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.  

ASG NOVA is Holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, November 9 from 11:30-2:30

Get Ready for the Ultimate Rummage Sale for Sewists, Crafters, and Makers! 

Dive into a treasure trove of fabrics, threads, tools, and crafty goodies! Whether you're a sewing newbie, a seasoned crafter, or a passionate maker, this is the event you don’t want to miss. 

• Date: Saturday, November 9
• Time: 11:30-2:30 
• Location: Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St, Vienna, VA

Stand by for amazing 

• Apparel fabric, home decorating fabric, quilting cottons, and fat quarters
• Notions, elastics, buttons, zippers, and trims
• Patterns
• Sewing books 
• Sewing demonstrations and "Make & Take" stations

Why You Should Come:

• Score amazing deals on high-quality materials and supplies
• Meet fellow creatives and share ideas
• Get inspired by unique projects and innovative designs
• Perfect chance to stock up on essentials for your next big project

Bring your friends, family, and fellow craft enthusiasts for a few hours of fun, shopping, and creativity. Let’s make this an unforgettable event!

Interested in donating items for this event? ASG NOVA is a 501(c) 3 charity. 

All proceeds go to funding educational workshops and supporting charities.

Charities and non-profits supported through ASG NOVA volunteer sewing and expertise:

Dress a Girl Around the World

Pohick Regional Library Maker Space

Quilts of Valor

Days for Girls

Fleece hats for local hypothermia prevention efforts

 

It's Just Fabric; We Can Out-Think It

 

It's just fabric; we can out-think it.

It seems that you are quoting a phrase from a sewing discussion topic on PatternReview.com. The phrase was used by a user named BriarRose, who was commenting on a thread about Carol Burnett's outfit on a TV special. The user was expressing their admiration for the fabric design and their confidence in their sewing skills.

The phrase could also be interpreted as a metaphor for creativity and problem-solving. It implies that fabric is not a fixed or rigid material, but rather something that can be manipulated and transformed by human ingenuity. It also suggests that there are no limits to what one can achieve with fabric, as long as one has the right mindset and attitude.

There are other contexts where the phrase could be relevant, such as physics, fashion, or philosophy. For example, some physicists have argued that spacetime is not really a fabric, but rather an illusion or an emergent phenomenon. Some fashion experts have criticized the sustainability of fast fashion and the use of synthetic fabrics. Some philosophers have explored the nature of reality and the role of human perception in shaping it.

In any case, the phrase is an interesting and provocative one, and it could inspire many different kinds of creative works. For example, one could write a poem, a story, a song, or a code using the phrase as a theme or a prompt. Here is an example of a poem that I wrote using the phrase:

It's Just Fabric; We Can Out-Think It

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can cut it, sew it, dye it, knit it 
We can make it into anything we want 
A dress, a coat, a hat, a flaunt

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can stretch it, bend it, fold it, twist it 
We can shape it into any form we need 
A tent, a sail, a flag, a creed

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can weave it, quilt it, patch it, stitch it 
We can mend it into something new and strong 
A bond, a bridge, a story, a song

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can dream it, design it, create it, invent it 
We can make it into something that reflects our soul 
A vision, a passion, a purpose, a goal

This entire article and accompanying graphic image were generated by an AI prompt on the phrase "It's just fabric; we can out-think it."

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. 

Alexandria Seamsters 2020 Meeting Schedule

ALEXANDRIA SEAMSTERS 2019-20 SCHEDULE –

 

Alexandria Seamsters, a neighborhood group of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Sewing Guild (ASG), meets the 3rd Monday of each month according to the schedule below.  Our meeting location is the Burke Branch Library on Seminary Road in Alexandria.  However, in January and February, which have holidays on the 3rd Monday, and unpredictable weather, we will not normally meet.  Our schedule is as follows:

 

Day	Date & Time	Topic/Leader	Location
Monday	Sept 16, 2019 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Painting on Black & White Fabric – Artistic Artifacts	Artistic Artifacts, 4750 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA
Monday	Oct 21, 2019 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Basic Knitting – Liz, Deirdre, Marianne	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Nov 18, 2019 7:00 to 900 p.m.	Sewing a Peek-a-Boo Top – Dorie (aka cold shoulder top)	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Dec 16, 2019 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Holiday Dinner (likely Atlantis) – Hand out Mended Hearts patterns & labels	Restaurant
Monday	Mar 16, 2020 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Mended Hearts stuff & sew – Entire Group	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Apr 20, 2020 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	TBA  - Judith Greig	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	May 18, 2020 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Fabric Bowls - Jennifer	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	June 15, 2020 7:00 to 9:00p.m.	Using a French Curve - Diana	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	July 20, 2020 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Discharge Dyeing - Liz	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Aug 17, 2020 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Mending Tears - Marianne	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Sept 21, 2020 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.	Hemming (Pants & Jeans) – entire group program	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Oct 19, 2020	Crocheting - Ann	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Nov 16, 2020	Choose programs for 2021	Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Conf. Room
Monday	Dec 21, 2020	Holiday Dinner - (likely Atlantis) Hand out Mended Hearts patterns & labels	Restaurant

 

Contact Diana Warmann with comments/questions. She can be reached using the link on the Neighborhood Group page

Spring Fling 2020: "Sew Your Own Path" on March 14, 2020!

