Five Worst Fashion Looks of 2005

I absolutely LOVE receiving the Clothing Chronicles newsletter (free) every 2 weeks from Diana Pemberton-Sikes. She has given permission to quote her newsletters - so here is a capsule of what she considers the worst fashion looks of 2005.

"1. PJ's as Daywear.
2. Flip-flops with Everything - boy do I agree with that as a 'worst look'!!!!
3. The "Skin" Belt (defined as cropped top/low rise waistband) on anyone but a slim, young thing.
4. Sweats + Designer Bag - Diana says: Poorly-chosen apparel can downgrade expensive accessories".
5. Paris Hilton Look-Alikes"
her newsletter explaines each of these as only she can - GREAT!

"Casual trend gone too far is her summary. Sloppy clothing has lead to slppy behavior and a complet elack of knowledge of basic wardrobe tenets. "

For some great fashion guidance, I highly recommend anything Diana does...
Click on this link to check it out - use some of that Christmas Gift Cash VERY wisely!

Londa

Clean out your Closet - and take the deductions for donations

Take a gander at this!
I'm printing it off and making several copies and vowing to USE it this year as I clean through the clothing in this house of ours!
more details can be found at this link you can cut and paste into your browser. Click here.

Women's clothing
Average price per itemLow and High
Number of itemsx Price = Donation amount
Blouse
$2.50
$12.00
___ x ________ = ________
Slacks
$3.50
$12.00
___ x ________ = ________
Coat
$10.00
$40.00
___ x ________ = ________
Dress
$4.00
$19.00
___ x ________ = ________
Sweater
$3.75
$15.00
___ x ________ = ________
Pantsuit
$6.50
$25.00
___ x ________ = ________
Handbag
$2.00
$20.00
___ x ________ = ________
Shoes
$2.00
$25.00
___ x ________ = ________
Total of all donated items:
$________
Click here for a .pdf version of the women's clothing worksheet.
Children's clothing
Average price per itemLow and High
Number of itemsx Price = Donation amount
Blouse
$2.00
$8.00
___ x ________ = ________
Shirt
$2.00
$6.00
___ x ________ = ________
Dress
$3.50
$12.00
___ x ________ = ________
Slacks
$2.00
$8.00
___ x ________ = ________
Jeans
$3.50
$12.00
___ x ________ = ________
Coat
$4.50
$20.00
___ x ________ = ________
Sweater
$2.50
$8.00
___ x ________ = ________
Shoes
$2.50
$8.75
___ x ________ = ________
Total of all donated items:
$________

Londa

Your age by Chocolate Math

This only works yet this year - and though not fashion related - it is certainly seems "Female" related! At least in my book...

1.Pick the number of times a week you would like to have chocolate (more than once, but less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)
3. Add 5
4. Multiply it by 50 (I'll wait while you get the calculator!)
5. If you have already had your birthday this year, add 1755...if you haven't, add 1754.
6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.
You should have a 3 digit number.
The first digit of this was your original number (how many times you want to have chocolate each week).
The next 2 numbers are YOUR AGE!
Londa

Project Runway - Bravo TV

Treat yourself to enjoying Project Runway...
I love, love, love this 'reality' TV. What a great escape. The new (2nd) series started Wednesday night - and you should have seen what these designers created from 6 yards of muslin! The following hour, it went on for the first challenge - which was to design something representative of their work using ONLY what they were wearing! What fun!!! Find it at 9 pm CST on Bravo Network (and repeating at various times on Bravo). Do tune in - here is a link to info http://www.tv.com/project-unway/show/26278/summary.html

Comment - with your prediction of the winner! My vote is for the tall guy with the ponytail - sorry, I forget his name - who did the aqua muslin dress that won. My heart wants the self-taught 'older' gal - equal to the "Wendy" of last season - to win though.
So..... what do YOU think?

Great catalog for snoop shopping online

Go check out: www.softsurroundings.com for some great different, top quality fabric in clothing. A bit different from the norm - I had kept this catalog from last year in my 'idea file' - and will be trying one of these wraps with armscalled a Fichu - in a back THREADS article out of that new wonderful neutral tapestry fabric I just uploaded onto my site!
Can't wait to give it a try...

This picture shows the shaped back seam and interesting sleeve hem and the shaped side seam of this jacket. A bit of a challenge - even for 'seasoned' seamstresses. Has anyone else tried this pattern, I'm wondering???
from Londa's design room

Front of my combined fabrics Rio Jacket by Diane Ericson/Revisions. That is 4 ply silk crepe on the front (not stencilled, but rather a 'panel' fabric that came that way). Black doupionni sleeves, and reversible little rayon tweed in black and white. Other side was used on the back.
from Londa's design room

Zoom in on the T shirt hem - I can see this LONGER (for us mid age and over!) with the Charles Chang Lima Black Bow Lace out of any of the Slinky or Cotton/Lycra Knits - could be fun! Ane you thought that jacket was too small??? Maybe not! Observation: the photographer must have been on the floor shooting up! Though her legs are surely long - the viewpoint of this picture is surely contrived to make skinny look even skinnier...
from Londa's design room

I really like this one! In fact, I'm going to do it from the Italian Wool I have at www.londas-sewing.com that is purple and teal - doing the neckline ruffle and peplum ruffle of the reverse side of the garment. Not sure about the belt...
from Londa's design room

Note that ruffled blouse underneath... The ruffling iappears to be a heavy velvet tube - shirred down the center and applied down front, around neck, at cuffs, and on pocket - almost a Chanel look. I like this one!
from Londa's design room

Now this one I like! I say intriguing blouses - all very feminine over and over again in the fall issue of In Style Magazine. This one in silk - could be a wardrobe basic - hopefully with proper undergarments!
from Londa's design room

Unsuspected, non-traditional interpretations of fabric and style - what I see over and over in the fashion magazines right now. Wool in a tailored jacket - with lots of feminine details. Band with upper fuffle at waist, then a gathered - probably single layer peplum to the jacket - same theme repeated at the very long sleeves - and a large, ruffled collar - all with the sheer, tiered skirt of silk chiffon. Caption said: "traditional jacket has loosened up, pairinig as easily with jeans as skirts, or whatever you like."
from Londa's design room

How's this for a combination? I really don't like it - nor would I do it myself - though look closely at the skirt construction - strips of what is surely silk charmeuse stitched to a sheer underlayer - edges undoubtedly left to fray - or perhaps bias so limited fraying...
from Londa's design room

Flowers - roses seen everywhere - the feminine influence
from Londa's design room

Fashionable? ?? Not me!
from Londa's design room

Let's Chatter about Pants

Good-Fitting Pants!
The reason many sew - or start to sew, I do believe.
As I type, I'm wearing a pair of those jeans - and you don't want a description of how far the back is scooping down and what it is revealing as I sit here! I finally made some belts of old ties (pictures coming soon) to pull them in and keep them up! Enough said...

My favorite pants patterns are:
Oxford Pant from Loes Hinse - I'm not a pocket person, so I forgo the pockets, and put on the elastic as she says, BUT do NOT stitch down all around creating that casing look - rather I stitch in the ditch vertically at each side seam, and CF and CB. It looks quite nice that way - and there isn't much fullness at the waist - because there are darts in it to control the fullness.
The legs are straight, but not too full - or skinny. Even my 23 year old daughter likes these!

SoHo Pant from Textile Studio - my favorite skinny pant - again with elastic, but this one has a side zipper - which I always use an invisible zipper for. Little vents at the side seams look good too.

One Seam Pants from Cutting Line Designs - formerly known as the $1700 Pant. I took this class from Louise way back when she was adapting a Burda One Seam Pant Pattern, then taught it to MANY gals at my shop both lecture demo format, and workshop. Many who hadn't sewn in years came to this workshop (4 hours) and left wearing a great pair of pants. We were both always SEW happy! Do need a soft fabric though. Slinky knit is great - though you MUST stay the crotch, and compare it to the pattern before proceeding with the waist treatment - to make sure that crotch length didn't grow while sewing!

Chime in here - what are YOUR favorite pant pattern(s) and why?????
If you can't post - Comment - it is because you aren't a member of this Blog.
All you need to do is email me that you'd like to be - londasews@insightbb.com and then accept the invitation when it comes to you.

This should be a lively discussion.

I have a deal going out in my Newsletter today - FREE Pant Comparison Chart on many of the independent pattern company's pant patterns with purchase of ANY pant pattern from my site - through September 13.

