Chicago Sews Newsletter: February 2025
Issue No. 20
The little hint of spring weather that we had here in Chicago this week was such a nice change after the absolutely frigid weather we had just a week earlier. Even though I know we are in for several more weeks of wintery weather before it truly warms up, the slight break has gotten me even more excited for our spring events and sewing projects.
Looking Back
February Sip & Sew
Our topic for February's Sip & Sew was “Sew Accountable” and we asked all our attendees what sewing they are hoping to accomplish and how we can support them in meeting their goals. Our members mentioned repairing garments, completing a set of vintage undergarments, getting re-motivated to sew, learning to use new sewing machine presser feet, and taking the time to properly alter a pattern to fit as some of the things they'd like to achieve. Whether these specific goals resonate with you or not, I think we can all agree that taking the time to articulate our hopes gets us one step closer to the finish line.
February Open Sew
Our monthly in-person event for February was an “open sew” at the Sulzer Library branch in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. One thing I personally love about our open sew events is the wide range of skill levels, backgrounds, and interests that are represented. We had guests who were just learning how to operate a sewing machine working alongside seasoned sewists who were stitching away without a care. We had attendees stitching quilts, bags, and garments, stitching by hand and by machine, and cutting out patterns and tracing them. Every step of the sewing process and every type of sewing project could be seen. The room was humming with conversation and creativity the whole time.
Looking Ahead
Sip & Sew: Friday, March 7
This month's Sip & Sew doesn't have a special theme attached to it, however we'd love to get a progress update from anyone who shared their “Sew Accountable” goal in February. And since March is National Quilting Month, we want to hear about any quilting projects you've been stitching too. We will also be talking about our two-month Patchwork Garment themed events that we're hosting in March and April.
Patchwork: Part 1, Saturday, March 8
We're headed to Sew on Central in Evanston for Part 1 of our two-part Patchwork Garment event series in honor of National Quilting Month (March) and Earth Month (April). We want to challenge you to get inspired by the quilting world and create a garment that pieces together multiple fabrics from your stash or your scrap bin. In March, we'll start the process at Sew on Central, and then in April we'll have a second event to finish sewing our garments.
Patchwork Garment Inspiration
Check out these ideas for how patchwork can be incorporated into a variety of garment sewing projects.
1) V2100 Knit Dress
2) Viki Sews Nuala Sweatshirt
3) Suzy Quilts Scrappy Oven Mitt
4) KnowMe Cropped Top & Pants ME2033
5) M8448 Asymmetric dress
6) M7549 Cropped jacket
7)M8513 Knit Jumpsuit and Dress
8) Suzy Quilts Modern Patchwork Apron
9) Les Claudinettes - 4 removable collar pattern
10) Vogue V8877 Color Block Tops
And if that's not enough, feel free to check out my personal “Quilty Things” Pinterest board!
(If you have a sewing-related event that you would like featured in the Chicago Sews newsletter, please email chisews@gmail.com)
Concluding Snippets
Did you know that the Chicago Sews newsletter also includes a chat feature? You can join the conversation with other Chicago Sews members in the chat any time you'd like. Tell us what you're sewing, ask a question, share a sewing win, or get community feedback!
Other Ways to Connect with Chicago Sews