Chicago Sews

Warm up your winter with Chicago Sews at our February Bring Your Own Machine (BYOM) Open Sew! Join us for a relaxed, welcoming sew session designed for progress, conversation, and connection.

We’ll gather for a few hours of focused sewing time alongside fellow sewists from across the city. Whether you’re continuing a project from last month, starting something new, or finally tackling that lingering WIP, this is a great chance to carve out time for your craft — with lots of inspiration around you.

BYOM events are intentionally low-pressure and social. Work at your own pace, share what you’re making if you’d like, and enjoy being in a room full of people who just get it. All experience levels are welcome — beginners, seasoned sewists, and everyone in between.

Event Details
SATURDAY, February 21, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Bucktown- Wicker Park Branch Library

What to Bring

• Your sewing machine (optional)
• Your current project (or ideas for one!)
• Any tools, notions, or supplies you need to sew comfortably

This is a casual, community-centered sewing session. Come sew with us and leave feeling inspired, supported, and motivated.
We can’t wait to see what you’re working on!

Happy Making,
Your Chicago Sews Team

Join us for our March Sip & Sew — our monthly virtual sew-cial happy hour!

Date: Friday, March 6
Time: 6:00 PM CST
Location: Virtual (via Google Meet)

Sip & Sew is a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, stitch, and sewcialize with friends (old and new). Whether you’re working on a garment, quilting, mending, knitting, crochet — or just need a little creative motivation — we’d love to have you join us.

You know the drill: bring your favorite beverage (and your current project!) and let’s chat, sew, and kick off the month together. This is a low-pressure, come-as-you-are hangout designed for connection and creativity — no matter your experience level.

All sewists & makers welcome — novice to pro!
Google Meet link will be shared with registered attendees.

Happy Making!
— Mia, Alisha, Beth, & Tarah

Chicago Sews Insider Perk — Visit the Paul Tazewell Exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Join your Chicago Sews community for a special Insider Perk outing to see Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday, March 7th at 11 am.

This immersive exhibition celebrates the creative journey and craftsmanship of award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell — the brilliant mind behind iconic looks from Wicked, Hamilton, West Side Story, and more. Through stunning original costumes, sketches, narration, photos, and behind-the-scenes videos, you’ll get a rare look at how imagination becomes wearable art.

Highlights of the exhibit include pieces like Glinda’s pink bubble dress and Elphaba’s Emerald City gown from Wicked, period tailoring from Hamilton, and vibrant designs from West Side Story — along with multimedia insights into Tazewell’s design process.

Where: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL)
When: Saturday, March 7th
Time: Meet at 11:00 am
Tickets: Everyone is welcome to join us for this museum visit, but only Chicago Sews Insiders will have their exhibit tickets covered as part of this Insider Perk.

Whether you love sewing, costume design, theater, or just want to be inspired, this exhibit is a fantastic way to spend a morning with fellow makers and creatives.

Can't wait to see you there!
-Your Chicago Sews Team

Join us for our April Sip & Sew — our monthly virtual sew-cial happy hour!

Date: Friday, April 3
Time: 6:00 PM CST
Location: Virtual (via Google Meet)

Sip & Sew is a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, stitch, and sewcialize with friends (old and new). Whether you’re working on a garment, quilting, mending, knitting, crochet — or just need a little creative motivation — we’d love to have you join us.

You know the drill: bring your favorite beverage (and your current project!) and let’s chat, sew, and kick off the month together. This is a low-pressure, come-as-you-are hangout designed for connection and creativity — no matter your experience level.

All sewists & makers welcome — novice to pro!
Google Meet link will be shared with registered attendees.

Happy Making!
— Mia, Alisha, Beth, & Tarah