Past Meetings
2013
August – Meeting at Brooks Tractor
Megan, owner of Madison area based The Fabric Fairy is going to talk to us about “what it takes to run an on-line fabric store”. Lorel Maple and Mary Moran are talking about the Color Wheel, to make you mindful of why you chose colors and how to put them together. They will be introducing the “pillow challenge”. If you have excess fabric, notions or patterns to swap, please feel free to bring them to share with your fellow MASG members.
September - Meeting at Agrace
September is National Sewing Month and we’re celebrating with a great program
1. Trunk Show – by Virginia Lienhard, owner of Gayfeather, Madison’s unique independent fabric store
2. Using StyleArc Patterns: “Fitting the not-so-perfect Body” by Sally Peterson and Jane Miller.
As always we’ll have “Sew and Tell”, so bring your favorite creation (and the pattern) to share with the group.
October – Meeting at the Sewcial Lounge
1. Ready-to-Wear Fitting and Alterations by Denise and Trish. Bring or wear your ready-to-wear or hand-sewn garment and Denise or Trish will help you alter it for the perfect fit.
2. Review of plan for Oct. 26 Fabric Sale
3. Plan for sewing items (from prom/bridesmaid dresses) for Dec. 1 Local Products Fair at the UW Arboretum.
4. Sew/Show and Tell – bring any items you’ve sewn in the past month.
October - Workshop: Upcycling Prom/Bridal Dresses
We’re busy upcycling dozens of rejected prom and bridal dresses so they stay out of the landfill. By making craft items for the upcoming UW Arboretum Local Products Fair, we are benefiting the environment and building the coffers of MASG. To build our stores of items for the fair, we are holding 5 group sewing events. Come join the fun.
October - Huge Fabric and Notions Sale
We are holding a fabric and notions sale. The sale items are from the stash of a woman who died in June and her family made the donation to MASG. All profits from the sale will be donated to The Sewing Machine Project. There are lots of great bargains – fabric is $1-2 per yard, lots of vintage buttons, $.25 patterns and more.
Megan, owner of Madison area based The Fabric Fairy is going to talk to us about “what it takes to run an on-line fabric store”. Lorel Maple and Mary Moran are talking about the Color Wheel, to make you mindful of why you chose colors and how to put them together. They will be introducing the “pillow challenge”. If you have excess fabric, notions or patterns to swap, please feel free to bring them to share with your fellow MASG members.
September - Meeting at Agrace
September is National Sewing Month and we’re celebrating with a great program
1. Trunk Show – by Virginia Lienhard, owner of Gayfeather, Madison’s unique independent fabric store
2. Using StyleArc Patterns: “Fitting the not-so-perfect Body” by Sally Peterson and Jane Miller.
As always we’ll have “Sew and Tell”, so bring your favorite creation (and the pattern) to share with the group.
October – Meeting at the Sewcial Lounge
1. Ready-to-Wear Fitting and Alterations by Denise and Trish. Bring or wear your ready-to-wear or hand-sewn garment and Denise or Trish will help you alter it for the perfect fit.
2. Review of plan for Oct. 26 Fabric Sale
3. Plan for sewing items (from prom/bridesmaid dresses) for Dec. 1 Local Products Fair at the UW Arboretum.
4. Sew/Show and Tell – bring any items you’ve sewn in the past month.
October - Workshop: Upcycling Prom/Bridal Dresses
We’re busy upcycling dozens of rejected prom and bridal dresses so they stay out of the landfill. By making craft items for the upcoming UW Arboretum Local Products Fair, we are benefiting the environment and building the coffers of MASG. To build our stores of items for the fair, we are holding 5 group sewing events. Come join the fun.
October - Huge Fabric and Notions Sale
We are holding a fabric and notions sale. The sale items are from the stash of a woman who died in June and her family made the donation to MASG. All profits from the sale will be donated to The Sewing Machine Project. There are lots of great bargains – fabric is $1-2 per yard, lots of vintage buttons, $.25 patterns and more.
2014
January - Charity Sew "Days for Girls", at Dale Heights Presbyterian
February - Best Cleaners at Best Cleaners on Raymond Rd, and Eco Friendly Fabric with Denise
March - Memory Stitching with Leslee, at Electric Needle
April - Nice Fit System with Nancy, at the Fitchburg Library
May - Bra Making with Andrea, at Agrace
June - Picnic at Lorel's home
July - Scarf Dying with Mary Jo, at Dale Heights
August - Button Making with Lou, at Agrace
September - Super Show and Tell with projects presented by Guild members at Agrace
October - Fabric Identification with Denise, at Dale Heights
November Meeting – The Sewing Machine Project, at Lake Edge Lutheran Church
Margaret will be updating us on the activities of the Sewing Machine Project and we will get a chance to see their workroom. Their goal is to mend communities, one sewing machine at a time and they have been doing so since 2005.
December - Holiday Party at Agrace
Celebrating the holiday season, sewing style! Members are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert (whatever you’d like). We will be having a year in review, a peek at next year’s programs and DOOR Prizes. Let’s have fun getting together with fellow sewing enthusiasts.
February - Best Cleaners at Best Cleaners on Raymond Rd, and Eco Friendly Fabric with Denise
March - Memory Stitching with Leslee, at Electric Needle
April - Nice Fit System with Nancy, at the Fitchburg Library
May - Bra Making with Andrea, at Agrace
June - Picnic at Lorel's home
July - Scarf Dying with Mary Jo, at Dale Heights
August - Button Making with Lou, at Agrace
September - Super Show and Tell with projects presented by Guild members at Agrace
October - Fabric Identification with Denise, at Dale Heights
November Meeting – The Sewing Machine Project, at Lake Edge Lutheran Church
Margaret will be updating us on the activities of the Sewing Machine Project and we will get a chance to see their workroom. Their goal is to mend communities, one sewing machine at a time and they have been doing so since 2005.
December - Holiday Party at Agrace
Celebrating the holiday season, sewing style! Members are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert (whatever you’d like). We will be having a year in review, a peek at next year’s programs and DOOR Prizes. Let’s have fun getting together with fellow sewing enthusiasts.
2015
January - Charity Sew: St. Mary's Bags and Pillow Cases, at Dale Heights.
February - "Bright Ideas for Sewing" with Lorraine Torrence Designs, at Agrace.
National presenter and Guild member Lorraine Torrence will offer this workshop on embellishment techniques for garments, totes and other sewn items. Techniques include covered buttons, bias and straight of grain tapes and threadwork. Participants will have an opportunity to try out each technique (with materials provided).
March - "Overwhelmed to Organized" by Jill Annis, at the Fitchburg Library.
Just in time for Spring! The Madison Area Sewing Guild’s March meeting features professional organizer Jill Annis, you’ve seen her column in the Wisconsin State Journal. Jill presents Overwhelmed to Organized: Simply Organized 4 “S” System to Organize Any Area.
Get started on your organizing project (stop feeling paralyzed), make good decisions about what to keep and what to toss and establish systems and habit to maintain your organization. These tips can be used for any space, plus Jill will offer ideas specifically for sewing spaces.
April - "My Travels with Fabric" by Peggy Lahti, at Agrace.
Peggy Lahti, sewer and crafter, shares her collection of fabrics from around the world, including Indonesian batiks and weavings, Pakistani (Sindh) fabrics and African tie dye and resists from Ghana and Nigeria. For show and tell, please bring a unique (possibly international) piece of fabric from your stash to share.
May - Schoolhouse Session at the Fitchburg Library. Presenters included: Carrie, Deana, Kathy, Susan, Nancy, Judy, and Diane.
June - Up-Cycle Denim Jeans with MaryJo, Carrie, Linda, and Denise, at Dale Heights.
Upcycle with us! Have fun creating with recycled jeans. Choose from one of two projects, a denim clutch bag or a denim cuffed basket, plus an additional surprise project. Make one, two or all three.
