CA Bay Area

[joan71]

If you don't mind coming all the way to the So. Bay, I will offer to host.  I remember one time we did meet at Lori B's she is even farther south than I am.  Saturdays work better for me, but if you don't expect much of any preparation from me, Sunday will work also.  Any time after 11:30 on Sun.

It will be good to see you and be sure to bring your summer sewing projects.

Joan

[Georgene]

Joan I remember we were going to meet at your place once upon a time.

I am up for it. Just say a day, and folks can chime in. I think that since Sunday is less convenient for you, it should be a Saturday, but either is fine for me (as long as some unkown thing doesn't surface! one never knows...)

A sew and tell would be good. Maybe I will actually be motivated to finish one of my long term projects. Not having done so keeps me hanging back on starting new things...something we have all felt, I am sure.

[joan71]

Ok, it is BABES at my house in San Jose and I will start by suggesting Saturday Aug. 23.  How does this line up for everyone?? 



Joan

[Georgene]

OK, the 23rd works for me. Will you post on the PR message board as well Joan? We have a few BABES that dont check in much over here, that might see what's up over there. If no one else shows up, you and I can have a cosy chat Joan!

[neefer]

YES!!!!   Can't wait.  I'll pass on the word.

[Jennifer S.]

Yesh!!! I am planning to be there.. Yay!!!

[joan71]

I am looking forward to seeing all of you for BABES.  So far I have 7 confirmed for coming Sat 8/23, 11:30ish. 

I just took a peek at Anne St. Clair's web site and whoopee, she is coming to the west coast February 2009.

I have contacted the Santa Rosa Chapter ASG to see if there are vacancies for the Bra Workshop and yes there is and my name is being put on the list.  No flyer has been published yet and final price hasn't been determined....the thinking is about $200-$235.  I would love to drive/share room with someone for the 2 days, Fri evening 2/13 and all day Sat. 2/14 (probably be just one night in hotel.  Anybody up for it??

I signed up for Anne's class at a Nat'l. ASG conference one year, but it was filled immediately and that is the usual case.  She has a very good reputation and owns a store in Witchita from which I have order lingerie supplies. 

Joan

[Georgene]

I am looking forward to seeing y'all on Saturday. Yay!

Joan, I am taking a big workshop in January, or I might condsider joining you. I will tell you all about it on Saturday.

[neefer]

I would love to drive/share room with someone for the 2 days, Fri evening 2/13 and all day Sat. 2/14 (probably be just one night in hotel.  Anybody up for it??

Joan, I'm very interested, but I need to talk to my better half before I commit. 

[joan71]

So Georgene has something up her sleeve.....can't wait to hear about it.
Neefer, goody, I am glad you are interested in the Bra Workshop.

See ya' Sat.
Joan

[LauraTS]

I should be able to come, too. Too bad I haven't sewn much of anything since our last meeting.  I will count on y'all to inspire me.

[LauraTS]

Sorry I couldn't make it after all, I wasn't feeling great yesterday. Hope y'all had a good time.

[joan71]

Laura, sorry you weren't feeling well yesterday and hope it was short lived. 
the get together was a hoot, go over to PR.com to the Bay Area Group to read the comments.  We had a newbie drop in and she fit right in with us......and she is a very experienced sewer.

Joan

[sewut]

OK, I'm here, kicking and screaming, but here.  Does the "show unread posts" button work?  On all threads or only chosen ones? 

Next Wednesday is an open house of sorts at Thai Silks.  I've been and enjoyed it.  Of course I liked it, I won a copy of Fabric Savvy in a drawing.  There is good show and tell, too.  It starts about 4.  I probably still have to take Kathy and her friend to ballet class at 5 but may have the other mom do it. 

I had a super fun day sewing with Glenda last week and plan another one soon.  I have to return to the workaday grind on September 29.

Any particular threads I should follow here on artisansquare?

Lisa in Campbell

[joan71]

Lisa, good to hear from you and glad you and Glenda had a sew day'together.  The timiing was ideal for both of you since you are both 'in transition.' 
As to the Show unread posts since last visit......seems to me that is cleared out periodically, probably since it could get really long.   'Show new replies to your posts' is what I use.....of course one must have at least one post on the thread that you want to read/post on.

I received the notice re Thai Silk, but when I racked my brain, I really didn't have much that I had used their fabric for except for linings and stabilizers, so I let it pass.