Sewing hugs,
Londa

Sewers Unite to Aid Katrina Victims

Lines from Londa
Sept. 2, 2005
Katrina Victim Relief
This afternoon, it finally happened - I just broke out in sobs with pain, empathy and prayers for our fellow countrymen in the South so in need as victims of Katrina. I think, like most of us, I have been so in shock over this devastation, that I've been at a lossas to what I could do me myself and I. The time has come to take action!
My family's outreach will be through our church - we have a HUGE Garage Sale that was already planned, and we'll be sending the monies raised from that to aid in relief. I'm sure many of you are already reaching out in many ways. But, here is another idea for you. ....
Then, today came this email from the "quilting world". It's no secret that I'm NOT a quilter, but I had just cleaned out my own linen closet for the Church Rummage Sale! Now, I'm going to retrieve those bedding items and send them to the address below in Houston. I'm also going to enclose some sorely needed toiletries carefully packed in ziploc bags in with the quilts. It is my hope and prayer that you will do the same. I'm 'cutting and pasting' that email here to you with my prayers that you also join in this great soul-ful response.
May God bless our land and our people as we become His hands in reaching out to each other during this time.
Sewing hugs,

Londa

Dear Friends,
Only today did I discover the ghastly scope of the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, and I immediately started trying to decide what we could do to help muster aid for the victims. Here is what we have come up with. This will be posted on our website (www.quilts.com) in the morning. I am terribly concerned about the urgency of the short-term needs of these poor souls--25,000 of them are being bussed to Houston for shelter and perhaps long-term living arrangements. Most of them left New Orleans with nothing but the clothes on their backs. I know there are other projects that are being started for quilts for long-term needs, but right now, folks, these people have NOTHING and most of them have NOTHING to go home to. They need help NOW! I hope you'll want to help us provide some of that help. Karey Bresenhan Houston
QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA A Cooperative Project To Comfort Victims of Hurricane Katrina To quilters everywhere: The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast is beyond belief. Here in Houston our hearts are heavy with sorrow for all the horrible losses, and we are preparing to welcome the thousands of refugees that are being bussed to us because they have lost their homes or have no access to whatever is left of their homes. Like so many other people, we want to help. Knowing quilters, we think you want to help, too, because there are no more generous, giving, open-hearted people than quilters.
Therefore, we are launching a two-part drive for Hurricane Katrina relief, and we urge you to join us in this project. We're calling it
QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA. PART 1: Urgent Donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. We will match EVERY donation made by quilters to the American Red Cross, up to a maximum of $10,000, on a dollar for dollar basis.In other words, if you make a $25 donation, we'll match that with another $25 donation. If you make a $100 donation, we'll match that with another $100 donation, right up to the maximum. To avoid delays in your donations reaching the Red Cross, and because we have trusted quilters for more than 30 years now, just email us with the amount of your donation that you sent to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Every penny of every donation--up to $10,000--will be matched by International Quilt Festival. You have my word on that. Please use this email address: exec5@quilts.com and use the subject line:
RED CROSS DONATION.
PART 2: QUILTS FOR COMFORT
Many thousands of the Katrina refugees are being sent to Houston RIGHT NOW, and no one knows how long they will have to be here. Most of them escaped the hurricane's fury with only the clothes on their backs--nothing more--and they may have absolutely nothing to go home to. They don't even know. The Astrodome is ready as temporary housing, but there is a serious shortage of bedding.
Part 2 of QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA is the collection of quilts of all kinds to be distributed to the refugees here in Houston so that they have something soft to sleep on instead of the hard concrete floors of the temporary shelters and something warm to cover up with against the chill of otherwise welcome air-conditioning (we've been in the 90s and 100s for weeks now).
Many of us have unfinished projects filling our closets and cupboards. Get out one of those projects--twin size preferred but no smaller than baby quilt size, please--and finish it up for this. Use lightweight batting--do whatever binding is the quickest, even a close zigzag stitch. You don't have to quilt it--tie it! If you have only small projects, add borders. Think about a mother lying on the floor cradling her baby--that's the size quilt we need to provide. These quilts are not meant to be heirlooms, although they will probably be treasured for many years s a symbol of the caring of strangers. Tie them, machine quilt them, work in a group with your friends and finish several on an assembly line, do whatever it takes to get these finished quickly. THE NEED FOR THESE QUILTS IS RIGHT NOW! If you already have some finished pieces that you don't have plans for, send them too, asl ong as they are no smaller than baby quilt size. If you are a professional, you may have sample quilts that have become shop-worn or faded but are still clean and very usable in an emergency--send them!--we are IN an emergency! Be sure to put a label on the back of your quilt or sign it with a kind thought and your name and date. Every piece will go to a refugee family driven from their homes by the hurricane.
To participate in QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA, send an email to exec5@quilts.com (subject line: COMFORT AMERICA) to let us know how many quilts you are sending. That will help us help the Red Cross in its planning.
Please do not expect a confirmation that your quilt has been received or any kind of nice thank-you. Sometimes we just have to do things because they are the RIGHT things to do--this is one of those times. People need help...the kind of help WE can give.
Use this address to send your quilt/s: COMFORT AMERICA PROJECT c/o International Festival 7660 Woodway, Suite 550 Houston, TX 77063
Please note: for security, do NOT use the word 'quilt' ANYWHERE in your address label!
Many of us have also amassed linen closets full of old but completely usable sheets--perhaps a size you no longer use, or juvenile prints that your college age kids don't like anymore. Clean sheets and blankets are also most welcome to QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA. Naturally, everything should be clean and fresh. These folks have lived with enough mud and dirt to last them the rest of their lives--let's give them a clean bed to rest in. Please note that we cannot use fabric, patterns, scraps, etc.
Quilt Festival will serve as the collection point for these quilts, and we will deliver them DAILY to the American Red Cross staffing the refugee centers in Houston, where they will be distributed by the Red Cross volunteers. Because we are right here in Houston where more than 10,000 of the refugees will be, we can make a difference RIGHT NOW...if you'll help. Time is critical--the need is NOW! People are arriving by the hour, children are bedding down on the cold concrete, bedding is needed by people of all ages who have lost everything in this horrible storm. Please help if you can. If you live in or around Houston, you are welcome to hand deliver your donations to us.
Our address is 7660 Woodway, Suite 550, Houston 77063. You can find it on Mapquest. Please note that this is one block off Woodway that runs perpendicular to all the rest of Woodway.
Thanks to everyone! QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA.
Karey Patterson Bresenhan Director,
International Quilt Festival--Houston and Chicago

Emergency Needs in Israel

I have worked for a couple of years with a dear sewing friend, Dr. Deborah - who is in Israel.
She has put together a sewing relief type of organization and I have sent (and directed many others) to send our extra sewing stuff to her.
Her email is: neveshalom@yahoo.com so write to her if you have something you don't need and would like to donate it to her!!!! She is quite fearful of the future right now and for the Fall there in Israel. Regardless of your political position, these are fellow women who need our help.

Additionally, I have placed a listing at this link: http://www.londas-sewing.com/Israeliemergencyneeds.htm of other items that the people displaced with the evacuation of the Gaza and West Bank are in great need of....

Let's share what we have!
I'm trying as well here - in the Comments - to place complete copies of the emails Dr. Deborah has sent to me so that you can read of what is going on from perhaps a totally different viewpoint than what we get through our news here in the U.S.

As a Christian, I have travelled to Israel (Feb 2000) and have a great love and respect for this country of my religious heritage.

Londa

American Sewing Guild Conference Report

What a week! I'm still digging out from having a booth at the Conference in Nashville. Was such fun to meet so many of my customers and on-line friends in person.

Some thoughts...
1. Coni Crawford is GREAT! Her books are wonderful. If you want to get into pattern drafting/changing and have good fit - I highly recommend her books. She has written textbooks for colleges, and worked in fashion schools, and in the industry. Great qualifications, and my new measuring stick to hold anything else up against. Just because something is printed and in a magazine doesn't make it absolutely correct! Her website is: www.fashionpatterns.com. If I were a generous sized woman, I'd definitely use her patterns designed well for them! Due to the increase in size of many of our populace, she says that 1/3 of our country is without adequately fitting patterns.

2. Met Nancy Nix-Rice - author of the Palmer/Pletsch published Looking Good book - which I still think is the bestest book on the market for image, wardrobe planning, etc. A very nice lady with a set of gorgeous teenage twin daughters.

3. Susan Lazear also recommended www.firstview.com as a great place to see the images of runway collections.

Some quotes from her that I think are worth repeating:
"Designers rework an existing idea."
"Designers see things others don't."
"Designers are not Goddesses!"
"Call your sewing room your Studio - what you call it changes as your confidence grows. You, as a home sewer, are a "Designer" because that is what you se yourself as. You work in your "Studio" because that is what you call it. You are a Designer when you can't turn it off and see thiings as others don't. "

A "knock-off" is copying a garment as closely as possible - this is what the designs in The Sewing Workshop are.

An "Adaptation" is using a garmend design as a source of inspiration - not seeking to copy it exactly.

Speaking of that - I find the boutiques in nice hotels are the BEST places to do alot of "Inspiration shopping"! The one at the Gaylord was GREAT! I have pages of scribbled notes to develop. Many purses using Jean Tops - and embellished with Rhinestones. Many were lined with cardboard that was covered with Silk Doupionni to give them that stiff body that the fancy dancy expensive purses have these days - and these were $$$$$!!

Hey - the other thing was - I saw lots of JEANS in the shop with tall tops! Meaning - they come to the waist! I'm not sure if that is fashion changing, or just who they are marketing to - but if I still were on the Jean Hunt, I'd have made time to try them on. Real sizes as well!

Kenneth King was interesting - though the idea of using line from architecture as inspiration for fashion is straight out of many college classes I had. Personal opinion: he could keep his sexual preferences to himself and be equally entertaining.

Quote from Kenneth: "What I make is what I do and what I do is what I am. " Worth pondering... But, for myself, what I do is NOT what I am. I am more than that - especially in the eyes of my Maker, the one and only God.

