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! 

Do You Know Where Your Meeting Is?

 Due to the elections, many of our regular meeting locations have changed for October. Please see the list below for details:

FAIRFAX SEAMS SEW FUN

Friday, October 4, 1-2:30pm
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!

Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA
Presentation: Shari Emery will be giving a presentation on packing for travel. Group sharing is encouraged.

WOODBRIDGE SEWCIAL CLUB

Saturday, October 5, 10am-3pm
First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, Woodbridge, VA
Presentation: Sew-In!
Get together and sew with some wonderful companionship and ready advice from your fellow sewists.
As always, RSVPs are appreciated so I can anticipate group size and seating/electrical outlet capacity.

• Do we want to do a program in November? 
• A holiday lunch/2025 planning session in December? 
• Do we want to get back to doing a few programs in the year or do you prefer the sew-ins?

If there is something you'd like to do or learn, let me know. I'm working on a few fun things for 2025, including a bag series, a spring thrift store day, and a chapter-wide trip to NYC in May 

If you'd like to do a couple of upcycle project classes next year, such as a mini skirt tote, a canvas art upcycle, a bling or line drawing beading class (part of my Fashion Graffiti class), a full deconstruction type upcycle, or any other project, let me know! These are just some of the things in my own personal queue. We can do pretty much anything you can imagine!
Please RSVP for Saturday so I know whether or not there will be sufficient turnout.

STERLING SEW-N-SEWS

Wednesday, October 9, 10am-12pm

Eastern Loudoun Sheriff Station
46620 E Frederick Drive, Sterling, VA
BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO'S GOT THE BUTTON?
Presentation: Buttons: Unique Buttons, Unusual Use of Buttons, and Unconventional Buttonholes.
So, start rounding up your favorite buttons for our collaborative meeting!

ANNUAL MEETING

Saturday, October 12, 10am-2pm
Vienna Community Center
120 Cherry St SE, Vienna, VA
Voting: You should have received the monthly email newsletter and an email with the voting link. Ballots will also be available onsite if you forget. 

Challenge: This year’s challenge is Zipper/Flower/Button!  Bring anything that you have made that shows off your skills and creativity that incorporates zippers, flowers, and/or buttons.  

Potluck: This year potluck assignments are by last name:  

A-D – Drinks 

E-K – Side dish

L-T – Main dish/Entree 

U-Z – Dessert

SPRINGFIELD SHARING THREADS
Wednesday, October 16, 10am-?
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE! 

We will be fitting our blouse muslins at a private residence. 

RSVP for meeting address.
Presentation: Using your sloper, template, or measurements, you will have altered your blouse pattern prior to constructing your muslin. Ideally, you have gotten your commercial pattern closer to your body type.

Muslin construction requirements will make the tweaking easier to do and easier to transfer to your pattern.

Even if you have not made a muslin, you will see and learn the fitting process by reading wrinkles and folds. Plus, the more eyes and assistants, the better.

The program will end once everyone has been fitted.

KINGSTOWNE CLOTHIERS  
Saturday, October 19, 10:30am-1:00pm
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!
Fabric Place Basement, 6660 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306 
Presentation: Do you know what necklines are most flattering to you?

There are 23 unique necklines! That's a lot to consider when sewing a new dress or shirt. You've got to think about the silhouette, the fabric, and the print (or lack thereof). But you may also want to keep neckline types in mind to ensure you sew garments that are flattering and appropriate for the occasion.
If you're unfamiliar with the different necklines available, or if you're unsure which types are best for you, you've come to the right place! From necklines for broad shoulders to necklines for every bust size and body shape, we're covering it all.

You'll come away from this interactive presentation with a better understanding of what looks good on you, and you'll have the opportunity to take photos for your sewing files!

ALEXANDRIA SEAMSTERS

Monday, October 21, 7-8pm
PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!
Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA
Presentation: Chelsea will present a program on Applique Techniques. Applique is not just for quilting anymore! Although some of us do like to quilt...We can use it in fashion details, mending, home decorating, and crafts. Join us to learn some techniques or brush up on your skills.
Bring your show-n-tell, too!

SHENANDOAH VALLEY GIRLS
Wednesday, October 23, 10am-12pm

VFW Post 9760, 425 S Buckmarsh St, Berryville, VA
Presentation: Holiday and gift giving ideas. We'll be sharing our ideas so bring your plans, patterns, projects, or finished items!

WEARABLE ARTS
Wednesday, October 23, 1pm-?

DAR Museum, 1776 D Street, Washington, DC

Presentation: FIELD TRIP!
We'll be viewing the exhibit, "Sewn in America," at the DAR Museum.

1. There will be a carpool leaving from Manassas. Meet at the Giant grocery store, 10100 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA.

2. If you are driving yourself, meet at the main entrance to the museum at 11:15 am.

Bring your camera or smartphone and remember to take lots of photos!

Just a Reminder! Annual Meeting this Saturday!

