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.

June 2025 Sewing Meetings

It's a new month and that means another opportunity to attend any of our Neighborhood Group meetings!

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun
Friday, June 6, noon to 3:30
Ben Glass Law Firm, Conference Room, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033

This month FSSF will be doing a sew-in to make pillowcases for three different charities:  

• Ryan’s Case for Smiles  
• Ronald McDonald House 
• Alex’s Army, Gainesville chapter  

All fabric will be provided, ready to assemble!  All we need to do is sew and iron the completed pillowcases.  The pillowcases can be serged or sewn. We'll return them to Berger’s in Manassas for distribution. Any pillowcases not completed during the sew-in can be taken home to finish. 

Please bring your sewing machine or serger, basic sewing tools, and neutral-colored thread. The room does have power strips down the center of the table, but you might like to bring an extension cord. If you don't want to sew, please come as we can use your help coordinating activities.

Success starts with great teamwork! To make this event run smoothly, we need to know how many people are attending and what tasks they’re ready to take on—whether it’s sewing, serging, ironing, setting up, cleaning up, or pitching in wherever needed. Please email Sally and Melissa at fairfax@asgnova.org by June 4th. 

Feel free to bring a drink or snack!

Woodbridge Sewcial Group 
Saturday, June 7. Meeting is cancelled.

Sterling Sew 'n' Sews
Wednesday, June 11, 10 am
Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff's Dept., 46620 East Frederick Dr., Sterling, VA 20164 

Anne Thomas will present a program on collars.

Alexandria Seamsters 
Monday, June 16, 7 pm
NEW LOCATION FOR THIS MEETING: John Marshall Library, Meeting Room 1, 6209 Rose Hill Dr, Alexandria, VA 22310

Charity sewing program for this year: making pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles. The pillowcases add some fun to children's hospital rooms. Judith will demonstrate pillowcase construction. If time allows, we may begin cutting fabric, so consider bringing your most delightful 100% cotton prints to cut and swap. The charity requests no skulls, no religious words or icons, and no glitter.

Springfield Sharing Threads
Wednesday, June 18, 10 am
Springfield Governmental Center, Conference Room 200, 6140 Rolling Road, West Springfield, VA 22152.

Joyce will present a program on invisible zippers. Anyone who has used invisible zippers in a unique way or has a favorite or tried-and-true technique is encouraged to share with the group! If you need specific details or have questions, email springfield@asgnova.org.

Lansdowne Woods
Thursday, June 19. Meeting is cancelled. Lansdowne is taking the summer off. Next meeting is September 18. See you then!

Kingstowne Clothiers
Saturday, June 21, 10:30 am
City of Fairfax Public Library, Conference Room 103, 10460 North Street, Fairfax, VA

Linda Milburn will present a program on seam finishes. This encore presentation from another Neighborhood Group will give attendees an idea of how to make the insides as beautiful as the outsides! 

Shenandoah Valley Girls
Wednesday, June 25, 10 am
Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Laura Davidson will present a program on Free Motion Quilting and Straight Grain Binding.

Wearable Arts Group
Wednesday, June 25, 1 pm

Get a head start on your holiday gifting! Let's make a mug rug using a hanky!  

You can attend any and all meetings---one of our many member benefits. If you're a visitor, you can attend up to two meetings before committing to membership.

A Quilt Can Wrap Someone in Love - Quilt Donations for Maui

Thoughts and prayers can hold someone up spiritually, but a quilt can wrap them in love.

Wrap the World with Quilts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sending quilts and sewing machines where they're most needed.

Their mission statement says it all:

Through the gift of a handmade quilt, we provide comfort and love, warmth and human connection to those suffering around the world.

Wrap the World with Quilts has been sending quilts to Ukraine but have recently added Maui as an option. Use the drop-down location option, "Wherever Needed Most," to route your donation to Maui. The "Aloha Quilts Donation Drive" began with Marilyn at the Maui Quilt Shop. If you'd like to register quilts as a group, just include a note in the box with a name and email and specify they should go to Maui.

Marilyn says, "Your donated quilts will be distributed wisely to those affected by this horrible fire. These quilts will give them comfort and help them heal as they try to overcome this tragedy. Thank you for caring about Maui! With Love and Aloha."