July - Serging with Rose Mary, at Quintessential Quilts.
Check out the new space, new fabric and shopping. Quintessential Quilts has doubled their space, added a new classroom, more teachers and fabric including speciality fabrics. Rose Mary will demo the many uses of a serger and we may even take a peek at what is new in embroidery.
August - Quilts of Valor with Vicki, at Agrace.
Vicki will share the story of Quilts of Valor. Since 2003, the mission of Quilts of Valor is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts . The Foundation is run entirely by volunteers and there are many ways to help. Vicki organizes a group of quilters in Southern Wisconsin to participate in the effort.
September - Super Show and Tell by the Guild members, at Agrace.
This is your opportunity to bring in some of our recent favorite creations, whether it is garments, quilts, bags or whatever. As in the past we will email a simple form for contributors so we can gather information in a super handout about patterns, fabrics,
construction, tips and likes and dislikes. This is always one of our most popular programs.
October - Three-Day Extravaganza with Sandra Betzina
November - 25 Quick Holiday Gifts with Denise, plus annual elections, at Agrace.
Gift giving time of the year is upon us and these Quick Sewing Projects may be just what you are looking for. Denise will present over 25 items that you can make in a short period of time. Some practical, some useful and others just fun to make. Come and check it out to make gift giving easy this year.
December - Holiday Party with pincushion exchange and year in review, Agrace Dining Room.
Join us for our annual holiday gathering. We will enjoy an evening of fellowship and this year we are having a pincushion exchange. If you wish to participate, please bring an unwrapped pin cushion.
February - "Bright Ideas for Sewing" with Lorraine Torrence Designs, at Agrace.
National presenter and Guild member Lorraine Torrence will offer this workshop on embellishment techniques for garments, totes and other sewn items. Techniques include covered buttons, bias and straight of grain tapes and threadwork. Participants will have an opportunity to try out each technique (with materials provided).
March - "Overwhelmed to Organized" by Jill Annis, at the Fitchburg Library.
Just in time for Spring! The Madison Area Sewing Guild’s March meeting features professional organizer Jill Annis, you’ve seen her column in the Wisconsin State Journal. Jill presents Overwhelmed to Organized: Simply Organized 4 “S” System to Organize Any Area.
Get started on your organizing project (stop feeling paralyzed), make good decisions about what to keep and what to toss and establish systems and habit to maintain your organization. These tips can be used for any space, plus Jill will offer ideas specifically for sewing spaces.
April - "My Travels with Fabric" by Peggy Lahti, at Agrace.
Peggy Lahti, sewer and crafter, shares her collection of fabrics from around the world, including Indonesian batiks and weavings, Pakistani (Sindh) fabrics and African tie dye and resists from Ghana and Nigeria. For show and tell, please bring a unique (possibly international) piece of fabric from your stash to share.
May - Schoolhouse Session at the Fitchburg Library. Presenters included: Carrie, Deana, Kathy, Susan, Nancy, Judy, and Diane.
June - Up-Cycle Denim Jeans with MaryJo, Carrie, Linda, and Denise, at Dale Heights.
Upcycle with us! Have fun creating with recycled jeans. Choose from one of two projects, a denim clutch bag or a denim cuffed basket, plus an additional surprise project. Make one, two or all three.
July - Serging with Rose Mary, at Quintessential Quilts.
Check out the new space, new fabric and shopping. Quintessential Quilts has doubled their space, added a new classroom, more teachers and fabric including speciality fabrics. Rose Mary will demo the many uses of a serger and we may even take a peek at what is new in embroidery.
August - Quilts of Valor with Vicki, at Agrace.
Vicki will share the story of Quilts of Valor. Since 2003, the mission of Quilts of Valor is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts . The Foundation is run entirely by volunteers and there are many ways to help. Vicki organizes a group of quilters in Southern Wisconsin to participate in the effort.
September - Super Show and Tell by the Guild members, at Agrace.
This is your opportunity to bring in some of our recent favorite creations, whether it is garments, quilts, bags or whatever. As in the past we will email a simple form for contributors so we can gather information in a super handout about patterns, fabrics,
construction, tips and likes and dislikes. This is always one of our most popular programs.
October - Three-Day Extravaganza with Sandra Betzina
November - 25 Quick Holiday Gifts with Denise, plus annual elections, at Agrace.
Gift giving time of the year is upon us and these Quick Sewing Projects may be just what you are looking for. Denise will present over 25 items that you can make in a short period of time. Some practical, some useful and others just fun to make. Come and check it out to make gift giving easy this year.
December - Holiday Party with pincushion exchange and year in review, Agrace Dining Room.
Join us for our annual holiday gathering. We will enjoy an evening of fellowship and this year we are having a pincushion exchange. If you wish to participate, please bring an unwrapped pin cushion.
2016
December 2016 - Holiday Party - This is the perfect ending to a perfectly wonderful year. We will be sharing food, friendship and an evening of fun. Members are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert– whatever you’d like. This year we are asking each attendee to bring a potholder of his/her own making for a Mystery Potholder Swap.
November 2016 - Holiday Gift Ideas - The topic is “Gift-O-Rama” and YOU will be the stars. Think about sharing a quick-to-sew and nifty holiday craft with the group that evening.
October 2016 - Pamela Leggett Educational Event and Workshop - Our "Fabric Know-How Walk Through" at Gayfeather Fabrics will take the place of our regularly scheduled meeting. Pamela will guide us through the fabrics of the store and give her insights into applications of various types. The fun continues on Thursday and Friday with a hands-on workshop and full day seminar!
September 2016 - Super Show and Tell - An entire meeting to share the beautiful projects our members have been busy making! Bring your item, share your pattern, and tell us the story behind it all. We love to see the wide variety of items, techniques, and styles of our members. No matter your level of experience, there's always something to learn and share.
August 2016 - APT Costume Tour - Join us in Spring Green, WI at American Players Theater for a behind the scenes tour of their costume department! Before the tour we will gather for a (bring-your-own) picnic lunch.
July 2016 - Discharge Dyeing - Please note this month's meeting has a different time and location due to the space and facilities needed to complete the dyeing workshop. Pre-registration is also required to save your spot. Members are asked for a $10 refundable deposit. If space allows, non-members may be allowed and will need to pay the $12 materials fee.
June 2016 - Patterns from RTW Garments - Let those favorite department store pieces in your wardrobe inspire your own made-at-home creations! Melinda will teach us how to pull a pattern off a ready-to-wear garment without taking it apart. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to copy a favorite piece that you know fits and flatters you.
May 2016 - Schoolhouse Session - Our members are an invaluable resource of experience and talent! In this month’s meeting, we will be learning from each others special skills. Choose to attend a variety of brief how-to’s covering a range of sewing topics!
April 2016 - Upcycle, Repurpose, Remake, and "Can this be saved?" - Upcycling and repurposing is becoming a fine art. –Members will bring items to share that they have reworked or completely reimagined. Lorraine will also share a slideshow of before and after pictures from her repurposing classes and workshops. Also, do you have a garment (or an Unfinished Fabric Object - “UFO”) that needs some help to make it truly wearable and flattering? –Why didn’t that pattern work out? –Bring those garments along as well and get help from the group on how to tweak the style or fit to turn them in to favorites.
March 2016 - Dyeing with Natural Materials - Our speaker Stacy Levin from EarthSilks shares her experience dyeing with "plants, flowers, spices and the earth”. And of course —don’t forget your show and tell!
February 2016 - Super Show and Tell - By popular demand we are adding a “Super show and tell” early in 2016. This is an opportunity for all of us to bring some of our recent favorite creations, whether it is garments, quilts, bags or whatever. As in the past we will email a simple form for contributors so we can gather information in a super handout about patterns, fabrics, construction, tips and likes and dislikes. This is always one of our most popular programs. Don’t miss it!
