Sewing Over The Wire...

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

Project Runway:

Project Runway contestant visits Stephens
Columbia Missourian Fri, 28 Aug 2009
COLUMBIA Qristyl Frazier spent many nights in the Stephens College fashion lab until 2, 3, sometimes 4 a.m. working on her senior collection. She would turn down opportunities to go to parties for a chance to sew just a few more stitches. Now, one of 14 remaining contestants on Lifetime Television’s hit show Project Runway , she returned to Stephens Thursday night to celebrate her ...

About People:

August meeting of the Holmes Valley Quilters
Chipley Bugle Mon, 24 Aug 2009
When they gathered for their August meeting members of the Holmes Valley Quilters Guild shared projects they have been working on for the past month during Sew-N-Tell.

Volunteer's stitch of compassion
Kern Valley Sun Tue, 25 Aug 2009
Laurie Reese Special to the Sun Christy Hall is no ordinary stay-at-home-mom. She knows how to pinch a dollar out of a penny. If she’s not lovingly mothering her six-year-old son, Nathan, or bringing her British husband, Richard a cuppa tea, you’ll find her sewing at her kitchen table, combing through a thrift store or online at Freecycle.org. (Freecycle is an organization that tries to keep ...

Nothing so-so about her sewing
YorkRegion.com News | Whitchurch-Stouffville Wed, 26 Aug 2009
Priscilla Marr almost flunked home economics in high school because her teacher didn't believe she could sew well enough to create the body suit she handed in as her year-end project. The teacher even accused the youngster of having her mother make it.

Craft enrichment program offers arts outlet to students and community
The Appalachian Thu, 27 Aug 2009
by KATIE WATSON Intern Lifestyles Reporter From ceramics to sewing, jewelry-making to photography, participants in the Craft Enrichment Program are offered a...

Sewing comes in handy for Vancouver teen, mirroring a wider return to the skill
The Oregonian Thu, 27 Aug 2009
A new generation is re-adopting a skill that practically all girls knew once upon a time.

Stitches in time
The Kings County Register Fri, 28 Aug 2009
BY JENNIFER HOEGG jhoegg@kentvilleadvertiser.ca NovaNewsNow.com Hand-stitched buttonholes, lovely linens and reproduction fabrics have all been part of the ?Dress like a Planter? summer sewing circle at Wolfville's Randall House Museum. Since June, participants from as far away as Halifax have gathered Thursday mornings to create 18th century costumes...

Making wishes come true, one stitch at a time
Kingston Reporter Fri, 28 Aug 2009
When Michelle Mantega’s husband bought her a sewing machine a few years ago, she never thought she’d go into the design business.

Woman makes designer drapes
The Topeka Capital-Journal Sun, 30 Aug 2009
ROBINSON -- Barbara Mueller didn't like her high school home economics class, particularly assignments involving sewing. She hated sewing so much that she wouldn't even thread the sewing machine and made a classmate do the task for her.

About Businesses:

Jo-Ann sewing up some bigger sales
Akron Beacon Journal Thu, 27 Aug 2009
Hudson retailer reports loss of $3.2 million for quarter, but expects earnings will rise to $1.35 to $1.50 per share for fiscal year after exceeding forecasts

Events:

Fashion show slated at the Forge in Wbg.
Woodbridge Sentinel Tue, 25 Aug 2009
The N.J. Chapter of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals will present its 2009 Fashion Spectacular from noon to 4 p.m. at the Forge on Route 9 in Woodbridge. Custom designs of the ASDP chapter members represent a variety of specialties, from career clothing to bridal attire. Admission is $50 and includes a buffet lunch and musical offerings.

AutumnFest quilt show expanding this year
Huron Daily Tribune Thu, 27 Aug 2009
ELKTON â When people attend the annual Elkton Autumn Fest quilt show this year, they’ll be pleasantly surprised that it’s sew big.

Giving Back:

Sewing program requires instructors
Comox Valley Record Tue, 25 Aug 2009
Special Needs Recreation is looking for volunteers to help in its sewing program for people with mental handicaps.

Gifford youth center seeks donations of sewing machines for its classes
Press Journal Thu, 27 Aug 2009
The Gifford Youth Activity Center is in need of sewing machines, center officials said in a news release.

