About Alaska Sewlutions
Alaska’s official member chapter of the American Sewing Guild
Alaska Sewlutions includes two neighborhood groups and monthly programs in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. Membership is open to all, and our members’ interests run the gamut of sewing, from professional garment construction and alteration to machine and hand quilting, embroidery, heirloom sewing, fiber and wearable art, and much more. Our chapter also organizes the Sewing Department at the Alaska State Fair every year and has two annual retreats in winter and spring for members only.
Interested in becoming a member? Join us at an upcoming neighborhood meeting or contact us: we’d love to hear from you!
FAQs about the American Sewing Guild
What does the American Sewing Guild do?
ASG is an organization of sewing enthusiasts who connect with each other at local, national and web-based levels for activities, communication and networking. At the grassroots level there are, what we call Neighborhood Groups (NGs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which meet monthly or on a schedule established by the group members. Participants enjoy sewing programs presented by one of the members, or by an outside educator/speaker. Activities are organized by the group leader, or co-leaders.
On a wider scale, sewing events are organized by the local ASG chapter a few times a year. These may be a seminar or a hands-on workshop, presented by well known sewing educators. Field Trips, sewing retreats and fashion shows are also popular chapter events.
Nationally, we have an Annual Conference which is the highlight of the ASG year. All ASG members (and non-members for an additional cost) are invited to attend this event. Participants are able to take classes taught by their favorite TV sewing celebrity or author, while also having the opportunity to meet sewing industry representatives and fellow guild members from other states. The exhibit and vendor hall are favorites among attendees. In short, the ASG Annual Conference has everything related to sewing for our members to enjoy. Additionally, domestic and international tours of special interest to sewing enthusiasts are sponsored each year with special pricing for ASG members – an opportunity to travel with sewing friends!
How will I benefit from joining ASG?
There are many! View the list of benefits ASG members realize that certain intangible benefits are in direct proportion to their participation in ASG activities.
What if there is no chapter close to me?
You can join and be designated a Member at Large. You will enjoy the same national benefits enjoyed by all ASG members nationwide. If you think you would like to start a local group meeting or chapter, contact us at (713) 729-3000, or click on the link “Start a New Chapter” for information.
I would like to join, but am not interested in attending local group meetings.
You do not have to be an active attendee of a local group to enjoy being an ASG member! Some members simply love to read our publication, Notions, and take advantage of the shopping discount benefits, some join to attend the Annual Conference at the special member rate, and some maintain their membership to participate in the yearly ASG Creativity Contest (organized in conjunction with Simplicity Pattern Company). Others like to be members to support the mission of the ASG- “Advancing Sewing as an Art and Life Skill.”
Can I attend a meeting or an event before deciding to join?
Absolutely! We encourage you to visit a local group and experience the fun and camaraderie of connecting with other sewers. You can attend two group meetings as a guest before joining. You can attend a larger chapter special event which may require a registration fee. Non-member registration fees are slightly higher than member registration fees.
When does my annual membership year begin? Every January or on the anniversary of when I join?
Your membership year begins when your membership is processed at ASG headquarters, and ends one year later.
Does ASG teach sewing?
While there is a formal classroom set-up at the ASG Annual Conference, most of the local chapter events and group meetings fall into the seminar category. Some local ASG chapters do offer basic sewing classes and all would certainly be able to provide information about sewing classes in your local community. Many ASG members are certified sewing educators and offer individual or group sewing classes for all levels.
I have basic sewing skills. As a member, will I have access to educational information to improve my sewing skills?
Feedback from many members indicates that joining the ASG and actively participating in its programs has definitely improved their sewing skills!
Does sewing skill level matter when joining the ASG?
Not at all! ASG welcomes sewers of all skill levels.
I’m only interested in quilting ….
ASG encompasses all kinds of sewing and needle arts and encourages sewing enthusiasts to expand their skills and interests. Many of our members also belong to quilt guilds in their area.
