january, february, march 2015 material issues · 2015. 1. 5. · january 22, february 26, and march...
TRANSCRIPT
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 1
Plano, Texas Chapter
January, February, March 2015
Material Issues
The New Year always brings with it thoughts of
change. Our year changes and it is a traditional
time to make resolutions, to formulate goals and
plan a strategy of completion of our goals. What-
ever your personal goals, I invite you to consider
a goal of creating a copy of a high value
item. Last year, Debby Bowles, and I both
competed in a a contest to fashion an item, that
was copied from a retail item costing more than
$1,000. Debby won the challenge and the prize
of a New York fabric shopping trip. Regardless
of whether you want to enter Peggy Sager's ETA
competition, or just be inspired by the idea,
make the resolution to give it a try. There are
several aspects to this idea - I will explore them
one at a time.
Copying an idea - In December, our Couture
NG visited Ken Weber in his shop, Vintage
Martini. (www.vintagemartini.com) Ken is a
source sought by many designers to get
inspiration for their designs from the vintage
clothing he collects and sells. In Ken's opinion,
"there has been nothing new in fashion since
Madeleine Vionnet created the bias cut
dress". More about bias cut fashion is in the
book review article in this newsletter. Today's
fashion is created by copying ideas - both from
today's runway and yesterday's signature
styles. It is one thing to steal intellectual
property with the intent to profit, it is yet
another to copy for one's own use. Copying is a
great way to learn technique. Renaissance art
schools required students to copy works of
masters BEFORE they were allowed to start a
creation of their own design. Why shouldn't we
take this learning technique to heart in our own
sewing learning process?
Go Big ! - Let's face it - sewing doesn't really
save money. Yes, I said it and my personal
finance manager husband would confirm the
facts. However, in the vein of looking for
justification, if I am going to sew something, why
not something that LOOKS like it cost over
$1,000? When presented with this challenge last
January, I thought it would be difficult to find an
item of clothing or accessory that retailed for a
grand. Wow, I think I have been missing out on
the finer lifestyle! Expensive items are not
necessarily complex. Sometimes it is the
materials, sometimes it is the details, but many
times it is the label. Shop the designers
"couture" collections either online or in
person. What is carried in the stores is not
really couture, but high end ready to wear. Aim
high and find that inspiration.
Make it your own - Even with a photo of your
inspiration, or even if you find the exact
materials, your creation is going to be unique. It
is going to be made for you or for a specific
person - not ready to wear. It is going to have
your own ideas, construction techniques, your
specific flair or point of view. Don't hide your
individuality - flaunt it! I have been following a
group on Facebook that uses Swoon patterns for
hand bags. One sewist added a small metal
plate she found on Etsy to "label" her creations
with a positive saying. Yes, it is a label, but it
can be your label and it doesn't have to be
hidden, or a name.
Make a resolution - the first quarter of 2015
YOU are going to finish a designer item. I can't
wait to see what you create!
Markita Hall-Gumble
President
President’s Corner Volume 12 Issue 1
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 2
Inside This Issue President’s Corner 1 Luncheon and Wrap Challenge 13-18 New and Renewing Members 2 Neighborhood groups in action 19-20 Advisory Board (CAB) 3 Book Review—Bias Cut Blueprints 21 Neighborhood Group Monthly Mtgs 4 Member Want/For Sale Ads 22 Plano Chapter Meetings 5-7 ASG Membership 23 Member Highlights 8 Membership Discounts 24-25 What ASG Means to Me 9 Sewing Professionals 26 Upcoming Events 10-12 Retail Support 26
Our Renewing Members
Rebecca Belknap
Joellen Brill
Caroline Brooks
Karen Buie
Lucretia Bush
Jeanne Edwards
Shirley Elliot
Betty Farnsworth
Sandie Griego
Carol Hamilton
Early Irwin
Cynthia Isley
Tricia Kemp
Ann Lau
Helen Morgan
Sharon Rasco
Carla Rich
Phyllis Rueckert
Margie Schwartz
TJ Tamny
Penny Young
Jacqueline Zinkand
Welcome to our new ASG Members
Sharmila Akula
Kikki Barnes
Gladys Blumin
Jessica Button
Joanne Cohon
Pebble Davis
Jeff Kaufman Jr.
Lisa Kittredge
Judy Nordseth
Teri Potter
Carla Starr
Welcome New Junior Members
Ariel Comparetto
Vidya Dandona
Sarah Robertson
Mariana Trujillo
Ashley Yau
Tarsha Cannon
From the Desk of our webmaster:
www.planoasgsews.org
To receive the latest news by email posted on the website, just in-
put your email address in the cell under “EMAIL NOTIFICA-
TIONS” on the home page on the right and hit SUBSCRIBE. It’s
that easy!!
Members are encouraged to submit ideas for a blog piece, you don’t
have to be website savvy, just send an email to the webmaster at:
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 3
Plano Chapter Advisory Board—2015 The Plano Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) meet-
ings are held quarterly. The first meeting is January each year. All Neighborhood Group Leaders
and other members are encouraged to attend to stay current on CAB decisions. Email or call
Markita Gumble at 972.824.1637, [email protected] for location, times and dates.
