Chicago Sews Newsletter: 🗞️ Special Edition 🎉
Issue No. 16
Introduction
In this extra special edition of the Chicago Sews monthly newsletter Alisha, Mia, and I (Beth) are excited to announce a new, exciting initiative that is going to help Chicago Sews be even more vibrant, active, and sew-cial than ever! We are so proud to be the organizers of this group and recognize that we couldn't do it without your generosity. We've heard you when you've told us how much this community means to you, and we see you stepping up when there is a need by chipping in for event costs, donating supplies, and offering your time and expertise. Alisha, Mia, and I want to keep building on this generosity and make sure that Chicago Sews is doing the maximum possible to serve you. This is why we feel like the time is right for an annual membership drive. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of membership and how to become a Chicago Sews Insider.
Who is this membership drive for?
This membership drive is for anyone who loves Chicago Sews and the work we do to bring you “sew-cial” opportunities and events no matter where you are. If you've come to Chicago Sews events in the past and contributed to the group by dropping a few dollars in our jar or through Paypal, Zelle, or Venmo, then all we're really asking is for you to consider making that contribution for the year upfront. Knowing our budget for the year in advance will help us plan further ahead and enable us to plan some more elaborate events.
What will becoming a Chicago Sews Insider cost?
We are asking for a $100 contribution to our event planning fund from anyone who wants to become a Chicago Sews Insider. This will be an annual membership that starts on January 1, 2025 and lasts to December 31, 2025. Anyone wishing to become a Insider member after January 1, 2025 can do so for $10 per month. For example, if it's August 1, 2025 and someone decides they want to be an Insider, we would ask for a contribution of $50, and then they would be able to enjoy the benefits of membership for the remaining five months of the year.
What will a Chicago Sews Insider membership include?
While our monthly Sip & Sew and in-person events will continue to be open to the public with no barriers to attend, we want to make sure our Chicago Sews Insiders receive some bonus benefits. To be completely transparent, most of these Insiders-only perks are still works-in-progress, but some of the ideas we are working on include:
Invitations to members-only events like cocktail hours and cultural events
Access to a weekly virtual sewing session ("frockroom") where you can chat with sewing friends while working on your latest project
Access to an online forum where you can connect with other Chicago Sews Insiders
Special discounts from fabric stores and pattern companies
Discounted prices for any ticketed events
Group orders from our favorite shops (Oak Fabrics, Wawak, etc.)
What does my membership contribution go towards?
If you've ever come to a Chicago Sews event and put some cash in our jar, purchased an item from Redbubble, or sent a donation via Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal, then you've already been contributing towards the costs of organizing Chicago Sews. By becoming a Chicago Sews Insider, you would simply be making a one-time contribution at the beginning of the year (instead of multiple, sporadic contributions throughout the year) to help us better budget for our events. Whether you choose to become a Chicago Sews Insider member and give an annual contribution to our event planning fund or just continue chipping in when you attend events, this is what you are helping cover the cost of:
Meetup subscription
Website fees
Venue rentals
Food & drinks at events
Project supplies for hands-on events
When can I become a Chicago Sews Insider?
The membership drive starts now and runs through December 31st, 2024. If you decide to become a Chicago Sews Insider after January 1, 2025 you still can. Your contribution would be equal to $10 per month for however many months are left in the year.
Why should I become a Chicago Sews Insider?
Becoming a Chicago Sews Insider is mutually beneficial. You gain access to a variety of new ways to connect with other sewing enthusiasts while also helping Chicago Sews plan for the future.
How can I become a Chicago Sews Insider?
You can fill out the membership form at this link. The form contains instructions for how to contribute via Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal. We'll also be sharing the form on all our social channels including Instagram, Facebook, Meetup, and our Chicago Sews website.
How can I learn more?
Email chisews@gmail.com with any questions you might still have about becoming a Chicago Sews Insider.