Getting Together to Sew and Eat?

The ASGs cook book contains more than 500 recipes submitted by ASG members.

Helpful hints for the kitchen and cooking are included at the beginning of each recipe section.

The ASG's cook book contains more than 500 recipes submitted by ASG members.

When you gather sewing friends together for a day or evening of stitching and sharing ideas and helping hands, how big a role does food play? To my mind, food is always important, especially for maintaining the energy necessary for a productive sew-a-thon. Plus, it helps bring people together and facilitate the process of getting acquainted. Regardless of how long a get-together lasts, refreshments should always be available for guests. Just make sure napkins are, too!

The American Sewing Guild has released a new publication that may interest sewers and hostesses alike: a cookbook. ASG members from around the country shared their recipes for more than 500 dishes in Sew Delicious Recipes (Morris Press CookBooks), which benefits the fledgling Los Angeles Chapter (ASGLA). It was printed in advance of the ASG 2011 National Conference and was available for sale at the event. You can also purchase it online for $15.00 at ASGLA.org to help support the chapter, which was founded three years ago.

Inside this three-ring-bound cookbook you’ll find a wide range of regional and international dishes, some traditional and some a bit more creative. The name and home chapter of the ASG member who submitted each recipe is noted alongside the ingredients list. Low fat and reduced-calorie options are also included.

The collection is divided into the usual cookbook categories of Appetizers & Beverages, Soups & Salads, Vegetables & Side Dishes, Main Dishes, Breads & Rolls, and Desserts, but also includes Cookies & Candy, and the mysteriously titled This & That section, which contains recipes for fun centerpieces and snack foods perfect for entertaining.

I’m drooling over the Corn Pudding, the Spinach-Stuffed Baked Salmon, and the Blueberry-Pecan Cake, and the recipe for a Dancing Mothballs Centerpiece intrigues me. If I ever hold a sewing get-together at my house, these are some of the recipes I’ll consider making to share with my guests.

Do your sewing get-togethers include food?

Stephani Miller, associate editor
Posted on Aug 31st, 2011 in sewing, ASG, cook book, sewing circles

Comments (8)

soxfan999 writes: I don't typically gather with friends to sew but I do enjoy taking classes at a local shop. Our last class focused on a chocolate theme. We machine embroidered digitized chocolate recipes onto linen dish cloths. Every one brought a chocolate dessert or treat to share. All recipes are going to be made into a book. I'm really looking forward to getting hold of that chocolate trifle recipe!
Posted: 9:22 am on September 16th

LDL writes: Over a decade ago now, two friends and I decided to get together several times during the summer for fabric exchanges, a little quilting and lunch. We exchanged fabric, ate wonderful potluck lunches and talked a great deal. Zero quilts were made than summer...so I guess you could say, "Yes! We include food as part of our quilting fun."
Posted: 7:18 pm on September 8th

Genie48 writes: Friends and I get together every so often for stitch & b***h.
Food is always involved, either munchies or a meal, it's all good.
Posted: 6:57 am on September 7th

SFAnnetta writes: Nanagloria have you tried MeetUp.com?
You may find other sewers that way and if there is not an active group in your area you could form a meet-up group. I have connected with so many cool people this way!
Posted: 1:13 am on September 7th

416 writes: We often share food dishes or sandwiches at sewing get- togethers. Our rule is to eat first, discuss food or sewing ideas before we start sewing. Our second rule is no food allowed in the sewing areas because of stains, food odors and spillage. We have a good time chatting.
Posted: 9:25 pm on September 6th

jansquires writes: Yes, we often have food along with our sew-a longs. The most popular dessert is SEW easy and published in the ASG Cookbook. It is known as The Cake. 1 Box of Pillsbury Angel Food Cake Mix and 1 Can of Crushed Pineapple. Mix and bake in tube tin. Delicious and lower in calories.

Posted: 6:49 pm on September 6th

nanagloria writes: Yes I would serve food, I only wish I new someone around here that loves to sew! I am kind of new to this area and tho there is no local chapter of ASG, there is one within a 1 1/2 hours drive that I am thinking about joining. But for now, I will just have to sew alone and visit all my favorite sewing websites and blogs! Have a great day and fun with your sewing get-togethers!

Posted: 4:36 pm on September 6th

Swansew writes: One quick correction to the article. The correct website is asgla.org. Thank you for highlighting this great cookbook. It is such a great keepsake to pass down to generations to come.
Posted: 11:57 pm on August 31st

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