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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Do You Belong To A Stitching Club?  |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 04:18:50 AM
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Hi, I was thinking of joining a formal sewing club, sort of like a guild for sewists (a new word that looks better than sewers). Do you belong to one? What are the pros and cons? What are some of your experiences? Would you recommend it? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks, Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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Ric Rac and Polka Dots
True Blue Farmgirl
87 Posts
Julie
Pleasant Prairie
WI
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 07:12:05 AM
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Dianne,
We have a henhouse for stitching, but it is a hand stitching henhouse, not a machine sewing henhouse. Embroidery, cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, redwork, anything you can think of. That being said, most of us are sewers I believe, and probably have tons of resources in the sewing department. Check us out if you think it is something you would be interested in. You don't have to be an expert, beginners are easily half of us. You just have to love to work with needle and thread.
Good luck!
Julie
Ric Rac and Polka Dots
Farmgirl #1127
"No matter where you go . . . there you are." |
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njaw09
True Blue Farmgirl
397 Posts
Annie
NJ
USA
397 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 10:08:52 AM
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I don't belong to any stitching/sewing club but I wish there is a sewing club at Manhattan, NY. It will be great.
I have no other choice but create it at home at my own pace.
Most of my family and friends they are interested in other things...none of them enjoy sewing. |
Edited by - njaw09 on Jul 05 2010 4:34:13 PM |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 11:51:26 AM
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Dianne, I started two groups of my own girlfriends. I started out making them both Knitting Groups but after awhile the various gals
wanted to work on what-ever had their interest at the moment. So, now we just gather together; one group at a friend's home on Thursday Nights and one group here at my Sr. Estates on Tuesday Nights. They are both so much fun. And every one works on some kind of hand needle work. I have between 7-12 women in each group. I highly recommend starting your own group. Start with just a few girlfriends, even 2 0r 3 makes a fun time for all.
Also, our Libraries here in WA and some of the various yarn and/or coffee shops in the Portland/Vancouver area have yarn-ins or needle
work groups. You might check in your area too.
Blessings,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
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sue5901
True Blue Farmgirl
122 Posts
Sue
Wellingborough
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 2:00:09 PM
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Dianne, I go to a knitting group - although they are not strict and are quite happy for you to do any textile work. I found it really friendly and I was surprised how many people were relative beginners.
The people involved have their fingers in so many different pies there are people who have alpaca's and spin their own yarn, dyers, two people who own wool shops, so there are some real experts too.
I always find it gets me excited about knitting and sewing again when I have been. If there isn't one near you I would definately recommend starting one up
Sue
Dance like nobody's watching! |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 3:27:15 PM
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Where I moved to in Houston is completely void of needlework, crochet, or such groups. I would like to start one, but I can't find any interest.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 3:35:44 PM
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Wow! I didn't expect so many replies in just one day. Thank you to everyone who took time to tell me about their experiences. I do belong to a lunch-hour creativity club at the college where I work, but we meet only during the academic semesters and people don't always come because work gets in the way. I do know about the henhouse here and I do some hand stitching but I sew primarily by machine. I'll definitely investigate some of your other suggestions. Thank you again, Farm Sisters. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 3:43:14 PM
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Amy...that is so sad! Don't you have any friends, neighbors, or daughters that you can teach? That is one thing that has always meant a lot to me...that another woman (young or old) was willing to pass on her craft to me. If you think about it...it truly is our heritage as women. Older women taught me to crochet, embroider, sew etc but it was a younger woman who taught me to knit. Now I feel responsible for passing down the craft to others too. It is just something deep inside me...that says this is a Fundamental Right of Passage for all Women to learn their craft, hone their skills, then pass it down to other women. We must not let it die out. Does that sound silly? I feel like I embrace a little bit of each woman who has taught me and they make up a little bit of who I have become. So, I cherish each woman who has gifted me with a part of themselves and our American Heritage as women. We must continue the process. It's a beautiful part of our history.
Blessings,
~Peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 3:55:08 PM
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Dianne - were you looking for how/where to get in touch with one or is there one in your area already?
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 6:03:14 PM
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I belong to a couple of quilt clubs. One meets twice a month, the other meets once per month. . it is so hard to get all members together, when we do there are great show and tells, demonstrations on techniques etc. I started teaching classes at my home, not to many in the area are interested in sewing. So, now I will be teaching classes at a local shop about and 1 1/2 hours away.
Wish there was more interest in any kind of sewing locally. . . seems that there is a whole generation of women with no interest in learning or keeping traditions alive. Kind of breaks your heart.
Joanna #566
"Keeping Traditions Alive A Stitch At A Time"
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 04:14:34 AM
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Yes, Amy, I was looking for an already established club in my area. I had looked for a local chapter of the American Sewing Guild but the closest one is almost an hour away! Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 04:18:43 AM
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Thank goodness for this forum! At least we know there are other women out there who value the same things we do--even if we are hundreds of miles away. I'm going to check out all the leads you've given me and I'll let you know what I come up with. Thanks! Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 09:19:35 AM
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Amen Peg.
