Many Interesting Presentations in the April Neighborhood Group Meetings--Check It Out Here!

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun
Friday, April 4, 2025, at noon, Ben Glass Law Firm, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033. We'll be in the conference room.
Online Fabric Shopping
Emerica will help us get the most out of our online fabric shopping experiences, including demystifying some of the terms used to describe different types of fabric. Attendees may bring any information that will be helpful for online fabric shopping since Joann has closed.
As always, we will have sew and tell!

Woodbridge Sewcial Group
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Fredericksburg Expo Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Thrift Store Tour and Thrifting 101 
The WSC is doing our Thrift tour day! Join us at the Fredericksburg Expo Center for Thrift World (purchase your own tickets for entry) or join us later in the tour at any of the thrift stores on our schedule!  Send an email to the Woodbridge Sewcial Club Neighborhood Group Leader for the schedule. 

Sterling Sew N Sews
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:00 am
Sterling Substation, Loudon County Sheriff’s Dept, 46620 East Frederick Dr., Sterling, VA 
Buying Fabric Online  

Members are encouraged to bring information on where they have purchased fabric online.  We will also discuss local places to buy fabric. The goal is to create a list of sources that can be shared with members.

Springfield Sharing Threads
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 10:00 am
West Springfield Government Center, 6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA
Sewing with Selvedges with Lisa Reidland

There are no rules here, just use creativity to turn trash into treasure! Anyone who has used selvedges in their projects is invited to share their projects and experiences!

Lansdowne Woods
Thursday, April 17, 2025, at noon
Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, 2nd floor clubroom, Leesburg, VA. 

Tell the guard you are there for the ASG meeting at the clubhouse.
Sewing with Leather

Linda Milburn will provide information on sourcing and sewing on leather with tips and tricks for success! 

Kingstowne Clothiers
Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10:30 am
City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North Street, Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA
Techniques for Successful Fly Front Zipper Insertion
Have you restricted yourself to sewing only elastic waists because installing a fly front zipper stresses you out? Inserting a fly front zipper can be one of the most challenging technical skills in a sewist’s arsenal. Marjorie will present several variations that will make this less intimidating, help you identify what might go wrong, and how to fit it.

As always, this is a hybrid meeting so you can join us via Zoom. Please comment below or RSVP for Zoom link. 

Alexandria Seamsters
Monday, April 21 at 7:00 pm 
Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA. 
Sew-in 

Bring your own projects to work on, including hand sewing, machines, problem projects, and UFOs! Take advantage of the collective sewing wisdom to get your projects back on track or make progress on current projects!

Shenandoah Valley Girls
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 am
Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA
Sewing For Boulder Crest

Wearable Arts Group
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm
8847 Olde Mill Run, Manassas, VA   

Stella Handbag or Wallet 
Attendees will begin work on the Stella handbag or wallet (sewist's choice).
The pattern is from Cool Cat Creations.

December Neighborhood Group Meetings

Here's what ASG NOVA Neighborhood Groups will be doing this month!

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 12/4

Holiday lunch is scheduled for December 4th, then a luncheon during the Winter Retreat in January.

Location: Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 12/6, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Our Holiday Luncheon will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 at Chloez Cafe starting at 12:00.

Chloez Cafe is a veteran owned restaurant in Burke, and highly recommended by Tina. 

Location: Chloez Cafe, 5622 Ox Rd, Unit F, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Once again, we will have a gift exchange. Please plan to bring a hand-crafted (not necessarily by you) gift in the $20.00 range. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by December 1, so that we can give the restaurant an accurate count. 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 12/7, 10:30 AM

The WSC will be doing a finger/snack foods potluck and white elephant at our December meeting.

Ellen will be doing a Bojagi (Korean wrapping cloth) demo too, with everyone bringing supplies to play with the techniques. We are also doing a snack potluck, a white elephant gift exchange ($15 or less, please), and practicing Bojagi! Please message the group leader for a list of what to bring, including supplies for the hands-on portion of the meeting.

