On Your Mark, Get Set… Sew!

Piecing together unusual projects, trying out new fabrics, knitting little-girl dresses and laughing with old friends is only a small part of what makes sewing special for members of the American Sewing Guild.

On a bright and warm Saturday morning in September, eager patrons gathered at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gainesville to partake in a meeting of the sewing minds.

The Gainesville Neighborhood Group of the American Sewing Guild hosted a class on how to create origami blouses. Taught by Sue McCollough, of the Crystal River Neighborhood Group, the masters of knitting formed a circle, with sewing machines nearby, to learn how to complete the project at hand.

The ASG is a national organization comprised of 130 chapters and more than 1,000 neighborhood groups. Florida has several chapters, including the Ocala Chapter, Jacksonville Chapter and the Orlando Chapter. The Gainesville Neighborhood Group, co-led by Oberia Williams and Donna Ing, is part of the Ocala Chapter.

Sewing is more than a hobby for participants in ASG. It is a passion.

The sewing machine Hilton uses today is worth more than her first house.

Men spend money on their bass boats so women should be allowed to do the same with sewing machines, Hilton said. Sometimes it is hard for women to convince themselves it is worth the investment.

As McCollough demonstrated different techniques and explained the more intricate steps of the project, the women studied their handouts and got ready for an afternoon of creativity.

Before each event, participants are given information on how to begin the project. They were asked to cut out seven separate squares of the fabric of their choice and connect them to form a single strip of material.

During the day’s activities, just like the ancient art of folding paper, the sewers learn how to carefully sew the fabric into a beautiful blouse.

According to Beverley Hilton the president designate of the Ocala Chapter for 2009, every new project is a unique experience, especially when different fabrics are involved. Sewing in a group encourages the exchange of helpful hints. The Gainesville resident suggested to fellow sewers to spit on the needle, instead of licking the thread, to make it easier for the thread to poke through the head of the needle, a common problem for even the most experienced sewer.

The room was filled with the sound of buzzing sewing machines and conversation between old friends while the ladies worked on their origami blouses. Participants came from all over North Florida.

Oberia Williams, of Archer, was excited about working with knit fabrics to make herself a top. She has been a member of the Gainesville Neighborhood Group for four years and enjoys the friendship and camaraderie from the fellow sewers. She attends events sponsored by the ASG two to three times a year.

Each month, neighborhood groups hold meetings where demonstrations are conducted on different skills and projects. As a member of the ASG, members are entitled to go to any neighborhood meeting, meet new people and learn different skills.

ASG uses their love of sewing to help several reputable charity projects. The group has sewed blankets for Project Linus, an organization that provides blankets for children in need of extra comfort that only a soft blanket can give.

The ASG is also active in making the Anti-Ouch Pouch. Women who are recovering from breast surgery or who are undergoing radiation treatment can use the pillow for a bit of comfort were it is needed most. Designed to look like a tote bag, the cushion hangs from a shoulder strap gently under the arm.

Marguerite Deaderick, of Evinston, Fla., enjoys the fellowship of gathering with people who are as passionate about sewing as she is. Being a member of ASG allows her to try out different projects and techniques, even though she has been sewing since she was 10 years old.

A love of sewing runs in the blood of the members of ASG.

When Hilton traveled to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, she still managed to find an obscure, off-the-beaten-track fabric store.

The colors and textures of the fabrics used in the day’s events reflect the diversity of women who are a part of ASG. Women of all ages and all skill levels are welcome to join the organization. The only requirement is a passion for the hobby and a desire to learn.

“When I was a kid, I didn’t want to read the instructions,” Hilton said. “I just wanted to sew.”

For more information, call co-leaders Obie Williams, 352-486-4630, or Donna Ing, 352-377-6936.

Laura Kubitz is a student in UF’s College of Journalism. She may be contacted through the editor: editor@towerpublications.com.