January 2016 - Charity Sew -
When: Tuesday, January 12th –Double Session:
Afternoon session: 1pm – 5pm
[Members break for supper at The Great Dane Pub at Hilldale ~5-7pm]
Evening session: 7pm-9pm
Where: Dale Heights Presbyterian Church 5501 University Avenue
What: We are making colorful cotton pillowcases to cheer young patients at the American Family Children’s Hospital. –Whether you can make it for an hour or 2 or stay all day, join us to stitch up these well-loved pillowcases. (Or come help cut, press, or organize.) –Tools
and material provided. This event is known to be a relaxed fun way of doing something good together.
November 2016 - Holiday Gift Ideas - The topic is “Gift-O-Rama” and YOU will be the stars. Think about sharing a quick-to-sew and nifty holiday craft with the group that evening.
October 2016 - Pamela Leggett Educational Event and Workshop - Our "Fabric Know-How Walk Through" at Gayfeather Fabrics will take the place of our regularly scheduled meeting. Pamela will guide us through the fabrics of the store and give her insights into applications of various types. The fun continues on Thursday and Friday with a hands-on workshop and full day seminar!
September 2016 - Super Show and Tell - An entire meeting to share the beautiful projects our members have been busy making! Bring your item, share your pattern, and tell us the story behind it all. We love to see the wide variety of items, techniques, and styles of our members. No matter your level of experience, there's always something to learn and share.
August 2016 - APT Costume Tour - Join us in Spring Green, WI at American Players Theater for a behind the scenes tour of their costume department! Before the tour we will gather for a (bring-your-own) picnic lunch.
July 2016 - Discharge Dyeing - Please note this month's meeting has a different time and location due to the space and facilities needed to complete the dyeing workshop. Pre-registration is also required to save your spot. Members are asked for a $10 refundable deposit. If space allows, non-members may be allowed and will need to pay the $12 materials fee.
June 2016 - Patterns from RTW Garments - Let those favorite department store pieces in your wardrobe inspire your own made-at-home creations! Melinda will teach us how to pull a pattern off a ready-to-wear garment without taking it apart. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to copy a favorite piece that you know fits and flatters you.
May 2016 - Schoolhouse Session - Our members are an invaluable resource of experience and talent! In this month’s meeting, we will be learning from each others special skills. Choose to attend a variety of brief how-to’s covering a range of sewing topics!
April 2016 - Upcycle, Repurpose, Remake, and "Can this be saved?" - Upcycling and repurposing is becoming a fine art. –Members will bring items to share that they have reworked or completely reimagined. Lorraine will also share a slideshow of before and after pictures from her repurposing classes and workshops. Also, do you have a garment (or an Unfinished Fabric Object - “UFO”) that needs some help to make it truly wearable and flattering? –Why didn’t that pattern work out? –Bring those garments along as well and get help from the group on how to tweak the style or fit to turn them in to favorites.
March 2016 - Dyeing with Natural Materials - Our speaker Stacy Levin from EarthSilks shares her experience dyeing with "plants, flowers, spices and the earth”. And of course —don’t forget your show and tell!
February 2016 - Super Show and Tell - By popular demand we are adding a “Super show and tell” early in 2016. This is an opportunity for all of us to bring some of our recent favorite creations, whether it is garments, quilts, bags or whatever. As in the past we will email a simple form for contributors so we can gather information in a super handout about patterns, fabrics, construction, tips and likes and dislikes. This is always one of our most popular programs. Don’t miss it!
January 2016 - Charity Sew -
When: Tuesday, January 12th –Double Session:
Afternoon session: 1pm – 5pm
[Members break for supper at The Great Dane Pub at Hilldale ~5-7pm]
Evening session: 7pm-9pm
Where: Dale Heights Presbyterian Church 5501 University Avenue
What: We are making colorful cotton pillowcases to cheer young patients at the American Family Children’s Hospital. –Whether you can make it for an hour or 2 or stay all day, join us to stitch up these well-loved pillowcases. (Or come help cut, press, or organize.) –Tools
and material provided. This event is known to be a relaxed fun way of doing something good together.
2017
December 2017 - Annual Holiday Party - So much to enjoy and always lots of laughter! This year we exchanged Kitchen Towels, made time for Show and Tell as always, and held a silent auction to fund another year of exciting programs!
November 2017 - Gayfeather Fashion Forum - Virginia of Gayfeather Fabrics presented us with garments made from special fabric they carry, using patterns from independent designers.
October 2017 - Sewing Tech - We'll highlight some features of MadisonASG.com and ASG.org so that you can make the most of the resources included in your membership. We'll also share smart tech tips to help you navigate the intersection of tech and fabric.
Here's a list of our favorite sewing tech resources! If you need the password to view this page, please send a message to [email protected] .
September 2017 - Creative Clothing for EveryBODY - A presentation on appropriate styles for different body types by MASG guild member and national speaker, Lorraine Torrence.
August 2017 - A Midsummer Afternoon's APT Tour - Back by popular demand, the crew at American Player's Theater in Spring Green is welcoming us back for a second tour of their amazing workshop! Be dazzled by the skilled hands at work creating beautiful costumes and props. New this year - see the creators IN ACTION! We are promised that the shop is much busier this time of year!
July 2017 - Feast and Forage - Is your stash overflowing? (Is that even a question?) Surely there are a few cuts of fabric that you'd rather not see or deal with anymore. Donate them to the MASG fabric sale! We'll pass the remaining fabric and notions along to support low-income sewists in our area, and provide supplies for a variety of charity projects, including next year's All Dressed Up.
June 2017 - Wearable Postcards Trunk Show - From her own backyard to Curcao, Stephanie Nordlin’s “Wearable Postcards” impart her memories and impressions through award winning literal and abstract garment designs.
May 2017 - Finding Your Inner Creativity - Our guest speaker, Karen Saunders, will present an inspiring talk on "Finding Your Inner Creativity." Karen believes making beautiful things is way to celebrate creativity. Creativity is within reach of everyone. All it takes is willingness to make a habit of creativity as an integral part of your day. A trunk show will follow.
April 2017 - Indigo Dyeing - A talk and demonstration by Jennifer Falkowski on the history and magical process of indigo dyeing. Her enthusiasm for indigo was overflowing! Also, APT Leftovers projects began to be shared.
March 2017 - Victorian Garments - Guest speaker Leslie Bellais from the State Historical Society with present us with the hows, whys, and history of ladies' Victorian garments, including hoops and bustles.
February 2017 - Super Show and Tell - Show your fellow members some love and share your latest and greatest creations! This is one of our most popular events of the year, filled with tips and tricks from personal experience. Learning from each other is so central to what we do and the occasion is sweetened when we share it with friends.
January 2017 - Charity Sewing Event - Friday, January 6th we will be working on a charity sewing project at Dale Heights Presbyterian Church. Projects will include pillowcases for local dialysis patients and tote bags for Days for Girls. There are always a variety of jobs to do and people of ALL sewing abilities are needed to help!
2018
December 2018 - Holiday Party
It's time for our annual Holiday Party complete with a project exchange! Participation is optional, but a great way to try a new technique, create a new connection with another member, and bring home something cool.
November 2018 - Decades of Style with Virginia
Virginia will share a more in depth look at the fabrics and patterns she's met during her sewing career and 19 years as a store owner. What has changed, stayed the same, and what are the enduring customer favorites.
October 2018 - Field Trip to the Electric Needle
This local shop is a favorite among MASG members. The Electric Needle has recently expanded to house some 3,000 bolts of fabric, including cottons, flannels, knits, linens, wool and hand dyes. There's now more space for classes and a complete dye studio!
September 2018 - Felting with Jennifer Angelo
"My goal is to craft felted wearable art. These works provide not only warmth but also a sense of peace and comfort inspired by my five-year stay in New Zealand. I feel it is important to keep art close to the heart, which is why my works are wearable... I produce these lightweight garments using a technique called nuno."
