Learn 2 Sew Florida Blog

L2S Project Runway Contest - VOTE NOW!

2012-01-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

I HAVE ANOTHER PROJECT RUNWAY CONTEST HAPPENING!

JUMP ON OVER TO MY WEBSITE AND PLACE YOUR VOTE NOW!

I know I didn't post much last year. Blame it on time. It's much easier for me to pass on info about L2S on Facebook. In 2010 I had 300 students come to my classes. 2011 added a few with 470 people wanting to learn the art of sewing. I am very busy teaching classes and raising my teenagers with no time to write blog post. SO - LIKE ME on Facebook!

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

Price increase in 2012

2011-11-11T08:10:00.001-05:00

The Rents Too High

Here we are finding ourselves close approaching the end of another year. How quick they pass. I've really enjoyed the past year at my new location but I've looked at what L2S brought in last year and there isn't much after the rent is paid.

Putting out the announcement ALL CLASSES WILL BE INCREASING IN PRICES COME 2012.
The new prices will be:
Machine Class $45
Cutting Class $35
Sewing Class $30
10hr Sewing $120
Package Deal of Classes $200

If you want to take advantage of my lower prices enroll before the new year.
Enroll at the studio: Enroll to any class or buy a gift certificate on these dates and times.
Monday 11am-1pm - Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19
Friday 7-8pm - Dec 2, Dec 9, Dec 16
Until next time,Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun,Cindy

My Sewing Videos on About.com

2011-07-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if I told my readers on here but back in April I did some videos for About.com.
And.... here.... they.... are!!!!!

Videos #15-19.

How to Follow a Dress Pattern

How to Sew an A-line Skirt

How to Sew an A-Line Dress

How to Sew Leg Warmers

How to Sew a Circle Scarf

I had tons of fun doing these. I plan on doing more. But, I want to make you laugh. No stuffy old lady vids. I want to mix a little of comedy in them too.

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

A look inside Photo Post

2011-05-13T21:07:00.000-04:00

I LOVE MY STUDENTS!!!! See you in class!

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

Project Runway Casting

2011-04-06T21:35:00.000-04:00

I was contacted today by the casting director of Project Runway looking for people to do Season 9.

I'm a casting director for Project Runway. We are seeking
fashion designers for our new season. If you have any
designers you'd like to recommend for the show, I'd love to
hear your thoughts. We get many submissions from fashion
designers in New York and Los Angeles, but we are very
interested in seeing points of view from designers all over the
country.

Submission information is on our website:
www.bunim-murray.com/prcasting

Please feel free to forward this email. Email with any
questions!

Thanks so much!

Jennifer Dickinson
Project Runway casting
jdickinson@bunim-murray.com

Anyone want to do it? I would if I didn't have the job of being Mom but.. that comes first before anything. I couldn't leave my kids to do a show as much as I want to. Maybe in the future.

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

Like L2S on Facebook - Save on your next class

2011-02-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Are you on Facebook? Like L2S NOW and get $5 off your next 2hr lesson

Leave a comment under the $5 off post. The next time you come to class and pay cash or check you will receive your discount.

Make it Work - MIA and Why

2011-02-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted anything on this blog. There was a time when I would post 3-4 times a week and now I'm having a hard time just getting one a month on here. I think I figured out why things haven't been working for me as far as doing the blog post and oh yeah, I haven't sent out a newsletter at all this year too.

So here's what hit me this week. Back in September I added 8hours of class time to the weekly schedule. Things have been hard with the kids needing this and that so I needed to work more. Except its killing me and I can't keep up with everything on my plate. Something has to give!

Since I can't take any hours away from when the kids I have to drop some teaching hours. I'm not going to be doing Thursday morning classes anymore. I hope this new found time will allow me to play catch up with running my business. The sewing part is so much more fun than the running the business part. We do things we like the most so the other stuff has been pushed aside. The one thing that comes first is me being mom to my kids. In a few years they aren't going to need me as much and I'll have more time to teach.

Since I have more people coming to my classes than read this blog I've kind of pushed this thing aside. There are so many things I want to share with my students as far as technique, where to find the good deals and just showcasing the students who fly with the art of sewing. Lets hope I can get better with doing the week in review because I know you all love seeing yourself at the sewing cave.

If there was one thing I would wish for it would be time. It's the only thing we all have the same. You can't get any more or any less. We all share the same 24hrs in each day and how we spend those 24hrs determines what kind of life we live. I'm trying to live mine with lots of smiles, love and peace. If things don't work you have to change to make them work. This is where you will find success in every aspect of your life. The end results is to enjoy all your moments!

Hope to be back here real soon to share more..... Lets see if my plan works :)

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

SEW Your Prom Gown - WIN 50K - 2011 Prom Contest at Joann.com

2011-01-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

STARTING TODAY!!! You have just as good of chance as any other! You can't win unless you try!
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS and LINKS!

Lets get started. Bring your drawings to class and we'll figure out how to bring it to life together with you sewing it during class!

Here's some of the details of the contest

Prize Details

$50,000 Grand Prize, $5,000 2nd Prize, and $2,500 3rd Prize.
Contest Instructions

Teens! Make Your Own Prom Outfit & Enter to Win!Own Your Look – Make your own prom outfit, including an accessory, with fabric and other products from Jo-Ann.Own Your Future – Enter to win cash for college, funds for your future, dollars for your dreams in the Jo-Ann Own Your Look 2011 Prom Contest.Winning entries are chosen for originality, level of detail and workmanship. Open to student ages 14-19. Void in Maryland and Vermont.Contest begins January 9, 2011 and ends June 15, 2011.ENTER ONLINE NOW >View the 2010 Prom Contest entries and winners hereStart your dress by shopping Joann.com for Special Occasion fabrics

Prize Eligibility
Only persons residing in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming who are between 14 and 19 years of age can enter.
Contest Starts
January 09, 2011 @ 12:01 am (EST)
Contest Ends
June 15, 2011 @ 11:59 pm (EDT)
Need more Details?
Read the Official Rules

LAST YEARS WINNER!!

PICK UP ALL YOUR THINGS NEEDED AT

AND LETS GET STARTED ON YOUR DESIGN TODAY!!!

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

What I've been sewing - New baby on the way

2011-01-07T07:45:00.000-05:00

My niece is having a baby girl. Raylee is due to arrive on the 24. She is naming her baby after her mom and dad. Dad's middle name is Ray and Moms is Lee. How cute is that?

In November I started sewing baby clothes. I made 8 outfits, blanket, a sling and something to carry the baby home in.

I used a lot of scrap fabric only 2 patterns that I kind of altered a little. I started with the little dresses in brown and pink and the cupcake and candy. Then used the same fabric to make a little jumper. Being a mom I added a lot of snaps in the inseam when they wanted me to make a seam for easy diaper changes. Yes, it took me forever to sew those dang snaps in everything!

I made this pattern myself using another pattern to get the size right for a little baby. I know how to patternmake but I don't do it that often because It's all been done before. I use other patterns to change things up. I made these little outfits reversible add snaps to the shoulders.

After I made these outfits I got a request to make a colts outfit to bring the baby home in. I bought a t-shirt but couldn't find one for a newborn so I did a center back seam. I did the same with the pants. Bought a pair and took them in at the side seams. I ordered the fabric from NFL.com and added it to the bottom of the shirt and pants. And since it's going to be freezing when she brings the baby home I made a little thing to bring the baby home in and used the extra Colts fabric to line it.

I've already posted this on the blog. I made a sling for her to carry the baby. Yeah, the peace signs are upside down! Even when you've been sewing forever you make mistakes. It was a late night when I made this so I wasn't using my brain too much and just wanted to get it done.

The last thing I made her was a blanket. She's been showing what she's been doing to the baby's room on facebook. I knew she was using pink and brown to decorate. But, yeah.. I don't like making quilts. I'm like to sew garments and you can tell. This didn't come out that great but she liked it anyway.

It was tons of fun to sew all of this for Casey and baby Raylee. I can't wait to see pictures with her wearing them.

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

2011 Start off Strong

2011-01-04T06:57:00.000-05:00

I have been such a slacker about doing this blog. I have so many good intentions but the hours and days roll past without anything getting posted on here. I use this blog to share what's going on at the girl cave and since I've been closed since before Christmas there hasn't been much going on. But now with the new year things have really picked up.

Classes are filling up with new students who just got their sewing machines for Christmas. It always happens this time of year. If you're looking to learn how to use your new sewing machine you better sign up quick because the next couple of classes are already full.

And the one post I've been wanting to put together, I have some great news about one of my students. Scott made it into Parsons! I want to show you all his beautiful things he made last year in class. And this is my reward, to see my students reach for the stars and grab one! Congratulations Scott! You're AMAZING!!!

More real soon, I promise!!!

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

14hrs of Sewing Class Special $135

2010-12-27T22:41:00.000-05:00

Have you had the desire to learn the art of sewing? Is it your New Years Resolution to learn to sew? Now's the time to sign up for lessons!

Learn how to use your sewing machine or one of mine, Learn how to cut your project of choice and learn to sew your projects and sewing techniques during 10 hours of sewing class (Package Deal). ALL FOR ONLY $135.00!! It's a great deal! 14hrs of class for less then $10 an hour.

Make your own schedule to fit your busy schedule.

Give yourself the gift of sewing for the new year. Sign up to the Package Deal TODAY!

This offer will end on December 31, 2010 at midnight so HURRY.

CLICK HERE TO SAVE!

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

The Best Gift Ever! The end of Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T09:26:00.001-05:00

Have you missed me? I sure have missed posting on here. I have so many good ideas for post but found myself with no time the past few weeks to post anything. So stay tuned this week for my sewing, students sewing and some really good news from one of my students! But first I want to give you this.

I don't know why we do this to ourselves but things have to be a certain way during the holidays. All the gift giving homemade and bought, the food, the decorating, the running around while doing all the other things that already have your plate overflowing. The past week I was a crazy person trying to make everything just so for my kids. I am so happy it's over! There are so many high expectations with many disappointments. The older the kids get the more money their presents which means there's only a couple of presents under the tree. And the more they want the store bought presents and not the hand made ones. I don't know why we teach our kids that this is the way it "has" to be during Christmas.

Last night, I sat and thought about how I spent my day with my family. I thought about my students because so many of them are important to me I care about them very much. And I thought about the people who've opened my door lately and their stories...... so many different stories. Many a year of fighting to stay alive. We're all so different as humans, our walk through life. So many wants and needs. There's one thing we all have the same though, Love. The desire to give and receive Love. It's our souls desire. It's what we've all been blessed with. The most precious gift you can give someone is love. The best gift you can give yourself is Love. Love for everything that fills your life.

But there's a better gift than love. Your gift is... you're alive! Life isn't easy sometimes. The hardest things in life to do are the most rewarding.... but... YOUR ALIVE, your heart is beating and you're breathing the air. The most precious gift ever is your life! Fill it with love, smiles and laughter as much as you can. Give yourself the best gift ever because it's something that no one can give to you but yourself. It's your choice to love yourself enough to give you what you desire the most... it's your path to walk... walk it with a heart filled with love....

And in the end, we all must do the same things. But while we're here it's your choice to rejoice in this precious gift called LIFE! I hope you open your gift and handle it with care because it's so delicate! Carry around peace inside yourself and others will see. Fill your heart with love for yourself and others.. pass on what is inside you and know... LIFE IS A PRECIOUS GIFT!

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

I Love You More.....

2010-12-12T08:48:00.001-05:00

The goodbyes were said for Elizabeth Edwards yesterday. Another soul full of love has left us. And as we look at how she lived her life she has much to teach us about love.

We all need to learn how precious life is and to fill it with as much love as possible before we must do what Elizabeth had to do, say goodbye to her children here to see her child on the other side.

Her daughter said yesterday the kids would always say to Elizabeth "I love you more!" Where Elizabeth would reply "No, I love you more!". The kids got to tell their mom yesterday they loved her more for the last time. I say this with my kids too. We argue back and forth who loves more but the bottom line is we are so filled with love for one another.

Elizabeth showed us how to live life with love a grace. We all have bad things that happen to us and it's our choice how we handle them. If we are going to embrace the bad things with love and grace or have it destroy our love. She filled herself with so much love she was able to make it through the bad things people did to her. We are all only responsible for ourselves. So fill yourself with grace and love and learn to love those who do bad things to you because in the end....

We should all Leave full of love.

"I've loved you in the best ways I've known how, All I ever really needed was you, your love, your presence, to make my life complete." - Elizabeth writing a letter to her children.

RIP ELIZABETH!!! We see you shinning from here!!!

Holiday Gift SEWING Class - Sunglass Holder, Makeup Bag - TOMORROW!!!

2010-12-06T08:13:00.000-05:00

Do you want make a very easy holiday gift?

Everyone uses SUNGLASSES! And if you don't wear makeup this little bag can be used for anything from carrying around your cell phone charger or anything small you don't want to go missing.

3 SEATS AVAILABLE $25 6:30-8:30pm ENROLL ONLINE. If you've already paid for sewing hours you can use two of them on this class.

All you need is 1/2 yard of any fabric (1/4 of two different fabrics if you want your liner to be different color) (lightweight cotton works best) 1/4 yard of lightweight quilters batting and a 7" zipper.

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

Week in Review - Slowing Down in December

2010-12-05T22:33:00.000-05:00

With Thanksgiving last weekend and December starting with the shopping season in full swing the classes were slow last week. Several reserved seats to classes but had to call and cancel either because of sickness (so many people are sick!) or because they just didn't have enough time to do all the things they needed to do to fit sewing into their schedule. Yes, life does have a way of getting in the way of letting us do the things we desire most.

A couple student pictures from the week.

The camera didn't make it out except for a couple of times during the week.

And a couple pictures of my sewing projects. I've been sewing things for my niece who is carrying around Raylee. Raylee will be arriving in January. I've had so much fun making a baby line of clothing for her and a few other things. After making a few baby clothes I was asked to make a Colts outfit to bring the baby home in. And since it's going to be cold when Ralylee get's here she needed something to keep her warm.
I have one more thing to make.. a blanket. Then I can mail it all off to Casey.

Yes, we all make mistakes. It was a late night of sewing and I didn't realize it until I took this picture but the peace signs are upside down. Boohoo. I'm so leaving it like that and the liner (pic above) can be the outside.

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

Week in Review - Taking a Break Photo Post

2010-11-28T09:46:00.000-05:00

Another look inside: Since I'm still taking a break I'm not going to write a blog post for the week because I've been closed since Wednesday for the Thanksgiving weekend. I've spent many hours at the cave sewing my own projects but I can't show them to you just yet! More to come. Enjoy the look inside!

Don't forget Wednesday I'm having a Holiday Gift Sewing Class starting with Tutu's and Capes for girls and boys. I'll post about this during the week.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!!!

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

SEW THANKFUL DISCOUNT - SAVE $20

2010-11-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

I'm very thankful for what I've been given. One is passing on my knowledge with all my students and seeing what they do with it. Because I am so thankful I'm offering a big discount. Save $15 when you enroll to the package deal of sewing classes.

MORE GREAT NEWS! I'm not only offering this discount for cash and check payments but I'm going to wave the $5 fee when using your charge card. This means you can enroll online and save $20!!!

Let me know what date you want to start since you make your own schedule.
SEE YOU IN CLASS!!

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

A look inside Learn 2 Sew

2010-11-17T08:06:00.001-05:00

A photo post... See you in class!!!!

