Category: Chapter News

For our June meeting, the Colorado chapter had a field trip to the Denver Art Museum (DAM) to see the exhibit “From Paris to Hollywood: The Fashion and Influence of Veronique and Gregory Peck.”  Even before meeting Gregory Peck, Veronique was a fashionista; her father was an architect and her mother was an artist.

We saw couture fashions from the early 1950’s into the 1980’s; from tailored suits to couture piping renditions of the 1970’s mod fashions.  Many of the dresses were actually two-piece blouse and skirt ensembles often done in luxurious silks, but frequently made of the man-made fabrics of the time.

Veronique enjoyed fashions by Saint Laurent, Valentino, Pucci, and Thea Porter in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  By the 1980’s she added fashions by Jean-Louis Scherer and Guy Laroche.

We found ourselves critiquing the style and construction of the garments.  We commented on inadequate seam trimming above the top bound buttonhole, zipper locations, center front bust darts in the form of a center front panel, and the fact that Veronique had a slightly higher right shoulder. We enjoyed the museum’s travel through times experienced by many of us at the time.  A book about the exhibit, normally $25, is available on the web site for $10 (https://shop.denverartmuseum.org)

The Colorado chapter invited ASDP VP of Conference Planning, Susan Child, to its May meeting.  Susan agreed to this position because she always learns something new at conference.  She also likes conference because it is a chance to network with others in the business, it is an opportunity to grow, and it is a good way to learn about running a business.  She also noted that conference encourages her to work hard but also learns how not to work so hard at tasks.  Plus, everyone is willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

Conference tried something new this year: preregistration deposits.  This has helped tremendously in planning and estimating the number of people to expect at conference.  It also helped because she was unsure how many would want to come to conference due to uncertainty caused by COVID concerns.  There are a lot of moving parts to planning for Conference, and planning got a late start this year due to COVID, so she has really appreciated a good estimate of the number of attendees.

This year’s conference will be celebrating 30 years as ASDP.  The keynote speaker will be Deepika Prakash.  Deepika started PatternReview.com 20 years ago.  Susan has heard Deepika speak at a non-ASDP sewing conference and found her to be an excellent and dynamic speaker.

Special activities include a Meet-and-Greet lunch for attendees new to conference and a fabric-and-tools swap.  For the swap, attendees are encouraged to bring 2-3 items and perhaps pick up something special brought by someone else.  Attendees and their businesses are also encouraged to donate items for door prizes.  The fashion show will include audience choice award, so attendees are encouraged to bring something they have made that they or a model can wear.

The Annual Dinner will include board reports and election of new officers.  The Master Classes include Men’s Tailoring and Alterations, Introduction to Couture Sewing, and Advanced Couture Sewing.

Transportation to the hotel is by taxi or hopefully hotel shuttle (currently not operating due to COVID).  The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the convention center, so shuttles have been arranged to and from for those that do not care to walk.  These shuttles will run in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.  Anyone needing a ride at other times should go to the conference office to get a ride on the shuttle.  There are 115 places to eat within a 15-minute walk of the conference center, many within a 5-10 minute walk.

In terms of special considerations: The city of Boise has a no-smoking policy within city limits.  All public areas and buildings are smoke-free zones.  Smokers must stay at least 20 feet away from any public entrance.   In addition, we must abide by any city and state restrictions due to COVID.

We will have most of the fourth floor of the convention center.  The conference rooms have plenty of natural light from numerous windows.

After talking to us, Susan left with several questions that she’ll answer in her regular eblasts about conference.  These included taxi fare to the hotel, availability of rental sewing machines, and whether rooms for more than two people can get a cot for an extra person.

ASDP members who put down a deposit can register for classes starting July 1, non-members who submitted a deposit and ASDP members who did not send in a deposit can register starting July 15, non-members without a deposit can register August 1, and late registration starts September 1.

Susan noted that the hotel’s reservation page is a bit confusing.   She is willing to help anyone desiring assistance.  Because of this, she got the direct phone number to the hotel: 208-342-7000, and the conference code SPD.

The Colorado chapter invited ASDP VP of Education Lalon Alexander, Ph.D., to its April meeting.  Lalon is VP of Education in addition to her duties as a University fashion professor and president-elect for the Costume Society of America.  Lalon talked about various forms of ASDP education, including Eye of the Needle, national conference, University of Fashion, and new programs being considered.

Eye of the Needle is the name for new videos available to ASDP members on the national website under Resources.  This program started in January of this year (2021) and is funded by ASDP’s Charitable Foundation.  Videos by ASDP members lasting 15 minutes to over an hour include hints, techniques, and ideas for creativity.

Lalon informed us that details about this year’s national conference will be available May 15, 2021, in the form of an online and e-blasted brochure.  Participants can attend one to several days and can attend Master Classes and/or core conference classes.  Master Classes this year include Bonnie Carmicino’s beginning couture techniques, Barbie McCormick’s men’s alterations, and Claire Shaeffer’s couture tailoring (based on her new book).  Claire will also offer a shorter version of her master class: Tailoring in a Thimble.  [More class titles can be found at Association of Sewing and Design Professionals – Conference Deposit (sewingprofessionals.com).]

