Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Plans thwarted
Sometimes you make great plans, and then nature throws a curve ball.
The stomach flu is no fun.
Shannon
The stomach flu is no fun.
Shannon
Monday, December 22, 2008
Ladies, your help is needed
If you have been reading many of the sewing and craft blogs and websites, you may already be aware of a new law to be enacted in February of next year. This law will require that anything used in production of a product to be used by children under the age of 12 MUST be tested for safety, and bear a label stating that it has passed these tests.
This law will effectively put small manufacturers out of business, as the testing is cost-prohibitive. What you may not realize is that grandmas and home sewers who make items as GIFTS will also be liable to comply with the law.
This legislation could have a negative effect on the sewing industry as a whole. Fabric suppliers, threads suppliers, notions suppliers and sewing machine vendors will all be held liable for testing. The law will also have an effect on any business or entity that deals with any children under the age of 12: schools, daycare institutions, churches, even children's gymnasiums or after-school activity classes such as recreational sports.
Please read Kathleen Fassanella's excellent blog, www.fashion-incubator.com , for further updates and information. And please, contact your congressman and let them know of our concerns.
This law will effectively put small manufacturers out of business, as the testing is cost-prohibitive. What you may not realize is that grandmas and home sewers who make items as GIFTS will also be liable to comply with the law.
This legislation could have a negative effect on the sewing industry as a whole. Fabric suppliers, threads suppliers, notions suppliers and sewing machine vendors will all be held liable for testing. The law will also have an effect on any business or entity that deals with any children under the age of 12: schools, daycare institutions, churches, even children's gymnasiums or after-school activity classes such as recreational sports.
Please read Kathleen Fassanella's excellent blog, www.fashion-incubator.com , for further updates and information. And please, contact your congressman and let them know of our concerns.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
On my cutting board today
A HUGE pile of things to cut is waiting for me to join the fun.
First, I have a custom draft to complete.
Then, I'll choose one of the following....more, if there is time.
HotPatterns CN Great White Shirt, sans collar and cuffs, to be made from a baby-wale cord and faced with silk velvet. I saw something like this at JJill, and am adapting the idea for my own use.
A dress for an upcoming wedding. I'm torn between using a pattern from the December Burda WOF, or using a Neue Mode OOP. Still no decision on the fabric. I had considered a cocoa brown silk velvet, but the temperature will be hovering around freezing Saturday night. Maybe something more substantial is in order. Yes, you read right. Saturday night.
A gorgeous piece of knit from EOS that has been staring at me for a month, begging to be addressed. I'm thinking about either a wrap dress or a twin set. In either case, the print will need to be broken up with a solid to be more restful to the eye. I keep telling myself that choosing the contrast piece is what has kept me from cutting into the fabric. In reality, I just like looking at it! It's beautiful.
There are still nine animals to be embroidered for the gs. DS#2 and I are making the Noah's Ark from www.embroiderylibrary.com for gs as a gift. We're plugging along nicely. DS loves working the emb machine, and I don't mind the company while I work on other things.
I'd like to finish all of these this week. In fact, before Wednesday, if possible....think it will happen?
First, I have a custom draft to complete.
Then, I'll choose one of the following....more, if there is time.
HotPatterns CN Great White Shirt, sans collar and cuffs, to be made from a baby-wale cord and faced with silk velvet. I saw something like this at JJill, and am adapting the idea for my own use.
A dress for an upcoming wedding. I'm torn between using a pattern from the December Burda WOF, or using a Neue Mode OOP. Still no decision on the fabric. I had considered a cocoa brown silk velvet, but the temperature will be hovering around freezing Saturday night. Maybe something more substantial is in order. Yes, you read right. Saturday night.
A gorgeous piece of knit from EOS that has been staring at me for a month, begging to be addressed. I'm thinking about either a wrap dress or a twin set. In either case, the print will need to be broken up with a solid to be more restful to the eye. I keep telling myself that choosing the contrast piece is what has kept me from cutting into the fabric. In reality, I just like looking at it! It's beautiful.
There are still nine animals to be embroidered for the gs. DS#2 and I are making the Noah's Ark from www.embroiderylibrary.com for gs as a gift. We're plugging along nicely. DS loves working the emb machine, and I don't mind the company while I work on other things.
I'd like to finish all of these this week. In fact, before Wednesday, if possible....think it will happen?
Friday, December 19, 2008
something fun
This has become a minor tradition at our house. We watch each new episode at the beginning of the day. Be sure to start at the 1st day, and work your way through!
http://www.garfield.com/fungames/12Days/12Days.html
http://www.garfield.com/fungames/12Days/12Days.html
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Just had to say....