Location: 1st United Presbyterian Church of Dale City

14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA

(Corner of Minnieville and Cardinal Drive)

If you are new to sewing, I am happy to take an hour in each of our sew-in meetings to help you build your sewing skills. Bring a beginner project you are working on or reply here, and we can figure out a good first project for you.

Sterling Sew N Sews - 12/11, 10:00 AM

The Sterling ASG December meeting will be our annual holiday party.  Members wishing to participate in the gift exchange, should bring a wrapped gift valued at $12-20.  Members are encouraged to bring a treat (finger food) to share during the meeting.  As always, members should bring their show and tell.

Location: Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Dept

Alexandria Seamsters – 12/16, 6:30 PM

Alexandria Seamsters will not have a regular program meeting in December.  We will be enjoying our holiday dinner on Monday, Dec. 16 at La Fiamma Italian Kitchen, 6124 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310.  Reservations are for 6:30. This location is across the street from our usual meeting location at the government center.    

Location: La Fiamma Italian Kitchen, 6124 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310

Effective January 1, 2025, the Alexandria Seamsters new co-leaders will be Lisa Dyson and Susan Lee. 

Springfield Sharing Threads – 12/18, 11:00 AM

Sharing Threads December meeting is our annual lunch on December 18.  This year it is at Milano's, 6230 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA., just a block away from our regular meeting space. We will gather at 11:00.  Please RSVP.  This is a great time to sit and chat with no time limit.

Location: Milano's, 6230 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA

Kingstowne Clothiers – 12/21, 10:30 AM

We will work on our sewing program for 2025.

Encore Presentation: Croquis

• Intro to croquis
• How to create your own croquis
• How to use it with your sewing patterns

Bring your show and tells and works in progress! Enjoy a stress-free mid-day break with your sewing besties before finishing up your last-minute sewing projects!

Location: City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North St, Fairfax, VA

We'll be in Conference Room 103, just outside the main entrance.

Wearable Arts Group – 11/27, 1:00 PM

The Wearable Art Group will not be meeting as the date falls on Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah.  Have a wonderful holiday!

November Neighborhood Group Meetings

 Here's what ASG NOVA Neighborhood Groups will be doing this month!

Fairfax Seams So Fun – 11/1, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Bring your holiday-themed projects! Plus, Tina will host a no-sew tutorial on the Scandinavian Star. Scandinavian Star Directions by Tina Chester:

1. Cut FOUR fabric pieces (4 inches wide by 20 inches long). Preferably, two pairs of coordinating fabrics, but any combination works.

2. Fold and iron 1 inch on each long side to meet in the middle, then fold and iron again. You should end up with a 1-inch wide, 20-inch long piece.

3. Bring your pre-folded and ironed pieces, along with scissors (and tweezers if you want).

We'll also thank Ben Glass Law for hosting our meetings by gifting them a bundt cake or bundtlets from Nothing Bundt Cakes (cost: approx. $50). Lastly, if time permits, we'll brainstorm topics for next year.
Location: Ben Glass Law Firm, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr Ste 250, Fairfax, VA 22033 

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 11/2, 10:30 AM

Join us for a sew-in! Enjoy some wonderful companionship and get ready advice from your fellow sewists.
Location: 1st United Presbyterian Church (1st Floor Fellowship Hall) 14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA

Sterling Sew N Sews – 11/13, 10:00 AM

Topic: Seam Finishes Members will demonstrate the Hong Kong, French, and Felt Felled seam finishes, among others. 
Location: Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Dept

Springfield Sharing Threads – 11/20, 10:00 AM

November is our challenge month. The 2024 challenge: Detail Detective. See a detail on a garment or sewn object and replicate it on your own project. Members are welcome to bring their in-progress or completed challenge pieces. Note: No Zoom access this month.
Location: West Springfield Governmental Center, 6140 Rolling Rd, Springfield, VA 22152

Kingstowne Clothiers – 11/16, 10:30 AM

Topic: Sewing Holiday Gifts Attendees are encouraged to bring and discuss holiday gifts they've created. Special presentations: Scandinavian Star ornaments and Bojagi (fabric gift wrapping).
Location: City of Fairfax Public Library, 10360 North St., Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA

Free parking available in the library parking garage.