Sleep tight, soldier
Hungry Horse News Wed, 26 Aug 2009
Martin City woman and friends sew pillowcases for troops

Economy Hurts Art Department At Foothill High School
KERO 23 Bakersfield Thu, 27 Aug 2009
Tracie Gonzales of the International Bachelorette Art class at Foothill High School said they are in need of sewing machines for their program.

New Products:

Juki to Launch "Exceed" Series of Household Sewing Machines
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 27 Aug 2009
TOKYO----Juki Corporation , the global leader in industrial sewing machines, is pleased to announce that it will release the Exceed Series of home sewing machines from September. The Exceed Series is the result of a fundamental review of core "sewing" functions and uses JUKI’s market-proven technologies used in JUKI’s industrial sewing machines, the industry leader in international markets.

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

Week in Review

Last week was a different kind of week with the kids going back to school. Miami Dade and Broward county both started on the same day. My kids are now attending two different schools which start and end at different times. It takes me an extra hour to get both off to school and the pick up... let me just say I'm burning a lot of gas in the pickup line (and you know me, I hate helping the oil companies make any profit). An extra hour and half to pick up in the afternoon. So it looks like somethings going to get pushed off my plate (let's hope its not the exercise routine I started) since there is only so much time in the day. Either that or I really have to have great time management and move a little faster.

What happened at sewing class this week? Lots of great things. We had the same group of people attend Monday and Wednesday class. We had a lot of fun sewing a couple of dresses, a really lightweight knit blouse and a blanket made out of t-shirts. In the cutting class we cut out a dress, handbag, pants, toddler dress and a cute little skirt. Saturday the students worked on sewing a jacket, handbag, that cute little skirt and the toddler dress. One of my students brought in her new baby lock serger. You know how much I love playing with new machines! I need a new serger. Mine broke last week and I'm just tired of fixing it. I'm looking for a used one on craigslist. or ebay.

Since a lot of people don't like their names online - I withhold all names :) But pictures we can do....
I've had 3 people bring in the same dress pattern to make in the past month. No one has used the same fabric (that's only happened one time. two different people bringing in the same pattern and fabric) I really need to write down pattern numbers. Heck, I'm not even sure what company it's from. I'll find out when she comes back from Paris next week. She made the dress to take with her. I loved the print she used. She wasn't finished installing the zipper before class ended Wednesday. I hope she was able to finish it herself before her trip.


One of my students who started school this week herself because she's a teacher runs a lot. Or shall I say she runs in a lot of marathons and has tons of t-shirts. For her first project she decided to make a blanket. She knew what she wanted to do because she had a book. We just had to follow their cutting directions (because this is the hardest thing about making blankets, making sure everything is cut right). She's done very well putting everything together. One thing about sewing quilts is you make a lot of the same seams. So once she got her rhythm down the blanket was put together. The only thing needed now is the batting and backing with the edge binding. A few more things to teach in this project.

Last but not least is the wedding dress. Her BIL is getting married. She was allowed to get any dress she wanted as long as it was blue or purple. She thought about getting the dress made then had another thought of using the money to take sewing lessons to learn herself. She's only going to wear this dress one time. It's a big project to do for a first time learning but I have to tell you how proud I am of this student. She is calm cool and has no problems with the instructions given to her. She understands not to have high expectations and has brought her perfection level down a notch. There's a few things we have to work out like the zipper pulling in the back from the liner and the length needs to come up a bit. But the dress is coming out beautiful. She is coming in Monday to finish it. And we have to be done because she's leaving on Wednesday to go to the wedding. This will also be entered in the project runway contest.

Speaking about Project Runway...whatcha think? I am just loving having it back on again. The feel of the show is the same. I think the people they kicked off the first two weeks should have gone and next week we all know who's going. If you sew at all you can tell who has it and who doesn't. And let me just say Mitchell just doesn't have it when it comes to sewing. He might know a few things and would be ok sewing at home but he shouldn't be on Project Runway. I loved who won this week. How cute was her dress? When your that pregnant you want to feel special. I would feel so special in the winning dress and jacket. Now that's a winner!

