L2S PR Contest - And the WINNER IS....

It's time to announce who won Learn 2 Sew Project Runway Contest.

Before I announce the winner I have to talk about Project Runway Season 6. This wasn't my favorite season. When you fall asleep watching the show you know there isn't much excitement. The judging was awful this year which is why I think it was a bad season. The only excitement was watching the final episode tonight. What amazing work the designers did this year. Now that my students know how to sew they know how much work goes into each seam. I loved all the designs but Carol Hannah's was the best IMO. I just loved watching her looks go down the runway. The pop of the first look was..just wow. But congratulations go to Irina. Not that I liked her look because fashion is all personal preference. Her lines were all the same..and there were a lot of them in every garment. There was much more detail in her work than the others which is why I think she won.
Click here if you want to place your vote who you thought the winner should have been.

Now on to the winner of L2S contest:

This contest didn't go quite the way I wanted - but when things don't go the way your want you "make them work". Since there was a problem with the poll I've decided to take that information (before it started going haywire) along with who I thought did the best job sewing their design.

So the winner is.... drum roll......

Simply Retro by Scott 

He was in first place most of the time on the poll. This was his second sewing project. He took his time making sure he got every seam right.  Scott is a teen who inspires to be a designer. He's working on his portfolio for design school. Keep an eye out for this kids. He's going to make it far in fashion. Congratulations Scott - you receive 20 hours of sewing class.

Second place goes to....

La Nina Bonita by Ariela

She was in second place most of the time during the poll. She is also a teen who started sewing a couple of years ago. There's not much I teach her these days. Her favorite thing to do is to just start cutting up fabric and sew it back together. She likes to use all her fabric. If there's left overs she'll find a way to use it. Congratulations Ariela - you receive 10 hours of sewing class.

Third Place goes to.....

All the other designers. That's right! You're all winners. I wanted to make this fair since there was problems with the poll. When this happened I decided to have a twist just like the TV show and give everyone: Patricia, Chae, Ceci, Anne, Randy, Sara, Kerry and Corina 5 hours of sewing class.  Congratulations!

I want to thank everyone who entered the contest and bringing me some advertisement. I hope some of your friends will join you in sewing class. As you know...it's "sew" much fun and very rewarding.

Just let me know when you want to come to class to use your hours. I'm so very proud of all of you! You're all like my children who I see growing and leaning with each class. It's very exciting and rewarding for me.

There's going to be another season of Project Runway starting in January. I'll be holding another contest then so start thinking about what you would like to do, come to class and sew it up for your next entry.

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!!!

Read more about the contest here.

Until next time,
Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,
Cindy

Sewing Over The Wire 11/18/2009

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading. 

About People:

One of Santa's elves
The Durango Herald Thu, 12 Nov 2009
Doris Higgins sits in her sewing room surrounded by her work Thursday afternoon at her home on Balsam Avenue.

Refugees Craft New Lives For Themselves
Hartford Courant Fri, 13 Nov 2009
Once a week at the Hartford Public Library, women from war-torn Burma, Somalia, Bosnia and Iraq meet to sew slippers and handbags, lace and traditional clothing.

Quilted treasures a feast for the eyes
The Fallbrook Village News Thu, 12 Nov 2009
Works of art in a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns were on display last week in Fallbrook Quilt Guilds Quilted Treasures 2009 show at Fallbrook Presbyterian Church. Even for those of us who dont sew, the work of many talented guild members was a treat to see, admire and touch. (White gloves were available at the entrance for anyone wanting to handle the quilts for a closer look.) The 266 ...

Sew in love
The Milton Standard-Journal Sat, 14 Nov 2009
LEWISBURG â Pat Warren holds up a cozy-looking handmade quilt in different shades of blue.

About Businesses:

BERNINA Renews Consumer Finance Agreement with GE Money
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 10 Nov 2009
KETTERING, Ohio & AURORA, Ill.----GE Money, the consumer lending unit of General Electric Company , and BERNINA, a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance sewing and embroidery systems, announced a multi-year extension of their consumer financing agreement, originally formed in 2002.

Good as new
Naples Daily News Tue, 10 Nov 2009
In her neat-as-a-pin workroom lined with yarns, an array of sewing machines and rows of completed alterations, Martha Snyder busies herself between attending to new jobs and fielding calls. The Colombian native just opened a clothing alteration business on Elkcam Circle Plaza near the Marco Post Office, and is beyond upbeat about the clientele she is beginning to muster for herself. Snyder ...