Anyone else - please comment on your experiences, impressions. This is a wonderful gathering of those of us who get our 'kick' out of garment sewing. Yea...........

Sites to check out...when it's too hot to be outside!

Here is a great website for you fabric - olics out there:

http://www.fabriclink.com/Burntest.html

I also LOVE the books, Cotton, Silk and Wool - each in essence entire textile classes. These are always advertised in the back of sewing magazines, and I carry them on my www.londas-sewing.com website. GREAT summer reading!

Some other websites I was referred to by my friend Diana Pemberton of The Clothing Chronicles - www.fashionforrealwomen.com

www.cosmeticconnecion.com

www.fashion-era.com

www.hairboutique.com

www.made-in-italy.com

www.modeaparis.com

www.style.com

www.wwd.com

I must admit that only briefly scanned these - but enough to know they hold a vast wealth of knowledge, information and entertainment. I guess I'm just not yet into entertainment on the web, since I spend so much of my days on the computer with business!

Right now, early August will find me absolutely driven to a sewing fix!!!! After building the final of my family of sewing websites, I am computer-ed out!

The last weeks have found me super busy sorting, labelling, deciding, ordering, checking in, playing with new fabrics, etc., etc., etc., for the booth I'll have for the first time at the American Sewing Guild Conference in Nashville next Wed through Saturday. Ahhhhh - for a real sewing fix - this promises to be a heaven. I wish you all could come - and hope to meet some of you there in person! Now virtually all my stock is packed, and you should see the hilarity of my digging to fill orders as they come in.... o well - kind of like snooping through Christmas packages I have to tell myself...

My New sites:
www.londaskaiscissors.com great scissors from Kai, Mundial, and WolffUSA
www.londasnotions.com only notions that I personally use and love and recommend
www.londasclovernotions.com my version of all the great notions Clover has to offer.

And my daughter has hers launched as well: www.cttoys.com - great selection of interesting, different, educational toys.

Stay cool.............

Copying Ready-made garments

I just posted this as a comment under the Jeans discussion - but in case some of you might miss those increasing comments under that topic, I'm placing this also as an additional post.

Anonymous:Please know you don't have to tear apart a garment in order to get a pattern from it. Do consult th most recent THREADS Aug-Sept article using tape to do this by my pal, Jean Haas. It is ingenious. Also - in High Fashion Sewing Secrets by Claire Shaeffer, good directions can be found on copying a garment. I've done this, taught it, and it it works!!! Do let us know if you try it and your results...

Shopping for Jeans Saga

I'm still not doing much sewing right now, but I HAD to go hunt - and I mean HUNT some jeans. With a 29" or so waist and 41" hips, and legs a bit on the heavy side, this shouldn't have been THAT much of a challenge - but, alas - after trying on at least 30 pairs of jeans on Sunday - I have some conclusions.....

* Where to shop:
I looked at T.J. Maxxx and a college type resale store - though I must admit, since I was with my daughter (22 - a new Mom) - I might have gone to a department store to really look if I"d been by myself. ESPECIALLY if you want jeans that come at least 1" below your bely button - and THAT would be considered "Hi Waisted" and "Old Lady" - I think you would need to look in more conventional stores - and in the Ladies' sections... When I have some time, I'm gonna go investigate this further...

But - I really did want to try to get an acceptable pair or 2 of jeans that were more 'in currrent style' - thus the excursion...

Besides - my favorite pair that were denim/lycra - the lycra had poppped, given out all around the crotch - not acceptable to wear any longer (or so I was told!)....

*Rack Selection Process
Hummmm I looked for ones whose zipper looked at least at least the width of my four fingers... :)
I also like the 'give' of Lycra so I watched for that
If the thigh looked too super skinny - well, I went on...

* Fitting Process
I found it only took putting in one leg to see if it was going to work...so many didn't make it any further than that.
If I could get one leg in - I had some hope...
It was a quick conclusion that my undies were not 'in fashion' - as they showed over the top of absolutely EVERY pair I got all the way on! That will be yet another shopping trip now I suppose...

*What I bought -
Finally finding 2 pair that didn't leave enough room at the center back 'waist' to put my entire fist into - (I do have a slim, somewhat sway back), I felt that I had achieved victory. $10 for the ones at the resale store - and $16 at T J Maxxx.
Observation: the 'new' ones didn't appear any 'newer' than those at the resale store! In fact - some at the resale store looked newer!

Crotch length: 24 3/4" on one pair - 10.5" in front, 14.25" in back - wore them yesterday and felt they were 'falling down' all day long...
25 3/4" on the other pair 9.75" in front, 16" in back - sitting here in them, at least I don't feel like I'm 'exposed' on my back side... Another subtle observation - they seem to come up higher at the side seams, and dip subtly in the center front - I almost like that... Perhaps something to incorporate in the next pair of SoHo pants I make...

My daughter has already informed me that I MUST go get some new undies - that no one needs to know that mine are pink today! :)

Well ---- any others of you have some experience to share???

Hope I've enlightened/entertained you for a bit today...
Back to playing with oodles of new fabrics that have arrived.

Is it a scissors or a shear?

In setting up my newest website (not live yet), to sell Kai Scissors - and more, I've learned that a scissors is one into which only one finger goes into each handle hole. If you fit more than one finger in a hole - it is a shears. :)
Learning lots - can't wait to get this live and share more. There will be a page of cutting info on it as well...

Special Fabric Offer fr Londa

Special Fabric Offer
Designer Charles Chang Lima Fabrics

Am I ever having the time of my life - examining, petting, measuring, folding, describing over 40 yummy scrumptious fabrics in the Charles Chang Lima Collection I purchased on that Chicago buying trip!!!!

Honestly, it has become apparent that I have purchased more than 2 vans could possibly carry down the American Sewing Guild Convention the end of July - so I have to thin this out NOW!
Londa's Fashion Club Members will automatically be receiving actual swatches of these fabrics. (They are my VERY special customers..and always get top treatment!).
BUT - 2nd in line are those who have joined my BLOG.

Sew...if you e-mail me your name and address byTuesday morning, July 5 - I will include you in this sample mailing.

I don't have the time to scan and upload all of these fabrics to my website - so there will be a special ordering process described in the mailing.

Laces - French, VERY interesting black laces, sweater knits - already fused to nylon tricot, fine gabardines, rich textures, wonderful cotton shirtings... you'll be THRILLED! These are just what I dreamt of trying to find after my Chicago Gold Cost Designer snooping!!!

Prices will be VERY good - and even better if you take the entire yardage. First come...first get so don't delay once you get the swatches!!!!
Sew - send me your snail mail address. If you are a Fashion Club Member - just know you needn't do anything! AND, some Londa's 2 Cents Worth are also being written - at least 2 on their way to you by next week's end.

Sewing hugs,

Londa

http://www.londas-sewing.com
http://www.londasclovernotions.com
coming REAL soon: www.londasnotions.com and www.londaskaiscissors.com

What Londa's been up to...

Last week I was volunteering at a camp for the disabled run by the Joni and Friends association. What an experience. It was an honor and a privilege to serve these beautiful families.

While I was gone, my newest website featuring the wonderful Clover Notions from Japan was launched: http://www.londasclovernotions.com Go take a peek. Through the end of June, all shipping is half price!

AND, I'm hard at work on yet 2 other new sites:
Londa's Favorite Sewing Notions - consisting just of my own personal picks of the very best of the notions available.... 40 years of serious sewing speaking here. :)
will be: http://www.londassewingnotions.com - hopefully by July 2.

Kai Scissors - also from Japan, =- again, hopefully live by July 2... http://www.londaskaiscissors.com

I'd love it if some of you would chime in and share what you're sewing on...

Hot, humid - great summer days here in central Illinois.

Londa


AND - Kai

For what the designer's are up to...

I've been enjoying the newsletter on the latest releases of the top designers from this site:
http://www.net-a-porter.com and thought you might too. Just sign up for their newsletter.

Some quick glances will make you smile from ear to ear that you sew!

I was gone all last week volunteering in the name of Christ to disabled children and their families - what an experience! More later...

This week, every morning, I have 3 little girls here - Sewing Camp!

Have fun looking at designer clothes...

Any comments most welcome!

Chicago Gold Coast Fashion Report

I had a GREAT time combing through racks of top designer fashions in Saks, Neiman, Bloomingdales, Chanel, etc. this week in downtown Chicago.

Some observations I think you'll find interesting, inspiring, and even entertaining...

• a 5' plus long pleated scarf - maybe 8" wide. Could certainly be done on the Perfect Pleater. Stitched down the center, a long, very skinny bias cording . This was a wonderful scarf. I can also see having fabric pleated to do this. I know San Fransisco Pleating Company can do that to fabric for you. I may just have to do these in Orange with blue center strip for my www.londas-illiniwear site...

• RAW EDGES! Especially on knits and lightweight mesh/net and silk chiffon edges. Tucks sewin on the outside as texture. Large, square pieces for drapes and skirts. Lots of bias cut skinny strips sewn around and around the yoke area of skirts. Skinny elastic tucked up, stretched and stitched between an outer and lining layer on skirts.

