Upcoming Meetings
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February 2023 - Alena Joling, Moleta Artisanal Sharpening
Alena Joling, from Moleta Artisanal Sharpening in Brookfield, teaches us how to take better care of our scissors. How do you tell when it’s time to get them sharpened vs when to buy a new pair? Alena exposes sharpening myths and shares what to look for in a sharpener, so you never have a pair ruined again.
Bring your scissors! Moleta Artisanal Sharpening will sharpen scissors onsite for $5/pair. Tuesday, February 14th, 2023, 7 to 9pm at Agrace 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711 * Attendees must be masked, as a courtesy to Agrace. * No Show and Tell this month |
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March 2023 - Virginia Lienhart, Sewing CoatsVirginia Lienhart, former owner of Madison small business "Gayfeather Fabrics", shares the results of her recent coat making projects, including ones with unusual fabrics, welt pockets, lined and unlined, from independent and commercial pattern companies. She will describe how she has solved problems with some and taken artistic license with others.
Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 7 to 9pm Hybrid Option: Attend in person (masked, as a courtesy to Agrace): 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711 - OR - Watch or contribute virtually using link provided in membership email |
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April 2023 - Community Sewing Project - New Month!
We'll sew fleece caps and patchwork blankets for Hope2Others. They send them to East Africa to prevent newborns dying from hypothermia.
About the project: http://www.bringinghope2others.com/giving-babies-a-warm-future/ No matter your level of sewing ability, we have work available for ALL who want to help, including guests! IF anyone has cotton, flannel,or fleece yardage or rems that they want to get rid of, we’ll take it! Fleece needs to be about 9”x14” (14” on the stretch). The flannel and cotton pieces need to be at least 6.5” square, but we’ll need 1 yard or larger cuts as well. If you have 1 yard cuts, please leave them whole as we can start with the rems for the 6.5” squares. IF you have fabric to donate to the cause, please bring it to the February or March meetings. (I need to see what we have by March in case we need to purchase anything.) if you have fabric but aren’t coming to those meetings, let me know and I can come and get it. Friday April 21st in the sewing classroom of Dale Heights Presbyterian Church (5501 University Ave, Middleton, Wi.) We’ll have two work times: 1-4pm and 6-8pm. You’re welcome to do both (those who do usually go somewhere for dinner). |
MASG Meetings may be held in the following formats:
- HYBRID OPTION MEETINGS: You are free to attend in person OR watch live from home - it's your choice, offering you connection even
when you're feeling under the weather. - VIRTUAL MEETINGS: All members and guests will watch the meeting live from home.
- IN-PERSON ONLY MEETINGS: Some presentations (such as field trips) are in-person experiences only and will not be recorded.
2022 Meeting Summaries
January 2022 - Community Sewing
Happy New Year sewing friends! Each January, the guild traditionally gathers to do a group project. Past endeavors have included bags for Days for Girls, port pillows for Carbone Cancer Center,fidget quilt bases and many more!
This year, we're sewing quilts for Project Linus. They give blankets to kids in hospital, shelters, and last fall sent 400 to Ft McCoy for refugees.
New to quilting? Don't tune out yet - This pattern is beginner-friendly! Experienced quilters of MASG are available to help! We provide all the fabric and batting you'll need!
We won’t do the actual sewing together, as was our pre-covid tradition. Instead, we'll hold a tutorial on the meeting day, which you can refer back to later, while sewing. Lorraine will demonstrate the basic instructions as well as options for patterns and finishing.
This year, we're sewing quilts for Project Linus. They give blankets to kids in hospital, shelters, and last fall sent 400 to Ft McCoy for refugees.
New to quilting? Don't tune out yet - This pattern is beginner-friendly! Experienced quilters of MASG are available to help! We provide all the fabric and batting you'll need!
We won’t do the actual sewing together, as was our pre-covid tradition. Instead, we'll hold a tutorial on the meeting day, which you can refer back to later, while sewing. Lorraine will demonstrate the basic instructions as well as options for patterns and finishing.
