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Volume 16 Issue 5
October — November 2014
Fall Fashion
Fling
2015 Chapter Advisory Board
There’s Still Time to
Register!
Kathy Ruddy
Saturday, November 1, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Rice Fergus Miller Architectural Firm
275 Fifth Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA
98337
Registrations are needed by October 10, so you
still have a few more days to register for this fun
event full of great fitting tips.
For complete details, take a look at your
August-September newsletter. Come join other
members for an enjoyable day of learning and creativity!
Contact Carole Sheldon if you have questions
(clssew@msn.com; 360-871-4550).
Our Annual Meeting was held on
Saturday, September 20, when
the 2015 Chapter Officers were
elected:
President—Nancy Clifford
Secretary—Bonnie Isaacs
Treasurer—Julie Trummert
Vice-President/Education—
Carole Sheldon
Vice-President/Membership—
Lydia Stevenson
Thank you to all who attended,
with special thanks to the Loose
Threads and Night Stitchers
Neighborhood Groups for hosting this year’s event.
Look for Annual Meeting
pictures and information inside!
The mission of the American Sewing Guild is to advance sewing as an art and life skill.
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
October — November 2014
And of course, we ate well.
Message from The
President
I hope to see many of you at the Fall Fashion
Fling November 1 and 2. If you haven’t signed
up already, please do so by October 10.
Happy Sewing,
Nancy Clifford
August and September were incredibly busy
months! I’m so glad County Fairs are only once a
year, but they are so much fun. A big congratulations and job well done to all who displayed items,
won ribbons, and participated in fair activities.
We’ve just concluded our 2014 Silverdale Chapter
Annual Meeting, and a lot of behind the scenes
work went into making this event successful.
Many thanks go to Neighborhood Groups, Loose
Threads and Night Stitchers, for hosting a funfilled 15th Chapter Anniversary celebration and
annual meeting; they really wowed us with their
embroidered anniversary notebooks and themed
aprons fashion show.
Elections for 2015 Chapter Advisory Board members were conducted at the meeting. Thank you
to Nominating Committee members, Linda Johnston, Penny Allen and Bernie Oehrling, and congratulations to the 2015 officers. Forewarned – I’ll
be out scouting for 2015 Chapter Advisory Board
and other committee members in the next couple
of months; if you are interested in volunteering for
a position, let me know soon.
State of the Silverdale chapter information was
provided; details may be found in the articles elsewhere in this edition and in the meeting minutes.
Penny Allen prepared a brief history of our chapter, and what a fun read for all of us. Lydia Stevenson played videographer throughout the meeting, gathering material for our chapter video clip
submittal for ASG National’s contest, “What ASG
Means to Me.” Many of our chapter charter members and past presidents were present, and entertained us with stories from the early days.
The Chapter Doll Raffle, the major fundraiser for
educational programs, was conducted at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. Six 18-inch dolls
and their fabulous wardrobes were sent to their
new homes, compliments of the sewing efforts of
many Silverdale Chapter members.
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
2
Recycle or not Recycle: That is
the Question!
By Becky McKee
We were recently shipped a box with fragile
items in it. The packing peanuts were the
kind that are made from corn and dissolve
in water.
This type of materials work extremely well
as fabric stabilizer. Melt enough of the
peanuts in a cup of water to make a solution of an egg white consistency.
Wet the fabric with the solution, either by
painting it on specific areas with a paintbrush, or dipping your fabric in to the
solution. Allow to air dry. Your fabric will
be stiff and easy to handle. Sew as needed,
then rinse out the stiffening.
The solution is very similar to a product
called Perfect Sew. The advantage to melting the peanuts is that 1) they are free, and
using them for this purpose saves them
from the garbage, and 2) you can use only
the amount you need and avoid the problem of solution spoiling with mold.
I store extra peanuts in a zip-loc bag.
What do these packing peanuts look like?
Take a look here:
http://www.staples.com/StaplesEnvironmentally-Responsible-PackingPeanuts/product_417106
October — November 2014
A Raffle Doll Day
with Grandma
By Linda Fischer
Perhaps some of you may remember,
last fall I won the Doll raffle fundraiser. Recently, I spent another delightful four hours playing dolls with my
granddaughter, along with the clothes,
shoes and accessories everyone made
or donated to this effort. Some may
recognize your donations in the picture. The clothes, shoes and accessories created a day of travel in my
granddaughter’s creative mind.
Linda having fun with her granddaughter, Ceilidh (Kay Lee)
In the morning, we dressed the dolls in
their finest summer things including sun glasses, sandals, and crocks, packed our bags in our
“Hello Kitty” suit case (which is just the right size for an 18 inch doll). We boarded a plane and
flew off to Hawaii located in the upstairs bedroom. She chose that location because it had a flowered bedspread. After lunch, we decided to go on a ski vacation and dressed in winter clothes including hand knitted sweaters with matching hats (also in the picture) and flew off to the master
bedroom downstairs.
