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Fashion Sewing Group Newsletter

In the seventeenth year of the newsletter, it is the longest running publication devoted exclusively to fashion sewing. The first newsletter was printed in 1993 for Chicago area fashion sewing enthusiasts, went national in 1995, international in 1997 and has been going strong ever since with subscribers in 12 countries. So frequently when I was offering a new design element in the newsletter I wished that everyone had the same pattern so I could include a template for the redesign, that I created 6 patterns in 1998 and then added two more soon after. More than a hundred redesigns have been offered for the patterns in the newsletters.

Over the years, the newsletter has evolved to include more fashion news and information. It's the interpretation of the runway to the newsletter to the sewing machine that has kept 3 out of 4 subscribers for more than 5 years. Some women who are no longer sewing much continue to subscribe for that fashion interpretation and the simple styling ideas that work into their existing wardrobes and teach them what to look for in ready-to-wear as well. When sewing time is scarce, the newsletter easily helps bring fashion into focus and reality.

The fabrics that are offered in the newsletter are always color coordinated and chosen because they are easy to sew. If it's difficult on the sewing machine to get just right, it's passed over for something easily manageable and just as fashion right. Suggestions are made for style and construction methods that are invaluable when your decision making time is limited or needs a little expert help.

The Fashion Sewing Group newsletter brings subscribers:

•96-108 pages each year in five issues of fashion sewing information without any outside advertising
•Full-size templates of design details for the Fashion Sewing Group pattern collection that can be used with other similar patterns
•Fashion trend information with corresponding construction technique
•Current sewing ingredients to purchase (which has included such things as mink trim, dressmaker oversized hooks and closures, French trims, high fashion buttons)
•Fabric swatches that can be ordered to accomplish the season's best fashion
•Plus lots of enthusiasm, inspiration, motivation, and fun reading--all about fashion sewing without heavy-handed construction, but always with the most current techniques for top quality results. The newsletter has no outside advertising.

There are sometimes two different swatch sets depending on the season for the different U.S. climates so northern states will receive more woolens and appropriate fabrics for each of the four seasons. Southern region states will receive lightweight woolens, but with typical rayons, linens, and cottons, more appropriate for a warmer climate. During the summer months, both regions receive the same swatches. If you prefer the other set, you can just ask for it, but two sets cannot be mailed.

How to Subscribe:
Print out the order form pdf and send it to us or just send a note to the address on the order form and enclose the pertinent information at the bottom of the page. Published and mailed first class, the newsletter is just $30.00 a year (renewals are just $28.00) and is sent in January, April, July, September and November. Canadian subscriptions are US$32.00 and Australia/Europe/Asia and Scandinavian subscriptions are US$34.00. Renewals are $2.00 less if paid the month before the the subscription period ends. Renewal notices are enclosed with all last issues of the subscription year.