Chicago Sews Newsletter: July 2024
Issue No. 14
Introduction
Just as the last newsletter was published, many of our members were gearing up to attend the first ever Chicago Frocktails. If you weren't able to make it or didn't see the posts all over social media, let me just fill you in. It was amazing—a night to remember for sure! Frocktails was the perfect capstone event before Chicago Sews took a little summer break. But just because we weren't hosting events, didn't mean that Mia, Alisha, and I were sitting idly by. We've actually been quite busy behind the scenes getting ready for a great slate of events that will carry us through the rest of summer and into the fall.
We hope you are ready to join us in August for our virtual Sip & Sew and a cyanotype-making project. We can't wait to catch up with everyone and welcome new guests too!
Who?
Chicago Frocktails was such an energizing event that we're dedicating the “Who” section this month to everyone who was part of the whole weekend of sewing fun!
The first ever Chicago Frocktails was certainly an event to remember, and we are already looking forward to next year!
What?
In our last newsletter, we asked what special occasions you've been sewing for. The most popular answer didn't come as a surprise at all—Chicago Frocktails! We did, however, have a few members sewing for weddings, vacations, and other events. Please remember that you can always tag or mention Chicago Sews on social media (#chicagosews @chicagosews) if you post photos of your makes that you want the wider Chicago sewing community to see!
As we gear up to come back from our summer break, we'd love to know what season is your favorite to sew for.
When and Where?
Check out what Chicago Sews has going on in August.
Reconnect with your sewing friends or make some new ones at our virtual Sip & Sew on Friday, August 2nd at 6pm. We can't wait to hear about everyone's summer sewing adventures!
On Saturday, August 10 come join us as we explore how to print on fabric using light and shadows. All participants will receive one complimentary 8.5 x 11 inch piece of pre-treated fabric to create their own unique cyanotype print. Read the “How” section below for more details about the process, and keep your eye on your email for the Meetup event invitation!
(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 in honor of our theme this month.
How?
Are you interested in learning more about the cyanotype process before our August 10th meetup and what you can create with your fabric? These links are full of information and inspiration!
A description of what cyanotype printing is and how it is done
At our Chicago Sews event, every participant will be given one 8.5 by 11 inch piece of pretreated cyanotype fabric to print. Here are a few small projects to consider making from your cyanotype printed fabric:
If you're feeling extra ambitious, you can purchase and bring your own supplies (chemical set, pretreated 8.5 x 11 inch fabric sheets, pretreated 5 x7 foot fabric) to make a larger project, like a shirt or even a coat!
Opportunities
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 we are able to keep building this vibrant, inclusive, creative community!