Textiles and Travel – Kogin

by Markita Hall-Gumble

Welcome to my mini blog on my travels
which almost always include textiles
in some way.  I am Markita and I love
traveling the world while learning about
and collecting textiles.  This will be a
fairly regular blog although not in any
specific order of time or textile type.

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What Sewing Machine Should I Buy?

Debbie Ramseyer told me that she belongs to a facebook group for sewists and a newbie asked the question, “What Sewing Machine should I buy?” Debbie responded with the following list of questions:

Look at this the same way you would if buying a car.

1. First, and most importantly, what is your budget?

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Learning Batik in Bali

by Markita Hall-Gumble

I spent almost 4 weeks in Bali.  I had so many textile experiences while there, including 3 different batik classes. First, what is batik?  In a simple answer, batik is a form of printing on fabric using wax as a resist.  Batik has a rich history and it’s origins are over 2000 years old. 

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Upping Your Game – Spotlight on a Neighborhood Group

By Davie Marie Hurlbert

For their first year as a neighborhood group, Upping Your Game (UYG) has been exploring embellishing our garments to take us out of our super causal staying at home routine. 

A few of our members have shared their expertise and challenged us to consider how to transform a plain garment to one with some interesting embellishment.… Read the rest

State Fair Ribbon Winners!

We’ve gone from 3 contestants winning 3 ribbons last year to 13 contestants winning 19 ribbons this year!

Marcia Moore
C114. Collage
Honorable Mention

Jami Roux
D112. Cloth Dolls
1st Place

Joanne Jensen
I172. Adult Apparel
Honorable Mention


Virginia Stein
I179. Computerized Embroidery
Honorable Mention

Judy Nordseth
I183. In the Hoop Embroidery
1st Place

Virginia Stein
I183.

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Plano ASG Entries for the State Fair Creative Arts Contests

I am excited to report that several ASG members entered contests! Take a look at some of the entries below.

It is possible that entries could end up in different departments and categories. If you are not sure of the right category for your item(s) you can ask the people taking the entries at Fair Park and at that point the category can be changed.… Read the rest

State Fair Entry Delivery

Entries are due this weekend, August 4-6, Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You have three choices:

  1. Take your entries to the fairgrounds yourself. You can drive onto the fairgrounds and park near the Creative Arts Building.
  2. You can arrange to drop off your entries to Marie or me and we will take them for you.
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The World of Sewing Literature

The Pattern Artist

by Nancy Moser

Can a lowly housemaid realize
her own American dream?

Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service.… Read the rest

DittoForm is coming to DFW

A DittoForm representative will be making scans in our area on August 2nd, 3rd, and 7th.

The primary location will probably be a private home in Coppell OR they can come to your home.

The cost is $1,975.00.

You can make an appointment by going to this website:DFW Appointments for DittoForm

A DittoForm is a precision-carved copy of your body.… Read the rest

Spotlight – Sandra Fry

Once a month we’d like to introduce you to a member who creates more than the usual garments or quilts. And to start off our series, we’d like you to meet Sandra Fry. She’s been a member of the Plano Chapter since 2015 . She moved her membership from the Houston Chapter after moving to Rowlett.… Read the rest

It’s Time to Sign Up!

The Great State Fair of Texas will be here before you know it! It is time to sign up for the creative arts contests. The deadline to register online is July 24 and here’s how to do it.

Get started by clicking on the link below.

Register for Creative Arts Competitions

  1. Scroll down until you see this.
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Sewing Podcasts

Stephanie Kendron

I love to chat with creatives in the sewing industry getting all of the latest trends, tips, and information for you! I love telling stories about sewing, fabric, quilting, business, and marketing.

Modern Sewciety Podcasts

Jacqui Blakemore

Tips, tricks and expert interviews to share everything you need to know to have fun making your own fabulous clothes.

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