Our annual chapter meeting is this Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Sully Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151.

This year will be a potluck luncheon so everyone can share their favorite fall food! Yum!

We will be electing our three Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary at the meeting. Voting is now open so you can vote electronically. The final count will be announced at the annual meeting after all electronic and paper ballots are counted.

Activities and Events:

• View the lovely rope bowl creations! 
• Listen to the president discuss the recent ASG Conference in New York City and ASG State of the Union
• Learn who the Neighborhood Group Leaders are, Neighborhood Group accomplishments, and plans for the upcoming year!
• Get a head start on your sewing calendar with plans for Fifth Saturdays, Workshops, and other Fun Events for 2024! 

See you there!

Annual Meeting was a HUGE success!

We're so sorry if you were unable to attend this year's Annual Meeting. We do hope you were able to exercise your right to vote, and we're happy to say that a peaceful transition of power in the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) occurred, even though the race for Secretary was a tight one! 

We had nearly 100 dresses sewn and donated by ASG NOVA members in support of our charity for 2022, "Dress a Girl Around the World." This was the last day to collect dresses and we will be sending them to Mari for distribution to a missionary for the phase. We also discussed several options for our charity focus for 2023.

Judith Grieg presented information on photographing our makes and projects and even provided expert advice on how to make the initial cut for juried submissions (hint: follow the application guidelines! More is NOT better). 

Mary Parker presented an interactive talk about Instagram as a platform for engagement, education, and excitement. Many members were unaware of ASG NOVA's social media outreach channels, and this was a great opportunity to encourage members to take a look at how ASG NOVA interacts with the community. 

Members had the opportunity to browse the "Free Fabric" corner where a variety of lovely, donated fabrics, notions, and patterns were waiting to be taken home and added to someone's stash or put in the immediate cut pile. (Too bad that 100% silk piece was a color only a redhead could pull off---we blondes and brunettes were totally frustrated!).

Members listened to CAB reports and Neighborhood Group accomplishments and plans. Finally, the silent auction winning numbers were drawn, and everyone went home happy! 

In case you're wondering, ASG NOVA is on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/asgnova/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqu_K6GYKi9Lh4to_n3CnPA (links to unlisted videos can be found on GroupWorks)

Twitter: @AsgnovaS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1448689475401383

Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-chapter-of-the-american-sewing-guild/

And, of course, information is available via this blog and on GroupWorks for dues-paying members!

Annual Meeting is Coming Saturday, October 29!

 

It's time for the Annual Meeting!

• 
  Come join the fun!  
• Connect with your sewing friends!  
• Learn how to take photographs of your sewing projects and upload them to the internet.  
• Find out what’s happening in our chapter and learn the results of the election.  
• A box lunch will be offered.  
• We will have a raffle for baskets of goodies prepared by the Neighborhood Groups.
• And...last but not least, donated fabric will be available for the taking. Woo-hoo!

Where:

Spring Hill Suites, Dulles,

22595 Shaw Road, Dulles, VA 20166

When:

October 29, 2022, 10:00 a.m.-3:00p.m.

Registration due by September 30. 

There are two ways to register: by mail or through GroupWorks.  Check your email or see registration form for details.

Northern Virginia Chapter Annual Meeting: Desserts, Social Media, Jacket Attack, and Show & Tell!

Presentations, Show and Tell, Trades, Voting, Drinks and Desserts at our Annual American Sewing Guild Northern Virginia Chapter meeting!

About this Event 

Join us on Saturday, October 19, from 1:30-3:30 pm for desserts and drinks (coffee and tea) at the ASGNOVA Annual Chapter Meeting.

We will be meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in Arlington. If you attended the annual meeting a few years ago, this is the same location.

Please bring your smart phones and your tablets or laptops! This is going to be an interactive session as we learn how to navigate Groupworks and Instagram! A subject matter expert will help you learn how to take photos, write captions, and hashtag your sewing projects so virtual and IRL (in real life) sewing buddies will ooh and aah over your beautiful creations!

You’ll learn how to follow others on Instagram, “like” and bookmark photos, use filters, and gain inspiration from fellow sewists through the Explore Tab.

There are some great and useful sewing videos on Instagram. Instagram is where the young and up-and-coming sewists are hanging out.

There are a couple of reasons why it’s important to document our sewing projects. First, if you’ve seen the sewing projects posted by inexperienced sewists, you know they are hungry for advanced sewing, quilting and embroidery techniques that will take their skills to the next level. Second, you know we HAVE those advanced sewing, quilting and embroidery techniques that we’d love to share with them---if they only knew we existed! That’s how we can transition their sewing from a solitary activity to one filled with a supportive network of sewists. This is where we have to be to grow our membership.

Stand by for the Jacket Attack! Not only will we learn technical skills, but we’ll have the opportunity to view—up close and personal—the beautiful jackets sewn over the past year in the various neighborhood groups. These range from the classic French–style jacket ala Chanel to the casual restyling and upcycling of sweatshirts plus everything in between.

