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South Carolina - Central Savannah River Chapter
Serving the entire Central Savannah River Area of South Carolina and Georgia as well as the Midlands and Coastal South Carolina
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www.asgsouthcarolina.com
Inside This Issue:
CAB & Committees
Newsletter Information
2
Pant Fitting Workshop
3
Neighborhood Group
Contact Information
4
2015 Sewing Retreat
5
Annual Meeting Photos
Bias Cut Blueprint Workshop
Member Savings
Classified Ads
6-7
8
News from Neighborhood
Groups
9-13
NG Group News (cont’d)
New and Renewing Members
14
A Word from Our
Advertisers
14-15
Calendar of Events
16
ASG Conference 2015
Membership Application
17
Find a Neighborhood Group
Near You
18
Happy New Year!!!!!!
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy,
productive and fun 2015. Hope everyone had a good holiday season. I did, but I was still making gifts on December 23rd. Every year I plan to start earlier……but that never happens.
Maybe my New Year’s resolution should be to start Christmas projects in
the summer.
For those that were not able to attend the annual meeting in November, you really missed a
fun event. The Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special cake for dessert and recognized all of our past presidents. Those in attendance were presented with a bouquet of flowers to show our appreciation for their service. A special presentation was made to Barbara
Dorn, our longest standing member in ASG. A certificate and 1 year of ASG membership was
presented to Barbara at her NG meeting later in November, as she was not able to attend the
annual meeting. Barbara was been a member since 1988. As a special bonus, first time
attendees at an annual meeting received an ASG lapel pin. The silent auction, with over 20 very
nice items to bid on brought in just over $210.00, and $38.00 was received from the buy a bag
of fabric sale (all proceeds go to the chapter for use in programs and events). Twenty ladies
participated in the Mega talent/fashion show. What a thrill to see all the wonderful creations.
We have so much talent in our chapter and thanks to those that shared their works. Try to
attend next year and join in the fun. We all met new people and renewed friendships!
Events scheduled for the first part of this year are filling up, so make sure you get your registration mailed to our treasurer. Don’t wait until the last minute, as supplies need to be ordered, confirmations called in and events have maximum participation levels. There is still
space in level 1 and 2 of the Mary McCarthy Pant Fitting Workshop in January (level 3 with personal fitting is full, but you can put your name on the waiting list). The Annual Sewing at the
Beach Retreat in April has a few spaces left. (see registration forms in the newsletter) Three
days of just sewing and being with friends. What could be better than that (OK, add some chocolate and that will make it better!) Get your projects rounded up to make the most of you sewing time. Remember: no meals to cook, no kids, no husbands, no housework...just a time to
enjoy sewing and friends. I am excited about this event.
Plans are being made for a variety of programs end events during the year that I hope you
will find interesting and educational. In addition to our own ASG events, don’t forget about
Sew Expo in Atlanta in March. Let me know if you are interested in attending and I will coordinate names and set a meeting spot at the convention center where we can congregate and
plan evening meals together. Check their website for classes, demos and prices. Many of the
vendors offer ASG discounts so bring your membership card and don’t forget to ask for the discount with each purchase.
Are you making the most of your ASG membership? In addition to NG meetings and chapter
events the ASG website has tons of information that is all free with your annual fee. Review
other chapter newsletters and get ideas for your group, read Notions magazine on line, and
best of all there are over 75 videos and tutorials covering everything from learning to sew, purchasing a machine, advanced sewing techniques and tools, pattern drafting, sergers and their
use, projects and now a new section on machine embroidery. There is also an extensive list of
links to vendors for all your sewing needs. Make this your New Year’s resolution to become an
active user of the website. Happy Stitching with whatever
type of project you are working on!
Judie’s Journal
Judie Travis
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Chapter Advisory Board 2014-15
President
Judie Travis
803-798-5479
oneonta76jst@yahoo.com
1st VP—Communications/Outreach
VACANT
2nd VP —Education/Events
VACANT
Secretary
Becky Smith
706-228-3051
rhsmith1011@comcast.net
Treasurer
Mary Plexico
803-781-5271
maryplexico@yahoo.com
Committee Positions
Advertising & Publicity
VACANT
Chapter Give-back Event Planner
VACANT
Community Service Coordinator
Joyce Bowers
803-644-4084
joycembowers@bellsouth.net
Education Programmer
Cheri Dowd
803-644-0576
dowdinsc@aol.com
E-Mail Coordinator
Chris McDowell
803-279-7078
vcmcdowell@comcast.net
Group Communications Coordinator
VACANT
Historian
VACANT
Membership Coordinator
Rhonda Wise
803-348-1291
rwwise@hotmail.com
Neighborhood Group Leader
Ellen Macklin
803-617-7909
ellemack@bellsouthlnet
Newsletter
Sandy Costanzo
803-644-8140
scostanzo@atlanticbb.net
Nominations
VACANT
Retail Liaison
Susan Molina
803-298-5113
susanmo1234@yahoo.com
Retreats & Trips Organizer
VACANT
Social Events Coordinator
VACANT
Website Coordinator
Marie Lussier
843-875-6633
mlussier@sc.rr.com
Newsletter—Seams Sew Simple
Editor—Sandy Costanzo
Seams Sew Simple is published six times a year:
Jan/Feb; March/April; May/June; July/Aug; Sep/Oct & Nov/Dec
Advertising Rates for CameraReady Ads — 6 editions/Yr.
