Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015 FROM the PRESIDENT: I was describing NTGM to a friend today, and noted that it is one of the few guilds to cover such a wide variety of fiber-related topics. We are lucky that we have the variety and quality of presenters like Ker Grabowski from the March program. It is helpful to the Program Chairs to keep your eyes out for potential program people you might encounter. Keep in mind that the June luncheon is only a few short months away; time to finish those UFOs and turn your samples into pieces. Please remember to bring in some of your work at the April meeting. While we have had members step up and take the positions of Program Co-Chairs and Recording Secretary, we still need a Newsletter person to take over for Marge by the end of the year. Marge has everything in place to make it easy for you to manage the newsletter. She’s done such a great job that we all would be lost without one! See you in April, Debra Gash Inside this issue: April Program 2 - 6 May Program 7 - 8 Program Coupons 9 Membership Information 10 - 21 2014-2015 Programs 20 Board & Committee Officers 21 1 LOCATION: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 5500 N. Adams Rd. Troy MI 4809 The church is on the east side of Adams South of the Square Lake exit off I -75 and North of Long Lake Rd It is right across from Westview Rd. There is plenty of parking, and our direct entrance is toward the rear of the church. It is a slightly longer walk if you enter at the rear, but there are no steps. If you go in the front door, the church office is to the right, and they can direct you MEETING & WORKSHOP INFORMATION TIMES: Flea Market, Library, and socializing start about 9:30 Business meeting starts at 10:00 Lecture presentation starts after Business Meeting Workshop Hours on Tuesday: 12:30 to 3:30 Workshop Hours on Wednesday: 9:30 to 3:30 Even with the heat all the way up, the hall is chilly. Wear warm clothes for the winter programs NTGM (NEEDLEWORK & TEXTILE GUILD OF MICHIGAN) NEWS MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose shall be to foster the art of needlework, with special emphasis on work done with a needle with an eye & related disciplines, with an eye to encourage high standards of design & technique & to bring together members who shall learn, share, teach & participate to the fullest extent in this endeavor.
Transcript
Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015
FROM the PRESIDENT: I was describing NTGM to a friend today, and noted that it is one of the few guilds to cover such a wide variety of fiber-related topics. We are lucky that we have the variety and quality of presenters like Ker Grabowski from the March program. It is helpful to the Program Chairs to keep your eyes out for potential program people you might encounter.
Keep in mind that the June luncheon is only a few short months away; time to finish those UFOs and turn your samples into pieces. Please remember to bring in some of your work at the April meeting.
While we have had members step up and take the positions of Program Co-Chairs and Recording Secretary, we still need a Newsletter person to take over for Marge by the end of the year. Marge has everything in place to make it easy for you to manage the newsletter. She’s done such a great job that we all would be lost without one!
See you in April,
Debra Gash
Inside this issue: April Program 2 - 6 May Program 7 - 8 Program Coupons 9 Membership Information 10 - 21 2014-2015 Programs 20 Board & Committee Officers 21
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LOCATION:
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 5500 N. Adams Rd.Troy MI 4809
The church is on the east side of Adams South of the Square Lake exit off I -75 and North of Long Lake Rd It is right across from Westview Rd. There is plenty of parking, and our direct entrance is toward the rear of the church. It is a slightly longer walk if you enter at the rear, but there are no steps. If you go in the front door, the church office is to the right, and they can direct you
︎ MEETING & WORKSHOP INFORMATION TIMES: Flea Market, Library, and socializing start ︎about 9:30 Business meeting starts at 10:00 Lecture presentation starts after Business Meeting ︎ Workshop Hours on Tuesday: 12:30 to ︎3:30 ︎Workshop Hours on Wednesday: 9:30 to 3:30
Even with the heat all the way up, the ︎ hall is chilly. Wear warm clothes for the winter programs
NTGM (NEEDLEWORK & TEXTILE GUILD OF MICHIGAN) NEWSMISSION STATEMENT: The purpose shall be to foster the art of needlework, with special emphasis on work done with a needle with an eye & related disciplines, with an eye to encourage high standards of design & technique & to bring together members who shall learn, share, teach & participate to the fullest extent in this endeavor.
Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015
APRIL 12 & 13 PROGRAM
Zemke is an Award Winning Fashion Designer and has her own business, C. Creations Custom Sewing & Design, started in 2002. Her custom clothing label, C3 is sold at boutiques and the annual Benefit Fashion Show she hosts. Her design focus is on women who want to show their unique style with one-of-a-kind clothing items. Cheryl was born and raised in southern Michigan and currently resides in Riverview, Michigan. She attended Lawrence Technological University and received a B.S.B.A. While living in Florida, she received an Associate Degree in Merchandising from the International Academy of Merchandising & Design. Cheryl has continued her education by taking additional classes in Art, Fashion sketching, Pattern drafting, Textiles and Tailoring. Some of her past experiences have been: Managing Joann Fabrics and a division of the River's Edge Art gallery (currently based in Wyandotte , MI.), designing visual displays for Belk Lindsey and Dillard's, and working in Quality Assurance at Home Shopping Network. Since 2009 she has participated in the Passion for Fashion at American Sewing Expo and was awarded the People's Choice award twice, 2nd Place in 2011 and 1st Place in 2012. Cheryl’s ArtSquare Totes were featured in the Detroit News on January 24, 2014 in Jocelynn Brown's Homestyle column. And Cheryl was also one of 10 designers chosen to compete in the challenge of the Samurai: Beyond the Armor competition at the Detroit Institute of Arts in February 2014.
Lecture: You-Niquely Restyled Cheryl Zemke is a designer who strives to make unique, one-of-a-kind fashions. This is seen in her custom designed patterns, and the hand detailing, distressing, collage, and many other fabric manipulations she personally adds to her creations. Cheryl will bring a trunk show of her creations which will demonstrate many of the techniques she uses. She will explain the differences between “restyling”, “recycling”, and “upstyling” and show how she uses these and various other techniques in her designs. Her motto is "It is my wish for my clients to become an artist when they wear my fashions".
Workshop: You-Niquely Restyled
Cheryl Zemke’s Workshop will be an opportunity to work on one of three items: 1. Art Squares Tote
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Presenter: CHERYL ZEMKE Fashion Designer of Label C3 and Owner of C. Creations Custom Custom Sewing & Design Websites: https://www.cherylzemke.webs.com https://www.facebook.com/czemke10 https://www.facebook.com/pages/C-Creations-Custom-Sewing-Design/135702609781504?ref=br_rs https://www.facebook.com/Cherylzemke Twitter: @cherylzemke
2. Your version of Cheryl’s “Meg Scarf”, or 3. A Restyled capelet or shrug.
Cheryl has included pictures of each item along with the supplies needed to complete the item of your choice. NOTE: a sewing machine will be necessary as well as your IP Kit If you have any questions after reviewing the information below, please send them to me (Carol Buszek at [email protected]). I will contact Cheryl before our next meeting on March 10th and share her response with the group at that time. Cheryl will demonstrate her method of fabric collage and how she creates her signature scarves - which she calls her “Meg scarves”. Participants will have the chance to make a scarf, tote, or capelet/shrug using her techniques. She will show how to deconstruct items (either your own garments or thrift store finds) and reuse these materials. You also have the option of using new fabrics and trims (i.e. your stash) and various emphemera to make a finished piece that is You-Niquely your own. Visit http://cherylzemke.webs.com/accessories.htm for more photographs of her totes and scarves
1. Denim ArtSquares Tote Supplies:
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Body of Denim ArtSquares tote • Denim squares (no stretch denim): pre-cut into 24 5 ½” x 5 ½” squares • Lining Squares: 14 5 ½” x 5 ½” cotton squares (cotton fabrics work best, does not have
to be all the same fabrics) • 1 yard 4-ounce batting pre-cut into 14 4 ½” x 4 ½” squares (left over pieces of batting
save for handle approximate size needed 2” x 38”)
Decorative items: • Miscellaneous fabric scraps and denim pieces, decorative trim, lace, novelty yarns. • You can also add details like buttons, chains, charms, anything decorative to go with
• This takes a lot of thread so make sure to bring minimum 2 large spools matching and/or contrasting threads.
