My Sewing Info

Today I went to an American Sewing Guild meeting. This was a neighborhood meeting, since our chapter covers a large area. The chapter headquarters is in Ocala, Florida. Although I live half way between Gainesville and Ocala, I feel like Gainesville is my home base.

The meeting was attended by about 10 women of various ages, and hence of various skill levels. They were very friendly and welcoming. They have been working on a community service  project, making cloth tote bags for our  men and women in the military.  Since some of them also belong to the Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild, they were also collecting quilted bags they had made for another organization. These are some busy women. Some of them have full-time jobs, some are raising families, while others are taking care of elderly parents. They volunteer in their churches and schools also. But they do find time for what they love…sewing!

My point in telling you all this is so you can see some of the advantages of joining a group like this. There are endless networking possibilities, besides making friends with some very interesting women. They bring to the table  a lot of experience and ideas. Each had  followed their own path, with varying diversions, to get where they are now. Some had sewn since they were children. Some had only sewn a short while after trying different crafts. But they all have a passion for sewing.

Not only is this an opportunity to get together for some fun, but you will learn too. Most of these groups have classes periodically, and well known teachers/speakers come to these sessions. There are retreats planned, all day sew-ins, 3 day camps, group shop hops and thrift shop scavenger hunts for redux challenges.

If you’re new to an area, like I am, you should consider joining this group. You’d be amazed at what I learned today!