Sew-N-Sews Stitched the Summer Away

Eileen Turner

Most Arizona residents are looking forward to the fall. Some ladies of Sun Lakes Sew-N-Sews (SNS) spent the summer here in Sun Lakes and enjoyed the Sewing Room at the Oakwood clubhouse. Sessions for workshops, classes, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) met in the Oakwood Sewing Room.

This summer a class to sew plastic canvas tote bags was offered. Christmas ornaments and pin cushions were made in other sessions. Some braved the heat and visited together for lunch one day at the Sunset Grill. Others worked out challenges for fitting their garments at a Garment Gustos meeting. A few ladies finished “Projects Half Done” (PHD).

The brave souls of summer found keeping in touch with fellow sewers and fabric collectors helped pass the hot summer days with some cool projects. Much time in these classes, meetings, and workshops is spent working, but between stitches and the roar of the sewing machines, chatter continues and new friendships form.

PHD participants, class attendees, and other members of SNS will have the opportunity to share their completed work at the first SNS meeting in September or through the monthly newsletter.

Garment Gustos, a SIG, met and will continue to meet on the second Thursday of each month. The ladies work together, adjust patterns for personal fit, learn to use different tools, and share resources for patterns and books to read. These sessions provide time and opportunity for many exciting, encouraging, and non-judgmental conversations. The sessions include demonstrations and assistance with some of the garments being made. Suggestions, questions, and challenges guide the planning for each session. Many members express their experience to have been positive and are thrilled to have garments that fit and feel comfortable.

All those who enjoy hand crafts like sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, or cross stitch are encouraged to visit Sew-N-Sews monthly meeting to learn what it’s all about. The new officers are planning the 2024-25 Sun Lakes Sew-N-Sews meetings and guest speakers. The meetings begin at 1 p.m. sharp. Each meeting includes a business session, Show N Tell of items made by members, a stash table, opportunities to sign up for Special Interest Groups, classes offered by members, and workshops. After the business meeting, there is a guest speaker. Those interested are welcome to visit a meeting and see if they would like to be a member of Sun Lakes Sew-N-Sews.

The first meeting of Sew-N-Sews will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Navajo Room at Sun Lakes Country Club located at 25601 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N, in Sun Lakes.