October Newsletter

Recap of September Meeting (September 27, 2007)
We had tons of fun seeing everyone’s sewing space. Yes, we all DO have that much fabric and mess! It made us all feel so much better! A few highlights…design walls of all sorts, a home-made lightbox, and canning shelves from Fleet Farm. Julie’s pattern organization system included a three-ring binder containing all her pattern envelopes. The “guts” stay at home in a labeled 9×12 manila envelope, and she can take the binder fabric shopping.
Michele’s Northern Lights fabric postcard series was stunning. She’s using them to explore ideas and techniques for a future larger piece—what a great idea! Julie caught a fascinating PBS special “The Secret World of Haute Couture.” It’s not scheduled to re-run in the next two weeks, but keep an eye out.

Announcements and Reminders
Don’t forget “A Finishing Odyssey,” our challenge for 2007. The goal is to show “substantial progress” by our December party meeting, which will be Thursday December 13th at 6:30 p.m. in Gulliver’s restaurant in Neenah (just off the Breezewood exit). We’ll also plan on a white elephant gift exchange. Julie will reserve a table for us—mark your calendars now to save the date and be sure to RSVP come November when the reminder comes out.

October Meeting (Thursday October 25, 2007) at the Menasha Public Library
We’ll be making our own stamps. Because there’s so much to do and try, we’ll start early (at 6:00) for those who can make it. Remember we are in the Gegan room in October (the long conference table, next to the Activity Room we usually have). We’ll explore 5 different materials for stamp-making. Katy will provide kits for $5. Please bring:

• Ideas for patterns and shapes for your stamps.
• Pencils and pens to draw your pattern before you carve it. Optional: Bring a photocopy of a design you like in a 3” × 4” size. It must be a phototcopy, not an inkjet printout. We’ll try a simple iron-on transfer technique to transfer your pattern to the carving block.
• Scissors for cutting foam sheets to make “instant gratification” stamps.
• An X-acto knife (Basic ones are at Hobby Lobby for $1.99)
  A simple straight blade X-acto knife will work for three of the four carving surfaces.
  If you have U or V shaped blades for your X-acto knife or linoleum cutting tools, bring them. No need to purchase these specialty tools if you don’t have them. We’ll share and take turns to carve the fourth surface.
• If you have “Grip ‘n Grip” (or plumber’s gasket) non-skid surface, bring it. It will make carving easier.

Upcoming Events
October 25, 2007: October meeting, 6:00. Making stamps—early start for those who can make it
November 29, 2007: November meeting, 6:30. Foiling
December, 13, 2007 (Thursday): Holiday party at Gulliver’s in Neenah.
January 31, 2008: January meeting, 6:30. “Duct tape mummies” (we’ll watch the “Clone Yourself A Dressform Double” DVD, which Theresa owns)
February 28, 2008: February meeting, 6:30. Art stuff swap meet

Conversations with Cloth meets the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 at the Menasha Public Library.