Yes, I am a sporadic blogger. No, this is not my first priority.
But I had to report this one....
I was at Joann's the other day to purchase some machine needles. As I was walking through the notions aisle, I noticed a rotary cutter on the endcap. The cutter was decorated with a floral design, quite pretty, and looked interesting. I picked up the box to take a look..........
SEVENTY FIVE dollars.
Now, my question is this: Where is the platinum blade that should be attached?
Shannon
But I had to report this one....
I was at Joann's the other day to purchase some machine needles. As I was walking through the notions aisle, I noticed a rotary cutter on the endcap. The cutter was decorated with a floral design, quite pretty, and looked interesting. I picked up the box to take a look..........
SEVENTY FIVE dollars.
Now, my question is this: Where is the platinum blade that should be attached?
Shannon
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
New patterns!
The newest crop of Vogue patterns was just added to the site, and I already have five favorites.
First, Sandra Betzina really got it right this time. Some of her designs are a bit contrived for my own personal style, but the three newest selections are all winners.
1058 is the type of twinset that lends itself to a variety of options. The tank has darts (!), helpful for precise fit. The cardigan has shape, and an interesting tie.
Second on my list is 1060, a fabulous coat. I love the waist detail.
My next favorite is a Miyake coat. For some reason, coats always catch my eye, and I like to have several in the closet. This one is screaming for cashmere....
By far my favorite is the Tom and Linda Platt dress. The twist top is seen in many variations lately, but most require some sort of neckline alteration for my personal modesty requirements. This is a gorgeous version of the twist top, with a neckline that needs no alteration. The lines of the skirt are flattering, and I even like the color!
Most of the new crop of patterns are quite nice, and well suited to a variety of figures and tastes. Other than a couple of Vogue Woman pieces that look a bit like cocoons, I have no real complaints. Well, except for the fact that we have been teased with two incredible Rucci patterns....and no new ones in this collection. Perhaps in the fall!
First, Sandra Betzina really got it right this time. Some of her designs are a bit contrived for my own personal style, but the three newest selections are all winners.
1058 is the type of twinset that lends itself to a variety of options. The tank has darts (!), helpful for precise fit. The cardigan has shape, and an interesting tie.
Second on my list is 1060, a fabulous coat. I love the waist detail.
The third Betzina offering is an interesting tunic/hoodie with pants. Take a look at the back detail....eye-catching!
My next favorite is a Miyake coat. For some reason, coats always catch my eye, and I like to have several in the closet. This one is screaming for cashmere....
By far my favorite is the Tom and Linda Platt dress. The twist top is seen in many variations lately, but most require some sort of neckline alteration for my personal modesty requirements. This is a gorgeous version of the twist top, with a neckline that needs no alteration. The lines of the skirt are flattering, and I even like the color!
Most of the new crop of patterns are quite nice, and well suited to a variety of figures and tastes. Other than a couple of Vogue Woman pieces that look a bit like cocoons, I have no real complaints. Well, except for the fact that we have been teased with two incredible Rucci patterns....and no new ones in this collection. Perhaps in the fall!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Rethinking the way we do things
When I was a beginning sewist, fabric was available in brick and mortar stores. Not only were there several dedicated fabric stores in my home town, but there was also a selection of yard goods in major department stores. When Dad would buy tools at Sears, Mom and my sister and I would look through the pattern books. When it was time to make a dress for graduation, or a new summer outfit, or a costume, we'd tramp to the several stores and make our selections, purchasing all the notions and fabric needed.
Our beginning sewists today do not have such a luxury.......or do they? The younger, newer set of enthusiasts does not often have a local fabric store from which to choose supplies. There is no fabric department at JC Penney or Sears or Belk. Those of us who have been at this awhile look at the dearth of local supplies and wonder how the new sewist will ever survive.
Do not fret. Although the local is no longer the norm, the world has much to offer. Our new sewing friends are from a generation that knows the internet as its primary source. They are more likely to look for resources away from home, and seek information on the web with voracious appetites.
The savvy fabric vendor, notions purveyor, or pattern company knows this very well. A sewing-related supplier who does not have a marketable web presence will likely decline in this web-driven age. We may see even more brick and mortar closures (and not only in the sewing industry) in favor of web-only business. This is a sound market strategy, as the overhead costs will be much lower for a web business than for a walk-in store. More goods can be offered, and better goods, at a lower price.
