Pittsburgh, PA – September 2021 – Sewing enthusiasts across the country are celebrating a special month dedicated to the art, utility, and passion for sewing. During a time when both new and experienced sewists became frontline supporters creating masks and other protective equipment, the 2021 theme of “Traditional Sewing Techniques. New Sewing Traditions.” celebrates the skills that were learned, utilized, and taught to others. The drive to help others saved the day, then settled into a drive to simply create. As the need for handmade PPE dropped away, the love of sewing — whether new or nurtured — inspired a resurgence in the art of sewing that took the industry by storm.
In the past year, online seminars sparked new ideas using time-honored techniques, while YouTube videos, podcasts, forums, and websites encouraged imagination and fun. Experienced sewing enthusiasts easily switched from garments, curtains, and quilts to making masks and have now joyfully returned to previous sewing endeavors. Those new to sewing not only found an outlet for their creativity, but have used their new-found skills as a path to starting businesses, fulfilling community needs, and even eschewing fast fashion and environmental waste in favor of beautiful, well-fitting, self-designed garments that carry the unique bragging right of “I made that!”
The observance of National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.” Since its inception, National Sewing Month has evolved to a month of enthusiasm and fun, celebrating creativity and a spirit of togetherness for active sewists, while also encouraging and inspiring new enthusiasts to take a needle to fabric and experience the thrill of creating or embellishing a project that is their own. National Sewing Month also provides an opportunity for promotion for businesses with sales, events, and classes that drive traffic and turn browsers into shoppers.
The Sewing & Craft Alliance, made up of long-time industry partners and sisters, Joyce Perhac and Janice Blasko, are the cheerleaders behind the celebration of National Sewing Month. They offer free promotional graphics each year on https://www.NationalSewingMonth.org to any individual, business, organization, school, or media outlet interested in participating and promoting the month.
SCA partners its promotions with the American Sewing Guild (ASG), a non-profit organization with chapters and neighborhood groups across the country. ASG provides a network of sewing education and support for sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
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