E-Mail all ads to Editor:
scostanzo@atlanticbb.net
Full Page
$50 - $175
Half-Page
$25 — $90
Quarter Page
$15 — $50
Business Card
$10 — $35
(Discounted rates available for
multiple ad placements)
Advertising Checks Payable to:
ASG SC/CSRA Chapter
Mail to: Mary Plexico
112 Caladium Dr
Columbia, SC 29212
Classified Ads (Sewing Related)
Newsletter Deadlines:
Members: Up to 40 words— FREE
Non-Members: (Up to 40 words) $10.00
December 10
Jan.-Feb. issue
February 15
March-April Issue
April 15
May-June Issue
June 15
July-August Issue
August 15
Sept.—Oct. Issue
October 15
Nov.—Dec. issue
All Paid Advertising will be posted as
soon as Treasurer confirms payment.
Service Directory Ads
Members: Up to 40 words—Free
Non-Members: (Up to 40 words) $10.00
Chapter
Advisory Board
(CAB) Meetings
Meetings are open to all
members. Non-Board
members are asked to call
the President in advance
to RSVP. Meetings are
normally held every other
month and alternate between cities where our
NGs are located.
Next meeting to be
announced soon
ASG Membership
For Changes of Address or Chapter Affiliation:
Master membership data is managed at ASG Headquarters in Texas. If your address changes for any reason, you
must notify ASG directly. Otherwise, you may not receive
your newsletter or other important information. If you
want to change your chapter affiliation to a different
chapter other than the original one you joined, you must
notify ASG to that effect in addition to any address changes. The changes can be made on-line or you can mail
them using the address below.
Send address changes to:
The American Sewing Guild
9660 Hillcroft, Suite 510
Houston, TX 77096
Contact ASG:
E-mail: info@asg.org
Website: www.asg.org
New members joining ASG or anyone needing to
renew their membership, please use the form in
this newsletter or renew on-line.
The SC/Central Savannah River Chapter of the American Sewing Guild is a local chapter of a national nonprofit organization. Its officers and leaders are all volunteers. Our
purpose is to provide education on sewing to our members and the community. We hope to encourage and inspire people to sew. Membership is open to anyone with an
interest in sewing. For more information, contact the President or Membership chair.
The American Sewing Guild, Inc. (ASG) is a not-for-profit education-based organization, founded in 1978. ASG is comprised of 136 chapters plus over 1,000 community and special interest groups
within the chapter umbrella. ASG’s over 20,000 members promote the mission to “Advance sewing as an art and life skill” by providing a network of sewing education and support for sewing
enthusiasts of all skill levels, serving as preservers of the sewing arts in America., promoting community engagement through service projects, sharing sewing arts with new generations and being
key participants in key consumer & industry-wide sewing events. Membership in the Guild is open to anyone. Dues include quarterly publications of the Chapter Newsletter & ASG’s Notions
Magazine.
Seams Sew Simple
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
SC Central Savannah River Chapter Presents A
Pant Fitting Workshop
With Mary McCarthy
Yearning for a pant pattern that fits YOU?
Interested in learning pant fitting skills?
This workshop with Mary McCarthy will meet your needs!
Mary McCarthy
Palmer Pletsch Certified
Sewing Instructor
Date & Time:
Location:
Saturday, January 31, 2015 - 9 am to 4 pm
Cumberland Village Clubhouse,
3335 Wise Creek Lane, Aiken, SC
Mary is a Palmer-Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor with fitting expertise. Join her
for a lecture/demo on fitting a classic pant pattern (level 1). Stay for the day to observe
and learn as Mary fits a range of shapes and sizes (level 2). Or, you can get a personal
fitting, adjust your pattern and go home with a pattern that fits YOU!
Fees:
Member
Level 1- Lecture/ Demo only
Level 2- All day observation/learning (includes lunch)
Level 3- Personal Fitting (includes lunch & pattern)
Non-Member
$ 40.00
$ 60.00
$105.00
$ 25.00
$ 45.00
$ 90.00
Please Note: Level 3 has already been fully subscribed — a wait list is available if interested.
Registration Form—Pant Fitting Workshop with Mary McCarthy
Name
Phone Number
E-Mail:
Deadline to Register
Member #
Levels 1 & 2 — January 25, 2015
If Level 3 is selected, please include your fullest hip measurement made over undergarment only.