February 2022 - Super Show and Tell
It's an annual MASG tradition! One meeting 100% devoted to sharing creativity - it's the one thing more contagious than covid. (Not too soon for that joke, right?)
March 2022 - Laura Murray Designs
Nationally known surface design artist Laura Murray will demonstrate a variety of her techniques using paintstiks to create both subtle and dramatic effects that enhance fabric. She'll also present a slideshow of some of her inspiring original work!
Members' Show and Tell to follow.
Laura is the author of several books and designs her own stamps and stencils. See Laura's work and visit her online store at: www.lauramurraydesigns.com
Members' Show and Tell to follow.
Laura is the author of several books and designs her own stamps and stencils. See Laura's work and visit her online store at: www.lauramurraydesigns.com
April 2022 - Artist Bird Ross
Madison fiber artist Bird Ross will talk about the evolution of her art – where she draws inspiration and what it is about fabric that speaks to her as a medium. We’ll get a look at her latest art experiments and maybe even a virtual tour of her studio!
Members' Show and Tell to follow.
There are many opportunities to view Bird’s art – in fiber and other media – on her website: birdross.com
Members' Show and Tell to follow.
There are many opportunities to view Bird’s art – in fiber and other media – on her website: birdross.com
May - Afghan Sewing Room Project Presentation
Volunteers from the Afghan Sewing Room Project at Fort McCoy.
June 2022 - Tina Bury
Sewing Knit Clothing with Ease: My Best Tips for Better Sewing with Knit Fabric and Adjusting Your Fit
MASG's June program will feature sewist, maker, teacher, and workshop leader Tina Bury, who is from the Petoskey, Michigan area. Tina teaches women how to sew clothes they love so that they feel beautiful, empowered, and connected. She is a self-taught sewist who, in the process, learned to sew what she loved to wear. In her words, “And what I love to wear are knits! I'm thrilled to share that love and the knowledge I gained from years of trial and error with you.”
We all love to wear knit clothing—they aren’t called “secret pajamas” for nothing—but sewing them, well, sometimes that’s another story. Tina is dividing her presentation into two parts. In the first part, she shares her best tips for sewing with knit fabric. In the second part, she shows us real-life examples of fit issues that can occur when sewing knit clothing and how to go about fixing them.
In order to allow plenty of time for questions and discussion, this meeting will not have a Show and Tell.
Read Tina's bio here.
We all love to wear knit clothing—they aren’t called “secret pajamas” for nothing—but sewing them, well, sometimes that’s another story. Tina is dividing her presentation into two parts. In the first part, she shares her best tips for sewing with knit fabric. In the second part, she shows us real-life examples of fit issues that can occur when sewing knit clothing and how to go about fixing them.
In order to allow plenty of time for questions and discussion, this meeting will not have a Show and Tell.
Read Tina's bio here.
July 2022 - Feast and Forage
Feast & Forage is back! MASG will meet in person to feast together (finger foods only), and forage for fabric and buttons among the donations of our fellow members. Bring fabric from your stash and make room for new-to-you fabulous finds!
For the comfort and safety of everyone, those who attend are asked to wear a mask while they’re in the building. Our meeting room will be set up to allow for social distancing.
Together at last!
Tuesday, July 12th, 2022, 7 to 9pm*
*In-person meeting with hybrid opportunities. Internet connection permitting (this is our first meeting back at Agrace in a LONG time!) we will have a room camera going and microphone to share announcements. Recorded meeting announcements to be posted after the meeting on the Recorded Meetings Page.
For the comfort and safety of everyone, those who attend are asked to wear a mask while they’re in the building. Our meeting room will be set up to allow for social distancing.
Together at last!
Tuesday, July 12th, 2022, 7 to 9pm*
*In-person meeting with hybrid opportunities. Internet connection permitting (this is our first meeting back at Agrace in a LONG time!) we will have a room camera going and microphone to share announcements. Recorded meeting announcements to be posted after the meeting on the Recorded Meetings Page.
August 2022 - Pressing with Trish
It's a pressing subject!
