Meet Wendy Grossman, Workshop Chairperson

In the sewing world, I’m something of a late bloomer. No family members sewed, possibly because tailoring and working in the “rag trade” were associated with family members who immigrated to the U.S. as children two generations before me. Home economics was still required for girls when I was in junior high, but I was exempt to play in the orchestra. One day when I was 13 and tired of having pants that stood out from my waist so they could go over my hips, I asked for sewing lessons. A six week class at the Singer Sewing Center in Houston was all the training I had. After that, I learned from pattern instructions and a Vogue Sewing Book. I actually mixed fabrics, made pattern adjustments to achieve the elusive fitted waistband and thought I was being pretty innovative. Having to sew a polyester chiffon bridesmaid’s dress for my sister brought me pretty close to quitting.

Now, the only thing standing in the way of getting garments finished is my more-than-full-time day job. And I think it’s important to do what I can to encourage others to sew and help them find resources that will help them achieve their goals. I am the founder (Chief Instigator) and co-leader of Sew Chicago, a neighborhood group of the American Sewing Guild. I’ve served on the ASG Chicago Chapter Advisory Board, the Board of this Club, co-chaired one of our fashion shows and served on committees for other fashion shows.