Guest post by Anne Marie Soto, editor of Notions, the ASG publication available with membership in the American Sewing Guild
It’s always exciting to see a new sewing genre spring up . . . and discover a new group of people who are enthusiastic about our favorite hobby. Welcome, cosplayers, to the world of sewing! This issue’s cover story, “Cosplay + Sewing: A Perfect Fit,” delves into the story behind the cosplay movement and explores the numerous ways sewing is a part of it. Although many cosplayers lack a sewing background, they charge forth fearlessly, creating costumes that are a wonder to behold. These are folks who would welcome the expertise and sewing support that ASG has to offer. So even if sewing cosplay isn’t your thing, there’s a way to get in on the action. Reaching out to help cosplayers improve their sewing skills can be lots of fun. Just think about the possibilities of an ASG Neighborhood Group devoted to cosplay!
All you need is an idea and ASG members respond. A post by ASG Education Director Ramona Baird on the ASG blog launched me on a search for other ASG members who had done interesting things with wedding gowns. I put out a call . . . and got some wonderful responses. “Wedding Gown Redux” showcases inventive ways to recycle those gowns.
It’s time for our annual members-only Anyone Can Sew contest. Check out the article on “Contests as Classroom Motivators” in our Sew Young section. It’s the story of how Sian Sattar, who teaches fashion design at Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas and is member of the ASG Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter, integrates contests, including ASG contests, into her classroom curriculum. Complete details on the 2017 Anyone Can Sew contest, including the designated ASG Simplicity patterns, are published in this issue of Notions. Note that we have moved the contest entry deadline to midnight EDT, August 15 so that the winners can be announced and celebrated in conjunction with National Sewing Month in September.
“A Taste of ASG” is a unique opportunity to grow our community of sewing friends. For just $10, a trial member can sample the full array of membership benefits and participate in the ASG community for 60 days. Please be sure that you don’t keep this good news to yourself. Post on your chapter’s website, Facebook page, and any other social media outlets you and your chapter utilize. Since this issue of Notions went to press, ASG has developed a YouTube video that talks about our great organization and the Taste of ASG program. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwC70Mq1AZc&app=desktop
If you have comments about what appears in Notions, topics you would like to see covered, were inspired on your sewing journey by something you read in our magazine, or have an idea for an article you might like to write, I’d love to hear from you. E-mail me at gro.g1503072484sa@la1503072484iroti1503072484de1503072484.
