Meet the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) Elected Officers
Get to know fellow guild members. Meet Denise, Julie and Rosanne the 2024 elected officers. Do you have ideas, questions or suggestions for Chapter programs or activities? Share your ideas with Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) members.
Denise Link, President
Q: What is your favorite thing to sew?
A: My favorite category is basics, things like tee shirts, jeans, sweatshirts: the clothes I wear every day. I especially enjoy sewing bras
Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Iowa ASG?
A: I came for the skill building, but I stayed for the new friends and inspiration. And I am very excited for Convention 2024 in San Francisco!
Q: What are your goals for the President position in 2024?
A: I want to make sure we have a wide variety of opportunities to enrich every sewist in our chapter, from beginner to expert, and to spread the word about the chapter to sewists who haven't yet met us. As president, my main job is keeping the Chapter Advisory Board running smoothly, because honestly, other people do most of the work. I just run the meetings, send emails and pass along the occasional idea to the appropriate board member.
Q: What projects are in your sewing studio right now?
A: I just finished a Vernon Shirt (button-up blouse from Cashmerette) in white shirting, and it’s the best-fitting blouse have ever owned. I might finally cut into the Liberty of London print that has been patiently waiting for the right top pattern. A pale pink bra and undies kit is in my studio, waiting to be cut. I was also gifted fabric for Christmas, so that is still deciding what it wants to be. I have an idea for a jacket pocket that was inspired by lips-shaped buttonholes that chapter member Tracy sent me; that project is also slated for early 2024. And I have several new sewing and fashion-related books to read, which always influences my projects.
Q: What is your favorite thing to sew?
A: My favorite category is basics, things like tee shirts, jeans, sweatshirts: the clothes I wear every day. I especially enjoy sewing bras
Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Iowa ASG?
A: I came for the skill building, but I stayed for the new friends and inspiration. And I am very excited for Convention 2024 in San Francisco!
Q: What are your goals for the President position in 2024?
A: I want to make sure we have a wide variety of opportunities to enrich every sewist in our chapter, from beginner to expert, and to spread the word about the chapter to sewists who haven't yet met us. As president, my main job is keeping the Chapter Advisory Board running smoothly, because honestly, other people do most of the work. I just run the meetings, send emails and pass along the occasional idea to the appropriate board member.
Q: What projects are in your sewing studio right now?
A: I just finished a Vernon Shirt (button-up blouse from Cashmerette) in white shirting, and it’s the best-fitting blouse have ever owned. I might finally cut into the Liberty of London print that has been patiently waiting for the right top pattern. A pale pink bra and undies kit is in my studio, waiting to be cut. I was also gifted fabric for Christmas, so that is still deciding what it wants to be. I have an idea for a jacket pocket that was inspired by lips-shaped buttonholes that chapter member Tracy sent me; that project is also slated for early 2024. And I have several new sewing and fashion-related books to read, which always influences my projects.
Julie Graesch, Secretary
Q: What is your favorite thing to sew?
A: I do not have a favorite thing. I like to sew it all! I started with quilts then went to machine embroidery, then to mending clothing and then making clothing and fun projects. I enjoy anything that has to do with sewing!
Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Iowa ASG?
A: I found out about ASG at a quilting guild meeting. The first meeting I went to was a fashion show and I was delighted to see what people were making. At the time I was new to sewing clothing and was thankful that I had a group of people that were highly qualified to answer my questions. The best part is the wonderful and welcoming people and the opportunity to work with experienced seamstresses!
Q: What are your goals for the Secretary position in 2024?
A: I have a busy life as a mom of 3 (ages 15, 11, and 6) and a full time job as an entomologist working with greenhouses/nurseries. Sewing is my creative outlet and keeps me sane. My goals for being secretary is to simply be more involved and to provide input on activities that a novice clothing maker might be interested in.
Q: What projects are in your sewing studio right now?