Full Hip Measurement _________ inches.
Make Checks Payable to: ASG/CSR Chapter
Amount Submitted— Please Circle
Send checks to:
Level 1:
$ 25 Member
$ 40 Non-Member
Level 2
$ 45 Member
$ 60 Non-Member
Mary Plexico (Treasurer)
Level 3
$ 90 Members
$ 105 Non-Member
112 Caladium Drive, Columbia SC 29212
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Neighborhood and Special Interest Groups
Your opportunity to share your passion, grow your skills and make new sewing buddies. Plan to attend as
many NG meetings as you can fit into your schedule. See calendar for dates and topics for each month.
Material
Material
Girls
Girls——Aiken
Aiken
NG
Sewn
Sewn
Together
Together
——
North
North
Augusta
Augusta
NG
Joanne Cheri
GurielDowd
(803) (803)
341-4934
644-0576
Marge
Mitchell
(803)
226-0165
Meets 2nd Monday @ 10:00 a.m.
MeetsRoom,
2nd Monday
10:00 a.m.
Community
Harbor @
Chase,
Community
Room,
Harbor
Silver
Bluff Road,
Aiken,
SC Chase,
Silver Bluff Road, Aiken, SC
Margaret
Margaret
Shearhouse
Shearhouse
(706) 860-4763
(706) 860-4763
Roxanna
Roxanna
Mills (706)
Mills 868-5995
(706) 868-5995
MeetsMeets
2nd Tuesday
2nd Tuesday
@ 10:00
@ 10:00
a.m. a.m.
Fairview
Fairview
Presbyterian
Presbyterian
Church,
Church,
1101 Carolina
1101 Carolina
Ave., North
Ave., North
Augusta,
Augusta,
SC SC
Rockin
Rockin
Bobbins
Bobbins
——
Columbia
Columbia
NG
Moonlight
Moonlight
Stitchers
Stitchers
——
Lexington
LexingtonNG
LillianLillian
Lester
Lester
803-364-5039
803-364-5039
Sally Kluttz
Sally Kluttz
803-808-6997
803-808-6997
Meets 3rd Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Meets
Lexington
3rd Monday
County@Library
6:00 p.m.
Highway 1,
Lexington CountyLexington,
Library Highway
SC
1,
Lexington, SC
Meets
Meets
2nd Thursday
2nd Thursday
@ 10:00
@ 10:00
a.m. a.m.
Hilton
Hilton
Garden
Garden
Inn Inn
Harbison
Harbison
Boulevard,
Boulevard,
Columbia,
Columbia,
SC SC
Garment
Garment
Group
Group
— Special
— Special
Interest
Interest
Designing
Designing
Women—
Women—
Greenwood
Greenwood
NG
Diane
Diane
Lackey
Lackey
— 803-960-9859
— 803-960-9859
Marie
Marie
RaabRaab
— 803-778-2258
— 803-778-2258
Sue McFarland
Sue McFarland
864-227-8175
864-227-8175
Lisa Hawthorne
Meets 3rd Monday
864-223-0190
@ 2:00 p.m.
Meets
The
3rd
Paper
Monday
Rabbit,
@ 2:00
1835p.m.
Montague
The Paper
Avenue,
Rabbit,Ext.,
1835Greenwood,
Montague SC
Avenue, Ext., Greenwood, SC
Meets
Meets
3rd Saturday
3rd Saturday
@ 10:00
@ 10:00
a.m.a.m.
Creative
Creative
Sewing
Sewing
Machine
Machine
Center
Center
519 519
12th12th
Street,
Street,
WestWest
Columbia
Columbia
SC SC
Seaside Stitchers — Beaufort
Mary
Corsaro
— 843-379-5731
Seaside
Stitchers
— Beaufort
Connecting Threads —
North Charleston
Mary Corsaro — 843-379-5731
Meets
1st
Monday 10:00—2:00
Meets 1st Thursday
10:00—2:00 p.m.
p.m.
Beaufort
Public
Beaufort Public Library
Library
Louise Schmidt 843-559-1103
Meets 3rd Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Life Industries, 4060 Bridgeview Drive, N. Charleston
Myrtle Beach (To be Named)
Sew Little Time—Summerville
Eve Hutchinson — 843-450-0848
Ann Mace 843-553-7372
Meets 2nd Saturday at Accent Fabrics
Meets 2nd Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
People, Places and Quilts, Summerville
If you are interested in starting a
new Neighborhood Group, contact
Ellen Macklin, our NG Coordinator
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Sign-up Now for our 2nd Annual Sewing Retreat
The fun begins at 3pm Sunday, April 26th
and continues until 2pm Wednesday,
April 29th.
The cost is $245 per person (member)
$295 (non-member) and includes your
room and eight meals, beginning with
Monday’s breakfast*.
