Hello Sewing and Fibre Arts Enthusiasts,

As we as a chapter and as a country continue to experience remote learning and interfacing, I wanted to take this time to mention a few sites and options I have come across from our sewing community suppliers, and other connected fields who are trying to satisfy a need during this challenging time.

Many of our local and national advertisers are doing Zoom or other on-line learning platforms.  So please check out any of the following websites to stay connected, learn something new and explore your creativity:

• ·         ASG at www.asg.org.  There are fabulous educational videos as well as sewing and embroidery projects, past Notions and Blog postings and an eBook on Drafting a Sloper (for everything from tops to bottoms).  Don’t forget to check out the other perks from ASG memberships.
• ·         The Quiltbug at www.quiltbug.com for various fundamental sewing or project-based classes.
• ·         The Albany Sewing Machine Center at www.sewandvacny.com for both virtual and on-line classes.
• ·         Sulky at www.sulky.com for classes and free project ideas.
• ·         Pam Damour at www.pamdamour.com for accessories, webinars, etc.  Pam has also started a newsletter entitled The Woven Thread-Decorating Diva Newsletter
• ·         Madam Sew at www.Madamsew.com for some free project ideas under their blog.
• ·         www.Blog.fabrics-store.com to read their The Thread which contains wonderful articles detailing the history of embroidery, artists engaged in 3D fabric displays, etc. 

If you find others worth sharing, please let us know.  As this list is nowhere near inclusive.

Jennifer Stern from J Stern Designs will be using her HAPPY PANTS pattern in a two-day workshop.

If you want to make a great fitting pair of fitted pants, join us!  This class is a unique combination of using body measurements and muslin fitting.  Students will have the opportunity to try on pant muslins to narrow down the best size to start with.  Then we’ll compare your body measurements to the pattern measurements to customize the length and shape of the crotch.  After the pattern pieces are adjusted, use them to sew your custom pants muslin.  We will use the muslin to fine-tune the fit of the pattern pieces.  Students leave class with a completed fit muslin and adjusted pattern pieces ready to sew with.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 and SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

10 AM – 4 PM

Baymont by Wyndham Hotel

20 Airport Park Blvd

Latham, NY  12110

 

*Member Registration fee:  $80

*Non-Member Registration fee:  $130

**Kit:  $45

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 20

Registration Deadline:  February 25, 2022

Please note! 

*You must be pre-registered to attend. Check your email for registration and payment mailing instructions or ask a member, neighborhood group member or CAB member.  

**Kit fee includes Pattern, Fit Workbook, Tracing paper and muslin. 

Attendees should bring sewing machine, basic sewing supplies, 18" ruler, scotch tape, colored pencils/markers, extension cord and power strip. 

President's Message

Greetings dear sewing ASG Albany members!

This year I am honored to serve as your president and work with our CAB. Not only that, I am very excited about our year ahead together as we find creative ways to be together as a whole and in our neighborhoods groups to share our varied passion of sewing. I invite you on this journey this year, which will again be in part, different than previous years because of the pandemic. That said, this invitation comes with the notion of change but I hope with an emphasis on “let’s have fun!”

Thank you, Sandy Ciani, for not only your leadership last year but also your friendship. Your help along with Kathy LaManna Friedman’s is readying me for this venture. And I thank you both. There are many plans in the making for this year. Neighborhood groups will be involved in planning a variety of events that will be accessible to you. I encourage you to take part in them as you are able (and I am going to say it again...have fun!!). In looking ahead, PLEASE save the date for our November 6th annual luncheon and meeting.

This past year, along with sewing other things I was able to make several quilts. Recently, my son Dan and his beautiful wife Carrie were gifted the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Quilt” featured in our December Newsletter. We delivered it (my husband Dave’s idea) in person to them in Charlotte NC (shortly after Christmas) as they had had their first child (Anderson) in early November. The look on their faces was well worth the trip!

While we were there my son said to me, “Mom why don’t you sell your quilts.” My response to him was that when I make a quilt it is a very personal and somewhat spiritual experience; this is difficult to put in words and you may (or not) understand this. When I make a quilt, it is made with love for the intended person (s). The colors, the pattern, the backing all tie into a message I want to convey to that person(s). So, no I don’t want to sell my quilts, when I make them, I want the experience to continue to be what it is from my hear to the receiver’s heart.

What about you and your sewing? Is there a story? Is there a message you want to convey? What kind of experience is it for you? As I said in my election statement message: I am interested in hearing about your sewing start. I have heard some and I continue to look forward to hearing more of them on our journey together this year! Please stay in touch and involved, and most of all stay well!

Kind regards, Stacey

Posted by Bonny D on January 19, 2021