Bring your show and tells, your items for trade, and things you want to give away! You’ll be able to pick the brains of members who attended the Sewing and Quilt Expo and those who were able to attend the ASG Conference in Boston! There will be lots to catch up on!

Here is another reason why you should attend the Annual Chapter Meeting. This is where we vote on the new leadership for the chapter and ensure we’re moving forward as an organization AND in support of our mission to recognize sewing as an art and life skill. “Many hands make light work,” “it takes a village to raise a child,” and “it takes two to tango,” all mean the same thing: we can’t do it alone. So, if you’ve been on the fence about serving in a leadership role (or leading in a servant role!), here’s your opportunity to throw your hat in the ring. You can vote at the meeting as an INFORMED CONSUMER because everyone there will let you ask any questions you need about the chapter positions. (If you can't attend the meeting, look for a ballot to come your way.)

Please RSVP so we’re prepared with plenty of desserts!

Croosh Deets:
What: ASGNOVA Annual Chapter Meeting
When: Saturday, October 19, from 1:30-3:30 pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 601 N. Vermont Ave, Arlington, VA (Ballston area) Enter the building from the parking lot entrance under the covered walkway. Go down the stairs to the Social Hall. If needed, an elevator is available from the entrance on the Carlyn Springs Drive end of the parking lot near the handicapped parking spaces.



What to Bring:
• Your smart phones (fully charged) and/or your laptops or tablets
• Your neighborhood group projects for the Jacket Attack
• Your show-and-tell items
• Things you no longer want (patterns, fabric, notions, and/or tools)
• Cool things you got or learned at the Sewing Expo or the ASG Conference

Before the Meeting: Download the Instagram app to your phone or tablet before the meeting so you can get started right away (Look for Instagram in the iTunes or Google Play Store)! You won’t want to miss this meeting!

Annual CAB Meeting Challenge

It is almost time for our annual elections. The CAB is leading up an effort to find members who are willing to serve on the Chapter Advisory Board. Serving on the CAB is an excellent way to make more sewing friends. The single most advantageous reason to serve on the CAB is that you get to help shape the future for our Chapter. Please consider running for an office and let anyone on the CAB know if you are interested. The election ballot will be included with the next issue of the Full Seam Ahead newsletter. New officers will be introduced at the Annual Meeting.

Our Annual Meeting is being planned for Saturday, October 21st, 2017. We are still planning the location, menu, and program. We do know that the event will be free to all Current members, and it will be educational and entertaining.

Simple to Simply Devine will be the title of the Annual Meeting. It will feature a fashion show of items made in the challenge, by all our members, to show off everyone's beautiful designs.

ASG NoVA Annual Meeting!!

Be sure to reserve 

Saturday October 22, Noon to 3 PM 

for our annual 

Northern Virginia ASG Chapter Annual Meeting!

at the

Lake Ridge Baptist Church      

12450 Clipper Drive,Woodbridge VA

Light lunch will be served.

Please RSVP to Kaye Gonterman by email or by phone at 703 . 590 . 8262, no later than October 15 for planning and catering purposes.

A quorum is required for election of officers to be held, so please make plans to attend. If you cannot attend, return the proxy ballot that was included in the Fall newsletter by the October 12 deadline.

            On the ballot:  President:   Kathy Wright

                                    1^st VP:              Adrienne Bennett

                                    2^nd VP:             Sheila Bohannon

                                    Secretary:       Martha Walker

                                    Treasurer:      Kathy Saladino

Terri Johnson will be the guest speaker. If you have been curious about the digital cutters that are storming the market you won’t want to miss Terri’s presentation!

Terri presents Silhouette retreats and events, including All Things Silhouette Conferences, Instructor Licensing, and hands-on events around the country. She recently launched Terri Johnson Academy to offer online classes. Visit her blog at http://terrijohnsoncreates.com/

A Fashion Show will close the meeting. You can model anything you have made!  Garments for yourself, children’s clothing, quilts, bags, etc.  Contact Kathy Wright for more info.

Clothing for the Appalachia sewing project will be collected. Details can be found in the most recent newsletter.

NoVA ASG Annual Meeting is coming!

The Annual Meeting is October 17, 2015, from 11 am to 3 pm. at Lakeridge Baptist Church, Woodbridge. Woodbridge Loose Threads is in charge of the event. We will hold our annual election of CAB officers. We will have a fashion show of the sweatshirts and t-shirts that have been resewn and "blinged" up to wear, and a short presentation from Attic Treasures. Please bring your membership card with your number. See the ballot in the Fall newsletter.

Annual Meeting Fabric Challenge

It’s time to put your creative thinking caps on and plan to take part in this year’s Annual Meeting Fabric Challenge. This year, you’re asked to do something with either a tee shirt or a sweatshirt. You can refurbish it, or deconstruct and repurpose it in any way. The limit is your imagination and creative energy.