One last thing I've decided this week. We have suffered through a very hot summer and the place I moved to in December does not have the a/c to keep up with the heat. I'm tired of sweating while I teach you to sew. I know some students don't feel the heat and a few that are just like I - sweating. For this reason I'll be looking for a new location when my lease expires. I just wanted to start giving people the heads up I'll be moving again in the next few months. I just don't want to go through another summer like the last. I'm too old :) And really I pay good money to rent the space and should have to be hot all the time.

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

UPDATED: 5 years ago today - Today Uncle Teddy Passes

This post isn't about sewing. It's about Alex.

Hi Alex,

I'm here again to remember you. It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since your short life ended in Iraq. You would be 25 years old now if you were still here with us. A lot has happened in 5 years. One thing that hasn't changed is your friends are still in Iraq. We're trying hard to bring everyone home but in 5 years nothing really has changed.

One thing that did happen the past year was your father voting for the President of the US for the first time in his life. I can't tell you how proud he was placing his vote, thinking of you while he did it.

I haven't been able to talk to your parents in a few months. We've both found ourselves in hard economic times and it seams like we spend all of our time chasing the all mighty dollar just to keep a roof over our heads. Melida did give me some great advice on some people who could help us and I'm so thankful to her because when I thought all was lost her contact came through for us. Things are going to be OK now that we have a President who cares about us a little bit more than the last one.

The Christmas holidays were a little easier on your parents this year. It was the first time since you left them they felt like celebrating a little. But it's still hard for them not having your presence around them. The years have passed but you are missed so much by your family. You knew this though from the first letter you wrote home. You were worried about your family. I think your family was a big factor in the decisions you made in life. You love them so much!

Mom & Dad,
Today is Sunday, January 19, 2003. I've been out at sea for three days now and I'm starting to feel better. The first two days I was completely sick from seasickness and some virus. So far everyday I come outside the skin of the ship and write letters, whale watch, (which isn't that great cause I haven't seen any but there are plenty of dolphins that swim along side the ship), watch the horizon and sunset, etc. This seams so unreal to me. I've never seen water this BLUE before, I've never looked 360 degrees around me and seen nothing but water, clouds, the sun and a Fleet of Battleships surrounding me. Tomorrow is one of my many , many training days on ship to prepare me for my mission. I will also be training a short time in Kuwait. This is hard for me to comprehend. It seems like my whole life changed in an instant. Yesterday I was in a classroom learning about trigonometry and history. I graduated, went to boot camp, went to school, graduated as a GRUNT. I was sent across the country to train. Now I'm being sent across the world to fight. Today I am in a classroom learning about Tactical Urban Combat and Nuclear, Biological and chemical warfare. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on my way to experience 1st hand what I am learning about. I am not afraid of dying. I am more afraid of what will happen to all the ones that I love if something happens to me. Soon enough I will be in the desert, outside in the city of Bagdad, in full combat gear, ready to carry out my mission. Wondering how this all happened so fast, Wishing I was back home going to school, dating Shelia, taking care of my family. Although I think this way now I am almost certain that if I didn't walk this path I would be wondering to myself "why didn't I make the other decision. Why didn't I walk the path of a proud warrior, a marine." Just because I wonder "what if" doesn't mean I'm not proud, it doesn't mean I feel like I made the wrong decision. It doesn't mean I have any regrets. I'm still proud to be fighting for mycountry. I feel like, If I'm not helping one way I should still do all that I can to help (OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM). I'm on a time back now. I need to send this letter in the next hour for it to get to you by Tuesday or Wednesday. I love you both very much and I wish I could keep writing but I got to go. LOVE YOU. PFC ARREDONDO/ UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

A note to Brian his brother:

WHATS UP BRIAN, I feel so lucky to be blessed with the chance to defend my country 6 months after I joined the military. Some Marines have been in for over 20 years and still haven't seen combat. I'm also lucky to have such a wonderful family. I know how much you love me and support me and that keeps me going along with a few other things. Is Jeanette babysitting for Mom? LOVE YOU BROTHER Your Big Brother - Private First Class Arredondo USMC

Not having you around has been hard on your friends too. So many of them have left you messages. They remember your smile, your laughter and how wonderful you were to be around. You helped so many people without even know it. You still live with so many of us today. This day will not pass without you being in many of our thoughts, our prayers.

I think today is the hardest for your dad because today is his birthday too. It's hard to celebrate without you knowing this is the day you left them. I think his choice is to celebrate knowing what a precious gift life is. So I will say it for you, Happy Birthday Dad, because you don't have the breath to.

