News of the Month — December 2024
Hello to winter weather in Texas! Though it was nice to have warm weather with us a bit longer this year, I’m glad to see the leaves changing color and frost
dusting outdoor surfaces. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving with food, family
and friends.
With this my last month as President, I know our Chapter is going into the very talented and capable hands of Debby Bowles. I’d like to thank all the current and incoming Board members—your continued drive and commitment to our Chapter does not go unnoticed. I also appreciate each and every one of members-at-large who participate in Neighborhood Groups year ‘round. Thank you for letting me serve alongside you.
On to Chapter business…
Our trip to the Arlington Museum of Art is this Wednesday. We’re going to see their installation of Disney costumes. I’m a big Disney fan, and can wait to see costumes up close. (The Museum also has two paintings by Eyvind Earle who did all the background scenes for Disney’s animated “Sleeping Beauty.”) Get more info about the trip on our website’s calendar.
Another In Town Retreat will be January 17, 18 and/or 19 at the Best Little
Retreat House, conveniently located on Beltline Road in Dallas. Choose 1 to 3days. Browse our calendar for more info. Come and join fellow members sewing and chatting and getting to know one another.
Many of our Neighborhood Groups have cancelled meetings later this month.
Again, check the calendar.
I close this email to you in hopes that you have a wonderful and happy holiday season with family, friends and loved ones. Keep on sewing and be blessed in 2025.
Joanne Jensen
Outgoing President November 2024
News of the Month — November 2024
Isn’t it lovely to have Fall weather with the temperature drop and rain? A much needed break from our long, hot summer. And my internal clock is finally back on Dallas time, after 15 days in Great Britain, on land and by ship—a fabulous way to celebrate a milestone anniversary. But now on to sewing . . .
Let me first introduce our incoming Officers for 2025:
- Debby Bowles, President
- Sharon Carter-Merlo, Vice President
- Tiffani Standridge, Treasurer
- Cathey Jordan, Secretary
Thank you, ladies, for your dedication and commitment to continue the art of sewing as a life-skill to everyone in our Chapter and beyond. 2025 should be a great year ahead for Plano ASG with these competent stitchers at the helm.
Our Annual Meeting, Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Heard Craig House and Carriage House in McKinney was a huge success. We maxed out the attendance at 55 people, including 2 guys. There were nice door prizes and a goody pack for all. We had so many members walking the runway (some more than once) showcasing their fine talents in garment construction, fitting and making bags and other accessories.
At the Plano International Festival, ASG hosted a “Sew a Sachet” hands-on make it and take it. We had 20+ kids stop by our 4 sewing stations. If they did not know how to machine sew, we would give them simple instructions. They stitched up 3 sides of small cotton squares (thank you, Marie Barrese, for prepping all the project packets), then after turning right side out, one of the 4 ASG volunteers filled it with lavender-scented flax seed, then the kids went back to the sewing machine to close the edge. Some kids had experience with a sewing machine and some did not. All in all, it was a lovely day for an outdoor festival and sharing a skill with others.
Another successful Fabric Sale (in honor and memory of Louise Schubert) took place on October 26 in the parking lot market of the Shops of Willow Bend. We expanded our space size, due to the large amount of yardage we received this year. I don’t have the final financial and fabric leftover reports. My sincere thanks go out to Pam Walker for overseeing our fabric sales year after year. Job very well done.
Our In-Town Retreat will be November 8, 9, and/or 10 at the Best Little Quilt House & Retreat Center, 7989 Beltline Road. Please visit our website, planoasgsews.org, for information about pricing, times, and to register. You don’t have to sign up for all 3 days—you can select. And, you can leave your machine and project(s) there overnight. Hope to see you there! Pssst . . . there’s another one in January too!
Sneaker class anyone? If you were at our Fashion Show, you probably saw the pair of sneakers I wore which I sewed up earlier this year. Be looking for this half-day finishing class with me in the Spring. Ahead of class for those registered, I will share information about the foibles of making my first pair, what to avoid along the way, the tools you will need, and stitching to do ahead of time. I’m still putting particulars together, so watch for more news in the coming weeks.
To close, in this month of Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for all the memories, stories, events, smiles and tears that I have shared with my ASG friends. Be well, stay well. Hope to see you soon. — Joanne Jensen, President