For shipping, Wrap the World with Quilts has partnered with GiveBackBox and UPS for an inexpensive shipping option that will go directly to the receiving organization. Donations may also be sent directly to the Maui Quilt Shop at 18 Central Ave, Wailuku, HI 96793

Go to THIS LINK to add the label to your cart. The address will be preprinted and, after you pay the $20 flate rate fee, the label will be emailed to you. Simply print it out to place on your package. The label will cover the costs for any size box up to 50 lbs.

Just drop it off at any UPS store.

Charity Sew for Dress A Girl Around the World on Saturday, July 23

 

Spring Fling Kentucky Derby Style!

It is time to celebrate, ASG Northern Virginia and it's a Kentucky Derby-style celebration! 

Spring Fling is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, from 9:45 am to 2:00 pm, at the Springfield Country Club at 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA, Springfield VA 22152, featuring:

• Seated Breakfast 
• Parade of Projects 
• Derby Hat Contest and 
• A Featured Speaker 

Attached is your flyer and registration form for this year's Spring Fling. Cost is $45 per person after April 8th, and the deadline is April 18th. If you want to pay online, go to GroupWorks.

It's time to plan that party dress and make your Derby hat! 

We are pleased to announce our featured speaker, Mari de Jesus. Mari has her own YouTube channel and is a YouTube sewing influencer with 3.3K subscribers! Also, she is the creator/owner of Inspired Leather, a company that specializes in fine leather goods. 

Mari will offer an insider’s look into starting and sustaining a YouTube channel and what to expect after you begin. Additionally, she will share her favorite charity, Dress a Girl, and inspire us to participate. 

Start your Derby Hat Today! Watch Adrienne's video and make it from scratch---or not! Use a purchased hat and embellish! Wild and crazy are our watch words!

You still have time to order your hat-making supplies! Check out this tutorial for using supplies from local stores! 

What Are Your New Year's Sewing Resolutions?

 

What are your New Year sewing resolutions?

Common sewing resolutions include, but are not limited to:

• Altering and adjusting patterns for a personalized fit
• Learning tailoring techniques
• Practicing couture finishes
• Optimizing sewing time  
• Experimenting with various specialty stitches and presser feet 
• Using sewing tools such as hams, irons, and notions more effectively
• Sewing down a stash
• Creating a sewing plan

The Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Sewing Guild reached out to its members for ideas on what they'd like to learn in 2021.  Members of our various Neighborhood Groups voted on broad categories, including;

• Quilting and Ruler Work
• Accessories and Crafts (includes bags, purses, and aprons)
• Machine Embroidery
• Sergers
• Cutting Machines, such as Cricut
• Upcycling
• Home Décor
• Art Quilts
• Cosplay

Because we also do charity sewing, we discussed sewing projects that would  benefit our communities. Such sewing activities include creating fidget blankets, dignity scarves, wheelchair or walker caddies, and holiday-themed placemats and napkins for Meals on Wheels.

One of the strengths of Neighborhood Groups is the availability of hands-on expertise or access to subject matter experts to solve sewing problems, whether it's a fitting issue, an opinion, or a recommendation. Membership in the Guild builds relationships and connections to others with similar interests. Our Neighborhood Groups use Zoom to create virtual meetings where members present tutorials on select topics and share their sewing knowledge, so wasted time and driving are minimized. We do hope, at some point, to be able to meet again in person, and one of our Neighborhood Groups is doing hybrid meetings to meet the needs of its members.

If taking your sewing to the next level is one of your New Year's resolutions, consider attending one or two meetings. Or maybe your New Year's resolution is to meet new people safely----we're here for you!

What are your New Year sewing resolutions?

We'd love to hear what your sewing plans are for 2021!

Please comment below! 

Neighborhood Group Meetings Are Held on Zoom!

 

Are you worried about possible exposure to COVID-19, but still want to connect with your sewing buddies? We have the answer, and it's ZOOM!

All of our Neighborhood Groups are meeting virtually to share our love of sewing, no matter what form that might take---embroidery, quilting, crafting, and garment sewing. We are also still meeting at the same Neighborhood Group meeting times listed on our site, and we have sought out subject matter experts to do special event presentations on what we call "Fourth Saturdays!"