President – Markita Gumble
972.824.1637 [email protected]
First Vice President – Debby Bowles
972.596.5695 [email protected]
Second Vice President – Sheryl Belson
972.735.8092 [email protected]
Treasurer – Louise Schubert
972.741.5641 [email protected]
Secretary - Marlene Dreyer
469.384.2977 [email protected]
Community Service Chair – Carol Boyd
214.212.8947 [email protected]
Membership Chair – Ginny Stein
972.422.9595 [email protected]
Website Manager – Markita Gumble
972-824-1637 [email protected]
Newsletter Editor – Mary Anderson
972.233.1659 [email protected]
Retail Liaison - Maggie Tinnin
972.422.8128 [email protected]
Special Event Chair- Sheryl Belson
972.735.8092 [email protected]
Education Chair - Position Open
Headquarters Contact - Barbara Cortez
951.689.1073 [email protected]
ASG Conference offers workshops, seminars
and lectures in two-day, all-day, half-day,
two-hour and 90-minute formats.
Classes are tailored to every sewing
interest and every level of sewing skill.
Visit ASG website at: www.asg.org
July 16 - 20, 2015
Town & Country Resort & Convention Center 500 Hotel Circle N
San Diego, CA 92108
Ask Me What ASG Means to Me Contest
Contest Timeline
Work on your video Starting July 24, 2014
Post video on You Tube Beginning January 15, 2015; 2:00 pm CST
Viewing/voting ends June 1, 2015, 2:00 pm CDT
Contest rules can be found at the National ASG website www.asg.org/
index.html
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 4
Neighborhood Group Meetings
In addition to regular chapter meetings, smaller Neighborhood Groups meet monthly to offer you
even more sewing and learning opportunities.
Monthly
Meetings
Time
Group Name
Where We Meet
Contact Information
2nd Monday 10 a.m. Material Girls Plano Sewing Center
Custer & Spring Creek
Pamela Walker
3rd Monday 7 p.m. Best Dressed
Mondays
Mary Anderson’s home
Call or email for directions
972.233.1659
Mary Anderson
1st Tuesday 6:30 p.m. We’re Sew Special JoAnn Fabrics
1515 N. Town East Blvd
Mesquite, TX
Carol Boyd
3rd Tuesday 10:30 a.m.
&
7:00 p.m.
Hoopla Sisters Home of Ginny Stein Ginny Stein
4th Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Designing Diva’s Mary Jo Forbe’s Home Debby Bowles and Mary Jo Forbes [email protected]
1st Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Sew’n Tech Home of Maggie Tinnin
Call 972.422.8128 for directions
Markita Gumble
1st Thursday 10:30 a.m.
Toujour! Couture Fabrique Fashion Fabrics
George Bush Frwy & Coit Road
Jami Roux
4th Thursday 11 a.m. and
7 p.m.
Quiltn’ B ‘s Home of Maggie Tinnin
Call 972.422.8128 for directions
Maggie Tinnin
1st Friday 10 a.m. Charity Sewing Bernina Sewing Center
340 Coit Rd, Plano, TX
Carol Boyd
4th Saturday 10 a.m. to 12
noon
Saturday Stitchers
Christ United Methodist Church
Coit and Parker, Plano
Jami Roux
3rd Sunday 2:00 p.m. Sew Inspired Dallas Crafters Marathon
930 Parker Rd Ste. 530, Plano
Tx.
Mollie Moxie
Preregistration and payment of space is
required for this project workspace
2nd Saturday 10:00 a.m. TAG - Teach
Another Genera-
tion
Plano Sewing Center
Custer & Spring Creek
Plano, TX
Becky Bieri
4th Sunday 2:00 p.m. Maggie’s Minions Home of Maggie Tinnin
Call 972.422.8128 for directions
Maggie Tinnin
Please bring your Show & Tell’s to share at the meetings!
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 5
We’re Sew Special - Neighborhood Group
1st Tuesday of each month - 6:30 p.m.
January 6 - Planning Meeting for the year
February 2 - TBD
March 2 - TBD
Toujour! Couture
1st Thursday of each month - 10:30 a.m.
January 1 - No Meeting. Happy New Year to everyone!
February 5 - All about Darts - kind of darts, how to sew, where to
place them
March 5 - How to plan and build a travel wardrobe
Best Dressed Mondays Neighborhood Group
3rd Monday of each month - 7 p.m.
January 19 - Sweater Knits - Mary Jo Forbes
February 16 - TBD
March 16 - TBD
Hoopla Sisters Neighborhood Group
3rd Tuesday of each month - 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
January 20 - Road Trip to Fabric Affair (AM meeting only, no PM meeting)
February 17 - Endless/Continuous Hoop - How to use demo (AM meeting only, no PM
meeting)
March 17 - Fonts II - Everything you wanted to know about fonts. Bring your laptops.
Quilt’n B’s
4th Thursday of each month - 7:00 p.m.
January 22, February 26, and March 26 - working on “Storm at Sea”
quilt. It’s a simple block to make, and the designs using it are endless.
Sew Inspired Neighborhood Group
3rd Sunday of each month - 2:00 p.m.
January 17 - February 21 - March 21 - TBD
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 6
Saturday Stitchers - Hands on Techniques
4th Saturday of the Month 10 a.m.
January 24 - Hand Stitches - Bring a basic hand sewing kit
February 28 - Sewing Darts - Bring sewing machine, basic sewing kit.
March 28 - Pamela Leggett - “Design Details” (technique) workshop.
Charity Sewing
1st Friday of each month 10:00 a.m.