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

FAMILY of BROTHERS

2010-11-11T17:18:00.000-05:00

Family of Brothers
They join for many reasons
education, looking for better, to runaway
starting off alone
becoming a family of brothers

Doing the evil things of our world
thing we can't imagine
soul killing things
things most can't do

kill or be killed
fear, brave, together
survival in numbers
the family

Family of brothers so tight
they return to the madness
when they don't have to
only to save, to help their brothers
who are in the madness we create.

We ask them to do things we can't do
and they do it freely...
sometimes protecting
misusing their brave service by the kings.

THANKFUL I am for the Family of Brothers
God how we mess up their souls,
May they walk and rest in some kind of peace!

Thanks to all our Vets!

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

Taking a Break

2010-11-07T07:49:00.000-05:00

I've decided not to put myself under pressure because I can't keep up with everything like writing blog post (I haven't written one since last week and usually I like to do a few a week) and getting out my November newsletter which isn't written yet. I've decided I don't HAVE to do them. When you feel like you HAVE to do things the pressure builds.

Since things have been so crazy for me lately and I need to slow down and enjoy life I've decided every few months I'm taking a few days to get away from everything. And that's what I'm doing the next few days. L2S will be closed until Thursday morning. Mommy needs a break or she's just going to go nuts. So, off I go to recharge my soul for a few days. I'll bb next week to do more post!

And FYI - if the fabric store freaks you out I'm doing a field trip to the fabric store on Friday at 7pm. Meet me either at the sewing studio or at Joann Fabrics 4700 Hollywood Blvd. There's a $10 fee for the field trip.

Have a great Sunday and see you in a few days!

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

Week in Review 10/31/10 - Ending October with Smiles

2010-10-31T10:47:00.000-04:00

Wow, I have to say we had a lot of fun in October at the studio. The last week flew by with new and old students enjoying the process of their sewing adventures. And tonight we get to dress up and go trick or treating. I have to say I'm surprised each year. I always think I will get a lot of people making Halloween costumes but I only get a couple of students wanting to sew for the holiday.

After tonight comes crunch time with Thanksgiving on its way and then Christmas/New Years. This year I'm going to do something a little different in a few sewing classes. I have some great gift ideas that can be made in a couple of hours. I'm going to be picking a few sewing classes and switching to gift sewing classes. Say tuned for the ideas and dates!

Now, Last week:

6 people attended the machine class. (and I have to tell you 4 ppl paid for the class and didn't show up- if this is you call me to reschedule. I'm surprised all the time how many pay for class and don't attend or call)

5 students came to cutting class with 3 ppl canceling to another date at the last minute

25 students attended sewing class with 6 ppl canceling or not showing up. (we all must be busy this time of year)

Friends Kathy and Luiza have been coming to class every Saturday for the past few weeks. Kathy has been coming to class for a while now on and off. I think these friends had a lot of fun together making these cute little dresses. They are both asymmetrical which you really cant see because their beautiful hair is hanging in the way. Kathy is wearing the green dress. It was from a Burda magazine pattern (which I so don't like tracing out burda patterns - it took us a whole class just to do that) And there was a mistake made with her dress. One side got with the wrong side and not right side so one side of the dress has the right side of the fabric and one has the wrong side of the fabric. Yes there mistakes in cutting that you can't recover from. This was Luiza's first sewing project. She used really hard fabric to work with but she used a lot of pins to hold the jersey fabric together. I can see both of them wearing these dresses together a lot! Good job girls. I can't wait to see you in class again and until then keep sewing at home. It's the only way you get better is to practice.

Kristen is well on her way to a fashion career. She wants to go to school for design. So many students want to attend design school I think its wonderful and a great goal many of them can achieve if they just keep putting their ideas on paper and making them come to life. This is 4th sewing project. She's cutting out her next pattern, a handbag. I'll see you Tuesday night Kristen to start sewing your bag!

Lina attend the same class with Kristen but I don't have a picture of her little dress she's making. She's almost done so we'll have pictures next week.

Elaina has been in a couple of times this week. She's been coming to class on and off for over a year now. She found this cute little skirt pattern online she wanted help with. She had everything cut but needed help with a few steps. I'll pictures for you the next time she comes in.

I haven't seen Denise since the summer. She makes beautiful bows and likes to do a little sewing on the side. She had one of her friends buy a pattern and fabric. McCalls 5678. She made view B. A baby sling. Its funny how you can tell personality by the fabric people choose. As she made this she was thinking to herself how she would use different fabric. It's all personal preference.

Ok, how sweet is this smile! Karen started the machine and cutting class with a couple of friends but can't find the time to hook up with them to attend the sewing class. She's come in a couple of times to make to some PJ's. Butterick 5434 View A and C (pants). She's finished the facing and installed her sleeves and side seams. There's not much to do to finish this then she can get started on her pants.

I just love when Christina comes to class. She knows how to make sewing fun and brings many smiles to people around her. She's been trying to get her daughter to sew with her for a long time. She came to class with mom last week and decided sewing was fun. So they hit the fabric store, bought some fabric which they had tons of fun doing and came to class together on Saturday. She's making a blanket for her first project. She will be back for a machine and cutting class with Christina attending too because she's never taken those classes. (and really there isn't much I teach Christina she knows so much about sewing already!)

David attended Friday's class to make more scrubs. He made one for a Halloween prop he's using as decorations. I didn't take a picture but he said he would get me one. He really wasn't happy with the pattern style he was using. He had another scrub shirt he wanted to make so I showed him how he can make a pattern out of it.

Mercy is sitting behind Christina. Check out her smile! She's caught the sewing bug! She's sewing a lot on her own and is making some beautiful things all on her own. She is almost done making a little red jacket. She needed help with the front and back facing and buttonholes. We had trouble doing the buttonholes on her machine. It's a very good machine, electronic Kenmore. This machine usually makes very pretty button holes but at the point where we wanted to start the hole the fabric was getting caught in the machine and because the fabric is linen she didn't want to pull the one buttonhole that got messed up out. She has a couple things to do like finish the hem and sew the buttons.

I love love love the way Anna sews! She really takes her time and thinks about the process that shes doing. She sews in the moment and takes all that sewing has to teach her. She sews things beautifully! I can't find any flaws in her sewing. She came to class this week with a dress she made at home. She wanted to know how to do a blindhem and decided she would hand sew the hem. Yeah, sometimes its hard to get some machines to make a blind hem. But once you set it up right and you hold the fabric right you can do a pretty stitch.. but it takes time to learn and do. She started her next project, a skirt. She's working on the pleats in this picture. She is so precise on getting everything perfect while taking her time! I wanna sew like Anna LOL!

And me, I'm still working on the baby clothes collection for my niece. The only thing I have left to do is sew on all the snaps. I didn't have much time this week to do my own sewing and found myself making a stitch here and there in between students. I have to have these done the next couple of days because next weekend is her baby shower. She lives out of state so I have to mail them off.

I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween. Make many smiles for yourself! I have no idea what were doing yet. I'm kind of done making plans for my kids on events like this. They can decide for themselves what they want to do. She has a costume already. He doesn't so if he wants to go out we're going to have to be creative and come up with something around the house.. just like the good old days when I was a kid. My parents never got me costumes. We always had to come up with something we had around the house. He say's he doesn't want to go trick or treating but I'm sure as soon as the day moves on he will want to go.

I have room in most classes next week. The only class that is full so far is Saturday 3-5pm.

SEE YOU IN CLASS

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!!

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

Christopher (youngest fashoin designer) On TV AGAIN!!!

2010-10-28T07:00:00.004-04:00

Ok so - Our little man Christopher made it on TV again.

Check out this great MSN video: Niño prodigio de 10 años

Check it out. I only speak English and can't understand what they are saying but.. There's a picture of Christopher and I at the old studio last year

I'M SO PROUD OF THIS KID AND HIS MOTHER FOR SUPPORTING HIS TALENTS!!!!!!

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

Fun Easy Sewing Project

2010-10-27T07:00:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting to make some shirts to work in at the sewing studio. You know, sewing related.

Since I'm always looking at the way things are put together I came across this guy in line at the grocery store who had a really cut design of a sail boat on his t-shirt. So, I decided to do the same thing with a sewing machine.

This is a very easy project. First draw a picture on some paper and transfer it to some fabric using tracing paper and wheel. I bought the shirt cause sometimes it just doesn't pay to sew. It was on the sale rack for $7. Since this was stretchy fabric I used the stretch stitch so they stitch line wouldn't break. Sewed down the lines I marked on the fabric. The fun part was cutting away the fabric after you sew it to the shirt only leaving the lines of the design.

I have other shapes and colors I want to work with. How cool would a peace sign look? Maybe a little LOVE behind the PEACE. Sweet!!

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

Sewing Over the Wire 10/26/10

2010-10-26T08:02:00.001-04:00

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

NEW TV SHOW

Sewing craze takes to airwaves
Denver Post Sat, 23 Oct 2010
Sewing is not rocket science.

ABOUT PEOPLE

Hobby survives on sew-cialization
Daily Sparks Tribune Tue, 19 Oct 2010
SPARKS The buttons on a jacket or a shirt hold the garment together, but it is people who hold together the hobby of button collecting. âItâs hard to sustain a hobby alone, said Gil Biggie, founder of the Western Regional Button Association (WRBA).

Aunt Norie's Sewing Room
The Tonganoxie Mirror Thu, 21 Oct 201
From a young mother: âI donât sew at all. I want the girls to learn to sew and theyâre anxious to learn. Iâm so proud of them I could bust â they are really trying,â adding âtheyâve begun with hand embroidery work, that embroidery thread is just impossible.

On the whole, fabric art pieces sensational
The Daily Sentinel Sat, 23 Oct 2010
Patchwork be darned; these women decided to make fabric art pieces from whole cloth. No cutting into small pieces,Â then sewing them together in the traditional methods of quilt making. These rotary cutting rebels, collectively known as the Art Quilt Association (AQuA), set a new standard for themselves with their latest exhibit, âSingular Sensations.

Quilters sewing up bags for Eagle Scout project
Colfax Record Thu, 21 Oct 201
Alta resident Caroline Gillies of Alta is spearheading a "Queens" project to help her grandson, Spencer Whisenand of Modesto, with his Eagle Scout project. Spencer, 13, has organized the

Cute as a button
Technician Mon, 18 Oct 2010
How a common button can become your favorite accessory. I used to work in a costume shop at a local theater company and after several fights with sewing machines, the costume designer finally said, "you do buttons."

ABOUT BUSINESS

âSew Many Kreationsâ merges business with a personal touch
Americus Times-Recorder Sat, 23 Oct 2010
Laurie Tylerâs âSew Many Kreationsâ is open for business in downtown Americus and is striving to meet local needs in furniture upholstery, sewing, monogramming and home decorating.

GIVING BACK

Sewing for a cause: Girl makes dresses for Haiti
Lancaster Online Mon, 18 Oct 2010
A singer was performing an emotional song at this summer's Creation music festival, as equally emotional video images of Haiti's earthquake played on the big screen behind him. And somewhere out in the crowd was 10-year-old Alexys Palmer of East Lampeter Township. Thinking, "that just makes me so ...

Sewing for service
Chipley Bugle Wed, 20 Oct 2010
Members of the newly formed Sew Crazy 4-H Club arenât just crazy about sewing for themselves; theyâre sewing with service learning in mind. Through participation in 4-H community service projects, youth are connected to their communities and learn to give back to others.

Church group donates bookbags to help kids learn to read
The Wilmington Star-News Sun, 24 Oct 2010
Volunteers from Wilmington-area Baptist churches are sewing bookbags and stuffing them with childrenâs books to distribute to youngsters who need them.

Sewing event to help young mothers - From the Poughkeepsie Journal
Poughkeepsie Journal Sun, 24 Oct 2010
Young mothers at the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie will be well supplied with bibs and blankets for their babies, thanks to a daylong event Saturday hosted by a sewing group at the Poughkeepsie Plaza Mall in the town.

Project Linus event turns out 542 blankets for ill, traumatized children
Herald & Review Thu, 21 Oct 2010
DECATUR - Making blankets in a gymnasium jammed with people,tables, sewing machines and fabric is a fall tradition for most ofthe 152 people who participated Thursday in Make A Blanket Day forProject Linus at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints.

NEW BOOKS

Some Excellent Quilt Books for Gardeners
BellaOnline Sun, 24 Oct 2010
Among the more popular garden crafts are quilting and sewing. There are many quilt books that feature garden quilt projects. Here are some recommended quilt titles for gardeners.

EVENTS

PFAFFÂ® Invites You to Sew Chic Techniques
Business Wire Mon, 25 Oct 2010
LAVERGNE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PFAFFÂ®, the leading global brand of premier sewing and embroidery machines, invites you to Sew Chic Techniques, a hands-on class that will teach you how to achieve todayâs most sophisticated trends.

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

Week in Review 10/24/10 - Before A New Week Begins!

2010-10-25T15:42:00.000-04:00

I better post a week in review for last week before a new week begins in a few hours at the studio. I'm late posting because I attended my 30th High School Reunion. I had TONS of fun seeing all the people I attend so many years of school together. Many smiling faces were had at the HardRock A fun place to visit if you're ever in SoFlo.

Many smiles were had last week at the sewing studio! I was able to make a few things with the machine too.

7 people attended the machine class to learn how to use the sewing machine.
No one attended the cutting class since they both were canceled this week
32 people attended sewing class making kids clothing, skirts, dresses, blouse, appliance cover, jump suite, Halloween costume, and Pj's. Yes, we make a lot of clothing in class!

The first student I would like to tell you about is Jackie. Check this out, She has a school called Learn 2 Ride where they teach people how to ride motorcycles. She came to class this week to sew the dress she cut out for her daughter (Simplicity It's So Easy 2432). She finished it in 4 hours. THEN, I get the best email from her:

Having had no experience with so much as a needle and thread I attended the machine and cutting classes last week, and today my first sewing class. Let me describe what I have been feeling for the past 8 hours since I left Learn 2 Sew this afternoon. There was disbelief that I actually MADE a dress for my toddler. Followed by a sense of accomplishment as I had my daughter try it on. And when she modeled it for daddy, there was an overwhelming sense of pride blended with self-confidence. Soon after, a sky high level of excitement had me dreaming up my next project, and when I came across a pattern which appeared to be a lot more difficult I found myself feeling empowered knowing I have you to guide me through whatever it is I want to sew. That inevitably sprouted to gratitude and a sincere appreciation for YOU. Thank you so much! I am now anxious and can't wait to come back :-)

This is my reward in teaching. To plant the sewing seed in someone so that they can find as much pleasure as it's brought to me in my life.. PRICELESS!!!! She's attending class tomorrow.

And then there's Mercy who is totally getting sewing too! She finished her blouse with some hand sewing to do around the bodice liner and hem the bottom with a hand sewing needle to give it that clean look. She started on her next project in class. I'm sure she will have many enjoyable hours of sewing in her future cause she has also caught the sewing bug.

I had many more people attend sewing class last week. I wish I had more time to share more about their project and find the PICTURES I TOOK OF THEM! but.. Many smiles were had with lots of sewing knowledge being absorbed.

I got to sew a few things too. I'm making baby clothes for my niece who's having a baby girl in January. I've basically used all scrap fabric. Baby clothes are SEW MUCH FUN TO MAKE!!! Fast and easy. I made the ones on the bottom reversible Casey, if you read this let me know because this totally blows the surprise!!! LOL. I'm going to be mailing all these outfits up to you soon. I have one more to make and a couple more pictures to take of the ones already finished.