Quilts of Honor: Women sew 25 quilts for veterans, their survivors
The Daily News Sat, 14 Nov 2009
The passage into death might seem cold, but Freddie Kologie and Carol Bunyard are determined to make it warmer. Using their skills as quilters, the local women provided 25 âpassage quiltsâ for the hospice portion of the Veterans Adminstration Medical Center in Vancouver.

Events:

Quilt Sew-ciety hosting Trunk Show and Workshop Nov. 20-21
Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune Mon, 16 Nov 2009
Members of Quilt Sew-ciety will be hosting a Trunk Show and Workshop with quilt designer, Heather Mulder-Peterson, owner of Anka's Treasures, from Spicer, Minn. The Trunk Show will be Friday, Nov. 20...

Giving Back:

Event helps provide clothing for kids at Shriners Hospital
Honolulu Star-Bulletin Tue, 10 Nov 2009
Harriet Dunlap has been sewing clothing for Shriners Hospital for Children for more than 30 years, but they're not your typical garments. She alters clothing or creates items from scratch that better serve the kids at the hospital.

One stitch at a time, sewing group helps the needy
The Pulse-Journal Wed, 11 Nov 2009
They meet regularly at the Harlan Twp. Fire & Rescue community room to help make a difference in the lives of those in need - and they do it all one stitch at a time.

Pennsylvania women sew up plan to ship 100 quilts to soldiers
The Patriot-News Wed, 11 Nov 2009
BOYERTOWN, Pa. â Hundreds of hours of tedious work, huge heaps of colorful fabric and an endless amount of love and gratitude were sewn into 100 quilts crafted by members of the QuiltMakers of Boyertown , which will be on their way to troops serving in Iraq in the near future.

Mokena stuffs stockings for the troops
SouthtownStar Thu, 12 Nov 2009
After Erin Doyle decorated a stocking last year during Mokena Park District's "Stockings For Our Troops" event, she asked the organizers what else she could do to help out. Sew some stockings for next year, they told her. So on Wednesday, the Mokena 10-year-old showed up with a stack of 25 cloth stockings she'd sewn herself and presented them to arts and crafts coordinator Petey Winkleman. "I ...  

Albany kids stitching up a storm for Air Force pilots
WALB Albany Fri, 13 Nov 2009
An Albany sewing class is learning more than how to sew a skirt or mend a pair of pants.

Purses have a purpose for children with cancer
Bay News 9 Tampa Bay Fri, 13 Nov 2009
A Pasco County woman known for her sewing skills is doing something to help children with cancer.

Volunteers Stitch "Hugs" for Children
13 WMAZ Macon Fri, 13 Nov 2009
Some Middle Georgia Moms and Grandmas are sewing up hugs across the mid-state. Project Linus volunteers quilt, sew and knit blankets for children in need.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Project Runway Contest - What Happened to the POLL?

I have to say, having the idea to do the Project Runway Contest and actually running the contest has been tons of fun for me and the students.  

Sometimes you have to be creative and this was a way for me to advertise my sewing classes. It's also a way to give back to my students who are giving their all to the art of sewing. My first thought was to let the local news papers and tv stations know if they were doing a story on Project Runway and wanted to give it a local twist I had one for them. I've been in contact with them but no response. I think because this season really blows. It doesn't have much excitement to it. 

Something I didn't think would happen was how many hits I would get all over the world. It's been fun to watch to see where the visits come from. I know some about my students and can figure out who was voting depend on what part of the world they were from, where their families live. 


Another thing I didn't think would happen - someone would freep my online pole. I didn't care how many people you voted for, I only wanted people to vote one time.  I noticed a few of the same IP address hit - then the votes would go up for someone by 10-15 votes from one visit. On one day - one person received 30 votes in 1 minute with only one person on the site and over 200 votes in one day. I had to dump the poll. As much fun as it was to watch everyone vote - I had to get rid of it.

************************

What to do? I kept stats since the poll started every few hours. I know who was in first, second and third place most of the time since the poll started. I'm going to use that information along with the feedback I've gotten class about the entries to make a decision on who will win the contest. It's the only fair thing to do.


I've learned a lot about this contest and how I want to do it again. Yes, I'm doing it again when the new season of Project Runway starts in January. At the end of the season I'll be holding another contest. I have a lot of great ideas because hey, we learn from our mistakes.


I'll announce who won this contest after the last episode airs on Thursday night. Check back then to see who the judge (that's me) picks.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Week in Review 11/14/2009

OK, so, we had Friday the 13th in our week last week. Did any one notice any funny things happening? Well... It was once again one of those weeks where a lot of people canceled to the seats they reserved for class. Some people forgot all together they made plans to attend. So, I'm chalking it up to being a Friday the 13th week.