Hope your return to the workaday world goes smoothly for you.

See ya',

Forgot your querey about theads/topics to follow here.....I follow Loes Hinse thread, Sewing Workshop, FSG Nancy Erickson, and any other ones that crop up, that interests me.  Right now there is a very active thread 'Sewing For Middle Age' that is a fun read.
Joan

[neefer]

From the Walnut Creek ASG President:

there will be a huge multi-home garage sale in Clayton in the Dana Hills development this Saturday, Sept 20th from 8AM 3PM.  Our chapter will be participating in the 54-home event as a fundraiser for the chapter.  We will be selling fabric and sewing related items that have been donated.  If you wish to participate/donate/help, please post here, and I will send you contact info.  The address for our sale is 187 Mountaire Parkway in Clayton.
 
Please note that we will still be having the stash sale in November and would appreciate donations for both events.

[neefer]

This is pretty rare occurance - Jane Foster has an opening for her sewing retreat at Asilomar.  If you want to attend her retreat, please contact her as soon as possible.

I run a sewing Retreat at Asilomar in Pacific Grove twice each year. I am due to go in a few weeks time from Oct 5th -12th.I take students for 7 nights/4 nights or 3 nights. One of my students has this week discovered she has breast cancer and for obvious reasons can no longer join me as she has to have surgery. This means I have one open spot for  4 days /3 nights from 3:00pm on Oct 9th through noon on Oct 12th open and available. The total cost is $615 all -in.
               
Jane Foster
Sewing and Design
Walnut Creek Ca. 94595
(925) 939-2328
www.janefosterdesign.com

[neefer]

October 25th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Please mark you calendars. The flyer for the program is attached with map for your convenience.

New Location - Odd Fellows Hall - 4349 Cowell Road, Concord , CA 94518

Sue Green-Baker is the “Serger Goddess”. Sue can work with ANY serger!!!! Even if your serger is 20 years old and requires yoga to thread it, Sue can not only show you how to use it, but also show you how to use it for decorative stitches as well as construction techniques.

Sue’s classes normally cost $70-$100 – this is a great opportunity for ASG members to spend some time with this fabulous teacher. Even if you can only be there for half the day, this class is a good value. She has designed this class just for our chapter and will teach us both decorative and construction techniques so that we can complete a project (or two or three) in class.

Sue has put together a small kit ($7) to make it easier for us and she would like to know how many to bring. Please email me (ramyers@ix.netcom.com) or Julianne (julianne@astound.net) and let us know you are coming - whether you sign up in advance or want to pay at the door.

The Odd Fellows Hall has a nice parking lot, NO stairs or ramps into the room, and GREAT lighting. We met there in September and everyone really liked the space.

Sue is a fun and engaging teacher and has no trouble working with differing levels of skill in her class.

Check out her new website: www.suegb.com

Sue also co-authored or contributed to the following publications:

Threads, Threads and More Threads Volumes One & Two
Sewing With an Overlock by Singer Sewing Reference Library
101 Sewing Secrets by Singer Sewing Reference Library
Creative Serging by Palmer/Pletsch
Creative Serging Illustrated by Chilton Book Company
ABC's Of Serging by Chilton Book Company (contributor)

See you on the 25th!

ETA:This is not free.
$30.00 ASG Members, $40.00 Non-ASG Members - $7.00 Kit Fee

Give me a hollar and I'll send you the flyer.

I took a class with Sue several years ago. She is an excellent teacher, and I got a lot out of that class.

[neefer]

The Walnut Creek ASG is in the beginning process of planning a trip the the YSL exhibition.  We, the board, think that there is a good chance of getting a "behind the scenes tour" in addition to seeing the exhibition.  I'll keep you posted.

[sewut]

That sounds interesting.  Thanks, Jennifer.

Lisa

[neefer]

Fabric and Craft Sale
Saturday, November 22, 2008
1-4 PM
Low Low Prices on:
• Fabric
• Craft Supplies
• Magazines
• Sewing Supplies
Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
1543 Sunnyvale Ave.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
www.asgwalnutcreek.org

[joan71]

Anybody out there who would like to check out BABES??? (Bay Area Bash Especially for Sewists)  Go over to PR.Com on the Message Board for Ca. Bay Area Regional Group and join in the conversation/planning.
I tried unsuccessfully to post a hot link to the specific thread, but couldn't get the addy to work.

