SEW-CIETY NEWS
Central Illinois/Peoria Chapter American Sewing Guild
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Volume 35, No. 1—Peoria, Illinois
Sue Melton Barnabee, Editor
Chartered 1986
Advancing sewing
as an art and life
skill
www.peoriaasg.org www.asg.org
SHOW & TELL LUNCHEON
June 3, 2017
Sponsored by the ASG Garment Group
This year at the June Luncheon the CAB (Chapter Advisory Board) is sponsoring a treat for being a
member of our chapter. We will have Nancy Nix-Rice as our special guest for a longer day than usual. In the
morning, Nancy will show us how to tie scarves. In the afternoon, she will introduce us to improving our wardrobe
using color. You can read more about Nancy at http://nancynixrice.com .
Nancy has 25 years of style consulting. She has authored 3 books on image and wardrobe development:
LOOKING GOOD Every Day – Style Solutions for Real Women; LOOKING GOOD – A Comprehensive Guide
to Wardrobe; and The NEW Professional Image – Dress Your Best for Every Business Situation (with image
consulting icon Susan Bixler).
Her background in the home sewing industry provides nuts-and-bolts knowledge of clothing construction
standards, fabric quality, and the fine points of fit and alterations options.
Her experience includes retail management, buying and personal shopping, teaching tailoring, fit and alterations in her own
sewing school/fabric store, managing a corporate training department, working as image manager for a major hospitality company and
teaching Dale Carnegie personal development courses.
She was among the first of only 150 consultants worldwide to earn CIP professional certification from the prestigious
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI).
The Garment Neighborhood Group invites all ASG members to start creating items to share with everyone at the Show &
Tell Luncheon. For show & tell, bring anything you have made -- garments for you or your family, accessories, home dec items,
quilts, crafts, embroidered items, community service projects – whatever you like to make. It’s fun to share this day with visitors. So,
invite friends or family members to come with you.
For those who have never attended this event, bring or wear the items you want to show. You will be invited to come to the
podium to describe your project and then walk around the room showing the others what you have made. Don’t be intimidated –
come join us and have fun!
DATE:
LOCATION:
LUNCH:
PROGRAM:
COST:
RESERVATION:
FOOD:
Saturday, June 3, 2017 Registration 9 am
Illinois Valley Yacht Club (IVY Club), 5102 Galena Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Noon. We will be finished by 4 pm
9:30 am
$15 for members; $30 for non-members
Send reservation form and check to Gisela Schuman
Salad with roasted chicken, beverage, rolls and dessert OR Salmon, wild rice, vegetable
and dessert
RESERVATION DEADLINE: May 26, 2017
Since we are having Nancy Nix-Rice for the June luncheon, the button challenge will be moved to the November 11 annual meeting.
Be working on anything BUTTONS for the challenge.
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 1
2017 LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM
Mail Registration Fee and Reservation Form to: Gisela Schuman, PO Box 282, Farmington, IL 61531
Call 309-245-4884 or e-mail at [email protected] for more information
Make check payable to Central IL/Peoria ASG
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________________________________State:____________Zip:___________
Phone: (____) ___________________________ e-mail:___________________________________________________________
Emergency contact name _______________________________________________________ Phone (____)_________________
Meal choice: Chicken_________________ Salmon _____________________ Member $15 Yes___ Non-Member $30 Yes____
CENTRAL IL/PEORIA AREA 2017 DATES TO REMEMBER
March 10—CAB Meeting, East Peoria Library, E. Peoria
March 28-29—Angel Gown Project Day, Chillicothe
Christian Church, Chillicothe
April 7—Charity Sewing Day, North Branch Library, Peoria
June 3—June Luncheon, Nancy Nix-Rice, Garment Group
Hostess, IVY Club, Peoria Heights
August 21-23—Summer Retreat, Villa Maria, Springfield,
IL area
September 15—Charity Sewing Day, North Branch Library,
Peoria
October 21—Sew Special, United Presbyterian Church,
Peoria
November 11—Annual Meeting, Peoria Evening Group
Hostess
July 27-31—National Conference, Orlando, FL
WELCOME TO OUR CHAPTER, NEW MEMBER!
Lily Scalf, Canton
Please introduce yourself to our newest member at your next neighborhood group meeting or chapter event.
A special THANK YOU to all members who have renewed your ASG membership!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
March 2017
Helen Flint
Janet Lickey
Gail Lithgow
Carol Luginbuhl
Dee Ryan
Leanne Trotter
Margaret Wallace
April 2017
Ruth Ann Abbott
Haroldine Baker
Tina Colombo
Dorothy Deem
Cynthia Monier
May 2017
Mary Allen
Dorothy Burks
Lois Campbell
Karen Henry
Deb Kauffman
Linda Moorhead
Any current member who signs up 3 members for a full year membership
before the annual meeting in November will receive a free ASG membership.