Rooms are double occupancy (two double beds per room) with a very limited
number of single room options ($335
member/$385 non-member). Linens
are provided.
Our facilities also include the large well
lit conference room with picturesque
views for inspirational sewing!
Pre-registration began July 1, 2014 and
requires a $65 deposit.
Email reminders will be sent out on
September 1, October 1, November 1,
December 1, and January 1 encouraging
you to make another $35 payment or the
remainder of your balance, whichever is
less.
Whether making incremental payments
or a deposit and one payment, ALL balances are due January 10, 2015.
We have room for only 24 participants so
don’t delay...sign up today!
*If a person has signed up for the retreat and cannot
attend, they must find a replacement for their spot. The
SC ASG Chapter will maintain a waiting list. If you cannot
find a replacement, NO Refund. Emergency cases will be
evaluated by the Board on a case by case basis (death in
family).
*On Sunday night, an optional group dinner at one of the
local restaurants will be arranged. (cost is extra)
2015 Sewing Retreat (Please submit form with payment—final payment must be received by January 10)
Name & Member #
Phone Number
E-Mail:
Room Preference
Do you have food allergies? □ yes
□ no
□ Double
If yes, describe:
$65 Members
$125 Non-Members
Full Payment: $245 Members
$295 Non-Members
Seams Sew Simple
□ Single ($335 member)
My room mate is:__________________________________
Amount Submitted—double occupancy (circle one)
Deposit only:
Emergency Contact #
Send checks to:
Mary Plexico
(Treasurer)
112 Caladium Drive, Columbia SC 29212
5
Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Celebrating 10 Years —Memories from the Annual Meeting
Chapter President, Judie Travis,
gives “State of the Chapter”
report to open the meeting.
Past Presidents in attendance received
flowers in honor of their service. Left to
Right—Lillian Lester, Judie Travis, and
Joyce Bowers.
Community Service Chair, Joyce
Bowers, gives her report for 2014
Barbara Dorn is presented with a certificate for membership longevity by Diane
Lackey. She was an ASG member before
the Chapter was formed.
Roxanna Mills and Becky Smith show off
some of the items made in their Sewn
Together NG during the year.
The Silent Auction table was a very popular as members reviewed items before placing bids.
Seams Sew Simple
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Celebrating 10 Years —Memories from the Annual Meeting
The “Buy a Bag” of fabric table offered a chance
to add new or different fabrics to our collection.
Current President, Judie Travis, is assisted by past Presidents Lillian Lester
and Joyce Bowers as they cut the 10th
Anniversary cake.
Lillian Lester and Diane
Lackey show off a quilt
to be donated to Quilt
of Valor. It was completed by the Moonlight
Stitchers NG
Joyce Sinclair showcases
one of her award winning
pillow covers.
Joyce Bowers, Cheri Dowd and Charlene McDaniel were among the models for the garment portion of the fashion show.
Seams Sew Simple
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
BIAS CUT BLUEPRINTS CLASS
for skirts, tops,
tunics & dresses
Learn the bias tube skirt technique and take it to another level with tops and dresses! This class will be taught
by Cheri Dowd at Farmhouse Fabrics on February 25, 2015, from 9am to 4pm. A $40 fee will include a
37 page guide excerpted from the book by Julianne Bramson and Susan Lenahan plus an additional information
handout based on Cheri’s experience with this technique. If you have the book, Bias Cut Blueprints, please
deduct $14 and bring your book to class. Class size will be limited to 20 and you will need your sewing machine
and your own lunch. Information regarding fabrics and yardage will be emailed to you in January. Farmhouse
will have appropriate fabrics if you are not able to find it in your personal resource area.
Send registration form and fee to:
Cheri Dowd, 3191 Montcastle Dr., Aiken, SC 29803
Email: dowdinsc31@aol.com
Your Name___________________________ E-Mail Address___________________________
10% of your fee will be donated to the CSR Chapter Charity Fund.
Special Offers for
ASG Members Only
Classified Ads
Local Retailers Offering Discounts to ASG Members
when you show your membership card:

B & B Cloth in Evans GA — 10%

Jeff’s Sewing & Vacuum Center in Martinez, GA —
15% excludes machines & maintenance

Southern Fabrics in Aiken, SC — 10% off

ASG Notions advertisers are making very special
offers on sewing-related products, events, and services only to ASG members. The list of offers will
change quarterly to correspond with the mailing of
each new issue of ASG Notions. Check out all discount offers at this link:
FOR SALE: Baby Lock Ellisimo embroidery/
sewing machine with upgrades. $5,000. Call
Kathy Ashley at 803-920-8362 for more info.
Do you have a sewing-related item you would like
to sell? Classified ads are free to our members.