This is my slow time of year with classes. Everyone's thinking how their going to be spending the holiday's. Because I am slow this time of year I take some time off to spend it with my children. Thanksgiving's in a couple of weeks (dang how time passes quickly) and I'll be closed for 5 days.

This week:

8 people attended the machine class

1 person came to the cutting class

15 people attended sewing class making dresses, kids dresses, handbags and a skirt.

I have a few teen's attending Saturday's classes. Some have taken 30 hours and have made several projects. One teen who came along with a friend of hers to class and fell in love with sewing started out sewing a tote bag. Than moved on to making pj's. Now she's working on a dress for her little sister. She's making Simplicity 2638 view c. We've changed a few things in it on this dress. Sometimes I don't like the way they do things in the instructions so I have the student do it a different way. We did't add the bottom edge, we just did a little hem. Next week this project will be finished and a new one started.

 

You know Scott from my Project Runway Contest - his new project is a really pretty. A Donna Karan Vogue pattern V1088. He already has the bodice done. The next step will be to work on the collar than move on to the skirt. It's coming out beautiful. I've been teaching him different finish seam techniques with each project. This one he's finishing his edges and using a top stitch to hold them in place. This kid has talent. He's going to do great as a designer. Keep your eyes out for him in the future. Anyway, I love the pockets on this dress. Not like I could wear anything like it because my hips are big enough. This is a skinny girls dress.

I get so bored with my sewing surrounds. I'm always wanting to change things up. I've been working on new skirts for my table and a new curtain for my changing room. Hopefully I can get this project done soon.

One thing I did do this week was take advantage of JoAnn's sale they were having. I needed more needles and bobbins. It seems to me the plastic ones just wear out and don't spin well when filling them after a while. I also needed more machine needles because let's face it, we're always changing our needles and when you have 6 machines you use a lot of them. Since the notion wall was buy one get one I took advantage and picked up a few things. You always have to buy this stuff when it's on sale. So I searched through to see what other goodies I could pick up. You can click on the picture to get a bigger view of all my implements of sewing construction. :) While I was in the isle I ran into one of my students. I love when I see them at the store.

When I was at the store I had to buy fabric so I headed to the back wall to the clearance section which was 50% off. I picked up 10 yard of fabric. I wanted to buy a bolt of muslin but they had it on sale buy 2 yards and get one yard free. Well, it's a better deal if I wait for it to go off sale and use a 40% coupon. The Christmas fabric wasn't on sale and I spent way too much money on it.

So the drama sometimes raising kids: Let's just say sometimes things don't always go the way you think they will. And when you think you're doing something great for your kids they don't always see it that way. So I made my daughter have big crocodile tears this morning over a dance workshop she was having. I though I would surprise her and pick her up early from the workshop today to take them to a local fair that has great rides. (we've gone in the years past and they love going) She didn't want any part of it. She wanted to dance :) Dance is inside her like sewing is in me. I couldn't wait to get to work this morning, around my sewing machines... to bring my stress level down. Oh the drama.

And the story continues; I had to pick her up from her dance workshop tonight and had an hour to kill. My car drove me right to the JoAnn's super store out in Pembroke Pines. This store has a lot of fabric. And really they need to stop calling themselves a fabric store because less than half of the store was fabric. If you need cake decorating things they have a whole isle of it. (I mean really in a fabric store). You can't go to a "fabric store" without leaving with fabric so I bought another 15 yards from their 50% off clearance.They had a little better selection than the one around the corner from me. I'm sorry for the people who have to drive far to get to their fabric store. I have 5 stores all within a 20 minute drive.

Between both trips I spent less than $75 on the notions and 24 yards of fabric. Gotta buy things on sale. And I really want to hit the $1 a yard store soon. I haven't seen Mr. Arnold in a while.

Next weeks classes:

Sewing Monday 6-8pm

Machine Tuesday 6-8pm

Sewing Wednesday 11am-1pm and 6-8pm

Sewing Thursday 10am-2pm and 6-8pm

Machine Friday 10am-12noon

Sewing Friday 1-3pm

Cutting Saturday 10am-12noon

Sewing Saturday 1-5pm

This is my slow time of year so seats available to any class you would like to attend next week.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Holiday Gift Ideas For Sewing

The holiday's are upon us - Thanksgiving is almost here. It's time to buy (or make) that something special for the people you love.