STATE AND NATIONAL 2017 DATES TO REMEMBER
March 9-11— Original Sewing & Quilt Expo, Atlanta
GA. www.sewingexpo.com
March 13-15—Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion,
Lakeland, FL www.sewingexpo.com
March 16-18—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo,
Lakeland, F. www.sewingexpo.com
March 30-April 1—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.
Cleveland, OH www.sewingexpo.com
April 6-8—Quilt Festival Chicago, Chicago, IL.
www.quilts.com
May 4-6—Sewing Weekend. Beaver Dam, WI
www.nancysnotions.com
May 19-21—Quilt Festival St Louis. St Louis, MO
www.quilts.com
July 20-22—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo, Raleigh,
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
NC www.sewingexpo.com
August 18-23—Martha Pullen Teacher Licensing
Heirloom & Beyond, Arlington, TX
www.AmericanSewingExpo.com
August 24-26—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo,
Arlington, TX www.sewingexpo.com
September 28-30—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo,
Schaumburg, IL www.sewingexpo.com
October 2-4—Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion,
Fredericksburg, VA www.sewingexpo.com
October 5-7—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo,
Fredericksburg, VA www.sewingexpo.com
November 9-11—Original Sewing & Quilt Expo,
Minneapolis, M. www.sewingexpo.com
Sew-Ciety News, Page 2
VISIT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
ASG members may attend any and all Neighborhood Group meetings in the Central IL/Peoria Chapter and anywhere around
the country. Prospective members are encouraged to attend two meetings before joining the chapter.
Please contact the Neighborhood Group leader to confirm monthly meeting times, programs and locations, especially if you
are traveling a distance. Programs sometimes change.
WHERE
Chapter Advisory
Board (CAB) 1 pm,
E. Peoria Library
Members are welcome
MARCH
3/10/17
APRIL
MAY
CONTACT
Cyndy Monier
Chapter President
(309) 364-3831
[email protected]
4/8/17
A World of Internet,
Sewing Resources,
Inspiration &
Instruction,
Normal Library, 206
West College Ave,
Normal
4/27/17
All About
Waistbands
5/13/17
Palmer/Pletch
Method of Fitting
Tops
The Sewing
Room, Normal
Denise Karbarz
(309) 846-3616
[email protected]
5/25/17
All About Bound
Buttonholes
Sue Barnabee
(309) 647-0111
[email protected]
3/18/17
The Art of Accessories
4/15/17
All About Collars
5/20/17
All About Darts
Sue Barnabee
(309) 647-0111
[email protected]
3/7/17
Bucket Buddies & Garden
Aprons
Martha Gamble
& Patty Schmidt
4/4/17
Buttons
Kim Caywood
5/2/17
Ribbing & Little
Accessories
Colleen Dunham
& Pat West
Pat West
[email protected]
(309) 453-6682-C
3/16/17
Kantha Stitchery
4/20/17
Making American
Girl Doll tights
Original Pattern
5/18/17
Sleep Masks
Original Pattern
Karen Fyke
(309) 467-4525
[email protected]
3/21/17
Drafting sleeves, aka
How to have a sleeve that
fits
4/18/17
Pin Fitting the Muslin
Tops—
shoulders, bust,
waist, hips
5/16/17
Tailoring:
What is it and
how much do we
want?
Sharon Gerth
(217) 367-7652
[email protected]
Kathy Hatch
(217) 355-1213
[email protected]
CAB MEETING
BLOOMINGTON/
NORMAL
2nd Saturday, 10 am
The Sewing Room,
112 Boeykens Pl,
Suites 3F-G,
Normal
3/11/17
Luxurious Alpaca - from
shearing to finished
products,
der Bauernhof Farms,
24073 East 1400 North
Road, Ellsworth, IL 61737
FULTON COUNTY
4th Thursday, 1 pm
Wallace Park, Canton
11:30, lunch optional
GARMENT SEWING
3rd Saturday, 10 am
North Branch Library,
Peoria
PEORIA EVENING
1st Tuesday 6-8 pm
Lakeview Library,
Peoria
3/23/17
All About Cuffs
WOODFORD CO
3rd Thursday, 7 pm
Maple Lawn
Community Room,
Eureka
Champaign/Urbana
3rd Tuesday, 1 pm
Room 215,
Champaign Public
Library,
200 W Green St,
Champaign
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
How would you describe your
sewing skills if someone asked? What kind
of rating would you give your involvement
in chapter activities? Consider the
adjective you would use to describe your
sewing achievements. What word comes
to mind?
"Average" more often than not
may be what rolls off the tongue. I challenge all of you to
move "average" to the bottom of your vocabulary list because
"average" is so common and so ordinary. "Average" may be a
safe place to be. But, hanging out in average land too long can
be uninspiring and not very exciting.
