Chicago Sews Newsletter: April 2024
Issue No. 12
Introduction
Our attention in April was on how we can use sewing to create beautiful, inspiring, and practical projects that also lesson our impact on the Earth. We collaborated with Anastasia Chatzka to bring attention to how we can extend the life of a garment by refashioning it. She really inspired us with the story of her sewing journey and we highly recommend you check out her wealth of sewing resources, including classes, patterns, videos, and more.
Moving into May has us thinking about upcoming special occasions to sew for. Warmer weather often brings about reasons to dress up, like Mother's Day, graduations, and weddings. And for the first time in Chicago, many of our members are getting ready to sew formalwear for Chicago Frocktails on June 8, 2024. Keep reading to find out more about what's happening with the Chicago Sews community in May.
Who?
This month our featured member is Anastasia of Sew Anastasia, who was Chicago Sews’ special guest at our April “Sip & Sew” and our “Make, Mend & Refashion” event. We are so grateful that she was willing to share her sewing story and knowledge with our group!
How long have you been sewing?
Over 25 years
How did you learn to sew?
I taught myself in middle school, and then, in high school, I took some classes from an Austrian tailor. Then I went to college for fashion design.
What is your most recent sewing project?
Yesterday, I upcycled a table cloth into a skirt. I love upcycling. I've been doing it since before it was called upcycling.
What is one of your favorite sewing projects you've ever made?
I upcycled my wedding dress from 6 family wedding dresses from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I seam-ripped them apart, dyed them all pink, and made them into my own wedding dress.
Why do you like to sew?
I love expressing myself through fashion, and I find it therapeutic.
What is one of your favorite sewing-related things? (It could be a designer, pattern company, tool, type of fabric, store, or anything else!)
I love vintage patterns and sewing books. I collect them, and I display them on my studio wall. My oldest is from the 1850s.
Do you have a piece of advice for other sewists?
Keep on sewing. It gets easier.
Where can we find you on the internet and/or social media?
I'm “Sew Anastasia” everywhere: SewAnastasia.com, Sew Anastasia on YouTube, @SewAnastasia on Instagram.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I recently started a pattern of the month club and on-line sewing classes which you can find at https://www.sewanastasiasewingacademy.com/ . I also love cats, penguins, pinball, and gardening.
We are always looking for members who want to be featured in future newsletters. If you're interested, please fill out this form.
What?
In preparation for Earth Month, we polled our readers to find out what you do with shabby or ill-fitting garments or textiles. We found out that almost half of us tend to donate them, while about a quarter prefer to mend them. Refashioning and upcycling, combined, received another quarter of the vote. We're a very eco-minded bunch since simply tossing them out was a choice no one defaults too. Let's keep it up and keep using our creativity to care for our environment! And if you're looking for some further inspiration, check out our blog post on upcycling denim.
As we gear up for Chicago Frocktails, we are wondering what part of sewing with specialty fabrics tends to be the most challenging for you.
When and Where?
Check out what Chicago Sews has going on in May and save these dates!
First up is our monthly virtual Sip & Sew on Friday, May 3rd at 6pm. We'll be sharing tips and tricks for working with special occasion fabrics.
Next, join us for an open sewing session on Saturday, May 18th from 12pm to 3pm at the Douglass Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Bring along any sewing you're doing for Chicago Frocktails or other upcoming special events.
Looking ahead to June, our first-Friday Sip & Sew, which is normally virtual, is going to be a special in-person event to kick off the Chicago Frocktails weekend. Keep an eye out for further details, but be sure to save this date: Friday, June 7.
One last event from our friends at AIBI…an entrepreneur resource fair for “designers, costumers, fabric stores, quilt, sewing, and hobby shops – anyone seeking business-to-business services and wholesale suppliers with smaller minimums” that they're calling “Chicago's Pop Up Garment District".
(If you have a sewing-related event that you would like featured in the Chicago Sews newsletter, please email chisews@gmail.com)
Why?
Here is a snippet of inspiration to get you thinking about all the reasons why you sew.
How?
In keeping with our theme of sewing for special events, here are some useful links:
Thank you!
We appreciate all the ways that our members choose to participate and engage with Chicago Sews. We can do “sew” much more together! RSVP to Chicago Sews events on Meetup, follow us on social media, and check out our website. You can purchase specially made Chicago Sews merchandise from our Redbubble store or help offset the cost of events by making a donation. Let's make sure that in 2024 we are able to keep building this vibrant, inclusive, creative community.