Charity Sewing Project
January 2 - No Meeting due to Holiday weekend
February 6 - Planning meeting for the year
March 6 - TBD
Please remember to fill out the form for your charity sewing hours and return to your Neighborhood Group
Leader or Carol Boyd. The form can be found on our website on the Charity Sewing Group Page . Here is
the link: http://www.planoasgsews.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Community-Service-Form.pdf
Material Girls
2nd Monday of each month - 10:00 a.m.
January 14 - Wet Felting workshop at Fancy Fibers Store (Note change in date)
February 9 - TBD
March 9 - TBD
Designing Divas
4th Tuesday of each month - 10:00 a.m.
January 27 - Designing different collars
February 24 - Designing different styled sleeves
March 24 - Designing different pockets
T.A.G. (Teach Another Generation)
2nd Saturday of each month - 10:00 a.m.
January 10 - Fleece Scarf
February 14 - Head band
March 14 - Tic Tac Toe Game bag
TAG is for kids 8 years to 17. The deadline for registration is the Monday before the
meeting. ASG policy is that visitors are allowed to attend 2 meetings before they are
required to join. You can sign up online at www.asg.org/html/join.html . Go to our
website for more information: www.planoasgsews.org/tag/
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 7
Any ASG member may attend any or all of the Neighborhood Group meetings at any chapter across the
country! If you are interested in forming a new Neighborhood Group, please contact: Markita Gumble
at [email protected] or Sheryl Belson at [email protected].
Sew’n Tech
1st Wednesday of each month - 6:30 p.m.
January 7 - Pattern Master Boutique update and other pattern drafting software
February 4 - Review of computerized and other cutting machines (Silhouette, Scan and Cut,
AccuCut)
March 4 - Technology Q&A - bring any questions/problems and new products
*** Editors Note ***
At the beginning of every month Chapter 1st Vice President, Debby Bowles sends out
current monthly meeting information. Please check the email from Debby each month
on current date and times of Neighborhood group meetings. Just in case there has
been last minute changes in location, dates or times. Also check the website or Google
calendar for weather cancellations
Maggie’s Minions
4th Sunday of each month - 2:00 p.m.
January 25 - Becoming familiar with Electric Quilt 7
February 22 - Drawing Blocks in EQ7
March 22 - Designing Quilts in EQ7
“This is a group to learn the ins and outs of designing quilts utilizing Electric Quilt 7 software. We
cover the basics as well as some more advanced features and the only limitation is your
imagination. You can design a quilt, draw a block, draw an applique, and a quilting design to finish it
off. The software is used by professionals and novices alike. Also, if you are not into drawing things
yourself, there are thousands of blocks in the software, as well as appliques and quilting
designs. There are also specialized quilt layouts that you can just add blocks to. Everyone is invited
whether you have the software or not. If you just want to see the capabilities of the software, come
and observe.”
NEW NEIGHBOORHOOD GROUPS FORMING
Sew Texoma
check the website at: www.planoasgsews.org/sew-texoma/
for more up to date details
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 8
,
Some time in the late 1990’s, one of the
internet sewing sites suggested possible fitting
buddies who lived in the area. Debbie
Ramseyer was on that site and invited me to
have breakfast with her at Denny’s
Restaurant. Debbie was passionate about
ASG and certainly sparked my interest. I
joined the DFW chapter at that time so that I
would be able to share time and ideas with
women who enjoyed sewing. Of course, I was
delighted when the Plano chapter was started.
Oh what fun I had as a little girl when my
mother allowed me to sew on her treadle
machine. I was six years old, and I really
didn’t make anything. I just liked to run the
machine to stitch on fabric. It wasn’t long
before I discovered that I could sew two pieces
together and put them on my doll. Oh, and I
made lots of pot holders, too. Some time later,
my mother began to show me how to read a
pattern and make clothing for myself. I was
about 12 by then, and we had acquired an
electric sewing machine. Patterns in those
days were very instructive. Sewing was a
required part of the school curriculum in
seventh and eighth grades. I was very upset
when an adult at my school refused to believe
that I had made my own dress. It had a
pin-tucked bodice, but at that age, I didn’t
realize that anything was considered difficult.
I just read pattern instructions and forged
ahead.
I still really like garment construction the
best. Jackets and dresses are my favorite
projects. I do enjoy a challenge.
I couldn’t live without my two sewing
machines, my gravity fed iron, my big cutting
table, and my library of sewing resource
materials. My favorite notion is my 5/8 inch
seam allowance ruler. I like my Juki
Industrial machine for fast straight stitching.
My Viking Designer SE is my best friend when
my sewing requires that I be able to move the
needle position and also for embroidery. I
think a Baby Lock serger with air threading is
a fabulous tool.
Over the years, my favorite sewing project was
my 1996 wedding gown. It was truly a labor of
love and turned out beautifully. There was a
lot of hand sewing in the gown.
Nobody knows that music has competed for my
sewing time. I spent much time singing and
acting in my younger years. I played piano,
organ, and cello before deciding that voice was
my forte. Nobody knows that I belonged to an
“in town” branch of 4H club in upstate New
York when I was in Junior High School. That
branch spent time developing cooking and
sewing skills. I really enjoyed entering
projects in the county fair. I think I must get
more sewing done so that I don’t have to wear
the same thing through all eternity.
MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
Meet Tricia Kemp, Charter Member
Tricia creating a
dress for Spring
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 9
WHAT ASG MEANS TO ME
A TRIBITE TO SEWING FRIENDS
By Markita Gunble
Almost 25 years ago, 25 women came together
at a now closed sewing dealer in Dallas. They
formed the original charter group for the
Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter of the American
Sewing Guild. I was in the right place at the
right time to meet amazing, creative women,
several of whom would become good friends.
Some were on the board of that first chapter,
and several of us formed a core neighborhood
group that shared sewing tips and techniques,
inspiration, and justifications for our sewing
related purchases. We attended classes and
seminars together on our machines, heirloom
sewing, both hand and machine. We shopped
together, crafted together and lunched
together. There were shared joys in their
children's weddings and grandbabies, proud
moments of grandchildren's accomplish-
ments. They cooed and created treasured
garments for my baby boys (who are now
grown young men). We shared our struggles
of an accidental death of a grandbaby, of
divorce, and general life issues. But mostly,
we laughed and had much fun.
On one shopping adventure, in the Perth
street area, we carpooled with the plan that
we would shop individually, and then share
our purchases and plans over lunch. At one
stop, (this was when there was garment
manufacturing in Dallas) several of us
purchased garbage bags full of miscellaneous
fabric scraps and trims for a few
dollars. Sandra Leeson noticed that there
some similar garbage bags in one of the
dumpsters. While I don't remember who
actually went dumpster diving, Sandra ended
up with a bag filled with stacks of tiny 2"
squares of a blue and white fabric. We all
laughed she would never be able to come up
with a use for those scraps.
Fast forward twenty years, our lives have
diverged, mine has become busy with boys
and I left sewing for a while and lost touch
with my friends. We came together over lunch
to remember and reminisce over our sewing
adventures and the recent loss of one of our
own, creative genius Sandi Wheeler.
And then another five years pass in a blink of
an eye, and I get a call from Sandra Leeson's
husband Earl. He wanted to donate Sandra's
sewing machines, her fabric and sewing stuff
to an organization that did sewing service
projects. With great sadness, I loaded up the
contents of her sewing room. I found books
from classes we had attended together, some
with my name on them. I told Earl the story
of the little blue scraps, we laughed. And then
10 minutes later what do I find, but a single
small stack of blue and white scraps. They are
mine now, along with the memories.
What does ASG mean to me? In a word,
friends.
This column is in honor of Sandi Wheeler and
Sandra Leeson. You both taught me sewing
and life lessons.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 10
Looking forward to two great events on one day,
Saturday, February 21 at 1:30p.m.!
High Tea Get out your fancy hat, ASG, Plano Chapter is taking everyone to High
Tea at the Chocolate Angel, corner of Preston and Parker for a fun
afternoon of tea and conversation. We will be quite elegantly served white
chocolate cranberry scones, tea sandwiches, petite quiche, chicken salad tartlet, ham & gruyere
puff pastry, assorted fruit, an assortment of sweet pastries, & selected loose leaf tea paired with
each course. Tickets are $15/member, $20 for non-members and will go on sale via Evite in early
January.
Thinking Outside the Bag Challenge All Plano ASG members are encouraged to bring a brown bag filled with items from the list below
to the High Tea at 1:30 p.m. on February 21 . We will blindly exchange these bags at that time,
then between February and August when we all get together to share our creations, you are
challenged to do something wonderful with the contents. If you want to enter the challenge but
can’t make the tea we will arrange to make a bag exchange available to you at another date.
Rules for the Thinking Out of the Bag Challenge Each bag must contain a total of 2 yards of woven fabric, at least one piece must be a
minimum of 1.5 yards
And 2 or more additional items chosen from the following list:
Zipper
Buttons
Fold-over Elastic
Trim (1 yard minimum)
Bias tape (1 yard minimum)
Ribbon (1 yard minimum)
Bag Handles
Cotton or nylon webbing (1 yard minimum)
Magnetic Closure
Skein of embroidery floss or thread
Spool of metallic thread
Spool or skein of variegated thread
Spool of Topstitching thread
Yarn (5 yd. minimum)
Each participant must use at least half of each item included in the brown bag. Additional fabric,
notions, threads, etc. from your own stash may be incorporated in the final project. Anything goes
– garment, purse, pillows, quilt, …… Let creativity rule the day!
UPCOMING EVENT !
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 11
UPCOMING EVENT !
Design Details Workshop –
Tips to Make Your Garments Look Professional
Pamela Leggett, Instructor
Are you ready to make that perfect garment but afraid that it will look homemade? Many
times the pattern directions are confusing and produce poor results. The difference between
“just OK” and “fabulous” are often simple techniques in stitching, pressing and products.
This class will show you many tricks-of-the-trade to make your garments look professional.
Master designer hems, serged French seams, perfect darts and collars, smooth facings,
sew-in elastics and much more!
The workbook purchased in class will contain all the fabrics and instructions you need.
You bring to class:
Sewing machine, threaded with white or off-white thread
Good sewing scissors
Basic sewing supplies
Event Details:
Wine and Cheese Reception and Trunk Show with Pamela Leggett:
Flattering Fit for Changing Bodies
Date: Friday, March 27 7-9 PM
Location: Fabrique!
401 W. President George Bush Hwy., Suite 122, Richardson, TX
Cost: Free!