What to do you ask? Here are a few suggestions.
Start with small incremental changes that lead to big
successes. Work on a particular sewing skill that makes you
break into a sweat just thinking about it.
Sign up for a class, ask a fellow guild member for
help or make samples while watching on-line experts until you
are a pro. Now don't stop here, move onto another sewing
skill. You are way more than average.
Take your guild membership experiences to new
levels by becoming more involved in guild and neighborhood
group activities and meetings. Attendance is important. But,
push yourself to do more. Volunteer to give a program for
your neighborhood group or take your program on the road
and share your skills with another neighborhood group.
Consider serving on the chapter advisory board (CAB).
Elections are held annually and the nominating committee
would be thrilled to hear from you.
Personal thought and self-talk that doesn't let
"average" creep in can do wonders to boost creativity,
productivity and overall achievements. Set some goals and get
sewing to achieve excellence. Make a travel wardrobe or
create a special occasion dress. Master making a shirt for a
special guy in your life. Or, go big and break out the ugly
fireplace in your sewing area one brick at a time to create a
more usable sewing space. Check out the whole adventure at
my blog. www.peoriaasg.org/CyndysBlogs.html.
Whatever you decide, move away from the comfort
of "average" and try something new--maybe even a little
scary. There is nothing bland or common about scary. Think
thrilling.
Together, we can become more creative, more
skilled, more productive and more involved. Together, we can
build a sewing guild chapter that is more exciting, more
exceptional and more interesting. Let’s leave average behind!
Don’t forget the button challenge!
Cyndy
2017 CENTRAL IL/PEORIA CHAPTER
ADVISORY BOARD (CAB)
www.peoriaasg.org
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Cyndy Monier (309) 364-3831
[email protected]
1st VICE PRESIDENT: Martha Gamble (309) 689-1951
(309) 678-6259-C [email protected]
2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Vicki Ghidina (309) 353-7015
(309) 678-6259-C [email protected]
SECRETARY: Charolette Cronin (309) 253-4276
[email protected]
TREASURER: Gisela Schuman (309) 245-4884
[email protected]
COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY LIAISON: Lynne LaHood (503) 784-0567
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP: Margaret Youssi (309) 369-9866
[email protected]
NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS: Martha Gamble
(309) 689-1951 (309) 678-6259-C
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Sue Barnabee (309) 647-0111
(309) 229-7999-C [email protected]
PUBLICITY: Karen Fyke (309) 467-4525
[email protected]
SEW SPECIAL COORDINATOR: Vicki Ghidina
(309) 353-7015 [email protected]
WEBMASTER: Pat West (309) 453-6682-C
[email protected]
NATIONAL
www.asg.org
ASG HEADQUARTERS: 9660 Hillcroft, Ste 510, Houston,
TX 77096 (713) 729-3000
Contact: Barbara Cortez [email protected]
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 4
National is offering a new incentive to stimulate membership in ASG. A two month trial membership to ASG, with
full membership benefits, is being offered for $10. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends to become ASG members.
For more information here is the link. www.asg.org/taste-of-asg-trial-membership
The National ASG website has a whole new look. All members have received an email from National announcing the
unveiling. Members will need their membership numbers to log in. The email from National explained the login process. The
new website has a fresh and modern look now. Check it out! www.asg.org See information on page 12.
ASG ONLINE!
Go to www.asg.org/members-only/videos/# to choose videos and projects for those brand new to
sewing, as well as those who are experienced in sewing and would like to sharpen their skills. If you have class
ideas, send an e-mail to [email protected] with suggestions.
SEWING WEB SITES
www.berensteintextiles.com
www.clothinglabelsbysterling.com
www.creativfestival.ca
www.gorgeousfabrics.com
www.htc-retail.com
www.jbsilks.com
www.karenkaybuckley.com
www.mfwoolens.com
www.mistyfuse.com
www.moodfabrics.com
www.orientalsilk.com
www.paradisodesigns.com
www.petitepluspatterns.com
www.robertkaufman.com
www.sawyerbrook.com
www.wimpvel.com
www.sovintagepatterns.com
www.youcanmakeit.com
AROUND THE CHAPTER
You may see the poster at the left around the Champaign/Urbana, Peoria, Canton, Eureka and
Bloomington/Normal areas. It was designed by a member in California. Membership Chair Margaret
Youssi was able to secure it for us to use. It will contain information for interested people to contact us
for membership. If you know of an appropriate place in your area to display the poster, let your
neighborhood group leader know or download and print it off from our website. www.peoriaasg.org
The Bloomington/Normal Neighborhood group invites you to join them on March 11 for
“Luxurious Alpaca—from shearing to finished products” at the der Bauernhof Farms, 24073 East 1400
North Road, Ellsworth IL 61737. RSVP to Denise as soon as possible.