Later in the day we had a "talent" show where we dressed our dolls in the finest fancy dresses
(purple dress in picture) for the competition with black patent leather shoes for all. We set up the
dolls and proceeded to sing a song as if the doll was singing. I sang "My favorite things" and my
granddaughter sang "Wrapped in Red.” It was a Christmas time competition, voted on by my
grandson, the judge. He said my granddaughter won the contest. She really wanted me to win,
but I did forget some of the words. Thus, by default, I received second place.
As each play day comes to an end, my granddaughter requests to take a few more outfits
home. The other day, she said she needed a few more "casual clothes." So, the flowered dress
with purse and jacket (in the picture), plus a flowered hat and a pair of sandals went home.
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have such a complete set of outfits to play with, from fancy
dresses, coats, shoes, and pajamas along with knitted sweaters, hats and slippers. A small doll
bed sized quilt was also in my doll raffle winnings which my granddaughter "needed" for her doll
bed. That little quilt went home months ago for her doll bed in her room.
By sharing yesterday's "day with grandma Linda" with you I wanted to share from the heart
what the wonderful contributions of so many talented ASG members create for little girls and big
girl grandmas alike.
Thank you everyone,
Linda
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
3
October — November 2014
2014
by Penny Allen, our Roving Reporter
With a bang of the gavel, President Nancy Clifford
brought the 2014 annual meeting to order. She
explained the purpose of the annual meeting to a
room filled to the brim with cheerful members who
thought they were there just to have a good time.
Well, that too. But the real reason for an annual
meeting is to: 1) hold elections to fill chapter advisory board positions and 2) report to the membership on the state of the chapter. And that’s what
happened.
Nancy Clifford opens the meeting and provides a report about the state of the chapter.
Business as usual: After determining there was a
quorum for the election, the Chapter Advisory
Board (CAB) was introduced, and was followed up
by reports from Treasurer Julie Trummert and
Secretary Bonnie Isaacs. Silverdale Gold Vouchers, which can be used towards future events,
were distributed to all attendees.
Election of new officers: Linda Johnston, Nominations Chair, announced the new 2015 CAB slate
of officers, and all were elected and warmly welcomed the candidates.
Cindy Canderle gladly accepts last minute
doll raffle payments from Joyce Kleffner as
Carol Voss looks on.
15th Anniversary: Many thanked Penny Allen for
writing the 15-year history of the chapter. The
booklet was provided to each attendee (and is
included as an attachment to this newsletter).
Seven remaining charter members were recognized, four of whom attended our meeting and
stood to a round of applause: Amanda Beitzel,
Sandy Jones, Linda Johnston and Karen Oldham.
Past presidents were also asked to stand, six of
whom were present: Audrey Bakke, Amanda Beitzel, Nancy Clifford, Nancy Frender, Ann Long and
Nancy Olson.
Continued on next page~
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
4
October — November 2014
Membership: Our current membership is at 148,
down considerably from last year’s number of
174. However, we had 12 new members join this
year. We were reminded of two NGs that folded
this past year. A start-up of Weekend Stitchers
NG in Port Angeles (on October 18), led by Mary
Ann Miller and focusing on garment construction,
was announced.
Current events: This year our chapter has sponsored or participated in the Valentine’s Day Potluck (member show & share); Sewing & Stitchery
Expo (recognizing chapter member Becky McKee
for modeling her necktie dress in the fashion show
and featured in Notions Magazine); Spring Sew
Sampler; Retreat at Seabeck, with 36 attendees;
Sew & Sews Sewing Day, with a focus on community projects and doll clothes; our annual meeting
and doll raffle; Clothing and Textile Advisors (CTA)
Sewing Camps; CTA Sewing Room Faire; and the
upcoming Fall Fashion Fling with Kathy Ruddy.
Whew!
Julie Trummert was like a little girl screaming for joy when she won the in-house raffle!
Loose Threads and Night Stitchers NG Members
entertained the audience with their delightful aprons.
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
Community service: Members at the north end
support First Step Family Support Center in Port
Angeles with baby items, and we continue our
support of Holly Ridge Infant & Toddler Program
with textured quilts. Kingston NG provides quilts
to Hospice, while Sew & Sews NG provides quilts
to Retsil Veterans Home. Nancy also recognized
our efforts to support CTA as a part of the National Community Service project called Sharity Charity (getting sewing-related items and support to
local area non-profits). Individual members continue to provide support directly to many favorite
groups, as well.
Volunteers always needed: Our President
emphasized that although we had just elected our
five CAB members, there are also 10 appointed
positions, some of which still need to be filled.
While any of these committee chairs could use a
little help, our VP Education Chair, who works on
the Spring Sew Sampler and Fall Fashion Fling,
needs at least one assistant. Our Special Events
Coordinator, who works on the annual retreat, as
well as the Valentine’s Day Potluck, would also
appreciate some help. She encouraged members
to serve as NG leaders so our groups will flourish.
Other ways we can volunteer: write an article for
the newsletter, help out at a single event, take pictures (and identify the who, where and when) at
meetings and events, lead/demo a monthly NG
meeting and then take it to another NG meeting,
Continued on next page~
5
October — November 2014
participate in the end-of year-NG planning meetings, intern in a CAB position, join an ad hoc committee (nominating, etc.). She emphasized that our
chapter has been successful for 15 years because
many of us have volunteered to take on additional
responsibilities.
