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.

Name That Pleat!

Tom's Sons International Pleating, a family-owned company in the heart of New York City's Garment District that specializes in pleating fabrics, has made learning about pleating fun! They’ve launched a new YouTube channel that explores current fashion trends through the lens of pleating. Each video breaks down how to identify specific pleat types by name and offers insights into why a designer might choose that particular style—whether for movement, structure, or visual impact.

They are only on Episode 7, and the videos are quick and engaging. You can subscribe to the channel to be notified of when new episodes are uploaded. 

They've also written a book on pleating. Pleating: Fundamentals for Fashion Design has over 300 photos of pleated fashions and shows you how, by understanding the types of pleats and their requirements in terms of fabrics, grain, bias, and other factors, you can improve your design's creation process, budget planning, and "wow" factor.

September 2025 Sewing Meetings

Fairfax Seams So Fun 

Friday, September 5, at 12:30 at the Ben Glass Law Firm, Conference Room, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA  

Joyce will lead a mini workshop on the slow stitch project of making tiny houses.  Marvel at Joyce’s miniature fabric houses and all the detail that she puts into them!  Joyce will share all her tips and tricks and will provide kits, but you are encouraged to bring your own fabric, trims, and buttons. Please bring basic hand sewing supplies: needle, thread, scissors, ruler, thread wax or conditioner, glue, pins, paper and pencil.

Woodbridge Sewcial Group 

Saturday, September 6, at 10:30 am, 1st United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA

Group Patchwork Piecing Project.  This project will span several months, breaking this project into workable steps.  For this meeting, bring a variety of fabrics.  Cornie will provide each person with a one-on-one consult on how your fabrics can work for your project.  We will discuss perspectives, trims, embellishments, and other add-on features like button plackets.  Create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece! No need for a machine this meeting.  Contact Ellen for a full list of supplies.

Sterling Sew N Sews

Wednesday, September 10, at 10 am, Sterling Substation, Loudoun County Sheriff's Dept., 46620 East Frederick Dr., Sterling, VA 

Chair Yoga. Sandy will lead chair yoga exercises.  This is great for a quick break from long periods of sewing! Wear comfortable clothes.

Alexandria Seamsters  

Monday, September 15, at 7 pm, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA

Kathy has been doing a deep dive into printing, painting, and drawing on fabric.  At this meeting, she will tell us everything she’s learned!  We will also have Show and Tell.

Springfield Sharing Threads

Wednesday, September 17, at 10 am, West Springfield Governmental Center, Conference Room 200, 6140 Rolling Road, West Springfield, VA 

Ban-Rol?  Ever wondered what to do with it?  Linda will present advanced applications of Ban-Rol interfacing, including its use as a stabilizer for achieving consistent, narrow baby hems. She’ll demonstrate how to adapt the technique for lightweight and slippery fabrics, integrate Ban-Rol into everyday garment construction, and apply it structurally in tailored elements like waistband finishes and belt-making.

Lansdowne Woods

Thursday, September 18, at 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

This month will be the beginning of several meetings on a cork sewing project.  This meeting will be organizational and informational:

• How do you get it? 
• What do you order? 
• How do you work with it? 
• What do you need to work with cork?

Get all your cork questions answered!

Kingstowne Clothiers

Saturday, September 20, at 10:30 am, City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North Street, Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA

Brenda will be presenting Statement Sleeves....Steps from a Basic Block. How can you create more interesting garments by changing sleeves?  Join us for a review of sleeve options and how to create them from a basic sleeve block.  We will practice a few of the basic styles and look at resources available for future creations. Please bring 8x11 paper (colored and white), tape, paper scissors, ruler, and pencils to practice your skills.  

Manassas Sew 'n' Tails

Tuesday, September 23, at 1 pm, Park Place Senior Center, 9659 Manassas Drive, 4th floor Craft Room, Manassas, VA

This month Cindy Messick will present on making dog toys.  Please bring 1/2 yard of fleece or cotton t-shirt fabric cut or torn into 2-inch-wide strips the width of the fabric. 

Shenandoah Valley Girls 

Wednesday, September 24, at 10:00 am at the Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760 in Berryville. 

