SEWING MACHINE SUNDAY

Xan Hendrick, Program Assistant

On December 11, we hosted our very first Sewing Machine Sunday. This event grew out of a conversation at Gay Art Club, a pop-up queer artmaking group organized through Instagram (@gay.artclub) by Elizabeth MacIntyre.

With this event, we wanted to provide a welcoming space for LGTBQIA+ folks to learn to use sewing machines and work on projects together. We shared skills, and also materials, to help beginner sewists get started and experienced makers to share their wisdom. The day was a group effort! Kandra Shefchik, organizer of Darn Queers! brought several sewing machines, and Ellie Leafgren brought tools to clean and repair them. The event saw over 20 participants, who shared in the fabric swap, traded tips, and even created their first ever garments.

Our 2nd installment of Sewing Machine Sunday will be held on March 19 from 12-3 pm in Rooms ABC. This is an open gathering, welcoming all ages and skill levels. One of our goals is to build intergenerational connections at this event. We recognize the long tradition of quilting in our FUS community, and invite experienced quilters to come and share your wisdom! We will have a selection of cotton fabric suitable for quilting, and a few sewing machines available to use. Bring your own machine and project, table space will be first come first served! Masks are required for all attendees. This event is a collaboration between FUS 20s and 30s group, Xan Hendrick (FUS Program Assistant) and community partners Kandra Shefchik and Ellie Leafgren.