See you in class!!!!

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

THE PROCESS

2010-10-21T07:00:00.002-04:00

An idea
fabric, pattern
thread, trim
buttons and zippers

Cut 1, cut 2
cut 1 on the fold
cut 2 on the fold
cut interfacing, liner

Mark fabric
darts, buttonholes
wrong sides of fabric
build habits
less thought process

Pinning
2 right sides
5/8" straight seams
length and width
needle size
machine sewing sweet!

Pressing
serging, finish seams
adding this and that
hand sewing to finish

Seeing the process
in the end
holding it up
stepping back, looking
i like this, don't like that.

Wearing yourself
seeing the looks
giving to others
knowing it was made

Always doing
always learning new
trying new
bringing many smiles all around

And then... there's more ... Fabric!!!
do it all over again and again and again....

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

Did you know?

2010-10-20T08:23:00.000-04:00

Did you know you can make your own Body Double Dress Form?

I touch on this subject a little in the cutting class. But did you know you can make your own body's dress form? This means you can make everything to fit without trying things on your own body to get that fit you're looking for.

I've done this for students in class before. I charge $90 to do this. Basically you bag and tape yourself, cut it off your body and stuff it.

Threads has an article to show you how to do it. I've never done it with this kind of tape before.

And there's many places to find it online how to do it yourself.

Me, I don't want to see this body shape :) I think I'll pass LOL.

See you in class!!!

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

Sewing Over the Wire - 10/18/10

2010-10-18T22:58:00.000-04:00

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

ABOUT PEOPLE
My Kids Lids provide warmth and cuteness
OnMilwaukee.com Mon, 18 Oct 2010
After receiving a sewing machine from her aunt in 2003, Milwaukee-based artist Katie Segel Liban founded a children's hat business the following year called My Kids Lids.

Hobby survives on sew-cialization
Daily Sparks Tribune Sat, 16 Oct 2010
SPARKS â The buttons on a jacket or a shirt hold the garment together, but it is people who hold together the hobby of button collecting. âItâs hard to sustain a hobby alone,â said Gil Biggie, founder of the Western Regional Button Association (WRBA).

Velma Quilters going strong for 20 years
The Duncan Banner Mon, 18 Oct 2010
Quilting, according to the members of the Velma Quilters, has become somewhat of a lost art. Sewing machines and pre-stitched fabric make the job easier, but for these women, itâs about the time invested in creating their functional pieces of art. âEverything we do is hand stitched,â member Laverne Ray said. âWe might use machine stitching some for the fabric part, but the quilting is all done ...

Teen draws inspiration from sewing, love of pets
Daily Local News Mon, 18 Oct 2010
UNIONVILLE â When 13-year-old Sara Jane Hunt is having a rough day in school, she likes to run home and hide downstairs.

Seamless transition for Oswego businesswoman
The Beacon News Thu, 14 Oct 2010
Dena Stratikis is in stitch heaven after opening up her own sewing shop on Auroraâs West Side. Itâs something that sheâs wanted to do for a long time. Stratikis, 56, has been sewing since she was 12 years old. Her sister taught her to sew, and she is eternally grateful.

She blends sewing, art in 'soft sculpture'
Lancaster Online Sun, 17 Oct 2010
Swans, zebras and a butterfly grace the walls of Gayle Gratz's Manheim Township home. But they are not photographs or paintings as one might suspect. Instead, they are an art form popularized in the 1960s called soft sculpture. Soft sculpture is a type of sculpture made using cloth, foam rubber, p...

Haitiâs garment industry hanging by a thread
Toronto Star Sat, 16 Oct 2010
Plan to expand industry hampered by poverty-level wages and a suspect business model. Is âcut-and-sewâ an economic salvation or worker hell?

ABOUT BUSINESS
Sewing lounge finds a following in Vancouver
Canada.com Sun, 17 Oct 2010
Once upon a time, DIY was an acronym for cheap, knitting was an activity for grandmothers, and sewing was the domain of ambitious homemakers. In recent years, the tide has turned.

Research and Markets: Updated Report: Men's and Boys' Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors Industry in the US and Its ...
Business Wire Fri, 15 Oct 2010
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a4720d/mens_and_boys_cu) has announced the addition of Supplier Relations US's new report "Men's and Boys' Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors Industry in the US and its International Trade [Q3 2010 Edition]" to their offering. This September publication of the "Men's and Boys' Cut ...

Evening Times
EveningTimes Online Wed, 13 Oct 2010
Customer Jon Ducarr sews a waistcoat. Pictures: Jamie Simpson A âsewing cafeâ in Paris has become a hip place to hang out and now Glasgow has its own.

The British Invade America Again (This Time, Through Fashion)
Fast Company Magazine Thu, 14 Oct 2010
Dark and Stormy: AllSaints imports its vintage aesthetic from Britain, deploying roughed-up wood and antiques in Boston, above, and an army of old sewing machines in L.A., below. | Photograph by Eric Levin/E.Levin Studios Courtesy of AllSaints Spitalfields The fashions at British clothier AllSaints may be distressed, but its aggressive U.S. expansion suggests plenty of optimism. To many foreign ...

HOW TO
: Use printed oil cloths to create fun totes
Detroit News Thu, 14 Oct 2010 22:47 PM PDT
The process of sewing is only half the fun for Connie Henslee of East Lansing. The other is shopping for fabric, especially the brightly colored, oil cloth prints she finds at specialty shops around town.

Sewing with Felt is Fun and Easy!
BellaOnline Thu, 14 Oct 2010
Felt is considered to be one of the oldest textiles known to man. Felt has changed a great deal over the last 10,000 years is currently a very popular medium with crafters today. Learn more about felt and try one of the free projects!

GIVING BACK
Sewers help with breast cancer
Northern Star Mon, 18 Oct 2010
âWE ALL know someone affected by breast cancer,â Casino woman Annette Mira-Bateman says. And that is the reason Mrs Mira-Bateman is calling on people who can sew to help her make special post-operative drainage bags during Breast Cancer Awareness Month , which is this month.

Pillowcase dresses
Bossier Press-Tribune Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:21 PM PDT
Simple sewing classes were taught in the months of August and September at the Martin Luther King Center in Bossier Parish.

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

Week in Review 10/17/10 - Trash to Treasure

2010-10-17T09:23:00.000-04:00

Fun fun fun at the studio this week!! Some really cute and creative things were made. And yes, I took pictures!!

First let me say I'm sorry there was no week in review last week. I just didn't have it in my to write one and the day was consumed at the car lots looking for a new car. I've decided I'm going to walk a little while longer. Buying a car is crazy and I'm just not ready to deal with it yet (or spend the kind of money they're asking)

With more sewing hours added to the schedule there have been more students attending because we now have a few days of 4 hour classes. Two hours pass quickly, 4 hours you can learn that much more.

6 people attended the machine class (Monday's machine class was canceled)

7 people attended the cutting classes

21 people came to sewing class only filling a couple of classes. I usually have seats available to the sewing classes.

Some of my students I'm in awe of their creativity. Randy is one of them. She surprises me all the time with her ideas. She started working on this skirt for a while having a vision and working through her idea. I thought she was crazy when I saw her pull out and old skirt and some boxer shorts underwear and a button down shirt. She started cutting, pinning and sewing. She likes using everything to recycle. I didn't help her too much on this project.... walking past looking at what she was doing giving her I guess looked like a crazy look because she would smile and say "I'm ok".

Randy has been attending sewing class for a few years now and I love love love the things she does. Never in a thousand years would I think to do the things she does. I know when Randy walks through the door to the studio we're going to have a fun class! And the stories she can tell about her family are so funny. We all were complaining about having these little worms in our homes and she said that was nothing, try having snakes! The funniest story!!!

Another great thing about Randy is she has her own business helping people get organized running her own business called Go Clean Your Room

Nancy finished her t-shirt dress she started in her last class (McCalls 6161). A very easy dress that can be made in an hour or two. She didn't struggle with this project like she did with her last dress. This fabric was much easier to work with. It looks a little baggy on her but when she got home she put some heals on with a belt which gave it a much better look. She sent me and email to say she liked it much better after she did that. She wasn't too happy with it the first time she put it on which was this picture. This all goes back to my last "make it work" post about how we all don't like very thing about what we make.

There are some people that just have sewing inside them and understand the process from the get go. Lourdes is one of those who just understand the concept of putting the fabric together. She's only has taken a couple of of classes. She started this dress in class. I told her what to do with the neckline and she came back with it all finished. Not only did she finish it but she had to adjust the fitting by taking inches off all the seams to make it fit. I am so very proud of her. She cut out her next project working with very difficult fabric. I went through the steps of construction. We'll see when she comes to class on Wednesday how much she got done. I bet she finished a few things. She's caught the sewing bug! :)

Debbie likes to take the 4hr classes on Saturday. She started this shirt at home cutting it out. Sewing part of it last week and almost finishing it this week. She didn't want to have her picture taken with it but I gotcha in the background Debbie LOL!! She was standing at the cutting table cutting out her next top. She had questions on how to do it so she waited to cut it with me in class. I have it in my to save as much fabric as I can so I was able to lay it out for her saving her about a yard of fabric from the way the instructions asked her to cut the fabric.

Saturday was Mercy's first sewing class. She is working on a cute little dress. Instead of the spaghetti straps the pattern called for she decided to use some really cute lace. She finished her bodice and skirt, attached the both and just has a few things to do to have a completed project. She will be back next Saturday so we'll have pictures then.

And then there is James. Hey James, thanks for telling me to take pictures because I would have totally forgotten if it wasn't for you!!! James is a great kid! I so enjoy having him in class. He is so talented and has a great future in the fashion business. He came to class this week to work on his Halloween costume. He has the best idea for a costume...Lady Gaga!! He's going to a party and is going to make several different costumes, throughout the night he's going to change costumes. How epic is that!!!

And yeah, he didn't want his picture taken either but I got him in the background too LOL Gotcha!!!

And I got a great pic of him and Berthea. Berthea is another one I'm so very proud of with her sewing adventure. She is making some really beautiful things all on her own. She comes to class working all on her own only asking a couple of questions on things she's not sure of. There isn't much I teach Berthea!

And me, I got more baby clothes cut out and a couple of them made for my niece who is having a baby girl in January. It is so sweet and special to make baby clothes!!!

I have seats available to all classes next week except for Saturday sewing classes which are already full. I'm not doing a Saturday morning cutting class because I'm attending my 30 year high school reunion on Friday night. I plan on parting with all the people from the days of my youth. Many who still live here in SoFlo which makes me wonder how we drifted apart.

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

Make it Work Part 7 - Imperfections

2010-10-14T08:18:00.001-04:00

If you're looking for perfection in everything you do you will be disappointed in life. Nothing is perfect. And sometimes you're the only one who can see your imperfections. Sometimes you can't see them until they are pointed out to you.

Manytimes your sewing imperfections only you can see. So don't stress them. I believe you can always find something wrong that you could do better, make better. Always something you don't like about your sewing project. I notice the imperfections of my sewing projects but when I show them to others all they see is the full picture of the project and not the "I don't like the way that came out" that I see. I don't think I've every made anything that I thought it came out 100% perfect. There is always something I think could look better, could come out better in the end.

I'm here to make a confession on my imperfection in running my business. I HATE MY PHONE!!

Yes, that's right. The one thing that I need the most to run my business I just hate! It always rings when I'm in the restroom, toothbrush in my mouth, driving my car, cooking or eating, teaching a class, doing homework with my kids and yes many times when I'm sleeping. Rarely does it ring when I have time to talk on it.

I'm tired of the phone controlling my so I've kind of stopped jumping when It rings. I know I could get more students in the class if I would jump when it rang. I just don't like having a device controlling me and my actions.

Remember when we only had land lines (ok, I'm old LOL) people would leave a message on your machine. When you got home you would return their call when you had time. It was all ok. It might have taken some time but the connection was made and the business was done and people were all ok waiting for you to call them back. They weren't waiting for you to call them within an hours time. I also remember just having a beeper and people would still wait for you to get to a phone to call them back.

Now we have cell phones that people expect you to answer all the time. And if you don't call them back in a couple of hours the feel like you didn't get the message and are calling you again or texting you on your phone. And whats up with people calling right back when you don't answer. Not once, twice but three and sometimes 4 times waiting for you to pick up the phone. If I didn't answer it the first time I'm not going to answer the second, or fourth. Leave me a message - I'll get back with you - sooner or later!

So, yes... I know I could make a lot more money if I jumped every time the phone rang. I could talk to people while I'm driving, while I'm on the potty, while I'm eating but really... I'm not going to do it. I refuse! I know I've missed a lot of calls because of this. I now have on my voice message to call me back in 24 hours if you don't hear from me. And believe me I'm so busy all the time sometime it could be 24 hours before I find some free time to make the calls.

Yes, there's imperfections all around us in what we do, how we act, what we sew. The thing is to work with in your limits. For me my life is meant to be enjoyed with many smiles. And If I'm in the moment of hugging my babies, giving them kisses telling them how much I love them I'm sure not going to stop doing that if my phone rings no matter how much money is on the other end of the phone.

There... I said it!!! I'm not perfect and no one is. Things I sew aren't perfect. But when you look at me or the things I sew you can't see my imperfections but I sure do!

Make it work ~ Sharing my adventure of being a parent/business owner and how I make it work.
Make It Work Part 1
Make it Work Part 2 - Lessons

Make it Work Part 3 - 14hrs to make gold

Make it Work part 4 - Signs

Make it Work Part 5 - Shine!

Make it Work Part 6 - Seeing the Beauty

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

Sewing Over the Wire 10/11/10

2010-10-11T07:08:00.000-04:00

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

ABOUT PEOPLE

Josie Russell exhibits textile images of her beloved Snowdonia
Daily Mail Tue, 05 Oct 2010
Fourteen years on from the horrific hammer attack, she is revealing her artistic talent to the world with textile works she creates with scissors and sewing machine from scraps of unwanted fabric.

Awards & Achievers
The Springfield News-Leader Thu, 07 Oct 2010
Merrily Parker of Merrily We Quilt Along, an authorized dealer for BERNINA, one of the world's largest and most esteemed sewing machine companies, was awarded the BERNINA 2009 Rookie of the Year Award.

Tickled pink about my dress
Detroit Free Press Sun, 03 Oct 2010
I can't sew. I can't sketch. And yet -- paging Tim Gunn! -- I've designed a dress. A strapless party dress with a fitted bodice and a very full skirt -- thanks to 10 yards of pink crinoline -- that ends just below the knee. It's size 14 because that's the size of the average American woman.

Marie Osmond writes how-to book about sewing gifts for loved ones
Reality TV World Sat, 02 Oct 2010
Marie Osmond has penned a how-to book about sewing gifts for loved ones, publishers Martingale & Co. said Tuesday. "Marie Osmond's Heartfelt Giving: Sew and Quilt for Family and Friends" is to be released Nov. 9.

Spreading comfort, one pillowcase at a time
The Ocala Star-Banner Sun, 03 Oct 2010
In an upstairs sunlit room at Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church, the whir of sewing machines mingles with happy chatter as a small group of women create colorful pillowcases for children who have cancer.

Laguna Beach group sews dresses for orphans
Laguna News Post Wed, 06 Oct 2010
LAGUNA BEACH Women at Laguna Presbyterian Church are giving simple materials, a little sewing know-how and about 45 minutes of time to spread hope among girls in Africa. The church's sewing group is working with Little Dresses for Africa, a...

