This is the sewing experience you’ve been waiting for!
We’re coming back!
Mark your calendars for September 18-20, 2026! Registration opens May 8.
What is Southeast Sewcial Escape?
Southeast Sewcial Escape was created in response to the halt of national ASG conferences due to rising costs in travel and hospitality. But ASG members still crave opportunities to gather with other members from around the country in a learning and social environment. So a group of ASG members from three chapters (Atlanta, Nashville, Upstate SC) banded together to develop a plan to meet this need.
We believe Southeast Sewcial Escape is the answer.
It is a regional conference that targets ASG chapters from 7 Southeastern states: Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Kentucky. To keep expenses low, attendees are required to bring their own sewing machines. This is feasible since the event is centrally located for easy driving access, eliminating airfare from the cost of attending. Anyone from anywhere can participate but all attendees must provide their own sewing machines. Our dream is to make Southeast Sewcial Escape an annual event and inspire other regions to host regional conferences in their own areas as well.
Here’s what a few of our 2025 attendees had to say
Want to stay in the loop?
Here are the Four 2026 Weekend Track Choices:
- Jen Stern-Hasemann – Efficient Workflow for Pants Fitting
- Pamela Leggett – Serger Techniques & A Modern Peignoir Ensemble
- Sandra Lee Chandler – From Repair to Redesign: Slow Stitching, Sashiko & Visible Mending on Denim
- Sheré Hills (Sallie Tomato certified instructor) – Bag Making Basics and Beyond
Scroll down to learn more about our workshops.
What’s included in your registration?
- Two nights lodging at Embassy Suites Hamilton Place at 2321 Lifestyle Way in Chattanooga, TN
- Shared and single room rates available
- Up to 3 extra nights before and/or after the weekend may be added to your registration at the same conference room rate for an additional fee.
- Breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Evening reception (hotel amenity) on Friday and Saturday
- Your choice of one weekend workshop
- Workshop specific kit fees ranging from $0 – $95 are additional and paid directly to the instructor.
General Conference Schedule 2026
- Friday, Sept 18
- Afternoon Workshop 1:30 – 5:30 PM
- Optional Hotel Reception with drinks and light appetizers 5:30 – 7:00
- Optional extra Studio Time 5:30 – 8:00
- Dinner on your own
- Saturday, Sept 19
- Morning Workshop 8 – 12
- Lunch Break 12:00 – 1:00
- Afternoon Workshop Time 1:30 – 5:00 PM
- Shop with Teachers 5:00 – 6:00
- Optional Hotel Reception with drinks and light appetizers 5:30 – 7:00
- Optional extra Studio Time 6:00 – 8:00
- Dinner on your own
- Sunday, Sept 20
- Morning Workshop 8 – 12
- Lunch Break 12:00 – 1:30
- End of Conference
2026 Instructor Lineup
Serger Techniques & A Modern Peignoir Ensemble
Description:
Master your serger in this hands-on class! Build skills through practice samples, then put them to work constructing two stylish, versatile garments from Pamela’s Patterns Modern Peignoir Ensemble. New to serging or a seasoned pro — everyone is welcome!
Skills Taught during the Workshop
You’ll learn everything from the basics — changing threads, adjusting tensions, and troubleshooting — to a wide range of practical techniques including seaming, corners, elastics, hems, rolled hems, flatlock seams, and heirloom finishes. Plus tips for cleaning and maintaining your machine!
Pre-Workshop Homework
Please read More about Pamela’s Workshop for details.
Kit Fee and Contents
$45 kit includes reference booklet, 22 fabric samples chosen and cut specifically for each technique, reference pages to insert samples.
Efficient Workflow for Pants Fitting
Summary:
In this focused, hands‑on class, Jennifer guides participants through her streamlined pants fitting process. We will be using a separate pants‑fitting waistband to make it easy to determine the position of the waistband. We’ll start by customizing the pattern to agree with your shape. Then cut out a single‑leg muslin, refine the fit with a two‑leg version. An efficient, effective path to better‑fitting pants.
Skills Taught during the Workshop
How to identify and make fitting adjustments to the pattern, how to read wrinkles to improve fit, how to work with a single leg muslin to balance the front/back leg, how to fine tune the fit with a two-leg muslin. How to accurately transfer adjustments from muslin to paper pattern pieces.
Skill Level
Confident Beginner to Advanced
Pre-Workshop Homework
Make a non-stretch pants fitting waistband. Please read More about Jen’s Workshop for more details.
Kit Fee and Contents
$50 kit includes Pants Pattern, Fit Workbook, Thread Article “Practical Pants Fitting”, fabric to make muslin.
From Repair to Redesign: Slow Stitching, Sashiko & Visible Mending on Denim
Description:
Discover the art of slow stitching, sashiko, and visible mending! Rooted in traditions of repair, these techniques have evolved into powerful tools for creativity and self-expression. Bring fabric or clothing from home and practice stitches that are both functional and beautiful. All skill levels welcome!
Skills Taught during the Workshop
You’ll learn to select the right materials, prepare and strengthen worn fabric, and practice sashiko patterns and visible mending techniques that are as decorative as they are functional — all while building confidence in the art of slow, intentional stitching.
Kit Fee and Contents
$25 kit includes sashiko templates used during class time, sashiko needles, pearl cotton thread in assorted colors, and sashiko pattern stick and peel.
Bag Making Basics and Beyond
Description:
This workshop includes a quick lecture on basic bag making notions and stabilizers and the construction of your very own duffle bag.
Skills Taught during the Workshop
Sewing with faux waxed canvas, faux leather, and foam stabilizer, constructing an adjustable strap and zipper installation.
Kit Info and Pre-Workshop Homework
Option 1:
Purchase $95 kit containing the paper pattern, hardware, exterior fabric, contrast fabric, lining fabric, webbing, stabilizer, and thread. Bag supplies will be received at the beginning of the workshop already prepped for construction. No pre-workshop work required.
Option 2:
Purchase $14 pattern only and bring your own bag supplies. The pattern must be ordered and all supplies prepped for construction prior to the workshop. Please read More about Sheré’s Workshop for more details.
How much does the conference cost?
| Single Room | Shared Room | |
| ASG Members | $640 | $495 |
| Non-Members | $700 | $555 |
Note: Non-member fee is the equivalent of the member fee plus the cost of an annual membership in American Sewing Guild. Why not join your local chapter and get the conference PLUS all the benefits of membership?
Registration closes on August 19, 2026 and is limited to no more than 20 people in each workshop for a total conference attendance of 80.
What if the conference or a particular option I wanted is sold out?
If a rooming option or workshop you were hoping for is sold out, you may choose from the following options:
- Choose a different selection.
- Continue to check for openings due to cancellations through August 19 when registration closes.
- Join the waitlist.
If the conference is fully booked, you may choose from the following options:
- Continue to check for openings due to cancellations through August 19 when registration closes.
- Join the waitlist.
The waitlist will be processed in order of receipt of request and matching criteria beginning on August 20.