Technology sub-committee report: Laurie Wilkey
and Penny Allen have been co-chairing a technology
subcommittee that has been meeting through a virtual group (meaning a group of people who interact
online), because all six of them can’t agree on a time
for face-to-face meetings. Laurie gave a report at the
meeting and set up a screen so Penny could project
a chapter website from her laptop and discuss it.
The sub-committee will make a recommendation to
the CAB in November (see article on Page 9 for
details).
ASG video contest: Lydia Stevenson was wandering the room, playing Candid Camera. She pinned
an unsuspecting member with an “Ask me what
ASG means to me” button and then posed, “What
does ASG mean to you?” (Well, of course, who
wouldn’t ask?) Since she had just pushed her
smart phone in your face to record, you had to
think fast and keep talking—and look happy doing
it. The resulting video clips will be uploaded to
YouTube, and the one with the most views at the
end of the viewing period (June 1, 2015) wins a pot
of money.
Trudy Smith’s coordinating chef’s hat was a hit!
Amanda Beitzel recognition: Before the afternoon
program started, Amanda Beitzel was invited to say
a few words about how she got the idea to start the
Silverdale Chapter. You can read about Amanda in
the ASG Silverdale Chapter 15 Year History. Basically, she was our chapter’s Annie Oakley and should
be recognized for her courage in the face of unsurmountable challenges (or something like that).
Doll raffle: Winners this year were Ella Holbrook,
Kathi Vito, Bree Gibbons, Julie Trummert, Becky
McKee and Denise Rankin. Special thanks to Becky
McKee for her innovative idea to mention the doll
raffle to her friends on Facebook. She sold 189 tickets with promises to pay — and yes, she did get
paid.
Joyce Jordan has been busy since she started quilting for the
first time this year! She wowed everyone with her Show-and-Tell
items.
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
6
Continued on next page~
October — November 2014
Annual meeting program and host recognition: Each year, one of the NGs is responsible to host the annual meeting and produce a program after the business meeting
and lunch break. This year, Loose Threads
and Night Stitchers joined forces, with Loose
Threads NG Leader Jerry Kieta emceeing a
series of snappy vignettes revolving around
aprons that each member had made. Dawn
Boyle and Bernie Oehrling showed up as
cheerleaders, and Dawn actually wowed us
with a respectable cartwheel. This would
have made a better YouTube video than “Ask
me what ASG means to me,” but she was too
fast—or the photographer was too slow.
Wrap-up: As with all ASG meetings, the best
part is the show and tell at the end. Several
members sported items they wore and
proudly talked about—or, as in the case of
Joyce Jordan, toted bags of quilts for us to ooh and
aah over. Next year’s host for the annual
meeting will be the Sew Unique NG. You
won’t want to miss it—but it’s unlikely they’ll
be able to top the cartwheel!
Judy Paine, like everyone else, took time to
admire all the raffle goodies.
As always, the pot luck lunch contributions
were wonderful and tasty.
Berny
Piotrowski
added a
Halloween
flavor to her
apron and
cookies!
Dawn Boyle and Bernie Oehrling started the
show with a cheer for the local team. . .and a
cartwheel (you HAD to be there!)
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
7
October — November 2014
Highlights
CAB
The CAB met on September 2 at the Poulsbo
Library with eight members and two guests
present. Minutes from July 1 were approved.
Treasurer’s report was accepted as presented.
There are currently 147 chapter members. An
all-member email reminding members of
upcoming events was reviewed and revised for
distribution.
focus on garment construction, is being
formed in Port Angeles.

Carole Sheldon, VP Education, reported Fall
Fashion Fling for November 1 and 2 was on
track.

Mary Ann Miller, Publicity, reported ASG information was handed out at the Clallam
County Fair. Press releases regarding Fall
Fashion Fling were submitted to several local
newspapers. Requests were sent to several
local retailers to include information about
Fall Fashion Fling in their respective newsletters. A new Neighborhood Group, with a

Retail Liaisons, Clairee Meeks and Bonnie
Isaacs , Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, respectively, were busy visiting local retailers
to provide information about our ASG Silverdale Chapter.

The Technology Use Committee provided a
status report on their efforts. A full report of
their findings and recommendations will be
presented at the November CAB meeting.

Plans for the 2014 Annual Meeting were finalized.
CAB meetings are scheduled for first Tuesday of
odd-numbered months starting at 11:30 a.m. at
the Public Library Meeting Room (upstairs) in
Poulsbo. The next meeting is November 4 and
meetings are open to all members.
Did you try the Blue Cheesecake?
Here is the recipe that several women requested during the Annual Meeting. It is from the Most Loved
Appetizers cook book which is available on Ebay and Amazon and provided here by Michele Pompe.
Fine dry bread crumbs
Grated parmesan cheese
Blocks of cream cheese
(8oz each), softened
Sour cream
2 tbsp.
1 tbsp.
