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What we’re about
Bay Area Sewists is a sewing community with members from all over the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond — now that we have been meeting virtually. We are mostly focused on garment sewing. (See the FAQs below for more info.)
Members share inspiration and techniques, and see what each other is making at our Show & Tell meetups. Our virtual meetups often have guest speakers to talk about fabric, sewing patterns and tools, and techniques. Past guest speakers have included Britex Fabrics, Hello Stitch, Needles Studio, The Sewing Room, Stitch Buzz, and Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics.
We began meeting virtually in May 2020 and then had our first in-person meetup in June 2022. We will likely be having a mix of virtual and in-person meetups going forward.
Member benefits include:
• 20% off at Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics on some of our meetup days
• 10% off at Piedmont Fabrics (must show your active membership via the app or website)
• 20% off store products and 10% off classes at The Sewing Room in Alameda
You can also follow Bay Area Sewists on Facebook and Instagram (@bayareasewists) for meeting updates and news. Bay Area Sewists members can also join the private Facebook group.
Happy Sewing!
Chuleenan, Bay Area Sewists Organizer
FAQs
Can anyone join Bay Area Sewists?
Sure! If you have an interest in sewing - whether you are just learning to sew or you are an expert costumer - you are welcome to join the group. Our members range from people who have been sewing for less than a year to people who teach sewing professionally.
Do I need to live in the Bay Area to join?
No, all are welcome. In-person meetups are mainly for people in the Bay Area because those events will be taking place there. BUT during the pandemic, we are meeting virtually so anyone can participate. You just need to be a member of the group.
Can I submit an idea for a meetup?
Yes! We welcome suggestions for activities and venues! Just message Chuleenan, the organizer, via the Meetup page.
You used to charge dues. Will you charge dues again?
It is free to be a member of Bay Area Sewists. Dues had been charged in the past to cover the fees Meetup charges to use this platform. Members are welcome to contribute via Chuleenan's PayPal (@chuleenan) or Venmo (@chuleenan-svetvilas) accounts. Once we start meeting in person, a fee may be charged for a specific meetup to cover the cost of a venue.
Is this a group for quilters?
We are focused on garment sewing but some quilters are also members of this group. If you are looking for a group focused on quilting, you may want to check out other meetups.
When did the Bay Area Sewists get started?
The group was founded by Meghan Hunt of Made by Meg in 2012 who was the organizer until the end of 2013. In January 2014, Chuleenan Svetvilas of C Sews became the group's organizer and has organized more than 80 meeutups since then.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Bay Area Frocktails!Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
**RSVPs are NOT open. Ticket sales are over.
NOTE: TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR**The Bay Area Sewists annual Frocktails event is happening! This is our sewcial event of the year. Join us on Sunday, July 28 at Cornerstone in Berkeley for an amazing afternoon of conversation, cocktails, crafting, fashion, and connecting with other sewists over all things handmade!
Attendees are invited to wear an outfit they've made themselves. We'll also have a casual fashion show (just for fun, noncompetitive)! We strongly encourage you to arrive early so you can get checked in. Doors open at 4.
We have some fabulous sponsors for our event!
- 100 Acts of Sewing
- Britex Fabrics
- Fabrix
- Friday Pattern Company
- Harts Fabric
- LA Finch Fabrics
- Naughty Bobbin Patterns
- Needles Studio
- Nina Lee
- The Sewing Room
- Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics
- Studio Sessions
We also have marvelous sponsors who have given us some fantastic raffle prizes!
- Sewing gift basket worth $200+ from Naughty Bobbin
- Two $50 gift certificates from Cali Fabrics
- Sewing gift basket worth $100+ from Harts Fabric
- $100 gift card from LA Finch Fabrics
- The Act of Sewing book + patterns from 100 Acts of Sewing
- $75 gift card from Fabrix
- $75 gift certificate towards a Christine Haynes sewing workshop
- $75 gift certificate from Stitch Buzz
- $75 gift certificate for pattern printing from Brooklyn Motif printing
- Treasure chest of goods from Lacis Museum, including 1-year membership
- $50 gift card from Meissner Sewing and Vacuum Centers
- $50 fabric gift card from Julia Allisson Cost
- 2 gift certificates from Spaghetti Western Sewing
- 3-month membership to Cashmerette Plus Club + 1-month trial of MyBodyModel
- Patterns from Chalk & Notch, Nina Lee, Friday Pattern Company & Handmade Millennial
- Sewing Tutorials from Thread + Sprout
Tickets prices
- Early Bird tickets no longer available
- Regular bird tickets: $59.50 + $2 ticket fee & tax
***TICKETS ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Ticket sales are over. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT DOOR.***
No-host bar (you pay for your drinks). A dress is not required; the idea is to wear something you made. See you there!
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Must be 21 or older. Alcohol will be served.What should I wear?
Wear something you made or something that makes you feel good. It's a cocktail affair. Dresses not required. Be as fancy or as casual as you like.Can I bring a guest?
Yes! They also need to have a ticket.How do I buy my ticket?
At this link.Why aren't you selling tickets at the door?
We need to finalize our budget for the event so we can cover our costs.Why do tickets cost more than last year's Frocktails event?
We needed a larger venue & for the first time we are paying for the space. All funds go to event expenses.What are my transportation/parking options?
Metered street parking/parking garages nearby. Downtown Berkeley BART stop is a few blocks away.What's the refund policy?
No refunds b/c we need to cover event costs. Thank you for your understanding.What if I want a ticket after ticket sales are over or if I can no longer attend?
Comment on this Instagram post if you'd like a ticket or if want a ticket and connect with folks there.Will scholarship tickets be available?
Yes, the raffle is over and winners have been notified.Not open - Show & Tell Meetup + Sewcial!Berkeley Public Library, Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, Berkeley, CA
Join us for a Show & Tell Meetup + Sewcial! Meet other sewists and share what you're working on. You don't need to bring anything to attend. Get inspired what by others are making!
All attendees will have an opportunity to share at least one garment they made, a work in progress, or a sewing problem/challenge. This is a great time to get some advice and tips about something you're working on. Feel free to bring more than one item. If we have time, you can share additional pieces.
If you'd like to bring a snack or drinks to share, please note it on this spreadsheet.
Agenda
10:30 am - 10:45 am - Introductions (members state name, where you live)
10:45 am - 11:30 am - Show and tell - members share at least one thing they made (if there's time, can share another item)
11:30 am- 12 pm - Group photo + Sewcialize!