August 2018 - Swan Creek Sewing Circle
Mary Kay and Eileen, third generation members of the Sewing Circle, will share the history of Swan Creek Sewing Circle, how it adapted over the years to changing social and economic conditions, and their personal and family members' experiences growing up in the community created by the Sewing Circle.
July 2018 - Midwest Fiber Arts Trails
Along the Trails and Across the Miles; A Community of Fiber Arts. Jennifer will talk about the lightning bolt beginning of Midwest Fiber Arts Trails. Along, with giving an overview of community building and sharing stories and images of the amazingly cool people and fiber art she's met on the way, she'll talk about inspiration from local fiber artists and what it means to take a leap! When it's up to you--just begin.
June 2018 - Living to Dye with Lou
MASG and CAB member Lou Berryman will present her knowledge of fabric dyeing with examples of dyed fabric and garments sewn from them. Join us for a discussion of dyes and techniques available to the home sewist.
May 2018 - One x One Thousand
MASG goes on a field trip to One One Thousand. Artists include: Lauren Paul who has loved working with textiles from the age of five and now is focused on rug hooking. Melissa Jenkins is a tapestry weaver, jewelry maker and also creates home décor and wearables. Amanda Kroening is a loom weaver.
April 2018 - Tara Curtis
Tara Curtis, Local Inventor of the Wefty Needle and EZ Miter will talk about her tools and process. The Wefty Needle is used to weave fabric which can be used in garments, bags, quilts.
March 2018 - Who Said Sew?
Local designer Natalie Santini from Hungry Hippie Sews - Natalie is a sewing pattern designer and avid enthusiast of sewing in all its forms- from clothing to bags to quilts. It is her passion to make sewing patterns that everyone can understand, even the beginner Sewist. Create without focusing on rules or perfection- including garment sewing. She’ll go through sewing clothes that flatter and making them from cut up quilt tops or fabrics not used conventionally. She is self taught- so the talk will touch on how she used to say “who said so?” when people/experts would tell her she couldn’t make something with “that”. . . Behind every good sewer is confidence.
February 2018 - Super Show and Tell
Super Show and Tell is back! This meeting is always a hit. Don't miss out on seeing the brilliant sewing our members do. Learn from their experiences and leave inspired to elevate your own projects! Creativity is contagious!
January 2018 - Charity Sew
We have three great projects ready for you to contribute to. All sewing levels and abilities welcome! Leave your machine at home, bring a friend along (guests welcome!), and contribute to programs from right here in Madison. Charity sewing is encouraged throughout the year, but it's always a good time sharing these special opportunities together.
It's time for our annual Holiday Party complete with a project exchange! Participation is optional, but a great way to try a new technique, create a new connection with another member, and bring home something cool.
November 2018 - Decades of Style with Virginia
Virginia will share a more in depth look at the fabrics and patterns she's met during her sewing career and 19 years as a store owner. What has changed, stayed the same, and what are the enduring customer favorites.
October 2018 - Field Trip to the Electric Needle
This local shop is a favorite among MASG members. The Electric Needle has recently expanded to house some 3,000 bolts of fabric, including cottons, flannels, knits, linens, wool and hand dyes. There's now more space for classes and a complete dye studio!
September 2018 - Felting with Jennifer Angelo
"My goal is to craft felted wearable art. These works provide not only warmth but also a sense of peace and comfort inspired by my five-year stay in New Zealand. I feel it is important to keep art close to the heart, which is why my works are wearable... I produce these lightweight garments using a technique called nuno."
August 2018 - Swan Creek Sewing Circle
Mary Kay and Eileen, third generation members of the Sewing Circle, will share the history of Swan Creek Sewing Circle, how it adapted over the years to changing social and economic conditions, and their personal and family members' experiences growing up in the community created by the Sewing Circle.
July 2018 - Midwest Fiber Arts Trails
Along the Trails and Across the Miles; A Community of Fiber Arts. Jennifer will talk about the lightning bolt beginning of Midwest Fiber Arts Trails. Along, with giving an overview of community building and sharing stories and images of the amazingly cool people and fiber art she's met on the way, she'll talk about inspiration from local fiber artists and what it means to take a leap! When it's up to you--just begin.
June 2018 - Living to Dye with Lou
MASG and CAB member Lou Berryman will present her knowledge of fabric dyeing with examples of dyed fabric and garments sewn from them. Join us for a discussion of dyes and techniques available to the home sewist.
May 2018 - One x One Thousand
MASG goes on a field trip to One One Thousand. Artists include: Lauren Paul who has loved working with textiles from the age of five and now is focused on rug hooking. Melissa Jenkins is a tapestry weaver, jewelry maker and also creates home décor and wearables. Amanda Kroening is a loom weaver.
April 2018 - Tara Curtis
Tara Curtis, Local Inventor of the Wefty Needle and EZ Miter will talk about her tools and process. The Wefty Needle is used to weave fabric which can be used in garments, bags, quilts.
March 2018 - Who Said Sew?
Local designer Natalie Santini from Hungry Hippie Sews - Natalie is a sewing pattern designer and avid enthusiast of sewing in all its forms- from clothing to bags to quilts. It is her passion to make sewing patterns that everyone can understand, even the beginner Sewist. Create without focusing on rules or perfection- including garment sewing. She’ll go through sewing clothes that flatter and making them from cut up quilt tops or fabrics not used conventionally. She is self taught- so the talk will touch on how she used to say “who said so?” when people/experts would tell her she couldn’t make something with “that”. . . Behind every good sewer is confidence.
February 2018 - Super Show and Tell
Super Show and Tell is back! This meeting is always a hit. Don't miss out on seeing the brilliant sewing our members do. Learn from their experiences and leave inspired to elevate your own projects! Creativity is contagious!
January 2018 - Charity Sew
We have three great projects ready for you to contribute to. All sewing levels and abilities welcome! Leave your machine at home, bring a friend along (guests welcome!), and contribute to programs from right here in Madison. Charity sewing is encouraged throughout the year, but it's always a good time sharing these special opportunities together.
2019
January 2019 - Annual Charity SewMASG members frequently donate their sewing skills on an individual basis, all year round. But every January, we pick a charity and come together for a sew-a-thon. This year, we will be making making tote bags and pot holders for DAIS. There are two sessions planned - one during the daytime, another in the evening. You and a guest are welcome to come to either session, no sign-up required. Stay for as much of the session(s) as you are able. We welcome sewists of all ambitions and abilities! There's always a job to be done!
February 2019 - Super Show and TellSuper Show and Tell is an entire meeting dedicated to sharing our members' projects. Gather up all of those finished masterpieces - quilts, bags, garments, costumes, and everything in between. If you sewed it, you can show it!
We love to soak in the creativity and enjoy hearing the stories behind the fabric. Who is it for? What were the challenges? What did you learn to do differently next time? Does the fabric have a special significance? If you used a pattern, be sure to share the pattern name and number with us.
To enhance your Show and/or Tell, we are adding a digital option this year - send in a reference photo, the "before" to your shared "after", or a snap of the item in use. Maybe the item was already gifted to its intended recipient or is too cumbersome to haul in... it can still be shared!
So many ways to submit your pics:
- Send photos via email to [email protected],
- Share on Google photos with [email protected],
Or, arrive early (30 mins please, if you can!) and bring those photos to the meeting:
- as old fashioned print-outs (overhead projector available)
- on a standard USB flash drive
- on an SD card, right out of your digital camera
March 2019 - The Wisconsin Button Society - Lisa Schulz from the Wisconsin State Button Society invites us to turn our attention towards this indispensable notion. So much history is steeped into these often overlooked staples of a garment. Do you have an interesting button that may have a story? Bring it a long for Lisa to view!