Beading Workshop: Explore techniques for integrating beads into textiles! This session will cover methods for securing seed beads, bugle beads, and specialty shapes using hand stitching, with attention to thread selection, tension control, and fabric compatibility. Participants will learn how to enhance garments, accessories, and fiber art with dimensional embellishments—from subtle edgework to structured motifs—while maintaining durability and design integrity.

Check out the Neighborhood Group page for details on meeting locations and contacts. 

New Neighborhood Group, the Sew and Tails, Will Be Meeting in Manassas Park!

The Wearable Arts Neighborhood Group in Manassas has transitioned to new leadership, a new name, and a new location! This group is now the Sew and Tails Group meeting in Manassas Park. Neighborhood Group Leaders are Kathy Wright and Ellen Maynard.

The inaugural meeting will be on Tuesday, August 26 from 1-3pm at the Park Place Senior Center, 9659 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park, in the 4th floor Craft Room.

This Neighborhood Group will meet the 4th Tuesday of each month at this location. The upcoming presentation will be a hands-on activity practicing easy seam finishes on a sewing machine. Bring your sewing machine, scraps of fabric, thread, and scissors.

August 2025 Sewing Meetings

Fairfax Seams So Fun 

Fairfax Seams So Fun will meet Friday, August 1, at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly, from 12:30-3:00.  

Michele Parker will present information on the Stash Hub app. This sewing organizer app catalogs fabrics, patterns, notions, and more. We'll also discuss ideas to celebrate National Sewing Month.  Of course, be sure to bring your sew and tell.

Woodbridge Sewcial Group 

The Woodbridge Sewcial Group will hold a sew-in meeting on Saturday, August 2, at 10:30 am. We will also discuss an upcycle project for fall. Cornie has suggested a vest project made from your choice of upcycle materials.  Please bring your ideas! Do you have a vest or jacket pattern you like? Bring it for a sample pattern consideration! I love my quilt jacket coat pattern! It's a super easy 4-piece pattern, easily converted to a 2-piece vest just by eliminating the sleeves.  Maudine is leaving for Kenya mid-August so bring all your pillowcase dresses to the meeting.  Thank you, Maudine!

Sterling Sew N Sews

At the Sterling Sew N Sews meeting on August 13 at 10:00 am, Sandy will lead a gentle chair yoga session—ideal for quick stretches during long sewing sessions. It's the perfect complement to creativity: stitch with less strain and sew with more comfort.

Kingstowne Clothiers

Between Pattern Con 2025 and the Taste of Retreat this month, we're taking a break. We'll have great programs starting in September that will take us through the rest of the year!

Alexandria Seamsters  

The Alexandria Seamsters will meet at the Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA, on August 18, from 7 pm to 9 pm. The program will be on sewing tote bags, tool kits, sling bags, and so on. Marjorie B and Susan L will discuss fabrics, patterns, interfacings, notions, hardware, and sources for supplies. Please bring any bags you've made to the meeting.

Springfield Sharing Threads 

We'll meet at the Springfield Governmental Center at 6140 Rolling Road on Wednesday, August 20, at 10:00 am.  Despite the recent heat, the winter holidays will be here before we know it! Let's talk about easy gift ideas!  Bring projects, patterns, resources, and your handmade treasures for inspiration.  Don’t forget your Show and Tell!

Lansdowne Woods

Lansdowne is taking the summer off.  Next meeting is in September.

Shenandoah Valley Girls 

We'll meet on Wednesday, August 27, at 10:00 am at the Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760 in Berryville. Brenda Goodwin will show how to create fabric greeting cards. Use your creativity and fabric scraps to create one-of-a-kind designs. Get ready for the holidays!

Wearable Arts Group – Looking for a Leader

The longtime Wearable Art Group is seeking new leadership—and we’d love for it to continue! Whether you keep the name or change things up, Manassas offers a vibrant community of sewers ready to connect.

What a Neighborhood Group Leader does:

• Serves as the contact for members and newcomers
• Sets the pace and tone for meetings
• Shares updates with the board and communicates chapter news

Prefer to co-lead? Even better—share the role and have built-in support!
This is a great way to contribute, build community, and enjoy the creative rewards of involvement. Ready to take the lead? Let’s keep the art (and the group) thriving.

Check out the Neighborhood Group page for details on meeting locations and contacts. 

