Sewing Instruction

Today I just confirmed a sewing lesson for a young lady who wants to learn to sew. From what I understand she has absolutely no experience sewing and I am looking forward to teaching all I can.

I will have to remember to take my camera to get shots of the progress we make along the way. I'm excited!!!

Sewing Classes

Friday, March 5, 2010

UPDATE!!!

Whew...it take take me a while to get back here, please forgive my neglect.

For Valentines'
Day I knit a shrug for my dear daughter, and she loves it. It's a crimson color, and I must say, I like the color myself.

I'd like to make a couple more shrugs from this pattern it is comfy (now you know I tried it on while I was knitting it. One additional thing I have learned from knitting: check the website of the publiser of the pattern because many times there are corrections to the pattern.

Not much going on here.

I did make a blouse (knit top really), a few months ago, but don't recall posting pictures. Nope, I didn't even look back at the posts, LOL.

I also started a dress for my granddaughter and have it all sewn together but am having issues with the neckline and hem. When I was sewing the top I mention above I had the green print fabric out and she said, "Hmmm, I'd like ot have a dress out of this". Not hinting, just admiring the fabric. We do seem to have very similar tastes in fabric designs and prints.

Ok...back to the subject at hand - the dress for her: First of all it's a poly-jersey - a funky geometric print. The colors are lime green, kelly green, and black on a white background. So...if I self face it, the colors will show through the white, if I use white jersey for a "collar", it will get dirty and show that ring around the collor. If I use black jersey it will just look too morbid for me. Afterall she's 10 years old. Decisions...decisions.

Anyone else have problems making decisions like this? I did look for green to match (either shade that would match), but noooo...no such color green in poly jersey. I of course I found cotton jersey, but anything other than white will fade. I don't like one part of a garment faded and the other part(s) retaining their color. So that's my story and I'm stickign to it.

I did also cut out a top for me the same pattern as the top I finished months ago, but in this green, black, and white fabric I mention above. Maybe this week or weekend I can have them both finished ready to present to the world, LOL.

Hopefully soon, I will take a few pics so that you can see...visuals are imparative, won't you agree?

What have you been sewing? Any new projects?

What brought these questions to mind was CBS Sunday Morning, just today. The feature talked aobut proscrastination, particularly filing your Income Tax Return.

So...what have I been sewing? What are some of my new projects?

Not much in the last few weeks. A few weeks I did manage to sew a knit top that I like and have worn a few times. Lots of polka dots and I've received numerous compliments on it. Two of my grandchildren were impressed that I had copied the pattern onto pattern paper, made pattern alterations, and completely sewn it together while babysitting them one Saturday afternoon. This is something I need to continue. I aspire to get more accomplished much like many of you out there, namely Trini Love of Life Happens to be Positive, Erica Bunker, and Carolyn. These are only three of many fantastic seamstresses out there.

Fondling fabric, cutting out patterns, and imagining this made up in that, or that made up in this, is all I have been doing lately, LOL. Decisions, decisions, decisions. JUST DO IT!!! Anyone else have those undecided moments? Gosh, what a dilemma!!! It's par for the course. Very rarely do I seem to shop for a specific pattern or fabric in order to sew up a particular garment. Why is that? Well...we shop and shop and shop, buying the fabrics and patterns that catch our eye. We will get these things sewn up one day...take your time because the "just right" combination has to be made up in our minds before we put that fabric under the presser foot!!!

I need help!!! I'm trying to find a "How-To"

Some months ago I came across a website that demonstrated how to convert a man's T-shirt into a woman's T-Shirt. There were very detailed instructions, and you virtually take the T-shirt apart and remake the t-shirt for a custom fit. A few weeks ago I found a nice sale on men's T-Shirts and bought a few, but surely don't care for the boxy fit.

If any of you know of this site or have a TNT (Tried and True) method of altering T-Shirts to fit women, please let us know with a post here on the blog.

