Chicago Sews Newsletter: March 2024
Issue No. 11
Introduction
In honor of National Quilting Month, Chicago Sews put the focus on cutting and sewing quilt squares for March events. For quite a few of our members, this was a chance for us to step out of our comfort zone and try something new-to-us. For others, it was a chance to let their creativity and skill shine. No matter which camp you fit in, Alisha, Mia, and I hope you enjoyed our Sip & Sew and our collaborative quilted banner making project at Sew on Central. (Thank you again, Karen!)
As we look ahead to April, we are going to bring some attention to how sewing can help us care for Mother Earth. Keep reading to find out more about all the who, what, when, where, why, and how’s of the Chicago Sews community.
Who: Read a brief profile to get to know more about one of our members.
What: Answer a community poll to find out what our group is like.
When & Where: Find out when and where there are sewing-related events.
Why: Get a snippet of motivation or inspiration for the month ahead.
How: A list of helpful resources and tutorials to help you grow as a sewist.
Who?
This month our featured member is the lovely Princess Synette!
How long have you been sewing?
27 years
How did you learn to sew?
My aunt bought me a 2nd hand Singer and taught me how to read a pattern and gave me my first lessons. I then took home economics and made a cocktail dress while everyone else made pillows. I continued taking a sewing class every year in high school. There is always so much to learn. Once I started taking classes at The Fashion Institute of Technology, I then realized how much more there was to learn, such as leather sewing.
What is your most recent sewing project?
My most recent sewing project is a dress I made to wear to a fashion event in January.
What is one of your favorite sewing projects you've ever made?
That is a tough one. I feel like every item I sew is special to me. I will have to say, my first leather project is my favorite. I made a leather jacket in my leather techniques sewing class. I incorporated weaving, trapunto, and zippered welt pockets. It took months to complete. I learned so much making that one garment so I suppose that’s why it’s the garment I’m most proud of.
Why do you like to sew?
Sewing allows me to express myself creatively and be more sustainable by making garments instead of buying them.
What is one of your favorite sewing-related things? (It could be a designer, pattern company, tool, type of fabric, store, or anything else!)
A pin cushion ring. It was gift from a friend given to me 11 years ago. It’s very convenient when sewing or fitting as it fits on my finger
Do you have a piece of advice for other sewists?
Never limit yourself to what you are familiar with. Even if you think something is too complicated, try to make it anyway. You may surprise yourself with what you learn in the process.
Where can we find you on the internet and/or social media?
IG: @princesssynette, @pcstudiony, www.princesscrumpton.com, www.pcstudiony.com
Is there anything else you would like to share?
March 26 marks 1 year since I relocated from NY. It’s been a great experience and I’ve connected with many wonderful people in the Chicago apparel community. The Chicago Sews community has been particularly welcoming and I’m so glad that I was introduced to it. My background is apparel design and pattern-making, and I was blessed to know what I wanted to do from the age of 13 and to be able to continually do it. I am currently working on launching my indie sewing pattern collection. It’s a dream I’ve always had and moving to Chicago has allowed me the time and space to finally pursue it. If anyone is interested in being a pattern tester or joining my email list for updates please reach out through social media.
We are always looking for members who want to be featured in future newsletters. If you're interested, please fill out this form.
What?
Last month we wondered what kinds of quilting projects our members enjoy making. Over one third of you said that you were strictly garment sewists. But perhaps that number has gone down since our collaborative quilted banner project? For the 32% percent who enjoy making quilts, we applaud your creativity and skill! It's always a joy to see the variety of interests within our group.
This month we're turning our interest to what you do when a garment, quilt or other textile item doesn't fit anymore, isn't your style, or has gotten shabby.
When and Where?
In honor of Earth Day, which is on April 22nd, our activities this month are going to focus on reducing waste by using old textiles and scrap fabric to make useful goods, mending garments to prolong their life, and refashioning clothes to give them a second life. We'll kick off our events this month with our virtual Sip & Sew, where we can chat and inspire each other with ideas for how to using our sewing superpowers to make, mend and refashion. Then we'll get together later in April for our hands-on event to put these ideas into action.
Keep your eye on your email, our Meetup page, and/or our social media for the event details and to rsvp!
(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?
We have some great how-to's to share to get you ready to “Make, Mend & Refashion” with Chicago Sews this month. Maybe you'll get a chance to try one or two on your own or at our events!
Use your fabric scrap confetti to make a unique piece of cloth that can be turned in a zipper pouch or other item.
Turn old jeans or pants into a tote bag.
Take a basic button up shirt and create a cute blouse.
This blog has a wealth of ideas for refashioning and upcycling.
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.