The button challenge has been moved to the annual meeting to give us more time for the
program at the June luncheon. It will also give you more time to work on your button projects.
Don’t forget to sign up for the summer retreat at Villa Maria in the Springfield area August 2123. Sign up information will be in the Summer 2017 issue of Sew-Ciety News.
Remember to sign up for the June 3 luncheon at the IVY Club. See pages 1 and 2.
Information is forthcoming for the Annual Meeting November 11. The evening group is working on the plans for the event.
If you are interested in the Angel Gown project, that group is having a two day projects days March 28 and 29 in Chillicothe.
See more information on page 7.
We need your help on the April 7 and September 15 sewing days to work on our charity projects. Join us at the North Branch
Library in Peoria for work, fun and a lot of accomplishments.
This year we are having Sew Special ’17 on October 21 at the United Presbyterian Church. More information will be
forthcoming.
The Central IL/Peoria Chapter ASG is helping with a sewing event sponsored by the United Presbyterian Church to teach
sewing to the public. Watch for details soon.
Please take the time to participate and enjoy the many activities our Chapter has available!
ADVERTISING RATES
Business Card (3 ½”)
¼ Page (4 ¾” X 3 ½”)
½ Page (4 ¾” X 7 ½”)
$15.00
$25.00
$50.00
Full Page (9 ¾” X 7 ½”)
$75.00
Insert (Inserts provided by you) $75.00
Special Mailing
$75.00 Plus Postage
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 5
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
Tailoring: A Step-by-step Guide to Creating Beautiful Customized Garments
Tailoring a jacket or coat is a very satisfying sewing project.
This book takes you through the tailoring process step-by-step. The book guides you in selecting the
tailoring method most appropriate for your skill level. It covers fabric and pattern choice, as well as using available
sewing time effectively.
Most tailoring procedures are not difficult. Many of the techniques are used in everyday dressmaking.
Progressing to a tailored garment is a natural step.
The word “tailored” usually implies a garment with notched collar and lapels and a lining. Many of the
techniques used to create such a garment are also used in constructing other jacket and coat styles, including unlined
ones.
Custom tailoring was once the only technique for creating a professionally tailored garment, It included a number of hand
techniques. Now the machine and fusible methods are natural choices when faster, easier construction is desired.
All three methods are included in Tailoring with suggestions for where and how to use them alone or in combination. And,
regardless which tailoring method you choose, the result will be a beautifully tailored jacket or coat.
ISBN: 9781845430573. Apple Press
www.quartoknows.com/books/9781845430573/Tailoring.html
Sewing Knit from Fit to Finish, Linda Lee
When you are shopping, do you ever glance at the price tag and think “I could sew that myself?”
Sewing your own clothes is rewarding, cost-effective and enjoyable. It’s a good creative skill to develop.
Sewing Knits from Fit to Finish gives you the instruction you need to sew soft knit fabrics using professional
techniques. Linda Lee includes methods for both conventional sewing machine and sergers in this comprehensive
reference. Included are construction notes and how-to photos along the way.
Sewing Knits from Fit to Finish teaches you how to identify the different types of knit fabrics available. It helps
you select the knits that best suit your sewing projects.
This book introduces readers to sewing patterns for knit fabrics, teaching them how to tweak those patterns to fit specific
measurements. After that, Sewing Knits from Fit to Finish moves step-by-step through the sewing process.
It includes preparing fabric before it's cut, transferring pattern markings onto knit fabrics, organizing a garment's construction,
sewing seams, selecting seam styles, utilizing stabilizers, inserting closures, sewing a hem, selecting a hem style, and adding
embellishments to create a more unique garment.
The book reveals a few shortcuts and troubleshooting tips to ensure a stress-free sewing process.
ISBN: 9871589239388. Creative Publishing International
www.quartoknows.com/books/9781589239388/Sewing-Knits-from-Fit-to-Finish.html
How to Make 100 Ribbon Embellishments, Elaine Schmidt
Learn how to make trims, rosettes, sculptures and baubles that you can use for fashion, décor and crafts.
You can create amazing trims, butterflies, flowers and more with How to Make 100 Ribbon Embellishments.
Using clever techniques and the huge selection of ribbon styles to choose from, the timeless art of
making ribbon embellishments is better than ever.
Author Elaine Schmidt takes you through 100 ribbon designs, providing helpful hints and tips to help you
make beautiful accessories to place anywhere.
These embellishments are inexpensive, and with so many patterns and colors, ribbon is the perfect
medium to create adornments that will make any gift, card, or decoration unique and special.
Enjoy beautiful photos and simple step-by-step instructions that allow you to create amazing ribbon crafts with ease. You
probably have some ribbon in your stash to get started!
