Frederick J. Fisher Lecture | Goddesses in the Machine: Fashion in American Silent Film

In the fourteenth annual Frederick J. Fisher lecture, Michelle Finamore, fashion and design historian, curator, and author, will share a glimpse of some of the rare surviving objects from the advent of cinema, exploring how silent films transformed fashion from personal expression into powerful storytelling, creating the blueprint for modern movie glamour.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 5:30-8 p.m.
Reception begins at 6 p.m. | Lecture begins at at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy this lecture live at Hillwood or presented virtually via Zoom. All in-person attendees are invited to a pre-lecture reception, held in honor of Frederick J. Fisher, Hillwood's former executive director.
In person: $22, $12 for Hillwood members
Livestream: $10, Free for Hillwood members
Not a member? Join today!
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens 4155 Linnean Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
www.hillwoodmuseum.org

Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles

An exhibition at the Hillwood Estate (Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former home) in Washington, DC. 

“The exhibit highlights Mrs. Post’s extensive textile collection, from Russian Orthodox vestments to elegant garments she wore herself. Also included are works by contemporary textile artists, including Sonia Garrett and Manca Ahlin.” 

Exhibit opens June 6 and runs through the end of the year. There is a lecture series that accompanies the exhibit. See web site for details.

Hillwood is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM. There is a cafe on the grounds. Consider making a reservation. 

There are group tours, but it is an easy venue to see on your own or with friends. 

Lovely gift shop. Beautiful gardens. Interesting hot house with various plants. Asian garden. Pet graveyard. Excellent art collection. 

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 

https://hillwoodmuseum.org/exhibitions/interwoven-tradition-textiles

Tutti Fabrics

Tutti Fabrics by Sue Lee

Sparking Creativity with a Single Sewing Pattern

 Are you ready to dive into new sewing patterns, or do you want to challenge yourself to create something amazing with the ones you already have?

In our example pattern, Vogue 7538 was released in 1968. The sewist noted a similarity to Simplicity 7467, released in March 1976, albeit with a wider neckline and the addition of a ruffled, tiered skirt included in the pattern. 

Here are some ideas based on her notes.

1. Lengthen the blouse to wear over pants

2. Substitute a buttoned cuff instead of elastic at the wrist. How dramatic would this look with a cavalier cuff? A frilled or ruffled cuff? What about an entire wardrobe of detachable cuffs to suit any mood?

 

3. Smock the top of the sleeves or the bodice---or both--- instead of gathering.

4. Use color blocks, prints, or different textured fabrics (e.g., eyelet and cotton voile), which might be a stash-buster if you don't have enough of either fabric!

5. Lengthen the bodice to dress length. Use a 20" zipper for opening or widen the neck for pullover dress.

6. Convert back opening to front opening and self-face or bias-bind. Close with buttons or tie.

7. Add a frill or ruffle to neck.

8. Change the jewel neckline to something else. 

9. Consider fabric choice. Vogue 7538 recommended "soft fabrics such as broadcloth, surah, crepe, and jersey." The sewist suggested voiles and sheers. Simplicity 7467 recommended "crepe, crepe-back satin, crinkled muslin, gauze, challis, chintz, sateen, cotton broadcloth, printed voile, flocked fabric, lightweight knit." How would your fabric choice affect drape and wearability?

10. Consider belts as accessories! A self-fabric or contrasting fabric obi belt or macrame belt would rein in fullness. There are many online obi belt pattern tutorials. Here are a few:

DIY Reversible Obi Belt Tutorial

DIY Trendy Obi Belt

DIY Loewe Denim Obi Corset Belt

Working from a pattern you’ve already sewn gives you so many advantages. You already know what alterations will be required, you understand the fit, and it’s likely to coordinate effortlessly with pieces already in your wardrobe.

The sewist who had Vogue 7538 in her collection wrote notes to herself on the outside of the envelope. What’s your favorite way to experiment with a pattern you already love?

How do you organize or keep track of your sewing projects?

Happy New Year!

ASG NoVa chapter member Sara Ha is volunteering at ReFiber to assist with its launch.

Volunteer Opportunity for Northern Virginia Textile Recycling/Re-Use Project

V O L U N T E E R   O P P O R T U N I T Y 

ReFiber: Volunteers Needed for New Textile Recycling/ReUse Project in Northern Virginia

ReFiber is a new textile recycling/reuse pilot in Northern Virginia launching in early 2026. We are currently accepting fabric and textile donations and seeking volunteers to help prepare materials for philanthropy-based sale. Volunteers will receive first choice and early access to purchasing featured textiles.

Upcoming Volunteer Sessions

· 1) Thursday, December 11 — 2:00–5:00 p.m.

· 2) Saturday, December 20 — 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

· 3) Saturday, January 10 — 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

· 4) Saturday, January 10 — 2:00–5:00 p.m. 

Looking ahead: Monthly sessions are expected in 2026.

Location

All volunteering will be through LSSNCA Resource Center in Alexandria, VA.  More details provided post sign-up.

What You’ll Do

Each session begins with a brief introduction to the ReFiber project and a tour of the LSSNCA Resource Center. Volunteers will help prepare recycled textiles, which may include:

· Cutting down donated fabrics to sale size

· Recovering buttons, zippers, elastic, or other notions

· Deconstructing sweaters for wool reclamation

· Sorting clothing to identify appropriate items for ReFiber processing

The environment is relaxed, hands-on, and collaborative.

How to Sign Up or Ask Questions

Email program volunteer lead Elizabeth at ReFiberPilot@gmail.com with your preferred session date and any questions. Advance sign-up is encouraged as space is limited.

Do I Need Experience?

No experience is required—just comfort using scissors and an interest in recycling.

I want to help, but can't come then - are there other opportunities?

Yes! One-time and occasional volunteers are welcome.
If you can’t attend in person, you may have the option to take home an “unwind a sweater” kit to help reclaim yarn. Please email ReFiberPilot@gmail.com to be on waiting list. 

Can Children Attend?

Children over 8 who can safely use adult scissors are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What Should I Bring?

Fabric scissors are helpful but not required. You may also bring fabric, clothing, or yarn donations if you wish. (Tax-deductible receipt can be provided).  You may bring a drink and light snacks as well. 

How Are Funds Used?

The ReFiber pilot program is being developed in partnership with the Lutheran Social Services National Capital Region (LSSNCA) Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) organization. Profits from any materials sold from this waste diversion pathway will go directly to supporting LSSNCA mission and services.