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.