Design Details Hands-On Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 28 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Christ United Methodist Church
3101 Coit, Plano TX
Cost: Member Early Bird - $85 Non-member Early Bird - $100
Member Regular - $100 Non-member Regular - $120
All participants - $16 workbook fee paid during class
Registration opens February 13, 2015. Early Bird available through February 27,
2015
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 12
Upcoming Events - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
.
January 24 - Stash Sale - Christ United Methodist Church, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Janurary 29 - February 1, 2015 - Annual Retreat. See below for more information.
Feburary 21, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. - Chapter High Tea and Brown Bag Challenge.
March 6-8, 2015 - ETA Dallas.
March 27-28, 2015—Pamela Leggett trunk show and “Design Details” (technique) work-
shop
July 16-20, 2015 - ASG National Conference in San Diego, California.
September 11-12, 2015 - Judy Kessinger trunk show and “Perfect T Shirt” workshop.
January 24, 2015 , 10:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Dallas ASG Winter Workshop. Preregistration
at www.sewdallas.org/ww2015registration.html
The Mother Load - Thru March 30, 2015 - The Center for Creative Connections (C3) at
the Dallas Museum of Art. More information at : themotherload.org/
The annual ASG Retreat will be held January
29th – February 1st at the Lakeview Camp and
Retreat Center in Waxahachie, TX. Gather your
unfinished projects, your favorite patterns, or that
fabric you’ve been holding for just the right
moment and join fellow makers for 3 days of
uninterrupted sewing time. Lodging and meals
are included in the registration costs. Additional
details can be found on the ASG website.
http://www.planoasgsews.org/space-is-limited
-reserve-your-space-for-the-2015-plano-asg-
retreat/
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 13
This year the Plano Chapter celebrated their 10th year with a Triple Wrap Challenge inspired by
Diane Von Furstenberg’s iconic wrap dress, which was coincidentally celebrating its 40th
birthday this year. Blue Mesa Grill, in Plano, was the the setting this year with a record 56 people
in attendance for the election of officers and challenges.
The newly elected officers are Markita Gumble, President, Debby Bowles, 1st. Vice
president, Sheryl Belson, 2nd Vice President, Louise Schubert, Treasurer, and Marlene Dreyer, Secretary.
Nisha Williams, Special Events Committee, welcomed everyone at check in. Sheryl Belson and Mary Jo Forbes are also part of the committee of three responsible for the luncheon.
Also celebrating her one month birthday, precious
Audrey Frances Goldstein, daughter of Nienke
Wolthoff, was the youngest guest in attendance. She is
wearing a tiny “dress form” print outfit sewn by her
mama who, until Audrey came along, was our chapter’s
incredibly gifted web master.
Past President Jami Roux and Ann Lau just hap-
pened to wear matching green so they deemed it
appropriate to sit together.
Mug Rug favors created by the
Hoopla Sisters NG were a big hit!
Plano ASG Annual Luncheon, October 25, 2014 BY Mary Jo Forbes
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 14
Plano ASG Annual Luncheon, October 25, 2014 (cont.)
BY Mary Jo Forbes
19 members knocked themselves out for the three challenges - The Wrap Dress, The Outer Wrap and The Gift
Wrap! First prize in each category was $50, second $30 and third an autographed copy of Nancy Zieman’s book
Seams Unlikely.
The 15 ladies above were stiff competitors for Wrap Dress Challenge. L to R Sheryl Belson, Carol Hamilton,
Roxanne Carder, Mollie Moxey, Sabrina Lloyd, Betty Farnsworth, Sara Urbina, Marlene Dreyer, Trisha Kemp,
Monica Tetteh, Becky Bieri, Markita Gumble, Debby Bowles, Donna Simpson and Nisha Williams.
L to R Carol Hamilton, Sheryl Belson, Donna Simpson, Roxanne Carder, Ann Lau, Mary Jo Forbes, Doris Happel
and Marlene Dreyer competed in the Outer Wrap Challenge.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 15
Plano ASG Annual Luncheon, October 25, 2014 (cont.)
BY Mary Jo Forbes
And the winners, drum-roll please……..
First place,Wrap Dress Challenge,Sara Urbina for
her first sewing project!!! She made a reversible
dress embellished with Sashiko stitching on one
side.
Markita Gumble,second place ,Wrap Dress Challenge for her
comic relief dress titled “Home Sewing is Easy”. She even
covered her shoes with matching fabric. Her Fascinator is
fashioned from a man’s tie.
Third place,Wrap Dress Challenge, Mollie Moxie looks
absolutely stunning in her floor-length electric blue
rayon faille.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 16
Plano ASG Annual Luncheon, October 25, 2014 (cont.)
BY Mary Jo Forbes
Ann Lau, first place, Outer Wrap Challenge, for her beautifully
embroidered boiled wool Ruanna.
Mary Jo Forbes, second place, Outer Wrap Challenge for
the boiled wool coat with silver buttons and loop closure
that she designed and self-drafted for her granddaughter
who is 4.
Donna Simpson , third place, Outer Wrap Challenge
for her felted wool scarf which was a needle felting NG
project. Before felting she crisscross stitched all of the
elements together sandwiched between sheets of aqua
solvey. When she washed it only the wool elements
shrank but the scarf emerged about 12” shorter than
it’s original length.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 17
Plano ASG Annual Luncheon, October 25, 2014 (cont.)
