Saturday, October 31, 2020

Election and Annual Meeting

It is that time of year again, the leaves are falling and we have to turn the heat on so it must mean it is time for the November Annual Meeting of the Albany Chapter American Sewing Guild! By now, you have received the Sew You Know Newsletter vol. 23, issue 5 that contains on page 5 the Ballot for the three elected positions of President-Running Candidate Stacey D, Secretary-Running Candidate Learay S, and Treasurer-Running Candidate and currently seated Shawn Palleschi. Please mark your ballots and return them to Pat H. by November 4. See below if you want to learn more about these wonderful volunteers! 


On Saturday, November 7 beginning at 11AM we will have a Zoom Meeting in place of our customary gathering. Things look a lot different this year, so unfortunately we cannot meet in person and share a meal together and ooh and ahh over our members lovely creations. In order to join, you will need the connection information, this will be sent in an email, please keep an eye out for it, you can contact me if you have any questions. Reminder, you don't need a computer to join this meeting, if you have a phone that connects to wifi or the internet, or a tablet or ipad, you can join in. 



Greetings fellow sewing enthusiasts. My name is Stacey D. I have been a sewing enthusiast since I was 13 years old and learned how to sew in my Home and Careers class. Ever since then, including my college days, my sewing machine has traveled with me. What’s your sewing start? Sewing, is one of my heartfelt passions, and I look forward to sharing it with you in the many ways our chapter has to offer. One of the aspects of sewing that I have learned over the years is how much more there is to learn about sewing and the skills of so many talent- ed sewers out there. “Sew,” about me! I am a retired career educator and my love of teaching and learning will help me share that passion with others. I am a proud member of the Albany Chapter where I currently serve as the Education Chair. I am also the Co- Leader (along with Carole Martin) of the newly formed Fonda Neighborhood Group. My goal in sewing, which is well articulated by our National ASG: is to ensure we are “advancing sewing as an art and life skill.” I look forward to the opportunity to sew and collaborate with you! 

Learay S - Sewing and creativity have been part of my entire life. Growing up my mother used to sew some of my clothes, but the special ones were always for my birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. I would also receive craft kits for Christmas and I was always encouraged to cre- ate something. I took sewing for the three years in junior high (yes it was called that) and made my mom a vest of turquoise with a gold lining. I was so proud of myself. For high school gradu- ation I received a Singer sewing machine, top of the line at the time. I have degrees in Mathematics and Physics, and Health Physics (think radiation protection). After getting married and having children, most of the things I sewed were curtains and Hallow- een costumes. It is amazing how ingenious you can get when they want something that’s not a pattern. I believe my educational background has only enhanced my creative background. My son and daughter both do some of their own sewing and craft work, so it is great to pass that creative side on to the next generation. When we moved to NY I met Nancy Kmen in Saratoga Springs. She recommended I join the ASG. I have been a mem- ber since about 1999. I learned a lot through the NG so when the Albany Chapter was looking to start another group, I figured it was my time to give back. I have been co-leader of the Latham neighborhood group with Juanita Brown for about 3 years. 

Hi, I'm Shawn P, I am running to be your treasurer. I am retired from the hospitality industry. I am a wife, and mother of three adult children, I have a cat and a dog, and I love to cook and sew. My mother taught me to sew while I was in grade school, and fell in love with it in middle school when I realized I could make my own clothes and not wear my sister's hand-me- downs. My children, niece and nephew have never worn store bought Halloween costumes, I love to be creative. I became an ASG member in 2019 and was immediately asked if I’d like to run for the Treasurer’s position, and then I recruited my sister-in-law to join the Chapter. I am looking forward to getting back to meetings and seeing everyone.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Breaking News!

Something REALLY fun is happening in the sewing community. If you ever wanted to learn how to sew bra's, now is your chance. If you ever wanted to learn special techniques in bra sewing, now is your chance. Want to learn from amazing teachers? Learn at your own pace? Check out the Great Bra Sewing Bee. It is four days of virtual sewing bra bliss!

Neither our Chapter or me personally have been or will be compensated for this post. 
by Bonny D 6/16/2020

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP MEETINGS (in person and face to face) UP UNTIL APRIL 15, 2020 ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

The Governor's 10 point plan has been extended.  

This may be the time to get creative to find ways to socialize. Have you heard of ZOOM? It is a free service that allows people to SEE each other and HEAR each other from the comfort of home using their own computer. Perhaps you can have a Zoom based Neighborhood group meeting? Contact your Neighborhood Group leader if you are interested.

Meanwhile, as we are home and our toilet paper supply is dwindling, now is the time to think about our good fortunes. And what better time is there to sew for others? How about some charity sewing? Perhaps a quilt for the shelters? Or face masks for a local organization (or for yourself) that wants them? Check out these sites for some ideas: Good Housekeeping, Sarahmaker.com, or CraftPassion.com. UPDATE: check this one out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnVk12sFRkY, or this pattern, or this one by MarfyOr, now would be a good time to take out those long forgotten kits, dusty from the lack of sunshine to  keep yourself busy. I started up my Amy Butler, Campers kit I bought ages ago. My first block turned out pretty nice! Don't mind my lopsided un-cropped picture below.

Whatever you are doing, just stay healthy!
-Bonny

Friday, February 21, 2020

Have you seen the ASG.ORG page lately? Take a stroll over there and see information regarding the next ASG annual Conference in Texas! Everything is bigger and better there! Bigger embroidery machines? SURE!  ASG membership benefits will also give you fun opportunities to save BIG on items we know all ASG members are looking for. Traveling? Why there is also a Chapter Locator for you to check out the nearest group that meets-well practically everywhere in the USA. Need to learn a new sewing trick? ASG members that sign in can go straight to the ASG Online! Videos & Projects page to learn mitered corners, pattern alterations, other sewing techniques. Just Ask Ramona has tips on setting sleeves! The Sew Along Series works on a project together at your own pace. These are VIDEOs!! You can start and stop at the touch of your mouse. There is so much information here, expect to spend some time!  Enjoy these benefits, you pay for them with your membership!