JUNE
On June 6th, we will do a charity sew-in at the law office. We have our usual space from noon to 3:30 pm. Kathy is supplying pre-cut fabric to sew the pillowcases. You can review how to make pillowcases using the burrito method here: https://www.craftsy.com/post/burrito-pillowcase/
or just search the internet. There many websites and YouTube videos.
Here is what you'll need for the June meeting:
- Sewing machine, pedal, and power cord
- Tools for sewing, like pins or clips, scissors, machine needles, etc,
- Neutral colored thread
- Extension cord or surge protector
What will be available:
- Iron
- Ironing board
Because the fabric is pre-cut, we should be able to sew a lot of pillowcases! Please email the Neighborhood Group leader if you are coming and if you are bringing a machine.
JULY
No meeting. Enjoy the summer! And start saving your scraps of fabric, trims, laces, and ribbons so you're prepared for our September meeting! Think about your color palette---this will help create harmony and consistency when we begin work on them in the fall.
On August 1st Michele will do a program on gussets. Gussets are commonly found in areas such as underarms, crotches, and elbows of garments. They are also used in bags, pillows, and other sewn items to increase their capacity and durability. In addition, gussets can be decorative and add interesting design elements to garments.
SEPTEMBER
Joyce will be teaching us to make tiny fabric houses. Bring your scraps of fabric, trims, laces, ribbons, etc., preferably in a color palette that delights you! When you start without a color palette in mind, you will spend most of your time sorting the gathered items rather than getting to work on your tiny house.
Our schedule is still fluid but we might be able to ask Sarah to do the presentation/lesson on Maedeup! Or, we might do another sew-in. Sheila shared information about Star Spangled Babies - which is such a great program!
NOVEMBER
November is our Challenge Reveal: mixed media and the color wheel. We can’t wait to see what you all do!
DECEMBER
December is our holiday luncheon. Details are still in planning.
SEW AND TELL!
The Sewing Workshop offers 25 meter rolls of 10mm double-sided fusible sewing tape. It’s great on hems, especially with knits. However, if you need additional sizes or additional strength, you can order from Best from Japan. While shipping starts around $14, a bulk purchase by members of ASG NOVA could result in significant savings!
Michele shared some great (and cozy) pieces she created for her upcoming week at the beach, made with awesome fabric from Style Maker Fabrics. 🏖️
Karen showed us her finished bag from Michele’s bag class, which features Washington Nationals fabric. It’s perfect! And she found a great solution to a knit neckline issue. Using inexpensive striped fabric (perhaps because the stripes were at a weird angle), Karen experimented with using elastic thread on the inside fold of the t-shirt neck binding to help the neck lay flat. The elastic is slightly shorter than the binding and only anchored at the shoulder seam ends. Great idea, Karen!
Here's an example of that technique.
Sarah shared some beautiful wearable art pieces: a bag, shoes, and jewelry, including a ring, bracelet, and earrings. She upcycled a traditional Korean garment, called a hanbok, and used traditional Korean knots, called maedeup, in her designs. Sarah is traveling to Korea soon and has offered to pick up kits for learning this traditional Korean knot. We may have talked her into doing a program on this—so if you order a kit through her, there will be a lesson on how to use it, too.
The beginners' kit includes tools and 35 colors of 36" long cords and costs about $20. With this length, you can make rings or bracelets. For belts, you will need thicker and longer cords. If you want a kit, please email fairfax@asgnova.org ASAP! She leaves soon, so don’t wait!
Melissa wore a simple woven raglan sleeve top by Sew House Seven called the Remy Raglan. It’s super comfy and a quick make.
Johnnye shared some really cool buttons she picked up on her recent trip to Japan.
Nancy upcycled a pair of suede pants into a perfect suede handbag. She even incorporated the back welt pocket into an external side pocket. It looks so great!
We look forward to seeing you at our next Neighborhood Group meeting!