There's a lot of people wanting to learn the art of sewing these day's. Usually this time of year my classes slow down to where at least I can get some of my sewing in. My classes have been very busy (thank you). If you're looking for an easy gift idea for someone who wants to learn the art of sewing you can do a sewing theme. 

 

You can buy a Gift Certificate at Learn 2 Sew for sewing classes. You can buy them online and I can mail it to you or just stop by at the sewing center to pick one up.

Make a basket with a couple of patterns with the things needed to make the patterns (fabric, thread, zipper), add a few tools for sewing or as I like to call them implements of sewing construction. 

If you want to go way out and the person you love so much who doesn't have a sewing machine you can always buy them one. I have a post of what to look for in buying a sewing machine if you need help in that department.

I have people tell me all the time they dream about sewing. What better gift to give your loved one, the gift of their dreams.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Sewing Over The Wire 11/10/2009

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading. 

Project Runway:

Sew not what it used to be
New York Post Fri, 06 Nov 2009
"Project Runway" has struggled to make it work in its sixth season, which concludes in a two-part finale starting Thursday. The once-fascinating show's intrigue has slipped as badly as a model in 5-inch heels drunk on champagne. Is the very mantr...

About People:

Kriebel makes it sew simple to raise a Smile
Spring-Ford Reporter & Valley Item Wed, 04 Nov 2009
When Violet Kriebel, a mother of five grown children, retired and widowed, lost her mother to cancer, she joined the Womenâs Civic Club of Schwenksville.

Jenny T. Launches A Free 21 Day Sewing Challenge - Sew 3 Designer Christmas Stockings and Get Ready for the Holidays
PRWeb Wed, 04 Nov 2009
Jenny T. launched her new website, SewChristmasStockings.com where sewers of all levels can sign up for a 21 day sewing challenge. Visitors will receive free daily sewing lessons that guide them through sewing 3 original Christmas stockings - just in time for the holidays. Jenny T. makes sewing the Christmas stockings easy with online video and printable sewing patterns. (PRWeb Nov 4, 2009) Read ...

Focus: Purveyors of style
BusinessWorld Online Thu, 05 Nov 2009
In a lecture hall with a projector screen and white board, the professor gives out assignments to students, who wheedle for an extension of the deadline -- pretty much the same scenario you'll find in any school. But the mood boards, dolls in period costumes and desks flipped to sewing machines would tell you this isn't an ordinary school, if the creative clothes the students are wearing haven't ...

Quilters show appreciation with donation to Sun Health Auxiliary
YourWestValley.com Thu, 05 Nov 2009
Some people send thank-you cards, or perhaps pick up the telephone to express their gratitude. Camelia "Cam" Hammond chose a slightly more extravagant gesture. The Avondale resident and her sewing circle, the Out to Lunch Bunch Quilters, recently...

The church lady: Here comes Christmastime!
Naples Daily News Fri, 06 Nov 2009
The United Church of Marco's annual Christmas Bazaar has been an island tradition for over 40 years. This year, it will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14. The church's Bazaar Ladies have been hard at work preparing for it. Workshops are held every Wednesday morning from January to April and from October until the Bazaar, in the church conference room, to sew a few stitches, glue ...

Furrier is last of a breed
Westchester Suburban Life Fri, 06 Nov 2009
Christos Taltsidis started in the fur business when he was 13 in his native Greece sweeping floors, sewing small pieces of fur, breaking a lot of needles and getting his bosses upset.

Former inmate turned small business owner
9 News Denver Sat, 07 Nov 2009
SHERIDAN - How many of us can truly say we found our life's calling? Sewing found Johnny Wimberly as a teenager, long before he found this work as a small business owner, running Jed's Custom Services in Sheridan.

Santa Anna quilters sewing together a business
Abilene Reporter-News Sun, 08 Nov 2009
Amid the small rural community of Santa Anna's historic old buildings, sits an unassuming store front with a sign painted in cursive proudly notifying visitors that they are at Quilterâs Patch. For 10 years the Quilterâs Patch has not only been able to stitch a pattern in time, but also of excellence. Owners and neighbors Rita Day and Beth Worley began the business somewhat by chance after ...

Costumer: Sew much work, sew much reward
Rockford Register Star Mon, 09 Nov 2009
Sheer chiffon. Smooth satin and silk. These are the fabrics Julie Seger occasionally pulls from old prom dresses and wedding gowns to make some costumes for ballerinas of the Rockford Dance Company.   INSIDE How  to see 'The Nutcracker' in Rockford   ON THE WEB Rockford Dance Company

About Businesses:

www.iniva.org
British Vogue Fri, 06 Nov 2009
The window of Iniva Gallery, at Rivington Place in east London, really caught our eye. Indian artist NS Harsha has constructed a grand-scale installation made up of rows and rows of antique sewing machines each stitching together calico flags.