Non-members please see rates & instructions on
page 2.
http://www.asg.org/members/specials.php
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
News from Our Neighborhood Groups
Neighborhood Group (NG) Coordinator Report
Ellen Macklin
New Years Greetings to all!
help in anyway we can. Also for those of you who don't have
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and finished a neighborhood group in your area I can help you start one.
all your sewing and craft projects on time with no stress! I ran You just need three people and we'll help! It isn't hard and
sewing or doing projects together is so much fun. There is
down to the last minute almost and stopped! So my New
Years resolution is to start preparing in January for Christmas something about the camaraderie in the doing that is so satisfying to you that you just have to share it!
this 2015, finish all my UFOs and sew a new wardrobe for
each season. Said these all before so I think I'll get real and
I know some of the groups have new leaders, please email me
stick with just planning! I'll make a list in January and see how and add me to your membership list so I can get information
it pans out to February and then the rest of my year. I'll keep out to you as it comes to me. It's going to be a great year and
you posted!
I can't wait to see all of you!
Another thing I want to do this year is to visit all of our neighborhood groups. I got to some of you last year but not all. I
just want to remind you that the chapter is here for you to
Moonlight Stitchers — Lexington, SC
What’s Been Happening:
We enjoyed meeting at Becky Robinson’s new Sew Suite Studio in Lexington for our November meeting. Thank you,
Becky for hosting us. If you have not been to the studio, be
sure and put it on your “must go to list”, you will not be disappointed. This year’s challenge, making a tote of your choice,
was met with a variety of styles. They came large and small,
quilted, embellished, and embroidered. We had totes, purses,
a duffle bag, and a cosmetic bag. As a bonus some shared
how it was made and the free patterns from the internet. Oh
what a talented group of friends!
In December we had our Christmas dinner, at Private Property, a restaurant on Main Street in Lexington. We had a gift
exchange, a homemade holiday theme wrapped gift. It is always fun to see how creative everyone is and what they make
to exchange.
bels. Three were turned in at our November meeting with the
fourth to be turned in after the Annual Meeting.
What’s Ahead:
In January we will
meet at Libby’s,
a restaurant in
Lexington, to
make plans for
2015.
Above, Terri Foster is back from her journeys in time
for the November meeting. Below is a sampling of the
completed totes and three of our Quilts of Valor.
Our charity this year was making four Quilts of Valor. It was a
group project with several participating. Quilt tops were
made by four of our members, then machine quilted by a local
long arm quilter, while others made pillow cases and the la-
Seams Sew Simple
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
News from Our Neighborhood Groups
Sewn Together — North Augusta, SC
What’s been happening in North Augusta: It's hard
to believe we've finished another year in Sewn Together. In November we had a UFO sewing day.
Most things we brought were various projects we had
started at a monthly meeting. It was fun to see things
come together. During this meeting Marilyn Bendorf
was working on One Hour Table Runners and we all
watched so we could make some ourselves!!
At our December
meeting Margaret
Shearouse had an
amazing day planned
for us by transforming our usual meeting
space into a holiday
workshop and went
all out to decorate
with a tree, tablecloths and table decor. We were especially blessed by the attendance of a
few of our sewing sisters who have not been well in the last few
months. Their being with us was so nice since we had missed
them. Margaret had a project for us that her students loved
when she taught art before retiring. It was beautiful poinsettias
made from pipe cleaners and fabric using white glue to hold
them together. She also had some cute little Santa's ready for us
to make for a magnet decoration or to hang on the tree. We
surely do benefit from her years of teaching! Margaret (and her
sweet husband) made us a wonderful lunch of her family's favorite chicken dish with veggies and homemade chocolate chip
cookies. Our NG tradition is to have a "Chinese" gift swap, but
this year, no one "stole" anyone else's gift and we all loved what
we received. It was a wonderful Christmas gathering and was
enjoyed by all. We look forward to next year and all our new
Above, Marilyn Bendorf, guest Linda Montz, Chris
McDowell, Becky Smith, Linda Mabry and Roxanna
Mills work on their flower petals and leaves. Below
are two of our completed ornaments and flowers.
adventures in
sewing.
What’s Ahead:
On January 13,
the group begins the year with a little Stash Busting/Community Service project by making hygiene bags for a local homeless shelter and also
for the Honduras Medical Team. We will continue to use up our
stash of flannel to make baby blankets for infants in the mountains of Honduras. The last time did this, we sent nearly 400
hygiene bags and nearly 70 baby blankets to Honduras so we will
see what unfolds this year.
On February 10, Marilyn Bendorf will take us through the process of making the table runner that had us mesmerized at the
November meeting.