3
1/2 cup
Bacon slices, diced
Finely chopped onion
Large eggs
Blue Cheese
Hot pepper sauce
8
1 cup
4
4 oz
1/4 tsp
Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Grease bottom and side of 9 inch spring
form pan. Coat with crumb mixture, shaking off excess.
Cook bacon in frying pan on medium for 3 minutes. Add onion. Cook and stir until onion is soft and
bacon is crisp. Drain.
Beat cream cheese, blue cheese and 1 egg in medium bowl until smooth. Little bits of blue cheese will
remain. Add remaining eggs, 1 at a time, beating only until blended.
Add sour cream. Beat until well mixed. Add hot pepper sauce and bacon mixture. Stir. Pour into
prepared pan. Bake in 325 F oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until center jiggles slightly when
shaken. Immediately run sharp knife around top edge to allow cheesecake to settle
evenly. Cool. Cover. Chill for 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 20 thin wedges.
Michele’s Variations:
Panko for bread crumbs — Spray the pan with Pam baking spray
Extra large eggs — Bake it for one hour
Checked to make sure it is no longer jiggly in the center
Run a knife all the way around the sides of the pan after is comes
out of the oven, not just the top edge.
The picture in the cookbook shows the top decorated with piped sour cream stars and diced red pepper.
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
8
October — November 2014
Chapter Sub-Committee for Technology
Laurie Wilkey, Editor
During the annual meeting, Laurie Wilkey and Penny Allen provided a report about the Technology
Sub-Committee.
Part of their work led committee members to review all ASG web sites throughout the country. 73 sites
were reviewed, in addition to other outside sewing organizations. Several were ranked as the best;
however, Plano, Texas ultimately rose to the top. Penny provided a short review of Plano’s site during
the meeting. If you are interested in taking a look, click here:
http://www.planoasgsews.org/
Final web site criteria were:
 Professionally design with a current appearance
 Links that provide not only basic help but inspiration to grow in one’s sewing
 Photographs of members participating and having fun, showing a variety ages and ethnic ranges (if
possible)
 Current calendars and events listed with maps and other information so someone could easily locate NG meetings and events
 Compliance with ASG Web Site policies
Other areas of technology were also reviewed. Many chapters are taking technology to a level that we
see in our day-to-day lives. They use it to register and pay for events. There are also links for fundraising. Did you know that Amazon and Craftsy support non-profits by returning a percentage of each
sale (made through a link in the non-profit site) to the organization? Many chapters are including a
link to these vendors on their site for that purpose.
Currently, the committee is in the final phase and will be preparing a report for the CAB that will be
presented at its November meeting. The report will provide a recommendation for the CAB to move our
chapter forward so we may continue to thrive into the future, well after all of us have moved on.
More to come later!
Members may renew and change his/her address online at the ASG website.
www.asg.org/html/join.html
Silverdale, WA
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
9
October — November 2014
2014 Chapter Advisory Board
President
Nancy Clifford
njclifford@wavecable.com
(360)692-1945
Vice President/Education
Carole Sheldon
clssew@msn.com
(360)871-4550
Vice President/Membership
Marilyn Williams
mcwillia2001@yahoo.com
(360)681-2725
Treasurer
Julie Trummert
jtrummert@comcast.net
(253)851-7411
Secretary
Bonnie Isaacs
bonnieisaacs@centurytel.net
(360)638-1609
Publicity
Mary Ann Miller
gamamary@olypen.com
(360)457-8460
Special Events
Carol Bouchard
phudogs@comcast.net
(360)613-4481
Retail Liaison (Olympic Peninsula)
Clairee Meeks
clairee@wavecable.com
360-683-2186
Retail Liaison (Kitsap Peninsula)
Bonnie Isaacs
bonnieisaacs@centurytel.net
(360)638-1609
Neighborhood Group Coordinator
Penny Allen
pennyallen@q.com
(360)710-3156
months. The opinions expressed are those
of individual authors, and not necessarily
those of the American Sewing Guild. We
are grateful to our sponsors for their
contributions and support.
Visit the National web
site at
www.asg.org/
Newsletter Editor
Laurie Wilkey
wilkll@embarqmail.com
(360)337-9606
Member-at-Large
Joanna McCormick
mccormick.joanna@comcast.net
(206)780-0613
Don’t forget the
Chapter’s rewards
account the next
time you shop at
Staples! Our
Rewards number is
2718229921.
Hospitality
Dawn Boyle
dawnmarieboyle@hotmail.com
(360)440-8855
Jan King
jkingdom@comcast.net
(360)777-9376
Submission deadline for
the next newsletter is
November 15
Sunshine
Bonnie Combs
bonniecombs@hotmail.com
(360)830-5102
Website Manager
Clarice Angelo
angelo@tscnet.com
(360)377-6122
Next CAB Meeting
Knot Necessarily Sew is published six
times a year by the Silverdale Chapter of
the American Sewing Guild. Anyone may
use any part of this newsletter, unless
otherwise indicated, as long as credit is
given. All contributions are subject to
approval and editing. Deadline for submission is the 15th of the odd numbered
The next meeting of the CAB will
be November 4, 2014, at 11:30
a.m.
