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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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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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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Weaving Fabric for Garments

by Margaret Montgomery

My journey – overcoming the fear of cutting into handwoven fabric and how the techniques used have evolved.

Weaving is great fun and it is so rewarding to sew using something I have woven. Concerns:  Will the woven fabric fall apart when I cut into it? Should the fabric be stabilized?… Read the rest

The World of Sewing Literature

Sundressed: Natural Fabrics and the Future of Clothing by Lucianne Tonti

For conscious consumers, buying clothes has never been more complicated. Even as fashion brands tout their sustainability, the industry is plagued by pollution, waste, and poor working conditions. In fact, fashion may account for as much as 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

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Sewing Podcasts

The Art of Refashioning with Mariana Kirova

If you love sewing and clothing, and want to save good textiles from landfill, The Art Of Refashioning will inspire you to create clothing in a new, eco way! Join fashion upcycler Mariana Kirova and discover how to upcycle/recycle ‘old’ clothes into beautiful new styles yourself.

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Continuous Thread Needle Case

by Jami Roux

Plano ASG neighborhood group meetings are full of inspiration and Wednesday’s Zoom meeting was no exception.  Lu Peters presented a wonderful program on “Things You Wish You Knew Years Ago”.  She gave hints on how to make your sewing projects easier and more efficient.

One of her hints inspired me to put it in practice right away. … Read the rest