Economy Related:

Self-help classes on rise
Miami Herald Sat, 07 Nov 2009
Instead of buying new clothes or hiring a tailor to alter her dresses, fashionista Vanessa Ofarril, 33, has decided to learn to sew. Ofarril, who has her own vintage merchandising business, is taking sewing as an hour-long evening community class at Krop Senior High School in Miami.

Events:

Students prepare for Beaux Arts Ball
KentNewsNet.com Sun, 08 Nov 2009
The Beaux Arts Ball is still a few weeks away, and student designers are hard at work, sketching, pinning, fitting and sewing his or her garments.

Giving Back:

Ace employees wrap children in love
The Doings Oak Brook Tue, 03 Nov 2009
Ace Hardware Corporation's No-Sew Fleece Club is resuming -- with some lofty goals.

Sewing the seeds of hope, literally
WPVI-TV Philadelphia Wed, 04 Nov 2009
What began as a project for a Penn student from Zimbabwe has become an international effort.

Stitching for kids and cancer patients more than Sew Sew
The Peterborough Examiner Thu, 05 Nov 2009
If stitches were miles, Northcrest Ward's Sew Sew ladies would have sewn their way around the world several times.

SEWING STOCKINGS TO SUPPORT TROOPS: Stocking up on cheer
The Maui News Thu, 05 Nov 2009
KAHULUI - A project aimed at bringing Christmas cheer to U.S. troops overseas has drawn a highly motivated crowd of residents and staff at Hale Makua in Kahului.

Sew patriotic
Tulsa World Fri, 06 Nov 2009
At first glance, the library at Sts. Peter and Paul School looks chaotic  with middle school students scurrying around tables carrying stuffing and fabric and the whirling sounds of sewing machines ...

 Stitching for the troops: Local Pecatonica women act as angels for soldiers
The Journal-Standard Sun, 08 Nov 2009
What began with two women wanting to make quilts has blossomed into something more and in a few short years, Stonewall Stitcheries has become synonymous with helping people keep warm, whether in hospitals, nursing homes or helping others fighting cancer or other diseases. The women who spend hours painstakingly sewing and quilting have taken on a bigger task  helping soldiers in their time of ...

How To:

Sewing Projects for Thanksgiving
BellaOnline Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:08 AM PST
Thanksgiving is a time for family to gather and enjoy good food and company. With these free sewing projects, you can decorate your home for Thanksgiving or make something to give to your host or hostess in thanks.

New Products:

Minn. Woman's Special Needle Makes Sewing A Snap
WCCO Minneapolis - St. Paul Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:35 AM PST
Pam Turner remembers laughing when her mother had trouble threading a needle. No matter how much she squinted, she would end up asking young Pam to help her.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Week in Review 11/08/2009

It was a really fun week at Learn 2 Sew.

 

We started off the week with everyone finishing their Project Runway entries to be turned in on Thursday. Nothing like waiting until the last minute :)

3 people attended the machine class

5 people attended the cutting class cutting skirts, handbag and dresses.

20 people attended sewing class mostly sewing their Project Runway entries.

It's amazing what was turned in for the contest. This was first sewing projects for most all of the entries. Some took a few hours to make while others took around 10 hours. The best part for me is seeing what the student wants to make and what fabric they decide to use. Sometimes I would never think of using fabric in a way the student wants to use it. There are many creative people who just need a little help with sewing technique. I get just excited as the student to see what they make for the first time.

There are times when it could take 10 hours to sew something then there are times when you can sew a project in a few hours. I have one student who's been coming to class almost everyday. It took her a long time to sew her first project. She was able to cut out her second project out at home so we didn't have to take the time to do it in class. She sewed this little cape in a few hours. This a perfect garment to wear on a cool night for dinner on South Beach to keep you warm when you get that chill that the South Florida breeze brings.

Next week classes:

Sewing Tues 6-8pm

Wednesday morning sewing class canceled because the kids are out of school.

