Chicago Sews

Join Chicago Sews for our October Sip & Sew — and the kickoff in our 2026 Shirt/Dress Sew-Along!

Please note: This month, we’re meeting on the SECOND Friday of the month! With our first Chicago Sews sewing retreat taking place during our usual Sip & Sew weekend, we’re shifting our virtual gathering back one week.

This year, we’re sewing a wardrobe classic: a button-up shirt or shirtdress. Choose the pattern, style, fabric, and details that work for you, then sew alongside the Chicago Sews community as we work through our projects together over the coming weeks.

Event Details
Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 6:00 PM Central
Location: Virtual (via Google Meet)

This October Sip & Sew officially kicks off the Shirt/Dress Sew-Along. We’ll spend the evening talking through our plans, sharing pattern and fabric choices, discussing inspiration, and getting ready to begin. Whether you already have your project mapped out or you’re still deciding what kind of shirt or shirtdress you want to make, this is a great time to gather ideas, ask questions, and see what everyone else has planned.

There’s no requirement to use a particular pattern or make a specific style. Your project can be as classic, casual, tailored, dramatic, simple, or detailed as you like. The goal is to make something that feels like you while enjoying the process alongside other makers.

Not participating in the sew-along? You’re still absolutely welcome! Sip & Sew remains our relaxed monthly space to unwind, work on whatever is currently on your sewing table, and spend a little creative time in community. Bring a garment in progress, quilt, mending project, embroidery, knitting, crochet, or another handcraft and join us for the evening.

Bring your favorite beverage, grab your project or planning materials, and let’s chat, sew, and kick off another season of making together.

All sewists & makers welcome — novice to pro!
You do not need to participate in the Shirt/Dress Sew-Along to attend.
Google Meet link will be shared with registered attendees.

Happy Making!
— Chicago Sews Team

Join Chicago Sews for our October Open Sew/BYOM at the Albany Park Library Branch!

Bring your current project, your sewing machine if you need it, and spend the morning sewing and making alongside the Chicago Sews community. Open Sew is a relaxed opportunity to set aside a few dedicated hours for your projects, connect with other makers, exchange ideas, and enjoy some creative company.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 9:45 AM–12:15 PM
Location: Albany Park Library Branch

Working on a garment, quilt, bag, or another machine-sewn project? Bring your machine and supplies and settle in for the morning. Prefer handwork? You’re welcome, too! Embroidery, knitting, crochet, hand sewing, mending, and other portable projects are always welcome at Open Sew.

There’s no set project or agenda, so bring whatever is currently on your making table. Whether you’re beginning something new, making progress on a work in progress, or finally tackling a step you’ve been putting off, this is a chance to work alongside other makers and get a little sewing done.

Please note: Table space for sewing machines is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If machine spaces fill up, you’re still welcome to join us with a handwork or non-machine project.

All sewists & makers welcome — novice to pro!

Bring your project, your supplies, and your creative energy. We’ll see you at the library!

Happy Making!
— Chicago Sews Team