Joan

[neefer]

As some of you know, we lost my nephew, Diego, early in the morning on December 12th. It has been a horrific experience, and if you want, you can read about it here.

Anyway, we have survived xmas, and we are tying to keep my brother and SIL distracted. I know where the fabric stores are in Oakland and Berkeley, but I don't know where the craft, paper, or bookbinding stores are. If any of you could point them out to me, I'd appreciate it.

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas.

[Lisa]

Neefer,

I am so sorry for your loss.    I didn't know Diego, but I am so, so sorry that this horrific thing has happened.  He was a beautiful child, and people will know that as long as the photo you posted on your blog is out there. 

Please be kind to yourself...and come and talk to us when you think it might help. 

Lisa

[Georgene]

Neefer, condolences on the loss of your nephew, and courage to help your brother's family with their loss.

There is an amazing store on 4th St. in Berkeley called Castles in the Air that has a lot of amazing papers and other stuff for boxes, books, puppets, miniatures, I done't even know how to describe it. I believe they teach bookbinding classes there, so you may find that sort of supply there.

Also Blick Art Supply has 2 locations, one right around the corner from 4th St. on I believe University, and one on upper Broadway in Oakland, sort of on beyond the old Poppy's by CCA. They have quite an extensive group of lovely papers.

You make beautiful books, I love some of the stuff I have seen that you do. If you are thinking of making a book for you nephew's family that is a great idea. The French have a tradition of books for people to sign and comment at all sorts of occasions - called a "Livre d'Or", or Book of Gold. I made one with contributions from many people who wrote letters and sent in photos drawings for a friend who was going away. It can be the most amazing document and a wonderful gift.

[lessalt]

Neefer, That is terrible news - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[neefer]

American Sewing Guild January Meeting.

Installation of Officers, Apron Challenge Results, and Sew and Show

Saturday, January 23, 2009
9:00 AM—4:00 PM

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
1543 Sunnyvale Ave.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
www.asgwalnutcreek.org

[neefer]

SPECIAL EVENT—Curator Tour of YSL Exhibit
March 11 2:00 PM—5:00 PM
$30 for Members
$35 for non-members

A RARE OPPORTUNITY !!!
This amazing exhibit will reside at the de Young museum, only until April 5, 2009. This is the only U.S. venue for the exhibit, and we have the unique opportunity of touring the exhibit guided by the curator of the exhibit. You will be privileged to hear the stories behind the pieces, the designer, and the process of putting together the exhibit, in a small group tour unavailable through normal admission or even a docent tour.

About the exhibit: “In the 1960s Yves Saint Laurent made an indelible mark on fashion with clothing emblematic of the new modernity. Yves Saint Laurent, organized by FAMSF and The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, explores the designs that made Saint Laurent famous, and his inspirations drawn from art, theatre, history, literature, and nature. This exhibition contains nearly 130 accessorized garments and sketches illustrating the lines, colors, and fundamentals of Saint Laurent’s work. This is the only U.S. venue. A catalogue accompanies this exhibition. “

Our program includes the entrance to the museum and special exhibit, our private tour with the exhibit curator (about 1 hour), and access to the entire museum until they close at 5:15pm.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We regret that the tour could not be scheduled on a Saturday, but the opportunity for a private tour with the curator is worth taking the afternoon off! We MUST have your reservation and payment early, as our group size is restricted to 30 participants.

* FAMSF members may be eligible for a $10 discount, provided we have received your registration and membership information by February 25th.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Walnut Creek ASG YSL Exhibit, de Young Museum - March 11, 2009 - Please reserve by February 25th, 2009

Name:_______________________________________ Email:_________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________________
City: _____________________________________ ASG Member?_________ Amount Enclosed: $____________
* Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco (FAMSA) member?________

Please Check one:
_____ I would like to carpool and I can be a driver
_____ I would like to carpool and ride with another driver
_____ I will be traveling to the event on my own and will meet you in the museum front lobby

Please enclose this form along with your check made payable to Walnut Creek ASG, Box 5948, Concord, CA 94524. Please call Sue Petersen at 925-335-2313 with any questions about the program.

[neefer]

If you would like, I can e-mail you the actual form, but I think a print out of the previous post should be fine. 

Send me a pm or use my contact form.

[neefer]

I took this class from Sue Martin and enjoyed it very much.  I highly recommend this method for piecing.