Sewing Wednesday 6-8pm

Sewing Thurs 10am-2pm

Machine Thurs 6-8pm

Cutting Fri 10-12noon

Sewing Fri 1-3pm

Machine Sat 10-12noon

Sewing 1-3pm

On a parting note; I'm still trying to decide if I should stay at this location. I've had many students have a hard time finding a parking spot during the weekday classes. One had to drive around for 20 minutes this past week (I'm so sorry). And if you've been to class you know the problems I've had with the other tenants in the building. I was told they were given 30 days notice to leave by management, then come to find out they aren't leaving. I have been looking at new locations. Some of the locations have been empty for a couple of years. The landlords want too much money, still, with being empty that long. I'm praying for answers on what decision to make and for a good location to come my way that L2S can afford. I would love to be next door to JoAnn Fabrics (just putting that out there)......  wanted to keep you informed what's going on because many of you hear me complaining during class after I hear your comments. I have until the end of the year to decide.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

VOTE NOW - L2S Project Runway Contest

The Project Runway deadline has arrived. I received 10 entries.

Pick who you like. You can pick more than one project but you can only vote one time for each project.

The last day to vote is November 19. Check back here to see the winners on Nov 20. You can vote online or at the sewing center.

 

NAME: Scott

GARMENT NAME: Simply Retro

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED: Sateen, 2”zipper

 WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

What I most liked about my project was the fact that I was able to create my very first dress that my friends could wear, and actually learning how to make a dress. I particularly enjoyed learning how to do a blind hem stitch.

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  

I would say my inspiration for the dress came from me wanting to learn how to make a dress, and me wanting to make a dress that simple but classy and at the same time something I could see my friends wearing.
*************************************************************

NAME: Patricia

GARMENT NAME: Snow Flowers in the Fall

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED: Silk

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

I like that it was a versatile dress that could be used for work or on the weekend.

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  

I wanted to challenge myself to learn to sew and appreciate the art of sewing.

************************************************************* 

NAME: Chae

GARMENT NAME: Batik Dress

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED:  

I used cotton batik to make this dress. It has elastic edge on the sleeves and a detailed collar. In addition to the time it took to purchase materials and cut the pattern it took 12 hours to make sew this dress.

 WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

This dress is comfortable and lightweight. It is perfect for South Florida weather.

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  

I was inspired by the dresses my grandmother made for mother’s dolls and always wanted to learn to sew. I chose a dress as my first project for that reason.

************************************************************* 

NAME: Ceci

GARMENT NAME: Marilyn’s Hardy

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED: Cotton Fabric, standard zipper and button.

 WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

That I can actually wear it! LOL!

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  

The 50’s style halter dress usually is made with pretty designs and frilly fabric. I wanted to shake it up a bit and make this dress with a hard edge yet still feminine, Mimicking Ed Hardy. I still want to trim the dress as it stands now it’s stunning and I love it. I even wore it one night in Paris!

************************************************************* 

NAME: Ariela

GARMENT NAME: La Nina Bonita

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED: Denim

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT? This project combines the comfort of jeans with the elegance and brightness of colors.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT? I made this dress early 2009. It was winter and all I saw were jeans and black shirts. I thought to myself, "Jeans are great but they shouldn't be paired up with dark boring colors, why not spice it up with rainbow fabric, to brighten up someones day?!" I mean color is the basis of any outfit! Without it we have English with no grammar, a big mess! :D

************************************************************* 

NAME: Anne

GARMENT NAME: Kaleidoscope

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED:  

Egyptian cotton. I took a “ready to wear” skirt and made it into a dress.

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

I love the soft cotton and the drape of the fabric. Also the colors are fantastic!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  

The “le color” of Fl.

*************************************************************

NAME: Randy

 GARMENT NAME: Daughters Dress 

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED:  

Cotton / poly/ lace/ grosgrain ribbon

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT? The variety of textures and old-fashioned look

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT? The ability to use a simple sewing pattern to make dresses with completely different looks 

************************************************************* 

NAME: Sara

GARMENT NAME: The One

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED: Satin / Sheer Silky fabric, invisible zipper

 WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT? I have a great time. I learn so much and make so many mistakes at the same time.

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  I have always wanted to learn how to sew just like my grandfather, self taught for necessity, and my mother.

************************************************************* 

NAME: Kerry

GARMENT NAME: Kerry’s First Completed Garment

FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED: Seersucker, custom fabric buttons

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT? I love this blouse because it’s comfortable. It is striped and it is feminine without being overtly so.

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  I love stripes and I like garments that have a little bit of a different aspect to them.

************************************************************* 

NAME: Corina

GARMENT NAME: Corina’s Project

 FABRIC/ MATERIALS USED:  

Tiger Print Silk

 WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

Easy to make, I loved the design and the fabric.

 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS PROJECT?  

It was an easy pattern to make as my first project. 