Sew Little Time — Summerville, SC
What’s Been Happening:
and children. In December, we also planned our 2015 activities
Please note change—Meetings: 2nd Wednesday each month at up through April. Members suggested and volunteered to present; we feel using brainstorming and collaboration to put to6 pm at People Places and Quilts in Summerville
gether our programs really underscores meeting the needs of
November and December’s project was sewing back packs for
the members.
children removed from their homes by DSS. December’s proWhat’s Ahead:
gram was the founder of a local charity, Clap Your Hands. This
charity serves handicapped children. We understand their need. We plan a sew in for January; February, sweatshirt jacket demo;
January’s meeting will be a “Sew-In” to put together items (bibs, March, infinity scarf sewing;
sensory stimulating items, weight blankets) needed by the clients of Clap Your Hands. They have a Facebook page for anyone
interested in learning more about their efforts to help families
Seams Sew Simple
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
News from Our Neighborhood Groups
Rockin’ Bobbins — Columbia, SC
What’s Been Happening:
Rockin’ Bobbins in November played with paper, scissors and
scotch tape learning how easy it is to change a bust dart from the
side to the armsyce to the shoulder, etc. We just didn’t know it
was so easy. Lillian came prepared with small patterns to use
and everyone got to play.
In December we celebrated Christmas and the Holidays with a
luncheon at Macaroni Grill in Harbison. We had a cookie and
ornament exchange. Even the waiter got some cookies. See pictures of a couple of the ornaments.
What’s Ahead:
January - Your favorite sewing/quilting tool. Bring your favorite
tool and share with the group why it's your favorite and how you
use it.
February - Color of the year, Marsala, challenge. Make something in the color of the year to bring and share the directions.
Connecting Threads — North Charleston, SC
What’s been happening:
nue, Summerville, SC. Time: 6:00 p.m. until. This is a community
Our November 17th meeting started with a guest presentation by service project for Clap Your Hands to make weighted blankets
Clap Your Hands, a non-profit organization, that provides thera- for disabled children, or other products of your own choice. Participants are asked to bring sewing machines, sewing tools and
peutic products for children with cognitive and physical disabilifabric donations for this event. (Irons, ironing boards and cutting
ties. Weighted blankets, vests, lap pads, sensory lap pads, bibs,
looped clothing and therapy hand socks are made by volunteers boards are available at PPQ.)
in the Lowcountry.
January 19, 2015: Field Trip to the West Ashley Jo-Ann Fabric
Louise Schmidt gave an in-house presentation on her methods of and Craft Store. This trip will consist of a tour of the store for
fabric organization, which included an innovative method of stor- discovery of the latest developments of sewing notions and tools
ing fabric in numbered fabric envelopes that are kept in hanging as well as of the current trends in fabrics. Two members, Kristy
Granberg and Susan Clark, will demonstrate how to make a selffile folders, as well as cataloging the fabric with index cards,
which can be modified whenever a section, or a total amount, of binding blanket during this meeting.
the material is used. Additional ideas discovered online were
provided to the members.
Spring Mother and Child Sew-In: The date is not set at this date,
but the decision was made for this to occur on a Saturday.
The December 15th meeting was the Christmas party for members and guests. During the meeting, individuals presented favorite sewing notions and/or shared sewing tips. One member requested suggestions as to how to archive sewing related family
heirloom pieces such as articles of clothing, pin cushions, etc.
Members were reminded of the Annual Sewing Retreat in April,
2015, of the Pants Fitting Workshop by Mary McCarthy in January, 2015, and of the Bias Cut Skirt Class in February, 2015. Notification was also made of the ASG NY Fashion Tour scheduled for
May 17-23, 2015.
Grab-N-Go Bags for HALOS: The date is not set for this community service project, but it was decided that the project will be the
making of back packs. Members are to bring fabrics to this event.
Sewing Workshops are scheduled for every other month, starting
in February of 2015. Louise Schmidt and several other members
are to contact churches, etc. in search of a meeting place for
these all-day workshops.
Logo Design for CONNECTING THREADS: Sketches, based upon
ideas given by fellow members, are to be presented in the next
meeting for members to view and consider for developing the
What’s ahead: January 14, 2015: Come join the Sew Little Time neighborhood group logo.
at their sew-in at People, Places & Quilts, 129 W Richardson Ave-
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
News from Our Neighborhood Groups
Seaside Stitchers — Beaufort, SC
What’s Been Happening:
The Beaufort group is settling in at the library. In November we
worked on our calendar for the next few months. Members
were asked to bring samples or pictures of potential projects.
We came up with an interesting mix of projects for next year.
The November project was the microwave potato bags. Several
ladies brought their sewing machines and we cut and sewed the
bags together. We had fun coming up with ways to incorporate
decorative stitching on the bags and were pleased the final projects.
December is the month for decorating. Members were asked to
bring examples of different ways to embellish projects. Shirley
Woods brought a 4 patch wall hanging that had silk flower petals
sewn on one square, each of the other squares had different
techniques. Mary Carter brought a fabulous Baltimore Quilt that
she made over several years. The designs in the squares were
embellished using different techniques. The bird in the center
was surrounded by a circle of 3 dimensional yo-yo yellow flowers
(Black-eyed Susan)
Mary Corsaro showed different techniques for adding jewels
using hot glue and jewel glue. She also had sheets of predesigned jewels that you iron on.
