A trunk show by a sewing expert who designs for Vogue Patterns will launch this fall’s Rocky Mountain Sewing and Craft Festival. Sandra Betzina designs patterns under the name “Today’s Fit” for Vogue Patterns and formerly hosted the “Sew Perfect” series, which originally aired on HGTV. During the opening night of the sewing festival, Betzina will show current Vogue Today’s Fit patterns and about-to-be-released patterns while she talks about trends and offers tips on how to accessorize and wear some of the current fashion looks. Betzina, who has done a series of nine DVDs on sewing techniques and fitting, will do separate workshops at the festival on fabric know-how, creating jackets that fit and pants that fit. Brochures for the festival are available from fabric and sewing-equipment businesses, the Yellowstone County Extension Office in the county Courthouse or at their Web site, www. read more

Thousands of handmade items have been created by the women, including socks, mittens, scarves and hats, lap robes, baby blankets, eyeglass cases, toys and pocket pouches that can be attached to walkers and wheelchairs. Over the years the items have been donated to Children’s Specialized Hospital, Monsignor Donovan’s outreach program and Kensington Manor, all in Toms River, and Bayville Manor and Crystal Lake Healthcare and Rehabilitation, both in Berkeley. Peach said that last winter, members and residents donated toys and clothing to 28 children at Children’s Specialized Hospital. This year, Peach said, the group would like to help local children with cancer, and volunteers are sought to help make items. read more

If this exhibition is meant to represent the scope of Chicago�s quilting history, then the City of Big Shoulders didn�t place much value on nimble fingers. A series of blue checked swatches in an 1888 patchwork quilt came from dresses worn by Eva Strucker�s sisters and mother; a painterly quilt with no right angles was whipped up by Bammer Nolan-Bean, a woman without formal education who possessed an uncanny ability to duplicate patterns. Likely the most artistic quilt here is made by a man�”a Southern migrant African-American who, judging by the photo of his handsome family, made quite a living from his sewing skills. You’ll get a full year of Time Out Chicago delivered to your door, and when you pay now, you’ll get exclusive subscriber-only access to our searchable website! read more