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
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
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... :)
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... :)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
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
Joan
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 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.
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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
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!"
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???
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???
Thursday, April 07, 2005
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... :)
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
May you be inspired -
Londa
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
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
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
Saturday, April 02, 2005
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
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
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