I am saddened that the new sewist will never know the joys of walking into Cy Rudnick's, or Fabric Collections, or Sears fabric department. Imprinted in my memory is the excitement of looking through the newest pattern books. But with a modern, world-wide fabric and notions society, we can experience so much more! We are not bound to the whims of a local buyer. We can purchase any style of fabric. We have a wider range of quality available to us. We can purchase fabric at any price point, from nearly any location. Patterns are available from other continents; notions are wide in variety.
So while I lament the loss of the local purveyor, I am delighted with the wide range of sewing opportunity. And if you will excuse me, I'm off to see which pattern company has updated their website with new patterns today............
Our beginning sewists today do not have such a luxury.......or do they? The younger, newer set of enthusiasts does not often have a local fabric store from which to choose supplies. There is no fabric department at JC Penney or Sears or Belk. Those of us who have been at this awhile look at the dearth of local supplies and wonder how the new sewist will ever survive.
Do not fret. Although the local is no longer the norm, the world has much to offer. Our new sewing friends are from a generation that knows the internet as its primary source. They are more likely to look for resources away from home, and seek information on the web with voracious appetites.
The savvy fabric vendor, notions purveyor, or pattern company knows this very well. A sewing-related supplier who does not have a marketable web presence will likely decline in this web-driven age. We may see even more brick and mortar closures (and not only in the sewing industry) in favor of web-only business. This is a sound market strategy, as the overhead costs will be much lower for a web business than for a walk-in store. More goods can be offered, and better goods, at a lower price.
I am saddened that the new sewist will never know the joys of walking into Cy Rudnick's, or Fabric Collections, or Sears fabric department. Imprinted in my memory is the excitement of looking through the newest pattern books. But with a modern, world-wide fabric and notions society, we can experience so much more! We are not bound to the whims of a local buyer. We can purchase any style of fabric. We have a wider range of quality available to us. We can purchase fabric at any price point, from nearly any location. Patterns are available from other continents; notions are wide in variety.
So while I lament the loss of the local purveyor, I am delighted with the wide range of sewing opportunity. And if you will excuse me, I'm off to see which pattern company has updated their website with new patterns today............
Sunday, May 11, 2008
One of the many reasons
Every Sunday, dh brings me a selection of roses from which to choose. His rose garden is amazing, and he says they are for my benefit.
They are all beautiful, but this one is particularly lovely today.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
He has arrived!
My family and I have just returned from our extended trip to celebrate the birth of the first grandchild. All is well with him and with all of us.
Grandchildren are a wonderful invention.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Complete state of ickyness
The flu is no fun. No energy. No interest in anything other than the pillow.
Get your flu shot, please....
Get your flu shot, please....
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Slowly converting
For years, I've avoided anything with a high waistline. I felt it made me look pregnant, which is not a good look for a person of my, ahem, age.
Well, I'm slowly becoming a convert, and Butterick 5079 is the reason.
A wearable muslin is in process right now, from a very cheap and cheesy fabric off the dollar table. While the fabric is awful, the print is great; this might actually be worn at some point.
I finished the front last night, and gave it a glance in the mirror....okay, this isn't so bad. In fact, it makes me look like I have a semi-waistline...it skims in all the right places, and shapes in all the right places.
If all goes well, I might even try the latest version of the Duro, Butterick 5173.
Live and learn:)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Of sewing and other things
1. Making a new shaped cover for the dressform takes a bit of time. And patience. And precision. Version one had a back waist length that was entirely too long. A check of the measurements indicated that yes, the draft was correct, but my measurement was off by 2 inches. No more late night measuring for me:)
2. Plumbing is something I never want to learn to repair. Plumbers are worth their weight in gold. So are septic tank repair people.
3. Because of #2, not much sewing going on around here. Backed up sinks and showers with bilgewater that has to be pumped out require my leaving the house in the capable hands of #2, while I escape the aroma:)
I have managed to almost finish the Burda WOF cape. There is a problem with the facing, which will have to be creatively adjusted. It's a cute piece, and I'll probably wear it this year. I'm glad there isn't a huge investment of dollars, because I doubt it will be on trend for much longer.
Off to the sewing room:)
Shannon
2. Plumbing is something I never want to learn to repair. Plumbers are worth their weight in gold. So are septic tank repair people.
3. Because of #2, not much sewing going on around here. Backed up sinks and showers with bilgewater that has to be pumped out require my leaving the house in the capable hands of #2, while I escape the aroma:)
I have managed to almost finish the Burda WOF cape. There is a problem with the facing, which will have to be creatively adjusted. It's a cute piece, and I'll probably wear it this year. I'm glad there isn't a huge investment of dollars, because I doubt it will be on trend for much longer.
Off to the sewing room:)
Shannon
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