• I use multiple colors for the project.
Closure: optional • Large snap
Bring standard sewing supplies: • Sewing machine, scissors, trimming or embroidery scissors, tape measure • Heavy-duty sewing machine needle Denim or 100/18.
2. Restyled Meg Scarf Supplies:
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Body of Scarf: • 6” x 60” muslin will be the base you can seam two pieces together to make the length • TEAR DO NOT CUT THE STRIPS
Front of scarf: • Minimum 3-6 different types of fabric. You will be tearing strips so cotton works best. • If I am purchasing fabric I usually get 1/4yds for each type and pick one to use as a
theme (theme fabric get 1/2 yd). • If you would like to use recycled garments for the scarf then please bring at least 4-6. • Again cotton fabrics work the best that will fray in washing.
Scarf backing: • 6” x 60” fabric • Cotton works best or recycled lace curtains. • If you are using cotton backing tear edges do not cut.
Decorative items: • Miscellaneous fabric scraps and denim pieces, decorative trim, lace, novelty yarns. • You can also add details like buttons, chains, charms, anything decorative to go with
your theme for the scarf. (personally love old wedding dress lace mediallions)
Thread:
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Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015
• This takes a lot of thread so make sure to bring minimum 3-4 large spools matching and/or contrasting threads.
• I use multiple colors for the project.
Bring standard sewing supplies: • Sewing machine, scissors, trimming or embroidery scissors, tape measure
3. Restyled Capelet or Shrug Supplies:
" " Idea for Capelet style and close up detail. Base fabric is from a recycled jacket
" " Both of these made from same oversized sweater. No pattern just draped on mannequin.
Body of capelet/shrug: • You can use 1-2 yd of fabric, or a large jacket or sweater. • Lining fabric optional. If you want to line bring same amount as for body of item. • Minimum 3-6 different types of fabric. • If I am purchasing fabric I usually get 1/4yds for each type and pick one to use as a
theme (theme fabric get 1/2 yd).
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• If you would like to use recycled garments for the garment then please bring at least 4 to choose from and cut apart. Again cotton fabrics work the best that will fray in washing.
• You will have the option to do the same technique as the scarf and tote for the capelet/shrug.
• I can work with you personally to develop your You-Nique style if needed.
Decorative items: • Miscellaneous fabric scraps and denim pieces, decorative trim, lace, novelty yarns. • You can also add details like buttons, chains, charms, anything decorative to go with
your theme for the capelet. (Personally love old wedding dress lace medallions)
Thread: • This takes a lot of thread so make sure to bring minimum 2-3 large spools matching
and/or contrasting threads. • I use multiple colors for the project.
Bring standard sewing supplies: • Sewing machine, scissors, trimming or embroidery scissors, tape measure • You might want to bring a dress form if you have one available to work on the garment
with.
Optional: • Buttons or/and large snaps, frog closures, cording for piping, interfacing if you would
like to add a collar.
Kit Fee: $15 Kit will include handouts describing the various techniques used in recycling, restyling and up-cycling and complete directions for all three projects. They will also include a choice of scrap fabrics, trims, ribbons, and lace from Cheryl’s personal materials to be used along with the items you bring for your individual project.
“EAT CHOCOLATE” AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST TODAY. THAT WAY, AT LEAST YOU’LL GET ONE THING DONE!