The last technique we explored use the Perfect Blade, which is a
rotary blade that made small slits in fabric. Mary Corsaro led the
group in using crochet yarn and hook to crochet an edge on a
piece of fleece. We discussed several ways this could be used on
garments and accessories.
What’s Ahead: The library will not be available to us in January
(New Years Day) so we have canceled the meeting.
We will resume meeting in February on the first Tuesday of the
month at the Beaufort Library at 10 am. Our project will be a
four-season placemat.
Designing Women — Greenwood, SC
What’s Been Happening: In November, the program for Designing Women in Greenwood was to bring in sewn items that
could be used for Christmas gifts. We had some very creative
items, such as an Origami gift bag, a unique tissue cover designed with an extra fold in it, and a folded fabric ornament.
There seems to be a trend here! Origami designs were in abundance. We all got lots of inspiration for Christmas gifts, and clever hostess gifts, such as wine bag covers and decorated kitchen
towels. We also discussed our favorite websites for fabric and
patterns.
In December, we had a Christmas Party at Evie Galloway's home.
Evie had her collection of vintage machines on display, and
spoke to our group about the history and development of the
sewing machine. Did you know that during the Civil War, the
Union uniforms were all stitched by machine, and the Confederate uniforms were all stitched by hand? We all learned so much,
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and her collection is truly museum quality! [See photos at the
bottom of pages 12 & 13.]
We all brought finger food to share. It was a delightful afternoon, and we all appreciated Evie's hospitality.
What’s Ahead: Our next meeting will be January 19, from
Noon to 4:00 PM. (Note early starting time.) We will be having
a community service day, and are starting early to allow more
time to sew. We have many organizations that we like to support, and welcome ladies to sew for their favorite cause on this
day, so we might have numerous projects available.
On February 16, we will be meeting from 2:00 - 4:00. Sandy
Lovette will be doing the program, showing us how she recycles
a man's sport coat, and turns it into several totes and smaller
bags, using the details of the sport coat as design features on
the bags.
Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
News from Our Neighborhood Groups
Garment Group — West Columbia, SC
What’s Been Happening: Garment Group had another fabulous year! We focused on construction of
jeans and really had a great time learning and sharing. We tend to think that “jeans are jeans.” But we
did see a number of styles emerge through the use of
various patterns, fabrics, embellishment, color and construction technique.
What’s Ahead: So what will we be doing in 2015? A number
of exciting things actually! We are going to have a number of
focus areas to choose from next year, including: Making Lingerie (slips, bras, panties); Sewing Tools and How to Use
Them (a featured item each month); Fabric Uses (what fabric
to use for greater success in various garment construction);
and Altering/Upscaling Ready-to-Wear. As you can see, lots
of interests and ideas that we want to delve into!
Our first meeting will be held at Creative Sewing Machine
Center, 519 12th Street, West Columbia, SC on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Chris McDowell has graciously agreed to
demonstrate a technique for sewing shirt collars and achieving a professional result (a Louise Cutting technique). Looking
forward to it! Wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday
and new year!
Material Girls — Aiken, SC
What’s been happening in Aiken:
We held a “white elephant” gift exchange, where the anonymous gifts were all something handmade. Cheri even fed us
all a delicious lunch, too!
We did not meet as a neighborhood group in November, in
lieu of the annual Chapter meeting that was held on November 8th.
What’s Ahead:
In December, Cheri Dowd graciously hosted our Christmas
meeting at her beautiful house. We began with a planning
session to discuss programs for next year. We brainstormed
for ideas of what members would like to do at the monthly
meetings in the upcoming year.
The new Neighborhood Group leaders for the Material Girls in
2015 will be Cheri Dowd and Marge Mitchell.
January 12 - For our first meeting in 2015, Cheri Dowd will
lead us on a “Mystery Adventure” road trip. Members should
meet at Harbor Chase facility at 10am, and we will leave from
Members revealed projects from the grab bag “trash to treas- there. Bring a little spending money (she says $20 should be
ure” challenge. They created some very imaginative items
more than sufficient). Intrigued? Bring your sense of advenusing the miscellaneous materials found in their grab bag.
ture and join in!
These included clutch purses, a Christmas angel, a doll, an
February 9 - February’s meeting will be a follow-up discussion
eyeglass case, and a doll’s outfit. A few ladies mentioned that to what was discovered during January’s mystery road trip.
they are still working on projects or have ideas to use their
materials in the future.
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
News from Our Neighborhood Groups
New NG — Myrtle Beach, SC
No Report was provided by press time. Please contact the NG Leaders for meeting and
Project information.
