, you could add extra pockets to an apron or make potholders with better heat resistance.

6. Sustainability: By creating your own kitchen items, you can opt for eco-friendly materials and reduce waste by repurposing old fabrics.

No matter what, sewing has you covered. Like these kitchen chaps, aka unisex apron with detachable potholders.

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.