The colors of money
The Register-Guard Tue, 05 Oct 2010
Duck football isnât big business just for the University of Oregon. Ask Ted Norman. The co-owner of Identity by Sew On, which produces screen print and embroidered apparel, does some big business with the UO producing Duck shirts and other items. Business is good enough that the Springfield company boosted

Quilters sew up laughter & help for others
Hancock County Journal-Pilot Tue, 05 Oct 2010
A group of women from Sts. Peter and Paul Church gather every Thursday at the Nauvoo Knights of Columbus building. While they share food, conversation and laughs, their hands are busy cutting, pinning, stitching and quilting.

Women Sewing Together Annapolis History
FOX 5 Washington D.C. Mon, 04 Oct 2010
Every Monday and Thursday - a core group of about eight women gathers at Mary Ann Brown's living room. They are connected now by a three-panel tapestry that will eventually stretch 18 feet depicting 300 years of Annapolis history.

Apollo Beach sewing group shares common thread
South Shore News & Tribune Wed, 06 Oct 2010
A group of women at a local church gather on Wednesdays to do some sewing. They have since 2002.

Volunteers make a difference. Are you ready to join them?
Nevada Appeal Wed, 06 Oct 2010
Maria O'Neill, a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, poses with members outside the club. She teaches sewing skills there.

Sewing Stories
North Bay Bohemian Thu, 07 Oct 2010
When Lynn Nottage's hard-hitting period drama Intimate Apparel first appeared in 2003, it had been eight years since her debut with the lovely, adolescent-themed Crumbs at the Table of Joy . Just when the theater world had all but forgotten this once-promising young playwright, Intimate Apparel came along, and nothing has been the same for Nottage since.

ABOUT BUSINESS

Shaping successful stitchers
Spokane Journal of Business Thu, 07 Oct 2010
Carrie Jarvis, owner of The Top Stitch, a sewing shop in the Garland District, has been sewing since the age of nine and says she feels driven to teach others how.

Sewing academy opens; Goal is to help others learn to sew
The Morning Sun Sun, 10 Oct 2010
Dr. Sandra Howell was looking for someone to teach her daughter to sew.

EVENTS
Museum hosts mother-daughter sewing
Lisle Reporter Wed, 06 Oct 2010
The Downers Grove Park District is hosting an afternoon for mothers and daughters to sew together.

Fair exhibits present contrasts in lifestyles
The Lewiston Sun Journal Thu, 07 Oct 2010
FRYEBURG â Where else can you see the oldest and the newest? Take a look inside the museum buildings at THE Fryeburg Fair and youâll see 150-year-old farm implements, the first chain saws ever built, and sewing machines that are 100 years old and still running.

GIVING BACK

Fallen heroes honored with memorial quilt
U.S. Marine Corps Thu, 07 Oct 2010
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. With more than four thousand hours dedicated to sewing, almost six thousand fallen heroesâ names are now recognized in eight beautifully-woven quilts displayed in their honor.

O'Hara woman's sewing projects comfort sick children
Valley News Dispatch Mon, 04 Oct 2010
The hand-sewn muslin dolls that pepper Elena Baseman's Colquitt Road home aren't waiting for shipment to upscale boutiques. Instead, they will go to poor villages where they might be the only toy a child ever owns.

Quilts for soldiers needs to sew up some volunteers
The Galesburg Register-Mail Sun, 10 Oct 2010
Linda Wieck of Plymouth, Wis., had no way of knowing the Camo Quilt Project was born in April 2006 when her son-in-law asked her to make him a quilt when he was first deployed to Iraq. The project, in which volunteers make free quilts for members of the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, has expanded to Galesburg.

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

Did you know?

2010-10-05T16:38:00.000-04:00

Did you know you can use a pattern over and over again? No Really! I'm surprised all the time how many of my students think you use a pattern just once. Never assume someone has knowledge.

I follow Carolyn's blog. She is so funny, creative and shares so much on her blog Diary of a Sewing Fanatic. When I first started following her blog I was like number 140. If a couple of you follow her blog she will have 600 followers. You will not be sorry you become her reader. You'll learn a lot from her!

Carolyn has a TNT (a pattern that fits you really well) pattern she uses all the time to make different styles of dresses. I would really call it her sloper because she uses it to make so many different styles of dresses. We've watched her through the year make what we thought were 20 dresses. Turns out she used the same pattern and made it 40 different ways. Amazing when you think about it. She is so creative and gets her ideas in so many different places. Did I mention she lives in NY and often takes us to the district with her when she does her fabric shopping. Hence to say we learn all the good places to shop when we go to NY.

Go check out this blog post here about her favorite pattern and check out her flickr album for some awesome (or as my kids would say epic) ways to use one pattern different ways.

YES YOU CAN USE A SEWING PATTERN MORE THAN ONCE
and when you use it often don't forget you can iron on some lightweight interfacing to the pattern to make it last longer.

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

Week in Review - Always need more Sewing Hours

2010-10-03T10:52:00.000-04:00

For me, There's not enough time in the day to fill sewing hours. I never get tired of doing it and always wishing I had more time when I am sewing never wanting it to end. I love love love being in the girl cave and not happy when I have to leave but know what's waiting for me at home (fighting children LOL) waiting to share what they are with me.

7 people attended the Machine Class

5 students attended the cutting class

22 students came to sewing class making mostly clothing for themselves or someone they know.

Last week was the first week of the "more sewing hours" at the studio. Monday was a full night - almost. A few people had to cancel which is always ok with me. I know life gets in the way and takes us away from things we really want to do. Sofia and Shari both brought their own sewing machines to learn on. I like when my students own machines and want to learn to use them. I know they will be sewing at home and this is my goal, to have my students sewing comfortable at home making all kinds of beautiful things to brighten theirs and others lives.

Leslie got a private lesson on Tuesday since she was the only one who came to class. She made another top that she made the last time to learn the process a little better. She almost finished it and if she didn't have to use bias to finish the arms and neckline she would have had it done at the end of her class.

Boys in the girl cave. Well, not really a boy. He's a little older than that. I love Davids approach to sewing. He really thinks about the process before he makes any decisions. I have a feeling he's like this in all the things he does in life. He has many jobs and wants to learn the art of sewing for one of his business. In this economy there's many out there with several ways to make an income. Anything to make a buck to survive in society.. Anyway, David made a scrub top for his first project. It's not for him because it's pink :) he made it for a friend. I gotta tell you. He did a beautiful job. I mean check out those pockets, all straight! And the stitching at the v neck to hold down the facing.. just amazing for the first time behind the machine.

I haven't seen Jessica in forever so it was good to see her again. She works at the hospital and needs hats/caps to wear. She got a pattern online which was really hard to follow along. You know how sometimes the instructions leave a lot of the steps out? Well this one had way too much information to decipher through. I talked her into dumping the instructions and constructing it ourselves depending on her desire look. Yes, we made it work!

So many people came to class this week, Christina and her BabyLock TRYING to finish a project thats been hanging around a long time. Rachael trying to finish her brown vest. We are so close to being finished! Friends Katharina and Luzia sewing dresses together, Mom and daughter team Sonia and Megan making a skirt this week, Berthea sewing a beautiful button down blouse learning how to install a collar, and Melissa almost finishing her dress only having to put the skirt to the bodice and hep the bottom.

Many more students attending class this week and I want to thank all of you for giving yourself the time to learn the art of sewing. It has brought me so much joy in life. And just like life sewing isn't always perfect as Debbie found out this week and only stayed a few minutes because she realized she made a mistake cutting out her fabric. There was a lot of mistakes this week in the studio. I need to sage the place to make for some better sewing mojo in the room. There were some seams that Rosa did 3 times and still having problems. As long as you stick with it, maybe put it aside for a while then come back to it.. things will flow beautifully again!

And me, I made BABY CLOTHES. I so hope my niece is reading this because I am sewing her baby girl in the belly some clothes. I'm making dresses and jumpers using the same pattern with different fabric. I have like 10 already cut out just waiting for me to sew. I can make them in like an hour, just need to find the time before she has little Raylee. It is so much fun fun fun to sew baby clothes! Too bad they don't stay this little forever.

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

Week in Review 9/26/10 - Short week at the Girl Cave

2010-09-27T08:09:00.000-04:00

Before we start another week since today is Monday I better post my week in review. There were only a couple days of sewing at L2S last week since I took some time to recharge by getting out of South Florida and away from all the business owner/mommy duties. I wish I was doing it again this Monday. I had a lot of fun going away. I saw so many beautiful things.. and we have nothing like this in Florida!

Friday and Saturday were the only days classes were held last week.
4 people attended the machine class
5 students attended the cutting class
11 students attended sewing class

I took a couple of pictures with my cell phone but... my bad... I didn't save the picture so poof it went into thin air.

THE STUDENTS THAT ATTENDED SEWING CLASS:
Megan and Sonia finished the cute little outfit they were sewing. Megan tried it on and I did take her picture...but.. well :) yeah, I'm bad.

James started with a leather purse in class, got a little frustrated because leather is a different thing to sew which he found out real fast.

David started with his scrubs top getting most of it done, pockets and all. He just has to hem the sleeves and bottom.

Estee sent me the Halloween costume (snow white) she finished to my cell phone but I'm not set up to receive photos.. LOL she showed me the picture of it when she came to class. Send me the picture Estee so I can share!

Anna worked on her (what I call them) big round pillows that's she not using as pillows.

Gloria came to class to learn how to install a fly and invisible zipper.

Zena almost finished her dress by sewing down the liner at the waistline and installing the zipper. She just has to hem and she's done.

Marcia came in with a top already cut and got it almost finished before she left her 2 hour class.

A couple of people paid but didn't show up to class. If this is you just give me a call and lets reschedule your time.

NEW WEEK AT THE GIRL CAVE

So here's the thing. My car died a few weeks ago. I've been walking everywhere which is a good thing but I really need a car. Since I don't want to have a car payment I've decided to add 10 more hours to the week in classes. I'm now doing Machine/Cutting classes on Monday. 4 hours of sewing class from 10am-2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. All the classes are listed on the calendar. Call/email/text me to reserve your seat!

I think this is the shortest week in review I've ever written!!!

SEE YOU IN CLASS!!!

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

Making It Work Part 6 - Seeing the Beauty

2010-09-24T17:52:00.000-04:00

NOTHING IS PERFECT
I try to accomplish the things I need to do in my day in bits and pieces. I did that this morning. With 15 minutes of free time I started writing this post to finish later in the evening. And by mistake I hit the publish button instead of the save as draft button to finish it for later. I deleted it as soon as I realized it got published. So, if you had this show up in your mail or reader and scratched your head because it was only a couple paragraphs, it's because I messed up. Just like in sewing and in life nothing is perfect. You will always make mistakes. If you're always looking for perfection you will be disappointed. It's all good because I'm back to finish the post now.

SEE THE BEAUTY
I'm back home from spending a few days north (ok, so everything is north of where I live in the US). It was a refreshing few days of doing nothing but enjoying the moments, looking around and seeing all the beautiful things that surrounded me from the land to the people. We really do live in a beautiful country. I hope you can take a few minutes in your day to pause, take a deep breath and see around you what beauty life has to offer. We all live under stress and pressure of the day but the most precious gift you can give to your life is to slow down, see the beauty, the good things all around you. I'm very thankful I had a few days away! I'm recharged and ready to get back to the sewing studio to kick my business into another gear. As I hold more classes today I couldn't have more fun then giving my students my sewing knowledge and watching what beautiful things they make, how creative they get with their designs.

We have so many sweet and special things all around from our family, friends and even the things we make with our sewing machines. Everything holds something beautiful. I could so live up north with all the leaves changing, The beautiful things my eyes saw in the landscape. We don't have that here in SoFlo. But we also don't have snow. As soon as the white stuff starts falling I'll be thankful I'm still wearing shorts and looking at palm trees with everything still green.

All around us we have beautiful things to make us shine. The trick is to see the beauty in what is being presented to you in each moment. When you can live in the moment, take care of what is in front of you, look at the good and the beautiful the moment has to offer you will live a beautiful life.

BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD

Speaking of beautiful things. I was giving the beautiful blogger award from my sister from another mother, Faye. Julia was going to give it to me too but she saw Faye had already gave it to me so she shared the love with others. The rules are to pass it on to other.

So if you took the time in your day to enjoy your moments and to take in all the beautiful things life has to offer this award is for you. Pass it along to others so they too can live in the moment. What a precious gift you give yourself when you look at the beautiful things facing you right now!
HOW SWEET!
Life is a precious gift. I pray you are enjoying yours!

So tell me something beautiful you saw or happened today.... I would love to hear the beauty that surrounds you. Sharing with you and others is the best!!!

Make it work ~ Sharing my adventure of being a parent/business owner and how I make it work.
Make It Work Part 1
Make it Work Part 2 - Lessons

Make it Work Part 3 - 14hrs to make gold

Make it Work part 4 - Signs

Make it Work Part 5 - Shine!

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

Sewing Over the Wire - 9/20/10

2010-09-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

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

PROJECT RUNWAY

'Project Runway' Season 8 Episode 8 Recap
TheCelebrityCafe.com Fri, 17 Sep 2010
Spoiler Alert! First aired September 16, 2010: A Rough Day on the Runway. Marjorie Quinn In this episode, the challenge is to create an American Sportswear outfit with Jackie Kennedy as their muse. Jackie Kennedy was always put together and classy with an All-American look. The designers have a $150 budget. The designers start sewing and creating their outfits. Gretchen is worried about Mondo ...

ABOUT PEOPLE

Sam's sewing around the clock in rock 'n' roll style
Bedford Today Thu, 16 Sep 2010 05:12 AM PDT
50s fashions from Bedford woman Sam Roberts

What a Doll!
Evening News and Tribune Fri, 17 Sep 2010
With middle school going to the later time, I used to go right after school to the high school to sew and stay until 11 p.m.

Quintessential quilting
Memphis Commercial Appeal Fri, 17 Sep 2010
Ibtisam Salih, Eva Cotton and Margarette Louiseau came to Caritas Village in hopes of learning to sew. What they learned was that they would be taught how to sew by making a quilt. And thus was born the Village Quilting Group, which met in January 2010 for the first time under the tutelage of Master Quilter Sandra Taylor.

Betty White: Fashion Boss
The Advocate Thu, 16 Sep 2010
If Betty White asks you to sew, you better ask "How fast?

Sew Your Own winners
Huron Plainsman Wed, 15 Sep 2010
The Sew Your Own contest winners from the South Dakota State Fair from left were Chloe Wegehaupt of Dimock a double winner in juniors and also adult sewing for you; Carol Harder of Mountain Lake, Minn., sewing for Resea Zebinski; Callie Bauman Wachter of Sioux Falls, senior winner; and Erin Mariose of Kimball, junior winner.

On Pins And Needles: Collectors Prize Sewing Paraphernalia
Hartford Courant Thu, 16 Sep 2010
Women's work in past centuries included cooking, cleaning and sewing. Before the 19th century, women had to shear sheep or cut flax and spin or weave fabric. Then they were expected to know how to make coverlets, curtains and clothing. Everything was hand-sewn.

Memories of these quilts
The Argus Leader Sun, 12 Sep 2010
Making quilts out of old shirts was cathartic for Toni Halverson. The physical act of cutting, piecing and sewing her brother's threadbare shirts helped her sort through his death and, ultimately, let him go. "It was a very spiritual thing for me to work on the quilts. It was a wonderful lesson in love and a healing experience for me," says Halverson, 62, of Sioux Falls.