• At Antropologie - a very fun website, and place to visit - shuch shabby chic things - but to see that concept done well --- "'classed up" in fabric and fabrications by the designers was the real treat for me! Anthropologie was just too too - if you know what I mean. I don't think it's quite totally 'right' for us baby-boomers - IMHO. Some of the ideas, quieted down are fun though. Anyway - there is where I saw SO many raw edges. How about on a pair of paper bag pants, both the hem on legs and casing on top were turned to the outside of the garment, coverstitched with the loopy side of the stitch on the outside about 1/4" away from the raw edge of the hem/casing - which was let to hang and fray. Linen/Rayon. I liked that one - certainly EZ to sew!!!

• Another great idea at Anthropologie was hooks from hooks and eyes and snaps - the silver ones, glued onto the top of a padded box as decoration on these Sewing Kits. In shapes of flowers, borders - absolutely TOO Cute!!!

• Chanel: I saw this 'pleated' effect wool tweed skirt in the window one n ight - almost the "Carwash Skirt" effect - then was anxious to go in the next day to confirm that, yes - indeed, the edges of each section were just zig-zagged!!!!! Sections about 8" wide, overlapped about 1 1/2" from waist to hip - then 'loose' the remainder of the knee-length skirt. Both long edges were just zig-zagged as a finish. Amazingly....well, I just don't know quite how I feel about that!
• Chanel: Jacket Peplums cut on the bias - unlined, unfinished .
• Chanel: Black lace/mesh neting over a print chiffon in the top under a "Chanel" jacket - also used to line and vertically quilt together with the outer tweed fabric layer 'a la Chanel' technique. Still with the chain tacked inside the hem though to weight it down. I had Clair Shaeffer at my shop in 2003 and she gave a class on Chanel - what fun! Anyway - it gave me a somewhat 'Chanel-educated' eye with which to examine/evaluate things.
• Lapel Flower at Chanel - and interestingly enough, the all seemed to be located on the garment's left side (everywhere). I myself always opt to put the shoulder decoration on the garment's right side, so as one is being looked at - and the effect 'read' - it 'reads' like a book: left to right... Anyway - back to the flower: simply multiple layers of chiffon circles stitched together flat, and adorned with some 'leafy shapes' of the jacket tweed fabric that had been fused onto Fusiknit to give some body.
• Chanel Laced Trim. On a white texture-y tweedy fabric, black silk chiffon in bias strips - probably starting about 3" wide, just laced in a running stitch - about 2" penetrations along the neckline and front and sleeve edges. Raw white fabric edges beyond that, backed with a tiny ruffle of the bias cut black silk chiffon to complete the 'finish' of the neckline, front, and sleeve edges.

• Tahari (from whom I have a bunch of fabric coming in, by the way!) Men-looking pin stripe wools in luscious, lightweight Italian wool in a jacket - then with a 'trim' of a bias cut strip of that same wool gathered up at tight as possible along both edges and used as a trim - only about 5/8" wide - along the upper collar edge and lapel/center front edges. Also then the same 'trim' as the welt on the diagonally placed welt pockets. That 'feminine touch' that seemed to prevail on everything - regardless of how tailored it was to start.

• Godets everywhere! In skirts - naturally, but also as trim on an Armani Jacket! Picture a godet shape (pie shape) about 4" long, placed horizontally along a jacket front - with the wide part of the godet at the center front. Both the long edges of the godet stitched into horizontal seaming on the jacket, but placement such that the godet is floppy - or turns into a 'cone' 3-D shaped texture! This was in Armani's new Fall Line. $1395 for that jacket. I see why!
• Also on an Armani Jacket - black wool flecky tweed (I have some of that fabric type coming!) trimmed with a WILD print binding on the jacket. Quite nice.

• Akris Soft wool plaid jacket - brown (as was most everything coming in for Fall). Bias cut, double layer soft peplum on the jacket - unpressed lower edge so almost ruffly-like in a very soft (feminine) way.

• Pucci stood out with amazing big, colorful Prints in his wool jackets - typically Pucci style. I didn't see any of that fabric to buy for you all, however! :(

• Speaking of color - the brown, all tones of brown - from coppery to raisiny. A browned-down plum seemed prevalent as well. In general though - the more expensive it was - the less color it had.

• Zig Zag Stitching - Lots and Lots of it as a finish! From Anthropoligie to Ann Taylor to Chanel and Armani - I saw this over and over again. Kind of like the designers found this 'new stitch' on their machines - or that their serger was broken. Though, there were lots of serged (both wide, regular and rolled hems) on edges as well. BUT, if the edge would work left raw - it certainly was!

• Large floral prints in sheer skirts were the message in every designers' Spring/Summer lines - now on the sale racks, as the fall is coming in.

• Award for the most preposterous pricing: holey jeans from Dolce and Gabbana at $1675. I suppose I'm supposed to be 'taken' by the 2" wide snakeskin strip down the side seams, bordered on each side with cheap-looking ecru netting. I passed these up for my own wardrobe. At Saks if you wanna run up and snatch them up for your own wardrobe! :)

• Striking Texture Combination was a Rosey Pink Sheared Beaver short Jacket over a sosft, flowey silk chiffon and beaded evening gown. That cold Lake Michigan effect you know! This was absolutley stunning though.

• Evening wear echoed the same slim top to flowy bottom silhouette I saw over and over in the Miss Universe Pagaent on 5/31. Just like I used to draw and design for my paper dolls as a kid...........

• Riri Zipper Idea: Jumped out at me in an Armana Leather Jacket ($2375). An off-center zipper placement that extended up into a large 10" wide or so collar. Backside of the zipper then showed when the collar turned down - I'm definitely gonna play with this idea....

• Soft Wool Plaid Bias Cut unlined wool pant - in a light tan color - with surprise black and white cotton print binding at the waist.

FABRIC BUYS

I hit the jackpot at a favorite design end house - an entire grouping of the finest Italian fabrics from designer Charles Chang Lima (check him out at t his link - or just Google for his name) http://www.fashionfinds.com/june00/pages/charles-chang-lima-1.htm that would normally range in price from $25 and UP.... and I will be able to offer them for half that!!!! Due in early July - along with lots of pieces from TAHARI as well. These are short cuts - 3-7 yards in most cases, on which I'll be offering a great "Full Piece Price".

What Londa's Up To...

Sorry I've been so 'silent' lately...
Your fearless leader has been busy:
1. Editing my first E- Book on CD: Creative Sweatshirt Jackets -
due to ship June 8, 2005...
2. Building yet another website - this time featuring mainly Clover Notions - with a "Londa Twist". Due to launch within a few weeks.
Here, you'll be able to get any Clover Notion in bulk and enjoy a 20% discount any day. Start to tell your friends...
3. Off May 31-June 2 to buy fabric!!!!
4. Readying for booth at American Sewing Guild Conference end of July in Nashville...
5. Snuggling that Grandson of mine...

Storing Winter Clothing

A hint: if your cedar chest doesn't smell so 'cedar-y" any longer, give it a little sanding with a fine sandpaper before storing your winter clothes.

This is a quick snapshot of the T-Shirt I made for my Son-in-Law for his first Birthday as a Daddy. I used the PHoto Transfer Paper I carry from June Tailor. I used another of the tShirts in the 3 package set onto which to transfer the photos, then cut them out and zig zagged them on with a big, open zig zag. Why? I was afraid I'd mess up the main t-shirt - most likely on the 3rd picture! AND, then I sewed them on rather than fusing them on because I didn't want it to be stiff. This way, I was also able to position the pictures as I desired. He's kinda funny to please - but a big smile sure came across his face when he realized what this was. AND, he recently told me he would wear it on Father's Day!
from Londa's design room

Baby clothes

Observations from the new Granny here...

When watching Cole last night - he seemed very uncomfortable - at 8 weeks, an outfit - though soft knit - had a large applique on the front - it was just stiff, and ended up scrunched up around his neck. We were both relieved when we changed out of that outfit!
So - beware, and remember the child's comfort and don't get carried away with just what looks 'cute' to us big people!

Likewise, when this little 8 week old guy was here on his Daddy's birthday over the weekend, the elastic of jeans didn't look very comfy either.

I suppose I'm just struck with how much we probably dress our babies to please us - and NOT them!

Also - I agree fullheartedly with another's observation I recently read - that babies are aoo tush (diaper) and belly - and it just doesn't 'work' with the majority of clothing that seems to be all leg and arm.

Any comments???

Interesting Miscellaneous fr Londa

Back from that wedding (it was great!) - and some observations from my reading and shopping...

1. Saw a great scarf - 3 straight long pieces of a sheer - say 1 1/2" wide - with a bias cut ruffle stuck into the 3 long seams. IN thinking how to do this, I decided one would just take that measurement of length - say 50" or so, and measure on a string. Form the string into a circle and draw it. Add a 1/4" seam inside - so you have a new cutting line. Draw 3" out from the circle all the way around. At one place, curve into the original for beginning and end of the 'ruffle'. This will create, when cut out - a long, bias-type of circular flounce. Make 3 of these - serging the curved edge with a rolled hem to finish. Stick one of these flounces into each of the seams of the long pieces. Leave ends of the long pieces open - to turn it all. That's it!
I can't wait to make one - will give you a pic soon.