ISBN: 9781589237902 Creative Publishing International
www.quartoknows.com/books/9781589237902/How-to-Make-100-Ribbon-Embellishments.html
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 6
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
NOTE:
Be sure to report any charitable sewing you have done to your neighborhood group leader or to Martha Gamble directly.
ANTI-OUCH POUCH
Anti-Ouch Pouches (AOPs) were designed by our chapter member Deon Maas. This underarm hanging pillow
is intended to add a little comfort to people’s lives during a stressful, painful time. The pillow hangs from the shoulder,
fitting snugly under the arm to cushion and ease the pressure of the underarm and breast area after breast surgery, upper
body surgeries or during radiation treatment.
Tens of thousands of anti-ouch pouches have been lovingly sewn and donated to breast centers across the United
States. The American Sewing Guild featured the Anti-Ouch Pouch as the 2008 National Community Service Project.
Read more at www.asg.org/?s=Anti+Ouch+Pouch.
This will continue to be an ongoing project for our chapter. We take them to the OSF Susan G Komen Center, Methodist
Diagnostic Center in Peoria and OSF in Galesburg. The digital mammography is catching so many more cases that our need has
increased. We would appreciate help making AOPs. Follow this link www.asg.org/files/community_service/Anti_Ouch_Pouch.pdf for
the pattern. If you have questions, contact Deon Maas at [email protected] or Sue Barnabee, [email protected].
Please consider donating soft fabric, stuffing or completed AOPs. We donate hundreds every few months in our area at OSF
Komen Center and Methodist Diagnostic Center.
ANGEL GOWNS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS
The spring angel gown project days are March 28 and 29 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Chillicothe
Christian Church, 510 W. Frances Street, Chillicothe, IL. You can bring angel gowns you have completed,
pick up material and supplies or sew and visit with others. Lunch is provided by calling Kim Aldag, (309)
698-2026. You can also check them out on Facebook. www.facebook.com/gowns4angels
Loss of an infant leaves a sorrowful emptiness in the arms and hearts of their families who never
were able to bring the child home from the hospital. It can be an isolating time, especially as parents try to
find clothing in which to bury their tiny babies.
The Chillicothe Christian Church is coordinating the project to make Angel Dresses from wedding and formal gowns. The
Angel Dresses are for babies who do not recover in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF St.
Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
The gowns are made for baby boys and girls to serve as baptismal/end of life gowns. Navy, gray and black are used for pant
sets for the boys. The gowns are made to fit the small premature babies. One wedding dress can make up to 10-12 Angel Gowns.
Each little outfit comes packed in a special, pretty keepsake box. In the box, along with the gown, is a handmade blanket, hat and
booties.
Over 100 wedding dresses have been donated since the project began. There is a need for pink, blue or black gowns. They
currently have a supply of wedding dresses. They also need ribbons, lace, buttons, thread and other notions, cash donations or JoAnn
Fabric gift cards to purchase sewing supplies. Dresses do not need to be cleaned before you send them. Unless your gown has been
trashed, sewers have had lots of luck spot cleaning and working around damage.
ASG members can contact Dorothy Burnett at (309) 647-1956 or Sue Barnabee, [email protected] (309) 647-0111 to make
donations or for more information.
CRITTENTON CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Crittenton Development Center serves Central Illinois children and families by providing loving child care and a 24-hour
staffed crisis nursery.
The center is in constant need of crib sheets. You can donate them directly, contact a CAB member for pick up or bring them
to a chapter/neighborhood meeting. The pattern is on the web site. www.peoriaasg.org/CommunityServiceCrittenton.html
Our chapter donates custom-made bibs, crib and cot sheets, burp pads and wash cloths to help defray the costs of purchasing
these items. Those patterns are on the web site link above. Crittenton staff members have said the items our chapter provides are
"much higher quality" than those they can purchase. Please consider helping. Supplies to make the items will be provided for you.
This year we will help support Crittenton Development Center by collecting coupons for baby items. Since these are time
limited, gather your coupons periodically and mail them to Crittenton Development Center, 442 W John H Gwynn Jr Ave, Peoria, IL
61605.
Our support at Crittenton Child Development Center is done by donating items that they need. This is a project we will be
continuing. Contact Lynne LaHood for information at [email protected].
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 7
SEWING MACHINE COMPANY WEB SITES
www.babylock.com
www.berninausa.com
www.brothersews.com
www.elna.com
www.husqvarnaviking.com
www.janome.com
www.JukiHome.com
www.pfaffusa.com
www.singerco.com
NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017
The National ASG Conference will be held July 27-30, 2017, in Orlando, Florida.
Here is the link to make hotel reservations for
the ASG conference room block of rooms.
www.asg.org/resources/conference.