I know you know this and I don't have to say it. You're with me often. I think of you all the time, your laugh, your smile. You were a good kid Alex. Full of life and love for others.. You have given me so much. Thank you for being who you were. Teaching us lessons even today.

You are special!
You are missed!

Last Picture of Alex

RIP ALEX!

With much love,
Cindy

The Alexander Arredondo Memorial Scholarship Fund
Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Joseph A. Ciccolo, Superintendent-Director

Please send donations to:
Blue Hills Regional Technical School
800 Randolph Street
Canton, MA 02021
Attn: Arredondo Scholarship Fund
Telephone (781) 828-5800
Email: bluehills@bluehills.org

UPDATED: Friday 08/28/09 From Melida on the passing of Ted Kennedy

http://cnettv.cnet.com/crowd-bids-farwell-kennedy/9742-1_53-50076251.html

Carlos had put in his application in 2002. On 10/15/2006, Carlos spoke to the Senator re: the delays in his citizenship. A law had been passed in 2004 that family members of those killed in combat were to be prioritized in getting citizenship. On 12/12/2006, Carlos became a citizen.

That is only one of our Kennedy stories. We both met him several times.

Thank you Senator Kennedy - You've passed the torch, and we humbly accept. M

Sewing Over The Wire...

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

Project Runway:

Cleared for takeoff
Cape Cod Times Sat, 15 Aug 2009
NEW YORK â Let the sew-off begin: After a massive delay, "Project Runway" is revealing its new batch of aspiring fashion designers.

Kidman on Project Runway
Straits Times Wed, 19 Aug 2009
NEW YORK - ACTRESS Nicole Kidman is to appear on Project Runway: All Star Challenge, said entertainment media on Wednesday. The Hollywood actress will make a guest appearance on a "design special" episode of the US reality show to set the contestants one of their sewing tasks.

They're Sew In: Top 9 Project Runway Challenges
E! Online Thu, 20 Aug 2009
It's finally time to make it work! Project Runway is back. We can't wait to see what Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn have in store for us in season six. Just thinking about it gives us...

They're Sew In: Top 9 Project Runway Challenges
E! Online Thu, 20 Aug 2009
It's finally time to make it work! Project Runway is back. We can't wait to see what Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn have in store for us in season six. Just thinking about it gives us...

'Project Runway' makes a 3-piece debut on a new channel
New Orleans Times-Picayune Thu, 20 Aug 2009
Sew and Tell: Aspiring fashion designers who participate as contestants on this show do more than pose and pout

About People:

Touring quilts display coming home to Cupar
Fife Today Sun, 16 Aug 2009
MEMBERS of a Cupar sewing club say they are astounded by the success of their Scottish-themed quilts

Store pairs therapy with a passion for fashion
Denver Post Tue, 18 Aug 2009
Hunched over a Bernina sewing machine, Josh Heinel helps a young student stitch a hemline. The 22-year-old stands out in this space and not just because he's the only guy.

Sew revved up
Honolulu Star-Bulletin Thu, 20 Aug 2009
Optimists would have people believing economic recovery is just around the corner, but rather than wait around, more people are taking matters into their own hands. That is, learning the techniques to create clothing and some basic household goods.

Book sewing intensive, but different designs
Penn State Collegian Fri, 21 Aug 2009
For those students who wish to enroll in a last-minute course in sewing and design, perhaps the course of action this semester might lead you outside of the classroom.

Success in the bag
The Columbus Dispatch Sat, 22 Aug 2009
Hunched over an industrial sewing machine, Eve Warnock carefully closes a seam on a large square of black synthetic canvas, then snips the ends of the threads -- letting the falling fragments build a pile at her feet.

Sewing hobby becomes big business for Searcy woman
Pine Bluff Commercial Sat, 22 Aug 2009
Kelly Mackey of Searcy leaned over her dining room table and ran a pair of noisy Black and Decker electric scissors around a homemade pattern, cutting a piece of cloth that will become the front of a child's dress.

Economy Related:

Tesco sells two sewing machines a minute
u.tv Sat, 15 Aug 2009
The rise of SIY â sew-it-yourself â has hit a new high. Tesco sold two sewing machines a minute last week, an increase of 198% on this time last year. The recession has led to a surge in people taking up sewing and knitting.