2. Great Collar on a T-Shirt. On a fairly wide neck opening - take a bias separate piece of fabric - say about 4-5" wide and maybe 15" or so longer than the circumference of the neckline and offsetting the long edges a few inches, stitch into a tube. Turn right side out. Press flat - it will look scrunched. Stitch one pressed long edge to wrong side of the neckline , startingand ending at a shoulder seam - leaving the extra length loose there to 'tie'. Serge to finish, then let that 'collar' flip out to the right side of the T shirt - finish edges as you desire (or not - as a knit, it won't ravel). Tie the loose ends. That's it!

3. Simple, Simple, Simple finish for a T-Shirt. At Anthropoligie, I saw a T finish for the neckline and armscyes as simply a narrow - like 3/4" wide cross grain strip of fabric just stitched onto the back of the neck and armscye edges, so that one edge of this piece just stuck up a bit from the garment's edges. You could twin needle on - - or even zig zag... That was IT! I think often we make things TOO difficult!

4. Detail on a T-Shirt Simply twin needle (or cover hem) the turned under edges - then with a contrasting thread - a loose, wide zig zag with contrasting thread stitched over top of the twin needle work. Again - at Anthropologie. You might want to check out the clothes there - www.anthropologie.com I think.

And - read the entire THREADS Magazine #119 - July 2005 issue on the plane....
Some Comments
1. I LOVE that scarf on the front! Can't wait to try that one either!!! Dyed with Colorhue Fabric Dyes - I carry these dyes at my website and LOVE them too! Just dilute with water as you are led in a container (I save pickle jars), and dip in wet silk. Over-dyeing is fun too.. Shown on page 32 - the end of the article.
2. Great stitches per inch metric conversion chart... just facts, and shared by Kay Lancaster - a
gal with endless knowledge...

20 stitces per inch (spi) = 1.3 mm
15 spi = 1.7 mm
12 spi = 2.1 mm
10 spi = 2.5 mm
8 spi - 3.1 mm
6 spi - 4.2 mm
5 spi = 5.1 mm
4 spi = 6.3 mm

3. Loved that 'duh - why didn't I think of that' tip of when you leave an opening to turn something - like on a pillow - to pivot and stitch to cut edge of seam on both ends of the opening - keeps stitches from popping when you stuff the pillow! From Shirley Schoen, San Fransisco. Great picture on page 12.

4. Fitting Pants from the waist down - article page 35. I found interesting - but almost exact opposite I've done for year - following basically the Palmer/Pletsch technique. I want to give it a try. Thoughts of yours??? Top photo page 37 though - looks taken with camera slanted upwards which scews it all. I think it depends on the body as to whether the waistband is level with the floor or not. Some I've seen dip much more than 1/4" to 1/2" in the front. GREAT idea for adjusting the hem on page 39! Another 'duh-why didn't I think of that' moment.

5. Invisible Zipper article - page 46. I've always pressed that 'roll' of the zipper coil out to begin with as the directions with the invisible zipper foot say to do. Comments? GREAT idea for matching on page 49!

6. LOVEd the fashion review starting on page 50. See - I was 'right on' with the Ultimate Broomstick Skirt of Lyl'as as mentioned on page 52.

7. I think Linda Lee is 'right on' with suggesting the 3 step zig zag for the stitch to do on a fabric to which you 'ravel' the edge up to - better than the straight stitch. See page 60.

8. Hairline Seams - article page 60. I love the Gingher Applique (duckbill) scissors for trimming as well, but they don't INSURE that you won't cut into the fabric - so beware. I use the needle down into the fabric and presser foot down on my sewing machine as the '3rd hand' to hold one end of my work firmly while I do this type of trimming...
Bottom half of page 63 - I think they have contradicted themselves in which way the seam allowance will roll - anyone else? I'm confused.

9. Capris and Croped pants lengths - page 68. I think the labvelling is wrong on the diagram. The top one should say "cropped" length and the bottom one "Capri Length - to agree with the top portion of the article. :)

10. How about Comment on the design Challenge garments - page 77. I liked Mary Ray's jacket - but that's it for me.

Wedding Runner/StoleThis stretches out straight - I've just curved it to get it all in the picture for you - it isn't done yet - needs border/backing and fringe on each end. In it are pieces of my mother's wedding gown, bride's mother's gown, my (Aunt) gown, and cousin's (my daughter's) gown. She will be able to use it as a table runner, or a shawl/stole. More specific how-to's are at my website under Gallery - Gift Ideas.
from Londa's design room

Londa (me) in my absolute favorite, wear-every-day "Comfort Jacket"! Yep - a few buttons are missing. Doesn't matter - I never button it anyway. I like: the pockets - to get tiny things from one spot in my house to another - the tight lower sleeves (though a knit, so stretches some), the shortness of the sleeves - I can do dishes without getting them wet! I don't know - it just works for me - I'm often in my basement design studio where I sew, do lots of computer work on the flat screen, etc - and it is chilly down there - so this just works for me. The best gift I think I ever received! My husband laughs at me in it. It is on my list to copy and make a pattern for so I can make myself some additional garments just like this! I learned how to do this from Marcy Tilton - not that hard!
Sew... what is YOUR favorite garment? The one you grab for every day when you just wanna veg out - or attack your work - or your hobby? Post pictures here and share it.
Londa

Great Photo Tool

Playing/exploring more with the AMAZING and FREE software called Picasa2 is what is on my list of 'fun' today!

I highly recommend that you download it and play around with it yourself as well.

www.picasa.com


This software plus the other FREE program called HELLO - developed by the BlogSpot people (all Google-related) are what will make it EZ EZ for us all to share our photos here at the Blog -

BUT
additionally, I'm confident that you will thank me many times over for bringing this picture and photo organization tool to your attention. For myself, I know I have pictures spread all over my computer in various places, and this tool promises to help me get organized in a way that I can SEE the pictures as I do it and then find them to 'use'.

Also - I've come up with an idea regarding keeping you up-to-date on the 'good stuff' that has been posted and commented on on the Blog. I am assembling all members' emails in a new group in my newsletter manager and will soon start sending out a weekly summary of posts and comments. This way, I am taking on the 'chore' of pulling out the new stuff so that you can quickly and easily come to the Blog and read what you care to - without searching through everything.
Thanks, Joan, for bringing this 'challenge' to my attention!

Londa

Londa's Fashion Review

I've been hard at work putting together my Fashion Review for Spring/Summer '05. It is quite lengthy - so I'll post it as a comment to this post.

I think this can be a fun discussion - so click on the Comments to read - then comment/add to it with your opinions on current fashion.

We're talking about real life, wearable fashion... :)

Londa's Jean Purses

Londa, you are one creative gal! I love both of your Jean Purses. Is that a man's tie being used for a handle?? I noticed you worked in Illini orange also. Did you have it available during March Madness? Keep sharing your talents with us. It is very inspiring.
Joan

Patched Leg Jeans Purse
from Londa's design room

Joan's Hinse Bolero Collar Jacket

Loes Hinse Bolero Jacket Pattern





Joan had only let herself order 1 yard of the Fusion Knit - then went to her stash when it arrived and she didn't have enough fabric...this is her result! Great, right??? Not enough fabric is almot always a GOOD thing. Causes us to dig into our stashes and BE creative. Way to go, Joan!

I'll be posting her comments and pictures of this and more at the Gallery at my website www.londas-sewing.com. Joan will get 25% off a fabric order for sending in a picture and 'story'. Offer extends to all...

Joan's Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket

Loes Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket Pattern



First of all let me say Loes Hinse patterns fit my lifestyle and my preference for ‘middle of the road’ clothing styles---not so up-tight or serious, but not avant garde and trendy either. This pattern is a new release, and since Londa had reviewed it, I was anxious to try it and ordered it pronto from Londa.
I made View A, the short version and my goal for short jackets is to have the hemline fall at the fullest part of my post-menopausal tummy and to cover the ‘fluff’ at the high hip area. Londa’s 2 Cents, included with the pattern was most helpful, especially:
· The warning about the many collar pieces that saved me from spending time trying to figure that out.
· Her instructions regarding the lines for sewing the tucks on the collar
· The option for cutting the under collar with no tucks to reduce bulk in the area.
I made my normal adjustments to LH patterns—cut size Medium shoulders and taper down to Large or sometimes even XLarge to hemline. I cut a little bump out at the bust line of the front side seam and ease that in as I sew the seam to make a sight ‘full bust adjustment.’
The fabric is a weighty blend of rayon/poly and the collar is a fabulous small piece of Armani-type wool that was left over from a bias skirt 4-5 years ago.

Cat Cutie - from Londa's SIL

Since so many of us sewers seem to have cats around to 'help' us...


A cat died and went to Heaven. God met her at the gates and
said, "You have been a good cat all these years. Anything
you want is yours for the asking."

The cat thought for a mnute and then said, "All my life I
lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would
like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on."

God said, "Say no more." Instantly the cat had a huge
fluffy pillow.

A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and
they all went to Heaven together. God met the mice at the
gates with the same offer that He made to the cat.

The mice said, "Well, we have had to run all of our lives:
from cats, dogs and even people with brooms! If we could
just have some little roller skates, we would not have to
run again."

God answered, "It is done." All the mice had beautiful
little roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He
found her sound asleep on her fluffly pillow. God gently
awakened the cat and asked, "Is everything okay? How have
you been doing? Are you happy?"

The cat replied, "Oh, it is WONDERFUL. I have never been so
happy in my life. The pillow is so fluffy, and those little
Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!"