July 2025 Sewing Meetings

Image by Spike Summers from Pixabay

Join us at any of our upcoming Neighborhood Group meetings to capitalize on our collective sewing knowledge and experience. We have a broad array of interests and fresh topics planned for July. Yum!

Fairfax Seams So Fun 

1st Friday at 12 noon, Conference room of the Ben Glass Law Firm, 3998 Fair Ridge Dr, #250, Fairfax, VA 22033

NO MEETING. Friday is Independence Day! Enjoy wearing your makes and collecting compliments! Happy Fourth of July!!!

Woodbridge Sewcial Group – 7/5, 10:30 

1st Saturday at 10:30 am, 1st United Presbyterian Church (1st Floor Fellowship Hall, entrance in back)

Program: Sew-In & Planning Meeting
Bring your sewing machine and a project to work on—July’s gathering will be a hands-on sew-in!

We’ll also:

• Plan upcoming programs through the end of 2025
• Share Chapter news and upcoming events
• Review article submission guidelines for the Fall Chapter newsletter (due August 15, 2025)

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’ve completed pillowcase dresses for Maudine’s upcoming trip to Kenya in August, she’ll be at the meeting—please bring any dresses ready for delivery.

Sterling Sew N Sews – 7/9, 10 am

2nd Wednesday at 10 am, Sterling Substation, Loudon County Sheriff’s Dept

Program: Your Best Sewing Reference 
Let’s learn from each other! Members are encouraged to share a go-to sewing reference—whether it’s a favorite book, website, YouTube series, or another trusted source. It’s a chance to build our collective knowledge and discover new resources together.

You’re also welcome to bring hand-stitching projects and join the kaffeeklatsch—an informal space for conversation, connection, and creative exchange during the meeting.

Springfield Sharing Threads – 7/16, 10 am

3rd Wednesday at 10 am, Burke Center Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke

Program: Beyond the Binding: A Deep Dive into Bias 

Think bias is just about binding? Think again. Join us as Kathy S. unpacks the full spectrum of bias—from the practical to the unexpected. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for this versatile technique and how it can elevate your sewing in surprising ways.

NOTE VENUE CHANGE FOR THIS MEETING -- Burke Center Library - 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke, VA

Alexandria Seamsters – 7/21, 7 pm 

3rd Monday at 7 pm, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA

Program: Travel-Smart Sewing

Get ready to stitch your way to smoother travels! This month, we're diving into sewing and packing tips for life on the go—with a special focus on garments that travel well, wear beautifully, and pack like a dream.

Bring along a recent make for Show & Tell—we’d love to see what you’ve been sewing! 

Kingstowne Clothiers –7/19, 10:30 am

3rd Saturday at 10:30 am, City of Fairfax Public Library, 10460 North Street, Conference Room 103, Fairfax, VA

Program: Collar Confidence: A Design Journey with Sandra
Join Sandra as she shares her hands-on journey to crafting the perfect shirt collar. Through trial, error, and lots of interfacing, she’s explored the ins and outs of collars and stands—and now she’s passing along her go-to tips, tricks, and lessons learned.

Come for the sewing wisdom, stay for the inspiration!

Lansdowne Woods

3rd Thursday at 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

NO MEETING. Lansdowne is taking the summer off.  Next meeting is in September.

Shenandoah Valley Girls – 7/23, 10 am

4th Wednesday at 10 am, Clarke County Memorial VFW Post 9760, Berryville, VA

Program: Purse Making Basics & Beyond
Ever wanted to make a purse that’s as functional as it is fabulous? Whether you're curious about construction techniques or looking to personalize your accessories, this session is for you!

We’ll cover:

• Choosing the right fabrics, hardware, and stabilizers
• Tips for creating sturdy handles and professional finishes
• A look at different styles—from totes to crossbody bags

Show-and-tell: Bring your handmade bags or ones in progress! Bring your other projects, too!

Wearable Arts Group – 7/23, 1 pm

4th Wednesday at 1 pm, 8847 Olde Mill Run, Manassas

Program: Work in Progress
A new sewing program is in the works—details are being finalized, but we’re threading the needle on something both inspiring and hands-on. Stay tuned for more information, including any supply list, soon.

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.