April 2019 - Char TerBeest of Helen's Daughters Studios - Char TerBeest, of Helen's Daughters Studio, brings amazing sculptural handbags. Who knew there's a little bit of "Alice in Wonderland" like style nearby in Baraboo!
May 2019 - Late breaking news: Your program committee is sorry to announce that May's speaker, Ruth Manning, has cancelled due to illness; we'll re-schedule her for 2020, promise!
MASG members, resourceful and quick as ever, have come up with an engaging alternative! Denise Severson, of Severson Sewing in Janesville, WI, has frequently authored articles for Threads Magazine, is a member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals and recent winner of that association's design challenge in the 'most innovative' catagory. Her work currently has a full page in the Threads June/July 2019 issue. She'll be bringing garments, talking about her designs and sharing some techniques.
Plus, we'll have plenty of time for Show and Tell, so be sure to bring your latest creation!
June 2019 - Mary Bero, Fiber Art - Mary Bero, local fiber artist, combines embroidery, painting, and sculptural elements in vibrant colors. Her striking works have been shown in countless exhibitions.
From Mary's website:
"Mary's intimate, decorative fiber works combine embroidery techniques with painting, drawing and sculptural elements to create primitive explosions of vibrant color and emotion. Her chaotic, figurative work, which emerges from fears and dreams, is meant to provoke and intrigue. Because of their intimate scale and frantic patterning, Bero’s mostly figurative works have a way of burrowing themselves into one’s consciousness."
July 2019 - Feast and Forage - Back by popular demand! Purge your stash of anything you no longer love (channel your inner Marie Kondo - does it bring you joy?!) and bring it to swap with other MASG members. We know you've been drooling over the BEAUTIFUL items during show and tell... here's your chance to find the rest of that bolt!
Fabric, notions, books, patterns... bring it all! No need to price it - we're going with a simpler by-the-bag system this year. Attach a note with yardage or fiber content, if known.
Also, bring a dish to pass for our potluck. A summertime meeting needs a good picnic! **We appreciate ingredient lists!
August 2019 - Cheryl Schenck, unSpooled - MASG member Cheryl has WOW'd us at Show and Tell with her striking tuffets and dazzling costumes, and we want to see more! She sews a wide variety of items and teaches at sewing retreats. From her website: "My daughter's love of skating has brought a whole new type of sewing into our lives. Yet another expression in fabric and color, skating and other performance wear has stretched my skills (no pun intended!) into sewing with yet another purpose." She showed us an impressive showcase of her skating costumes!
September 2019 - Mary Fisher, Sort N' Release Organizing - Mary Fisher, professional organizer of many genres, will give us a lesson in managing our sewing spaces. Her Sort N' Release method will make sense of what you have and how you use it. More efficient sewing = better sewing!
If you missed this meeting, or missed some of the notes shared, download a copy from Mary's website and download the handout worksheet here. Or visit www.sortnrelease.com/
October 2019 - Wefty Workshop - This one day workshop is for MASG members only. The Guild will pay for the workshop and attendees will be responsible for the materials cost. If you already have a Wefty needle, great! Bring it! Otherwise you can purchase one with your class materials.
We will not hold our regular meeting this month - workshop only. www.weftyneedle.com/
November 2019 - Blue Bar Quilts Shop Tour - Blue Bar Quilts celebrated their second anniversary this year. Have you stopped by yet? They offer a wide variety of contemporary prints and feature lots of modern quilting designs. There's a large classroom and a long list of sewing and dyeing classes. Sounds like a great new place to get to know! Let's hear their story and take a tour!
December 2019 - Holiday Party and Swap - It's time for our annual Holiday Party complete with a project exchange! Hmmm, what will you dream up this year?? We return once again to the "Carry, Cover, Hide" theme - make something to cover up, store, transport, disguise, or protect something else! The sky's the limit! Participation is optional, but it's a great way to try a new technique, create a new connection with another member, and bring home something cool. Find ideas on our Pintrest board here.
Bring treats or appetizers to share (ingredient lists are GREATLY appreciated!!) And last, but never least, bring your latest and greatest creations for Show and Tell!
February 2019 - Super Show and TellSuper Show and Tell is an entire meeting dedicated to sharing our members' projects. Gather up all of those finished masterpieces - quilts, bags, garments, costumes, and everything in between. If you sewed it, you can show it!
We love to soak in the creativity and enjoy hearing the stories behind the fabric. Who is it for? What were the challenges? What did you learn to do differently next time? Does the fabric have a special significance? If you used a pattern, be sure to share the pattern name and number with us.
To enhance your Show and/or Tell, we are adding a digital option this year - send in a reference photo, the "before" to your shared "after", or a snap of the item in use. Maybe the item was already gifted to its intended recipient or is too cumbersome to haul in... it can still be shared!
So many ways to submit your pics:
- Send photos via email to [email protected],
- Share on Google photos with [email protected],
Or, arrive early (30 mins please, if you can!) and bring those photos to the meeting:
- as old fashioned print-outs (overhead projector available)
- on a standard USB flash drive
- on an SD card, right out of your digital camera
March 2019 - The Wisconsin Button Society - Lisa Schulz from the Wisconsin State Button Society invites us to turn our attention towards this indispensable notion. So much history is steeped into these often overlooked staples of a garment. Do you have an interesting button that may have a story? Bring it a long for Lisa to view!
April 2019 - Char TerBeest of Helen's Daughters Studios - Char TerBeest, of Helen's Daughters Studio, brings amazing sculptural handbags. Who knew there's a little bit of "Alice in Wonderland" like style nearby in Baraboo!
May 2019 - Late breaking news: Your program committee is sorry to announce that May's speaker, Ruth Manning, has cancelled due to illness; we'll re-schedule her for 2020, promise!
MASG members, resourceful and quick as ever, have come up with an engaging alternative! Denise Severson, of Severson Sewing in Janesville, WI, has frequently authored articles for Threads Magazine, is a member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals and recent winner of that association's design challenge in the 'most innovative' catagory. Her work currently has a full page in the Threads June/July 2019 issue. She'll be bringing garments, talking about her designs and sharing some techniques.
Plus, we'll have plenty of time for Show and Tell, so be sure to bring your latest creation!
June 2019 - Mary Bero, Fiber Art - Mary Bero, local fiber artist, combines embroidery, painting, and sculptural elements in vibrant colors. Her striking works have been shown in countless exhibitions.
From Mary's website:
"Mary's intimate, decorative fiber works combine embroidery techniques with painting, drawing and sculptural elements to create primitive explosions of vibrant color and emotion. Her chaotic, figurative work, which emerges from fears and dreams, is meant to provoke and intrigue. Because of their intimate scale and frantic patterning, Bero’s mostly figurative works have a way of burrowing themselves into one’s consciousness."
July 2019 - Feast and Forage - Back by popular demand! Purge your stash of anything you no longer love (channel your inner Marie Kondo - does it bring you joy?!) and bring it to swap with other MASG members. We know you've been drooling over the BEAUTIFUL items during show and tell... here's your chance to find the rest of that bolt!
Fabric, notions, books, patterns... bring it all! No need to price it - we're going with a simpler by-the-bag system this year. Attach a note with yardage or fiber content, if known.
Also, bring a dish to pass for our potluck. A summertime meeting needs a good picnic! **We appreciate ingredient lists!
August 2019 - Cheryl Schenck, unSpooled - MASG member Cheryl has WOW'd us at Show and Tell with her striking tuffets and dazzling costumes, and we want to see more! She sews a wide variety of items and teaches at sewing retreats. From her website: "My daughter's love of skating has brought a whole new type of sewing into our lives. Yet another expression in fabric and color, skating and other performance wear has stretched my skills (no pun intended!) into sewing with yet another purpose." She showed us an impressive showcase of her skating costumes!