Biography My husband and I began our journey of researching alpacas in 2009, visiting other alpaca farms and learning about them. We were mainly looking for a home based business that we both could enjoy and work at together as a team. We window shopped for a long time on some of the well known web-sites for alpacas for sale. By the middle of 2010, we had bought 20 alpaca, some from North Carolina and 2 from Tennessee and 7 from Oklahoma. Needless to say we jumped in with both feet and took off running. Within 3 months our alpacas began having babies or ‘Crias’ as they are called. We learned about alpaca birthing really fat and by the end of Oct 2010 we had 7 newborn alpacas, 6 males and 1 female. Our journey with alpacas was in full swing now and we still had so much to learn. We had to design and finish pens, clear land, name our farm and design a logo. All of this with 20 alpacas and as our cries were growing. We were learning and doing as much as we could, some of which I would not have believed I would ever do- like giving worming shots and vaccinations. Then came marketing the alpacas to sell and shearing. Then where to store the fleece. Something else to learn! One day a friend came over and fell in love with the alpacas and their fleece. She introduced me to a fiber artist doing spinning, weaving,knitting and crochet. The fiber artist was interested in purchasing my fleece and stated that I was sitting on a gold mine! This brings me to the present. I now work with my daughter, who crochets and 2 spinners who spin the fleece into yarn. I sell my alpaca items at most fiber festivals and craft
shows. I personally am only able to keep up with the demand for the Alpaca Dryer Fleece Balls. We now have a herd of 39 alpacas and are expecting 4 newborns in August 2015. Sometime in 2015, we hope to have a store at Enchanted Oaks Farm which will be open on weekends. The journey has been very exciting and exhausting. Yet I love every minute I am able to spend with these peaceful, gentle animals. They have stolen my heart for sure.
Exhibits we have attended and will do so in 2015: 1. The Made in Michigan Show, Mt. Clemens, May 2014 & 2015 2. Christmas Craft Show, L’anse Creuse High School North, Harrison Twp, Dec 2014 & 2015 3. Armada Craft Fair, Armada, Nov 2014 & 2015 4. Romeo High School Christmas Bazaar, Romeo, Nov 2014 & 2015 5. Enchanted Oaks Alpaca Farm Days & Craft Show, Spring & Fall 2015 6. Mt. Bruce Fiber Festival, Romeo, Sept 2013
Lecture: The Adventure of Raising Alpacas What are Alpacas? A brief history of the A lpaca . Why own an A lpaca? The husbandry and breeding of Alpacas. Alpaca Fiber and its many attributes. These are some of the topics that will be presented. I’ll give a brief overview of the Enchanted Oaks Alpaca Farm and talk about my personal experiences and stories associated with this awesome adventure of raising Alpacas. After questions and answers we’ll visit with the real Alpacas outside.
Workshop: Working with Alpaca Fibers
The participant will make each of the following:
Alpaca Fleece Dryer Ball Using the kit, participant will make 1 dryer ball Kit Fee: $5 Kit Content: Alpaca fleece, 2 rubber bands, piece of nylon sock
Alpaca Fleece Felted Natural Tea Tree Bath Soap Using kit, participant will make 1 felted soap Kit Fee: $5 Kit Content: Alpaca fleece, 1 bar of our Natural Tea Tree bath soap
• Give directly to Program Chairperson 2. To pay by CHECK make it payable to NTGM
• Post date check to Workshop date • Mail to:
NTGM c/o Carol Buszek 30606 Jefferson St. Clair Shores, MI 48042
KIT FEE= $15 1. Pay on day of Workshop 2. To pay by CASH-
• You must have the EXACT amount • NTGM is unable to provide change
3. To pay by CHECK , make it payable to the instructor. 4. At time of kit fee payment your name will be checked off the list allowing your participation.
Questions: 586-362-8919
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Coupon for: May 12, 2015 Presenter: CHARLENE LIPSCOMB Title: WORKING WITH ALPACA FIBERS
• Give directly to Program Chairperson 2. To pay by CHECK make it payable to NTGM
• Post date check to Workshop date • Mail to:
NTGM c/o Carol Buszek 30606 Jefferson
St. Clair Shores, MI 48042
KIT FEE= $5 per Kit 1. Pay on day of Workshop 2. To pay by CASH-
• You must have the EXACT amount • NTGM is unable to provide change
3. To pay by CHECK , make it payable to the instructor. 4. At time of kit fee payment your name will be checked off the list allowing your participation.