Permanent Collection: Diego VelÃ¡zquez's Needlewoman
DCist Tue, 14 Sep 2010
I hope you've been practicing your stitches, readers, since September is National Sewing Month! Observance of the month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring it "in recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation." Diego VelÃ¡zquez, The Needlewoman. Image courtesy of the National Gallery of Art. To help along all our industrious, craftiness urges is ...

Designer: Gaga's dress was real meat from family butcher
TheCelebrityCafe.com Tue, 14 Sep 2010
The singer's dress was constructed out of real, raw meat despite the disbelief of some. Brianna Gunter There has been a lot of speculation over whether or not Lady Gagaâs meat dress at the VMA awards Sunday night was made out of real, raw meat. Yes, it was. Franc Fernandez, the dressâs designer, told MTV yesterday that he did indeed sew the dress out of raw meat, which he got from his familyâs ...

A business boost on Broadway
Crookston Daily Times Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:19 PM PDT
Steinbrinks transform former Great Plains Natural Gas building into This is Sew Broadway/The Krazy Kiln

ABOUT BUSINESS
Spend 5 Minutes with the HUSQVARNA VIKINGÂ® DESIGNER RUBY and Fall in Love Forever
Business Wire Mon, 13 Sep 2010
LAVERGNE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visit your local authorized HUSQVARNA VIKINGÂ® retailer and you could win the new DESIGNER RUBYâ¢ sewing machine and the revolutionary 5Dâ¢Professional Embroidery Software - an $8,000+ prize package!

SEWING HISTORY
Collectors love sewing paraphernalia
The Buffalo News Sat, 18 Sep 2010
Womenâs work in past centuries included cooking, cleaning and sewing. Before the 19th century, women had to shear sheep or cut flax and spin or weave fabric. Then they were expected to know how to make coverlets, curtains and clothing. Everything was hand-sewn.

GIVING BACK

Sewing for a Cause
KIMT Mason City Fri, 17 Sep 2010
Albert Lea, MN- Women in Albert Lea are paying it forward with a day of sewing. The community sew day will take place tomorrow at Crossroads church. The ladies are sewing for the local crime victims center.

Seamstress sew moved to help children in need
This is Hampshire Sat, 18 Sep 2010
A BASINGSTOKE seamstress is hoping to pass on her skills to some of Indiaâs most disadvantaged children during a three-month trip next year.

Sewing Seeds of Love
WAAY-TV Huntsville Sat, 18 Sep 2010
Even before the earthquake, UNICEF estimates there were 380,000 orphans in Haiti. Now, relief officials can only guess at the total. An untold number of children lost their parents in the quake. Others

Club sews to serve
Corning Observer Fri, 17 Sep 2010
Local ladies are making children's hospital gowns that are being sent all over the world. Members of the Maywood Woman's Club have been sewing the gowns for the children's charity organization "Operation Smile," which travels to different...

EVENTS
'Sew' Much More at American Sewing Expo Opening Next Week, Friday, September 24
PRWeb via Yahoo! News Tue, 14 Sep 2010
Crafters will find inspiration, creativity and education for sewing, quilting, home dÃ©cor, or needle and fiber arts at the 17th annual American Sewing Expo at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 26.

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

Week in Review 9/19/10 - Absorbing the Knowledge

2010-09-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

Last week was a lot of fun at the studio with many new people learning all kinds of things taking off on their sewing adventure. While others calling to find out when they can start. With all the phone calls I got last week the classes are going to start filling up so you better call to reserve your seat if you want to come to class before there isn't one for you. Saturdays have been filling up 2 weeks a head of time - if you're waiting to reserve your seat for a Saturday you better not wait long.

4 people attended the machine class

7 students came to cutting class

21 students came to sewing class creating their hearts desire with many smiles had.

Kristen finished her 3rd sewing project making this top. When she makes things she likes she sews beautifully (like most of us) Her second project was an apron because I told her it would be a good thing to make on her own to follow the instructions so she had a better understanding of the instructions on her own. She didn't make the apron so well but the top.. beautiful!

My goal is to get my students sewing comfortably at home. The only way they can achieve this is to sew at home. When they get stuck and don't know what to do is when I want them to come to class to find out how to get over their hump. Most of sewing is just building habits so there's less thought process (when you have to use your brain is when you can get in trouble LOL)

I'm very proud of Rosa. This top was her very first sewing project. She's the type of person who puts all attention into details. She wants to make sure she understands every part of the process of learning the machine, cutting her pattern and constructing the fabric to learn how to do many things. She's spent many hours in class this past week. I think she's caught the sewing bug because with all the hours she came in during the week she put herself on the waiting list for Saturday's class which she was able to attend.

I was really bad about taking pictures this week. Yes, the camera was sitting out but... dang... I am so bad about the pictures!!! I mean, 21 people come to sewing class this week and I only have pictures of a few of them. My heart is in teaching and not taking pictures.

Cristina finished her little dress for her baby in the belly. It came out really cute! I love sewing baby clothes. They're really fast and easy to sew and don't take a lot of fabric. Cristina came to class with another dress cut. She understood the process of making the first dress so I suggested she try to make it again at home. And just so her husband knows she does come to sewing class (because when she showed him my blog he said "where's your picture?") here's a couple of pictures of her....

Other students who came to class this week:

Zena almost finished her dress with only 4 hours of class. We had some fitting issues where we had to monkey some fabric in the side seams to make it bigger. We also took out the back darts because we needed more fabric. It's easy to cut out fabric when you make it too big but its hard to add fabric when its too small.

Gilsa finished her black dress she's working on with only having to sew her sash to wrap around the dress.

Fatima (who has been a student of mine moving with me in all 3 locations) returned to class this week to make some drawstring pants. I hope she returns with Luiza (because I miss my - started off being my sewing student and now my friend - Luiza)

Michael is a Miami Fashion student who needs help with his sewing skills to pass his fashion class. He came to cutting class with a sloper so this is what we are sewing .. with muslin.

David came to cutting class to learn how to sew scrubs. He's another student that absorbs all the knowledge being tossed his way. I don't have to repeat myself with him.. he just gets it. Not very many people have the ability to learn this way. Throw some words at them with a little visual and they understand and retain what you've told and shown them.

Debbie finished sewing a UFO project that's been hanging out for years. It was a handbag that was a crazy constructed way to do it in the words only instructions. She took word by word, broke down what they were telling her what to do only needing help on a few steps.

Mother/daughter, Sonia and Megan came to class and finished the top to go with the pants they made last week. I gave Megan an easy hat to cut out that she can make at home while her mom used the machine to sew a skirt she cut out in cutting class.

YEAH!! Yasmin came back to class this week! I'm so happy to see her again. She started with some scarfs wanting to use my serger but the dang thing wasn't threaded right and I couldn't sit and get it going. She ended up cutting out another project, a top.
A lot more people came to class... but.. Iris, you were missed this week and we hope to see you next week! :)

Lucky me!!! I got to sew a little this week too. I made this top in a couple of hours. I kind of cut this out while I was talking on the phone. I always know I need to leave room for my big old arms which I didn't do because.. yes, I was on the phone. I didn't realize it until after I made it, put it on and could hardly get my arms in. It looks real nice on the dress form.. where it will stay in the studio. I've been wanting to take the kimono that's been on there forever.

Next week I will be closed most of the week because Mama's going out of town without the family for a few days. I so need to get out of SoFlo and recharge .. or just slow down for a few days. Classes will resume on Thursday evening. The week after that I've added 5 more hours to the week. More sewing in the girl cave!!!!!! I just can't get enough of sewing. I'm so lucky to have it bless my life like it has.

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

Week in Review - Hollywood Craft Mafia comes to L2S

2010-09-13T11:21:00.000-04:00

I really try to post my week in review on Sunday but it didn't happen yesterday... so... here you go.

Another fun week was had at the girl cave with the Hollywood Craft Mafia using the sewing studio for one of their events. These girls filled my studio. I've never seen so many people in it at one time. They made tote bags out of t-shirts and some really cute bags were made. You can view more pictures of the event by clicking here.

I also had a couple machines die on my last week. One I kind of dropped on the floor (oops) It was an Singer Inspiration which is a really bad design and machine. I only paid less then $100 for it and it really never did work that well. Another machine had sparks flying out of where you plug in the power cord. It was a Simplicity Quilters machine that I've had since I've opened my studio and has seen a lot of use. Many things have broken on this the past few years so time to trash this machine too which just leaves me with 5 working machines and I need 6. If anyone happens not to bring in their machines to class, I could be in trouble and cancel one student because I'm a machine short. SO, I had to go but a new machine. I did a search online. I was looking for a brothers machine because they have so many different kinds of buttonholes and they are easy to make buttonholes on their machines. The place that sells them for the least is Walmart. Now, I am not a Walmart shopper but I took myself there anyway because I can save up to $30. I wanted this (CS-6000i) machine but ended up getting this (Brother 50-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine, CE5500PRW) one because they were out of stock on the one I wanted and the one I bought was only $135. Perfect for the sewing studio. I used it yesterday to do a little sewing for myself and I love it for the price! It's bigger than most brothers machines this price. The only thing I don't like about it is the needle always stops in the down position every time the machine stops which means you have to turn the hand wheel to lift the needle each time. It will help with the students though because it allows them to stop and not loose their stitch.

Last week

8 People attended the machine class

4 students attended the cutting class

25 students attended the sewing class

Nancy finished her top. This was her first garment and she didn't pick the easiest fabric to work with. She made McCall's 5855. It's a really cute blouse and I think she will enjoy sewing it more if she uses a different fabric instead of the very lightweight sheer fabric she did use. She did not want to hem all the way around the big square (because that's all this blouse really is with a whole in the middle for the neckline) so we ended up passing it through the serger to finish the edge. I love the colors of the fabric and it looks really good on her! After she finished the top she went right back to making her easy kitchen appliance covers.

Cristina came to class last year to make a dress to get married in. She never finished the dress, went out and bought a dress to get married in. She came back to class this week to make baby clothes because she's pregnant with a girl. Baby girl clothes are the most fun to make IMO. She made a little dress in a few hours. When she finished I had all intentions in picking up the camera to take a picture but ya think I took one???? NO! I hate when I do that. She still has a little more to do in the dress but I have a feeling she's finishing it at home. She will be back to class on Tuesday so we'll find out...

I'm really proud of my new student Mary O. She's making a very professional dress/jacket. She had no problems learning the machine, cutting her pattern and sewing. Usually the first thing you have to do in any garment are darts. It was a breeze for her to do the darts, and install the facing that was finishing off the neckline and armholes. It is coming out so pretty! We left off with the invisible zipper. Then the side seams/hem and the dress will be finished. YES, I will take pictures!

Mom and daughter, Karen and Kimi came back to class to finish their tops except we didn't finish but I think they know what to do to complete them at home. They both just had to hem the bottom of the tops. I think Karen had a couple more steps but will have no problem doing it on her own. My goal is to get my students sewing comfortably at home and when they have problems with a project bring it to class and I'll get them over their hump.

Saturday, like always, were full classes. This is a few of the people in the 1-3 class. James is on the left sewing his blue shirt. Next to him is Corey. Iris is walking by Corey going over to the Iron and Sofia's behind Corey. We had a few other students who were in class but the pictures came out too dark to put on here (sorry Estee and Megan!)

Estee made her bodice to her Snow White costume but she had a little problem with the construction working with the liner fabric. She put them together and acted like they were one layer of fabric. Anytime you work with a liner you always make one set of the fabric and one set of the liner then sew the two together either at the neckline, armholes or both. 2 other people were doing the same technique in class so she finally understood the process before she left class.

And Megan came back to class with her mom Sonia. The finished the pants they started last week at home and got half way through the top to go with the pants. They both work so well with one another. Sonia has so much patience and really understands the process. She only needs help seeing a few things but once I show it clicks with her.

Now, lets talk about James. He's 16 years old and wants to be a designer. He's well on his way to doing it. He has great style. He did finish his pants he started last week except they were a little funny looking with the pockets sitting very low (we placed them where the pattern told us) so we didn't take a picture of them even though I did have my camera in hand. James started this shirt at home just needing help with the cuffs, collar and front bands for the buttonholes. Really, all three are done with the same technique so by the time he did the last step he know what was being taught to him too. Really, he did such beautiful straight stitches on the pockets and his edge stitching. WOW, I was very impressed he made most of this at home last week. Much better than his first projects, the pants.

And Corey finished his skirt. This was very hard fabric for Corey to use but he worked through it pulling out stitches a few time. He learned how to install elastic by folding the fabric to make a casing. He also learned not to twist the elastic when you put it together. He also liked the idea of passing the raw edge through the serger to make the hem.

And, I got to sew a few things this past week one being another top and some baby clothes. I so love sewing baby clothes!

I really need to do what I teach because I didn't wash this fabric since it was a knit and I didn't think it would shrink. The ink came out all over the machine, my hands, the table. It was like working with news paper! I really like wearing this style of top. I love square necklines!

With the kids back in school the classes are starting to fill quickly!!! If you want to come to class you better give me a call/email/text to reserve your seat. You can always check the calendar to know when the class is full

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

Did You Know?

2010-09-08T16:47:00.000-04:00

Did you know there's two tricks to sewing and if you just keep telling yourself these two tricks most of your sewing mistakes will disappear.

The first trick to sewing is always tell yourself put two right sides of the fabric together when making your seams and constructing things together. Now you do have to possess common sense because you know when you install a pocket to a shirt you put the wrong side of the pocket fabric to the right side of the shirt. But when doing most things and you can't figure out how they go together if you just find the right sides of both fabrics you are trying to put together the process will flow that much easier.

The second trick to sewing is to put the edges of the fabric together. No matter what you're doing, installing trim/piping to a seam, adding a straps - always put the edges of the fabric together. The rest of the edges of the fabric may not line up but always the seam that goes together should line up putting the edges together. And always (let me repeat myself always) pin your fabric together before you make your stitches.

I say these two things more times than I can count during class. If a student can't figure out what to do I ask them to find the right sides of the fabric. Then I ask them to tell me what edges go together so they can start pinning. I'm always saying "Put two right sides together" "Put your edges together". Another thing I say a lot in class is "clip it before you flip it". I'll have to tell you that one in my next Did You Know....

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

Sewing Over the Wire 9/6/10

2010-09-06T21:30:00.000-04:00

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

ABOUT PEOPLE

Make a beeline for an A-line
Daily Telegraph Mon, 30 Aug 2010
The seasons sharpest skirt shape makes a perfect sewing project.

Leady!: Nine amazing pencil sculptures by Dalton Ghetti
The Inquisitr Tue, 31 Aug 2010
I use the sewing needle to make holes or dig into the graphite. I scratch and create lines and turn the graphite around slowly in my hand.â Using only a razor blade, sewing needle, and sculpting knife (and not a magnifying glass), artist Dalton Ghetti creates some of the most intricate and detailed sculptures ever [...]

Alexander teen wins $5K and third place in national sewing contest
The Batavian Tue, 31 Aug 2010
After learning to sew only a year ago, and despite being derailed by a car accident, an Alexander girl won third place and $5,000 cash in a national sewing competition. The sponsor, Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, announced the winners earlier this month. Grace Raines, the daughter of Eric and Heidi Raines, was one of more than 112,000 applicants in the prom-outfit contest. Her prize was $5,000 cash ...

