The purpose of the Annisquam Sewing Circle, a standing committee of the Annisquam Village Hall Association, is to promote the furtherance of friendship and congeniality and the performance of acts of benevolence.
The Annisquam Sewing Circle will meet to review the results of the 2025 Christmas Fair and hear from a speaker representing a Cape Ann nonprofit being considered for a donation.
It’s never too early to start preparing for upcoming events.
On the ASC calendar: a series of Workshops. The January Workshop will create gift tags to be sold at the Spring Plant Sale, the Annisquam Exchange, the Annisquam Farmers’ Market and the 2026 Christmas Fair.
Want to stay in the ASC loop?
Email AnnisquamSewingCircle@gmail.com and include your name to become a Friend of the ASC and receive periodic notices of upcoming events.
Thank You for your part in the Success of 2025 Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair!
From the moment the doors opened at 8:00 AM, there was a steady stream of shoppers, many of whom looked forward to the Fair each year, as well as many newcomers. The beautifully renovated Village Hall filled with the holiday scent of evergreens, accompanied by laughter, lively conversations, and festive music, creating an festive atmosphere.
The extensive selection of wreaths, boxwood trees, and table pieces was created in the Village Hall the five days leading up to the Fair. The needlepoint ornaments, crafted by the Needles Group, took 12 months to produce. Other hand-crafted items were created in ASC workshops, while many were crafted by members at home. The Food Table was laden with homemade cakes, cookies, preserves, and so much more, wrapped ready for gift giving. By the time the Fair concluded at 12:30 PM, there was very little left in the Hall.
This Fair and other events hosted by the ASC embody the original mission of the group established in 1837, which aimed to foster community support during a time when many social programs did not exist. While the ASC may not leave bags of food on doorsteps, the funds raised during these events go to Cape Ann nonprofits dedicated to supporting our neighbors in need.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
The Annisquam Sewing Circle holds several fundraising events. The funds are donated to local non-profits selected by the members as well as for scholarships to Annisquam students graduating from high school and going on to further study.
Plant Sale – In the School Yard between the Annisquam Exchange & The Annisquam Village Hall
Gourmet Foods & Floral Arrangements – At the Annisquam Farmers’ Market on a Friday morning before the 4th of July in the School Yard between the Annisquam Exchange & The Annisquam Village Hall.
Christmas Fair – The first Saturday in December held in the newly renovated Annisquam Village Hall. The Hall will be filled with beautifully decorated wreats & centerpieces, boxwood tree, potted bulbs, hand-crafted items, home-baked goodies and so much more. Mark your calendar. First Saturday in December!
Become a Friend of the Annisquam Sewing Circle – send an email to AnnisquamSewingCircle@gmail.com with Friend in the subject line. You will receive updates on upcoming ASC events.
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair and to ALL who made it a success.
The one thing missing was the beloved Chicken Tetrazzini Cassarole. We know it has been a favorite of Fair goes for years – so we are sharing the recipe in hopes you will think of the Sewing Annisquam Sewing Circle as you prepare it at home.
Click here to join the Friends of the Annisquam Sewing Circle email group to be kept up to date on the 2026 events here: Become a Friend of the ASC
There will be many wreaths to choose from Saturday morning in the Annisquam Village Hall again this year, all decorated for you by the dedicated members of the Annisquam Sewing Circle.
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
8:00 am to 12:30 pm
Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester MA 01930
Wheelchair & walker accessible through the Walnut Street entrance.
In 1837, the Annisquam Female Benevolent Society—known today as the Annisquam Sewing Circle—was established to help neighbors in need. Nearly two centuries later, this spirit of generosity continues to guide the Circle’s work. In addition to the commitment to serve our Cape Ann community, the original members established traditions that are still cherished today, including serving tea at the end of every meeting.
In 2025, that same dedication is alive as members make plans, form committees, and welcome new faces in preparation for the Annual Christmas Fair. This beloved event will feature:
Beautifully decorated wreaths, centerpieces, and plants
Hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts
Delicious homemade food to enjoy or share
Each purchase supports the Cape Ann community, with all proceeds donated to local nonprofit organizations. By joining in, you’re doing more than shopping for holiday gifts—you’re becoming part of a tradition of kindness and care that has been cherished for nearly two centuries. Each wreath, centerpiece, and handmade item carries with it not only the skill and creativity of our members, but also the spirit of community that has defined this group since 1837. Your support helps preserve this legacy, allowing us to continue giving back year after year and keeping alive the values of generosity, service, and fellowship that remain at the heart of our mission.
Take a peak at the Celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the ASC in 2012.