Sewing is much more than patching up a ripped pair of jeans - it's a form of art.
For many, it also can be an outlet for relieving stress and a way to become closer to family and friends.
Just as avid readers get together in book clubs, ardent sewers meet and discuss sewing through a nationwide organization called the American Sewing Guild.
Members of the guild's Tucson chapter - mostly women between the ages of 50 and 60 -Â gather each month for friendship and to share a love of textiles.
In all, nine groups meet monthly here to share new techniques, present their latest work and learn how to work with different types of sewing machines.
But why?
"You get inspired," said Donna Woodford, 67, treasurer for the Tucson Chapter Advisory Board. "They turn you on to new products, new websites, and there are so many national educations. And it's great to be around like-minded people."
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There's been a big move in the guild to teach youth about sewing as a life skill as well.
Woodford persuaded her granddaughter, 11-year-old Jade Cox, to join.
"When we made pillows I started to enjoy it a lot more," Jade said. "And my coach, she helped me and she is like the best coach. They're all very nice."
Meetings begin with chatter about children and grandkids, with members laughing and joking. Then they dive into the topic of the day.
Which needle size will get the job done? Where's the best place to buy fabric? What magazine offers the most unique projects to work on?
Topics include events coming up for the guild and new projects to work on such as tissue cozies or holiday decorations.
Each of the nine groups provides something a little different: Most have a show-and-tell period, some include time to sew with the group, and others focus more on style and tips for sewing.
"Sewing is my creative outlet," said Becky Ruhl, 68, leader of the Tucson chapter's east-side evening group.
"I sew for my family. I have five grandchildren and I sew a lot for them. I quilt for my son. You could say it is my art."
Beyond socializing and discussing technique, group members have made some amazing custom clothing, Woodford said. They've even fashioned a custom-made body bag for a family member who died in a hospice.
And every year the organization picks a charity to honor and work with. Last year members made turtle pillows for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a free camp for children with cancer and serious blood diseases.
This year the guild will be making quilts of valor for the American Legion Auxiliary Oro Valley veterans unit.
The American Sewing Guild was established in Denver and Indianapolis in 1978. The Tucson chapter, a registered nonprofit, just celebrated 20 years here.
A $50 membership fee goes toward running the organization and producing four newsletters and four chapter magazines a year.
"Come along and try," said Sara Rumbaugh, 71. "Once you attend, hopefully you might find something that will pique your interest."
Go sew
For more information about the American Sewing Guild's Tucson chapter, go to asgtucson.org online.
To find a meeting closest to you go to asgtucson.org/pages/groups.html, or call Neighborhood Group Coordinator Millie Burgheimer at 574-2190.
Isaac Cox is a University of Arizona student who is an apprentice at the Star. Contact him at 573-4117 or starapprentice@azstarnet.com