Questions: 586-362-8919
Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015
MEMORIES Thank you to Terrie Voight- Terrie posted a short article with photos on her blog of our wonderful "Random Crochet" two-day workshop with Sandra VanBurkleo. I thought the group might enjoy seeing the class and a sample of some of our work. It was such a fun and informative workshop! www.terrievoigt.com/blog Terrie www.terrievoigt.com www.terrievoigt.com/blog www.facebook.com/TerrieVoigtStudi
Terrie also provided photo’s below from Kerr Grabowski’s Workshop:
Please remember to bring in your items this month. I will call to remind you!
NEW ITEMS:
DVDs: I caught an Interweave sale, so we have many new DVDs this month. Please be respectful and only take one of the new items at a time, so everyone can get a chance to see them. Quilting Arts TV Series 1400 and 1500 Many hours of fiber-related topics, from embroidery to surface design. Reversible Cables with Lily Chin 2 disc set on knitting cables, reversible cables that are identical front and back (and not identical), and more. 45 Knitted Cast-ons and Bind-offs with Ann Budd Perhaps more than you will ever need in your lifetime. Ann covers basic and advanced and specialized versions of casting on and binding off, as well as seaming, I-cords and picot finishing.
If you have any suggestions for particular books, or topics you feel warrant more books or DVDs, please email me.
Goals and Policies: 1. The goal of the NTGM library is to provide all mem- bers with free access to books and other materials on a wide range of fiber art-related topics. As with any public library, we need to be sure books stay in circulation by ensuring that they are returned in a timely fashion. Please be considerate of other members and try to return your materials by the next meeting. You must be a current member to check out any materials. 2. If you check out books and cannot come to the next month’s meeting, please find someone to bring them in (check your NTGM directory) or mail them, so that other members may have access as well. Many people did a fabulous job of this last year. We realize that last minute things come up that may prevent you from attending a meeting (illnesses, etc.), but people do wait for a book to come back in. 3. Due to the popularity of the library, we must limit the number of materials checked out by a member to a maximum of 5 per month 4. If something bad happens to your book (the P.O. loses it, the dog eats it, you spilled ice cream over it at the beach, etc.), please expect to replace it for the Guild. If you have friends who are not members who would like to use this resource, please encourage them to join. YOU are responsi- ble for any items checked out in your name. Finally, we will continue to make reminder calls the Monday before meetings, if it is helpful. As always, if you have a particular item you’d like to see in the library, please let us know. Email me ---I can’t remember items mentioned at the meetings!
Please DO NOT return items to the church office!!
From the Editor: Your NTGM Newsletter is published monthly. The DEADLINE for submitting items for publication is the 25th of the month before publication, e.g. Sept. 25th for the October Newsletter.
Consider submitting information about an exhibit, a program or workshop, an art fair, sale of items related to NTGM member interests, a website, a blog, a magazine, an article or photo, etc. If you find it interesting, I’m certain other NTGM members will to. • You can submit items by emailing to me- [email protected]
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Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015
• Additionally, if you find out about an event or activity pertinent to NTGM members that occurs before the next published newsletter, forward it to me. I then email the information to NTGM members so they receive it in a timely manner. • If you would like to volunteer to write a review for future workshops or submit pictures you take there, talk to Carol Buszek or me.
Finally, this will be my last year publishing the NTGM Newsletter. It has been fun and I’ve learned a lot but it is time to let go. So....if anyone is interested in taking on this task of publishing the Newsletter, please contact me. All you need is a computer, a bit of computer skill & an interest in using your creativity in a new way. The transition for the new editor will be easier if there is some overlap and I can spend time showing them “the ropes”.
