Sewing Guild Newsletter
November 2019 – Vol. 20.3
A Note From Our President
Dear Sewing Sisters,
As I unpacked my machine from its case after the retreat, I realized that I only changed the needle once or twice during the 5 day retreat. That prompted the question of “how often should I change the needle?” Here is what the experts say:
· It is recommended that you change your needle after every 3 full bobbins used or every 2 pre-wound bobbins used.
· It is also recommended that you change the needle after each project or if using a fabric that naturally dulls the needle such as leathers or heavy fleece.
· It is ideal to change every 8 hours of sewing or with each new project unless it is a small project.
So, as you start your next project take a moment to clean out the dust bunnies and insert a new needle.
I’m happy to announce that for the 2020 Alaska State Fair, the Alaska Sewlutions is going to award two $25 Jo-Ann gift cards on behalf of the American Sewing Guild. These awards will go to the Judges Choice winners for both junior categories (Junior A and Junior B). We feel these awards are fitting with the purpose and mission of ASG which is to engage in activities for educational and charitable purposes, to further advance the art of sewing. We love seeing the projects submitted by children and look forward to this award as a way of encouraging them.
Look forward to seeing you all at the Christmas party!
Upcoming Events
Dec. 7: Annual Meeting & Holiday Party
Jan. 4, 2020: Anchorage Neighborhood Meeting
Jan. 11: Valley Neighborhood Meeting
Feb. 1: Anchorage Neighborhood Meeting
Feb. 8: Valley Neighborhood Meeting
Mar. 12-15: Spring Retreat
Mar. 14: Chapter Meeting
Apr. 4: Anchorage Neighborhood Meeting
Apr. 11: Valley Neighborhood Meeting
May 2: Anchorage Neighborhood Meeting
May 9: Valley Neighborhood Meeting
June-August: no meetings; Alaska State Fair
August 14-15: Fair entry intake
August 16: Fair judging
August 17: Fair display
August 27-September 7: Fair; sit & sew volunteers welcome
September 8 & 12: Fair entry pick up
Sept. 19: Anchorage & Valley Neighborhood Meetings (tentative)
Oct. 3: Community Service Sew
Oct. 27-Nov. 1: Fall Retreat
Oct. 31: Chapter Meeting
Nov. 14: Anchorage & Valley Neighborhood Meetings (tentative)
Dec. 5: Annual Meeting & Holiday Party
Holiday Party
Saturday, December 7, 12-4pm | Beverly’s house, 8261 Sundi Drive, Anchorage
Directions: Call 907-243-8333 if you need help finding the party.
Elections: officer elections will be held, so be sure to attend and vote!
Potluck: Please bring a dish to share based on your birth month:
January-March: desserts, April-June: appetizers, July-September: sides, October-December: salads
Optional white elephant gift exchange: Linda McClure will collect new, unwrapped child & teen gifts for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree toy drive. Teens are always in special need during the holidays: great gift ideas include earbuds, blankets, handheld toys. Gift cards for MyHouse teens are also welcome and will be collected and donated. For more about donations for kids and teens, visit myhousematsu.org and alaska.salvationarmy.org/alaska_division/angel-tree.
Upcoming Neighborhood Meetings
In January, our neighborhood groups will be making microwave popcorn bags. If you can’t make it to the meeting but still want to join in, check out instructions at tinyurl.com/microwave-popcorn-bags.
ANCHORAGE
Saturday, January 4, 11:30-2:30pm
Senior Activity Center | 1300 E 19th Ave
VALLEY
Saturday, January 11, 12-2pm
Northern Lights Chapel | 7550 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy
Alaska State Fair Update
Increased entries: 2018: 171 entries, 2019: 199 entries; ~70 entrants
New for 2020:
· Garment divisions will be updated to consolidate knits & wovens.
· Additional judges’ choice ribbons will be available: 1 for Open/Professional, 1 for Junior A (12 and under), and 1 for Junior B (13-18).
· New prizes: a $25 gift card for Joann Fabrics will be awarded to both Junior A and Junior B Judges’ Choice winners.
· More entrants are highly encouraged! More volunteers are also welcome for judging and sit & sew: tell a friend and save the date.
2020 Fair Theme: Seeing is Believing
Important Dates:
· August 14-15: entry intake
· August 16: judging
· August 17: display
· August 27-September 7: fair; sit & sew volunteers welcome
· September 8 & 12: entry pick up
Community Sew Success
65 dolls were completed at this October’s Community Service Sew. They’re being delivered ~20 at a time to be distributed to the Children’s Hospital at Providence. There are extra dolls available for stuffing and hand sewing at upcoming neighborhood meetings and retreats.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
Laser Workshop Opportunity
If you’re interested in learning more about using a laser cutter/engraver to make your sewing dreams come to life, consider a small workshop with member Emily Longbrake:
“In January 2020, I’d like to host a free workshop at my house in Anchorage to make laser cut appliques. I can host ~8 people or so for a half day or evening to demonstrate basic analog and digital design techniques and use the laser to cut them out.
“I recently bought a 60W laser that can cut a wide range of materials including fabric, batting, and leather as well as 1/4” acrylic and wood. The bed size of 14×16” is great for cutting quilt blocks or small, intricate applique shapes that would be really difficult to cut by hand.
“Participants would be welcome to bring a machine to sew while taking turns with the laser. I can supply small samples of a range of materials.”
GET IN TOUCH: call or text 907-863-0801
Community Service Opportunity
The Commemorative Air Force Alaska Wing is in need of silent auction donation items for our December 7 Stars Across Alaska Gala. Our mission is to Educate, Honor, and Inspire by bringing a living history of WWII to all people in Alaska. This years event will be honoring Captain Howard Hunt, who passed away this year. He was a WWII veteran, and our wing founder. We have made an honor table for any WWII veterans locally we can find, as we fear our time to honor them in person is drawing to a close.
In addition to helping keep our warbirds flying, your donation will be used to raise funds to expand our aviation education program, which includes offering free warbird flights to students ages 12-17. We feel it is so important to share the impact Alaska had during WWII, and we hope you will consider an item donation if you are able.
Interested? Please Contact: Rebecca Brown, Volunteer Event Coordinator, Commemorative Air Force Alaska Wing, 907-406-8300
Spring Sewing Retreat
SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 12-15, 2020
Alaska Sewlutions receives a 10% rebate if 15+ retreat participants stay overnight for 2 or more nights: reserve your spot early and stay for 2+ nights!
12 members must attend on at least 1 night to receive the rates below:
1 night: $78.75
2 nights: $120.75
3 nights: $162.75
Day only (noon to midnight): $15
Day with breakfast: $25
NEW: WAITING LIST FOR NONMEMBERS
To take advantage of the generous rebate available and encourage potential new members, a waitlist will be available for the 2020 Spring Retreat. Stay tuned for more details from our retreat coordinator.