BY Mary Jo Forbes
All entries in the Gift Wrap Challenge were winners! Glenda Hurley, left, first place with her tiered wrap,
“It’s All About the Celebration”, featuring a 40 year-old Barbie doll in a wrap dress on top. Mary Jo Forbes,
center, third for her authentic Japanese furoshiko textile wrap which is carefully folded and tied without
the aid of adhesives or stitching. Roxanne Carder second for her lace wrapped boxes.
More of the great wrap dresses “also seen” at the luncheon, were those worn below by L to R, Trisha
Kemp, Monica Tetteh, Betty Farnsworth and Sheryl Belson.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 18
Advancing Sewing as anAdvancing Sewing as an Art and Life SkillArt and Life Skill
The American Sewing Guild exists is a national non-profit organization dedicated to people who believe sewing is a rewarding and creative activity.
Plano ASG Annual Luncheon, October 25, 2014 (cont.)
BY Mary Jo Forbes
Carol Hamilton wore the most historically significant
“Wrap”, a pair of wrap pants she made for herself in 1977.
She said, “they still fit, they just don’t wrap as far around as
they did in 1977.” The top was one she made in the early
’80’s. She even brought the original patterns for both
garments.
ASG ONLINE! Meetings are free, online
group sessions and educational classes
open to all ASG members. Visit
www.asg.org under Members Only.
All the events are archived. There is a
wealth of information and techniques
located there!
Debby and Sheryl’s Most Excellent Fabric Adventure!
It was a long time coming. Debby Bowles won Peggy Sagers’ December Fabric
Tour to New York back in March. December finally arrived and with Christmas-
like anticipation off she went. Sheryl Belson, also a Plano ASG member tagged
along. To see and read more about this adventure go to the Plano ASG website
at: www.planoasgsews.org/new-york-fabric-tour/
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 19
If we didn’t, you missed a great time of learning all sorts of new things with sewing friends! There were 38
friends who met together on Saturday, September 27 at Christ’s United Methodist Church to sample a wide
variety of member-led workshops. Here are some pictures to highlight the offerings.
Markita Teaching Reverse Applique Debbie and Pam’s Trim Margaret Teaching machine Monograms
Weaving Group
Lu teaching a Needles and Threads class. See the great Roxanne teaching How to Make
kit she provided each participant to examine during class A Beaded Scarf
Sheryl’s group making a Becky teaching Bound Buttonholes Sheryl’s Sashiko Embroidery Class
Body Graph
Louise taught a Scarf Inspiration class and Markita taught a class on Fitting Burda
Patterns. Unfortunately, we missed getting pictures of those, but they were both a great hit.
Thanks goes to all those who supported this event by planning the event, by preparing work shops to
teach and by attending. Together we all made it a fantastic day of learning.
Did We See You at the Fair?
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 20
Vintage Martini Field Trip
Toujour Couture Neighborhood Group took a field trip to Vintage Martini in December. Owner Ken
Weber welcomed us to his treasure box of vintage designer garments and accessories, sharing his
knowledge and enthusiasm for the garments with our group.
We looked into the windows and began oohing and ahhing before even setting foot inside the store.
The glorious garments drew us in for a closer look. We were able to touch the luxurious fabrics and
closely inspect the fine design details. Some of the most interesting details were on garments from
Ralph Rucci. Looking at the hand stitching and construction details we knew how designers come
up with their prices. When he saw our interest, Ken pulled other garments from the store for us to
see. We were like kids in a candy store.
Ken even opened his special collection (kept behind a chain) to our group. This collection included
examples of garments from the 1900s through today. Ken explained he got into collecting vintage
garments as a result of consulting as a costume designer for the theater and movies. After
business slowed he began refining his collection and began selling garments and patterns at trade
fairs around the country. He eventually decided to open a store, the Vintage Martini.
Ken shared the history of commercial sewing patterns with us. After seeing what the original
Butterick patterns from the 1890s look like, we have nothing to complain about with our current
pattern company offerings. The original patterns had a drawing of the garment, a description of the
details of the garment and sheets of paper with outlines and dots. There were no instructions, no
names on any of the pieces, nothing to help someone who didn’t know how to construct a garment.
Thank goodness patterns have come a long way since then.
It was a wonderful day, followed by lunch across the street at The Porch.
Thank you to Glenda Hurley for the idea for the trip and making all the arrangements. The Vin-
tage Martini is located at 2923 N. Henderson Ave. in Dallas, right off Highway 75.
Ken Weber explain the in’s and out’s of Haute Couture
garments. Jami and Mary Jo looking over a Koos van
den Akker garment. A vintage purse/bag. Luba, Donna,
Carol and Mary Jo getting an in-depth look at the con-
struction of coats. Finally, enjoying our lunch.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 21
Book Review by Markita Gumble
Bias Cut Blueprints by Julianne Bramson and Susan Lenahan
At last year's ASG conference in St. Louis, I met and shopped at ASG members’
Julianne Bramson and Susan Lenahan booth. They were also instructors in
several classes on bias cut clothing. I didn't have any of their classes on my
schedule, but was impressed with their samples, and purchased their
book. "Bias Cut Blueprints - A Geometric Method for Clothing Design and
Construction"
The book is a history lesson, and a "cookbook" of construction techniques and pattern templates to
create hundreds of combinations of garments. It is a unique, mathematical way of bias clothing
design. Not to fret if math is not your forte, there are charts, lots of diagrams and ideas to make the
process very easy. If you have worked with bias in the past, you know it can be tricky. The
difference in this method is that the cuts are made on the straight of grain but the garment is worn
on the bias.