Two Jkts. Completed

I have the LH Shawl Collar Jacket Pattern from Londa completed, and also a LH Bolero Jkt. from a heather teal knit purchased recently from Londa. I would be glad to send pictures and a little write up.....but I do not have a clue how to do it. Londa, I could send the photos directly to you via an e-mail with attachment, but I don't know whether that will help or not.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am not finding this site user friendly for this inexperienced techie. How do we know if a post has comments posted on it??? How come hardly anyone is posting messages??? Any feedback anyone??? Or is it just me???

Monofilament thread - Londa's Favorite Brand

As I create more of my creative Sweatshirt jackets for those upcoming Art Fairs, I am trying to 'use up' some older and different monofilament threads - and in doing so, I sure see why I have a favorite: YLI Wonder Invisible Thread - 100% nylon. Comes in clear and smoke.

AND, here is a warning - since I also frequently want to use it in the bobbin - I always keep a bobbin of each 'color' wound as well. Do NOT wind fast - or a full bobbin if your bobbins are plastic!!! If you do - you probably won't get it off the spindle.... I use plastic bobbins for most sewing on my Pfaff 7550, but for this thread - I have metal bobbins. With the metal, I CAN wind them full - which is a good thing - because winding the bobbins is a pain.

It depends on what I'm doing - if I want it 'invisible' - I use the clear thread in the smallest needle that will work for the top (usually a 75 Stretch for the sweatshirt work). Generally, I have regular matching thread in the bobbin. I also then greatly reduce the upper tension (lower number) so that the bobbin thread doesn't show up in little 'hints' on the top of the work.

Occassionally though, there are times when I have the work upside down - and want the clear to end up on the top - OR don't want the bobbin showing on the wrong side - so in that case, I would use the monofilament-filled bobbin.

I hope that is clear...

Just yesterday I was using a large floral cotton sateen fabric (from my stash-those are hard to find!), over top of the sweatshirt. I dropped my feed dogs, had the monofilament in the top, darning foot on, and regular thread in the bottom. Went like wild fire all around the flowers - VERY NOT exact - it really creates a fun, trapunto, rich look. The edges of the fabric then, was stitched close and then a narrow boucle yarn couched down around all the edges with a zig zag with the clear thread in use - again.

Try it - YLI Wonder Invisible Thread. I always have it in stock... :)

For some inspiration as you sew...fr Londa

One of the people that has had the very most influence on me in my faith is Joni Earekson Tada. If you go to her website: www.joniandfriends.org and click on the Larry King Interview and listen to it - you'll know why.

May you be inspired -
Londa

Yea Anyway for our Illini!

Our community is wonderful - you should have seen the 20,000 + turn out at the stadium to weocome our hero Illinois Basketball team back from their championship NCAA game.
Wouldn't have been any different - even if they'd won. In our hearts - they have, all year long.

My camera got left at my daughters' house - where the BABY is! HOpefully will come with him tomorrow for the evening - and I'll get some pics of my most recent creations.

Having fun doing lettuce edging with the serger on the lower ribbing of the sweatshirts - cut off and used at the neck and cuffs. Just finished a jacket this evening using an old floral tablecloth.

Londa

Go ILLINI! and other things to ponder

Yea for our University of Illinois Illini!

I hope you caught how the 'Rev' - a great young Christian Man, Roger Powell, acknowledged our Saviour right when they won - and then again in his interview right after our victory...

On another note - I'm struck by the attention of the Pope's death. Pretty hard for the press to make that 'politically correct'! I was privileged to visit Rome - I think it was 1993 with my husband - a machine 'reward' trip with Elna. An experience of a lifetime. St. Peter's Basilica is awesome. Go there if you can.
Of all the places we were privileged to travel during the shop years, Rome was the BEST! I have a very special embosssed soft green leather swing coat from there I'll always love. Anyway -to see the transformation of Rome from the days when they fed the Christians to the lions in the stadium - and realize that the church is named for Peter whom they hung upside down...what a heritage we have! I personally hope much connection is made between the value the Pope put on all life to the Terry Shiavo sad, sad story. For me - I think suffering is part of God's plan, and brings out the very very best in people.

Meanwhile - I think (hope!) the value of all my orange creations just went up! You wouldn't believe how much orange I've been sewing. Just finished fancy Tee, 6 skirts and a silk jacket almost done. Not bad for a week...

Go ILLINI! This is our 100th year too. An assistant Coach lost his wife to breast cancer (I think) this summer, as well as Coach Weber his mother a few weeks ago. This really is a wonderful story. I'm confident the moral leadership of Roger Powell has much to do with it as well.

Guess what color I'll be wearing to church tomorrow? Last Sunday - Easter - our Pastor pulled out the local newspaper with UNBELIEVABLE! as the headlines as the followup to our miraculous win over Arizona the night before. He said that if there were a newspaper in Jerusalem in Jesus' day - that would have been the headlines on Easter Sunday as well.

Hugs -
Londa

Yea, Illini

Hooray for Londa's Illini and Joan's home state a million years ago.

Me and my Grandson - Oohhhh, Ahhhhh!
It seems I can't figure out (yet) how to add a picture to a post. I can get it in alone in a post - then edit that post (what I'm doing now).
Stay tuned - I'm figuring this all out.

Cutting out/designing fun today - and I'm going to ENJOY it - not 'should' myself today ( I am 'emjoying' my 53rd birthday!)
Springy, warm, and beautiful here today. That alone is a gift.

Also - this is a basketball crazy town. This is where the Fighting Illini - University of Illinois basketball team - in the Final Four hails from. I'm even selling my custom IlliniWear pretty briskly!!! GO ILLINI! (for color, click on the T above, then select color... will change whatever you have highlighted.

We have a condo to rent in Clarksville, Missouri - just 1 hour north of St. Louis, in antique/Mark Twain country from April 1 to April 8. Will make a GREAT deal if anyone is interested...

Baby Crib Sheet 'pattern'

I just 'had' to make a matching crib sheet for DD (dear daughter) .... so here is what I figured out. You might want to print this out and file for future reference - even if you don't need it now. 45" fabric worked just fine - and you need 1 3/4 (1.75) yards. If it is a 60" wide knit that stretches pretty well, you might be able to get the length out of one width.-- with yardage needed being 1 1/4 (1.25) yards.

I'm going to go ahead and explain things - then try to add the picture I scanned of the 'pattern' to this post...

You need the depth, length and width of your mattress. I've allowed for just 1/4" seams. The total width Ii needed (43") was so close to what the fabric was - I just used the total width of the fabric, thereby letting the selvages 'finish' the long edges.

The pattern amounts to a huge rectange of the width by the length (+ 1/4" to each) with a square cut out of each corner equal to the depth of the mattress plus 1/4".

You then pull those 2 edges of each corner cut out together and stitch in a 1/4" seam (I then serged too) to create a 'box'.

Then - the elastic. I used 1/4" elastic, and a 29" piece for each 'end'. Divide the elastic in half, and pin that mark to the half point of the end (width) side of the 'sheet'. Then, each end will be stretched to meet a point 13 1/2 (13.5)" down along each side (length) of the sheet. Place the elastic on the WRONG side of the sheet, obviously. I then put my sewing machine on a big wide zig zag and stretched the elastic to fit and stitched it on - leaving a bit of fabric off to the side (which will be serged off to finish). I do this with the elastic UP at the sewing machine for proper placement. If you have 'needle down' on your machine - use it! Left hand belongs behind the machine, right hand in front of the machine to stretch your work so it 'works'.

Then - at the serger, with ELASTIC side UP at the serger - I skim off that extra bit of fabric to finish. Be VERY careful not to cut into the elastic - or you 'kill' the elastic! :)



That's it folks. Done. Pretty easy.

Loes Hinse Shawl Collar jacket

I received the pattern from Londa last week along with her 2 Cents for that pattern.
I have a few of the pattern tweaks/fitting alterations done and have it cut out. I won't be able to sew straight through on it so I will post as I go along.
By the way "Londa's 2 Cents "is most helpful on this pattern because there are a few missteps in the pattern instructions and she fills in the 'blanks' or offers options. I will recap them when I am finished. I believe I am going to like jacket, however.
Later, Joan

Well it is one day later and the Jacket is basically finished. I just need to sew in the shoulder pads. I will try to snag my husband to take a picture of me with it on and then write a little paragraph of my experience constructing it.
I don't have a clue how to post it on here, though. I will explore the site and see if I can figure it out.
Later and keep sewing,
Joan

Daddy and baby - obviously in love!
from Londa's design room

In honor of my Savior

I'm going to try to post pictures of the church banners I made a few years back.
If you go to my website: www.londas-sewing.com and then the Gallery - and then scroll down to the lower right hand corner and click - you can go to where you can read all about how I created them.

Click on these links -

http://www.londas-sewing.com/images/hedidthis.jpg

http://www.londas-sewing.com/images/threecrosses.jpg

http://www.londas-sewing.com/images/hopeinliving.jpg

Or maybe this will work (I'm still learning!)


I pray you have a special observation with your families this weekend - and that the Lord Jesus Christ is in your heart.

update fr Londa

I'm still here - just somewhat pre-occupied, and needing my son's help to learn how to better post pictures. :)
He's been camping (spring break) - though I've put it on his 'to do dear' list for the day...

