Quilting in Space

A follow-up on Karen Nyberg’s story, the NASA Astronaut who quilts in space.

 

NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg hosts quilting bee from space station

With her long blond ponytail floating above her inside the International Space Station, astronaut Karen Nyberg calmly explains the challenges of quilting in weightlessness.

“Now that I’ve tried my hand sewing in space,” she said in a video released Thursday by NASA, “I can say one thing with certainty: It’s tricky.”Read the rest

Marla Kazell’s Koos Van Den Akker Workshop Was A Huge Hit!

On Nov. 1st. and 2nd, 2013, the Plano ASG chapter sponsored Marla Kazell’s Koos Van Den Akker trunk show and workshop. Marla became well-acquainted with Koos and his fabulous collage designs while guiding National ASG-sponsored New York City tours including his atelier.

Marla has been sewing professionally for 30 years and currently creates beautiful couture garments in her custom clothing studio located in Tigard, Oregon, just outside Portland.… Read the rest

Annual Luncheon Pictures

Last weekend was our annual luncheon and election of Officers for the Chapter Advisory Board.

The new CAB officers for 2014 are:

President — Markita Gumble
1st Vice President — Debby Bowles
2nd Vice President — Sheryl Belson
Secretary — Marlene Dreyer
Treasurer — Carol Hamilton

We had a great time.… Read the rest

Entombed Etruscan Was Expert Embroiderer

Last month, archaeologists announced a stunning find: a completely sealed [2,600-year-old] tomb cut into the rock in Tuscany, Italy.

The untouched tomb held what looked like the body of […] an aristocratic woman (not a prince, as earlier reported) buried alongside a spear and her sewing needles.

Analysis revealed that a small bronze box found beside the skeleton in Tarquinia contain the needles — and some thread.Read the rest

Reminder: Marla Kazell’s Fabric Collage a la Koos Trunk Show

gallery_28Join us this coming Friday and Saturday, November 1st and 2nd, for this exciting Marla Kazell workshop and learn how to create a fabric collage a la Koos van den Akker that can be used to embellish your next jacket, tote or anything else!

Using fabric as your medium, discover how to combine all types of fabric – silk, rayon, cotton, wool and synthetics into a work of art.… Read the rest

Material Madness at Perot Museum

material_madness_perot_museumIn partnership with MAP: Make Art with a Purpose

Thursday November 7, 7pm-9pm
Cost: general admission ($15 per adult)

Join guest scientists and artists for a discussion about bio products and how they have worked together to create an amazing product featuring recycled materials. Experience their work first-hand for an interactive segment following the discussion.… Read the rest

Pattern Making Books Bibliography

patternmakingfashiondesignHere is the list of pattern making books that Mary Jo and Debby recommend for the Designing Divas neighborhood group. These books have directions for different design techniques.

All purchases ordered via the book links below support our local chapter. Of course you’re free to purchase the books elsewhere. To save yourself some money also check out the used books/second hand sellers.… Read the rest

An Unexpected Gem in the Wilds of the Pacific Northwest

(Sheryl sent me this to share with you all:)

I just got home from a wonderful trip British Columbia.  While we were wandering the area we bumped into this awesome studio/gallery/workshop housed in a cluster of yurts!  The owners were so friendly and loved showing us and telling us about all the work both in progress and displayed. … Read the rest

Reminder: Annual Luncheon

luncheon2013Our Annual October Luncheon/Election will take place Saturday Oct 26, 2013 at the Greek Isles Grille and Taverna.

We know everyone will love the Greek cuisine as well as the warm “old country” ambience.

Our speaker John Conte, will be captivating presenting the History of Fashion. Can’t wait to get to know more about our speaker?… Read the rest