Alexandria Seamsters – 11/18, 7:00 PM

We'll brainstorm program ideas for 2025 and discuss potential charity efforts. Bring mending or hand sewing projects to work on while we chat. Share any great finds from the Chapter sale on Nov 9. We'll also decide on a location for our holiday dinner on Dec 16. And of course, bring your show-n-tell!
Location: Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA (NOT Thanksgiving week!)

Shenandoah Valley Girls

No November meeting. Please join us for a holiday lunch on Dec 4 and a lunch during the Winter Retreat in January.
Location: Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA 

Wearable Arts Group – 11/27, 1:00 PM

Most likely everyone will be prepping for Thanksgiving Day but check in to confirm any meeting plans.
Location: 8847 Olde Mill Run, Manassas 

Alexandria Seamsters Monthly Neighborhood Group Meeting for July 2024

The Seamsters' next meeting will be Mon, July 15 at 7 pm at our usual location, Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Rd.  Alexandria, VA.  Our program, “Techniques for Sewing with Sheer Fabric”, will be led by Lisa and Diana.  We will have some sheer fabric items for you to cut and stitch during the evening.   This should be a lot of fun!

If you can, please bring:

• a pair of fabric cutting scissors
• pins to use when pinning and cutting a small pattern piece
• hand sewing needle(s) - preferably a thin needle

And, of course, bring your show-and-tells!

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!

New Woodbridge Neighborhood Group to Start Meeting!

If you've been waiting for a Neighborhood Group to meet near Woodbridge, then you are in luck! This initial meeting will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 10:00am to 12:30pm in the cafeteria of the Prince William County Government - A.J. Ferlazzo Building located at 15941 Donald Curtis Dr · Woodbridge, VA

The first agenda item is to decide what to call this Woodbridge Neighborhood Group. Several names have been suggested. To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few:

• Saturday Sewcial Club
• Woodbridge Bumble Bunch (A bumble bunch is the tangled mess of threads that sometimes happens with sewing.)
• Woodbridge Spool Spinners
• ______________ (Your suggestion here)

Next, the group will need a secretary to take notes during the meeting. Discussion about meeting locations, dates and times will also be decided at this meeting. 

Then the group will need to do program planning and outreach for 2023. Attendees are encouraged to bring a list of ideas for projects, challenges, or community outreach ideas to discuss. Think about what you want to learn over the next year and any special skills, techniques, or projects you've completed that you could share with others on their sewing journey. 

Of course, the group will learn about Northern Virginia chapter events and happenings.

Finally, the group will do Show and Tell, so bring or wear your makes! Let everyone know what you've been working on or ask for advice to get past a tricky spot in fitting or finesse. 

This will be a hybrid event with Zoom available for those unable to attend in person.

If you are not already a member of the American Sewing Guild, you will be able to attend up to two meetings before being requested to join. To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP on our Meetup site here: Woodbridge Neighborhood Group Monthly Meeting, Sat, Dec 10, 2022, 10:00 AM | Meetup

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. 

New Meeting Location for Springfield Sharing Threads Neighborhood Group!

With the loss of Bonny's Sewing & Fabric Store as a meeting place for the Sharing Threads Neighborhood Group, the leaders were keen to find something similar. Fortunately, they think they have!

The meeting planned for September 18 will be held at the Michaels Craft Store in Springfield across from the Springfield Town Center (formally Springfield Mall).  The meeting room is in the front of the store.  Best of all, it is set up for messy crafts!  We now have the opportunity to do more hands-on programs without worrying about the consequences. 

The address is:

6717 Spring Mall Drive, Springfield, VA 22150

It is a stand-alone store on the same side of Loisdale Road as the mall.

The time remains unchanged - 10:00 to noon.

We hope to see you there and provide feedback on this new meeting location!