Marge
From Program Co-Chairs: Carol Buszek & Margaret Kluka Thank you to Barb Gittleman and Barb Skimin for volunteering to be the 2015-2016 Program Chairpersons. We know they will do an excellent job. Both Barb’s have the support and help of all NTGM members. We’re looking forward to a fun and exciting year of Programs.
NTGM Workshop Policies Signing up
Signup sheets are to ensure that there is enough interest for a workshop to run. Putting your name on the list is NOT registering for the workshop; it only indicates that you are interested in taking it. We have not had to cancel a workshop due to lack of interest for several years. Our workshops have been very popular, and often fill up quickly due to interest and class size limitations on the instructor’s part. Therefore, if you think you would like to take a workshop, we urge you to register early.
Registering To register for a workshop, you must either 1. Fill out a Coupon in an NTGM newsletter, and send the coupon with a check to the Program Chair, or 2. Put your name on a signup sheet at a meeting AND give a check or cash to the Program Chair. 3. Check MUST BE dated for the date of the Workshop. Once you register for, and pay for a workshop, you are taking a seat in that workshop. You will be sent any class instructions and supply lists. In addition, the instructor may prepare a kit for you (if there is a kit). Your payment signifies your commitment to attend the workshop.
Cancelling
Your payment is a commitment to attend, a commitment by the instructor to have materials available for you, and it means that someone else may not be able to take the workshop; therefore cancellation (especially at the last minute ) is discouraged.
NTGM policy has been that any Last Minute cancellations must be taken to the Board for review if a refund is requested. Only true emergencies like hospitalization, deaths in the family, etc. should come to the board for approval of a refund. Vacations, appointments, etc. are not considered emergencies. For emergencies or other unusual circumstances, refunds will be given as long as the minimum number of attendees has been met (at least 10 people). This en- sures that NTGM can afford to pay the instructor.
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You may cancel your workshop registration for a full refund from NTGM without Board approval if BOTH of the following conditions are met. #1 You notify the Program Chair at least one month before the workshop AND #2 There will still be the minimum number of participants to cover the cost of the Workshop. If your cancellation would result in the Guild’s inability to cover its expenses, (including teacher fees, food for the teacher, mileage or other travel reimbursement, and the room rental fee) you will not receive a refund. It is preferable the notification occurs before or at the meeting the month before your workshop. For example, you need to notify the Program Chair at or before the October meeting to cancel the November workshop. That gives us the opportunity to announce an opening at the meeting. Note that if the instructor wants the kit fee paid for no-shows, people who cancel will still be responsible for the kit fee- even if they are not attending. As a Guild, we should strive to maintain a good reputation with instructors, and refunding workshop fees without collecting kit fees damages our integrity. You always have the option of selling your unused kit to another member. If you need to cancel less than one month ahead for a non-emergency, it is up to you to find a replacement, and get the workshop and kit fee from that person. This transaction is between the two of you, and not NTGM, but we ask that you notify the Program Chair so that she may give you a list of people on the waiting list. You are responsible for calling and finding a replacement. Once you do find a replacement, please let the Program Chair know, so she can correct the participant list. This is very important, as instructors sometimes need to contact participants before the workshop.
General Program information
The description of the workshop offered each month has information about Workshop content, activities, and materials participants should bring. If there is a Workshop Kit and Fee, the description will include the cost and contents of the Workshop Kit. About 3 weeks before the workshop, each participant will receive an email with a complete list of the supplies and equipment they will need to bring from home. Unless otherwise stated, you should always plan to bring your IP Kit.
*IP KIT: (I’m Prepared Kit), consists of basic sewing supplies and includes needles, pins, thread, thimble, paper and fabric scissors, pencil, paper, light or magnification if needed. If attending a sewing machine class, extra extension cords and lights are always welcome.