As a quick history lesson, Madeleine Vionnet in the late 1920's changed the world of fashion with
the creation of the elegant bias cut dress. Before Vionnet , a garment’s structure was formed from
the undergarments. These undergarments forced the body into a shape and the garment took that
shape. Bias cut garments of the late 1920s early 1930s changed everything when the garment
conformed to the shape of the body!
The definition of bias is a woven fabric’s 45 degree angle. Knits stretch but a woven fabric on the
bias collapses. The ideal type of woven fabric for bias garments is one that is soft, has weight and
the right kind of weave that forms air pockets that will collapse when weighted on the bias. Crepes
are the best. The twist of the yarn and the weave create these woven air pockets in the fabric. The
opposite is true of a microfiber – it has a very tight weave.
Keys for working successfully with bias:
Pretreat the fabric – either pre wash or pre dry clean.
A bias garment needs 4-6” of ease vs a straight of grain garment that needs only ½ - 1” in the
waist and 2-3” in the hip.
The garment may need to be worn with a separate slip. A lining would impede the nature of bi-
as.
Avoid a zipper in bias or any other stabilizing element.
When cutting , support all edges of the fabric. Do not let it hang off the edge of the cutting table.
Allow 1” seam allowance on all bias seams.
Handle the fabric as little as possible before sewing.
The ideal stitch is a 2 mm x 2 mm zig zag.
The best hem finish is a faced hem (a separate piece of fabric – turning the fabric under twice
causes ripples as the bias edges fight each other in opposite directions).
Put closures on the straight of grain seams – plackets or even zippers.
If you would like to purchase a copy the books are available on Amazon with this link that also sup-
ports our guild.
In January, we will have a sew-a-long based on these construction techniques. The first meeting
will be Monday, January 12th starting at 1:30 pm at my house in McKinney. No sewing ma-
chines necessary, but bring your book (if you have one) possible ideas of fabric, and a tape meas-
ure. I will review what I learned in sewing a garment using Bias Cut Blueprints. McKinney has
some charming lunch locations in our downtown. Carpool, plan a lunch and come have some fun!
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 22
Browse your Want Ads to see what our members are offering for sale or for free.
These want ads are for our Plano Chapter members use only. This will be a place for our members
to sell their gently used sewing machines, sergers, notions. It is also a place where our members
can offer items for free that they no longer use.
All items must be sewing related; and if the item is fabric, it should be in good useable condition
with a description of content, size and age. We will need your email address and telephone number
so interested members can contact you. Please check out the website for current items for sale at :
www.planoasgsews.org/want-ads/
Disclaimer: The Plano Chapter holds no responsibility for any items bought, sold or
offered for free through the newsletter.
These items listed below are for sale. Please check out the website for pictures of these
items at: www.planoasgsews.org/want-ads/
For Sale:
Singer sewing machine circa 1953 with cabinet, includes several different foot attach-
ments. Sews beautifully. Was $500.00, Now $275.00. Contact Emma at
[email protected] or call 972-762-6042. (P.S Emma has donated fabric to our chapter)
Pinnable “Uniquely You” Dress Form including instructions, cover #5 and stand.
New, never been used. Purchased for $189. for sale $150. Contact Luba Amour at
469.713.4380 or [email protected]
All newsletter submissions, including items for sale, should be sent to Mary Anderson at
March 15 for April, May, June issue
June 15 for the July, August, September Issue
September 15 for the October, November, December issue
December 15 for the January, February, March issue
Fun Tricks of the Trade by Judy Kessinger , http://www.fitnicesystem.com/
Glue buttons in place with fabric glue stick. When glue is dry, hand sew or sew by machine for
super strength
Make pin tucks on lightweight fabric, using Schmetz 2.0 or 2.5 needle. Pin tucks on fleece done
with Schemtz 4.0 double needle gives a ribbing effect.
Nail heads with prongs give a quick accent to anything. After bending the prongs in place, put a
dab of E600 on the backside, so the prongs won’t stick you. (E600 is a permanent glue that re-
mains washable.)
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 23
ASG Membership
The American Sewing Guild is a non-
profit organization of home sewists. Our pur-
pose is to provide information, education and
programs for our members and the communi-
ty.
Membership in the Guild is open to
the public.
Membership in the American Sewing
Guild is $50 for new members, $45 for
renewing members.
Change of Address Don’t miss an is-
sue!
If we do not have your current mailing
and email address, you WILL NOT receive
newsletters or other important information.
Membership data is managed at ASG
Headquarters.
Changes can be made on-line or by
mail, using ASG National website or
mailing address below.
New members and renewing
members, please print the form
and mail it with your dues or you may
join/renew online at www.asg.org. Be
sure to select the Plano, Texas Chapter.
Texas, Plano Chapter
Youth Members are through age 17 and ex-
tending up to age 22 for registered college
students. Student ID and school name should
be provided. Junior membership application
is included in the newly revised ASG Mem-
bership.
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 24
Participating Local Retailers
Please present your ASG membership card at retail stores and thank them for participating in
the ASG discount program. Other stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex also offer discounts
to ASG members. Just ask!
