Community, Around The Shop
Sewcialist Union – A Club for All!
Long time, no sew!
If you’re a long-time Confident Stitcher then you know that we used to host a weekly ‘open sew’ club called Sewcialist Union.
Every Thursday evening folks were free to come use our classroom space and tools, and the instructor on-hand would offer assistance and answer questions as needed. It was a great way to make sewing and mending a little more accessible! But then 2020 happened, and you know the rest.
However, we’re thrilled to report that the hiatus is officially over! Starting September 8th, Sewcialist Union – led by the talented Anne Diemer – will take place every Thursday afternoon from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Confident Stitch classroom.
Meet the Instructor
If you’re a local sewer then there’s a good chance you’ve met our Sewcialist Union instructor, Anne Diemer, in her capacity as manager at Bob’s Sew & Vac Center. She is incredibly knowledgeable about sewing and sewing machines, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.
To help you get to know her a little better, we asked Anne a few questions about her history and experience with sewing. Here’s what she has to say!
A little about Anne
I’ve been a sewer since I could hold a needle. Mom wasn’t into it, and so was very happy to relinquish the sewing machine to me! Her Touch and Sew Singer and I weren’t friends, so, by age fourteen, I’d saved enough babysitting money to buy my own – a 50 lb White!
Back then (I’m old) if you didn’t sew you probably didn’t have many clothes. I made my own, my mom’s, and helped my sisters – one who’s also very good with a machine, and the other who’s a published poet. (She still hauls stuff down for me to alter or repair. Some things never change!)
I was a seamstress in Seattle for many years, then I switched to working with computers. But then the recession… I needed to keep busy and Quality Sewing was calling my name! I, like most sewers, thought I knew a lot about machines. Wrong. Sewing I know, machines, not so much. Quality trained us very well, and now I’m good with both.
While living in Seattle, I ran a group very similar to Sewcialist Union. Some folks came all of the time, some just when they were having trouble. I’m exited to head this new group, and to see how it grows and adapts as we go!
What to expect
Sewcialist Union is all about sewing, learning, and swapping ideas! It’s a free drop-in group (no registration necessary) and we encourage you to just bring whatever you’re working on and attend whenever you can.
If you do own a sewing kit and/or sewing machine, we encourage you to bring it with you to meetings, the goal being that you’ll become more comfortable with the sewing tools you already own!
If you don’t own a machine or tools, not to worry! We have plenty in our classroom that you can borrow.
(Note: We suggest marking personal tools with your name to avoid any mix-ups!)
See you there!
Sewcialist Union will meet for the first time on Thursday, September 8th from 5 to 7pm in The Confident Stitch classroom (located at 139 W Front St, Missoula MT, 59802), and will continue to take place weekly on Thursdays – same bat time, same bat place!
Congratulations ANNE🌟. Down here in Hamilton we are trying to keep the sewers together with the Bitterroot Quilters Guild and the Sapphire Club. Glad to get your email.
Would live to go but no address was given.. could you please list address of the where the xlassroom is licated
Thanks for your comment Yvonne! Our address is 139 W Front St, Missoula MT, 59802
Hope to see you there!
Maisie
How do I sign up for the Sewcialist Union every Thursday?
No need to sign up Nina! You can just show up and we’ll be here. Hope to see you soon,
Maisie
Anne is wonderful. I learn so much at these sessions. She’s knowledgeable, personal & kind. I’m sorry to be unable to attend every week (out of town) & would love a daytime session too.
Thanks so much for your feedback Susan! We agree – Anne is wonderful!
-Kate