Hi! I'm reading a new book I just bought from Joan-Ann's. It's wonderful. It's called ART QUILTING by LINDA SEWARD , printed in 2014. An elegant and essential resource for today's adventurous quilter, It has1000 step by step illustrations on surface design, patchwork , appliqué, quilting, embellishing, and finishing.
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From Membership Chair Barb Gash - In case you know of someone who'd like to enjoy the rest of our year of NTGM meetings & a reminder that the dues are now prorated to $10 for the remaining 2 programs. Guest fee is still $5.
Dues can be paid at the April meeting or mailed to Barb at- 2668 Douglas Dr Bloomfield hills MI 48304
April 6 - Susan Sonders-Nabor, 248 291-5508May 4 - Jean Clark, 248 646-0185June - Jan Gammons, 248 404-7597.
• We meet on the first Monday of the month at around 10 AM, stop for lunch (each brings her own), and leave around 2 PM.
• Please notify the hostess if you can come. • We're called the Knit-wits but you can bring any kind of
handwork and enjoy the company.
IP (I’m Prepared) Kit ︎
Basic Sewing Supplies- Needles, pins, thread, thimbleScissors– paper & fabricPencil, paper
Volume 4, Issue 8 April 2015
May 29-30-31, 2015
DoubleTree by Hilton 5801 Southfield Expressway
Detroit, MI 48228
Join us for a special weekend of lace making classes, friendship and camaraderie in a serene setting that will inspire your creativity and rejuvenate your spirit.
Class Offerings
Rita Cochrane – Adventures in Tatting
Pam Kirk – Knitted Lace For All Levels
Julie Nicholls – Needle Lace for Beginners or Improvers
Janet Scheltema – Spring Into Lace Making – Beginning Sampler
Holly Van Sciver – English Laces: Beds, Lester, Bucks, Honiton, and More!
Judy Zeiss – Bruges Bloomwork - All Levels
Vendors
Timeless Stitches
Van Sciver Bobbin Lace – Books & Supplies
Additional information and registration forms can be found at GLLGI.org
Handmade: Creative Clothing Club of Metro Detroit Jocelynn Brown, The Detroit News 5:51 p.m. EDT March 26, 2015 p402_premium class is utilized by Google Consumer Surveys
! (Photo: Max Ortiz / The Detroit News)
You love making your own clothes, and would enjoy connecting regularly with others who share your passion for sewing fashion by joining a local group, but you’ve yet to find one that fits your needs. Well — the next fourth Tuesday of the month, grab one of your finished sewing projects for a “show and tell,” along with a crisp $5 bill and packaged lunch, and head on over to Central Woodward Christian Church, 3955 W. Big Beaver, Troy, to join members of the Creative Clothing Club of Metro Detroit (CCC). And, if it’s your birthday, take along a delicious dessert to share. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting is held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There’s no membership fee, but $5 is always collected at the door from each person to help cover cost for the room rental, coffee and tea, door prizes and gift certificates to fabric stores for speakers. “We don’t actually sew at the meetings,” says Sue Mathes of Rochester Hills, who serves as president. “The idea behind the club was to only sew garments. The founder didn’t want quilting or crafts. The reason the group started was so we could talk about garments, fabric, designers, fashion shows and anything garment-sewing related.” Sewing at these informational gatherings was tried a couple of times, but Mathes says it didn’t work due to the number of people attending, usually somewhere between 60-80. The group is mainly about sharing information and ideas, sewing challenges, and planning fabric shopping trips to places like Toronto, Shippshawana, Washington State and Ohio. In the past, members have gone on shopping trips to Italy, Japan and France. Mathes organizes shopping trips to Field’s Fabrics in Grand Rapids. In addition to shopping trips, members, many who have their own sewing business, are sometimes treated to a lecture by a well-known sewing expert. Past speakers include Sandra Betzina, who designs Today’s Fit Pattern line for Vogue Patterns, and Christine Jonson of Christine Jonson Patterns in Hazel Park. The group was originally started by Diana Leventer of Southfield, 28 years ago this April. Although she’s in her 90s, Mathes says, “She still attends meetings for the most part, and she still tries to participate in everything we do.” The average age of members is 55-60, while the youngest person is around 40, and some original members, who still attend meetings, are in their 90s. In addition to regular monthly meetings, members also convene to make plans for future activities. “Twice a year we get together for a planning meeting,” says Mathes. “The purpose is to get ideas for
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what we’re going to do the following year, and who’s going to do it. So we ask people for ideas and then ask someone to volunteer to do the program.” CCC also has three satellite groups (Designer I, II and III). Meetings rotate from one member’s house to another, and specialize in how-to-information for a particular garment sewing project. So far, CCC doesn’t have a website, but, once a month, Mathes, who has continued doing a lot of things she did before becoming president, emails about 240 newsletters to members. She says, “We don’t have an Internet presence right now, but we are working on a website. The idea (for the group) started so you could talk to people (face-to-face) and show them your garment. There’s (already) tons of stuff on the Internet about sewing.”