Mark your Calendar for these
Important Dates
November
October 8 - November 12 — CTA Training
November 1 & 2 — Fall Fashion Fling with
Kathy Ruddy
February 7, 2015 — Valentine Day Potluck
February 26 - Mar 1, 2015 — Sew Expo
March 14 or 21 — Spring Sew Sampler
May 1-4, 2015 — Retreat at Seabeck
May 14, 2015 — Sew and Sews Sewing Day
July 26-20, 2015 — ASG National Conference
San Diego
September 19 or 26, 2015 — Annual Meeting
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
Poulsbo Library (upstairs)
700 NE Lincoln Rd.
Poulsbo
10
Membership
Renewals
October
Cynthia Canderle
Heather Coats
Rhonda Moon
Marion Olson
Carol Bouchard
Sandy Brehan
Gay Fawcett
Henrietta Johnson
Katherine Josephson
Jerry Kieta
Doris Lum
Carol Mitzner
Karen Oldham
Jane Rodriguez
Margaret Schlie-House
October — November 2014
Neighborhood Group Meetings
ASG members may attend an unlimited number of neighborhood groups and are encouraged to bring
finished projects to share. If you plan to visit a group, we recommend that you contact the leader
in advance to verify the meeting time and location, as schedules can change.
Creative Threads NG Meets second Wednesday
of the month at 10 am at Karen’s Sequim Sewing
Center, 609 W. Washington St, Suite 12, Sequim.
NG Leader: Marilyn Williams,
mcwillia2001@yahoo.com
October 8: Zipping Along
.....................................................................................................................................................
Fashion Fitters NG Meets at 1 pm on the third
Monday of the month at Vernelle Ketcham’s home
in Sequim. Call for location and directions. NG
Leader: Cheri Bull, bullwater@hotmail.com
This group is an ongoing fitting group.
Loose Threads NG Meets second Tuesday of the
month from 10:00 am – 2 pm at Pacific Fabrics,
4214 Wheaton Way, Bremerton. NG Leaders:
Jerry Kieta kieta_coon@msn.com Joyce Jordan
jetjordan@aol.com
October 14: Chenille Embellishment
November 11: Finish Chenille Projects
December 9: Pot Luck
.....................................................................................................................................................
Fiber Arts NG Meets first Wednesday of the
month from 10 am – 3 pm at Amanda Beitzel’s
sewing studio in Sequim. Email Amanda for
directions amandabzl@olympus.net.
Bring your lunch.
.....................................................................................................................................................
Sew & Sews NG Meets second Thursday of the
month from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at 1st Christian
Church, 4885 Hovde Rd. in Port Orchard. NG
Leader Judy Parr
sewmuch@wavecable.com
NG Leader: Debra Danielson
debradnlsn@msn.com
October 1: TBD
November 5: Floating Necklaces
December 3: Pot Luck
October 9: Planning Meeting
November 14: Cloth and Vinyl
.....................................................................................................................................................
First Thursday NG Meets first Thursday of the
month from 10 am to noon at Esther’s Fabrics,
181 Winslow Way E, Suite D, Bainbridge Island.
NG Leader: Penny Allen pennyallen@q.com
Sew Unique NG Meets third Tuesday of the
month in Port Orchard, at Joyce Kleffner’s home
from 5:30 – 8:00 pm unless noted otherwise.
Email for directions. NG Leader: Ann Long
uolsewnsew@msn.com
October 2: Winter Knits
November 6: Esther’s Challenge
December 4: Pot Luck—2015 Planning
October 21: Planning Meeting
November 18: Pattern Review
December 16: Pot Luck and Gift Exchange
.....................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................
Kingston NG Meets third Tuesday of the month
at 10:00 am at Kingston Quilt Shop, 112664 NE
State Hwy 104, Kingston. NG Leaders: Cindy
Canderle cyncan@clearwire.net and Bonnie
Isaacs bonnieisaacs@centurytel.net
Weekend Stitchers Meets third Saturday of the
month in Port Angeles, at Viking Sew & Vac, 707
E. First St. from 1:30 – 3:00 pm. NG Leader:
Mary Ann Miller, gamamary@olypen.com
October 21: Sewing with Knits
November 18: Little Windows Resin Project
December 16: Pot Luck and Gift Exchange
October 18: Buttonholes
November 15: Challenging Fabrics
December 20: Hidden Placket
Night Stitchers Neighborhood Group Bids Farewell
The Night Stitchers started 14 years ago, with the intent to serve the night owls and those members
who couldn’t make a day meeting. We wish to thank Bernie Oehrling for her dedication and persistence in keeping this long-time group going and encouraging ASG members to attend. When it came
down to making the decision to close, only a couple of people were attending on a regular basis. Hopefully we will have another night group again.
Penny Allen, NG Coordinator
Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
11
October — November 2014
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Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
12
October — November 2014
Support our Advertisers
RAY’S SEWING MACHINE REPAIR
Jo-Ann Fabrics, locations nationwide. 10%
discount with ASG membership and Jo-Ann
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Pacific Fabrics, 4212 Wheaton Way, Bremerton. 10% discount on most items to sewing
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Karen’s Sequim Sewing Center 609 W. Washington, Sequim. 10% off threads, notions, and
non-sale items.