Danville woman is 105 years old, and still no vices
Oakland Tribune Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:30 PM PDT
Some people might have their fair share of vices, but not Clara Beaton. The only thing the 105-year-old Danville resident is guilty of is a love of gardening, sewing and listening to polka.

Kayt Turner: 'I've made the odd stab at taking up a hem but it looks as though I've been sewing in the dark'
Scotland on Sunday Sat, 04 Sep 2010
MR TURNER came in the other day very excited. Very excited indeed. And when he told me his news, I was equally excited. A new tailor has opened up across the road from Turner Towers

KATRINA WRIGHT: Follow these tips to restart sewing
Abilene Reporter-News Sun, 05 Sep 2010
Q: I used to love to sew in home ec classes at school, but I haven't touched a sewing machine since. Now that I am home with two toddlers, I think it would be fun again and that I might even be able to save some money by sewing kid's clothes and altering my own. I am in the market for a new sewing machine but I don't know where to start. Any ideas? Striving to Sew

ABOUT BUSINESS
Two New Fabric Websites Increase Shopping And Sewing Options For Customers Of David Samson, Inc.
Textileweb.com Wed, 01 Sep 2010
In order to provide customers with expanded fabric options for clothing or decor, David Samson, Inc. has launched two new websites. DecoratingFabrics.com specializes in home decorating materials for drapery, upholstery, bedding, tassels and trims and more. BuyTheBoltFabrics.com, supplies cloth by the bolt at wholesale savings

Foodie fashionista
New York Post Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:31 PM PDT
While most designers frantically hem, cut and sew ahead of Fashion Week, Jay Kos is getting ready to cook. The renegade men's wear designer -- who for years has packed his Park Avenue boutique with a bold mix of bright colors and exotic skins -- has long sidestepped the...

NEW PRODUCTS
Sew Smart: PFAFFÂ® Introduces SMARTER BY PFAFF C1100 Pro
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 01 Sep 2010
LAVERGNE, Tenn.----The experts at PFAFF®, the leading global brand of premier sewing and embroidery machines, announced the introduction of the SMARTER BY PFAFF C1100 Pro sewing and quilting machine, the first in the SMARTER BY PFAFF series of machines.

SEWING HISTORY
One for the History Book
The Express-Star Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As pioneer families began to settle on farms and in towns and cities across what is now Oklahoma more than a century ago, homemakers struggled to cook, wash and sew clothes, and even make quilts while keeping their homes clean.

June brides - then and now
The West Milford Messenger Thu, 02 Sep 2010
âChains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. - Simone Signoret

GIVING BACK
Group sewing up projects
Wahoo Newspaper Tue, 31 Aug 2010
CERESCO Each month, a group of women come together in Ceresco, each with separate projects but also with a single purpose.

PHOTO: U.S. sew
Jacksonville Journal-Courier Wed, 01 Sep 2010
Margaret Taylor of Chapin sews a quilt Tuesday at the Jacksonville Area Senior Center. The Jacksonville Area Senior Quilters, in conjunction with the Franklin/Waverly Military Support Group, are making 60 quilts by November for those in the military....

Giving to others, one blanket at a time
9 News Denver Fri, 03 Sep 2010
LAKEWOOD - With steady hands directing a busy sewing machine, Donna Ogden warms her heart by sewing a blanket that will keep others warm.

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

Week in Review 9/5/10 - It's September Already?

2010-09-05T09:47:00.000-04:00

Seriously, I can't believe it's September! These weeks are just rolling past quickly.

We had another week of great sewing at the studio. Some classes were full, some were empty which gave me time to do my sewing. There isn't enough time in the day to get my fill of sewing. I love, love, love it!! As much as I love my family when they do sweet things (like my daughter going out the door for school last week, forgetting to give me a kiss goodbye - runs back in the door with her backpack on, throws her arms around me and runs back out the door) my desire is to be creating things with fabric at the girl cave. I can't get my fill of sewing and I just love passing my knowledge to others so they can catch the sewing but too.

7 people attended the machine class
4 people came to cutting class to cut a skirt, dress with jacket, pj pants w/directional fabric, and a baby dress
18 people attended sewing class making aprons, learning how to do a blindhem, skirts, alterations, toddler dresses, baby clothes, girls pants, Halloween costumes, jeans, and a vest.

Sofia is almost done with her Halloween costume. It's really coming out good. She worked on the skirt this week in class. The only thing she has to do is put buttons down the back of the bodice and the hem. I love what she did with this dress. There were a lot of changes along the way but she made it work with me taking her through step by step.

This is Sofia in the front smiling because she sure has caught the sewing bug. I just love seeing smiles when people creating things out of fabric.

Behind Sofia is Debbie. She's another student who drives far to take my sewing classes. Debbie's working on a handbag, a project that has been sitting around for years. The instructions were kind of funny (like they sometimes are) and had her do some funny things so I showed her an easy way to construct it.

Then there's James who just picks up sewing so quickly. He's another young designer who has a bright future ahead. It was nothing for him to absorb all the knowledge I had to offer in the machine and cutting class. This week was his first sewing class making a pair of jeans.
He's using dark denim fabric and pulled out white thread. I looked at him at the start of class and asked if he really wanted to do that because you have to sew really straight when you use contrast thread. He had no fear which was great. This is his first sewing project and I can't believe how straight he got his stitch lines.

Megan really wanted to learn to sew, I mean really bad. She loves sewing at home. When her mom Sonia called to ask if I did kid classes I had to explain that I don't schedule them because when I do I don't get any enrollment. I have the kids attend adult classes with their parents. The parent only has to pay a $10 guest fee and they get to learn too.

Sonia bought the package deal. Her and Megan came to the machine class. Sonia attended the cutting class alone because it's hard for kids to learn all the cutting things, they just want to sew. They both returned this week to the sewing class making pants for Megan to wear. The pattern called for darts and zippers but we decided to do elastic at the top which is much easier to do for little Megan. ... and Megan caught the sewing bug at such a young age. Imagine the world of sewing ahead of her.. all the things she will create. Makes me shine :)

Rachel was back working on her vest. She cut the project out at home. I encourage my students to do as much sewing at home and when they get stuck to bring it in the studio because this is the way you learn. You can't just learn how to sew by attending a sewing class. You will forget how to do the techniques you learned if you don't try them on your own. Rachael had a little problem cutting and we didn't figure it out until we went to sew the liner to her vest. She forgot to cut it out and didn't have enough fabric to cut the pieces needed. She had other fabric that she wanted to use to make a blouse to match the vest. We could have used that fabric but class ended so I sent her to the fabric store before she returns to class next week.
Estee came to class a couple times this week finish her skirt on the first class and starting a Halloween costume in the second class. She's making a Snow White costume. She came to class with all her fabric cut and ready to sew. The first things she had to do like in most projects were her darts. She also made some piping to go in the center front seam and installed that. There are so many different fabrics and colors to this costume, it really took some thought process for Estee to cut this project out herself and she did a perfect job! I can't wait to see this come together like we did Sofia's.

And last but not least is my sweet student Cristina. I love the projects she does, how she shares so much of herself with me and other students. Her and Debbie found out they lived in the same area and know the same people. It's such a small world, we're all connected in one way or another. Cristina's so sweet, she brought something in for Iris except Iris wasn't able to come to class this week (you were really missed this week Iris - hope you can stitch with us next week) Cristina is working on a baby outfit. And the funny story is she bought this pattern when her daughter was born. She's now 10yrs old. How many of us have projects hanging out for 10 years waiting for us to get to them? (raising my hand!)

Yes I only took my camera out during one class but I flipped a lot of pictures in that one class LOL. I was happy to see Randy back in class this week. She's been coming to L2S for a couple years. She was away for most of the summer and returned with some cloths she's had for a while she needed to alter to fit.

People finishing things this week that have been hanging out for years. It's good to get the cobwebs out.

Wednesday had no enrollment which allowed me to work on a top I've had cut out for a month or so. I got most of it done, I hope to finish it this week. I promise to take pictures because I always take pictures of my own sewing projects. Why is that? I can remember to take pictures of my own things but not my students.

Anyway,

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

Sewing Over the Wire 8/30/10

2010-08-30T22:06:00.001-04:00

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

ABOUT PEOPLE

How-to workshops in St. Charles teach sewing, styles
Suburban Journals Tue, 24 Aug 2010
Inside the DIY Style Workshop in St. Charles, there's a whirl of sewing, designing and teaching happening most days of the week.

MATERIAL GALS
The Indiana Gazette Tue, 24 Aug 2010
The Material Gals sewing group of the Presbyterian Church of Marion recently made baby quilts for newborns in the region.

BestKnittingandSewing.com: A Blog All About Knitting and Sewing
PRWeb via Yahoo! News Wed, 25 Aug 2010
BestKnittingandSewing.com has published new pages about famous knitters, the history of the sewing machine, and knitting patterns for children.

SewAndQuiltQueen -- Launches New Series of Pages
PRWeb via Yahoo! News Wed, 25 Aug 2010
SewAndQuiltQueen launches new content to include information about sewing, knitting, quilting and other textile crafts.

Fall River business owner relocates sewing school to her home
Fall River Herald News Wed, 25 Aug 2010
Thereâs a hole on Second Street. The hole isnât a pothole. Itâs the empty building where Debbieâs School of Sewing was in business for 22 years, teaching the mysteries of basting, backstitiching, straight-stitching and overlocking to women (and some men) who decided that sewing was a good skill to have.

Schmidt wins sewing award, to attend Clermont County sewing camp
Community Press & Recorder Fri, 27 Aug 2010
JoEllen Schmidt, a 15-year-old 4-Her, received the prestigious Junior Master Clothing Educators of Ohio Award during the recent Ohio State Fair 4-H Clothing Judging.

Quilting a layer of comfort for injured soldiers
Baltimore Sun Fri, 27 Aug 2010
Harford County group sews their appreciation one square at a time Every other week, quilters gather in a sun-drenched community room that overlooks their Harford County homes. They will spend a few hours sewing and socializing ever aware they are stitching with a purpose.

Group sewing up projects
Wahoo Newspaper Sat, 28 Aug 2010
CERESCO â Each month, a group of women come together in Ceresco, each with separate projects but also with a single purpose.

Oklahoma historical sites celebrate dedication of pioneer women
The Oklahoman Sat, 28 Aug 2010
Oklahoma Historical Society exhibits and activities show how pioneer women worked hard to cook, wash and sew clothes, and even make quilts while keeping their homes clean.

ABOUT BUSINESS
Research and Markets: Men's and Boys' Cut and Sew Shirt (Except Work Shirt) Manufacturing Industry in the U.S. and Its ...
Business Wire Mon, 23 Aug 2010
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/af6e80/mens_and_boys_cu) has announced the addition of Supplier Relations US, LLC's new report "Men's and Boys' Cut and Sew Shirt (except Work Shirt) Manufacturing Industry in the U.S. and its International Trade [2010 Edition]" to their offering. The Men's and Boys' Cut and Sew

Jo-Ann Stores raises profit forecast; shares surge
Market Watch Thu, 26 Aug 2010
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of Jo-Ann Stores Inc. jumped nearly 15% after the retailer raised its fiscal-year outlook on improving profit margins and strong demand for sewing supplies. The Hudson, Ohio-based company said it now expect to earn $3.20 to $3.35 a share for fiscal 2011, versus its prior range of $2.95 to $3.10 a share. Same-store sales are expected to increase 3% to 4% for the ...

Younger quilters are a boon to couple's business
The Canton Repository Mon, 30 Aug 2010
The owners of a local fabric shop say their recovery from the recession is being aided by a renewed interest in sewing. Terry and Ed Simon, owners of Angelics ... A Quilterâs Haven in Canton Township are capitalizing on that interest by offering beginner sewing and quilting classes.

GIVING BACK
Tireless State Fair quilters zip past goal
The Des Moines Register Mon, 23 Aug 2010
Volunteers stitched 253 quilts at the popular Sew-In for Kids at this yearâs Iowa State Fair, well beyond the goal of 200 quilts that organizers set.

Angels of Mercy Sew Dresses for Impoverished Girls
13WHAM Rochester Wed, 25 Aug 2010
Rochester, N.Y. -- A group of local women is changing lives half a world away, one dress at a time.

Parkland women sew quilts for families of slain police officers
Tacoma News Tribune Sat, 28 Aug 2010
Time, the women at Parkland Parish Quilt Co. know, does not heal all wounds. But with time, skill and fabric, they are offering comfort to people whose pain, they know, will never be completely healed.

EVENTS

Expo includes âbra challenge' to fight cancer
Novi News Thu, 26 Aug 2010
The American Sewing Expo will take place at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi Friday, Sept. 24-26. The event features reality sewing competitions, one-of-a-kind fabrics and supplies at over 300 vendor booths, fashion style shows, hands-on workshops, classes, contests, demonstrations, techniques and creative tips for beginner and veteran crafters for sewing, quilting, home

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

Week in Review 8/29/10 - More and Less

2010-08-29T21:15:00.000-04:00

Lets say goodbye to last week (waving) and I'm happy to put it in the past. It was the first week of school which meant getting up early having the first child in school by 7am. Yes, it's back to doing homework, carpool pickup lines, new class schedules and teachers and for my son new transportation home taking the bus (because there were times last year when it was hard to pick him up).

So, yes a lot more was added to the plate this past week but on the other hand right around when school starts it's slow in the sewing studio. Going on my fourth year being open I'm starting to see trends of the busy and slow times. On the less side of things I was given a night when no one was able to attend sewing class which gave me some free time to sew. More of that at the bottom of this post.

6 people attended the machine classes
5 people attended cutting class
12 people came to sewing class making shorts, blouses, skirts, toddler dress, Halloween costume, vest and alterations.

Once again I was bad about bringing out the camera with very few pictures to show this week.

Adriana made it to class this week to sew the fly zipper in some shorts she's making. A couple weeks ago she pulled apart some shorts that fit her and she wanted to make more.

Nancy has moved on from appliance covers to sewing a blouse. Except she's having the hardest time working with the very light weight fabric. I think she had more fun sewing home decor instead of garments.

Kristine was back and finished her apron. (btw Kristine when you walked out the door the apron was still on the dress form so I have it when you come to class next week). This was a quick and easy thing for her to make. When she finished with the apron she headed to the cutting table to cut out her next project ... another top :)

Joann was a lot of fun having in class this week. Since she was the only one that showed up on Friday we got to do a lot of talking and boy did we talk. She is a craft teacher and a mom so we have a lot in common. She made a cute little pillow case dress to give to a friends daughter.

Corey came back in on Saturday and learned how to hem pants. He took up two pair of his fathers shorts. Then he worked on his skirt but didn't do much with it. He'll be back next week.

Estee came to cutting class in the morning and stayed for the sewing class in the afternoon. She cut out and almost made a skirt. She's adding a liner to it because the fabric she picked was very see through. The best thing to do when your making a dress or skirt is to hold the fabric up to the light and if you can see throug it you'll need a liner or have to wear a slip.

Sofia spent 4 hours with me on Saturday sewing her Halloween costume. She's almost done with the bodice with installing the sleeves and adding the trim. We talked about how much fabric she needs to pick up for the skirt part of the costume. I think she's going to do an A line skirt with a big bustle skirt that can be tied around and removed if she wants. I so can't wait to show you pictures of this. It's really coming out good and Sofia has great ideas.