September 2019 - Mary Fisher, Sort N' Release Organizing - Mary Fisher, professional organizer of many genres, will give us a lesson in managing our sewing spaces. Her Sort N' Release method will make sense of what you have and how you use it. More efficient sewing = better sewing!
If you missed this meeting, or missed some of the notes shared, download a copy from Mary's website and download the handout worksheet here. Or visit www.sortnrelease.com/
October 2019 - Wefty Workshop - This one day workshop is for MASG members only. The Guild will pay for the workshop and attendees will be responsible for the materials cost. If you already have a Wefty needle, great! Bring it! Otherwise you can purchase one with your class materials.
We will not hold our regular meeting this month - workshop only. www.weftyneedle.com/
November 2019 - Blue Bar Quilts Shop Tour - Blue Bar Quilts celebrated their second anniversary this year. Have you stopped by yet? They offer a wide variety of contemporary prints and feature lots of modern quilting designs. There's a large classroom and a long list of sewing and dyeing classes. Sounds like a great new place to get to know! Let's hear their story and take a tour!
December 2019 - Holiday Party and Swap - It's time for our annual Holiday Party complete with a project exchange! Hmmm, what will you dream up this year?? We return once again to the "Carry, Cover, Hide" theme - make something to cover up, store, transport, disguise, or protect something else! The sky's the limit! Participation is optional, but it's a great way to try a new technique, create a new connection with another member, and bring home something cool. Find ideas on our Pintrest board here.
Bring treats or appetizers to share (ingredient lists are GREATLY appreciated!!) And last, but never least, bring your latest and greatest creations for Show and Tell!
2020
January 2020 - Community Sew - Every month, we TALK so much about our love for sewing... January brings the time to ACT on it. What better way than to get to sew TOGETHER!
Two projects this year: port pillow cushions and assembling pieces for fidget blankets. All supplies and machines are provided, though having your own small scissors or pins is handy. Bring a friend! We'll have opportunities for all skill levels. You're welcome to join us for one or both sessions, with a break for supper.
February 2020 - Super Show and Tell - Calling all creative sewists... it's your time to shine! We are dedicating the entire meeting to sharing and showing what we've been working on. Bring in your proudest accomplishments and tell us all about it - what did you learn? What will you do different next time? We LOVE seeing what our members have been making! This is one of our favorite events every year!
To enhance your Show and/or Tell - send in a reference photo, the "before" to your shared "after", or a snap of the item in use. Maybe the item was already gifted to its intended recipient or is too cumbersome to haul in... it can still be shared!
Submit your pictures:
- Send photos via email to [email protected] *as attachments, not "inline"*
- Share on Google photos with [email protected],
Or, arrive early (30 mins please, if you can!) and bring those photos to the meeting:
- as old fashioned print-outs (overhead projector available)
- on a standard USB flash drive
- on an SD card, right out of your digital camera
March 2020 - Kitemaker Paul Fieber - Paul Fieber became an avid kitemaker and flier in the mid 90’s after seeing an amazing exhibit of kite aerial photography at MMoCA. He teaches at kitemaking retreats around the country. He is inspired by the Wisconsin Kiters Organization and has served as Midwest Regional Director and chair of the Kite Art Committee for American Kitefliers Association.
Paul will introduce kitemaking as an exciting new activity for sewists. He will discuss the unique fabrics and materials used in making the modern kite, as well as how construction techniques differ from other more traditional forms of sewing. A partially completed kite sail will be “worked on” to demonstrate a common reverse applique technique used in kitemaking.
Read about Paul and his experience kite making here. Watch a segment of Sewing with Nancy, featuring Paul, here.
April 2020 - Sewing Room Design - Rachel Patterson recently won Habitat for Humanity's Project of the Year Award for her budget-friendly and eco-friendly sewing room. She shared her project with Madison NBC 15 news (A video clip can be seen here.) Rachel will share the process of designing a creative space to fit your unique needs, along with unconventional ideas to help make it happen.
We'll make the best of our current situation... and it's even better than previously planned. We'll tour Rachel's room live, not just talk about it! Plus, no special login is required to watch the presentation. It's super easy!
The start of Lorraine's President's Challenge will be delayed until we can meet again in person.
May 2020 - Online Show and Tell - A copy of the chat comments are available here.
Safer at Home is here to stay for a while, so we're adjusting our meeting plans. In May, we will test out an MASG membership meeting on a program called Zoom. There are always growing pains as we try new things, but your CAB believes that this is going to be worth it! Help will be available for anyone who wants it!
The meeting starts at 7pm, but if you're new to Zoom, feel free to join at 6:30 to test the waters and problem solve any technical issues.
1. No need to drag your project across town.. we're bringing Show and Tell to YOUR HOME! What have you been sewing lately? Share it with your MASG friends for some much needed sunshine during this weird time.
2. A Guild challenge:: Creativity is a muscle - don't let quarantine make you lazy. EXERCISE your creativity with a face mask. NO RULES! NO CONTEST!
June 2020 - Let's Stay Connected! We're embracing online Show and Tell in a more streamlined fashion. Members can sign up for a Show and Tell time slot and even send photos in ahead of time! If you'd like, we'll even help you share them during the meeting!
Use your time to show us all of your UFOs, your sewing room, a cool technique you've been learning, or something too cumbersome to lug into an in-person meeting. This is YOUR time to shine! Help keep MASG connected and thriving by sharing your bit of joy and inspiration.July 2020 - Josh Meier, Schwa Tailor ShopPresenting via Zoom and connecting us to our real-time sewing community. Josh Schwa He will talk about his sewing life and what it's like to run his small business.
schwatailorshop.com https://www.facebook.com/schwatailorshop
August 2020 - Annette's Hmong Market Bag Sew-Along - Annette learned how to make a cool bag thanks to the Hmong women that she works with. She showed it at our December meeting show and tell. It's made from a long, single piece of fabric! Now she's passing the instructions on to us. We are working on the format details as we attempt to make it a sew-along. Plus, show and tell - sign up here.
September 2020 - Maday Delgado - Our September ZOOM meeting will be a presentation from textile artist Maday Delgado. Maday's passions are rooted in sustainability and her many skills include sashiko stitching, collage, screen and block printing, the many forms of quilting as well as barn quilts. We have asked her to talk to us, and hopefully get us started in the Japanese art of boro mending. Take a look at some of Maday's website to see her work and to begin to know this multi-talented artist
If you're loving Maday's style, here's another opportunity for you! She has created an instructional video about sashiko/boro, which will be available in two parts on line starting on September 9. More information and registration at: https://www.sustainabletextiledesign.com/shop/free-spirit-boro-connection-workshop
October 2020 - Ruth Manning Tapestries - Zoom presentation by local artist Ruth Manning. In her own words:
"I have spent my life immersed in the world of fiber art techniques but made the decision early on that I would focus on hand woven tapestry as an art form. Join me as I share my insights into the unique language of tapestry and what makes this weave structure so different from other loom-controlled weaves. I will show you how my own work has developed and changed over the years and share my approach to design development to guide you through this process. I’ll also explain the tools used by tapestry weavers and considerations given to materials and techniques used by weavers."
November 2020 - Holiday gift ideas - Stuck safer at home? Out of creative juice? No worries! MASG members have your back and will share some of their favorite handmade gift ideas.
December 2020 - Holiday Party - December just wouldn't be the same without our annual Holiday Party! We're dedicated to making it work via Zoom and are cooking up the next best thing.
BYO: buffet of snacks and beverages, according to your unique dietary needs. (It's hard to attach baked goods to an email...) Be sure to break out the good stuff, not those everyday snacks. This is a party!
Sorry, no gift exchange this year. :( Save that generous spirit for Community Sew in January.
Bonus: Scarf Challenge! Visit this page for details.