Meanwhile - I keep making Orange stuff to sell for our fighting Illini sports fans - we're gonna go to the Final 4 NCAA! I'm convinced...

Hugs to all,
Londa

Good Safety Tips for Women - Review and Remember

You may have seen this before on more than one occasion but is worth sending anyway.

We can now add to the list of victims the retired 77 yr. old TCU >professor from Ft Worth whose body was found last week in Oklahoma--and the 11 yr.old in Sarasota, FL.

Because of these recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know. After reading this, forward it to someone you care about.

It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away! from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: A)Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. B.)If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.)Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid ! than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control,>ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ RUN!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP. It may get you raped, or killed.... Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run>over.. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby.----This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying>Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well. Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Pass it On!
Londa

GRANDBABY ARRIVES!

IN a rush to get back...my arms ache already from a nite without holding our Cole...

Just sent out a newsletter - with pictures. (I have 100 already!)
One on front of website too - www.londas-sewing.com
EZ 4 hour labor - lucky girl!!!

Slept through the night - having to be woken to feed!

WARNING: pictures coming later!!!
Thanks for all your prayers -

Hugs,
Grandma Londa

Hinse Shawl Collar Jkt vs Kimono Jkt Collar

Someone had asked about the comparison of the Shawl Collar Jacket collar with the Kimono Jacket Collar -
As I'm writing my Londa's 2 Cents on the Shawl Jacket this morning, I pulled them out to compare...

1. The Kimono Jacket is wide, and meant to fold on itself in half depth wise - and folds back completely form the neck edge. It is cut straight - so it is bound to stand up some at the back of the neck. I haven't made this one yet. Looking at it though, instead of making it a double thickness, onoe could cut it half as wide, or maybe a tad more - and fray that outer edge.

Speaking of frayed edges - got a hoot out of seeing 'frayed' trim for sale with the like fabric at Hancock's. Do they really think we aren't smart enough to take a strip, fring it ourselves, and insert in the seam??? Oh wel...

2. The Shawl Collar Jacket has more shape to the body, and interesting subtle shaping to the front edge - not so on the Kimono Jacket.
Shawl also has a shorter version - the 'short' on on the Kimono is quite long.

3. Both constructions have that seam of joining the collar exposed inside the jacket - quick, but not to my taste....

Update on GrandBaby

Well.....she's excited! Will be 'induced' or coaxed, or whatever you wanna call it - on Friday - starting very early in the morning - so stay tuned for updates, pictures, etc.
But
Not much else!
I've got a few sweatshirts ready for whipping ribbon around the edges - through holes I've punched with my ReadySet Tool. Just did another of these last week with bias cut fabric - and that worked well also.
That - plus a new book - should keep me busy during her Labor.

Told her to enjoy the last 2 days as just the 2 of them! Suggested a romantic time out in the park where they got married - I'm such a lush/romantic! She loved the idea........

Hugs,
Londa

Euro Pants

I think I told you before we started blogging that I was going to make a muslin of Loes Hinse Euro Pants. Well I don't have the fit perfected yet and I think I am bored with them. I can only work on them in short spurts because I am still recovering from Total Knee Replacement surgery and I have tweaked and tweaked and I still am not satisfied with them. I still have a slight drag line from the bottom of my derrierer (sp) pointing to my knee. Anybody got any ideas???

Keep Your Girlfriends...

Going through some 'Good Stuff" I found this - and wanted to share it with all of you - as I feel you are my "Girlfriends"!

Keep your Girlfriends...good advice for women of any age - but a good reminder to stick in 3with a wedding or shower card....

Girlfriends bring casseroles and scrub your bathroom when you need help.
Girlfriends keep your children and keep your secrets.
Girlfriends give advice when you ask for it. Sometimes you take it, sometimes you don't.
Girlfriends don't always tell you that you're right, but they're usually honest.
Girlfriends still love you, even when they don't agree with your choices.
Girlfriends laugh with you, and you don't need canned jokes to start the laughter.
Girlfriends pull you out of jams.
Girlfriends will give a party for your son or daughter when they get married or have a baby, in whichever order that comes!
Girlfriends are there for you, in an instant and when the hard times come.
Girlfriends listen when you lose a job or a friend.
Girlfriends listen when your children break your heart.
Girlfriends listen when your parents' minds and bodies fail.
Girlfriends cry with you when someone you loved dies.

Now - Pass these thoughts on to a Girlfriend! I have...
Londa

Granny-to-be here sewed nursery stuff all day...

Thinking perhaps our little Cole hasn't decided to join us in this big cold world yet because his nursery wasnt completely ready yet - for 3 hours this afternoon I:
1. Finished the bumper pads ... By the way, who is right: me - who says they just secure around any of the up down rails of the bed -or DDaughter - Mom to be who says the straps need to be long enough to to around the very top rails???
2. A 'skirt' for from the springs down - 3 sided (why do the wall side)?
3. A plastic covered 2" foam 'top' for our shabby chic dresser that will serve as the changing table. Couldn't believe a piece of form 24" x 24" cost $10.00!!!!

Still to do: a fitted sheet, and re-covering the rocker. :(
The puppy they got a few weeks ago kept attacking the tape measure around my neck.
I think they got the dog so they could legitimately start talking 'baby talk'!
She (pupppy) has helped work out some discipline ideas though.

I think (hope) I'm learning to say less of what I think than I ever imagined............ :)

HINT: Had her break out the baby powder (did you know it comes in different fragrances now????) and I had a small bowl of it at the machine to rub on the plastic like 'silicone' so that the machine foot would glide over that stuff instead of get 'stuck'. Worked like a charm.

This IS the week! Will induce labor on Friday if it hasn't happened by then...

I'm trying to decide if I should go ahead with my Grandma Specials on my site - thinking I actually have more time NOW to be filling orders than later this week.... What do you think??

I'm so excited - I wonder if I'll be able to sleep. Remember - this is my first 'pregnancy' experience - so 'bear' with me here...

Excited Granny-to-be.
Londa

An bit of Angel inspiration and to ponder for the day..

Click on the Comments on this Post for a VERY inspiring story...

Have a blessed day!

Still waiting on that grandbaby - Londa :)

Question about how to use this site

Londa, I posted in the Comment Section of your Loes Hinse jacket review that had a question included and now am wondering if I am to expect feedback should it be posted as a new post rather than in the Comments section??

Joan, (I am editing your post) - You did it correctly - you comment by clicking on where it says Comment - and then it will show up there.
Londa

How To Accept Londa's Blogger Invitation

Several of those I've invited to join into this Blog (current Londa's Chat Members) have let me know the've 'failed' at actually getting through the joining process...

I hope this is helpful direction for you. I'm fully aware that lots of us (note, I include myself in this category) are somewhat 'computer-challenged' as they say... :) :)


Follow these directions:
1. The invitation email you will receive has a link - either click on (which may or may not work for you) OR copy and paste it into your browser.

To copy and paste:
Highlight the link: http://www.blogger.com/i.g.?invID= whatever yours is... with your mouse
Then hold down Control key and hit the 'c' to 'copy' (this is a shortcut)
OR
up at the top: Edit, then select 'Copy'
then
Go to your Internet - the "e'' - put your cursor in the Address line and then

hold down Control key and hit the 'v' to 'paste' (this is a shortcut)
OR
Up at the top: Edit, then 'Paste'..........

This will take you to the Blogger Screen to accept the invitation...

I'm assuming most of you do NOT have a Blogger Account - so you need to click on the
Create an Account" below where it says "Not a Blogger User?"

The next screen - you will choose a 'User Name' (you may need to get creative, for example, for me "Londa" was already 'used' - so I had to come up with another 'user name'. Make a note of what you use!

Then - enter in a password - and then re-enter it. They must be the same! Make a note of what you use!

(Many people use the same password for lots of their internet accounts - my dear Son tells me this is not a good idea - for security reasons - so I have a Rolodex thingie by my computer where I keep track of the User Name and Password I use for all my different 'accounts'...)

Put a check in the Acceptance of Terms box

Click on Continue in lower right hand corner

This will bring you to a window (page) where you see the dates and posts - and you can click on 'View' over to the right of each post to read them...
To post yourself - just click on "Create New Post"

*****************
If you have trouble, just email me at LondaSews@insightbb.com, and I will re-issue you another invite, as it is my understanding that if you 'mess this up' you need to be 're-invited'. This may seem like alot of trouble - but it really is a way I can control who joins our Londa's Creative Sewing Chatter Blog.
************************

Next thing I'm going to post is a picture of myself in my "Comfort Jacket" - as soon as my hubby gets home and can snap a picture. I wear this 'thing' every day - it is my 'comfort piece of clothing'. It has loose, but short sleeves - tight at the bottom (short enough not to get wet when doing dishes, and doesn't get in my way while sewing), also has pockets (for my glasses!). In fact, it's really even missing 2 buttons! I really need to take time out of my 'production schedule' to make myself a new one - these fabrics I have on my www.londas-sewing.com site are ones that are'auditioning in my brain...' : Brown Plain Minkee - or maybe even the Hot Pink Minkee . I'll bet we all have a piece of clothing like this - and I think it would be a real 'hoot' to see everyone's! :)

Hugs,
Londa

This is a picture of the Collar - she has you cut 4: 2 for the Upper Collar and 2 for the Under Collar. For the Under Collar - I suggest pleating out the tucks - thereby making the collar smaller for the UNDER collar - leaving the Upper Collar as is and making the tucks in the Upper Collar only - and before joining the Upper and Under Collars at the outermost edges...
from Londa's design room

Front of collar as it releases - in shoulder area. The pattern never says how far to stitch down the tucks - I finally decided from shoulder area to shoulder area in the collar. ..... :)
from Londa's design room

Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket - from Londa

Shawl Collar Jacket of orange Minkee
from Londa's design room

Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket - back of collar

Showing the back of the collar - at center back - Loes Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket
from Londa's design room

Loes Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket Report

Well..... this is a learning curve. I spent the better part of yesterday and today stitching - though I almost have 4 garments completed - in orange Minkee for my www.londas-illiniwear.com site. Good thing Orange is the 'in' color this spring - or at least one of the favorites... I've taken 5 pictures to share - so bare with me as I figure this out...posting pictures with Hello and Picasa - the FREE progams that you can get with the Blog Account.