Viking Sew and Vac of Pt. Angeles, 707 E. 1st,
Pt. Angeles. 10% discount (except sewing machines, serger, vacuums) to all patrons on the
first Tuesday of the month.
Esther’s Fabrics, 181 Winslow Way E, Suite D,
Bainbridge Island. 20% discount to ASG member on the day of ASG NG meetings at the shop
Kingston Quilt Shop, 10% discount to ASG
member on the day of ASG NG meetings at the
shop
viking8719@comcast.net
www.rayssewservice.com
Phone- 360-307-9862
Cell- 360-620-3604
8719 Karolena Pl NE
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“Making it Sew Like it Used to”
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Knot Necessarily Sew, Vol 16, Issue 5
13
October — November 2014
ASG Silverdale Chapter Fifteen Year History
Neighborhood Groups
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Strait Sewers 2/1998; (Port Angeles) Met at
Viking Sewing & Vac; closed early 2014)
Rip & Stitch 6/1998 (Port Townsend) Met at
Seaport Fabrics through the end of 2003; then
Port Ludlow Community Church. Closed 2005.
1st Thursday 7/1998 (Bainbridge) Started in
Karen Oldham’s home, Poulsbo; Heirloom Quilts,
Poulsbo; and now Esther’s Fabrics.
Loose Threads 1/1999 (original group) Started at
Quality Sewing, Silverdale; moved to Fairgrounds
in E. Bremerton, Quilting 4 Friends, Silverdale;
Material Girls, Silverdale, and to its current location at Pacific Fabrics in E. Bremerton.
Night Stitchers 6/2000 (East Bremerton) Met at
Pacific Fabrics. Closed 2014
Fiber Arts 1/2001 (Sequim) Meets at Amanda
Beitzel’s home, Sequim
Girls Again 2/2002 (Sequim) Doll making. Met at
Shannon Edmundson’s home. Not mentioned
after Sept/Oct 2004 newsletter.
Lavender Threads 4/2002 (Sequim) Met at
Sequim Vacuum and Sewing. Closed 2005.
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Sew & Sews 2/2002 (Port Orchard); Met at
Rochelle’s Fine Fabrics, moved to First Christian
Church
Creative Threads 6/2002. (Sequim) Meets at
Karen’s Sewing Center. Changed name from
Creative Stitchers early 2003. Originally focused
on embroidery and machine embellishing.
Sew Unique 6/2003 (Port Orchard) Started at
Rochelle’s Fine Fabrics, then to Carole Sheldon’s
home and now Joyce Kleffner’s home.
Helping Hands 9/2003 (Silverdale) Community
Service NG. Met at Material Girls. Closed 2005.
Fashion Fitters 6/2006 (Sequim). Met at
members’ homes (currently Vernelle Ketcham’s)
Kingston (1/2008) Meets at Kingston Quilt Shop
Sew to Speak 1/2011 (Poulsbo) Met at St.
Charles Anglican Church, then Poulsbo Library.
Closed 2014.
Weekend Stitchers 11/2014 (Port Angeles).
Meets at Viking Sew & Vac; focus is garment
construction.
In the beginning…
Amanda Beitzel was a disappointed newcomer to the Northwest in 1995 when she moved to Sequim. She had been active
in the American Sewing Guild in Texas and was looking forward
to meeting new sewing friends. Much to her chagrin, the
closest chapter was in Olympia—miles and miles away.
It niggled away at her. While purchasing a sewing machine at
Sound Sewing the following year, it occurred to Amanda to ask
the owner, Cal Moser, if he would help start a chapter. Noncommittal at the time, he announced a planning meeting in his
spring newsletter. Naturally, Amanda and several other sewing
enthusiasts answered the call to arms and formed a steering
committee. In August, a small group of mostly-new ASG
members heralded in their first monthly meeting at Sound
Sewing with a program given by Karen Oldham. They quickly
outgrew their meeting space, prompting a move to the Kitsap
County Fairgrounds. Fortunately, Cal Moser continued to sponsor them for a year until they could become self-supporting.
By the following year, 1998, there were 40 ASG members—
more than enough to apply for chapter status. The first newsletter, written by Clarice Angelo, was simply joyous!
Silverdale Chapter Up and Running
In a ceremony orchestrated by Donna Lee Horn, the very first
officers of the newly formed Silverdale Chapter of The American
Sewing Guild took their oath of office. The following members,
swearing upon their sewing machines, accepted the challenge
of beginning a new chapter: Administrator, Kathy Uzonyi;
Secretary, Amanda Beitzel; Treasurer…We need a volunteer.
The early newsletters were peppered with sewing quips
(Murphy’s Law: Fusible interfacings always fuse to the iron)
and, not surprisingly, lots of mouth-watering cooking recipes.
In February of 1998, the first Neighborhood Group (NG) formed
in Port Angeles. By June, there were two more—one in Port
Townsend and one in Poulsbo. July introduced the first daylong sewing event, christened the Sewing Sampler, which
eventually became our current Spring Sew Sampler. At the first
annual meeting in September, the newsletter was named Knot
Necessarily Sew, and the group elected new officers.
