Our Biweekly Newsletter - 14 March 2019 |
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Happy Daylight Savings Time |
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The days are getting longer, more sun, less snow, and outdoor activities will be starting soon. Time to learn how to make an apron for that Bar-B-Que or learn to crochet and watch the cook while you crochet up some dish clothes. Stop into the shop during open sewing times and finish up a project you've been working on. If you are between projects and looking for ideas, check out our classes schedule, we have some new classes coming in April. We hope you find this edition of our newsletter fun and informative. Visit our website at sewgreenrochester.org for more detailed information on classes, happenings at the shop, and of course, more pictures. |
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In this newsletter you will find: - One Fine Sewing Project
- New Neighbors
- A Brief History of Crochet
- What our community of sewists, knitters and crocheters have been doing
- A preview of upcoming classes, and New in April
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Pictured here is Sheldon. Perhaps you missed it but he was first pictured in the January 31st newsletter as he worked on cutting out pieces of a commercial pattern. Sheldon has been learning how to sew at SewGreen by taking classes and working on his sewing project. He has developed a following as he patiently worked his way through a very challenging first project, a dress shirt. |
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Ta Da! And here it is, Sheldon's completed first sewing project, a Dress Shirt. Not only does the dress shirt have set-in sleeves, it has a collar, buttons, cuffs and a pocket. How amazing to be able to produce such a fine shirt, as a first project. Great work Sheldon! |
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Welcome to our new neighbors, Karma Sauce. Down the street from SewGreen. Karma Sauce offers a variety of sauces and salsas made from fresh local ingredients. Visit them at 90 Canal st. and on the web at karmasauce.com |
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A Brief History of Crochet |
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Crochet has become very popular lately, so perhaps you will enjoy reading a little bit about its history and where it is today. |
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The word crochet comes from a French word meaning hook. In crochet, yarn or thread is pulled through loops using a hook. It is believed that crochet evolved from an embroidery technique called Tambour embroidery. Tambour embroidery was performed on fabric using the chain stitch to create beautiful designs. Take away the fabric and you can still create a chain stitch, one of the foundation stitches of crochet. The French called this “crochet in the air”. |
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The art of crochet was learned by sharing samples that were created and passed around in women’s circles. Patterns were transferred from one person to another by word of mouth. When the first patterns were published, they were difficult to follow, and the reader was expected to figure it out mostly by examining the picture. Books were created with actual samples of crochet for the reader to learn the technique. |
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In the mid 1800’s Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere started publishing easy to understand patterns, thus leading the way for crochet to grow in popularity. She also published a pattern book of Irish crochet in 1846 that showed how to create beautiful lace resembling Venetian needlepoint but was created with efficiency and speed using a crochet hook rather than a needle and thread. The production of Irish Lace became an alternate way of making money for many Irish workers during the Great Irish Famine. |
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Up until the early 1900's crochet was used mostly to embellish garments. In the early 1900’s three dimensional crocheted items such as rugs, blankets and tea cozies became popular. Then, of course, there is the granny square. You may love it or hate it, but it never really goes away. The granny square pattern first appeared in the late 1800’s as a way to use up scraps of yarn. In the 1960’s the granny square afghan with its ubiquitous black border and brightly colored squares was seen in many households. In the 70’s it appeared in clothing. Then it took a break for a while until 2009 when Kate Blanchett showed up on the red carpet wearing a granny square dress. |
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Amigurumi is the art of making stuffed crocheted dolls; or just about any three-dimensional figure you can imagine making such as plants, cars, and cartoon characters. Amigurumi has been popular in Japan for decades but has been gaining in popularity around the world since the early 2000's. Pictures of these cute little characters showed up on the Internet and everyone wanted to have one. They are very popular on Etsy, but are relatively easy to make yourself. |
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If you are interested in learning to crochet, SewGreen offers classes and a crochet club. The next “Learn to Crochet” class is on Saturday March 16th. One of the nice things about crochet is that it is portable. All you need is a hook, some yarn, and a little pair of scissors to get started. |
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Laura gave a fun and intereting "Finger Knitting" demonstration, another demonstration is coming up on April 6th from 11AM - 1PM. Stop in and learn a new skill, for free. |
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Saturday morning's Family Sewing Club is lively and fun. Stop in and join us and learn to sew with family and friends, or come by yourself and meet new friends! |
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Knitting and Crochet Club |
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Lots of folks have been joining us for Knitting and Crochet club. Dan came in and finished off his purple hat and came back this past Friday and Saturday to start knitting a pair of socks! |
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Learn to Crochet with Jane Saturday March 16th 2:00PM - 4:00PM Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Now's your chance! Join us at the shop to learn the basics of crocheting, and more! This class is great for beginners but if you know a little and want to learn more you might enjoy taking the class. |
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Sewing Machine 101/102 Saturday March 16th 2:00PM - 4:00PM Make friends with a sewing machine in our shop or bring yours from home. We will take you through the basics of machine operation and safety, and guide you toward sewing a project. Then, build on the skills you've gained in 101. Is there a sewing project that interests you, or that you want to complete? This is the place to learn! | | |
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Make an Apron with Josefina Thursday March 14th Thursday March 21st Thursday March 28th 4:00pm - 6:00pm Simple, elaborate, plain or fancy -- aprons are fun and easy to make. You’ll start with the basics and learn how to design, piece, and add trim, and create as complicated an apron as you like. Finish something fun while learning lots of new sewing skills! |
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Weave a Wall Hanging with Pam Saturday March 23rd Saturday March 30th 2:00pm - 4:00pm Make this colorful wall hanging with fabric and burlap, buttons etc. Learn to choose fabric combinations that make your wall hanging match your style. then weave strips of fabric to create a unique wall hanging. |
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Quilt Block of the Month April 6th 2:00 - 4:00PM In the April class you will learn how to create a quilt block by first creating strips of fabric. We will work on the versatile and traditional "Log Cabin" block. Of course, measuring and cutting fabric will be reviewed. You will also be given the instructions to complete the log cabin block in many different ways. |
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Hand Puppet Workshop April 15 - 18 10:00AM - 1:00PM This workshop will focus on creating Hand Puppets of Historical Figures. Learn to design and create puppets that resemble a famous person of historical significance. |
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A complete list of March and April Classes is on our Calendar, click the Calendar button below |
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Remember... Every Saturday is Scrappy Saturday! Our small scrappy bags stuffed with scraps and rolls of fabric and/or unmarked balls of yarn are only $1 all day (regularly $3 on weekdays). Bring your own grocery-sized tote and stuff it full for only $5 (regularly $10). Stop by and fill a bag with scrappy treasures this Saturday, and every Saturday! |
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SEND US YOUR PHOTOS We'd love to see what you've been working on and what you're making with supplies from our shop. Please share a photo or two with us. Email photos with a brief description to: sewgreenrochester@gmail.com You might see your project in our next newsletter! |
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Thank you for your generous donations! We accept donation deliveries on the following days and times: Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fridays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
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Unless otherwise noted, our two-hour classes are $10. Sign up for our classes in advance, call 585-328-2642 or email info@sewgreenrochester.org to register. ----------- Scholarships are always available for each of our classes! |
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Severe Weather Alert! Some winter days in the Rochester area are just too dangerous for driving. Please watch our Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter accounts for announcements of shop closures. When in doubt? Please, choose to be safe! Thanks! |
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Unless otherwise noted above, our shop is open Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m - 6 p.m. & Fri-Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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