And I always enjoy having Christine in class. She didn't have much luck though not liking the blanket binding she wanted to put around a baby blanket. So she pulled out another project and didn't like the way the instructions had her sew it together. So she spent a lot of time talking with her new sewing friend Iris. And I'm not sure if you remember Iris but she's been coming to class for almost 3 years every Saturday. I don't give her instruction any longer. She just likes to come in to hang out with us and sew.

Like I was saying at the start. I was able to have a free night of sewing. Ahhh, my happy time. To be in my girl cave, music loud (because they "get the Led" on 105.9 at 9pm and I love my Zeppelin) and sewing. To me there's nothing better then spending time with my kids.

I have several projects already cut so I grabbed a basked and started sewing. I had this blouse made in a little over an hour, put it on and... didn't do the happy dance. I'm not real happy with the color, the drape and the feel of the fabric on my body. It doesn't breathe well and it's still very hot and humid outside.

Looking on the bright side, I have a few more tops cut out. And the projects that will fill my empty baskets (I only work on 5 projects at a time and I can't start a new project until I empty a basket. This keeps the UFO's from happening) my new projects will be baby clothes for my niece. She's having a girl!! Going to name her Raylee. How sweet is that? A new soul is arriving soon! And I get to sew baby clothes which makes me so happy.

NEXT WEEKS CLASSES

Sewing Tuesday6:30-8:30pm

Sewing Wednesday 11am-1pm and 6:30-8:30pm

Sewing Thursday 10am-12noon

Cutting Thursday 6:30-8:30 (CLASS FULL)

Cutting Friday 10am-12noon

Sewing Friday 1-3pm

Machine Saturday 10-12noon (2 seats available)

Sewing Saturday 1-5pm (CLASS FULL)

August is almost gone with September arriving on Wednesday. September is always a busy month at the studio so if you paid for sewing class call to reserve your seats before they are all gone.

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

Time Peace Watches

2010-08-28T07:55:00.001-04:00

Every morning I watch the local news and this morning I'm so happy I did. They showed a local company that sells watches and not just any watch.... I LOVE THIS CONCEPT!!!! Time Peace.org

It's a watch to change your perception of time and I just love it. I'm always trying to live in the moment because when you do you really think about what life has to offer, what lessons are being taught which brings many smiles, happiness and yes peace.

I found this blog post that explains the thought behind the watch. I can really see this company taking off. I know I'm going to be buying one, how about you? I think its a beautiful fashion piece.

Before I get ready to start my day I had to share this with you...

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

Did You Know?

2010-08-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

Did you know there are a few ways to lock your stitch line to keep the thread from pulling out of your fabric?

Most people know how to use the reverse stitch (the U turn on your sewing machine) by going backwards a few stitches.

But when you don't want to see all that reverse stitching there's a couple other things you can do

First, you can put your length at zero and have the needle go up and down a few times.

Another way is to pull one the thread on the wrong side until the tread from the right side loops up. Grab the loop with a pin and pull the thread until both are on the wrong side of the fabric. Then tie the two threads together.

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

RIP Alex - 6 years gone by

2010-08-24T08:08:00.004-04:00

August 25, 2004 is a day that will live with me forever. It's the day that all the death happening in Iraq came to my neighborhood. It was the day Alex Arredondo was killed in action. This picture was the last photo taken of him found in his camera by his parent after his death. It was taken a couple of days before he took his last breath.

Many of my students and many of my readers of this blog know about Alex because I talk about him often. If you would like to read more about Alex and what a wonderful kid he was go here and this post too.

Alex served his country and gave his life. There are many Americans who just complain about everything and don't get involved with making our country a better place for all of us to live. One VERY EASY WAY you can serve your country is to VOTE! Today is the day for us here in Florida and in many states for us to go decide who we want to hire to run our states, our county and our cities. When we don't use our freedom Alex and all his friends from so many years past gave to us... we allow the crazies to take over.

Now look, I know sometimes we have to smell this pile of poop or the other pile of crap and decide which one smells better (because they both smell bad) And this is the reason why so many normal people don't go to the polls on days like today. But if we don't get involved by doing the simplest thing like voting we allow the really crazy people to decide how society is set up for all of us to live. And let me tell you, there are crazies on both sides of the isles. We need more people in the middle to vote so we can even out the crazies.

So if you don't want to do it because you don't care about the future of our country, state, county and cities... Do it for kids like Alex who gave their life for this country. Many people have stepped up to protect this country for hundreds of years for your right to vote. The least you can do to honor their life is to vote today! PLEASE VOTE! And if you want to do more than vote and don't want to serve in the military you can always become a candidate because we need better people running for these offices.

And my dear Alex, You are with me often.. smiling. I'm so happy you're full of smiles in heaven. Your precious life was taken so young. Only 20yrs old on your second tour in Iraq. Honey, you are such a brave soul!! Rest in peace sweet child.... rest in peace until you are with your loved ones once more..... You are loved so much!

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

Sewing Over the Wire 8/23/10

2010-08-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

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

New touch-screen machine revolutionizes quilting
WKRN Nashville Tue, 17 Aug 2010
The world's largest sewing machine company has created a product that allows quilters to work with more efficiency and ease.

Julia Roberts loves sewing, knitting
The Times of India Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:46 PM PDT
Julia Roberts has revealed she loves to sew and knit when she wants some quiet time to herself away from her family. Actress Julia Roberts has revealed she loves to sew and knit when she wants some quiet time to herself away from her family.
Julia Roberts loves sewing
MusicRooms Sun, 22 Aug 2010
The Eat, Pray, Love actress who has five-year old twins Hazel and Phinneaus and three year-old Henry with husband Danny Moder has created a craft room in her house where she retreats to when she needs quiet time away from her family.

Talking Business: Shop gives new life to old leather
The Daily News Sun, 22 Aug 2010
Cindy Hardin's specialized sewing machines and extra zippers andclasps have been a staple for 10 years at her home-based leatherrepair business.

Elka Karl - designer, writer, mom - taps niche
San Francisco Chronicle Sun, 22 Aug 2010
Even while earning her master's degree in fiction from Texas State University, Elka Karl knew that "my heart's always been filled with more domestic concerns," she said. During breaks from working on her thesis, she would sew quilts and curtains, build bed... Texas State UniversityÃ¢San Marcos - Master's degree - Writer - United States - Texas

Be trendy and just a little over the top at Sew Select
Hattiesburg American Fri, 20 Aug 2010
Vibrant bolts of fabric greet customers who walk into the Sew Select store at 4400 Hardy St. in the Westwood Shopping Center.

Sew away the stress
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Thu, 19 Aug 2010
A new exhibition at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder focussed on a tradition not associated with the dust and dirt of the goldfields - quilting.

Wigwam Festival owes debt to tribe's Sewing Society
The Day Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:13 PM PDT
They darned and baked and no doubt kibitzed. They also revived the Mohegan Tribe's green corn festival, decided who could become chief and kept the tribe's reservation and culture intact when things got tough in the late 1800s.

Let it Sew: Guild to make Christmas stockings for troops
Murrysville Star Thu, 19 Aug 2010
Mary Ann Rau wants local sewing enthusiasts to start thinking of Christmas a few months early this year.

What's going on
Detroit Free Press Thu, 19 Aug 2010
"Show Your Support Bra Challenge" is accepting creatively decorated bras for the 17th annual American Sewing Expo Sept. 24-26 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.

Turn ugly dresses into nice ones for $1
Y! Green via Yahoo! News Wed, 18 Aug 2010
Marisa Lynch set herself a challenge: Transform 365 unattractive frocks in 365 days, for $365. Just before her 30th birthday, she got laid off. To some, losing a job means hitting the streets with a resume or wallowing in grief. But for Marisa, it meant getting the sewing machine out and upcycling thrifted fashions.

Jo-Ann Rewards Creativity
Marketwire Wed, 18 Aug 2010
HUDSON, OH--(Marketwire - August 18, 2010) - Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores ( NYSE : JAS ) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2010 Jo-Ann Decades Sweepstakes. Irene Fernandez from Miami, Florida has been selected as the craft winner and Janet Stultz from Woodstock, Virgina has been selected as the sewing winner. Fernandez and Stultz each won prize packages worth more than $1,800.

Sewing machine manufacturers plan world domination
The Pitch Tue, 17 Aug 2010
Title: The Fashion Machine News Date: March and May of 2010 Publisher: The Nippon Sewing Machine News, Osaka Discovered: Mailed, from Japan, to the former occupant of the building now housing The Pitch .

Mother-daughter pairs sew pillowcases for ailing children
Irvine World News Mon, 16 Aug 2010
IRVINE â Dozens of mother-daughter pairs from Irvine gathered at a modern-day sewing bee Monday to make pillowcases for ailing children.Volunteers from the Vista Irvine chapter of the National Charity League ironed fabric, sewed up pillowcases and...

Crafters should learn to let go of the old
Omaha World-Herald Tue, 17 Aug 2010
Sometimes we call it the guest bedroom. Sometimes itâs the office or the sewing room. The truth is, the room we assign a lot of uses to is often so full of stuff itâs good for nothing.

Bishop Hill shows historic threads
The Galesburg Register-Mail Sun, 15 Aug 2010
Debi Andrews learned to use an electric sewing machine before she was in Kindergarten. At age 60, sheâs gone back in time, using an 1810 Singer hand-cranked sewing machine to stitch prairie bonnets. Andrews, from Roach, near Normal, sat in the shade of a tree at Bishop Hill Sunday, showing children how the machine works. She was taking part in the fourth annual Bishop Hill Clay and Fiber ...

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

Week in Review 8/22/10 - Two weeks in One

2010-08-22T20:12:00.001-04:00

This past week I was only open Friday and Saturday because we went to Cape Coral for a few days. I really intended to write a week in review for the week before while I was away but... I didn't :) Yeah, I've been taking it easy for the summer not keeping up with my blog post series. I promise when the kids go back to school tomorrow I will be back on track. I kind of set the blogging thing aside for the summer because it started feeling like a chore and not so much fun so I took a little break.

So, here's two weeks in review. I didn't take that many pictures again for doing two weeks ~ and it's always slow the week before school starts (another reason why I took off last week)

10 people attended the machine classes with many of them learning their own machine

5 students attended cutting classes

23 attended the sewing classes learning to alter clothing, make their own designs come to life; sewing blouses, aprons dresses, pants, skirts, dog collars and accessories, vest. Yes we construct a lot of clothing at L2S.

Emily was given a gift certificate for a package deal of sewing classes. When she came home for the summer from college she came used her gift. She's the sweetest thing and did a beautiful job sewing this cute apron.

She made Butterick 6567. I tell people if they want to make something easy to start off with an apron but I leave it up to them to decide. This was not an easy apron though. It had many pattern pieces with bias tape finishing off most edges. This took her a long time to make but she took her time and did such a pretty job. She's sharing an apartment this year in school. I asked when she was going to use the apron and she replied as soon as all the roommates arrive. I hope Emily keeps up her sewing during the school year.

Kirsten is another teen and has been coming in for a few weeks. She's one of those students who totally understands the concept of putting the fabric together. It just flows with her. She's sewing tops. This one is really cute. I love the fabric she picked. It took her a few times to get the casing right so the elastic would slide through easy. After she made enough room sewing straight stitches you can see her using the looper to pull the elastic through because it bounced back in the casing when she thought she had it attached. Well, you know how sometimes things just happen? I went to take a picture on the dress form and the elastic popped again. That's why the neckline looks a little funny and not all gathered up. The class was over so she said she would fix it at home. I love when kids learn at her age. I just know what the future holds for then when they learn sewing young.

Sofia finished her dress I showed you in my last week in review. She came to class this week with a new design using her basic pattern to construct a Halloween costume Marie Antoinette custom. That's right... Halloween. It's time to start thinking about costumes. I love teaching Sophia. She possess a lot of patience working through her design changing darts and seams to make her envision. This is my kind of sewing. I call it extreme sewing where there no rules and you just work with the flow of the garment.

Friends Kirmaya and Jocelyn have been coming to class together this month. I've talked about them before. They finished their dresses. Kirmaya didn't want to be in her photo. She's another one who I just love the fabric she picked out. And she looks great in this dress. She had a few spots on the fabric that didn't get any dye and she didn't notice it when she bought the fabric. (this is why I always roll out what I'm going to buy and inspect both sides of the fabric.) She used some fabric markers to get rid of the white spots.

I sure hope Jocelyn got her sewing machine by now. Her father bought her one and was shipping it to her. Her father sews (how cool is that) and has always done the sewing for their family when needed. She wanted to take her time making this dress to make her dad proud. I told her he would be proud of her no matter what she did. In this picture she was pinning the casing for the drawstring to run through. I had her do it at eye level so she could get it straight all the way around. OK, she was almost at eye level. Better than kneeling on the floor.

I'm so proud of my student Rachael who started at L2s attending summer camp. She's only 11 years old, has her own sewing machine and is learned how to sew a skirt with her last project. I try to tell my students all the time; after they take the cutting class and learn how to cut out patterns to do it at home to save time in sewing class. Rachael cut out her very first project herself and did it all right! So after she finished her skirt she started on a vest that kind of looks like a top.

We've had more boys in the girl cave. Scott (who is a big construction guy) wanted to learn to sew to make dog collars and accessories. He already has a sweet little business called potcakecollars.com. they sell island dog collars and Hawaiian bandannas. Go check them out. It's a really cute site. And he also blogs! Gotta add him to my reader. He loves dogs and has some cute pictures of them on his blog. And go to his site to find out what potcake means. Learn something new everyday :)

The other boy in the girl cave lately has been Corey. He's another teen who wants to be a designer. For his first project he made a vest. It took him a couple of classes to make it. Corey needs a machine at home so he can learn how to drive the machine a little straighter. He used his seam ripper a lot in class. A few times pulling out buttonholes that didn't sew so well for him. When he was done with the vest he cut out a skirt and started sewing it before class ended. Another thing I tell my students all the time is you never start off making gold, you have to practice to make the gold. Corey's on his way to making gold.

With the kids back in school this week there will be a lot more running around back in the carpool pickup line and the dreaded homework but I should find more time to blog again. I also hope there's more time for me to sew because I feel like I cut out things weeks ago and haven't been able to get myself behind a machine to make my things. I need to sew... never enough time to sew is there?

The only class full next week is Saturday (which always fills quickly) so if you have hours you would like to use (and there are many of you who've paid for class and haven't been in for a long time) give me a call and lets schedule you some sewing time.

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

The end of Vacation

2010-08-20T08:33:00.001-04:00

Yes, I've been missing for a couple of weeks. I had a busy week of classes that I will write in my week in review after my classes end tomorrow. I intended to do it last weekend but.... I took some time off. Where? The beautiful city of Cape Coral.

We like getting out of town when the kids our out of school for summer vacation. Usually it's a family reunion somewhere. This year nothing was planned and not having a lot of funds to go to Orlando... or maybe patronize Key West for a week we really didn't have anywhere to go.. Until, someone my husband knows offered us the use of their house in Cape Coral. It was a great do nothing get away.

Southwest Florida is nothing like here in the Southeast. We are a party, fast paced always something going on place. Over on the west there are many "older" people doing their retirement things. And pockets of the very rich in retirement which makes for beautiful cities.

It was a beautiful house. I loved the colors and the very simple Florida design with the floors, windows, pool. All sweet to spend time in for a few days. My husband called it home away from home but our home isn't this nice :)

Some wall art - it took us a few days to figure out how to turn on these lights but very cool huh??

There's more pictures of her because he hates getting his picture taken - Boys!(heavy sigh!)