Fifty-seven ASDP members have preregistered for this year’s conference and they can register for classes starting July 1.  Members not preregistered can register for classes starting July 15 and non-members can register starting August 1.   Ideas for classes next year are now being solicited on the web site.  That conference will be held in mid-October 2022 in Baltimore.

Lalon is looking at training for the MAS and MSDP certification programs, an apprenticeship program, and education for brick-and-mortar businesses.  Details about these programs are still being determined; members who already offer appropriate training are being identified and hopefully educational discounts can be offered to ASDP members.  In parallel to this, Lalon is looking at updating the ASDP Standards and Quality document and adding to the Pattern and Illustration Standards.

When asked about University of Fashion, Lalon noted that ASDP members get about a 90% discount.  However, many members do not take full advantage of this program; only 35 of 65 paid UofF memberships activated their accounts last year.  Anyone who loses their activation code should contact Lalon.

Lalon also asked for ideas for future education.  Ideas included upcycling garments, software for digitizing patterns, and copyrighting patterns.  Also desired were sources for US-made fabrics, sustainable fabrics, “dead stock”, and how to transfer stash fabrics among members.

Anyone with additional ideas for ASDP education can contact Lalon at education@sewingprofessionals.org    .

The Colorado chapter invited ASDP president Bonny Carmicino to its March meeting.  After introductions, including our visitors, Bonny shared her vision for ASDP.  Her vision is based on the fact that many founding members are getting older and aging out of membership and that there is knowledge and information that is in danger of getting lost.  Meanwhile the market for sewn items is shifting to more awareness of sustainability and social media is becoming important.  Each of these issues can be viewed as new opportunities for growth of the organization.  In her presentation, Bonny identified five topics for goals:  online education, connection with certification program, apprenticeships, outreach to other sewing groups, and reducing barriers to membership.

Conference is an important component of education, but many members are not able to attend conference.  Online learning is important, especially videos, and is one avenue to transfer knowledge from our elders to newer members.  Both new videos such as the new Eye of the Needle on ASDP’s website, and links to recommended references such as YouTube and University of Fashion are being considered.

Skill certification is an important aspect of assuring quality of our products.  This requires more focus on letting people know how to get certification and where to find scholarships so that certification is within financial reach.

Related to education and skill certification are apprenticeships to train future members.  Bonny has established a task force to develop this new program.  In addition to technical sewing skills, ASDP needs to provide new members with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Outreach to other sewing groups is important to increase awareness of ASDP and the value of membership in ASDP and to develop mutually beneficial relationships.

In terms of reducing barriers to membership, Bonny spoke of roadblocks to membership, such as requiring a tax ID when not all members need one for the type of work they do.  Also, updating language to refer to entrepreneurs rather than home sewers.

A spirited discussion followed with suggestions for presence on Instagram and Linked In, being sure to summarize benefits of membership for the public-facing side of the web site, developing implementation plans, and optimizing for web (e.g. Google) searches.

If you have additional ideas, or want to help make this vision a reality, contact Bonny at president@sewingprofessionals.com.

The Colorado chapter invited former professional snowboard and design leader J.J. Collier to its February meeting.  J.J. has worked for Salomon, Ralph Lauren, Spyder, and other leading brands. He spoke to us of three major issues: the state of the retail sewing industry, new 3D graphics packages for draping designs digitally, and sustainability.

J.J. cited time to market as a key issue in the industry today and the future being direct-to-consumer marketing.  He reports that customers are becoming more aware of the sources of their garment purchases and their environmental impact.  These issues, coupled with the current limitations on travel to factories, makes him conscious of the need for local sewists and small shops to construct finite numbers of garments rather than the 3,000 unit minimum runs of many overseas factories.  He sees a future in Quality over Quantity, custom, and Buy Fewer Better.

J.J. also sees a shift from designers who simply draw, particularly in Adobe Illustrator, to designers who can use 3D garment drafting software such as CLO and Browzwear. The incredible rendering capability of 3D software allows the modern designer to draft, drape, animate, and create incredible storytelling tools.  J.J. says “This approach, coupled with smaller, more considered runs of lasting product, engaging, authentic storytelling and conscious sourcing is the future of our industry.”

For more information, or to contact J.J., see collierbrands.com.

To get on the distribution list, and get the link for this meeting, contact Pat at colosewingpros@gmail.com

January 25, 2021

The Colorado chapter invited ASDP’s VP of Development, Julie Hansberry, to its January meeting.  Julie has been sewing since 2^nd grade and recently shifted from a career in marketing to open her sewing business.  She spoke about several opportunities to expand ASDP to other sewing-related industries. 

