The Chicago Sews Meetup group was started in 2017 as a group of sewing enthusiasts who got together to share their love of creating with cloth. Over the years, there have been various different leaders and different types of events. In 2020 and 2021, Mia Purcell and Alisha Sparks took over leadership and hosted virtual “Sip & Sew” events on Friday evenings, which continue to this day. As pandemic restrictions eased, monthly in-person events resumed each one with a unique theme or focus. At the beginning of 2023, Beth Van merged the Chicago Garment Sewists group, which had gone idle during the pandemic, with Chicago Sews. With three co-organizers of Chicago Sews, we are excited to continue expanding our membership and planning engaging events, as well as provide more ways to connect with others who are just as excited as you are about sewing.
