You know how every year at the Sew What's New Fair Sandra's Fabric Shop is directly across from San Bernardino Sew and Vac? It's so sad--all those wonderful sewing machines staring at all that beautiful fabric--separated by the impossible expanse of the hall, yearning to meet so they can produce a stunning garment for a lovely ASG member.
Last Saturday, it finally happened! Sandra brought her fabric to San Bernardino, and at last the fabric an machines were in the same room! It might be a while before we see the clothes, but there were at least 15 ASG members digging through the stacks of fabric looking for a bargain.

Here Janet is reaching for something shimmery across the table when her eye is caught by a flash of sparkle at the other end of the table.

Kathy is trying to determine if it should be a skirt or a nightie, while Debbie is checking out the silks on the table behind her.

Rosalie is telling Debbie that she should buy as much as she wants, because these prices are unbelievable.

Earline is sitting down to get her second wind, while Sunny has just spotted something under the table.
Sandra and her daughter came before 9:30 to get the fabric neatly folded and set out on the tables that usually accommodate the free Sit and Sew that Ray sponsors, but the neatness didn't last. Janet and I were fondling the knits even before the official start of the party.
This was a lot of fun--sort of a mid-year Sew What's New Fair. The Riverside group had a fabric party earlier this year, and a similar fabric frenzy ensued in Peggy's church.

If you haven't sent in your reservation for the Fashion Show yet, you had better get on the ball! The early bird pricing ends on August 5. The Fashion Show Flyer and model forms are available on the ASGIE website, so take a look and get started!

Betty Renck asked me to post a little information. So cute--she referred to this forum as my blog. Remember, this is ASG Inland Empire's blogspot--not just Jayne's and mine. You can say things in the comments, or send me an email as to what you would say if you could figure out how to comment.
So, this is what Betty would like you to know:
We're having a Mini-class on Embroidery! On August 21 at the Arlington Methodist Church our chapter's personal Sulky Educator--Lee Fletcher--will conduct a hands-on, information-packed class on machine embroidery. You have probably told yourself you would used your embroidery machine more often if you knew more about positioning and stabilizers, and now you have the chance to learn! Contact Betty or your Neighborhood Group leader for more information and a supply list.
More really big news: Sandra Perez will be at a Fabric Party this Saturday, July 26 in San Bernardino Sew and Vac. You know how much you love her fabrics at the Sew What's New Fair when she has her spring line of designer fabrics, now find out how much you love autumn colors! Party starts at 11:00 in 1255 North E Street. Park in the back if the curb is full, and prepare to go crazy with fabric lust.

Material Girls

Material Girls were winging it at our last meeting since our fearless leader was still touring the country. We behaved ourselves very well, though, and management only came in to speak to us once. Here is what Deborah had to say: Those of you who missed Jaquina's presentation missed some wonderful information. Unfortunately much of it was X-rated, so I cannot give you any specifics. I think Jaquina would give a wonderful mini-class.
Our meeting in June will involve buttons. It is quite easy to cover your own buttons, and ensures that they match your outfit. You are welcome to join us.
Also, please read the survey about mini-classes and special events. We need to know what members want so we can give it to them.

  

Saturday's meeting of ASG Quilters was more productive than we thought it was, considering that most of those in attendance said they just didn't feel like sewing much. All the same, Janet and Barbara C. re-did the displays at Sew and Vac, showing the projects that have been taught there and highlighting future classes. Later, Phyllis and Barbara B. used magnet wands to pick up a lot of straight pins from the carpet. Apparently, straight pins have a fear of heights, and when left on top of the ladder they all jumped out at the same time. Or something. Anyway, those magnet wands that you can get at Harbor Freight work very well.
Here is a picture of the snap-close bags that Barbara C. teaches:

For more information on classes at San Bernardino Sew and Vac, you can ask to be put on their email list to have the newsletter sent to you. Ask me for details.
Aurora dropped by while her daughter was playing soccer. It was nice to have a visitor, and she says that she will soon have the summer free so we will be seeing more of her. Another member from Corona was Margaret Grider, who brought in this beautiful quilt to share:

Margaret has begun a machine quilting business, and since this quilt-top I made five years ago seemed like it would never get finished, I availed myself of her services. I am sorry you can't see the actual quilting on this, because I was thrilled with it. Keep Margaret in mind if you have any tops you finished a long time ago and haven't gotten around to finishing. Having a finished quilt is so much more satisfying than a folded top in the closet.
As is usual for this meeting, members showed up and left all during the day, and we had a lovely shared lunch with a sandwich, potato salad, chips and guacamole, then dessert. It is important to keep your energy up while sewing, and we make sure that no one goes weak from hunger during our meetings.
Darcy was particularly productive this meeting, and we can't figure out what happened. Apparently, while the rest of us were chatting and eating and trading tips she was actually sewing. Next time I will pay more attention to see how she does this. Anyway, in the course of just a few hours she designed a pattern for a soft baby rattle from a picture she had seen on the net, and sewed it up. Here it is:

Obviously, I need to learn a few photo editing tips, because the rattle isn't really as big as the quilt, but is more baby-handling sized. This rattle will be chewed on by Darcy's grandson whom we are expecting in early July.

Some things you might want to know more about:

Jacquina Sullivan is teaching types of seams at Material Girls on May 21 at 12:30 in JoAnn's in Redlands. Details on the meeting location can be found on our chapter website at  http://asgie.org/

The Quilt Run for 2014 is coming up in June, details on that are at  http://www.quiltersrun.com/qr/index.html

There is new type of Shop Hop starting in July that sounds like a lot fun. Details are here:  http://www.rowbyrowexperience.com/

Wouldn't it be fun if this blog were updated more frequently? If you have a picture you would like to share, or information about your group you would like us to know, send me an email with the info, and I'll try to get it on. If you don't know how to get in touch with me, ask around. I'll bet somebody you know knows how to find AnswerMomma.

More SWNF

Here is R's comment on our Fabulous Fair, "Coming from a non-committee ASG member, loved the SWNF and already looking forward to the next years fair.  As usual, I was always in a dilemma in choosing which class to attend. So many good classes, so little time. Good work ladies and thank you very much for time."

Hearing such lovely compliments makes it worthwhile to put in so much work, you know. However, now that the fair is over, it is time to get busy deciding what you will wear to the fashion show--which is also a good way to get compliments, of course.

SWNF Comments

Here are some comments I have received about the SWNF:

S. says, "What I liked so much about the Fair was seeing so many of our ladies from the quilt group and Material Girls as well as members that I seldom see." So right, S! SWNF is the best place to catch up with members you only see occasionally.

K tells us, "I enjoyed Pats lecture also. If u missed it u missed alot of very good ideas!
I also enjoyed the food and drinks, which I showed by eating to many cookies! Thank to Judy and Margaret (for all of their hard work and good cookies) and Nancy (for some of the cookies).
I also enjoyed talking with everyone and the venders (I wasn't going to buy anything, but, once an addict always an addict, and the fabric and jewelry kept calling me until I bought some." Yes, K, many of us succumbed to the shopping bug. Really, though, don't learning and shopping go together?
Keep those comments coming, ladies. The committee who worked so hard to get the fair going would love to hear from you.

Sew What's New Fair

Soon, I would like to post pictures of the Sew What's New Fair, but Wanda and I will have to coordinate our efforts and sometimes we get confused.
Anyway, the Fair was great and I am sorry if you couldn't make it. Not too sorry, though, because I won the sewing machine and if you had been there it might have been your free ticket that won and that would make me the loser.
If you WERE there, I would love to know what your favorite part was. Send me an email and let me know what you liked best, and I will try to post your comments here. If you have a complaint, send it to Phyllis Wilson, because it is her job to deal with the grumps.
As far as favorite things, mine was winning the sewing machine, but Pats Mundwiler's talk on saving money in the sewing room was a close second. Many of her tips involved how to use things given to her by her fans, which made me wonder: why don't I have fans?
Also, the cookies--thanks Judy.
Did you know that I won the sewing machine? It was donated by San Bernardino Sew and Vac and Janet Wood is going to show me how to use it.