My handicraft is the only connection that I have to a Grandma that died before I was born. I can hold her hand pieced Grandma's Garden quilt top and have a piece of her with me. She did crochet and needlework too.
My Mom didn't share any of these things with me. I fell in love with Laura Ingalls Wilder books as a child and wanted to quilt and do needlework and crochet.
I can't wait to share it with my daughter. She is working on making a teddy bear now. It is out of felt. She is five. She wants to learn to cross stitch next.
Sorry, off the subject.
How would someone go about getting a group together? I can't find any interest.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 10:10:24 PM
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Amy do you have any groups that you belong to that you can use as a source of women to draw from? Like a church group, bible study group, local farmgirls in your area???
That is the best way to start. Or if you have craft store or yarn shop or library that would let you advertise that you would like to start a group in your home or at their facility.
Then just type up an advertisement with your phone number on it and see what happpens.
Blessings,
~Peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 06:28:44 AM
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State and county fairs usually have someone from clubs showing their stitching. You can always check there. I would also check with instructors around town to see if they know of any groups. If you wanted to start one, maybe put something on Craigslist or see if some friends want to join in.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 1:52:06 PM
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I belong to two quilt guilds and one knitting group. One of the guilds is more formal, meetings, committees, classes, shows, etc. The other one is small and very informal. We all bring our machines or our handwork and work for several hours one or two days a month. At the knitting groups we...knit. Anything and everything. Sometimes we all work on the same project and sometimes not. We have show and tell, we share, we talk, we enable each other. It's all fun.
If you're truly looking for a group, check the Sewing Guild of America website I think it's asg.org, the Knitting Guild of America website and the Needlework Guild of America website. They all have a way to find local chapters in your state. That's how I found the knitter's group. The contact person was even someone I already knew.
Good luck! And Happy Sewing!
"Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."
Daniel Webster
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 5:29:39 PM
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On the sewmamasew website there is a forum for sewists (still wrapping my head around that word, but I like it) and they have a section for sewing circles, so you can get in touch with people in your area who would be interested in getting together and sewing - that might be somewhere to start. It's a fun website anyway because they have lots of fabulous fabric and a blog with really good tutorials and projects.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 11:24:15 PM
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I joined a stitching guild at the beginning of this year and it has been very eye-opening. so many ladies creating beautiful works of art. Some of us quilt, others knit or crochet, some (like me) embroider. We have an educational meeting every month and share the projects we have been working on. It's always inspiring and every one is super friendly. there are contests and challenges and even field trips. I say go for it!
Cindy
"There is more to life than increasing its speed". Mahatma Gandhi
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2010 : 12:22:14 AM
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Wow...Amy and Dianne so many great ideas. Just ask a Farm Sister a
question and you will get answers that is for sure. Isn't it fabulous to have all this knowledge and resource ideas at our finger tips? Amazingly Wonderful!
Blessings,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
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Ric Rac and Polka Dots
True Blue Farmgirl
87 Posts
Julie
Pleasant Prairie
WI
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2010 : 08:05:22 AM
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I love the women who are a part of MaryJanes Farm. Just look at the time and empathy given by the women of this group. Just so proud to be a part of it! I am sad you don't have anything locally, but I bet if you follow through on some of these suggestions you might find a group already established, or some women who might just get together here and there. If it already was not suggested, I was thinking to hit all the local shops, knitting, needlework, quilting, decorative painting or art stores, JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, and even some Ben Franklin stores here and there. Any place that had anything remotely related to crafts will bring creative women in, and maybe you could chat it up with an employee or owner, and even post something on a bulletin board like when people have puppies or kittens for sale. Also contact churches. Ladies church groups might have something going on, I was just approached by a quilter while looking at the calicos a few weeks ago who invited me to a quilt group at a church. Also google quilt guilds and sewing/quilting instructors and look in the phone book yellow pages. Most women are into more than one craft, so if you can find even a knitter you will likely get linked to a sewist (okay can't get used to that word) Lastly I would keep my eyes open at farmer's markets and craft shows and talk to people who are both vendors and shoppers, as well as some people who actually run the shows. They might have names. If nothing else, I agree to find a person, just one, and little by little another might be interested, and you might have your own group before you know it! If you are not a shy person, ask the women at the pharmacy, the dry cleaners, the waitress, the checkout person at the store, the garden center lady, everyone! You are bound to meet lots of nice crafters. Good luck to you!
Julie
Ric Rac and Polka Dots
Farmgirl #1127
"No matter where you go . . . there you are." |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 03:16:15 AM
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Wow! I was away for a couple of days and when I checked this forum, I couldn't believe (okay, I could!) how many Farm Sisters responded with such great ideas. Thank you 100 times over. I have so many leads I need to follow. I will report back. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Do You Belong To A Stitching Club? |
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Do You Belong To A Stitching Club?
