Sewing Classes Start September 23rd!

Fresh Out of the Box - Beginner Sewing Is your sewing machine still in the box it came in? Do you want to get started but don’t know how? This sewing class is for the complete beginner. Students will learn the basics: machine threading using the feet attachments, and different stitches while completing a drawstring bag and other projects! Fresh Out of the Box – Beginner Sewing will prepare students for the “Quilted Placement” and “Essential Tote Bag” classes.

Visit HenricoAdultEducation.com  to register today!

Also this Fall 2019:
A brand new class!
Essential Tote Bag- Learn machine sewing techniques while completing an essential tote bag. Learn how to cut out fabric, sew pockets, hem, zipper, straps, and lining. Taking Fresh Out of the Box - Beginner Sewing will prepare students for this class.

Easy Quilted Placemat- Students will learn machine quilting and binding and will complete at least 1 placemat. Basic sewing skills are required. Taking Fresh Out of the Box - Beginner Sewing will prepare students for this class.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Want to Sew Some More? Here’s How to Develop Your Hobby

Here is a  freelance contribution from Sally Writes:

Want to Sew Some More? Here’s How to Develop Your Hobby

When you sit down to sew, you may realize that there’s so much more that you could learn how to do. By now, you’ve done all the basic sewing projects: you’ve stitched patches on your daughter’s Girl Scouts vest; you’ve made stuffed fabric turkeys for Thanksgiving with the family. It’s time to develop your hobby into and learn new things about sewing—but where should you begin?

Having a hobby like sewing is a great way to enhance your life by giving you a creative outlet to personalize crafts and calm your mind after a hard day at work. Finding ways to grow your hobby and really turn it into a passion can make for many rewarding projects and a feeling that you have mastered the craft. If you are looking to develop your sewing and take it to the next level, here are three tips for your inner tailor:

Tip #1: Expand On What You Already Know

Whether you consider yourself to be a sewing extraordinaire or you are just beginning, there are many ways to expand your knowledge and skillset. Taking local sewing or stitching classes is always a great way to establish a foundation of like-minded sewing enthusiasts who can provide you will inspiration and new ideas. It may also be a wise idea to do some research. Can you identify all the parts and uses of your sewing machine? Do you know how to use a seam guide, or how to sew a knit versus a woven fabric? By learning the many sewing terms by seeking out the needed knowledge in a specialty book or magazine, you will undoubtedly become a better sewer who is well-versed in the craft lingo.

Tip #2: Experiment with Online Blogs

In addition to attending classes or sewing groups in-person, you can also consult the Internet for many more online hobby-centric forums and blogs. Surfing a site like Pinterest to discover unique ideas for sewing projects can provide you with endless hours of creative motivation. You can even learn how to make products that can be sold at craft shows, like an acorn-shaped potholder in time for the fall or cute pairs of baby shoes. Reading other sewing will also give you new ways to look at projects you may be familiar with, like simple embroidery, and spawn exciting design techniques to reimagine your established techniques.

Tip #3: Try Out a Sewing Subscription Service

A third idea to develop your sewing hobby is to test out a subscription box service, which arrives by mail continually throughout the year. These box services are particularly trendy in a range of industries, like the food and beauty industries, and it is a proven way to receive the latest and favorite consumer products. By signing up for a sewing subscription box, you can have access to new materials, patterns, and craft ideas that will come right to your doorstep. This will challenge you to utilize elements of sewing that you never have before, and many also come with a seasonal twist, which can be fun for the holidays.

By expanding your knowledge, surfing hobby blogs, and trying a subscription service, you can allow your inner sewing spirit to grow beyond your creative capacities and become a master of your hobby.

​

Lap or Baby Quilt Class

New Class!  Tuesdays July 11-25, 2017. Students will cut and sew their own 40" x 40" Lap/Baby Quilt. They will learn a very easy method to make a quilt entirely on a sewing machine.

Materials: Sewing machine and fabric. Detailed materials list will be sent to enrollees (approx $30).

Ages: Late teens - adults

Location:

Arts and Spirituality Center at Emmanuel Church

Bryan Education Center, 2nd fl.

1214 Wilmer Ave.

Richmond, VA 23227

Enroll Here

Arts and Spirituality Center

There is an exciting new venture in Richmond at the historic Emmanuel Episcopal Church at Brook Hill.  They are offering arts and crafts classes as well as T'ai C'hi.  The first session is June 6-June 27, 2017.  Check them out! www.artsandspirit.org  Space is limited and going fast!  (I'm teaching a one night sewing workshop!).

Craft and Sewing Supplies Yard Sale

American Sewing Guild Yard Sale
May 20, 2017
9 AM – 3 PM
St Matthews Episcopal Church
1101 Forest Avenue, Richmond, VA

Special Events has been working on setting up a yard sale for our members to sell their sewing or
craft related items they no longer need.  Great time to stock up on supplies or help a beginner get started!

If you have sewing or craft items you would like to donate to our Chapter, we will have a table at
the Yard Sale to both inform the public about ASG while also selling donated items to raise
funds for our Chapter.  All funds earned from donated items will go to support our Chapter’s
activities such as Education.

We encourage everyone to come to the Yard Sale and bring a friend or family
member that enjoys creative supplies!