15” Rolling Star Tote Bag With Sue Martin and Cynthia Wheeler
Saturday, March 28, 2009 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM (Lunch - Brown Bag)
Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
1543 Sunnyvale Ave. Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Cost: $10.00 ASG Members, $15.00 Non-ASG Members
Optional $30.00 Kit Fee for 2 sewn Rolling Star blocks plus lining and cording

Have you thought about learning to quilt but felt it was too time-consuming and tedious?? You’ll learn easy quilt piecing skills by learning the Square in a Square® technique! This system allows you to make any level of quilt top with speed and accuracy. All skill levels will enjoy this design. The Square in a Square system increases speed and accuracy in patchwork. Using Square in a Square, you never cut or piece another triangle again!

A quick and easy project. No cutting or sewing of any triangles. You’ll be shown how to create the Rolling Star block using only 2 SnS options. Due to time constraints, we won’t be sewing the options in class. If you choose to make your own blocks, you only need to make a total 10 blocks using 3 colors, You’ll need 8 Option 1s and 2 Option 11s. It’s that easy, how simple can you get? You may substitute the solid square in the center of the star with an embroidered square or theme fabric as shown. Samples will be available. OR bring any 2—15” squares of material and scraps for straps and pockets. Don’t forget the lining. You will also see various projects that have been adapted to use as embellishments for pillows, tote bags and to use on clothing.

Sue Martin is a certified Square in a Square (SnS) teacher since April 2007. Cynthia Wheeler was been a quilter for over 20 years. Together we will show how to turn the blocks into tote bags with various closures.

Bring your sewing machine with your basic presser foot, basic sewing supplies, rotary cutter, tube-turner, straight ruler, (i.e. 3” x 18) and sewn blocks as directed on the back of this flyer or purchase a kit which will be available in various colors for $30.00 with already assembled blocks.

Sue will have the SnS ruler and the Advancing On II book available for sale if you get addicted to this fun and quick piecing method.

Walnut Creek ASG proudly presents: Sue Martin and Cynthia Wheeler March 28, 2008 from 9:00 am to 4:00 PM - Brown Bag Lunch

Name:_______________________________________
Email:_________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________ ____
City: _____________________________________
Guild Member?_________ Amount Enclosed: $____________
Will you want a kit for class? _________

Please enclose this portion along with your check, made payable to ASG, and mail to: Walnut Creek ASG, P. O. Box 5948, Concord, CA 94524-0948. Please contact Julianne Bramson or email walnutcreek@asg.org with any questions about this program.

Directions to ASG Program Meetings
Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
1543 Sunnyvale Ave.  Walnut Creek

Unless otherwise noted chapter meetings are held in the Social Hall at the front of the Church. Parking is in the parking lot right next to the Social Hall. Some meetings are in the Wesley Room (upper parking lot at the back of the property).

Northbound on I-680 highway:
Exit Treat Blvd. /Geary Rd. off-ramp and turn left at traffic signal.
Turn right at next traffic signal onto North Main Street.
At next light turn left onto Sunnyvale Ave. The Church is up about a half block on left side.

Southbound on I-680 highway:
Exit Treat Blvd. /Geary Rd. off-ramp
Stay in right lane and turn right onto North Main Street.
Get in left hand lane and go about one-half block and do a “U” turn at the intersection at Sun Valley Ave.
Drive to the next traffic light, which is Sunnyvale Ave. and turn right.
Church is up about half a block on left side.



Supply List
Fabric
1/2 yard of Color 1 (background)
1/2 yard of Color 2 (primary stripe, border, and straps)
1/4 yard of Color 3 (center and star points)
5/8 yard of 45” wide lining fabric (I use light weight Weavers Plain in Natural, 50/50 polyester/cotton)
1-3/4 yards of 1/2” or 3/4” cotton cording (straps will be approximately 30” long)
Optional closures—14” zipper or button and elastic hairband (I will bring with me)


Cutting
Option 11—Cut 2 - 5" squares from Color 1,
(you’ll have 35”x 5” strip left over for facing on tote bag)
Cut 1 - 2-3/4" strips from color 2
Cut 2 - 3-3/4" strips from color 1