Arlington Sewing Machine Supply 308 W. Main
Arlington, TX
817.460.4992 15% discount on all non-sale items. Brother, Janome, Pfaff
& Viking
Benno’s Buttons & Trimmings 12300 Inwood Road #106
Dallas, TX 75244
214.634.2324 15% discount on all non-sale items. Specializes in unique
buttons, ribbons and lace
www.bennosbuttons.com or [email protected]
Bell’s Bernina 103 N. 6th St. (Old Downtown)
Garland, TX
214.634.2325 10% discount on all items. Sewing machines, accessories,
classes
Bernina of Plano 340 Coit Road Ste 500
Plano, TX 75075
972.578.9227
10% discount on all non-sale items (be sure to present your
ASG card before sale is rung up) Discount includes fabric,
notions, embroidery supplies. Discounts exclude classes,
sewing machines, software and cabinets.
Button Up! Antiques Granny Taught Me How
1109 Broadway, Carrollton, TX
972.446.3038 10% discount on all non-sale items. Antique buttons &
sewing items
CompuSew 3237 Independence Pkwy
Plano, TX
972.596.5628 10% discount on all non-sale items
Fabric Affair 339 Dal-Rich Village (SW corner of Beltline
&Coit)
Richardson, TX.
972.234.1937 10% discount on non-sale items
Fabrique! 3801 W. President George Bush Hwy
Plano, TX
972.943.3400 20% discount
Sew It Up Studio 740 Grapevine Hwy
Hurst, TX
817.514.6061 15% discount on non-sale items, excluding special orders.
Designer fabrics & accessories, smocking & heirloom em-
broidery graphs & fibers.
Hale Costume & Dance Supply 2902 Race Street
Ft. Worth, TX
817.838.7128 10% discount on non-sale items. Retail theatrical fabric,
accessories, ready-made & custom costumes, trims and cot-
ton lace.
Hancock Fabrics - ALL LOCATIONS
10% discount on total purchase
Houston Street Mercantile 126 N. Houston St.
Granbury, TX 76048
817.279.0425 10% on non-sale fabric, patterns, notions and books, and
quilting items.
Jenny Bug’s Quilting & Embroidery Shop 800 Fulgham Rd., #33
Plano, TX 75093
972.979.0688 Ask about ASG discount
JoAnn’s Fabrics & Crafts - ALL LOCATIONS 10% discount on total purchase
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 25
Mr. Sewing Machine 10795 Harry Hines
Dallas, TX
214.358.3549 15% discount on non-sale items
Nancy’s Notions www.nancysnotions.com
800.833.0690 Discount Codes:
Check asg.org for current discount code
Plano Sewing Center 2070 W. Spring Creek, Suite 326, Plano, TX
972.527.7400 15% discount on non-sale items
Excludes machines and software
Pure Tex 2623 Perth St.
Dallas, TX
214.455.9560 10% discount on non-sale items
Quilts N More 211 W. Avenue F
Midlothian, TX 76065
972.723.8669 10% discount on non-sale items. Excludes long-arm quilt-
ing
Richard Brooks Couture Fabrics 6131 Luther Lane, Ste. 200
Dallas, TX
214.736.1922 10% discount on non-sale items
Richland Sewing Center 850 W. Pipeline Road
Hurst, TX
817.589.7020 10% discount on non-sale items. Viking, Brother, New
Home clubs, serger and other classes.
Sewing World 6858 Green Oaks Road
Ft. Worth, TX 76116
817.263.0572 10% discount on non-sale items, 20% discount on non-sale
items on ASG meeting day (2nd Monday). ASG member-
ship card must be presented.
Sewing World of Grapevine 1111 Northwest Highway
Grapevine, TX
817.499.9514 10% discount on non-sale items. ASG membership card
must be presented.
Stitch-n-Lounge www.stitchnlounge.com
320 S. Clark Road, Ste. F
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972.291.2551 10% discount on total purchase
Thomas Sewing Center & Fabric Outlet 1515 Town East Blvd, Suite 133
Mesquite, TX 75150
972.681.3996
877.682.3996
15% discount on non-sale items
Members Discounts (cont. from page 18)
Full Page $100
Half Page $50
Quarter Page $25
Business Card Size $15
Free to ASG members (business card size)
Email camera ready as pdf. or jpg. file to:
Make checks payable to ASG Plano and send
to:
Louise Schubert
2910 Berkshire Dr.
Mesquite, TX 75150-3541
All ads must be sewing related
Advertising Rates & Information
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 26
If you are a Plano ASG member and would like to include your business card in
the newsletter, please send or give your card to : [email protected]
PLEASE SUPPORT retailers who provide meeting space for our Neighborhood
Groups and chapter meetings.
Fashion Fabrics
401 W. President George Bush Freeway
Richardson, TX 75080
972.234-4800
www.fabriquefabrics.com/
2070 W Spring Creek Pkwy at
Custer
Plano, Texas
972.527-7400
www.planosewingcenter.com
340 Coit Road Suite 500 , Plano Tx
972.578.9227
http://www.bestofbernina.com/
www.planoasgsews.org Material Issues Page 27
PLANO TEXAS CHAPTER
of the American Sewing Guild
2113 Brenham
McKinney, TX 75070
Remember!
When you move, be sure to send your address change to the National Headquar-
ters office. Returned newsletters are charged to the Guild at first class mail
rates.
American Sewing Guild
Association Headquarters
9660 Hillcroft, Suite 510
Houston, TX 77096
Phone: 713.729.3000
Fax: 713.721.9230
Email: [email protected]