Sewing Machines for Children by Stitch and Sew

Finding the Best Child-Friendly Sewing Machine

Sewing is often a passion that many people want to share with their own children. There isn’t a specific age when a child can start using a sewing machine, they and you will know when the right time is. But finding the right sewing machine for them to use can make a huge difference to their sewing experience. Once they have their machine, your kids can start off sewing some relatively simple items. But if the sewing bug bites, then they could move on very quickly to all sorts of projects, from making their own clothes and bags, to quilts and soft furnishings.

There are many sewing machines on the market that are ideal for children, with some featuring different specifications that are useful for different types of projects. This guide shows you child-friendly sewing machines that will help to kick-start a lifelong passion for sewing.

Brighton Blouse Class at Quilting Adventures

Brighton Blouse Class

This blouse has fitting darts at the bust line, a flattering asymmetrical neckline and hem,

 by Great Copy Patterns

Class is Sat. May 10, (10am-5pm) 2014

Head over to Quilting Adventures to register!

Sign Up Deadline Extended!

Clothing Alteration and Repair class sign up deadline will be extended to March 26th, 2014.







#059
Clothing Alteration and Repair
Save money by fixing the clothes you
already own! Students can bring in their
own clothes in need of work or bring in
fabric for making samples of techniques.
Examples shown will vary with the projects
brought in but will include zippers, hems,
buttons, buttonholes, and pockets.
Stop using tape and safety pins to hold your clothes
together - gain more wear from your
wardrobe and save money by fixing it
yourself.
Hermitage High School, Henrico,VA
Monday: March  - April 2014
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
No Class April 14
Registration deadline: March 26
Visit http://www.HenricoAdultEducation.com for more info.

Upcoming Class: Clothing Alteration and Repair

#059
Clothing Alteration and Repair
Save money by fixing the clothes you
already own! Students can bring in their
own clothes in need of work or bring in
fabric for making samples of techniques.
Examples shown will vary with the projects
brought in but will include zippers, hems,
buttons, buttonholes, and pockets.
Stop using tape and safety pins to hold your clothes
together - gain more wear from your
wardrobe and save money by fixing it
yourself.
Hermitage High School, Henrico,VA
Monday: March 31 - April 28
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
No Class April 14
Registration deadline: March 19
Visit http://www.HenricoAdultEducation.com for more info.

Fun Beret Class at Quilting Adventures

 

The Banded Beret by Indigo Junction

 

I used a hand dyed flannel but you could use a recycled jacket or denim shirt too. 

Hidden back elastic. 

Class is March 23,2014

Sign up at www.quiltingadventures.com

 

 

Did you miss it?

If you missed signing up for my night class, don't worry!  I give individual private sewing lessons too!
Also check www.henricoadulteducation.com for Clothing Alterations and Repairs and Quilting Adventures.

Colonial Vest

Here is another Colonial Vest worn for dancing.  It is cotton for breathability.

Flaps cover functioning pockets.

Thin ribbon and machine button holes.

Upcoming Class: Beginning Sewing

#052
Fresh Out of the Box -
Beginning Sewing
Is your sewing machine still in the box it
came in? You want to get started but don’t
know how? This sewing class is for the
complete beginner. Students will learn
the basics: machine threading, using
the feet and attachments and different
stitches, while completing a drawstring
bag.
Hermitage High School,  Henrico,VA
Monday: March 3 - March 24
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Registration deadline: February 19
Visit http://www.HenricoAdultEducation.com to register!

Feline Friday- Our Newest Buddy

Here is Anchor (named by my son).  I tried not to adopt this one, but he won and we are happy to have him.

Infinity Scarf Class at Quilting Adventures

Sew a super easy and very stylish infinity scarf. Great way to update your wardrobe or give as gifts! Register Here! February 4,2014 from 6-8pm.

Its a New Year!

Happy New Year!  I took a small break, but I hope to keep posting now that the holidays are over.  We seem to have adopted another cat.  I'll have pictures soon.  My new years resolution:  sew more!  And not adopt any more animals (although I have always wanted chickens...).  I will leave you with Emma under the tree.

Feline Friday

Alice, full of turkey.

 

Hope everyone had a fulfilling Thanksgiving!

An Interesting Recycled Quilt

When I was in North Carolina in June, there was this great mall art exhibit of recycled materials.  This quilt was in the exhibit and I'm sorry I don't have the artist's name.  I think it is a really interesting use of reused fabric, especially jeans details.

It made me want to start saving old jeans to cut up, but then I realized I save too much stuff and really shouldn't add any more clutter.  Maybe I could save one or two pairs of jeans...

Silhouettes Classic Blouse by Peggy Sagers

This is the Classic Blouse #600.  I absolutely fell in love with this peacock print.  It has a great drape in a herringbone weave.  Darts give the blouse fit and shape while still being loose enough to be comfortable.  I left the front pockets off.

Button close up- plastic and very washable.

Collar and band cut in one.  Quick and easy construction.

Fall Bazaar

CHAPTER OF

THE AMERICAN SEWING GUILD Presents


The Sixth Annual

FALL BAZAAR


Saturday, November 23, 2013 — 9 am to 3 pm

@

St. Matthews Episcopal Church

1101 Forest Ave., Richmond, VA 23229

Corner of Patterson &; Forest Aves.
Start &/or finish your holiday shopping…

Or shop for yourself! You’ll find

beautifully made needlecraft items—

sewn, knitted and

embroidered

treasures and handmade crafts.