Portland Sewing Hope

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, Portland's chapter of the American Sewing Guild presented a first-of-its-kind event for our membership and the community—Portland Sewing Hope. The day started with a presentation by international sewing educator and designer for Vogue Patterns, Sandra Betzina and finished with a fashion show and design competition. Throughout the day, participants bid on close to 80 silent auction lots with all proceeds from the event going to Sewing Hope, Fount of Mercy's Vocational Development program, which teaches women in Uganda to sew as a means to support their families. The event raised over $10,000! More information on this program can be found at Fount of Mercy.

Sandra Betzina presented "Tips from the Power Sewing Toolbox," sharing her latest techniques from her new two-book series: Power Sewing Toolbox which included tips like:

• Eliminating facings with slick easy bindings for rounded necklines and armholes.
• Construction techniques for stretch mesh, bulk free darts in heavy fabrics, ripple free pleats and how to sew 2 different but difficult fabrics together.
• Techniques to make a too-small garment fit.

Later Sandra emceed the two-part fashion show.

Part one focused on "wearable art"—judged in garments and accessories categories. While we encouraged the use of African fabric—entries include some lovely dresses and coats, and even a man's pant suit and cap—it wasn't a requirement. There were also jackets, coats and dresses in a variety of other fabrics.

Part two showcased designer pieces by local sewing talent and an exhibit of design fashions by designers from all over the country.

Three local sewing experts and instructors, Marla Kazell, Jan Nunn, and Rochelle Harper, served as judges for the competition, and the audience voted for the People's Choice award.

• First Prize, Garments: Jean Burbach—"Africa Meets Asia" dress
• First Prize, Accessories: Ruthann Carter—"L-Squared" leather bag
• Peoples Choice: Tasha Baker—Self-designed African Two-Piece dress
• Grand Prize: Kathleen Anderson—Pearl button necklace

The silent auction was a rousing success. Included were items ranging from weekend beach vacations to fabrics to jewelry to handmade quilts by local quilt artists. Thanks to the very enthusiastic attendees, every lot was won by a happy bidder and we will be making out very nice check to Fount of Mercy for their Sewing Hope program.

Without the generousity of the many donors, there would have been no auction. We encourage you to patronize the many local and online businesses who supported our effort.

Check out pictures from the event.

It was a great event and an opportunity for women (and men) in Portland to help women in Uganda live better lives.

Beyond our Wildest Dreams—See what Tara Hawks, Fount's Vocational Development Director had to say about Portland Sewing Hope.

Liza Morgan blogs about her Portland Sewing Hope experience.

How did we do it?
Co-chairs Marsha and Barbara have created a "how to" that outlines what it took to put on this extraordinary event.

Also check out the poster and program.

© 2011 Columbia River Sewing. All rights reserved.