Experience a relaxing retreat within walking distance to Disney Springs™. The Hilton Lake Buena Vista
features shuttle transportation to and from Disney Theme Parks, seven delectable dining options, two pools, an arcade,
and more.
MEET NEW BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL NEIGHBORHOOD CHAIR
DENISE KARBARZ
Sewing is one of my greatest pleasures. I am so thankful to my mother who gave the art of sewing
to me. My mother regularly sewed items that were slightly ahead of the fashion curve that tended to get the
other mothers talking about us. An example was maxi dresses and bell sleeves she invented because she
didn’t have elastic to put in them. I loved that about her style and her sewing.
She taught me to sew when I was 11 years old. The first thing I ever sewed was a light blue, double
knit pair of shorts. I loved the fabric. It was textured with an analogous color scheme of darker blue with
raised stripes. I didn’t wear them very much because they were cuffed and the raised stripes chaffed my
thighs. But, I was totally hooked.
By the time I was 13, I was not only sewing many of my own clothes for school, I was using the denim and cotton scraps to
sew and sell drawstring purses that had several pockets top stitched inside and out. I continued to earn money by sewing pants for my
aunt and “leisure” type belted jackets for my grandmother. I received $5 per garment. I was pretty smart to double dip and sewed
after the kids went to bed while I baby sat.
In home economics class, I convinced the teacher to let me sew what I wanted instead of the skirts and aprons the other girls
were sewing. I chose a gray, princess style, lined wool coat with bound button holes. It would be in perfect style today.
I loved going home from school, deciding that I wanted something new to wear the next day. I would whip it up before I
went to bed. I did have a little help from Mom. She would stay up later and do the hand hemming for me so it would be ready to
wear when I woke up.
During high school, my best friend and I would sew together using the same pattern. We would use different colors and
fabric so no one would think we were trying to dress like twins. We would plan the days we would wear our secretly matching
garments while having a private giggle between us.
My sewing life continued to be great and prolific until I got in my 30s. Somehow I gained weight. I no longer fit into a size
8 straight out of the envelope. I no longer fit into anything right out of the envelope.
After a few wadders, I finally gave up and began quilting instead. I still had the same extreme sewing mentality. I soon
started a long arm quilting business. I make quilts for myself and family as well as teaching quilting at a local quilt shop.
The only thing I could quilt were custom quilts—feeling that the allover Pantograph patterns were like scribbling on all the
hard piecing work. After hundreds or thousands of long hours and hundreds of amazing quilts making an average of $2.68 per hour, I
burned out. No more quilting for me.
Due to my fierce love of sewing and the fact that my husband and I have no children or grandchildren of our own, I started to
try and sew garments for myself again. I still wasn’t the perfect size 8 and hated sewing wadders. So, I started on a crusade to learn
everything I could about fitting. I took several classes from local shops, read and studied every book I could find and went to the local
college where I took fashion design classes. I flew to Portland to take the Palmer/Pletch fitting classes and got a teacher certification
in fitting. Though I am not sewing as much as I like, I do sew tops, jackets and even an occasional dress that fit me pretty well. As
with my sewing and quilting, I thoroughly enjoy sharing my fitting skills and teaching those skills to others.
Sadly, my mother passed away and my best friend is no longer sewing clothing. So, I sewed my garments in solitude with no
one to share and talk about it with.
One lucky day, I was fortunate to find ASG and the Bloomington Neighborhood group via a flyer hung at Handcock Fabrics
I now have many sewing friends that I can share, teach and enjoy life with. My sewing machine, tissue paper and heart continue to
sing!
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 8
ILLINOIS STATE MAKE IT WITH WOOL
Have you started your Illinois State Make It With Wool project? 2017 is the 56th year of the Make It
With Wool contest in Illinois. Contact Marilyn Donoho, 7450 W. County Line Road, Paw Paw, IL 61353,
(815) 627-9422, or [email protected], for more information and entry forms.
The MIWW contest offers the opportunity to focus attention on the beauty and versatility of wool;
encourages the use of wool fabric or yarn in sewing, knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving wool fabrics
and yarns; offers the opportunity to compete for valuable prizes; and gives recognition for sewing, knitting or
crocheting skills.
Start sewing your wool garment now! It would be nice to have more ASG members in the competition. The Garment Group
as well as the other Neighborhood Groups is willing and able to offer assistance if you need it. The Central IL/Peoria Chapter ASG is
a sponsor of the Illinois State Make It With Wool contest.
At the National Make It With Wool Contest in Denver, Colorado, January 26-28, 2017, Illinois was represented
by Maria Schilder of Bolingbrook.
She is a 10 year 4-H member and an intervarsity freshman at Joliet Junior College.
She constructed a coat of navy wool and a wool knit dress. The coat was designed in a military style with lots of
buttons, epaulettes and red piping. The fitted dress was made with a dropped waist, cap sleeves and knee length hem.