Detroit News Staff Writer Jocelynn Brown is a longtime Metro Detroit crafter. You can reach her at (313) 222-2150 or [email protected]. For more news and giveaways, visit her blog at detroitnews.com/crafts.
Contact the Creative Clothing Club of Metro Detroit at (248) 289-6003 or [email protected].
Info from fabricshopperonline.com
! Who doesn’t love to shop a fabric sale for deals and steals for sewing projects or building a fabric stash? Sometimes the sale section of an online fabric shop can be hit or miss. But you just might find exactly what you are looking for if you are willing to shop around at the best online shops have to offer! You can also visit the current the Saturday Sales Shopper for weekly sales and promotions given to me each week directly by shop owners!
CHECK OUT THE SALE SECTIONS OF YOUR FAVORITE SHOPS FOR DEEP DISCOUNTS ON GREAT FABRIC PRINTS!
FABRIC.COM ! – clearance and closeout section BLOOMERIE FABRICS – sale/clearance section! CANTON VILLAGE QUILT WORKS – clearance section starting around $5/yard & up! Lots of Batiks for around $7! CHIT CHAT FABRICS – sales section, right now, all reduced to $7/yard! CUTS OF COTTON – find your favorite basics on sale, ranging $3.50-4.50 per half yard! FABRIC CHICKS – sale section! FASHIONABLE FABRICS – lots of tempting fabrics in their sale section, ranging from about $4-$8/yard! FRESH SQUEEZED FABRICS – sale section! All $6.50/yard! FABRIC SPARK – sale section based in Canada! FABRIC SHOPPE – sale/clearance section, diverse sale section for every need, lots of laminates! FABRIC SPOT – sale section, with average $1-2 discount per yard! FABRICWORM – great weekly sales and sale section ranging from 10% – 60% off! FAT QUARTER SHOP – lots of sales and weekly specials on bundles, notions, yardage beginning at $5.25/yard, kits, and much more! HAWTHORNE THREADS – huge sale section, starting at $4.99/yard! LEMON TREE FABRICS – check out the great sale section, starting at $4.99/yard! MIMI’S – Great finds in the clearance section, most $6.99 and under! MOONA FABRICS – Large sale section starting around $6/yard OWL & DRUM – sale section! Most full yard clearance is marked at $7.99/yard! PINK CASTLE FABRICS – sale section starting at $6/yard! SEW FINE FABRIC – lots of organic prints in the sale section! SEW MODERN – epic sale section! SEW SIMPLE FABRICS – SHOP CLOSING, $6/under! SHABBY FABRICS - sale section! SKYE REVE FABRICS – sale section! SPICEBERRY COTTAGE – sale section with tons of selection! STITCHIN’ STASH – sale section starting at $4/yard! STITCHES N’ GIGGLES – $3.95 and under! THE INTREPID THREAD – 20-30-50% off sale sections! THREE DOLLS FABRIC - sale section $6/yard and under!