Events:

Sew much to see at quilt exhibition
Hampshire Chronicle Sun, 16 Aug 2009
VISITORS have been admiring the efforts of the Wessex Quiltmakers in Winchester.

The San Diego community college district offers free classes
KUSI News San Diego Mon, 17 Aug 2009
It may be the best freebie in town. The San Diego community-college district continues to offer San Diegans a free education in everything from accounting to sewing.. and fashion.

Fabric and sewing machine trade-in charity event at Fabricland in North Plainfield September 4, 5
The Somerset Reporter Tue, 18 Aug 2009
Fabricland NORTH PLAINFIELD -- Fabricland of North Plainfield will hold its annual "Fabric and Sewing Machine Trade-In" event at the store located at 855 Route 22 West at Wilson Avenue on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5. Bring in...

Giving Back:

Local volunteers sew stocking for soldiers
The Pekin Daily Times Mon, 17 Aug 2009
It may still be summer time, but Santaâs helpers in central Illinois are working to ensure that American soldiers abroad are remembered this holiday season. Locally, several women are applying their time and sewing skills to Operation Santa, a Peoria-based effort to provide thousands of deployed soldiers with filled Christmas stockings from the home front.

Sleep tight, soldier
Hungry Horse News Wed, 19 Aug 2009
Martin City woman and friends sew pillowcases for troops

Letts ladies are real sew and sews
Muscatine Journal Wed, 19 Aug 2009
LETTS, Iowa â When disaster strikes, just knowing someone cares can be a great comfort â so can a soft, handmade quilt that warms the body and soul.

Charity quilters meet goal - and then some
The Des Moines Register Mon, 24 Aug 2009
In a room off the main area of the Varied Industries Building, a dozen sewing machines whirred all afternoon Sunday, as they have every day of the fair.

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

Week in Review

After having to cancel my classes last week from being sick, I couldn't wait to get back to Learn 2 Sew to feed my passion. It was a busy week with most classes full. A full week of sewing and I still didn't get enough. I have a few projects I'm working on - just need more hours in the day. You now how it is.

As normal, I was so busy teaching and sewing I didn't think to pull the camera out until after everyone left. Some of the things sewn or in the process of being made this week were: A wedding gown, jacket, jeans, wrap dress for the beach, a couple of blouses, a few handbags and lots of alterations. In this economy a lot of people want to save money on fixing their own clothing. Lot's of hems were sewn this week.

A couple of pictures I did take....

And I promise I'll take pictures next week. The wedding gown is almost done and is coming out beautiful for a first project. Maybe I'll take a couple of video's too..

Today I had a woman drive from Port St. Lucie to enroll to my classes. This by far is the furthest anyone has driven to take my sewing classes. I'm amazed all the time how far people drive. Port St. Lucie is 2 hours one way. I'm in love with the passion people have to learn the art of sewing. My rewards are giving others my knowledge and watching what they do with it. It's wonderful what can be created with a little knowledge. And there are so many creative people out there.

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

Let's Play Project Runway - With Prizes

Announcing today:
Learn 2 Sew Project Runway Contest!

Do you want to play Project Runway? The winner will receive 20 hours of sewing classes at Learn 2 Sew.

Every entry will receive $5 off any class at L2S

If you want to play all you have to do is:
1) You must be a student at Learn 2 Sew. Anyone who has taken a class or will be taking a class at Learn 2 Sew may enter to win.
2) Sew a garment or two (you can enter as many as you want). You must sew them yourself. I'm going by the honor system on this. I will be able to tell if you had it professionally made.
3) Bring your project in to Learn 2 Sew to have pictures taken of your design. I will also inspect the garment to make sure it was made by you.
4) Describe the garment in writing. Tell me what kind of fabric you used, and a little bit about your project like what you like about it and what inspired you.

You can sew your project in class or at home.

The deadline to turn in your design is Thursday November 5.

All the designs will be posted on this blog and at the sewing center on November 6 when voting begins. Anyone can vote for your design. Voting ends when Project Runway season ends on Thursday November 19. The design with the most votes will win the prize of 20 hours of sewing class. Second place will win 10 hours of sewing class and third place wins 5 hours of sewing class.
One prize per person.

The winners will be announced on Friday November 20.