We have found that Zoom meetings have increased attendance as driving, distance, and traffic frequently present barriers to gathering. Zoom is an app that can be easily mastered and there are plenty of tutorials to help you adjust to this new normal. 

If you're not on our list to receive information about our Zoom meetings, contact one of the Neighborhood Group leaders on our site. We also post our meetings and reminders on Groupworks.

If you're sewing masks, we'd love to know how many you've sewn so we can add that to our tally. This helps us support our charitable organization status as a chapter of the American Sewing Guild. 

2020 Sewing Plan for Kingtowne Clothiers Neighborhood Group

Here is the 2020 monthly lineup for the Kingstowne Clothiers group:

January- Pattern Bust Cup Sizing/Designing for your Body type. Leader: Melinda Pasupulati

February - Welt Pocket With and Without a flap. Leader: Linda Matt

March - Sew-along Bra workshop. Leader: Denise Wolf

April - Reuse/Revamp an existing garment. Leader: Rachel Weir

May - T-shirt revamp. Leader: Carolyn Holloway

June - Sewing Show View. Leader: Patty Penn

July & August - no meeting

September - Sew Learning Over Internet. Leader: Teressa Getz

October - “I Copied It.” Leader: Group

November - Quick Holiday Gifts. Leader:  Group

December - Holiday Party and 2021 Planning. Leader: Group

Our meetings are the third Saturday of each month at the following address:

Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310

We are a clothing-focused American Sewing Guild Northern Virginia sewing group committed to sewing as a life and art skill. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Hope to see you there!

5th Saturday Event: Quilts of Valor Sewing Bee

American Sewing Guild - Northern Virginia Chapter

5th Saturday Program - Quilting Bee to Benefit Quilts of Valor

Join us to celebrate Labor Day weekend by sewing a quilt top to benefit Quilts of Valor. We have 42 block packages with directions to assemble one full-size quilt, so bring your sewing machine, notions, and tools!

We will have a barbeque grill and will serve a picnic lunch. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend some time together and make a quilt for a deserving service member or veteran!

Quilts of Valor has had many requests for quilts. During this event, we will also collect fabric in patriotic themes and colors as a donation to Quilts of Valor.

If you are not interested in stitching blocks, we will have some other sewing projects that will be donated to charity.

This event is open to everyone. Do you have a friend who loves to sew, but is not an ASG member? Bring them, too!

DETAILS:

Saturday, August 31
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Lakeside Baptist Church
12450 Clipper Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192

Cost: $10 to cover the cost of lunch

Information about Quilts of Valor may be found at their website: https://www.qovf.org

Registration form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XfOmmBcEUX8AYRhQ5uOX8-CHYJ3cL4A3/view?usp=sharing

2017 Community Service Project

Our chapter has decided to make the 'Wish pillows' for our charity project.

Give Kids the World Village is a non-profit resort that provides cost-free, week-long vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Approximately 21,000 Wish pillows are given away each year to visiting children.

• Pillow Project Instructions
• Downloadable PDF of the Video Presentation

There will be three opportunities for you to participate and meet other ASGers:

1.  Suzie's Quilt Shop,10404 Portsmouth RD,(Westgate) Manassas,VA
July 8, 2017 10:30 There will be sewing machine work stations already set up OR bring your own machine. If you can bring 1 yd. of flannel and 1/2yd quilting fabric that will make 4 pillows.

2. At the Salem Church Library, 2607 Salem Church Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
July 8th, 2017 9:00-11:30 They will be making the pillows too. Bring your machines and fabrics

3. Shenandoah Valley Girls will also being doing a Charity sew event on Sept 23, 2017 from 10 am to 4pm, Berryville VFW Post 9760, 425 Buckmarsh Street, Berryville, VA 22611