Two projects this year: port pillow cushions and assembling pieces for fidget blankets. All supplies and machines are provided, though having your own small scissors or pins is handy. Bring a friend! We'll have opportunities for all skill levels. You're welcome to join us for one or both sessions, with a break for supper.
February 2020 - Super Show and Tell - Calling all creative sewists... it's your time to shine! We are dedicating the entire meeting to sharing and showing what we've been working on. Bring in your proudest accomplishments and tell us all about it - what did you learn? What will you do different next time? We LOVE seeing what our members have been making! This is one of our favorite events every year!
To enhance your Show and/or Tell - send in a reference photo, the "before" to your shared "after", or a snap of the item in use. Maybe the item was already gifted to its intended recipient or is too cumbersome to haul in... it can still be shared!
Submit your pictures:
- Send photos via email to [email protected] *as attachments, not "inline"*
- Share on Google photos with [email protected],
Or, arrive early (30 mins please, if you can!) and bring those photos to the meeting:
- as old fashioned print-outs (overhead projector available)
- on a standard USB flash drive
- on an SD card, right out of your digital camera
March 2020 - Kitemaker Paul Fieber - Paul Fieber became an avid kitemaker and flier in the mid 90’s after seeing an amazing exhibit of kite aerial photography at MMoCA. He teaches at kitemaking retreats around the country. He is inspired by the Wisconsin Kiters Organization and has served as Midwest Regional Director and chair of the Kite Art Committee for American Kitefliers Association.
Paul will introduce kitemaking as an exciting new activity for sewists. He will discuss the unique fabrics and materials used in making the modern kite, as well as how construction techniques differ from other more traditional forms of sewing. A partially completed kite sail will be “worked on” to demonstrate a common reverse applique technique used in kitemaking.
Read about Paul and his experience kite making here. Watch a segment of Sewing with Nancy, featuring Paul, here.
April 2020 - Sewing Room Design - Rachel Patterson recently won Habitat for Humanity's Project of the Year Award for her budget-friendly and eco-friendly sewing room. She shared her project with Madison NBC 15 news (A video clip can be seen here.) Rachel will share the process of designing a creative space to fit your unique needs, along with unconventional ideas to help make it happen.
We'll make the best of our current situation... and it's even better than previously planned. We'll tour Rachel's room live, not just talk about it! Plus, no special login is required to watch the presentation. It's super easy!
The start of Lorraine's President's Challenge will be delayed until we can meet again in person.
May 2020 - Online Show and Tell - A copy of the chat comments are available here.
Safer at Home is here to stay for a while, so we're adjusting our meeting plans. In May, we will test out an MASG membership meeting on a program called Zoom. There are always growing pains as we try new things, but your CAB believes that this is going to be worth it! Help will be available for anyone who wants it!
The meeting starts at 7pm, but if you're new to Zoom, feel free to join at 6:30 to test the waters and problem solve any technical issues.
1. No need to drag your project across town.. we're bringing Show and Tell to YOUR HOME! What have you been sewing lately? Share it with your MASG friends for some much needed sunshine during this weird time.
2. A Guild challenge:: Creativity is a muscle - don't let quarantine make you lazy. EXERCISE your creativity with a face mask. NO RULES! NO CONTEST!
June 2020 - Let's Stay Connected! We're embracing online Show and Tell in a more streamlined fashion. Members can sign up for a Show and Tell time slot and even send photos in ahead of time! If you'd like, we'll even help you share them during the meeting!
Use your time to show us all of your UFOs, your sewing room, a cool technique you've been learning, or something too cumbersome to lug into an in-person meeting. This is YOUR time to shine! Help keep MASG connected and thriving by sharing your bit of joy and inspiration.July 2020 - Josh Meier, Schwa Tailor ShopPresenting via Zoom and connecting us to our real-time sewing community. Josh Schwa He will talk about his sewing life and what it's like to run his small business.
schwatailorshop.com https://www.facebook.com/schwatailorshop
August 2020 - Annette's Hmong Market Bag Sew-Along - Annette learned how to make a cool bag thanks to the Hmong women that she works with. She showed it at our December meeting show and tell. It's made from a long, single piece of fabric! Now she's passing the instructions on to us. We are working on the format details as we attempt to make it a sew-along. Plus, show and tell - sign up here.
September 2020 - Maday Delgado - Our September ZOOM meeting will be a presentation from textile artist Maday Delgado. Maday's passions are rooted in sustainability and her many skills include sashiko stitching, collage, screen and block printing, the many forms of quilting as well as barn quilts. We have asked her to talk to us, and hopefully get us started in the Japanese art of boro mending. Take a look at some of Maday's website to see her work and to begin to know this multi-talented artist
If you're loving Maday's style, here's another opportunity for you! She has created an instructional video about sashiko/boro, which will be available in two parts on line starting on September 9. More information and registration at: https://www.sustainabletextiledesign.com/shop/free-spirit-boro-connection-workshop
October 2020 - Ruth Manning Tapestries - Zoom presentation by local artist Ruth Manning. In her own words:
"I have spent my life immersed in the world of fiber art techniques but made the decision early on that I would focus on hand woven tapestry as an art form. Join me as I share my insights into the unique language of tapestry and what makes this weave structure so different from other loom-controlled weaves. I will show you how my own work has developed and changed over the years and share my approach to design development to guide you through this process. I’ll also explain the tools used by tapestry weavers and considerations given to materials and techniques used by weavers."
November 2020 - Holiday gift ideas - Stuck safer at home? Out of creative juice? No worries! MASG members have your back and will share some of their favorite handmade gift ideas.
December 2020 - Holiday Party - December just wouldn't be the same without our annual Holiday Party! We're dedicated to making it work via Zoom and are cooking up the next best thing.
BYO: buffet of snacks and beverages, according to your unique dietary needs. (It's hard to attach baked goods to an email...) Be sure to break out the good stuff, not those everyday snacks. This is a party!
Sorry, no gift exchange this year. :( Save that generous spirit for Community Sew in January.
Bonus: Scarf Challenge! Visit this page for details.
2021
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!!
2022
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.
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
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
May - Afghan Sewing Room Project PresentationVolunteers 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 FitMASG'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.
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*
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*
September 2022 - Field Trip to Bra BuildersField 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!
October 2022 - Threads of AwakeningLeslie 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/
November 2022 - Presentation by LorraineWorking in a Series, Plus Show and Tell time!
December 2022 - Holiday PartyWe’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!
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.
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
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
May - Afghan Sewing Room Project PresentationVolunteers 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 FitMASG'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.
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*
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*
September 2022 - Field Trip to Bra BuildersField 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!
October 2022 - Threads of AwakeningLeslie 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/
November 2022 - Presentation by LorraineWorking in a Series, Plus Show and Tell time!
December 2022 - Holiday PartyWe’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:
- 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
January 2023 - Super Show and TellHappy New Year, MASG! New year, new projects... show us yours!
Tuesday, January 10th, 7 to 9pm
February 2023 - Alena Joling, Moleta Artisanal SharpeningAlena 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.
March 2023 - Virginia Lienhard, Sewing CoatsVirginia Lienhard, 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
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!
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).
May 2023 - VIRTUAL MEETING with Sarah VeblenThanks to the power of technology, we will have a guest speaker joining us live from the East Coast! Stay home, log in, and enjoy!
Link to this meeting available on the MASG calendar and will also be sent out prior to the meeting. MAKE SURE to copy and paste the link into your browser, since MailChimp tends to corrupt Zoom links.
From her bio on PatternReview:
"Sarah Veblen is a custom fashion designer with a home-based business that focuses on creating clothing for her clientele, and that concentrates on teaching and writing to promote the craft of garment-making. She has a Certificate in Fashion Design from Baltimore City Community College and a BA from Stanford University.Dedicated to promoting sewing at all levels,
"Sarah teaches in her studio and other classroom venues, as well as online through PatternReview.com. She has been a guest lecturer and held workshops for many sewing groups and organizations across the country.
