Replies

1. 
   Lazybug | Apr 26, 2008 03:26am | #1

   Others will probably chime in on this one. I have been a member for a number of years but due to hip problems haven't been driving so many meetings are missed. $40 a year, for national news, fabric discounts, lots of other goodies.
   The heart of ASG (IMHO) is the neighborhood meeting where you get together with others who live near you for community sewing, learning, speakers, show and tell, etc. We also do charitable sewing throughout the year. And once a member you can go to any neighborhood group you wish.
   I think you can arrange a single complimentary meeting to see if it is for you.

2. 
   midnitesewer | Apr 29, 2008 12:14am | #2

   Lazybug is right.

   The ASG is organized by region (eg. NE, SW), chapter (eg. NYC, Phoenix), and then by neighborhood groups(NG). You can go to any NG that your chapter offers. These groups are usually spread over a large geographic area and focus on various types of sewing. You may find yourself going to more than one NG. Some of the groups in my chapter focus on garment pattern software, quilting, machine embroidery, and garment construction.

   The local chapter produces a newsletter, and the ASG sends out a quarterly magazine. There are discounts available from local and national merchants.

   The local chapters organize sewing retreats, shopping trips, fashion shows,  and charity sewing projects. The ASG has a yearly conference. This year it's in Chicago in July.

   P.S. Your chapter president can place group order for Threads subscriptions to get a discount.

3. 
   dressed2atee | Apr 29, 2008 05:56pm | #3

   I've been a member for 3 years and love it.  The interaction at the various neighborhood groups is wonderful.  The benefits you get for the $40 membership is a great value.  You even get a discount off Threads subscriptions.  I'm a Co-Leader and the Treasurer for my state and love meeting new people who have a passion about sewing! 

   Our meetings are structed so that we learn something new or review a sewing technique each month.  Although I considered a co-leader, our group is really self-sufficient.  All of our members contribute in some way.  We have wonderful Holiday parties too.  I organized our first sewing retreat last November and 15 of us went away from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon and sewed till our hearts content!  We have an annaul meeting that is always fun!

   Also you can go to as many or as few neighborhood groups as you please.  It really depends on your availability and how far you want to drive.

   Hope this helps!

4. 
   BellaGabriella | Apr 30, 2008 03:12am | #4

   Thanks everyone; yes, it has helped. There are 4 neighborhood chapters w/in 45 minutes from me, from what I can see from the website. That may be a drive, but I think they meet monthly so it may not be so bad. One is fitting which I am very interested in, because the kids just giggle when I ask them to help measure. I think I'll give one a call and see if I can attend a meeting to check things out.

   Nancy