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American Sewing Guild Conference Report

A successful show and a tribute to Pati Palmer..

by Margo Martin (September 15, 2008)

ASG's 2008 annual conference was a great success with record-breaking attendance. We had a sold-out vendor hall and feedback was very positive. Steve Jeffrey, President of Baby Lock USA, addressed the attendees at our 30th anniversary gala dinner, sharing industry news and compliments for the success ASG is experiencing, both in growth and its impact on communities through our numerous community service projects and TAG (Teach Another Generation) programs. The 30th anniversary theme was incorporated in the members' fashion show, "Pearls of Passion," emceed by Jean Haas of Classact Designs. Pati Palmer of Palmer/Pletch gave the keynote address and was inducted into the Sewing Hall of Fame (see below).

The inaugural DIY event was held in conjunction with the ASG conference. Allyce King and Melissa Watson, daughters of Cindy Cummins (Creative Chicks, LTD) and Pati Palmer, introduced their new patterns for McCall Pattern Company to twenty-something participants at sewing stations which had names such as "Panty Raid" and "T-Shirt Surgery."

The ASG conference incorporates sewing educator training and certificate credits for the Sewing Educator Alliance, along with an impressive lineup of seminars and workshops for all kinds of sewing and all levels of sewing experience. During the Saturday luncheon, winners of the ASG/Simplicity Creativity Contest modeled their winning garments.

Pre-conference Leadership Day is the corporate annual meeting and includes training programs for chapter presidents. Additional "bonus sessions" offer training in successfully managing an ASG chapter. Chapter Presidents enjoyed an evening with Gioia Delberto, author of The Collection, a novel that has become a favorite with sewing enthusiasts because it tells the story of a seamstress who worked for Coco Channel. Gioia shared her personal journey of researching the book and many delightful slides.

Pati Palmer: Newest Inductee to the Sewing Hall of Fame

On Saturday, July 12, 2008, Pati Palmer became the 8th Inductee into the Sewing Hall of Fame during the American Sewing Guild's 30th Anniversary Gala dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, the 2008 site of the annual ASG Conference.

Pati Palmer, president of Palmer/Pletsch Publishing, has been a part of the sewing industry for almost 40 years. She has made several contributions to the sewing industry as an educator, author, publisher, pattern designer, and creator of sewing products.

The Sewing Hall of Fame was instituted in 2000 to recognize those who have made unique contributions to the sewing industry through innovative educational programs and products. In 2001 the American Sewing Guild assumed guardianship of the award and offered a permanent home (at its national headquarters) to create a gallery of Sewing Hall of Fame Inductees.

Pati Palmer joins Nancy Zieman, Sandra Betzina, Ann Person, Martha Pullen, Sue Haussman, Kerstin Martennson, and Fred and Joyce Drexler in the Sewing Hall of Fame.

(Note: The 2009 Conference will be in Albuquerque July 15-19, with special tours of the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas offered following conference. Brochures will be available April 1. The national community service project will be creating colorful print pillowcases for the Ronald McDonald House in Albuquerque, as well in local communities.)

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