We hit the local water park one night. It was only $6 per person for a few hours. It was a small place, nothing like our water park so the boy was bored after an hour there.

And then we hit a local park called Myakka River State Park with to do a nature walk with a canopy walkway on top of the trees. It was fun - very hot but fun! I love nature and taking pictures of trees, the sun... it's all so beautiful to me...

But mostly we just hung out by the pool, rode bikes, drank too much beer :), and did nothing. It was the perfect get away before the kids start school on Monday.

Classes start again today, in a couple of hours in fact. I so need to get ready! Then it's meet the teachers and picking up class schedules after teaching the wonderful art of sewing to a few who are coming in.

I promise when the kids go back to school I'll get myself back on track with posting. I have been letting it get pushed aside this summer spending my posting time doing other things. Hey, there' only 14 hours to make gold :)

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

Fashion Prodigy - Christopher Abella on TV again

2010-08-17T07:33:00.002-04:00

Fashion Prodigy

Christopher was on TV again yesterday - this time it's in English. I wish I could embed the video but they don't have the option so you just have to click on the link above.

His glamorous gowns and over-the-top shoes would make Carrie on "Sex and the City" jealous. But we're not talking about Gucci or Jimmy Choo. We're talking about a 10-year-old boy growing up here in South Florida. 7's Lynn Martinez takes us into the world of this tiny fashion prodigy.
WSVN -- When you think high fashion, names like Valentino, Christian Dior and Chanel come to mind. But if you haven't heard the name Christopher Abella yet, you soon will. This 10-year-old boy is building his own fashion empire right out of his mother's Kendall home.
Lissette Abella, Christopher's Mom: "His first collection is up here."
Lissette Abella knew there was something special about Christopher from the moment he could hold a pencil.
Lissette Abella: "He would draw a funny face in school, and you could see the expression in the eyes."
She enrolled him in an arts magnet program, where he created his first piece titled, "The Bird." His teacher called it a masterpiece.
By age nine, Christopher had turned his talent to what may be his true love: fashion design.
Tracy Ellyn, Design Director, Miami Art & Design, Inc.: "If Chanel were alive today, what kind of fabric would she put here?
Christopher Abella: "Satin?"
Tracy Ellyn: "Satin would be wonderful."
New York Designer Tracy Ellyn has been working with Christopher for the past year. When she first saw his drawings, she was completely blown away.
Tracy Ellyn: "I've just never seen anything like it. It's as if he learned it in another life. It's just very very unusual."
She says his understanding of the female form and the way fabrics move put him at a college level.
Tracy Ellyn: "Beautiful."
When you ask the soft-spoken Christopher what he likes about fashion, he simply replies...
Christopher Abella: "I had a feeling I just wanted to do it."
Ask him who his favorite designers are...
Christopher Abella: "Christian Dior and Valentino."
Because he says their designs are 'very elegant,' and inspired some of his collections. But Christopher's glamorous gowns, beaded embellishments and shoes that could rival the likes of Manolo Blahnik come from one place: inside his head.
Christopher Abella: "I'd be outside playing, and then I would come in, I'd start drawing. Then when I finish, I go back outside."
And when he's not creating one of his latest designs, this 10-year-old is busy just being a kid: from baseball to playing piano to singing in church.
Christopher Abella, singing: "Everyone needs forgiveness."
And like most boys his age, he enjoys a good prank once in a while.
Christopher Abella: "I like to get cockroaches and scare people."
Christopher recently hosted his own exhibition at The Angel's Ring on Miracle Mile, where for the first time, one of his designs came to life.
Man: "You're going to see what comes from his mind to a piece of paper to life."
A model wearing one of his dresses was featured in this fashion show. Christopher was beaming at the success of his big night, likely the first of many to come.
It may be impossible for this 10-year-old to fully comprehend his own talent. But his greatest fan knows it is truly a gift.
Lissette Abella: "I think that for sure it's a gift of God. I think it's a talent that is only God-given."
Lynn Martinez: "Christopher's teacher says with his talent , he could be working out of New York City right now. But his mom plans to keep him in school here in South Florida for a while. Of course, one day, we all may be wearing the Christopher Abella label."

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

Week in Review 8/8/10 - Drawing comes to Life

2010-08-08T21:30:00.000-04:00

There's only two more weeks left of summer and the kids will be back in school. The summer just flew by.

Last week also flew by with some full classes and some not so full. I didn't have anyone enroll to the cutting class on Thursday which gave me a chance to catch up on things at the studio.

5 people attend the machine class
1 person came to cutting class
28 people attended sewing class

I've had many students who are bringing in their drawings (illustrations) to learn how to make what they sketch. This is why I want to do a class on this. It's so much fun to take a basic pattern and turn it into your design. Sophia's been coming in and doing just that. The first thing she made on her own was a dress she just draping on the dress form. Then I showed her how she could use two different patterns to make one of her designs. Then I told her to look for a pattern that was almost like what she wanted to make and I would show her how to change up the pattern to make her design.

Here is her sketch to the right and the start of her design to the right.

I taught her how to trace a very basic pattern and add her seam lines to it. So she picked Butterick 5746 as her pattern and made all the pieces needed for her design in the first half of class. Then we started to sew and got the bodice done and started on the skirt.. more to come on this project.

I was kind of teasing Nancy this week in class. She started with the machine class a few weeks ago and was so nervous her first class. I have to tell you, she sure has come a long way in a few weeks. She's making kitchen appliance covers. I can't tell yo how many she's made so far but I know it's a few. She actually did something really cute in her kitchen. Instead of putting up cabinet doors she made curtains to hand. She had some left over fabric so I told her to use some of that to make her appliance covers with. Nancy and I get along great because we both like to talk :) Can you tell she's talking in the picture? LOL

Anna who is sitting up front is perfect at sewing. She takes her time on every seam make sure she gets all the stitches right. And when you do this you make beautiful things. She's working on a cute little sleeveless dress and wasn't sure how to do the shoulders with the facing. We got right to that point at the end of class so I sure hope for her homework she was able to do what I showed her.

And Rebecca's behind Anna sewing a skirt she's been working for a few weeks now. It seemed like every seam was a problem with this skirt with a few fitting issues. She learned how to install in invisible zipper this week and learned how to make some seam adjustments to make it fit.

I hope to have pictures of finished projects for both of these ladies soon!

Saturday Afternoon Sewing Class

This is Berthea. She's making her second sewing project, a blouse. This is her working on the collar. She was 25 minutes late to class because she needed some seam tape and stood in line forever at JoAnns fabrics to check out. She didn't get a whole lot done on her blouse but I sure was happy she learned the cutting process and cut this out at home. When you do don't use our class time cutting out your projects we can get a lot more sewing in.

Debbie drove all the way from Hillsboro Beach to attend sewing class twice this week. She's sewn a long time but needs help on technique.. and she's also sewn with cotton fabric and not knits so she came in to learn a few tricks. She made this in top in a few hours. The only thing needed is to hem the sleeves and bottom.

I made this pattern before but a different view. If I was at the studio right now I would give you the pattern number but... oh well :) If you want the pattern number just let me know and I'll give it to you. It is a sweet top to own and I know for sure Debbie will be making more like this one

Then there's very busy mom of two, Leslie. I have to say this student is amazing. She's been teaching herself making kids clothing to sell in a boutique and selling them out. I'm giving her some finish seam techniques. She's been coming to class to learn how to use patterns. Every time I go to teach her something she's already doing it. She has such a natural ability for sewing and is going to fly with her business while she's a stay at home mom to her two little babies (one who's a big girl now at the age of 3). Leslie didn't like the way the front of the skirt was hanging out so before she left class we sewed down the pleats in the front so they wouldn't pooch out.

NEXT WEEK CLASSES:
Sewing Tuesday 6:0-8:30pm
Sewing Wednesday 11am-1pm(class full) and 6:30-8:30pm
Sewing Thursday 10am-12n(class full) and 12n-2pm
Machine Thursday 6:30-8:30pm
Machine Friday 10am-12n
THEN I WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL AUGUST 20 FOR A LITTLE VACATION

So with it being a short week I hope to get some sewing in on my own. I did finish the pants but you know what really stinks??? Well not really but, I've lost weight and the last two pair of pants I've made no longer fit LOL go figure... back to the sewing machine.

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

Christina's Girl Cave and her Sewing Beauties

2010-08-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

There's some people I'm so thankful they walk through my door. Christina is one of those people. I feel like she has such a vast amount of sewing knowledge already there isn't much I teach her. I get excited when I do have some knowledge to give her.

She loves sewing children's clothing with smocking/pleating and hand embroidery. She makes beautiful things. This is her daughter wearing one of her dresses she made. And look how cute, she has her own sewing machine in the girl cave - sweet!

And speaking of her girl cave, her husband made her a beautiful sewing room where she's starting to spend more time in.

Check out her sewing machine and serger. all she has to do is spin them around when she needs one machine or the other. Very cool huh! and pressing right next to the machine. Did I mention her girl cave is in the attic?

Here are some of the beautiful things she's made.....

She's always so much fun to have in class sharing her knowledge with other students. She's teaching us how to do different embroidery stitches giving us homework which I can't wait to do while I'm waiting in the carpool like at school.

Thank you Christina for taking the time each week to come to sewing class and sharing so much of yourself with all of us. I love your girl cave at home and happy you come to my girl cave. Sewing is the best when you give yourself the time to do it, and you give yourself the time to make beautiful things.

See you in class!!!

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

The TV Episode

2010-08-05T22:46:00.000-04:00

Here's the funny thing. I don't speak Spanish and have no idea what they are saying.
But here is Christopher, Me and Learn 2 Sew, along with a few others like his mother and father.

Does anyone want to tell me what they said?

I am so happy for Christopher and can't wait to see what the future brings for him.

Hope to see you at the studio...
Until next time, Enjoy your moments ~ make them "sew" much fun, Cindy

Sewing Over the Wire - 8/5/10

2010-08-05T14:41:00.001-04:00

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

Ribbon dress is spectacular
Nevada Journal Wed, 04 Aug 2010
Emily McQuiston was out of town during the Story County Fair this week, but her sewing entry was definitely in town, and was turning the heads of just about everyone who walked past it in the community building in Nevada.

Revue shows 4-H'ers fashion, sewing skills
Sterling Journal-Advocate Wed, 04 Aug 2010
It was âStyle in Reviewâ at the annual 4-H Fashion Revue at Sterling High School Auditorium on Friday night. Featuring 4-Hâers in Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Encore divisions, the event is the first of the judged entries into this yearâs Logan County Fair.

Somali girls have fashion show sewn up
The Lewiston Sun Journal Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:57 PM PDT
LEWISTON Sahro Noor, 11, carefully guided her fabric through a humming sewing machine Monday. Instructor Kristy Ouellette watched. Perfect. I think you've got it, Ouellette said as the girl kept her eyes on her soon-to-be skirt. Make sure you take out your pins,Ouellette coached. Very good.

Sewing good in the world: 99-year-old quilts just so she can give to needy kids
The Logan Herald Journal Sun, 01 Aug 2010
Louise Mendenhall talks about her work sewing quilts at her home outside of Richmond Monday. (Braden Wolfe/Herald Journal)

FALLBROOK: How fabric fruit will tell Fallbrook's story
North County Times Sun, 01 Aug 2010
FALLBROOK ---- Quilting may be a centuries-old craft, but KarenCunigan says that what she can do with a sewing machine and a dozenscraps of fabric is probably closer to art.

Political seeds of sewing
Worcester Telegram & Gazette Sun, 01 Aug 2010
LANCASTER - By the time the last stitch is knotted next spring, the Mothertown Quilters Guild will have spent close to two years and sewn hundreds of thousands of tiny stitches into the Civil War reproduction quilt that they will raffle off on the 150th anniversary of a clash in Baltimore that is thought to be the first bloodshed of the Civil War and#8212; April 19, 2011.

Program helps low-income women become entrepreneurs
The Brownsville Herald Sat, 31 Jul 2010
PHARR Emma Llanas makes quick work of a tear in the seat of a pair of plaid shorts. Carefully guiding the fabric through the sewing machine in her living room, her fingers dodge the bobbing needle until what was once a flaw that rendered the garment unwearable can barely be seen.

Sewing Passion Leads To Book Deal
The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register Sat, 31 Jul 2010
WHEELING - As a child, Sandi Blackwell of Wheeling would take pieces of material and sew clothes for her Barbie dolls - little did she know her lifelong passion for sewing, and eventually quilting, would evolve into her signing a book deal with a national publisher and offer her a chance to sail the Caribbean on a cruise ship.

Quiet retirement is no temptation for Shawnee Center seniors

The Charleston Gazette Sat, 31 Jul 2010

DUNBAR, W.Va. -- This is not your grandmothers senior group. They are just over a dozen women who gather daily at the Shawnee Community Center, in Dunbar, where director Armelia Pannell browbeats them into sewing wall hangings, tablecloths, chair cove...

Young entrepreneurs create sewing, cake decorating day camp for kids
The North Bay Nugget Sat, 31 Jul 2010
Last summer, Megan Bonenfant started Sew Fine Sewing School, and longtime friend Jocelyne Begin started Cake Designs, both part of the provincial Summer Company project that funds students interested in running a summer business.[...]

Children take sewing class
The Danville Commercial-News Fri, 30 Jul 2010
The children learned the fundamentals of sewing and using a machine while putting together a colorful flip pillow. The campers also have worked on some extra projects.

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo Sparks Personal Satisfaction with Inspiration, Education and âSupply Acquisitionâ Once ...
PRWeb via Yahoo! News Thu, 29 Jul 2010
After 15 years of steady innovation and growth, Original Sewing & Quilt Expo has become known as the place to go for everything related to sewing, quilting, machine and hand embroidery, fiber and needle arts. The Expo, a public event, returns to Washington DC, Kansas City, Missouri and Minneapolis, Minnesota this autumn, with more for enthusiasts than ever before.

On TV: And sew it begins
Tulsa World Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:33 AM PDT
Designers try to stitch their way to the top prize on the new season of Project Runway. Host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn return with 90-minute episodes.

Greenwich man seeks to sew up a win on 'Project Runway'
Greenwich Time Wed, 28 Jul 2010
Barbara Nitke/Lifetime Television 'Project Runway' designers A.J. Thouvenot of St. Louis and Jason Troisi of Greenwich learn about their first challenge.

Local Project Runway Designer Draws From Immigrant Roots
KITV Honolulu Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:04 AM PDT
Son of immigrant farmers trades catfish and flower lei for sewing machines and mannequins.

Good News: Preteen church campers sew little dresses for girl in Africa
Memphis Commercial Appeal Wed, 28 Jul 2010
hen Ruby Jackson thinks of Africa, she hears singing.

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

Christopher and L2S on TV Thursday 5pm

2010-08-04T14:52:00.000-04:00

Remember a couple of weeks ago we had a film crew come in to the studio to tape an episode of our little designer, Christopher? Well, I found out the episode will air TOMORROW Thursday at 5pm on Univision 23. (Ch. 23 here in So. Florida)

I was told when they filmed the episode they would have a link online that I could use. So, keep an eye out and I'll share it here.

AND

Ch. 7 (our local fox network) went to Christopher's house yesterday to film him there. I'll let you know the air date of this.

AND

Wow this little kid is busy but he's having an Art Exhibition

Christopher Abella, 10 Year Old Fashion Designer

GOOD LUCK CHRISTOPHER! I'm so very proud of you. I hope you are spending many hours behind your sewing machine before school starts! See you in class.

Stay tuned for more....

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