Kenneth King Sit & Sew Planned for June 29-30, 2018

The Kingstowne Clothiers of the Northern Virginia Chapter American Sewing Guild have planned a Sit & Sew Weekend with Kenneth King for Friday, June 29 (10 am - 6 pm) and Saturday, June 30 (10 am - 5pm)!

At a Sit & Sew, you bring your projects to work on, and Kenneth King will be available to offer advice  and recommendations.

It will be held at the Fabric Place Basement, 6660 Richmond Highway, Alexandria (located in the old Hancock's Fabrics in the Beacon Mall Shopping Center)
The cost is $233 for ASG members and $275 for non-members.

Space is limited to 15 participants and is filling quickly.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis so don't wait! A deposit of $100 is due by April 7, with the balance due May 15.

If you have any questions, please contact Denise Marois at dbmarois@gmail.com.
Friday June 29 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) - Saturday June 30 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Neighborhood Group Updates

Alexandria Seamsters

The Alexandria Seamsters meet the third Monday of the month at the Alexandria Burke Branch Library at 7 pm. The topic for July 17 is choosing programs for the upcoming year.  There will not be a meeting in August.

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun meets the 1st Friday of the month at Quilters Studio in Fairfax at 10:30 am. Remaining 2017 meetings and programs include:
July 7 - Gifts for Men and Boys
Aug 4 - No Meeting
September 1 - All About Thread
October 6 - Making Pillows
November 3 - Chapter Challenge

Fredericksburg Notion to Sew

Fredericksburg Notion to Sew Neighborhood Group has changed its meeting place; it will no longer meet at Hobby Lobby. We will meet in the morning at Salem Church Library in Fredericksburg.

In July, we invite any ASG member who wishes to join us in making the National Charity Sewing project to come to Salem Church library (Fredericksburg) on July 8th in the morning, meeting rooms 3 and 4. Bring your yard of cozy flannel (solid suggested) and 12 inches of a kid friendly print fabric and we will assist you in putting together 4 wish pillows. These need to be finished by the date of the National meeting in Orlando; we now have an address where they are to be sent. Pillows are NOT to be stuffed before sending.

Our August meeting, again at the Salem Church Library, encourages you to bring a project you stopped working on as you needed fitting help or construction help. Those present will be glad to assist. Some of our members who missed making the jewelry roll meeting are looking forward to making it at this meeting. All welcome to join us.

Kingstowne Clothiers

Kingstowne Clothiers meets the third Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Franconia Government Center, 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria. We are working on the best way to take measurements, how to build a pant and bodice sloper, and using that sloper and/or measurements to alter the patterns for a perfect fit.

Life in the Hoop

This group is paused over the summer and resume meeting on Oct. 25th.

Manassas Sew n’ Tells

Manassas Sew n' Tells meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at Oh Sew Persnickety, 1512 Washington Street, Suite 116, Haymarket, Va., at 5 pm to 7 pm.  The 2017 schedule of upcoming events includes:
July 20 - Tabula Rosa Jacket
August 17 - Complete Tabula Rosa Jacket
September 21 - Burda Pattern - cut out
October 19 - Complete Burda Pattern
November 16 - T-shirt Quilt
December 21 - Complete T-shirt quilt.

Shenandoah Valley

Shenandoah Valley ASG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at the Berryville VFW at 10 am.
The rest of our schedule for the year is:
July 26 - Road Trip to Harrisburg to visit Quilt Museum and shops
August 23 - Learn to Crochet a messy bun hat
September 23 - (special Sat. Meeting) Sew In- pillow cases for Give Kids the World Village
October 25 - Alteration tips from Dolly Lyles
November 22 - No Meeting
December 6 - Holiday Luncheon

Springfield Sharing Threads

Springfield Sharing Threads meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Bonny’s Fabric and Sewing Center, the corner of Edsall Road and Cherokee Avenue. Here’s are some of our upcoming topics:
July 19 - Tapes and Glues
August 16 - Convex and Concave

Sterling Sew n’Sews

Our group, the Sterling Sew n' Sews, meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, typically at the Sterling substation of the Loudoun Co. Sheriff's Dept.