Let the sewing begin! Good Luck to everyone who wants to play!

Have a great time watching Project Runway tonight on Lifetime starting at 10pm. I'll be in front of the TV as soon as I get home from teaching to watch the All Star Challenge which starts at 8pm.

RULES

If you want to play all you have to do is:
1) You must be a student at Learn 2 Sew. Anyone who has taken a class or will be taking a class at Learn 2 Sew may enter to win.
2) Sew a garment or two (you can enter as many as you want). You must sew them yourself. I'm going by the honor system on this. I will be able to tell if you had it professionally made.
3) Bring your project in to Learn 2 Sew to have pictures taken of your design. I will also inspect the garment to make sure it was made by you.
4) Describe the garment in writing. Tell me what kind of fabric you used and a little bit about your project like what you like about it and what inspired you.
You can sew your project in class or at home.
The deadline to turn in your design is Thursday November 5.
All the designs will be posted on Learn 2 Sew Florida blog and at the sewing center on November 6 when voting begins. Anyone can vote for your design only one time but can vote one time for as many entries as wanted. Voting will end when Project Runway season ends on Thursday November 19. The design with the most votes will win the prize of 20 hours of sewing class. Second place will win 10 hours of sewing class and third place wins 5 hours of sewing class.
One prize per person. - The winners will be announced on Friday November 20.

ALL ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE $5 OFF ANY SEWING CLASS AT LEARN 2 SEW
Until next time.
Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,
Cindy

The Basic Order to Sew Clothes

No matter what you sew there’s an order to sewing basic clothing. From a blouse, vest, jacket or shorts, pants and skirts the order that we sew our seams are the same. If you know the basic order of sewing and follow that order every time you sew you will understand the concept of sewing that much better and will be able to produce more sewing projects.

1) The very first thing most pattern instructions start with is something called a “staystitch”.
From about.com - (because none of the links to simplicity's website are working)

Definition: Stay stitching is a single line of stitching, through one layer of fabric, to stabilize the fabric, preventing it from becoming stretched or distorted. Stay stitching is usually called for on the edge of a piece of fabric that has a bias cut to it which would allow the fabric to easily become distorted.

Although it may seem like a step you can eliminate, if pattern directions call for stay stitching, do the stay stitching! It eliminates problems later in having collars, facing and other pieces of the pattern fit together.
Examples: The cut edge of the neckline is cut on the bias but the collar is on the straight grain so I will stay stitch the neckline which will allow the collar to fit properly.

Basically the staystitch helps the fabric “stay” in place. The question a lot of seasoned sewers ask is “do you staystitch?” Some people do it all the time. Other people only do it when they are working with stretchy fabric to help the fabric stay in place.

2) When making any clothing, we always start with the front top pieces first which usually means you sew your darts. If you have anything happening at the top you start there and work your way down to the bottom front.

3) After you sew the front you go the back next just the same way you did the front. Starting at the top back and working your way down. If it's all one piece and there's nothing to add to the top or bottom you don't need to do anything.

4) Ok, now you have your front and back made. The next step is to sew them together at the shoulder seam if your making a vest, blouse or jacket.

5) Once you have the shoulders done you move on to the neckline by either adding a facing (Fabric sewn on the raw edge of a garment piece that is turned under and serves as a finish for the edge as well). to finish it, bias tape (Strips of fabric cut on the bias, often turned under and pressed, and used for bindings, facings, or other application where there is a need for stretch or accomodation to curves.) or maybe just folding two small folds of the fabric around the neckline and sew it down to hide the raw edge of the fabric. You can also install a collar.

6) The next step is to install the sleeves if there’s any or doing the same thing you did to the neckline by using a facing, bias binding or folding the edges. There are a couple of different ways to install a sleeve that I can show you in class. Depending on what step you choose will determine when you sew your side seams together.

7) The last step to sewing any clothing is to hem (Fabric that it turned up on the lower edge of a garment or sleeve to provide a finished edge. Often extra fabric is left in the hem with children's clothing to allow for growth - especially skirts and slacks).

The same basic steps apply to sewing shorts, pants and skirts. You start off with the front top and work your way down. Then go to the back top and work your way down. Then sew the side seams together. Finish off your waistline and your hem.

When you start doing a lot of patterns you notice the order of sewing. This is why common sense comes in handy when learning the art of sewing.