After attending the Quilting and Crafts Show at the Pomona Fairplex, and other venues such as this I become more hyped and my creative juices start flowing even more. I assisted Pat and Jeannette man (womaned???) the ASG (American Sewing Guild) table and enjoyed my time there. Jeannette Swanson our President of the Los Angeles Chapter brought some of her creations she's decorated with paint sticks. They were priceless. Most of the visitors to the table received a demostration in from Jeanette, and I'm sure she has sparked a lot of interest. The sign up sheets for receiving more information about ASG were pretty hefty. If not yet, soon there will be even more members and participants in our meetings and seminars. That alone is exciting.

BTW, Jeannette teaches conducts classes in sewing and other crafts for the Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department.

It was a joy to see all of the vendors and well as visitors mingling and shopping. There are so many new innovations in the market it's unbelievable. Of course, I did a little shopping after seeing a couple of things that were irresistible. Naturally, that was fabric and patterns. We crafts people need our own stimulus package. Just imagine what damage we could to do our wallets with a personal stimulus package, I already have my wish list handy!!!

Pomona Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival

I will be attending this weekend, and spending part of the time tending the American Sewing Guild - Los Angeles (www.ASGLA.org) Chapter booth. I understand that we are right next to the Ladies' Restroom, so you surely can't miss us!!!

When you stop ASG-LA's by booth you will be able to meet many of our members and see many of the interesting things we learn, and what wonderful times we have when we attend classes, seminars and festivals. Please take time to stop by to get information regarding the organization, and you could even sign-up to be a member right then and there.

For more information regarding the Pomona Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival this weekend located at the Pomona Fairgrounds - please visit:

http://www.rustybarn.com/2009-pomona-program.pdf

ETACalifornia, Part 2

A shopper with Marsha McClintock of Saf-T-Pockets Patterns (www.saf-t-pockets.com). I was reluctant to take her class because I was thinking "What's the big deal? It's just pockets?" Well, I could have never been more wrong. It ain't just about pockets - let me tell you. Yes, the pockets are fascinating...she hides pockets in other pockets, and in many other places in the garments she's designed. She has designed many great patterns for travelers, shoppers, and all of us everyday people. Many pockets to place all your valuables and that Pick Pocket would have a terrible time getting anything from you!!!

Barbara Callahan,
www.barboriginals.com

This little lady's designs are fierce - in a very good way. It'd be nice if you completely see the outfit she's wearing. Of course she designed and made it herself - including the buttons!!!

She has excellent methods to embellish garments, and fabrics, and she can even show you how to make your own fabric. "Not me" you say? Yes, YOU!!!

The fabrics she carries are top-of-the-line at very good prices. Bamboo fabric...try it. It's softer than cashmere and last much longer. Her linens are not the type that we are familiar with..they are much better and wrinkle less than we're used to. Imagine that!!


The Silk Baron

More than one wall of beautiful silks in every color you never even thought of. I don't ever remember seeing anything with as many colors of silk that they have...not even a box of crayons!!!
Patty Dunn (www.alldunndesigns.com), and the Pam Skersick and Carol Lockwood of Crone Art.

One of the many things that Patty does is design the most clever methods to make purses and tote bags with gorgeous findings, clever ways to attain the firmness you want without being stiff, and she uses interesting fabrics. Patty can also teach you how to make different kinds of hems, and facings - not just the usual facings you see in today's patterns.

Crone Art: Some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry and other accessories I've ever seen. Embellishments for garments will make you say "I wish I had thought of that".



Pam Damour, The Decorating Diva.

The class I attended was all about mitering. She's magical. Take her classes, period. The next time I have the opportunity I will definitely take her decorating class because those at ETACalifonria who took her class looked very happy when they finished their projects.

