Contest Ideas for Neighborhood Groups

Content credentials

Generated with AI ∙ November 9, 2023 at 12:18 PM

One of the ways to engage sewing groups is to create a challenge! Sewing challenges spur risk-taking because it's a low-risk exercise with the potential for a fantastic payoff! After all, these are learning opportunities. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Use the same pattern selected by the challenger to create a project. Marvel at the different variations sewists can create! An alternative to this is to use the same fabric. 
• Everyone writes down a project (aka UFO) that is lingering in their time-out bin or stash. A deadline is agreed upon and everyone reports the status at the end of the challenge period. This written commitment provides accountability that can move a project forward.
• Issue a "zero-waste" challenge and review the final projects
• Upcycle or alter a garment you never wear but don't want to discard. Make it better, however you define "better."
• Quilters must use a garment technique and garment sewists must use a quilting technique in a challenge.
• Propose a technique challenge. Sewing books that demonstrate couture techniques, sashiko, quilting, and embroidery lend themselves well to this challenge. Sewists may also find inspiration from YouTube videos, Instagram, and blog posts. 
• Identify the oldest pattern, notion, or fabric in your stash and make something with it.
• White Elephant Challenge: Everyone brings a predetermined amount of fabric in a bag and bags are exchanged. (No peeking!) This could extend to trims, buttons, notions---the possibilities are endless!
• Identify a "Christmas in August" recipient (could be an individual or a facility). Everyone is challenged to create a sewing donation for the recipient. This could be hats, adult bibs, walker/wheelchair totes, scarves, etc.

What ideas have you used for sewing challenges? What was your favorite challenge?

Woodbridge Sewcial Club July Meeting: "THRIFTING 101"

 

If you are new to upcycling or if you've never thrifted before, this meeting is for you! 

The Woodbridge Sewcial Club (WSB) will first meet at the Goodwill Thrift Store located at 9769 Liberia Ave, Manassas, VA 20110 at 10:30am on Saturday, July 8th. 

We will tour the store as I explain:

• The various sections of the store;
• The method I use for thrifting and what to look for; and
• Tips and tricks for finding the perfect thrifted item

Ideally, my hope is that everyone will find (and purchase!) that one perfect item on this trip!

We will stay at the thrift store for as long as we like, purchase any items we just cannot leave behind 😍, then head over to the Central Library at 8601 Mathis Ave, Manassas, VA, afterward to show off our thrifted finds and the next steps in turning this item into a new upcycled creation!

THRIFTING 101:

The Thrifting 101 series will continue over the next several meetings, and will include education and presentations on:

• How to clean or pre-wash your item (and any future thrifted items once you're hooked on upcycling---which I think you will be!) 💞
• How to envision what your item will become in its new life, considering its fabric content, any directional prints or nap, etc., and how to pick a pattern that suits your vision;
• How to deconstruct your item;
• How to lay out your pattern to maximize the "yardage" and/or deconstructed pieces you have to work with; and
• Maybe some open sew sessions for us to upcycle together!

If you haven't RSVP'd for the meeting, please message me asap at asgwoodbridge@yahoo.com. I'm only asking for rsvp's so that I know:

1. Who is coming and delay the start of the tour, if needed, if anyone is running late, and

2. Have enough handouts for everyone

I think this field trip will make for a really fun meeting and I hope you can make it!

My hope is that this crash course in upcycling will set us up for a more in-depth upcycle challenge in 2024 AND . . . if completed before the Quilt and Sewing Expo in Fredericksburg, VA, in September, you can walk the ASG Fashion Show in your upcycled garment!

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!