 *************************************************************

Thanks for placing a vote for your favorite design"s".

Congratulations to all the entries - you receive $5 off your next class. GOOD LUCK! This has been tons of fun to do this far. I can't wait to see what happens next

Parting Note: Congratulations to Nani (she took sewing classes at the start of the year) who gave birth today:

The brand spanking new love of my life

Nicolas Paolo Handell
Born on 11/04/09 @ 2:06pm
7lbs 13oz - 20.5"

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Sewing Over The Wire 11/04/2009

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading. 

About People:

30 years of Finishing Touches
Edwardsville Intelligencer Tue, 27 Oct 2009
Carrie Babington and Bette McCallon were good friends living in Litchfield in 1979. Both had three young children each, enjoyed sewing, had an eye for interior design and wanted to make some extra money. While their children were in school, the two women began painting, hanging wall paper and offering their interior design services to the Litchfield community.

Sewing Christmas Stockings
BellaOnline Wed, 28 Oct 2009
Opening the Christmas stocking gifts has been part of my family tradition since I was a child and I have carried that over into my own family. With these stocking patterns, you too can introduce a lovely tradition into your family.

An eye for the needle
The Naperville Sun Wed, 28 Oct 2009
Sophia Moreau won't be shopping for a Halloween costume this year.Instead, the crafty Naperville teen will be wearing a costume she created and sewed for herself. "I love making clothes," said the seventh-grader. "It just makes you feel good to wear something and say 'I made that.'"Moreau is one of many children who learned to sew at Melissa's Sewing Lessons for Kids, owned by Melissa Kristufek ...

Sew spooky
Sheboygan Press Wed, 28 Oct 2009
TOWN OF RUSSELL Its quite possibly the most unlikely location imaginable for a Halloween costume shop

Kriebel makes it sew simple to raise a Smile
Spring-Ford Reporter & Valley Item Fri, 30 Oct 2009
When Violet Kriebel, a mother of five grown children, retired and widowed, lost her mother to cancer, she joined the Womenâs Civic Club of Schwenksville.

Magic buttons: Grandmother's collection -- and a family love of sewing -- inspires creativity
Memphis Commercial Appeal Mon, 02 Nov 2009
Many folks wouldn't know what to do with 2,000 buttons inherited from a grandmother. But Missy Ricketts, manager of Broom Corn Fabrics, had her own collection of piles of scraps and fabric remnants from her more than 18 years working at the store. To her, it seemed natural to combine them. For her mother, she made a bib apron decorated with a fabric flower accented in the center with a ...

Woman's chaos produces fabric gems
The Herald-Mail Mon, 02 Nov 2009
BOONSBORO To many people, the second floor of Judy Williamsons home would look like a mess, with sewing project supplies strewn about, and stored in tubs, baskets and plastic carts.

Santa's little helpers: GUM Park kids help with stockings for stuffing
Herald & Review Mon, 02 Nov 2009
DECATUR - Standing beside the work table, she still could just barely see over the sewing machine bed. But standing was the only way she could reach the foot controls to make the machine work and still guide the fabric being hemmed through a sewing machine.

Jenny T. Launches A Free 21 Day Sewing Challenge - Sew 3 Designer Christmas Stockings and Get Ready for the Holidays
PRWeb Wed, 04 Nov 2009
Jenny T. launched her new website, SewChristmasStockings.com where sewers of all levels can sign up for a 21 day sewing challenge. Visitors will receive free daily sewing lessons that guide them through sewing 3 original Christmas stockings - just in time for the holidays. Jenny T. makes sewing the Christmas stockings easy with online video and printable sewing patterns.

About Businesses:

Biz buzz: Sewtropolis
Southwest Journal Sun, 01 Nov 2009
Sewtropolis, a do-it-yourself sewing studio and fabric store, is opening Nov. 1 at 5 W. Diamond Lake Road. It will take the place of Auntie Emâs bookstore, which recently closed.

New Report Provides A Detailed Analysis Of The Fabric, Craft & Sewing Supplies Stores Market In The US
OfficialWire Tue, 03 Nov 2009
This is the replacement for the April 2009 edition of Fabric, Craft & Sewing Supplies Stores in the US report.

Giving Back:

Merced student's love of sewing helps patients
Merced Sun-Star Fri, 30 Oct 2009
Mariah Contreras has been able to sew "ever since I learned how to walk and talk," the 17-

 Marathon project creates quilts for kids
The Yuma Sun Fri, 30 Oct 2009
The Linus Project held its second marathon sewing session at Dancemakers Studio this week, working on quilts to ease the pain of children under duress.