I hope this helps the new people who are starting their adventures in sewing. There is alot to know about sewing but when you learn it in baby steps things start making more sense to you and like I said in the beginning - the more sewing you can accomplish.

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

Sewing Over The Wire...

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading.... (and thanks Carolyn - I'm glad you like reading this series as much as I like bringing it to you.)

Project Runway:

The wait is finally over!
Louisville Courier-Journal Sat, 15 Aug 2009
It's time to fire up those sewing machines and witness fashion designers going needle to needle in an attempt to become the next top fashion designer on "Project Runway." The season premiere of the popular reality show is just five days away.

About People:

No fluke for designer Fluck
Stock & Land Mon, 10 Aug 2009
YOUNG designer Aaron Fluck couldn't sew before he met seamstress Shirley Weaver about three years ago.

Gawker Wed, 12 Aug 2009
[Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley lures the next generation of girls to the dream-crushing fashion industry while teaching a sewing class at the New York Public Library. Image via Getty]

Sewing making a comeback in tough economic times

ABC 4 Salt Lake City Thu, 13 Aug 2009
SANDY, Utah (ABC4 News) - Some say it's a lost art, but sewing is making a comeback in these tough economic times. Just who is learning to sew may surprise...

Iowa State Fair sew-in makes quilts for kids
The Des Moines Register Thu, 13 Aug 2009
What a stitch: Des Moines quilters have found a way to teach others about the art they love, while making beautiful gifts for kids in need.

Liberty appeals to `artisanal' label
Toronto Star Thu, 13 Aug 2009
For the fall 2009 edition of their Mercy collection, designers Jennifer Halchuk and Richard Lyle decided that nothing would do but leather buttons hand-dyed and hand-finished. Halchuk would sew them on; Lyle would take care of tinting and polishing. To begin, he would burnish them against the thighs of his Japanese denim jeans. When he realized that he was going to have to do 900 buttons, he ...

Vintage dress patterns have value for collectors
The Indianapolis Star Fri, 14 Aug 2009
They're art. They're history. They're style. They are frustrating. They often have pieces missing. I'm just thinking up all the things to say about vintage dress patterns, which many women may have tucked away in sewing drawers.

Touring quilts display coming home to Cupar
Fife Today Sun, 16 Aug 2009
MEMBERS of a Cupar sewing club say they are astounded by the success of their Scottish-themed quilts.

About Businesses:

Juki to set up plant in India
Express India Thu, 13 Aug 2009
Japan's largest sewing machines maker Juki Corporation is planning to set up a manufacturing plant in India. With the domestic textiles industry operating on outdated machinery...

N.J. company moves in to use Eagle workers
The Standard-Times Thu, 13 Aug 2009
NEW BEDFORD A new defense subcontractor setting up shop in a North End mill plans to hire as many as 100 former Eagle stitchers to sew reusable military ammunition bags for Army troops.

Events:

Sew Happy Quilt Guild holds show
The Alliance Review Mon, 10 Aug 2009
Photo By Nick Poorbaugh/The Review A quilt featuring carnations was one of many on display at the Quilt Show at the Carnation City Mall on Saturday. Photo By Nick Poorbaugh/The Review Marta Bixler works on a quilt at the Carnation Quilt Show on Saturday.

Sew, sew nice
Business Examiner Wed, 12 Aug 2009
Saturday's seamlessly tranquil Over The Bridge Quilt Show offered what’s likely Canada’s largest outdoor art show.

Giving Back:

Women help children cope with traumatic times
Florence Morning News Tue, 11 Aug 2009
Four Hartsville women use their sewing skills to help children coping with difficult and traumatic times. The group donated more than 100 stuffed animals to the Durante Childrenâs Center that will open soon on West Carolina Avenue in Hartsville.

How To:

I have to say; this is the best tutorial I’ve seen come across the wire.

How to sew your own laptop sleeve
Ars Technica Tue, 11 Aug 2009
With more and more people toting around laptops and netbooks, the market for third-party notebook sleeves and cases has heated up. However, as many of us already know, those offerings can sometimes be hit or miss laptop sleeves can be ugly, expensive, or both. So why not show off how much of a unique snowflake you are by using something unconventional and creative? Making your own stuff has ...

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