I can't seem to figure out how to put pictures right into this post - so I'll write and refer to the other posts with pictures (til my Dear Son can help me!). Don't fret - I'll post how to do it as soon as I learn!

Full jacket - you can see I used the 'Dimpled" for the collar portion - the solid for the other. BEWARE: don't press on the dimpled - or you will loose the dimple of the dimple. Right now, I have a piece in the washer and dryer to see if that makes the dimple return.... just checked: NO, the dimples do NOT Return once pressed - and I didn't press hard either! :( FYI - I have an entire jacket of the dimpled that will now have to be entirely 'un-dimpled' with pressing - I'll 'Google" for that problem before I do it though!

I used a cotton for the Under Collar and INTERFACED it with a fusible - light weight. This would have NEVER worked if I'd used Minkee for the under collar as well as the upper collar! The directions in the pattern are very, very confusing and incomplete in my estimation. I'm writing my Londa's 2 Cents in my head as I go here - I also have put the pattern on sale at my site - Gee, I wonder why??? Just not worth $16 in my book...
For anyone who takes advantage of this sale and gets the pattern before I write my Londa's 2 Cents, I'll be sure to send it to you electronically as soon as it is done. With my daughter ready to give birth any minute, I'm not promising anything with dates right now! :)

That said, I do think it is a somewhat neat concept to have the tucks transfer into a more shaped area at the lower front. The jacket I made was the shorter version. The longer version totally turned me off for some reason - You MUST interface the Collar though - and, counter to what I usually recommend, I think you should interface the UNDER Collar - after you remake the pattern for the undercollar as shown in the picture of the pattern piece. I think just folding out the tucks and mushing the pattern to make a new pattern - smaller, obviously, will work just fine. Then, you leave the Upper collar as it is given, and do the tucking in the Upper Collar only.

That is a GORGEOUS Arora Borealis rhinestone button and Lion Brand Fun Fur yarn couched that
'liven' up the jacket.

I do think it needs some shoulder pads - as Loes calls for. I need to add those for real yet. I almost always stick them in on my dressform when I photo my garments.

I did cut a large - but the largest size on the arms - cause I KNOW from experience that her arms run very, very small.

What Londa's up to...

This is my sewing day - and tomorrow I will play with the Picasa picture manager and Hello accounts that I downloaded to use in posting as part of the Blog.
I promise to take pictures of what I do today.... I cut out most of the day yesterday that was available outside of filling website orders. Have lots of Minkee in orange to stitch up for my www.londas-illiniwear.com

Have you all noticed all the orange in the stores? What a hard color to wear though! Not an issue in this town - home of the Fighting Illini Basketball team - undefeated until Sunday!

I've signed up my husbands' email on this account so that way I can see actually what happens as I - and you - post.

The other thing I've done over the past 2 days is really re-work all the information that was hiding on my site.
If you click on Gallery - you will see now 9 boxes of information - with links to click on. There are my hints and tips, patterns for garments I've 'knocked off', pattern & fabric 'marriage proposals' I call them, and much more.
Go take a p eek.
I'd welcome your comments and suggestions.

My goal is to make both my site and this Blog as worthy as possible of your visits.

The most fun I've been having is with couching yarns onto clothing - what fun! My kitties think so too, though!

Promise - pictures tomorrow!

I also wear this back weight thing to keep my shoulders back when I sew, and am at the computer. I'll try to have hubby take a pic of me with it on so you can all see. I don't want to get any more hump forward-shouldered than I've already become!

Sunny and getting warmer here in central Illinois. I LOVE the spring!

Still waiting on that grandson's arrival! All in the Good Lord's perfect timing - I keep telling DD and myself!

Sewing hugs to all -
Londa

Joan's Stuff

I just started easing back into sewing after having a total knee replacement 6 weeks ago (on my sewing/driving leg)
I am sewing a muslin of Loes Hinse's European Pant. Will let you know how the fitting goes.
I really need some loose summer weight casual pants and I thought I would give this pattern a try, since it has been in my pattern stash for awhile. I have made several of her patterns and have found them to be very quick to sew.....just what I desire for right now.
Joan from San Jose

I''m on Board!

Hi Everybody,
Whew! we are really entering into cyberspace big time, aren't we? This is my first experience with blogging. I have resisted so far just because it would just add more time away from all the other fun things that I like to do.
I have been out of the 'chatting loop' for a few weeks, recovering from Total Knee Replacement. I am seeing the surgeon today for my 6 week check. I am hoping I can be released to drive and sew, two most important activities in my life. The total recovery will continue for sometime(physical therapy sessions and exercise program at home.......borrrrrrring!
I am really wanting to get into spring sewing......here in the Bay Area of California spring is here for sure, in fact the daffodils and hyacinths have already blooomed and gone and tulips have passed their peak also.
I hope all of you have some interesting projects to share, I enjoy hearing about/seeing photos of them.
Tomorrow I will be attending my ASG Neighborhood Group monthly meeting, that I lead. I have missed being with them, though a few have dropped by in recent weeks, to show me their projects or latest pattern and fabric purchases. Sewers/sewists are a great bunch of people.

Happy sewing to all,
Joan

Londa's Blog Beginning

What a weird word ... "Blog". Anyway - another invention of this modern computer age I guess.

Since Blogs are FREE, and this seems to have more capability, I am changing the current format of Londa's Chat to this Blog Format.

Sew.... Londa's Chat is now known as: Londa's Creative Sewing Chatter.

Right up front, I do hope that Members of this Chat (beginning with those of Londa's Chat) will comment and post and share in a likewise manner.
This is NOT a politically correct chatter, nor is it advertising-free. I will be sharing not only what I am sewing, and creating, but also items of interest regarding my websites:

http://www.londas-sewing.com wonderful fabrics, patterns and notions for creative sewing
http://www.alondaoriginal.com unqiue art wear featuring Orange & Blue sports colors
and more to come...

I am also proud to be a Christian, and those principles and inspiration guide my life, and will share boldly regarding my Christian faith. It is my prayer that even if you are not a Christian, that you will open your heart and soul and 'take in' and ponder what I offer. If you would like to speak to me personally about the Christian faith, I welcome your inquiries. At almost 53, I KNOW I could not have the peace that I experience in my turbulent life without Christ as my Saviour.

Sewing is the 'talent' God has gifted to me. I use this skill to help people look their very best, and to discover the creativity that God has given (though perhaps somewhat hidden) to them.

3-3-13
I'm sewing like crazy these days for Fine Arts Festivals coming up in April ..... SINCE my very first grandchild is due any day (though officially March 13, 2005).
When I'm sewing - I 'should' myself that I need to be on the computer............and
When I'm on the computer - I 'should' myself that I need to be sewing.
Slip housework and cooking (very, very differently as a result of hubby's heart attack last New Years' Eve) in there occassionally - and trying to keep peace and mischief between my 3 feline friends, and my days are over far to quickly.
Eeeeeeks, I think I'm getting that dreaded 'Carpal Tunnel' pain in my right thumb base. I ordered one of those HandEze gloves to wear - it should come today. Praying that helps....
Anyone have experience with that?

Oh - and I listen to Christian Radio while I work. MUCH more uplifting than blow-by-blow news or the other garbage on TV!

3-4-05
I see many of my Londa's Chat members are accepting the invitation to join in on my blog - feel free to post. As I figure out more about all of this - I'll 'clue' you in.
The way I see it - this can be a wonderful vehicle for us all to share like a bunch of sewing crazy gals - and fast become best friends!

3-5-05
No Baby yet - we keep hoping for this weekend.
I'm going on record as not knowing for sure if when a Post is Posted, if it goes out to all members as an individual email, or if it is just posted to the Blog (which I want).
My thought is that once or twice a week, I'll email all members a summary of what the chatter topics are - then you can all go to the Blog to check it out if you so desire. My thinking is that this will keep your email boxes cleaner - and be a better use of your time.
I've emailed the Blog Experts about this and am still awaiting an answer - so if any of you who are on board already, might take the time to email me back if, indeed, this post shows up as a separate complete email in your box, I'd sure appreciate it. I think it may have to do something with the 'settings' I've selected.
Anyway - will much appreciate your help!
Londa

Here's to 'blogging'!!!!!!!!!
Londa