From the 1880s to the 1930s, the Lehigh Valley became one of the leading silk and textile-producing regions in the nation. Workers from Europe brought skills in spinning, weaving, and sewing, and supplied labor for over 200 mills in the area. At one point, professional Northampton County seamstresses produced everything from shirts to flags to handbags and ribbon. The mills started to close during the Great Depression; a few continue today, but most sewing now happens at home.
For over 50 years, home seamstresses in Northampton County have been gathering together to improve sewing skills, share ideas, and foster their creative flair. In the spirit of our rich textile history, two local groups – Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Sewing Guild and the Third Street Sewing Circle – have come together to exhibit their handcrafted fashions.
The exhibition will contain garments inspired by 20th century fashion, including children’s items and unique fantasy-inspired gowns, as well as patterns and drawings that reveal the makers’ process, and archival images and antique fashion plates from NCHGS’s collection.
The exhibition opens to the public on February 18, 2017 and will run through September 15, 2017.
There will be a special opening reception on February 19, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 pm. Come view the fashions and meet the makers behind the garments! $5 admission fee.
Please check our Events listings for related programs and workshops.
About Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of American Sewing Guild
The American Sewing Guild is a nonprofit organization founded in 1978 to promote the sewing arts through education and activities for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Membership in the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter offers educational, social and philanthropic programs, discounts, travel, access to online sewing classes, and more sewing friends!
The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Sewing Guild meets at the Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer, Pa. on the second Thursday of the month, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Contact: Claire Rohloff at 908-479-6599 or cmrdomehs@embarqmail.com for more information.
About Third Street Sewing Circle
Members of the Third Street Sewing Circle are the last club remaining at what was once the Easton YWCA. Membership is open to anyone interested in learning more about sewing, particularly those interested in garment construction. The Circle provides an opportunity to develop a community of sewing friends who exchange ideas, share skills, and financially support the mission of Third Street Alliance for Women and Children.
The Third Street Sewing Circle meets on the second Monday of the month from September through June from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, 41 North Third Street, Easton, PA.
For additional information, contact Nancy Boccadoro at 610-258-6309 or gardenmeister38@hotmail.com.