Every once in a while you need to sit back, relax, and enjoy projects with friends. These are the times when we get away from the clubs and the bars, and the sporting events, and we indulge in hobbies that make us feel happy and productive. Just about everyone has a hobby, and for some people there are many to choose from. In recent years, the hobby of communal sewing has become quite popular, especially with the advent of the DIY movement.
In Buffalo, a sewing group called Sewing Souls Studios (formerly Bitches and Stitches) has emerged in a little studio around Allentown, where sewers get together to collaborate on projects, stitch fun costumes, work on fashion pieces, discuss fiber arts, or simply work on their own projects in the company of others who appreciate the work that others are doing.
It’s about sharing knowledge, skills, tools and trade secrets. Sometimes there are potluck sewing circles (called Sew ‘n Grow), where members bring in projects to work on. Other times it’s more of a free for all. No matter the topic, the cause, or the project, Sewing Souls Studios creators and costume/fashion designers Kaitlin A Russo and Maura Simmonds-Price are just happy to have others come aboard who are passionate about sewing.
“Sewing Souls is a collaborative effort,” says Kaitlin. “Sewing souls is our studio where we work, host community sewing events, and eventually an art gallery focused on costume/fashion/fiber arts. Recently John Kehoe (actor/writer/theatre guy) joined us, and is sharing the studio with us as well.”
There are no fees to become a member, but it is important to consider donations, as the only way to keep these types of clubs moving forward and growing is to be self sustaining within the building. The more members, the healthier the club, and the more resources are made available. If sewing is your thing, or you are looking to learn the trade and meet others who share your passion, consider attending a Sew ‘n Grow session this evening. Everyone is welcome to bring a project to work on, a vegan/vegetarian potluck dish to share, and socialize. Here are all of the details:
Sewing Souls Studios | 356 S Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, New York 14201 | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | 6:15pm – 8:15pm