Renewal Reminders
for Jan./Feb.2015
Welcome New Members Thanks for Renewing
10/23 thru 12/28/14
10/23 thru 12/28/14
Mary Carter
Bonnie Fell
Kristina Granberg
Mary Robertson
Bonnie Seymour
Irene Thomas
Courtney Wilson
Transfers—11/01 thru
11/30
Vanessa Wideman
Fran Buchmueller
Sandy Costanzo
Terri Foster
Jeanne Kingsley
Diane Lackey
Tammy Newman
Faye Reighley
Jeanette Smith
Lynne Ulreich
Eva Ward
January Expirations:
Mary Corsaro
Pat Dabkowski
Ellen Macklin
Cindy McMenamin
Charlene Meetze
Rebecca Robinson
Maryann Roof-Thompson
Glenda Streevy
Susan Franz
Erika Neil
Jeanette Partis
Please don’t let your
membership lapse
February Expirations:
Patricia Blute-Salkind
SOUTHERN
FABRICS
Quality Fabrics & Laces
Custom Children’s Clothing
Embroidery & Alterations
LIBBY’S DOLL CLOSET
18” Doll Clothing for
American Girl or My Generation Dolls
Accessories and Furniture
(803) 648-9664
1613 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC 29803
Mon.-Thurs.: 9:30-4:30 ▪ Fri.: 9:30-5 ▪ Sat: 10-3
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Introducing your newest source of creative inspiration
120 Ellis Avenue, Suite A ▪
Lexington, SC 29072
(on the street next to the post office and near Food Lion/Kmart Shopping Center)
Sewing & Quilting Classes for all ages
Custom Embroidery & Monograms
Monogram Jewelry
▪
Team Spirit Wear
Embroidery Software & Designs by Designs in Machine Embroidery
(see our insert for a special invitation event coming in November)
www.sewsuitestudio.com
803-957-0677
www.facebook.com/sewsuitestudio
Sew Suite Studio is looking for talented teachers for classes (any & all fiber arts) starting in the first quarter of 2015. If
you would like to be placed on the teacher list please contact Becca at create@sewsuitestudio.com or 803-957-0677.
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
Chapter Events Shown in Red — NG Events Shown in Black
Calendar of Events
January 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
January 6— Seaside Stitchers (Beaufort) - No meeting
this month.
January 8 — Rockin Bobbins (Columbia) -- Bring your
favorite sewing or Quilting Tool and share techniques
with group
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
January 12 — Material Girls (Aiken) — “Mystery Adventure” Road Trip
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
January 13 — Sewn Together (N.Augusta) — Community Service Projects for Homeless & Medical Mission
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
January 14 — Sew Little Time (Summerville) — Community Service Projects for Clap Your Hands
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
January 10—Myrtle Beach — TBA
January 17 — Garment Group (W.Columbia)— Sewing
Professional Looking
January 19 — Moonlight Stitchers (Lexington) — Meet
at Libby’s Restaurant to plan 2015 meetings.
February 2015
January 19 — Designing Women (Greenwood) —
Community Service Day — Note early starting time
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
January 19 — Connecting Threads (N. Charleston) —
Field trip to a Jo-Ann Fabrics
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
January 25 — Deadline to register for Pant Fitting
Workshop Levels 1 & 2
January 31 — Pants Fitting Workshop with Mary
McCarthy
February 3 — Seaside Stitchers (Beaufort) — Four
Season Placemats
February 9 — Material Girls (Aiken) — Follow-up for
“Mystery Adventure Road Trip”
February 10 — Sewn Together (N.Augusta) — One
Hour Table Runner
February 11 — Sew Little Time (Summerville) —
Sweatshirt/Jacket Demonstration
February 12 — Rockin’ Bobbins (Columbia) — Color of
the Year Challenge — Make something in Marsala
February 14 — Myrtle Beach — TBA
February 16 — Moonlight Stitchers (Lexington) — TBA
February 16 — Designing Women (Greenwood) —
Recycle a man’s sport coat into tote bags
February 16 — Connecting Threads (N.Charleston) —
TBA
February 21 — Garment Group (W.Columbia) — TBA
February 25 — Bias Cut Blueprint Class at Farmhouse
Fabrics
Seams Sew Simple
March 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
16
Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
SC/Central Savannah River
SC/Central Savannah River
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015
501 Valmire Drive
Columbia SC 29212
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL— PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY
Policy for Re-Use of Information:
We do appreciate being asked when another Chapter intends
to re-use our articles. Articles and other material in this
publication are intended for the benefit of ASG members
only. When reprinting, credit should be given to the authors
by including the author’s name and the Chapter newsletter
name.
Use of information contained in our articles for any other
purpose must have permission from the author and/or
newsletter editor.
Our Chapter’s
Neighborhood
Groups are popping
up all over the
state — look for the
NG symbols to find
a group near you,
Not close enough to
where you live?
Think about starting
a new group close to
your home or office.
To start a new
neighborhood or
special interest
group, contact
Ellen Macklin our
NG Coordinator.
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Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2015