“Sew-cial” Distancing

 

Click here for a chart showing the number of masks made by our members!

How many times have you said, “If only I had more time?”  Well!  Now we’ve got the time, and we’ve got the place (stuck at home).  So, let’s see what we can come up with.

Are you making resolutions about the chores you’ll dig into during this sequestration?  Okay then, make a list and see how many you can cross off.  Time Managers tell us to make appointments with ourselves to exercise, clean the attic, etc.  Well, you can do that, OR you can join in the fun and just cut up all that fabric in stashes, and sew away to your heart’s content.

When you finish a project, do  you like to share it with others?  Of course you do –that’s why we have Show and Tell!  Since we can’t meet (or touch) physically, let’s be modern and have our own virtual meeting, where we post pictures of our work.

Pics can be of finished or unfinished items.  You can give a descriptive title or a caption explaining your process or a question for Help. Send your photos to  asgphillyphotos@gmail.com and we’ll add them to our slideshow.

Our latest photos! (older photos can be found here)

  • Halloween wallhanging. Made by Susan G
  • Made by Donna R
  • Studio Kat Designs: Triple Play Purse 51 Steps Made by Louise
  • Close up of Butterick pattern #6106, enhanced with lining and collar & sleeve modifications. Made by Sheila M
  • Love Notions Whistler Sweater. Made by Fran
  • Foot stool made from worn Jeans and stuffed with scraps, lots of scraps. Made by Marilou.
  • Made by Marcia
  • Egyptian Galabia robe. Made by Louise
  • Close up of pocket Butterick pattern #6106, enhanced with lining and collar & sleeve modifications. Made by Sheila M
  • Butterick pattern #6106, enhanced with lining and collar & sleeve modifications. Made by Sheila M
  • Autumn wallhanging. The word 'August' is precut fusible, and is appliqued with a blanket stitch. I stitched in the ditch. On the panel I drew 45 degree lines and used a serpentine stitch to quilt it. Made by Katie W
  • Close up of Butterick pattern #6106, enhanced with lining and collar & sleeve modifications. Made by Sheila M
  • toddler outfit. Made by Sue C
  • Close up showing bound buttonholes and lining Butterick pattern #6106, enhanced with lining and collar & sleeve modifications. Made by Sheila M
  • Made by Marcia
  • Gemstone block of the month, a citrine. Made by Josie S
  • Autumn wall hanging. Made by Renee
  • Close up back of Butterick pattern #6106, enhanced with lining and collar & sleeve modifications. Made by Sheila M
 

Exercises to relieve soreness while sewing 

We’re filling our social distancing time with lots of sewing, but the result can be tired, sore muscles. Try these exercises for relief.

47 Comments on ““Sew-cial” Distancing

  1. The items made by our members are so impressive. Such a talented group of wonderful people!

  2. Hello All,
    Hearing word that the CDC may recommend we all wear some type of “masks” …even non medical grade, or handmade masks…when we have to go out and about. So we may see an increase in requests. We are still encouraged to have social distance though, and stay home.

  3. Just found a great tip on a YouTube video. You cut a small rectangle from a disposable pan, fold it in thirds and use it for the nose piece on masks. She actually sewed through it, but I suspect a lot a machines will balk at that so if you prefer you can use a casing instead. The video is called “Make your own face mask” by The Fabric Patch. She demonstrates on a particular style mask but the pan trick can be used on any style.

  4. Hi All,
    Love all the great pics. Everyone is so hard at work during this shut in!
    I’ve completed 15 face masks so far, to be donated to the Masonic Village. I do not live too far from there, so will take them on Tuesday or Wednesday. I also made some for family members. I am waiting for more elastic so I can make more to donate!

  5. Thanks for posting photos of everyone’s projects. It’s inspiring to see what everyone is up to these days. I will continue to plug away on my King Midas Castle Door quilt. Maybe I will actually finish it this year?
    Stay safe ladies

  6. Hey, all, if you are in need of wire to add to the face masks you are making (across the bridge of the nose), Beadlon donated flat, 3mm wide wire for us to use. Send me your address and phone, and I will make arrangements to get it to you, either dropping it to your house or via the US Mail. One package makes about 10 masks, depending on how long you cut the wire. I have been making it 3.5″, but am going to try some shorter, just on the nose style soon. I also have a spool of the thin round elastic cord, if you are using that and are running low, I can share. There is a surgical face mast pattern with ties on Pins&Needles.com that uses long shoelaces as a single tie. Check that out as an option if you are running low of elastic and ties. Stay safe! Renee Devine rcd0707@yahoo.com