Silverdale Chapter received its charter in January 1999. By that
time, membership had grown to 63 and the newsletter began a
bimonthly publication. The first issue of the new year proclaimed the new chapter’s mission: “To promote the art of
sewing and to celebrate its diversity through the exchange of
knowledge and skills and by fostering friendships, networking,
and mentoring in our communities.” The first Fall Fashion Fling,
planned for September, was cancelled due to the presenter’s
illness—but the show did go on the following year.
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Founding Members
Clarice Angelo, Amanda Beitzel,
Joan Nims Cook, Valerie Elliott,
Lu Hood, Donna Lee Horn, Carolyn
Johnson, Linda Johnston, Sandy Jones,
Mary Knoy, Kay Limric, Karen Oldham,
Sharon Prouty, Edith Reite, Margaret
Schlie-House, Pat Woodbury,
Mary Rucker
Remaining Founding Members
Clarice Angelo, Amanda Beitzel, Linda
Johnston, Sandy Jones, Sharon Prouty,
Karen Oldham, Margaret Schlie-House
Chapter Presidents
Kathy Uzonyi: 1/1998 - 9/1998
Amanda Beitzel: 10/1998 - 12/2001
Nancy Frender: 2002 -2003
Ann Long 2004 - 2005
Mary Ann Miller 2006 - 2007
Rosalie Preble 2008 - 2009
Nancy Olson 2010 - 2011
Audrey Bakke 2012 - 2013
Nancy Clifford 2014 - 2015
Newsletter Editors
Clarice Angelo 1998 - 9/1999
Bonnie Short 10/1999 - 11/2001
Karen Oldham 12/2001 - 1/2003
Rosalie Preble 2/2004 - 1/2006
Sharon Prewitt 2/2006 - 1/2007
Karen Oldham 2/2007 - 1/2008
Dorothy Easterday 2/2008 - 12/2011
Laurie Wilkey 2012 -
Website Manager
Jennifer Pielow 2002
Clarice Angelo 2009
“It seems everyone has a website these
days, and the CAB feels it’s time for the
Chapter to follow suit… The CAB is
wondering if there is anyone in our chapter
who has the expertise to do this for us,
that would volunteer to do so…”
-Amanda Beitzel 2001
Amanda Beitzel was not just a disappointed newcomer; she was a persistent one, as well. And she
had a group of energetic sewing compatriots who
wanted to support her and see the chapter succeed.
The neighborhood groups (NGs)
After the fledgling chapter moved to the fairgrounds,
it continued its “all-chapter” monthly meetings, even
after three NGs formed. In early 1999, it restructured
as a NG but still maintained the Silverdale name. The
other NGs were all named by locale. The CAB recommended at the chapter’s 2000 annual meeting that
“...the NGs change their names from location to
whatever suits their members.” The Silverdale NG
then became Loose Threads.
The following year, the newsletter reported that all
members would be issued personalized name
badges, but would need to make their own holders
using a color chosen by their NG. Apparently, it was
so members could be identified as belonging to a
specific NG. Soon after, the NG listings included the
colors. By early 2009, colors were no longer mentioned, possibly because members by then attended
more than one NG. However, many long-time members still proudly sport their colorful name badges.
included a garage sale and a silent auction. When
the newsletter began, the $5.00 business card/$8.00
quarter-page advertising fee helped to offset
printing and mailing, but not nearly enough to fund
it. There were also costs for educational programs
and room rentals. Once the chapter received its
charter, it was responsible to send the President to
the national convention. It became apparent that
the onus of supporting the chapter fell to those
women who attended meetings and divvied up.
The first real money maker bloomed after Karen
Oldham planted the seed for a raffle and Amanda
told her to go sew more. Her idea was to raffle off
doll wardrobes at the 2000 Spring Sew Sampler.
Karen’s husband printed tickets, and she cut them
apart and mailed them to all members. The following
month, Amanda exclaimed, “Wow!!!!!!!! You are
marvelous, darlings...” The raffle had just harvested
a whopping $1,002.94. And that was the start of our
one-and-only chapter fundraiser. By 2005, dolls also
went home with their beautiful wardrobes.
Service projects
In 2001, Amanda started the Fiber Arts NG. In 2002,
three more NGs formed in Sequim and one in Port
Orchard. By the end of 2003, there were 12 NGs. A
year later, NG Coordinator Nancy Frender was asking
for volunteers to lead two groups. The next year she
wrote a plea for new NG leaders: “Leaders and
Neighborhood Groups are vital to our Chapter. Many
members participate only at the Neighborhood
Group level…” At the September 2005 CAB meeting,
Nancy reported that Helping Hands NG was disbanding due to lack of participation. “500 chemo caps and
30 lap robes have been donated to local patients, so
the group should be very proud of their accomplishments.” Sadly, the two NGs without leaders had also
disappeared from the calendar by then.
Between 2006 and 2011, three more NGs formed.
Three NGs closed in 2014. Our newest NG will start
meeting in Port Angeles in November 2014.