"Drawing on her years of experience fitting clients and students, Sarah has written a comprehensive and beautifully photographed and illustrated book on fitting. The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting gives detailed information on custom fitting garment patterns. And it provides easy-to-understand explanations of patternmaking principles and skills to make the resulting pattern changes logical and straightforward."
June 2023 - Lessons from the Basement - How Bridal Alterations Led to More Creative EndeavorsKathy Tutcher worked in the basement of Vera's Bridal on Madison's West side for a time and even learned how to create a bustle from Vera herself. Later she moved these skills to her own basement and did alterations and custom sewing for others. Now she works in her basement studio for herself, using the skills acquired over 28 years to create her own garments from many sources including up-cycled or reclaimed fabric.
Kathy will touch on alterations basics as well as how she tackles upcycling and some of her favorite sources for fabric. Because there is no one way to do anything so there will be time for you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
July 2023 - Feast and ForageAnnual potluck and fabric sale! Guests welcome!
Dive into your stash and find that yardage that no longer sparks joy. Fellow members get to shop these donations while sharing picnic style bites. Everything is priced to sell! Proceeds support our programming and charitable contributions... but this is foremost meant to be a fun get-together rather than a fund-raiser.
We're rolling back to 2017 Feast and Forage pricing! Checks, cash, Venmo, and Paypal accepted.
Please pre-measure (mark with a tag or piece of tape) and price all items:
Don’t forget all the fun extras:
Are your donations looking a bit unruly? Tie rolled up fabric with ribbon, or try this secure folding method.
** Bring your finished Community Sewing projects to the meeting - or - drop off finished quilts at Mill House Quilts in Sun Prairie.
August 2023 - Blue Bar QuiltsGael of Blue Bar Quilts will be our August presenter. She’ll talk about her experience setting up a small local fabric store and will share how she selects the fabrics that she offers in the store.
Hybrid meeting option: join us in person OR watch Gael's presentation from the comfort of your own home, using the meeting link sent out via email.
Tuesday, August 8th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace
September 2023 - MadisewnRebecca, owner of local small business Madisewn, tells us her story. Madisewn offers sewing classes and lessons, as well as design services, alterations, costumes, and sewing products.
https://www.facebook.com/sew.madisewn
Tuesday, September 12th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace - Hybrid Meeting Option
October 2023 - Lorraine Torrence - Jump-Starting Your CreativityLorraine Torrence will present a lecture/slide show on "Jump-Starting Your Creativity!"
She will begin with her own background in the art/creativity world, including her own experience in overcoming fallow periods and those of her students over the years.
Continuing on the subject of periods of creative inactivity, she will share the wisdom of other artists and some techniques for getting going from her own experience and that of others. This predicament is quite universal and as a result, many creative people have spoken and written about it.
Come ready to share your own experiences as well!
Tuesday, October 10th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace - Hybrid Meeting Option
November 2023 - MASG SchoolhouseThe ultimate night of learning from your fellow MASG members! Rotate through stations on a variety of topics and pick up new sewing skills!
Tuesday, November 14th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace - Hybrid Meeting Option
Tuesday, January 10th, 7 to 9pm
February 2023 - Alena Joling, Moleta Artisanal SharpeningAlena 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.
March 2023 - Virginia Lienhard, Sewing CoatsVirginia Lienhard, 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
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!
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).
May 2023 - VIRTUAL MEETING with Sarah VeblenThanks to the power of technology, we will have a guest speaker joining us live from the East Coast! Stay home, log in, and enjoy!
Link to this meeting available on the MASG calendar and will also be sent out prior to the meeting. MAKE SURE to copy and paste the link into your browser, since MailChimp tends to corrupt Zoom links.
From her bio on PatternReview:
"Sarah Veblen is a custom fashion designer with a home-based business that focuses on creating clothing for her clientele, and that concentrates on teaching and writing to promote the craft of garment-making. She has a Certificate in Fashion Design from Baltimore City Community College and a BA from Stanford University.Dedicated to promoting sewing at all levels,
"Sarah teaches in her studio and other classroom venues, as well as online through PatternReview.com. She has been a guest lecturer and held workshops for many sewing groups and organizations across the country.
"Drawing on her years of experience fitting clients and students, Sarah has written a comprehensive and beautifully photographed and illustrated book on fitting. The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting gives detailed information on custom fitting garment patterns. And it provides easy-to-understand explanations of patternmaking principles and skills to make the resulting pattern changes logical and straightforward."
June 2023 - Lessons from the Basement - How Bridal Alterations Led to More Creative EndeavorsKathy Tutcher worked in the basement of Vera's Bridal on Madison's West side for a time and even learned how to create a bustle from Vera herself. Later she moved these skills to her own basement and did alterations and custom sewing for others. Now she works in her basement studio for herself, using the skills acquired over 28 years to create her own garments from many sources including up-cycled or reclaimed fabric.
Kathy will touch on alterations basics as well as how she tackles upcycling and some of her favorite sources for fabric. Because there is no one way to do anything so there will be time for you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
July 2023 - Feast and ForageAnnual potluck and fabric sale! Guests welcome!
Dive into your stash and find that yardage that no longer sparks joy. Fellow members get to shop these donations while sharing picnic style bites. Everything is priced to sell! Proceeds support our programming and charitable contributions... but this is foremost meant to be a fun get-together rather than a fund-raiser.
We're rolling back to 2017 Feast and Forage pricing! Checks, cash, Venmo, and Paypal accepted.
Please pre-measure (mark with a tag or piece of tape) and price all items:
- Linings-$1/yd
- Shirting & quilting cotton-$2/yd
- Rayon/linen/apparel fabrics/knits/decorator fabric-$3/yd
- Silk/wool-$4/yd
- Remnants/small pieces should be bundled together and priced $1/bag.
- Fat quarters: indicate that it is a FQ, bundle in packs such as 4/$1 or 4/$2, depending on fabric content.
Don’t forget all the fun extras:
- Bundle all buttons, patterns, thread, and other notions in increments of $1
- Books - price as marked, increments of $1
- Shoppers can make an offer on unmarked items.
Are your donations looking a bit unruly? Tie rolled up fabric with ribbon, or try this secure folding method.
** Bring your finished Community Sewing projects to the meeting - or - drop off finished quilts at Mill House Quilts in Sun Prairie.
August 2023 - Blue Bar QuiltsGael of Blue Bar Quilts will be our August presenter. She’ll talk about her experience setting up a small local fabric store and will share how she selects the fabrics that she offers in the store.
Hybrid meeting option: join us in person OR watch Gael's presentation from the comfort of your own home, using the meeting link sent out via email.
Tuesday, August 8th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace
September 2023 - MadisewnRebecca, owner of local small business Madisewn, tells us her story. Madisewn offers sewing classes and lessons, as well as design services, alterations, costumes, and sewing products.
https://www.facebook.com/sew.madisewn
Tuesday, September 12th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace - Hybrid Meeting Option
October 2023 - Lorraine Torrence - Jump-Starting Your CreativityLorraine Torrence will present a lecture/slide show on "Jump-Starting Your Creativity!"
She will begin with her own background in the art/creativity world, including her own experience in overcoming fallow periods and those of her students over the years.
Continuing on the subject of periods of creative inactivity, she will share the wisdom of other artists and some techniques for getting going from her own experience and that of others. This predicament is quite universal and as a result, many creative people have spoken and written about it.
Come ready to share your own experiences as well!
Tuesday, October 10th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace - Hybrid Meeting Option
November 2023 - MASG SchoolhouseThe ultimate night of learning from your fellow MASG members! Rotate through stations on a variety of topics and pick up new sewing skills!
Tuesday, November 14th, 2023
7 to 9pm, at Agrace - Hybrid Meeting Option