  7. Have been speaking with Admin. and Dir. of Nsg. at Masonic Village in Lafayette Hill again. This is the nursing home where I used to work in Montgomery County, near Phila. border. They again expressed urgent need for cloth face masks. They asked me to add the facility to the list on “WeNeedMasks.org,” which I did. (This is the organization mentioned in the ASG Notions we just received.) But if you live nearby, you can drop off masks at the facility or mail them, as I did. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
    I used the pattern on their website, and added pipe cleaners to the nose bridge.
    I am also trying the Olson mask style for my sister and 3 nieces, who are nurses, and have asked me to make some for themselves. Please continue to e-mail me with questions.

  8. I was starting to feel strained from cutting fabric, so I went to the link on the Home Page for Exercises. They were very helpful; I feel refreshed. Thank you to Janet Azzara for her demo at the January meeting, and for the print-out on this website.

  9. FYI – I just used the USPS.com website (U.S. post office) to print a shipping label. NOTE: Not UPS, which is the first option that shows on Google. UPS is great, but will always be more expensive.
    I put 30 masks in a large envelope that weighs 14 ounces packed. Cost $7.50. I used PayPal. I am placing in my mailbox for pick-up at regular delivery time.
    If someone has questions about this, my e-mail is Ladybug8454@comcast.net or use this site. You do need to set up an account with USPS, but I wasn’t charged for that, only for the label.
    I sent my masks (the Jo-Ann pattern) to Masonic Village. See the NEW posting re: face masks, first item on the Home page.

    • Good to know, and if you hear of any others either accepting — or not accepting — homemade masks, please let us know. Thanks.

  10. Last month I shared a quick way to make pet beds. All you need is a box or a small, clean trash can and fabric. Using any size fabric, I cut 2 squares or rectangles, and with right sides together, I sew or serge 3 sides. Turn right side out and insert into the receptacle. I keep this near my cutting table, and when I have scraps, in the bag they go. When the bag is full, I sew the open end. All done. Or, you can do what I did, and line up the fabric bags and sew all at once. Either way, your local animal shelter will be happy to have a few new beds.

  11. I have written to ASG Headquarters to see if there is anything we can sew concerning Covid-19. I was just wondering if any of you have suggestions of who to contact, and what to sew? Protective gear? One retirement community in Lancaster County is sewing face masks.

  12. Judy, Do you have some secret elves who help you? How else can you fabricate so many items all of the time?!

    • I started sewing last Thursday, and had an in-house sewing retreat all week. The double oven mitt was cut out and pinned together as part of my ASG demo last month. I just had to finish the binding. I made all the microwave plate and bowl holders this week for sister-in-law gifts to give at a family gathering in April. Not sure that gathering will happen in April however, but I have two gifts made for whenever we reschedule. I made the heart pillows for Paoli hospital out of fabric I got out of the trunk of Diane’s car, after one of the ASG meetings. I washed all the fabric and cut as many pillows out of this stash fabric as I could. Figured I would sew them while we are home, social distancing.
      I have so many other projects that still need to be sewn. Taking a break for a few days.

  13. I am so impressed, excited and inspired by all of your postings! Thank you so much for sharing your projects with our members!

  14. Love Josie’s triangle bags. What a perfect way to send an Easter treat surprise to the kids! Your grandkids are very lucky Josie!

  15. Easter treat bags are finished – whew! I’ll be ready to start on my next project tomorrow. I wonder what it will be.

  16. I just finished hemming some jeans for a friend, and now am going to start on the real fabric for the Sew n Sews Tunic Bible challenge. I’m going with my alterations since last meeting, and not waiting for the final muslin fit. I want to get it going! After all it is leftover fabric from my stash and have plenty to make another if needed=HA.

  17. I have started on my outfit for the 2020 annual brunch fashion show. Early? Yes, but I have 3 pieces to make and 2 are challenging. After completing the 3 items, I plan to make something for the challenge table.

  18. I have been working on shorts for my husband. They are in the muslin stage.
    Also have to put snaps on a jean jacket recently made. Photos when done.
    Great idea, Josie and CAP members.

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