Maria competed in the Senior division and was judged in the top 10. Besides participating in the judging
competition, she attended a construction class on bound buttonholes and using a drop spindle. All contestants received a
length of wool and sewing notions.
SEWING TIPS FROM SUE
LONDON FASHION WEEK 2017
The debut of the 2017 ready-to-wear collections finds designers building on old trends, bringing back a few
we didn’t think we’d see again and a toned down few of our favorites.
1.
An inspiration to follow was brocade which originates from the Italian word broccato which translates
into embossed cloth. It is an intricately woven jacquard, satin or twill weave with raised floral or figured
designs that appear only on the fabric face.
2. Color blocking finds bold opposite colors, ideally with the widest contrast possible on the color wheel.
These are generally in colors normally not matched together traditionally. They are great for accenting body shapes and
slenderizing the wearer when worn correctly.
3. Sequins are a decorative element that requires a bit more work to maintain. They must be hung to prevent to prevent snags or
bends. Spot cleaning is recommended. Sequins are glued or sewn to be more permanent. Hot water is the enemy of the glue.
4. Beads are divided into loom and off-loom weaving, stringing, bead embroidery or bead crochet and bead knitting. Generally
made of durable materials, beading is an art form that has been around for centuries.
5. Silk charmeuse (shahr-moos) is the fabric which is smooth satin on one side and pebble type crepe on the other. While it is
trickier to sew, one can create daringly dramatic looks. It is best used for blouses, draped dresses, lingerie, sheets,
pillowcases and bias cut evening gowns.
6. Fur is definitely not your wash and wear garment. Quite the opposite! It requires strategic measures to preserve its integrity.
Gently shake to remove dirt that has settled. Always hang on padded hangers. Brush it with small, light strokes, spot clean
only and use the suggested container to store.
It’s fun to see some old friends again. We may even be able to sew from our stash rather than going to the store. Go to
http://enews.moodfabrics.com/q/2SuUnXzywJi3yazZcsQTwGXd4BjcU_kHHPo_ubyfszkdqGBQa0m3IbXua to see examples of the
designs and fabrics.
Sue Barnabee is a former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, and member of Haute Couture Club of Chicago and
Stitcher’s Guild of Peoria. Her articles and projects have appeared in Sew News, Creative Machine Embroidery, Woodworker’s
Journal and McCall’s Quilting magazines.
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 9
NEWSLETTER DEADLINES: May 1, August 1, November 1 and February 1. Send information to Sue Barnabee, 21795 E
Barnabee Rd., Farmington, IL 61531, or [email protected] (309) 647-0111.
NANCY’S NOTIONS: 10% off entire order. Use source code 179411-5222. Not valid at special events, on the
purchase of gift certificates or for class registration. Limit one source code per order. This discount cannot be combined with any other
promotions. It expires April 30, 2017.
JOANN.COM: 10% in-store discount with the Jo-Ann VIP Discount Card mailed to all ASG members in July 2016. The
card must be validated by store management prior to first use by showing your ASG membership card and photo I.D. Cannot be
combined with any other discount or coupon. Discount excludes previous purchases, all gift cards, remnants, all patterns, publications
and adult coloring books. The discount expires May 31, 2018.
SEW-CIETY NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the Central IL/Peoria Chapter of the American Sewing Guild (ASG)
located in Peoria, Illinois. The American Sewing Guild is a non-profit organization of home sewers. Its purpose is to provide
information, education and programs for its members and the community. Membership to ASG is open to the public. The chapter has
neighborhood groups in Peoria, Woodford County, Fulton County, Bloomington/Normal and Champaign/Urbana. See page 3 for
details about the neighborhood groups.
A WORD FROM YOUR COMMUNITY LIAISON
Our next community sewing day is April 7 in the Seminar Room at the North Branch Public Library off
Allen Road in Peoria from 10 am to 3 pm. We will be sewing for Crittenton Child Development Center in
Peoria. We will make bibs, burp cloths and cot sheets. YOU are needed.
This is the charity sewing day that is part of what make ASG a non-profit organization. It is a chance to
give to our community. Plus, we have fun! Please bring a sack lunch (or go out), your sewing supplies and your
sewing machine.
Can’t bring your sewing machine? Come anyway! There is cutting, pressing and folding, oh my!
NOTE: We are usually in the front room, but this time we are at the back of the library.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to e-mail me at [email protected]
See you soon!
