A home economics teacher who was too quick too criticize. A misshapen skirt that never hung right. A zipper that failed to zip.

Everyone who sews has a horror story, and the memories, harsh though they may be, never fade.

"We never forget," said Debbie Bryda, a founding member of the Raleigh chapter of the American Sewing Guild.

Members of the sewing group want to show those who may have had a bad sewing experience that it can be a lot of fun and that it's never too late to dust off sewing machines and pull out spools of thread.

"This is a very welcoming group of people," said Joan Cavin, vice president of the Raleigh chapter. "We have a lot of fun."

Members of the guild's Raleigh chapter routinely whip up quilts, spin-offs of couture fashion, clothes and just about anything else that can be put together with fabric and thread, said Lyn Fedden, president of the 233-member chapter.

Although based in Raleigh, the members are spread across the state, with nine neighborhood groups that meet on the coast, Greensboro and all over the Triangle, Fedden said. The group is hosting one of its biggest yearly events Saturday at the chapter's birthday bash and membership drive at Wake County Commons in Raleigh.

Members, and those interested in joining, can bring portable sewing machines (plenty of extension cords will be available) and sew pajamas that will go to children being treated at the Shriners Hospital for Children in California. The event also includes a rummage sale, where members sell their extra sewing supplies and fabrics.

Experienced sewers and novices alike come to the meetings, which are mainly attended by women but draw a few males, Fedden said.

At most neighborhood groups, members meet to share tips and ideas and answer each other's questions. Finished products get passed around, to oohs and ahhs.

"Everybody brings something to show and tell," Fedden said.

For Cavin, joining the sewing guild three years ago was a chance to reinvent her life after her husband, James, died unexpectedly.

"I was reaching out and trying to join groups that would get me out of the house," Cavin said.

She quickly formed friendships with fellow sewers, who Cavin attests are a generous and caring sort. She leans on them for friendship as well as advice on her projects. Lately, Cavin, whose sister is a professional quilter, has been printing photographs on fabric and turning those into quilts and pillows to serve as family keep-sakes.

Many of the women are in their 60s, but young women are joining more frequently, Bryda said. She loves collaborating with her fellow sewers and the creativity that emerges.

"You chitter chatter about everything and anything," Bryda said.