Join us on Saturday, March 14, 2020, to hear Michelle Umlauf share her story on how she went "against the grain" to pursue a career in the sewing industry!

Michelle graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and spent nearly 20 years working for the federal government. With her husband’s encouragement and support, she made a major career change and is now pursuing her dream of teaching others how to sew, quilt and embellish. Michelle is a member of the American Sewing Guild. In 2014, she became the president of the Maryland ASG Chapter.

Michelle enjoys all types of sewing and likes to challenge herself with incorporating new techniques in her projects. She is partial to free-motion sewing, and using Sulky products has helped her learn and gain confidence in this skill. Michelle says that the book, Embellish Your Life with Sulky, is right up her alley. She hopes to inspire you at our annual Spring Fling!

In case you haven’t yet signed up for our March 14th Spring Fling or the workshop the day before, please remember to send your registration soon.
More things to do at the Spring Fling:

• Swap fabric or sewing supplies on our Swap Table  
• Participate in our fashion show 
• Channel your inner kindergartner and enjoy "show and tell"

You will have a great time & a chance to catch up with your sewing friends!  

The Registration Form is attached.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fez96nZgkqgWRyWxEk6BaCJ0h_vYG1AY
The deadline is March 2, 2020.
Mail your Registration Forms soon!

Take a Trip to New York City with Some Enablers

Join the Maryland ASG chapter for a trip to New York City to visit the Garment District, go fabric shopping, and browse at Macys.

Here are the details:
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Arrive NYC 10:45 am
Depart NYC 6:00 pm

2 Pick-up Stops:
6:00 am - Rolling Rd/Catonsville Park-N-Ride I-95 off Rt 166
6:45 am - White Marsh Park-N-Ride - Honeygo Blvd.

$75 per person (includes roundtrip transportation)
DVD/WiFi-equipped bus

Suggested NYC destinations:
Metro Textiles
Mood Fabrics
Broadway
Museums: The Met (features two guided tours: Fashion in Art and Women in Medieval Art: Saints, Seductresses, and Muses) or The Museum at FIT (Minimalism/Maximalism and Paris, Capital of Fashion)

To register:
Garment District Shopping Trip

This will be a lot of fun! You won't want to miss this!

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

5th Saturday Event - Ellen's Esplanade Bucket Bag Class

Karen Hill of Cute Monkey Fabrics will deliver the 5th Saturday Program for the Northern Virginia ASG on Saturday, December 29th, from 10:30am - 4:30pm at Suzzie's Quilt Shop, 10404 Portsmouth Rd., Manassas, VA. The project is Ellen's Esplanade Bucket Bag by Chris W Designs. (Suzzie's Quilt Shop is only providing a location for the workshop and is not affiliated with the class. It does, however, make a great location for buying fabrics for this project!)

The Ellen's Esplanade Bucket Bag features two handy exterior side slip pockets with the main compartment closing with a recessed zipper. Inside you will find a spacious interior which includes a zipper pocket and a slip pocket. Make your bag completely fabric or create a combination of fabric and "vegan" leather vinyl or cork. Have a special fabric you've been dying to use? Feature it on this bag! Use fleece for the "slouchy" look or foam for a sturdier look. What about a brocade from G Street's upholstery remnants table? This bag will be one that you will want to make for family and friends for years to come.

All attendees must purchase their own copy of Ellen's Esplanade Bucket Bag, which is available for $6.95. It is a PDF pattern you download and print from home or your local print shop. You can also purchase it from Craftsy, which has the benefit of storage in your library, or through Chris W Designs. 

Supplies for sewing the bag are available on the Cute Monkey Fabrics website; use the code "ASG" to order some of the specialty and hard-to-find items (like hardware) and you can pick them up at the workshop, avoiding additional shipping charges. Even if you can't make this class, you might want to keep this site handy to order hardware and other bag supplies for future projects!

The class fee is $40. This is a great day project or gift, and if making a bag is on your to-do list, but you've been putting it off, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn tips and tricks that will make sewing future bags a breeze!

Need more convincing? Here's a review of sewing Ellen's Esplanade Bag: Review

Save the Date! June De-Stash in Baltimore!

Do you have patterns, fabric, yarn, and other sewing assortments (even magazines and books) inciting guilt? Would you like to find a good home for these and possibly leave with stuff that makes you infinitely happier? Then you'll want to save June 24 as Renee, the blogger for Miss Celie's Pants has an awesome event planned! Registration for tickets will open on Friday, June 1, and even if you don't find a taker for your unloved items, Renee will make sure they find a home!

Start your personal de-stashing now, and plan on meeting cool sewists from around the region! Don't have a car? No convenient way to get to Baltimore? Comment below---maybe we can get a carpool going!

More details can be found here: #DestashBaltimore