A: I just finished a pair of yellow overalls that I embellished with honey bee embroidery. When I went in to Joann’s to get buckles I saw a cute denim bee fabric which will be my next pair of overalls. I am also working on an outfit for my daughter which consists of a vest (done) and shirt (almost done) and pants (mostly done). I am new to using a serger as well as working with knit fabrics so this tends to extend how long it takes me to get something done as well as create great frustration, joy and learning experiences.
Q: What is your favorite thing to sew?
A: I do not have a favorite thing. I like to sew it all! I started with quilts then went to machine embroidery, then to mending clothing and then making clothing and fun projects. I enjoy anything that has to do with sewing!
Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Iowa ASG?
A: I found out about ASG at a quilting guild meeting. The first meeting I went to was a fashion show and I was delighted to see what people were making. At the time I was new to sewing clothing and was thankful that I had a group of people that were highly qualified to answer my questions. The best part is the wonderful and welcoming people and the opportunity to work with experienced seamstresses!
Q: What are your goals for the Secretary position in 2024?
A: I have a busy life as a mom of 3 (ages 15, 11, and 6) and a full time job as an entomologist working with greenhouses/nurseries. Sewing is my creative outlet and keeps me sane. My goals for being secretary is to simply be more involved and to provide input on activities that a novice clothing maker might be interested in.
Q: What projects are in your sewing studio right now?
A: I just finished a pair of yellow overalls that I embellished with honey bee embroidery. When I went in to Joann’s to get buckles I saw a cute denim bee fabric which will be my next pair of overalls. I am also working on an outfit for my daughter which consists of a vest (done) and shirt (almost done) and pants (mostly done). I am new to using a serger as well as working with knit fabrics so this tends to extend how long it takes me to get something done as well as create great frustration, joy and learning experiences.
Rosanne Brown, Treasurer
Q: What is your favorite thing to sew?
A: Clothes that fit, whether for myself or others. Next comes functional sewing including mending, alterations and things like drapes or the cover for our pergola. Sometimes I like to sew the tried and true pattern, but usually want to try something new, especially learning new techniques. There's not much I haven't attempted except leather shoes. I've learned a lot from my sewing mistakes so I just keep trying when it takes multiple attempts to get what I want.
Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Iowa ASG?
A: The friendships, learning sewing and fitting techniques from others and being able to help a less experienced sewist build confidence in sewing skills.
Q: What are your goals for the Treasurer position in 2024?
A: Keep accurate records and timely reporting of information to local CAB, and National ASG. Work with the CAB to facilitate opportunities for members to grow their sewing abilities.
Q: What projects are in your sewing studio right now?
A: Sewing for myself for a while. My 2024 goal is to fit patterns for a button-up shirt and t-shirt with princess seams. Then I can update some of the clothing in my wardrobe. I want to finish a quilt for my sister-in-law started by her grandmother who passed away in 1987. I plan to minimize fabric purchases and use up some of my stash continuing the 2023 theme of sustainable sewing.
Q: What is your favorite thing to sew?
A: Clothes that fit, whether for myself or others. Next comes functional sewing including mending, alterations and things like drapes or the cover for our pergola. Sometimes I like to sew the tried and true pattern, but usually want to try something new, especially learning new techniques. There's not much I haven't attempted except leather shoes. I've learned a lot from my sewing mistakes so I just keep trying when it takes multiple attempts to get what I want.
Q: What do you enjoy most about Central Iowa ASG?
A: The friendships, learning sewing and fitting techniques from others and being able to help a less experienced sewist build confidence in sewing skills.
Q: What are your goals for the Treasurer position in 2024?
A: Keep accurate records and timely reporting of information to local CAB, and National ASG. Work with the CAB to facilitate opportunities for members to grow their sewing abilities.
Q: What projects are in your sewing studio right now?
A: Sewing for myself for a while. My 2024 goal is to fit patterns for a button-up shirt and t-shirt with princess seams. Then I can update some of the clothing in my wardrobe. I want to finish a quilt for my sister-in-law started by her grandmother who passed away in 1987. I plan to minimize fabric purchases and use up some of my stash continuing the 2023 theme of sustainable sewing.