I must apologize because I had a few more pictures but they didn't have the right exposure. So here's a synopsis of:

Cynthia Guffey

Vaune Pierce

Emma Seabrooke of SewKeysE
www.emmaseabrooke.com

Emma is a Certified Sewing Instructor, and Designer and pattern maker located in the Floria Keys. Her designs concentrate on sewphisticated Knit Fabrics - and she can do wonders with those fabrics.. She's also certified for pants fitting. and received her credentials from Palmer/Pletsch. You must take her class "Origami Top", I couldn't believe how easy this top is put together, and looks good, too.

Peggy Sagers, owner and design of Silhoutte Patterns. Her vendor area was never empty!!! Beautiful garments and stylish patterns.

Janice Stewart Designs owner and designer
www.janicestewartdesigns.com

Very creative and timeless fasions. were other creative artists that held classes and showed their creations. All of these individuals are terribly creative and innovative. Please attend any of their seminars or classes at your earliest opportunity.

ETACalifornia

It has taken me a while to post this because my computer crashed. That's always fun isn't it?

First I must express my gratitude to Peggy Sagers an American Sewing Guild (ASG) member, the owner, creator, and designer of Silhoutte Patterns for putting this wonderful affair together.

I also must thank the San Pedro California, Double Tree Hotel for keeping the restrooms clean and well stocked. No lines, which is very important to any female. The accomodations were also very nice and the food was tasty. Free parking? YES!!!

And this is in California!!! The only free parking in California is at the mall or your own house!!!

I must also thank the husbands, friends and other family members of the artists who assisted and "manned" the vendor area for their unique artist. You must know how valuable you are to all of us.

So..here we go: I thoroughly enjoyed Education of the Textile Arts in California (ETACalifornia) and attending the classes and seminars. All of the artists and seamstresses were tip top and are so talented. I have a lot of respect for all of them. If you ever have the opportunity to see any of these artists in whatever venue please do not hesistate. You will have the best time and you deserve that, right? Treat yourself - let the family fend for themselves while you're out having a good time attending these classes and seminars. It is truly an invaluable experience.

Kandi Christian

www.sewtimeless.com

My first class was hands-on and that enthused me so much I wanted to stay there all day!!! The class was given by Kandi Christian (www.sewtimeless.com) and the students individually embellished hand towels. Even though I've embellished towels previously it was a joy to attend this class. Having other "sewing buddies" is something that I have missed. I (and you) need to bond more with my sewing peers and the experts who can teach us all those special things they do.

You can visit Kandi Christian at her web site: www.sewtimeless.com, you will be impressed.

www.sewtimeless.com
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Linda MacPhee - MacPhee Workshops

www.macpheeworkshop.com

How would you like to have a water resistant shopping bag? Well she's got them for you - kits to make them for yourself, that is!!! During the class she poored water right on the bag and it was like water on a duck's back, literally. Her kit contains the pattern, instructions, and enough fabric to make 3 bags. To top that off - it has it's own pocket so it can be tucked away in your purse and not take up much room at all.

Beggar's Cloth. hmmm...WTH?, you'll say to yourself. Yes, it's beautiful, and in my opinion - timeless, too. You must visit her website and order a few yards and whip up a few wonderful garments.. You'll love the fabric, trust me.Jacket from Beggar's Cloth

Black Jacket made from Beggar's Cloth.

Or...how'd you like to have a coat or jacket made from plastic shopping bags? You'll wonder "what was she thinking"? Well, I sure did wonder, but the coat was great. This is part of her "recycle, reuse class". So go shopping, asked for plastic bags (not the grocery store kind) and make a few coats. Being the hoader I am I am sure I can whip up a couple of these coats in no time.

Don't throw away those denims either. Take this class, you'll be fasinated with the information and tips she provides. Take the class...take the class...say it with me...take the class.

www.macpheeworkshop.com

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MORE TO COME...I PROMISE!!!

In the meantime visit www.asg.org and take a look at all the wonderful seminars, classes, and community projects we've got going. Becoming a member is quick, easy, and invaluable.