Women sew quilts for homeless Hoosiers
WISH-TV Indianapolis Fri, 30 Oct 2009
The number of homeless families grew by 78 percent from January of last year to this year. That startling report was released by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention. Read more at www.WISHTV.com

Cowley knitters are sew generous
This is Oxfordshire Sun, 01 Nov 2009
A GROUP of women have stitched hundreds of hats, scarves and gloves to keep foreign children warm this Christmas.

Be a doll - sew for Santa
Tri-County Citizen Mon, 02 Nov 2009
By Jeanne Marcello Staff Reporter MONTROSE - Volunteers are needed to make dolls and doll clothes for Santaâs Toy Store in Montrose. Christmas is about eight weeks away and many Montrose families are having a very tough year. Volunteers can use their skills to assist making a variety of toys to help Santa Claus fill the need in the Montrose area this year. read more

'Covering' the bases
The Hawk Eye Tue, 03 Nov 2009
Marge Mehmken is trading in her bowling ball for a sewing needle, at least part-time. Mehmken, a regular Tuesday and Friday Senior League bowler, has been creating quilts for the local Hospice House. Since Oct. 2008, Mehmken has made 120 quilts for the organization.

Sew and Sews group stitches together colorful comforters for people in need in three Appalachian communities
Quincy Herald-Whig Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:55 AM PST
KINDERHOOK, Ill. Annabel Blackorby lined up her rotary cutter and sliced colorful fabric into strips. The small pieces of fabric will have a big impact on people Blackorby likely will never meet but still wants to help.

A Different Kind of Sewing News

Secretaries asked to darn bosses' trousers survey shows
Daily Telegraph Tue, 03 Nov 2009
Secretaries are bullied undervalued and asked by their boss to perform inappropriate tasks such as sewing up a trouser seam walking a dog or helping with a child's homework according to new research.

Until next time,

Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,

Cindy

Week in Review 11/01/2009

Last week at Learn 2 Sew started out with full classes and ended with a few people coming to class yesterday on Halloween. A lot of fun things have been cut out ready to start the sewing process while others are almost or halfway finished.

3 people attended the machine class.
7 people attended the cutting class to cut 2 aprons, 2 blouses, 2 skirts and a toddler dress.
17 people attended sewing class learning how to sew their projects making dresses, pj pants, skirt, tote bag, blouses, kids clothing, table clothes and a quilt.

It was a very busy week. So busy I never took pictures. The only pictures that were taken was for the Project Runway Contest. You'll have to check back Friday to see the entries to the contest.

Some of the knowledge passed around this week was - it's very important to pick easy fabric to work with for your first project. Sometimes the "pretty" fabric isn't so easy to sew and requires a lot of patience and time to cut, pin, sew and press. Very lightweight and slippery fabric is very hard to work with for your first sewing project. Stretchy fabric is also hard to work with the first time at the sewing machine. There's a lot of knowledge to be absorbed and when you're at the starting line you want to make it as easy on yourself as you can. The longer it takes a new student to sew something the less techniques are being taught. Try to learn technique first working with easy fabric. This is something I try to instill in my students when they attend the machine class.

Others students came to class with their second project already cut and ready to sew. There isn't a whole lot to know about the cutting process and should only take a couple of times of cutting a pattern to do it on your own. If you possess the cutting knowledge its best to cut your project out at home before you co me to class to save time. I like when I can pass on more information than to watch someone do something they already know how to do.

Next weeks classes:
Sewing Wed 11am-1pm
Sewing Wed 6-8pm
Sewing Thurs 10am-2pm
Cutting Thurs 6-8pm
Machine Fri 10am-12noon
Sewing Fri 1-3pm
Cutting Sat 10am-12noon
Sewing Sat 1-5pm
Call to reserve your seats or enroll online.

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So I don't have any sewing pictures of the week to show but I do have some pictures of my kids before they went out for a few hours of Trick-or-Treating. The first picture is so funny, she has an angry look and he looks goofy. Click on the picture to see a bigger view.


The second picture was a little better.




The more pictures week took the better the look on her face. This was the third picture.




Then she got goofy :)

Living in South Florida everything stays green this time of year. We don't have seasons. There was a breeze last night but it was still hot. We've been in the 90's lately. I'm ready for the cooler months to arrive.

I hope everyone remembered to turn their clocks back last night. I am so happy about the change. It was getting hard to get the kids up for school with it dark outside.

Don't forget to check back on Friday to pick who you think should win my Project Runway Contest.

Until next time,
Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,
Cindy