Upcoming Meetings
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!
Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, 6:30pm to 9pm
Hybrid Option: Pop in virtually using link provided in membership email
Or, attend in person (masked, as a courtesy to Agrace): 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711
- 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!
Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, 6:30pm to 9pm
Hybrid Option: Pop in virtually using link provided in membership email
Or, attend in person (masked, as a courtesy to Agrace): 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711
MASG Meetings may be held in the following formats:
- HYBRID CHOICE 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.
2021 Meeting Summaries
January 2021 - Community Sewing Connections
MASG members are a generous bunch! We will exchange information on great groups to help using our sewing talents, as well as hear from group coordinators. Is there a certain group close to your heart? Could you help share opportunities that you know about? Head to our sign up page to share the details. Show and tell can also be submitted on the same page.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2021, 7pm on Zoom
Tuesday, January 12th, 2021, 7pm on Zoom
February 2021 - Super Show and Tell
An entire meeting dedicated to what YOU have made! Share it all... quilts... garments... niche pet costumes... if it was made with needle and thread, you should share it with us! We love to hear the stories behind the project, too!
This meeting will require some organization, so be sure to send in those pictures ahead of time on our Super Show and Tell sign up.
This meeting will require some organization, so be sure to send in those pictures ahead of time on our Super Show and Tell sign up.
March 2021 - Nancy Nix-Rice, Optimal Prints for Your Wardrobe
An excess of print garments (a frequent situation among sewing enthusiasts) almost guarantees a closet full of “nothing to wear”. But a GREAT print can be the inspiration piece for a coordinated – and flattering – capsule wardrobe. Nancy’s “points of connection” concept will empower you to buy and sew only prints that showcase your unique personal characteristics – color temperature, value, and contrast, body scale, facial structure, fashion personality, textural elements and more. A 12-point checklist guarantees you’ll wear only RIGHT prints, rather than letting wrong prints wear YOU.
This month, YOU are the show and tell! Following her presentation, attendees will have a unique opportunity to obtain Nancy's feedback on fabrics they now own. To participate, select one or more print fabrics from your stash on which you'd like Nancy to provide feedback.
This month, YOU are the show and tell! Following her presentation, attendees will have a unique opportunity to obtain Nancy's feedback on fabrics they now own. To participate, select one or more print fabrics from your stash on which you'd like Nancy to provide feedback.
April 2021 - Crock Pots and Cutting-Edge Patterns
Annette Bollig will present on her sweater project (shown and discussed briefly at MASG's February 2021 Super Show and Tell); she will emphasize the dyeing techniques she used to reach her beautiful result. Who knew that a common kitchen appliance was key to a rainbow of possibilities?!
Jacqui Mendez-Johnson will present on her experience with indie pattern companies, including downloading patterns, experience with issues such as where she's found good patterns, and how to expand one's repertoire of pattern sources without too many "fails." Jacqui also does garment testing for indie companies. We've all been drooling over her sewing room via Zoom, so we're very excited for Jacqui's debut as a speaker for MASG!
Jacqui Mendez-Johnson will present on her experience with indie pattern companies, including downloading patterns, experience with issues such as where she's found good patterns, and how to expand one's repertoire of pattern sources without too many "fails." Jacqui also does garment testing for indie companies. We've all been drooling over her sewing room via Zoom, so we're very excited for Jacqui's debut as a speaker for MASG!
May 2021 - Heidi Parkes, Yoga for Sewists
Hand quilter and yoga instructor Heidi Parkes will lead us in a yoga session for our necks and shoulders. She'll focus on helping us "unhunch our shoulders and relax our necks" - those common sore, stressed areas for sewists. Log into this meeting ready to participate! Participants should "be seated, ideally in a chair with a back and without arms, with enough space to fully move their arms around while seated."
Visit https://www.heidiparkes.com/ for information on Heidi's yoga sessions.
Visit https://www.heidiparkes.com/ for information on Heidi's yoga sessions.
June - Favorite Tips and Tools
Share the things you love this summer... tell us about YOUR favorite tips and tools!
June's meeting is dedicated to recognizing the tips and tools that have served you well through your sewing journey. Before a friend has to reinvent the wheel, let them in on your secret!
What would you tell beginning sewists? What would you tell YOURSELF if you could go back in time?! Have any favorite places to find deals, inspiration, and answers??
Is there that ONE tool that you refuse to do without? How about a tool that everyone loves but you can easily skip (or replace it with something better?!) Which tool on your table gets the most use? Where did you get it from?
If a picture describes your tips or tools better, queue that up!
June's meeting is dedicated to recognizing the tips and tools that have served you well through your sewing journey. Before a friend has to reinvent the wheel, let them in on your secret!
What would you tell beginning sewists? What would you tell YOURSELF if you could go back in time?! Have any favorite places to find deals, inspiration, and answers??
Is there that ONE tool that you refuse to do without? How about a tool that everyone loves but you can easily skip (or replace it with something better?!) Which tool on your table gets the most use? Where did you get it from?
If a picture describes your tips or tools better, queue that up!
July 2021 - Marla Kazell, It's All In The Details
Marla Kazell has been sewing professionally for 30 years and creates beautiful couture garments in her custom clothing studio in Tigard, Oregon. (This is a 90 minute program so no Show and Tell.)
https://www.facebook.com/Marla-Kazell-Custom-Clothing-291960364629446/
http://www.marlakazell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Marla-Kazell-Custom-Clothing-291960364629446/
http://www.marlakazell.com/
August 2021 - Fabric Sale!