Fundraising
The early fundraisers were monthly-meeting 50/50
drawings of door prizes donated by members who
attended meetings. The first annual meeting also
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National ASG identifies annual service projects that
we support, and we have our own ongoing chapter
projects. Early projects were varied, with the first
being polar fleece blankets for the homeless. Later,
we began supporting Holly Ridge Center Infant and
Toddler Program with textured quilts. The program
provides early intervention services to children with
special needs from birth to three years. Members to
the north also work on projects for First Step Family
Support Center, which provides support and education for families in Clallam County.
The retreat
In 2001, the first Annual Sewing Retreat was held in
a chilly November. Limited to 15, it was sensibly promoted: “If you have too many interruptions at home
when you try to sew, then this is the place for you.
Non-stop sewing, if you like, for 48 hours.” It was
held at Camp Wilson, Ft. Flagler State Park, and cost
a mere $30 each. The Special Events Chair declared,
“The accommodations at Ft. Flagler were rustic but
that didn't seem to matter to most of the attendees.
We brought food and prepared five of the six meals
for ourselves. Sunday night's dinner was at Ajax Cafe
in Port Hadlock. Beings this retreat was a success, we
will have another next year.”
And so they did. The three-day retreat was held in
March at Camp Ramblewood in Sequim. There was
nothing in the newsletter about it, but word is nobody wanted to go back. Third time was a charm—
the retreat moved to Seabeck Conference Center,
where we currently meet. Space was limited, and
13 women attended. The fee was $100, but that
covered food and lodging. “NO housework, NO cooking, and NO interruptions…except the good ones!”
Chapter Advisory Board (CAB)
CAB position titles have changed through the years,
and some committees have come and gone. While
it’s impossible to list here all the volunteers in
Silverdale ASG, there are several who stand out because their leadership on the Board was intense
those first few years. They’ve been on nominating
committees, chaired chapter events, and have continued to stay actively involved in their NGs. Most
have revisited a previously-held role.
In 2005, the price went up, as it did each succeeding
year. But it hasn’t deterred those who got their first
taste of a retreat. They keep coming back, and the
numbers are growing. In 2006, the retreat added a
day. In 2014, there were 36 women attending. Day
tripping, with meals included, began in 2013.
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Other events
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From 2002 through 2011, the chapter held a
“Creative Challenge” at its annual meeting, with the
top three favorites winning prizes. The first project
was to sew a traditional Japanese shirt designed by
Issey Miyake. In 2013 and 2014, both hosting NGs
presented their own fashion shows, thus relieving
the attendees of the challenge experience.
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February 2012 ushered in the first “Winter Potluck
Valentine’s Party,” touted as a relaxing social event.
Members were encouraged to bring a heart-theme
gift they made for a gift exchange.
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In May 2012, the Sew and Sews NG started hosting
its first annual “Chapter Sewing Day,” with the primary focus on sewing community service projects.
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Noteworthy
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February/March 1999, Unfinished Business:
“Karen will set up a phone tree to get information
out to members.”
Amanda Beitzel: Secretary, President, VP,
President, NG Coordinator, Region 1V Rep
Anna Bowers: Secretary, Membership Chair,
Publicity Chair
Gay Fawcett: Retail Liaison (Kitsap), Member at
Large, Treasurer
Nancy Frender: VP/Education, President,
NG Coordinator
Ella Holbrook, Doll Raffle Chair, Sunshine
Committee, Historian
Linda Johnston: Historian, Publicity Chair,
Treasurer, Special Events Chair, Retail Liaison
(Kitsap), Doll Raffle Chair.
Ann Long: Treasurer, VP, President, Retail Liaison
(Kitsap), NG Coordinator
Clairee Meeks, Retail Liaison, Doll Raffle Chair,
Member at Large, VP Education
Mary Ann Miller: VP, President, NG Coordinator,
VP Publicity
Bernie Oehrling: Treasurer, NG Coordinator
(Kitsap), and Treasurer again and again
Karen Oldham: Doll Raffle Chair, NG Coordinator,
Secretary, Newsletter Editor
Judy Paine, Special Events Chair, Doll Raffle
Chair, Retail Liaison (Olympic), Secretary
Author’s note: This information was compiled mainly
from past newsletters, as well as emails to current
members. Our newsletters are our history, and they
celebrate our volunteers. Fortunately, they’ve been
saved and digitized with the help of Karen Oldham;
Dorothy Easterday’s husband, Ron; Audrey Bakke
and Laurie Wilkey. They are available to anyone interested. After reading all of our newsletters, I feel
like I’ve been there. Alas, I wasn’t, so please contact
me if you have corrections.
June/July 2000, Board Meeting Summary: “The idea
of switching to an email newsletter will be brought
up at the annual meeting.” (Reality: That didn’t
happen until October 2013.)
April/May 2001, Unfinished Business: “Name change
committee met on Feb. 7 to discuss the proposed
chapter name change. After considering all ramifications, the committee recommended that the chapter
retain the original name, Silverdale Chapter.”
Penny Allen, NG Coordinator 2014pennyallen@q.com
April/May 2004, Chapter Survey Summary:
“We want to learn how to save money sewing…”
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