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.  

October Meetings Feature Treats, Not Tricks!

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 10/3, 12 noon

Ben Glass Conference Room, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033

Korean Culture and Fiber Arts with Sarah

This meeting will include a very exciting presentation from Sarah Ha on Korean culture and fiber arts. Sarah will teach us how to do a Korean knot tying craft and we will be making the dragon fly key chain.

Sarah will be bringing kits for us to complete the project. She will supply two colors of 36" Maedeup cord for each attendee. After the session, if anyone wants to buy the Maedeup owl, Dabbi, and cords to explore more knot tying projects, she can sell Maedeup owl and Dabbi for $10 and 20 yds of cords (same color or various colors of different lengths) for $5.

Please bring your scissors and sewing glue. Since Sarah will be bringing Kits, please let me know by Monday, September 29 if you plan to attend so Sarah can have enough kits on hand. 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 10/4, 10:30 

1st United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Road

Group Patchwork Piecing Project and Sew-In

The October 4th meeting will be a sew-in. We encourage you to join us in our patchwork project--bring your pattern, fabrics, supplies, and machine! Let's surprise Cornie with our progress when she returns in November!!  If you are not participating in the patchwork project, we still want to see you! Feel free to bring any project you like to work on.  

Sterling Sew N Sews – 10/8, 10 am

Sterling Substation, Loudon County Sheriff’s Dept

Fitting with Rosalie

Join us for a presentation on Palmer/Pletsch fitting methods. Discover its history, learn to create a body map, and understand pattern preparation. We'll focus on sway back and forward shoulder adjustments. No tissue paper is needed—just bring your interest in sewing for this informative, visual session. 

If you own "Palmer Pletsch Guide to Tissue Fitting," please bring your copy to follow along.

ASG NOVA Annual Chapter Meeting - 10/11, 1-3 pm

Reston Community Center, Reston, VA 

We will be electing officers for the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB).  Please vote and RSVP online.  The link is in the email you were sent. No email? Let us know!

Online voting closes October 8th. If you miss the deadline, don’t worry—you can still vote in person at the annual meeting.

The Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) includes several appointed roles: Membership Chair, Newsletter Editor, Social Media/Technology Lead, and Special Events Coordinator.

Have questions? Reach out to any CAB member—we’re here to help.

It takes a team to keep things running smoothly—and we’re grateful for your support.

Springfield Sharing Threads – 10/15, 10 am

West Springfield Government Center

“Everything Elastic” with Kathy Saladino 

Kathy invites members to send in questions or requests ahead of time so she can address them during her presentation.

You're also encouraged to bring elastics—ones you've used or are curious about—to spark discussion. If you’ve found helpful resources related to elastic use in your projects, please bring those along to share with the group.

Kingstowne Clothiers – 10/18, 10:30 am

Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway

Panel Discussion on Buttonholes

Buttonholes can be surprisingly complex. Wondering which type to use, what size is best, or where to place them? Curious whether orientation—horizontal vs. vertical—or spacing really matters?

We’ll tackle all these questions and more in a session designed to demystify the buttonhole process.

Alexandria Seamsters – 10/20, 7 pm 

NEW LOCATION: Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St, Springfield, VA 22150 

Let's Make a Bucket Hat! 

You've seen those cute bucket hats on our members' Instagram and Facebook posts--now you have a chance to learn how to make one yourself! We'll learn which fabrics perform best and how to sew this stylish accessory suitable for year-round wear!  

Bring your sewing machine, sewing supplies, notions, and your precut, pre-fused hat pieces.  If you are not interested in making one in the meeting, we will go over how to measure for the hat, the fabrics, interfacing, and sewing methods to start you off.  Please print out the attachment and bring it to the meeting.  I will also go over how to add a secret pocket and how to make the hat unique.  People will ask where you get your hat! 

Lansdowne Woods – 10/16, noon

Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, 2nd floor clubroom – Just tell the guard that you are there for the ASG meeting at the clubhouse

Making Purses & Sourcing Supplies 

This month’s meeting will explore the art of purse-making. We’ll also talk about where to find the best materials, hardware, and tools to bring your bag ideas to life. 

Manassas Sew & Tails – 10/28, 1 pm

Park Place Senior Center, 9659 Manassas Drive, 4th floor Craft Room

Fleece Collars with Ellen

Ellen Maynard will guide us through everything you need to know to create fleece collars using a Patti Otto pattern.

If you’d like to participate, please bring fleece for the project. 

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 10/22, 10 am

Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Rope Basket Extravaganza

Bring your rope baskets. We can’t wait to see what you've created! 

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.

Name That Pleat!

Tom's Sons International Pleating, a family-owned company in the heart of New York City's Garment District that specializes in pleating fabrics, has made learning about pleating fun! They’ve launched a new YouTube channel that explores current fashion trends through the lens of pleating. Each video breaks down how to identify specific pleat types by name and offers insights into why a designer might choose that particular style—whether for movement, structure, or visual impact.

They are only on Episode 7, and the videos are quick and engaging. You can subscribe to the channel to be notified of when new episodes are uploaded. 

They've also written a book on pleating. Pleating: Fundamentals for Fashion Design has over 300 photos of pleated fashions and shows you how, by understanding the types of pleats and their requirements in terms of fabrics, grain, bias, and other factors, you can improve your design's creation process, budget planning, and "wow" factor.