Common thread links Niles Silver Thimbles

The group is a modern version of the 18th-century sewing circle.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
S THEY POUR INTO THE BACK PORTION of the store, the women start speaking their own language.
They use terms like basting, serging and ribbing. Some reminisce about treadle machines. Others good-naturedly complain about their latest attempt to purchase sizing.
The members of the Niles Silver Thimbles are like a sorority -- women with a common interest in sewing, and the desire to share with others.
The local chapter of the American Sewing Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Viking & amp; White Sewing Center on U.S. Route 422. It's a modern version of the 18th-century sewing circle, where women would gather to work on sewing projects and visit socially.
Eight chapters in valleys
The local chapter is one of eight in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, each meeting on different days and times.
Between 10 and 15 members show up each month, armed with pads of paper to take notes, samples of their latest work and usually lots and lots of questions.
"We exchange ideas with each other and if someone has a problem, we try to help them solve it," said Mary Masciangelo of Niles. "We have people in all levels of sewing here."
Masciangelo has been a member of the group since 1998, but starting sewing as a child.
"I started out making clothes for my dolls," she explains. "My mother had an old treadle machine, so I learned to use it. I've just kept going from there."
Even her daughters -- Debbie Maley of McDonald and Lenore Antonelli of Champion -- have caught the sewing bug. At the Silver Thimbles' latest meeting, the younger members of the group sit in the middle, offering tips on creating necklines.
The group is interested in attracting even more young members and passing on the tradition of sewing to new generations.
"They don't really teach it in the schools anymore," said Inez Penick of Niles, who joined the group when it formed in 1991.
Designing what you want
The bonus in learning to sew and create your own fashions, she said, is designing what you want.
"Basically, you can make things that fit you," she said. "You can design what you want."
But membership in the Niles Silver Thimbles is like being with an extended family, she adds. In addition to discussing their sewing projects and learning new tips and techniques, they share more personal information as well.
When Penick's son underwent a heart transplant a few years ago, members helped her through the hard times. When her son passed away, they offered comfort and prayers.
"We are all there for each other, whether you need a ride or moral support," she said. "In today's world, you need to feel comfortable, and you can with this group."
Projects for others
In addition to helping others, the group will often take on projects to help others. Their most recent project was to create lap robes for cancer patients. In the past, they've made clothes and blankets for premature babies and other items to help those in need.
Joyce Francis, the owner of Viking & amp; White, said she's happy to host the monthly meeting, since she and her staffers can always listen in and learn new tips.
She also loves the idea that the women bring with them a history of sewing they are willing to pass on.
"These are people who love what they do," she said. "They want to gather and share their ideas and pass on their knowledge to their daughters and grandchildren," she said.
"Sewers are a different sort of people," she continued. "They know how important is it to get these skills back into our lives, and they want to work to do it."
slshaulis@vindy.com