Chicago Sews Newsletter: May 2025
Issue No. 23
May has been a wonderful month for Chicago Sews. We had a lively Sip & Sew to kick off the month and followed it up with an Open Sew at a new-to-us location. Insiders also had a taco “sew-cial” and continue to build bonds on our new Discord server. And we closed out the month by saying goodbye to JoAnn's. Writing this newsletter for Chicago Sews offers me a chance to reflect on the past four weeks, and it often surprises me how much can happen in one month. How was the month of May for you?
Keep reading to get a closer look at what the Chicago Sews community was up to in May and has planned for June. (Also, make a note that we usually take the month of July off from hosting any events.)
Looking Back
May Sip & Sew
Each virtual Sip & Sew offers our community members a chance to share what they are working on and to ask questions of other sewists. We often try to plan a theme or a topic for the evening, but sometimes the conversation meanders. This was one of those times! Our theme was “summer sewing plans”, but we also got to enjoy a fabric unboxing that included some gorgeous brocades, discuss the best techniques for getting even gathers, and sewing with double gauze. After that, there was a great discussion around vintage sewing (beach pajamas, anyone?) and costuming/cosplay (how about a trip to the Bristol Ren Fair?), as well as some discussion of the upcoming Chicago Frocktails. The diversity of interests under the sewing umbrella was on full display at this Sip & Sew, and it was certainly an enjoyable way to spend the evening.
May Open Sew
Our Open Sew this month took place at the McKinley Park library. It was great to branch out and meet in a different neighborhood this time. Changing where we have our events each month always leads to meeting new people in the Chicago sewing community. Here are some of the projects we were working on this month: mending a handmade corset, using scraps to design statement pockets, piecing a wintery quilt, sewing a bodysuit, cutting out summer sewing patterns, finishing a pencil skirt, and showing off new fabric acquisitions. Having company and good snacks while working on sewing is always such a great time!
Insider's Sew-cial
I hosted our lovely group of Insiders at my house after our Open Sew this month and it was such a joy. We enjoyed a meal together and toasted the chance to hang out more. As to be expected, much of our conversation centered around fabric, sewing, and fashion. Thank you to Christine for taking the only photo of the evening!
Ode to JoAnn's Special Edition Virtual Event
To close out the month of May, we hosted a special edition virtual event to say goodbye to a dearly beloved member of the sewing family, JoAnn's. Members shared some of their most memorable purchases from this iconic retailer, including a Halloween goat skeleton decoration, a workhorse serger, tons of patterns, a Ditto projector, an electric rotary cutter, the floor model of a quilting machine and frame, nearly a bolt of fabric for less than a dollar, a “comical” amount of zippers, an Accuquilt die cutting set, and (of course) so much fabric! We enjoyed hearing everyone’s personal stories as JoAnn's customers over the years, and the relationships formed and forged as a result of just shopping there. While this iconic craft retailer will surely be missed, attendees shared other sources for sewing essentials (i.e. interfacing, buttons, yarn, and stabilizer). Thankfully we have options out there and other small retailers will have an opportunity to serve our market.
Looking Ahead
Sip & Sew: Friday, June 6
Get the month of June started with us at our virtual Sip & Sew! Our topic is sewing for Frocktails or other special occasions. We want to hear all about what you're planning to sew—from the fabric and patterns to the inspiration and techniques. Come get inspired and/or motivated to sew! RSVP on Meetup.
Pre-Frocktails House Party: Friday, June 20
Kick off the Chicago Frocktails weekend in style with Chicago Sews! We're hosting a pre-party to get everyone together and hyped up for the second annual Chicago Frocktails. We'll be sew-cializing and serving up some Chicago-style eats and treats. We hope you can join in on the fun! Tickets are $20, but if you are a CS Insider we've already got you covered. RSVP here.
(If you have a sewing-related event that you would like featured in the Chicago Sews newsletter, please email chisews@gmail.com)
Inspiration
Frocktails is an event that is totally unique to the sewing community—a cocktail party where you wear a “frock” you've sewn. There are locations around the world that host Frocktails events, and they can differ quite a bit from place to place. No matter what though, each one is a celebration of the joy and beauty of sewing. I hope you enjoy learning about this unique event in the worldwide sewing community!
How Frocktails got started over 10 years ago in Melbourne, Australia
Everything Frocktails: An Instagram account dedicated to sharing news about Frocktails events around the world
A recap of what it was like to attend the first Chicago Frocktails last June
P.S. I also discovered that there is no entry on Wikipedia about Frocktails. Anyone interested in righting that wrong?
Parametric Shirt Pattern Update
Here's a quick update from Mia on how things are going with the Parametric Shirt Pattern experience that many of our members are collaborating on with AIBI and OCAC:
“The parametric shirt pattern testing has gone pretty well! Once I get the buttons on (I used pins as temporary closures as you can see in the photo), and make a couple of fixes, I’ll be all done. It’s pretty exciting to work on a project that was designed to my exact measurements. I am looking forward to seeing how this 3D body scanning process will shape and influence our home sewing practices. I’ll be posting completed photos on my instagram page (@MiaTheMaker) so take a look in the next couple of weeks.”
Concluding Snippets
Become a CS INSIDER and enjoy extra perks!
Other Ways to Connect with Chicago Sews