Trish Pulvermacher will be giving tips on the importance of pressing as you sew giving your garment a professional look upon completion. Tools will be discussed and demonstrated on garment components. She'll also talk briefly about her iron that she loves!
In addition, we will have time for show and tell, our first in-person show and tell in years! So bring your favorite projects. We will also have a display of the quilts that everyone has sewn for Project Linus. With good luck with he weather we can hang them on the terrace at Agrace.
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022, 7 to 9pm*
*In-person meeting (with hybrid opportunities.)
September 2022 - Field Trip to Bra Builders
Field Trip to Bra Builders in Baraboo, with a tour from owner Sue Folts. MASG members have long requested a bra-making program, so here it is!
However, Bra Builders offers much more: patterns and fabrics for pajamas and loungewear for small children, young people, and men as well as for women. They also provide supplies and patterns for those who may have disabilities or have special needs, all of which Sue will describe during our field trip.
Bra Builders can supply fabrics and findings, all in the latest colors and styles. It is really wonderful to welcome a sewing-related business to our area, and to have a source for these items close by!
However, Bra Builders offers much more: patterns and fabrics for pajamas and loungewear for small children, young people, and men as well as for women. They also provide supplies and patterns for those who may have disabilities or have special needs, all of which Sue will describe during our field trip.
Bra Builders can supply fabrics and findings, all in the latest colors and styles. It is really wonderful to welcome a sewing-related business to our area, and to have a source for these items close by!
October 2022 - Threads of Awakening
Leslie stops by our group while on a book tour. She's one of very few trained by monks in this sacred handcraft.
https://threadsofawakening.com/
https://threadsofawakening.com/
November 2022 - Presentation by Lorraine
Working in a Series, Plus Show and Tell time!
December 2022 - Holiday Party
We’ll have an optional gift exchange. It won’t have a theme exactly, but it does have some parameters. Everyone who wants to participate should bring one item from the following categories:
This won’t be like some White Elephant “gift” exchanges, where the gag is to wrap an unwanted cast-off to gift away. Whether you buy something or bring an item from your own stash or book shelf, we hope you’ll exchange something you think your fellow sewists will be glad to have!
All the gifts should be anonymous and wrapped in a way that keeps the contents a mystery. If you bring a gift you take a gift.
We’ll also have a potluck but once again are limiting items to finger foods and beverages only. Agrace requires that we all wear a mask the whole time, except when we’re eating. Please bring an appetizer, snack or sweet treat or beverage. We always have a lovely variety!
There will be time for Show & Tell and plenty of time to relax and visit together too.
As you begin to get ready for the holidays we hope you’ll all put our MASG holiday party on your calendars - 6:30pm on December 13. And start thinking of a gift you’d like to share with your sewing friends. We hope everyone participates!
- An inexpensive sewing notion or tool
- A single piece of fabric, a book or other cool thing from your own stash.
- Or even just a helpful sewing tip to share: Write up a neat way to hem unruly fabric, or fool-proof way to sew bias cut fabric or any other sewing secret you’ve discovered. Or share an idea for a quick gift to make
This won’t be like some White Elephant “gift” exchanges, where the gag is to wrap an unwanted cast-off to gift away. Whether you buy something or bring an item from your own stash or book shelf, we hope you’ll exchange something you think your fellow sewists will be glad to have!
All the gifts should be anonymous and wrapped in a way that keeps the contents a mystery. If you bring a gift you take a gift.
We’ll also have a potluck but once again are limiting items to finger foods and beverages only. Agrace requires that we all wear a mask the whole time, except when we’re eating. Please bring an appetizer, snack or sweet treat or beverage. We always have a lovely variety!
There will be time for Show & Tell and plenty of time to relax and visit together too.
As you begin to get ready for the holidays we hope you’ll all put our MASG holiday party on your calendars - 6:30pm on December 13. And start thinking of a gift you’d like to share with your sewing friends. We hope everyone participates!
2023 Meeting Summaries
January 2023 - Super Show and Tell
Happy New Year, MASG! New year, new projects... show us yours!
Tuesday, January 10th, 7 to 9pm
Tuesday, January 10th, 7 to 9pm