Wearable Arts Group (WAG)

The Wearable Art Group (WAG) meets the 2nd Friday of each month in Manassas. For our June, July, August, and September meetings, we will continue learning and experimenting with various wearable art techniques using the book 'Stitch Magic' as our guide.

Woodbridge Loose Threads

Woodbridge Loose Threads meetings remain the second Monday of the month from 6-8 pm.  July meeting will be Christmas in July, and there is no meeting in August.

Neighborhood Group Upcoming Topics

Shenandoah Valley Girls

   October 26 - TBD

   November 23 - No meeting

   December 7 - Holiday Luncheon

Springfield Sharing Threads

   October 19 - Vintage Sewing Books

   November 16 - Scraps Challenge - show us what you can do with them.

Kingstowne Clothiers

   November 12 - Sewing Perfect Collars with Mary Parker

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun

   October 7 - TBD

   November 4 - Costumes we've made

   December - Holiday Party

Alexandria Seamsters

   October 17 - Survival Sewing (program to teach adults and teens how to do simple hand sewing and mending.)

   November 21 - Fiber Postcards with Carolyn Harris

   December 19 - Holiday party

Life in the Hoop

   October 25 - How to use an optional circular sewing attachment.

   November 22 - How to sew decorative stitches on ribbon in embroidery mode.

   Decemer 27 - Planning new year's activities.  Surprise Guest Demonstrator.

Fredericksburg Notion to Sew

   October - Fitting Day with Dawn and Kathy

   November - Embroidery

   December - Holiday meeting at Wegman's for breakfast.

Embroidery Group New Meeting Time!

Life in the Hoop, the embroidery machine neighborhood group has moved to a new time. We will still be meeting on the 4th Tuesday of each month but from 1:00-3:00 pm. Each month we try to do a new project and explore a different topic concerning the embroidery machine. Last month we made tissue box covers. They had designs on one side and monograms on the other. Next week we will be starting free standing lace jewelry. Specifically earrings and a necklace project. We meet at the Hancocks fabric store on Mathis Ave. in Manassas VA. If you want more information you can call Adrienne at 703 868 7011.

Fredericksburg Notion to Sew Upcoming Topics

By Kathy Saladino

February’s meeting tackled couture hand sewing techniques and a new member presented on wool appliqué. Each made their own stitching samples! Our upcoming programs are:

• March 12—9:00 a.m. How to use various sewing machine feet with presenters Jackie and Deb
• April 9—10:00 a.m. Embroidery and Monogram with presenters Cathy and others
• May 14—9:00 a.m. Charity Sew—Pillowcases for the area hospitals; bring your own fabric and supplies.

All are welcome to join us!

Springfield Sharing Threads Upcoming Programs

Our group likes to have programs that would interest all type of sewing – fashion, decorative, etc as evidenced by our programs for the next 3 months. We hope that you will join us.

• April 20, 2016, Border Prints, Melinda Pasupulati
• May 18, 2016, Handbags, Lynn Berry, Kathy Wright
• June 15, 2016, Buttons, Carol Biondello, Linda Ledbetter

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.

Fairfax Seams Sew Fun!