Option 1—Cut 8 - 3-3/8” squares Color 1
Cut 2 - 2" strips from Color 2
Cut 2 - 2" strips from Color 3
Center Square— Cut 2—4-1/2” squares of Color 3
Borders—Cut 4 - 2" strips of Color 2
Note: Color 2 — you’ll have left over fabric to make straps, 2-1/2” wide.
Bring all left over scraps to class for pockets
The blocks must be sewn prior to class or you can purchase an assembled kit.
Lining — Cut 1—3” up to 5” x 45” strip from lining fabric
Bring all left over lining fabric

[neefer]

Free admission to the Sacramento Sew and Quilt Expo: coupon

[neefer]

The Walnut Creek chapter of the American Sewing Guild presents:
Serger T-Shirt Workshop
With Alicia Welcher

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Workshop Time: 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM (Lunch - Brown Bag)
Regular meeting will start at 9:00 AM (9am-930am social time)
Location: Odd Fellows Hall, 4349 Cowell Road, Concord, CA 94518
Cost: $30.00 ASG Members, $40.00 Non-ASG Members


Are you always finding ready-to-wear t-shirts that are too short, too long, too tight, too loose? It takes no time at all to make t-shirts that fit using your serger. And with the wide variety of fabric options and colors available in knits today, there’s no reason not to!

Sergers and knits are made for each other! The ability to adjust the differential feed makes serging knits a breeze. Inside seams are finished flawlessly, sleeves and neck facings can be attached almost instantly, and various hemming options can give the t-shirt a variety of different looks. Come join us for a t-shirt workshop where you can experience how easy it is!

As an added bonus, you will receive a quick introduction to heirloom sewing by serger and an Heirloom Nightshirt pattern and instructions where you can combine your new skills in heirloom serging and serging knits.

Supplies Needed:

T-Shirt pattern of your choice with a self fabric facing at the neckline. Recommended patterns:
Great Copy #2120 (Simple short or long-sleeve t-shirt. Pattern also includes a skirt that serges together very well.)
Butterick #B5215 (Although the drawings on this pattern make it look like the same t-shirt with three different sleeve lengths, it is not so. As the sleeves lengthen, the pattern also becomes much less fitted.)
Fabric according to the pattern instructions.
Three or four spools of thread to match or blend with fabric.
Size 80 Ballpoint or Stretch Needles.
General sewing and serging supplies (pins, scissors, tweezers, seam gauge, Wonder Tape, Fray Block, double eyed needle, etc.).
Serger in good working order with manual and all accessories needed to do a three-thread wide or four-thread overlock.

Pre-Class Preparation:
Pre-wash all fabric. Knits are very unpredictable and as such, really do need to be pre-washed.
If you do not wish to cut your original pattern, make a copy of all pattern pieces on pattern drafting material.
Cut the fabric as follows:
Cut your pattern pieces out according to the pattern instructions.
Cut several test pieces just outside the pattern cutout. Mark each test piece as to “side seam”, “neckline”, “lower hem”, etc.
Bring all other scraps to class.

Questions? Feel free to contact the instructor at alicia@aliciawelcher.com anytime.



Walnut Creek ASG proudly presents: Serger T-Shirt Workshop - April 25, 2009 at 11:00 am to 4:00 PM - Brown Bag Lunch
Name:_____________________________ Email:____________________________________
Address:___________________________ Phone Number: _______________________ ____
City: _____________________________ Guild Member?_________ Amount Enclosed: $_______
Please enclose this portion along with your check, made payable to ASG, and mail to: Walnut Creek ASG, P. O. Box 5948, Concord, CA 94524-0948. Please contact Louise Soles at lmsoles@pacbell.net with any questions about this program.

[neefer]

This sale is about 2 blocks from my house ... well, a little more, but within walking distance.  Anyone interested in BABES?
-------------------

FABRIC SALE !

The American Sewing Guild is having their annual stash sale featuring fabric, lace, tools, etc. Items related to sewing & crafts will be offered.

Saturday, May 2, 10-3PM
Asbury United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall
4743 East Avenue, Livermore, Ca  94550

NO EARLY BIRDS!

Tables will be available for $10. Sell off your stash!

The sale is from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm with set-up at 8:00 am.

www.asgwalnutcreek.org
president@asgwalnutcreek.org
Contact Person: Julianne Bramson

[Georgene]

Interested in going to look and buy? Or interested in having a table?

[neefer]

Interested in going to look and buy? Or interested in having a table?

I was thinking we could have a regular BABES meeting at my house and visit the sale some time during the day.

However, we could rent a table and sell BABES stuff.