(Text from the September is National Sewing Month’s website)
Click here to visit the official website.
The observance of National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.”
Since then, National Sewing Month has become a great time to indulge your passion for sewing and a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the craft if you’ve never tried it before. A great place to start is the American Sewing Guild. With chapters and neighborhood groups across the country, members meet monthly to share their skills and ideas, enjoy education sessions and participate in community sewing projects.
Both new and experienced enthusiasts can also enjoy the free sewing projects and Guidelines for sewing, embroidery, craft and appliqué articles available on the Sewing & Craft Alliance (SCA) website at www.sewing.org.
2009 – Reuse, Remake, Restyle
The new mantra for 2009 aims to encourage sewers to innovate while they recreate. Sewers are challenged to Reuse, Remake, Restyle their favorite fads into timeless garments, home décor items or even a trendy new bag. Antique linens are becoming children’s dresses and unadorned jean jackets are becoming wearable works of art with the addition of ribbons, feathers, trims and free-motion embroidery. Even Tyvek dog food bags are enjoying new lives as reusable tote bags.
Sewing is not only fun, it’s a great way to save money. Hemming skirts, appliquéing over stains, replacing buttons and repairing tears are much easier on the budget than buying something new. And the feeling of creating – or recreating – is addictive and the results can often be dramatic with just a few hours spent with needle and thread.
September is a time to celebrate our passion, but we know the creative, therapeutic and calming effects of sewing are joys that we can celebrate throughout the entire year.
Happy sewing!
Here Are Some Ways To Get More Involved
- Teach a family member or friend to sew.
- Volunteer your time and teach sewing to a local youth organization like Girl Scouts and 4-H Clubs.
- Make it possible for someone to learn how to sew. Give employees time off work so they can volunteer their time; or donate fabrics, equipment, and sewing supplies.
- Sew more often. If you haven’t been sewing lately, find out what’s new in the sewing world at a local fabric or sewing machine store.
- Join your local chapter of the American Sewing Guild at www.asg.org and participate in its activities.
- Register for a class at Heirloom Creations and take a friend.
- Contact your local public television station and make a contribution that supports sewing programs.
- Create your own sewing circle of friends; it’s fun to sew with others!
Great Choices for First-Time Projects
Sewing teachers recommend these “field tested” projects for first-time sewers. Also, visit www.sewing.org for project ideas for every interest and every level of sewing.
For Children
Hair Accessories – every sewer has odd remnants of fabrics and kids love sewing these accessories.
Tote Bags – for school, for sports, and even for trick-or-treating.
Alphabet Pillows – have kids sew their own initials.
Button Bracelets – sew buttons, charms, and ribbon roses onto a piece of elastic to create a bracelet.
For Adults
Basic Pillows – flanged square, knife-edge, Victorian roll with tied ends.
Shell Top – done completely on a serger.
Embroidered Linens – napkins, tea towels, or handkerchiefs provide the base for embroidery motifs.
Christmas Ornaments – choices for every style.
Fast-and-Easy Kids Clothes – jumpers, fleece pullovers, and pull-on pants.