Charity Sewing Project - Clothing for Children in Appalachia

by Martha Walker

In June ASG NoVa donated 95 dresses, 12 slips, eight nightgowns, and 25 tote bags! Another seven dresses, six slips, and 40 tote bags have been donated.
Tender Loving Care Ministries, ministering to the clothing needs of underprivileged children of the Appalachian Mountains, has merged with Prayers to Action in Kentucky. They service Kentucky, West Vir- ginia and parts of Virginia.
Poverty in Appalachia is extreme. Many children live in conditions that border on those of Third World countries. As a result, many children are socially and academically behind by the time they enter school. Between 75 and 80% of the children at these schools live in homes where the income is below the poverty level.
Things you can sew or make: Sizes 4 - 14 are the requested sizes
For dresses, jumper & blouse sets, pajamas, slips and sweat- ers, you may use any pattern suitable for young children. Designs and fabric must be appropriate for young children. Tights or socks, undies, hair bows, bracelets, and barrettes can be purchased to complete the outfits.
Pajamas for boys and nightgowns for girls are also useful.
ALL garments must be labeled with size. Labels should be made of fabric that can withstand laundering and permanently secured to the garment; if you cannot attach a fabric label please pin a paper label with the size on the front of the garment. Please clip all threads.
Deadline:
Christmas Distribution is November 15 – long sleeves only on garments.
Garments will be collected at Sharing Threads meetings the third Wednesday each month. The last day to
turn in garments is Saturday, October 22 at the Annual Meeting.

Springfield Sharing Threads Charity Sewing Project 2016

Tender Loving Care Ministries – Clothing for Children in Appalachia

Tender Loving Care Ministries, Inc. (TLC) is a private, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 charitable organization whose primary mission is to spread the love of Jesus Christ by ministering to the clothing needs of underprivileged children of the Appalachian Mountains—Southern Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia and West Virginia. Poverty in Appalachia is extreme. Many children live
in conditions that border on those of Third World Countries. As a result, many children are socially and academically behind by the time they enter school. Between 75 and 80% of the children at these schools live in homes where the income is below the poverty level.

Things you can sew or make: Sizes 4 - 14 are the requested sizes

• For dresses, jumper & blouse sets, pajamas, and sweaters, you may use any pattern suitable for young children. Please use solid color or patterned fabric for dresses and jumper & blouse sets for girls; no pants for girls. Designs and fabric must be appropriate for young children. Tights or socks, undies, hair bow, bracelet and barrettes can be purchased to complete the outfits.
• Slips -any basic pattern, or request a pattern from TLC
• Pajamas for boys and nightgowns for girls are also useful.
• Quilts, blankets, afghans, and baby blankets are other items that can be made and donated.
• Knitted Mittens, Scarf and Hat with Pom-Poms, Crocheted Baby Clouds Poncho (Patterns available on TLC website, under the How You Can Help tab)
• Personal Care Kit Bag (12x18 drawstring bag) use this link for instructions.

ALL garments must be labeled with size. Labels should be made of fabric that can withstand
laundering and permanently secured to the garment; if you cannot attach a fabric label please pin a paper label with the size on the front of the garment. Please clip all threads.

Deadline for Distributions:

• Back-to-School Distribution is June 15, 2015 - SHORT SLEEVES on the garments (NO
• sleeveless dresses)
• Thanksgiving Distribution is October 15, 2015 - LONG SLEEVES ONLY on garments
• Coats, sweaters, ponchos and knit sets are shipped in the Thanksgiving distribution.
• Christmas Distribution is November 15, 2015 - LONG SLEEVES ONLY on garments

In order to meet these deadlines, I will need the garments three weeks prior to these distribution deadline dates. (May 25, Sept 23, and Oct 26).  I will collect garments at Sharing Threads meetings the third Wednesday each month.

Charity Sewing Day, Friday, April 22, 10:00 – 4:00, Richard Byrd Library, 7250
Commerce St., Springfield. Please bring fabric, sewing machines, basic sewing supplies.
For more information, contact: Martha Walker.

5th Saturday Event - Charity Sew-In

Ladies,

Mark your calendars! The October Fifth Saturday event will be held October 31, 2015 at Manassas Mall.  Mary Grace Ronan will lead this event, a Charity Sew-In, and we will make Sailors/Soldiers quilts.  Show your support of our active and retired military members while having a fun day sewing and socializing with your friends.  Additional details about this event will follow.  

Deb Tollin’s Skirt Fitting Workshop will be rescheduled.

Your Oct 5^th Saturday Team