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Wisconsin anyone?

blushkat | Posted in General Discussion on

I’m not sure if this is an appropriate place to post this so, if not, I apologize.  Is anyone here located in Southern Wisconsin–Janesville/Madison area?  I am a beginning sewer looking to connect with other sewing enthusiasts…TIA.

Replies

  1. meg | | #1

    I live in central Vermont, but we're all neighbors here at Gatherings!

    I've been sewing for 40+ years, but I've always felt that I don't have real, live neighbors who sew. The internet's been a great help.

    1. blushkat | | #3

      Thank you for the response.

      I've always wanted to sew.  And now, with the help of instructional DVDs, books, and a trusty seam ripper, I am trying to teach myself.  It's a slow process but I think I am making progress.  I just think it would be much easier if I could find a real-live mentor.

      As it is, I think I am going to end up with a lot of unfinished projects because every time I get stuck, I pick up something else for a while.

       

  2. rsew | | #2

    I live in Rockton, Ill.  & have a sewing/alteration business in my home.

    Sherry

    1. blushkat | | #4

      Hmm...Rockton is kind of close...do you offer lessons?

  3. cafms | | #5

    I just did a google maps of Madison to Beaver Dam where Nancy Zieman's headquarters is and it says 42.2 miles and 52 minutes to the northeast looks like.  If you are not familiar with her here is a link to her site.  http://www.nancysnotions.com/  She has a store, classes, TV show, etc.

    1. blushkat | | #7

      Wow, I had no idea Nancy Zieman's hq was in Wisconsin! I only just watched my first episode of "Sewing with Nancy" on PBS two days ago. That is really cool, thank you for the information.
      Now I just need a sewing buddy who wants to carpool or a more reliable car! Mapquest says Nancy's Notions is 76 miles from my house. If I had a better car, I would probably be trying to plan to go tomorrow already. As it is, I think I might have to wait until spring but I am excited to know it's there at least.

      1. MaryinColorado | | #9

        try http://www.sewingwithnancytv.com  I think that's right.  This one has video tutorials of many of her techniques like "Cotton Theory Quilting" "Landscape Quilting"  everything from putting in a zipper to using your feet creatively.  Enjoy this until you get a chance to go to her store.  Let me know if the site is typed wrong and I will retype it.  Mary

      2. Crazy K | | #15

        I visited Nancy's Notions Store, twice..........very impressive place!!  I live in MN so it's quite a drive but worth the time.  It takes a whole day to go but I can easily spend an hour or two wandering around looking (did I mention drooling??) at all her beautiful things.  She displays many of the jackets, etc. that she features in her catalog........even more beautiful in person.

        If you ever get the opportunity, go.........

        Kay

  4. mucci | | #6

    Iam a sewer, I live in Alton IL. gatherings would be a good place for you

    to start.  There are alot of us out there for you to get information from.

    Have fun starting, I love it when I can spend a day creating and sewing

     

    Shirley in Alton Il

  5. Bhow5747 | | #8

    Hi have you tried Meetup.com

    Blondell

    http://www.sassysewer.com

     

  6. Novical | | #10

    I'm originally from Wisconsin (just outside of LaCrosse, but my mother now resides in Middleton) however I've moved out of the area... Still, I'll be coming home someday and I'd like to network with others in my hometown area who share the same interests. Anyway.... just saying hello!

    1. damascusannie | | #12

      I have two married daughters living in the LaCrosse area now. Small world!

  7. User avater
    paddyscar | | #11

    Hi Blushkat and welcome to Gatherings. You'll find lots of willing 'hands' here.

    For someone closer to home, you might consider the American Sewing Guild. The Madison group is holding a charity sewing event on Jan 13, which looks like it would be a great place to meet sewers, find out about local events, enjoy yourself and contribute your skills to sick children.

    http://www.madison.com/communities/sewgld/events/index.php

    Have you tried your local fabric/sewing stores or high school/college/university for classes?

  8. zuwena | | #13

    Not any more.  Except for the cold, I envy you.  I loved living in Madison when I was there.

  9. stashblaster | | #14

    I second the Nancy's Notions store. There are classes for all levels of sewers offered. Call and get on their mailing list. Also, check out the Technical college in your area. Ours in the Appleton area offers sewing and quilting classes.

  10. blushkat | | #16

    Wow, thanks for all the responses. The sewingwithnancytv link worked and looks very informative. I also appreciated the information on the Madison Sewing Guild. I will definitely try to make it to their charity sewing event on the 13th. Pillowcases even I can manage. :)
    Oddly enough, I've done charity work for the Madison Ronald McDonald house before.
    There are some sewing classes available through local community colleges but nothing close enough for me to be able to attend on a regular basis. I think I may have to save up money and buy a car in spring. Still, I just think it would be more fun to have someone to go to classes with. I've been trying to convince my big sister to move back to Madison/Janesville but she's living in Hawaii now so it's a hard sell.

    1. User avater
      MichelleinMO | | #17

      Hey,

      Did you realize that Nancy's Notions is having several workshops this spring?  The biggest one is the Sewing Week.  I have signed up for it as in made hotel reservations at the Best Western for April 30, May 1 and 2 about four months ago when I got wind of it.  I am coming from Joplin, MO.  Sandra Betzina, Jenny Beyer, Nancy, and the Midwest Ya Ya Sisters whom one of them is Mary Malarki (?spelling). 

      The registration form is going to be online in a couple of weeks.  I would love to be sitting in your shoes that close to a resource like Nancy Zieman.  I am sure there will be lots of people driving up that way.  Maybe ask some people at your local sewing stores or quilting store.  I sure hope you can make it.

      If anyone is going and would like to meet up for a soda during the retreat and meet me email me at [email protected].  Maybe we could have a small group meeting? 

      I have tried long and hard to find someone in my area close to my age 45 (within 20 years) that sews with no luck.  It is pathetic.  :(

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