The long awaited Fabric Sale will take the place of our August Program.
Join the Guild in a summer Feast and Forage (emphasis on forage) to shop the gift of fabric MASG received last Thanksgiving. A short business meeting will start at 11:00am with shopping to commence shortly thereafter. The sale is open to Guild members ONLY from 11:00am to 1:00pm. After 1:00pm, the sale is open to the public until 4:00pm when the sale ends.
If by some fluke of nature you might have an excess of fabric (although I can't believe anyone in the Guild might have any excess fabric!) and if you wish to clear out some of your own personal stash, we are accepting fabric donations to the Guild. We ask that you tag your donation with the following: length of fabric and fiber content (if known).
Mask wearing will be expected. Cash and credit cards accepted.
Join the Guild in a summer Feast and Forage (emphasis on forage) to shop the gift of fabric MASG received last Thanksgiving. A short business meeting will start at 11:00am with shopping to commence shortly thereafter. The sale is open to Guild members ONLY from 11:00am to 1:00pm. After 1:00pm, the sale is open to the public until 4:00pm when the sale ends.
If by some fluke of nature you might have an excess of fabric (although I can't believe anyone in the Guild might have any excess fabric!) and if you wish to clear out some of your own personal stash, we are accepting fabric donations to the Guild. We ask that you tag your donation with the following: length of fabric and fiber content (if known).
Mask wearing will be expected. Cash and credit cards accepted.
September 2021 - Mary Mulari
In a sudden opportunity, we have the chance to bring in an additional National Speaker! Mary Mulari is a prolific sewist, quilter, and publisher of books and patterns. She has been on Sewing With Nancy more times than any other guest and has endless passion for teaching.
Recycle, Repurpose, and Restyle with Mary Mulari
Join Mary in her “Sewing Parlour” (aka Sewing Room) at home to collect ideas for using Grandma’s doilies and hankies and learn how to recycle household textiles and vintage linens. Remake tablecloths and scarves to create contemporary heirlooms and useful accessories. Turn the family’s T-shirt stash into unique tunics and clever projects. You can downsize your collections as you create special gifts with priceless memories attached.
If you need some inspiration for fall and holiday sewing, make sure you join this Zoom seminar hosted by the Madison ASG chapter. You’ll receive a free project handout and have a chance to ask questions during the seminar.
Recycle, Repurpose, and Restyle with Mary Mulari
Join Mary in her “Sewing Parlour” (aka Sewing Room) at home to collect ideas for using Grandma’s doilies and hankies and learn how to recycle household textiles and vintage linens. Remake tablecloths and scarves to create contemporary heirlooms and useful accessories. Turn the family’s T-shirt stash into unique tunics and clever projects. You can downsize your collections as you create special gifts with priceless memories attached.
If you need some inspiration for fall and holiday sewing, make sure you join this Zoom seminar hosted by the Madison ASG chapter. You’ll receive a free project handout and have a chance to ask questions during the seminar.
October 2021 - President's Challenge
Sweep the floors, cue the lights... you're hitting (your homemade) runway tonight! President Lorraine threw down the gauntlet at our August meeting/fabric sale... will you accept the challenge??
Re-imagine one of her lovely muslins - literally, put YOUR stamp on it! Dye it, paint it, cut it up, pair it with complimentary fabrics, bedazzle it, and button, zip, or wrap it up... the possibilities are endless.
Re-imagine one of her lovely muslins - literally, put YOUR stamp on it! Dye it, paint it, cut it up, pair it with complimentary fabrics, bedazzle it, and button, zip, or wrap it up... the possibilities are endless.
November 2021 - Tour of the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection
MASG members are going on a field trip! We're meeting in-person to view this collection firsthand.
The archival facility housing the collection is probably the safest place on campus! Their HVAC system was in place long before the pandemic and it circulates and filters the air to keep their valuable textiles safe from molds and moisture.
The archive closes two hours before our tour, so the staff will have plenty of time to clean surfaces before our we arrive. Also, we can park directly below the facility and take the elevator up, limiting our contact with Univeristy-goers.
The Dane County mask mandate applies to this facility, and the HLATC asks that we wear masks during our visit, just like their staff. Being mindful of the current COVID risks, we ask that attendees are vaccinated.
The archival facility housing the collection is probably the safest place on campus! Their HVAC system was in place long before the pandemic and it circulates and filters the air to keep their valuable textiles safe from molds and moisture.
The archive closes two hours before our tour, so the staff will have plenty of time to clean surfaces before our we arrive. Also, we can park directly below the facility and take the elevator up, limiting our contact with Univeristy-goers.
The Dane County mask mandate applies to this facility, and the HLATC asks that we wear masks during our visit, just like their staff. Being mindful of the current COVID risks, we ask that attendees are vaccinated.
December 2021 - Holiday Party!
The annual Holiday Party will be held on Zoom again this year. We will begin with election announcements for Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) positions and then begin the holiday fun! More details to come.
Quick - take pictures of those gifts before you wrap them! We bet you're sewing something right now, so share it with us during Show and Tell. It's been a hot minute since we've had Show and Tell... and we've got some catching up to do!!
Quick - take pictures of those gifts before you wrap them! We bet you're sewing something right now, so share it with us during Show and Tell. It's been a hot minute since we've had Show and Tell... and we've got some catching up to do!!
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!
