We’ve asked Lorraine Torrence to return for the March 31st Fifth Saturday to continue sharing sewing techniques that add professional and couture looks to garments. Members expressed that they enjoyed what she had time to present last July and she has many more ideas to share.

Morning session: we will explore Button Strategies, including fabric treatments for covered buttons, stacked buttons, mixing styles of buttons and buttons as embellishments rather than closures; Threadwork, including straight line stitching as embellishment, couching, bobbin work and free motion stitching; and Bias and Straight of Grain Tapes, both as functional coverings for raw edges and decorative appliqué. Students will have a hands-on chance to try out most of these techniques. If you want to make the items presented in the session you will need the items on the supply list.

Supply List:
-Any fabric scraps you wish to use to cover buttons
-Any fabric scraps you wish to use to try out threadwork samples (solids best)
-Any decorative threads you have which you’d like to use
-Any cotton fabric cuts you wish to use to make bias tape (fat quarter minimums.)
-1 yd. of light weight knit or woven fusible interfacing
-Scissors, Rotary Cutter, 18″ x 24″ cutting mat and 24″ ruler, wash-out marker
-Sewing machine with zigzag capability, extra bobbins, extra bobbin case if you have one, an all-purpose foot, any couching feet you have, darning foot for free motion if you have one, free motion cord couching foot if you have one, edge stitch foot if you have one. Sewing Machine needles from 80/12 to larger eyed needles (90-110) to accommodate thicker threads.

If you want to use Lorraine’s materials, there will be a $10 supply fee for the morning section to cover a selection of covered buttons, a small amount of interfacing for the buttons, the use of paint sticks, stencils, embroidery threads and other supplies. More covered buttons will be available for sale.

Afternoon session:  hands-on workshop in the afternoon on using discharge paste. In this session, we will take the color out of fabric with discharge paste and bleach pens. Samples can be tried on different colors of cotton fabrics (the darker the better.) We will apply the discharge paste by painting, scraping, stenciling, stamping and other methods.

Supply List:
Any scraps of dark cotton fabric, either commercial or hand dyed you wish to try discharging.
Any stamps or stencils you have that you wish to try.
Freezer paper
Scissors, an apron to protect your clothes, paper towels
Bleach pens
Participants should bring their own discharge paste they purchased in July.
Discharge paste in 8 oz jars, Synthropol and Bleach Pens and fat quarters of various fabrics will be available for sale if you wish to purchase these to use at home.

If you want to use Lorraine’s supplies, there will be a $5 supply fee for the afternoon session to cover discharge paste provided to try out different applications, as well as the use of bleach pens, freezer paper and other provided supplies.

TIME: 9 am to noon, lunch break, 1 pm to 4 pm

REGISTRATION COST: Register early to save! Before Feb 15: $25 for ASG members, $30 for non-members
On/after Feb 16: $30 for ASG members, $35 for non-members

Mail your registration to Darlene Hawkey-Cruikshank to hold your spot.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you register and must cancel, please do so before March 15th via email or phone call to Darlene. Refunds will not be issued after March 15th, but you may substitute another person to take your place!