Debbie Tollin

Have you wondered what happened to the Couture Group? Well first of all, we changed our name, and secondly we lost our meeting place when G Street closed their Virginia stores. Changing our name, moving, sounds like we went into The Witness Protection Program. We haven't. We're still here.
Late last year, we decided to change our name for two reasons. Many of the groups had their geographic location in their name, and some people felt that the word "couture" could be off-putting to new sewers and/or potential new members. Our new name is: Fairfax Seams Sew Fun!
When G Street closed, we were at a loss as to what to do. We thought perhaps we could meet at a library or a community center. One day I was driving home from my errands and as I was driving past The Quilters Studio, ( 9600 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22031, 703-261-6366 ) I decided to approach the owner, Kathye Gillette. She was so gracious and enthusiastic about letting us meet there. Although our name has changed, and we have new digs, our meeting day and time are the same. We still meet the first Friday of the month at 10:30. Please join us. Also, I urge you to visit The Quilters Studio. It's such a beautiful store, brightly lit, chock-a-block with drool worthy fabrics including some fashion fabrics and knits, books, and a wonderful array of notions. We meet in a beautiful classroom with quite a large capacity. Since we don't meet until 10:30 and the store opens at 10:00 that will give you some shopping time before the meeting. There are many restaurants within walking distance for lunch after, and AC Moore across the parking lot, to boot.
At our January meeting Kathye talked to us about renting their AccuCutter & Longarm Quilter, and the importance of using the correct thread. At our February meeting, Sheila Bohannan taught us how to match plaids. Some of our future meetings will be learning how to put in a fly front and selling our stuff on ebay or Sew It's For Sale. We'll have a scary fabric challenge and also we'll bring in some of the costumes we've made and talk about them.
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. 

Alexandria Seamsters Upcoming Programs:

The Alexandria Seamsters have some fun activities and programs coming up. We meet regularly at the Alexandria Burke Branch library (4701 Seminary Rd.) at 7 pm on the third Monday of the month. We would love to have you join us and participate in our neighborhood group. And always bring your show and tell items.
Here’s what’s coming up:

• March 21 - Making Pillow Cases for “Ryan’s Case for Smiles” 
• April 18 - Invisible Zipper and Hand Picked Zipper techniques 
• May 16 - Fabric Manipulation Techniques
• June 20 – Collar Types and Insertion

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diana Warmann, the Seamsters Leader.

Shenandoah Valley Girls Community Service – Doll Clothes

For the past couple of years members of the Shenandoah Valley Girls Neighborhood Group have been involved in making clothing for the 18” American Girl doll and/or dressing and donating a doll for the auction fundraiser held by the Henry & William Evans Home for Children of Winchester, VA.  All proceeds from the annual event go back to the Home, which provides an alternative environment for children who cannot live with their families and who would not thrive in a foster or adoptive family.

Members of Shenandoah Valley Girls, Sharing Threads and the Couture neighborhood groups contributed dolls and custom outfits to the recent auction held in December. These items raised $1,645 of the $10,000+ total and rated a mention of ASG in the local newspaper. The Evans Home Board sends a heartfelt thank you to all who made and donated the doll clothing.

Special mention goes to Anda Lind who provided a case containing an antique doll and wardrobe that sold for $110 and won 2nd place in her category; to Sheila Bohannon and Michelle Parker, who dressed a Hermione doll from Harry Potter that sold for $120 and won 2nd place in their category; and to Linda Wyman who made a trio of “Frozen” outfits that started a bidding war before selling for $275.

The 2015 auction will be held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester and will be included in the museum’s fall calendar of everts. This should generate lots of additional publicity and attendees as well as a need for more items to auction.

Our annual doll clothing “sew in” will be held on Wednesday, June 24th at the Clarke County Memorial VFW in Berryville, VA. Please join us for a day of sewing and lunch. We’re collecting your donations for the auction until the first of November, but we would like to have them sooner than that if possible.

If you have any questions please contact Linda Wyman or Nancy Melkerson.

Neighborhood Group Plans

Upcoming meeting plans for our Neighborhood Groups:

Sew and Go Falls Church Neighborhood Group

Meets on the 1st Thursday of the month from 7-9PM at G Street Fabrics 6250 Seven Corners Center in Falls Church.

March 5th, group leader Sherri Bertrand will talk about manipulating fabric. Further details will be available on the Yahoo Group site. April 2nd, Lynn Berry will explain bias making techniques.

May 7th, Robert Hines from Sun and Sew Vac will discuss basic sewing machine care and maintenance. Please let Sherri know if you would like to attend this meeting before April 30th

June 4th, Marianne Dunn will demonstrate making fabric and acetate book covers. This will be our second challenge. Sherri Bertrand

ASG Falls Church Sew and Go leader