I'M GOING TO ETAC

Yes, me!!! I am going to Education of the Textile Arts in California. It's been held about 20 miles from me in San Pedro, CA. I am so doggone excited!!! The hostess of the event (Paggy Sagers of Silhouette Patterns) even called me one night last week!!! I had a couple of questions and she called to answer them. Very nice lady, too. I hope to see her in person and get a picture of the two of us. Whatever pictures I am able to take I will surely post soon after the event.

I've signed up for several classes and will be spending all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Thank God that my flex day is that Monday - so I can rest and marvel my experiences and new information I will receive. I am about to burst!!!

Singer Quantum Serger with Coverstitch

I am trying so hard to resist buying this machine, but it ain't easy!!! It's a very nice machine and I even went to the Singer Sewing Machine website and read a few of the portions of the manual. It seems to be a wonderful machine and the reviews are quite favorable. When I find it at a good price then it's mine!!! I will keep you posted with my progress.

Follow-Up to previous post

Well the outfit didn't get finished yet because when my granddaughter put it on it was so big. Not so much the top, but the pants work enormous. Besides that I don't think she was so enthused about the outfit either. Other than the color I don't think she liked it at all. So, my thinking since then I will finish the out fit and then make another with the adjustments necessary. I will probably also use a different pattern for the top because she doesn't like her stomach showing - at all, and since the top is a flared top it definitely will show a little stomach as she moves.

I got so motivated I started on this outfit for my granddaughter who is 9 years old.

The outfit is in hot pink cotton/spandex...just a little bit of spandex so it should be comfy for her. The cotton is a little heavier than I think is necessary for a sleeveless top, but if she chooses to wear it in the colder months she can wear a turtle neck underneath. The fabric came from I believe Walmart a year or so ago. It was an excellent purchase - only $1.00 per yard. I think I ended up with 11 yards by simply purchasing whatever was left on the bolt.


I zig-zagged all seam allowances before I sewed together. For some reason I could not find my foot control for either of my sergers. I have 2 old sergers: Juki 2/4 and a White 234. Where in the heck could the foot controls be? One of the surgers was in a case so the foot control should have been right there with it. Did they just walk away? The bad thing is that I can't use any other foot controls because of the connection plug on the cord doesn't match anything else I've got. This holds true for both machines. Grrrrr!!!




On the sewing machine, a Singer Quantum I decided to use variegated thread in the top to "embroider" little flowers along the hem of the pants and along the bottom of the top. I haven't put the bias on the armholes or neckline yet, because I can't decide if I want to do that or put a self-fabric facing on it, with the same embroidery. Any suggestions?

This picture below also shows how I ran out of bobbie thread before I was finished with the embroidery. I hate that, LOL.


I did a bad thing in making this outfit: I don't even know if it will fit her. In rtw she's a size 10-12. The pattern size I used is 8, but used about 1/2 " seam vs. the usual 5/8". I wanted to take her measurements today, but they were out all day. So...when I get a chance to have her try on the outfit, I will surely take pictures and post them.

Well, here we go, as promised. The curtain panel is showing up more orangey than it really is. It's still a beautiful cotton fabric from Joann's.

My daughter loved it when she saw it after she got home from her trip.

View from the back and on the right of the actual curtain is the black-out fabric. I chose the less dense because I'm sure she'd want some light to come in even though there is a south-facing window on a wall next to the west-facing door.

Another view of the back - with the black-out fabric showing more than above. At the top is just a simple hem with a casing for the curtain rod.
...and this is the machine it was sewn on.

I love this machine - even though it's an older model it works perfectly.

Here are the potholders. I like them myself, I must say. My daughter said they were too pretty to use.One of the illustrous potholders. I chose a decorative stitch for the quilting portion on one of the potholders, and tried to repeat her first initial on the other one. I've learned to use a rayon thread for the actual decorative stitches and monogramming.