Lynne LaHood, Community Liaison
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL RETAILERS
Mention these retailer ads and the Peoria Chapter ASG when you visit our local stores
Galesburg Sewing Center
And
Sewing Center II
243 E Main Street
Galesburg, IL
(800) 962-7180
[email protected]
4700 N University Street
Peoria IL
(309) 689-5499
[email protected]
www.sewingcenter123.com
Brother, Handi Quilter, Husqvarna-Viking, Singer
Specializing in Sales & Service
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Sew-Ciety News, Page 10
AREA EMBROIDERY CLUBS
AREA QUILT CLUBS
Gems of the Prairie Quilters, Peoria—1st Wednesday, 6:30
pm
Handi Quilter Club, Quilt Corner, Morton—2nd Monday of
odd numbered months.
Peddler’s Way Quilt Co, Washington—1st Thursday, 1pm
Prairie Points, Peoria—2nd Saturday, 10 am
Sew Sassy, Project Linus, Urbana—1st Thursday, 5 pm
The Piecers of the Heartland, Canton--2nd Monday, 6:30
pm
The Quilt Corner, Morton—3rd Monday, 10:00 am &
6:30 pm
Fulton County Machine Embroidery Club, Big Racks,
Canton. —2nd Wednesday, 11:30 lunch, 1 pm
Galesburg Sewing Center, Galesburg—lst Monday, 1 pm
(except January and July); 1st Thursday, 6 pm
(except January and July)
Prairie Points, Peoria—4th Monday, 2 pm & 6 pm
Sewing Center II, Peoria—1st Wednesday, 10 am &
3rd Thursday, 6 pm (except December)
Sewing Studio, Normal—3rdSaturday, 12:30-2:30 (except
December)
Sew Sassy, Urbana—2nd Tuesday, 1- 4 pm; 6-9 pm;
the following Thursday, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
See ads for phone numbers and web sites
ASG DISCOUNTS AT AREA STORES!
Galesburg Sewing Center: ASG members receive a 10%
discount. ASG card must be presented.
JoAnn Fabrics: 10% discount with ASG discount card.
Peddler’s Way Quilt Co: Customer discount
Sewing Studio: 10% discount.
Sew Sassy: 10% discount.
The Quilt Corner: Punch card
MEMBERS: Bring your ASG card when you shop!
RETAILERS: This article is extended to our advertisers and
national sponsors. If we missed your store or there are
changes, please be sure to let us know.
Central IL/Peoria
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 11
NEWSLETTERS ARE DIGITAL!
If your e-mail address has changed recently, please contact Margaret Youssi, Membership Chairperson, at
[email protected] or (309) 369-9866 to update your account. If you would like to receive a printed copy,
send your name and address to Sue Barnabee, 21795 E Barnabee Road, Farmington, IL 61531.
CENTRAL IL/PEORIA CHAPTER ON THE WEB
Have you checked out our web site www.peoriaasg.org yet? It was designed by Pat
West, Webmaster.
You will find our latest newsletter including neighborhood news; contacts for chapter leaders;
photos; ASG discounts; calendar of events; ASG web site link and information about meetings, special
events, community service, CAB (Chapter Advisory Board) and membership. There are direct links to all
of those pages. Check it out!
CHAPTER CHANGE OF ADDRESS
You should address mail for the chapter to Cyndy Monier, Central IL/Peoria ASG, 1115 Yankee Lane, Sparland, IL 61565-9760.
THE AMERICAN SEWING GUILD is excited to announce the launch of the new
ASG.org website with many new features and functionalities. The site has a modern, clean
design that is easy to use and is mobile friendly. You will have one login unique to you that
will take you anywhere you need to go, whether it's member's only content or your
membership account information. You'll also be able to easily share the public pages of the
website with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.
LOGGING IN
Log in with the email address that national has on file for you and
your personal password (member id#). If you have problems, there is a
"Forgot Password" button on the page that will send you a new password.
You will be able change your password once you log in by going to the "Account Information" button in the
Member's Only area and then to the "Change Password" tab.
PASSWORDS AND SECURITY
The website was built with new levels of security in mind. You'll notice that all pages of the site will show a lock next to the
page's URL. You can help us improve security by using a strong password on your login. When you change your password, you'll find
instructions on how to create a strong password, along with a strength meter that will guide you in the process.
VISITING THE MEMBER'S ONLY PAGES
Go to the Member Login button in the menu (look for this Member Login image, shown at right, in
the menu). Once you log in, you'll be taken straight to the Member's Only main page with links to all the
member's only pages and files. Remember it's always a good idea to log out before leaving the site. Look
under the member log in tab to do so.
RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Renewing is easier now. You can do it right inside your membership account pages. Just go to the
Member's Only main page and click on Account Information, then the Renew Membership tab.
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 12
BLANK
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 13
CENTRAL ILLINOIS/PEORIA CHAPTER
THE AMERICAN SEWING GUILD
1115 Yankee Lane
Sparland, IL 61565-9760
SEW-CIETY NEWS
TIME DATED MATERIAL
DELIVER BY March 10, 2017
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Spring (March, April, May) 2017
Sew-Ciety News, Page 14