There is a niche available for us to help designers who are not ready to start large-scale factory manufacturing.  They often need help transitioning designs to samples and technical specs for the factories.  But for many of us, the factories speak a different language, making it difficult for us to help each other without additional education.  As another opportunity, she will be reaching out to JoAnn’s, because JoAnn’s is often the only local store for buying fabric for many who sew. Julie also noted the large number of people on social media who own cottage industries to sew a wide range of items and might be interested in joining ASDP.   

For these reasons, and to advance this diversity within ASDP, the board is considering liaison groups to foster communication with these other parts of the sewing industry.  The board, she reported, wants ASDP to be open to all who profit from the sewing industry. 

The Colorado chapter invited ASDP’s VP of Development, Julie Hansberry, to its January meeting.  Julie has been sewing since 2^nd grade and recently shifted from a career in marketing to open her sewing business.  Tis position is a natural use of her varied talents.  Therefore, she spoke about several opportunities to expand ASDP to related industries. 

There is a niche available for us to help designers who are not ready to start large-scale factory manufacturing: they often need help transitioning designs to samples and technical specs for the factories.  But for many of us, the factories speak a different language, making it difficult for us to help each other without additional education.  For these reasons, and to advance this diversity within ASDP, the board is considering liaison groups to foster communication with these other parts of the sewing industry.

As another opportunity, she will be reaching out to the JoAnn’s, because JoAnn’s is often the only local store for buying fabric for many who sew.  Julie also spoke of BNI (Business Networking International), which has local groups of service professionals who gather to network and provide referrals.

For these reasons, and to advance this diversity within ASDP, the board is considering liaison groups to foster communication with other parts of the sewing industry.  Julie also noted the large number of people on social media who own cottage industries to sew a wide range of items and might be interested in joining ASDP.  The board, she reported, wants ASDP to be open to all who profit from the sewing industry.  To advance this goal, the board has removed prior requirements that members have a business reference and a tax ID number.

The Colorado Chapter met in December after Christmas and the non-business part of the meeting was a Sew and Tell.  Members shared information about sewing related gifts, quilts, new garments, and garment alterations, and pattern drafting.

Karen shared two books she had received: A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing and The Year I Made 12 Dresses.

Carol shared a new thin light table by CutterPillar that she had received and noted how much it helped her when sewing the hem of a garment because she could then see between the fibers.

Marci had seen a quilted garment in a recent Vogue magazine and decided she could do the same.  She showed us her garment completed with large half-square triangles down the front.  Marci also showed a picture of herself wearing a beautiful navy blue 1800’s ball gown.

Karen also shared a picture of a quilt she had recently completed.  She used quilting rulers (acrylic templates) to do the quilting.

Pat wore an outfit she had made of a silver top and black pants.  She also showed a picture that inspired her current quilt in progress.  Then she revealed the pieces that been cut and pinned to foam board.

Denise talked about doing a rub off of a Burda pattern and comparing various patterns to find what fits her body best.

Anne showed a test garment she had made for another designer and how she had modified the garment to make its flowing pleats more manageable for construction.  She also shared how she had graded the pattern by entering different measurements into TUKA Cad software.

Carol also shared the unique features in her muslin that follows her unique body shape.  And the result of cutting this pattern out of cardstock to give her a usable dress form.

Yvonne showed how she took two garments with holes and used one to repair the other, leaving her with one garment that fit.  She also showed us a horse-riding shirt she made for the holidays with a beer bottle pattern because she belongs to a riding group that celebrates Christmas by bringing beer.  She also showed us the pj’s she had made for her husband.

Fun Community Service Sewing Event
“Days for Girls”
Monday February 24, 9:30am to 2:00pm at Koelbel Library
sponsored by Colorado Chapter of ASDP

Please join us on Monday February 24 at 9:30 am, when we will be doing a charity sewing activity and enjoying a social get-together with other sewists!

Please RSVP if you plan to join us! Contact Carol Phillips at 720-261-9663 or email cpdenverco@outlook.com

Event Details:
Where: Koelbel Library, Room B on the main floor. Street address: 5955 S Holly St, Centennial CO 80121 https://arapahoelibraries.org/locations/KO/. (We’ll be in Room B.)

When: Monday February 24 2020. Meeting will begin at 9:30am with an orientation about this project and Q&A about Days for Girls. Sewing will begin at about 10am, with individual instructions depending on your skill level and sewing machine/serger. Stay as long as you can – we have the room until 3 pm.

What you need to bring: Either a sewing machine OR a serger, and dark-colored thread for your machine. Also extension cord/power strip. Optional: edge-stitching foot, scissors, seam ripper, etc.

What will be provided: pre-cut fabric parts, iron, ironing pad, etc. And snacks to share! (Sandwiches and drinks can be purchased at the library.)

Colorado Chapter of ASDP is celebrating its 30th year of service to professionals in clothing and other sewn products.

We hold monthly meetings, generally on the fourth Monday of each month at Koelbel Library, with presentations on sewing techniques and small business topics. We welcome visitors!! Learn more about us at https://colosewingpros.org/

Days for Girls is an international program which has reached more than 1 million girls across the globe. Days for Girls increases access to menstrual care and education.

Read about their good work here: www.daysforgirls.org