Houston Quilt Festival...Londa's Classes

Houston Quilt Festival Classes with Londa 2011

The Class Catalog has been mailed to Quilt Angels (helpers) from last year. Others have been mailed today - June 27 via regular bulk mail. Links have just been added to this post for my classes. They just became available today, JULY 6, for online registration. For all info - go to to www.quilts.com website.
If you want to get a spot in my hands-on workshop(s), I highly recommend that you go ahead and contact Quilts, Inc. now, or be ready to register via the website on July 6!

Here is a link to register to attend classes. Click HERE

I am SEW honored and excited to be part of the faculty at the 2011 Houston Quilt Festival! I had just a few lecture/demo classes in 2010, which must have gotten good enough reviews for me to be accepted into this group of teachers for the 'top dog' show of them all...the Houston Quilt Festival! I'm sew excited that I just can hardly express the honor this is for me. I am SEW blessed.............

I've constructed this page (and added to my Blog as well) to give complete and more explanation of each class - links to the classes at the Quilts, INC. website, and page numbers on the catalog just received by many sewers all over the WORLD!

Lecture/Demo Classes

#307 page 40 Creative Sweatshirt Jackets - Londa's Way $35
Wednesday, November 2 8 - 11 am

Catalog Description: "Relax and learn not only how to transform a sweatshirt into a great jacket that fits using either of two techniques, but design principles that will help you look your best every day. Viewing photos and numerous jackets will get your creative juices flowing with ideas and clear techniques for wearable art garments."

Londa's Additional Description: This will be a GREAT class with THREE HOURS to slowly and deliberately not only SHOW you many photographs of jackets, but ALSO to teach you both of my fitting techniques. Armed with my techniques, you'll be able to 'fix' any 'sweatshirt jacket' you may have already created, but which you might not be happy fit-wise. This will be a 2 hour expanded version of the class called "Creative Sweatshirt Jackets that Fit n Flatter" as I teach at other expos around the country. IN ADDITION, because I know that understanding proportion, balance, rhythm, color and focal points are all KEY to creating a well-designed wearable art garment, this class will also include what I offer at many other expos around the country called "Frumpy to Wow..Design Principles for Creative Sewing". These principles will not only improve ALL your sewing, but also help you as you dress Every DAY!

#463 page 50 Londa's Fashion Show of Stylish Sweatshirt Jackets $8
Thursday, November 3 4-5 pm

Catalog Description: "Be awestruck at Rohlfing's inspiring one-woman show of spectacularly fashionable jackets that started life as...sweatshirts! Endless creative embellishments along with tried-and-true fitting and construction techniques will inspire you to recycle and rpurpose as you make great garments from your stash of fabrics desperate for new life!"

Londa's Additional Description: This is a the Trunk Show of ALL of my current wardrobe of Creative Sweatshirt Jackets. I weave as much 'how-to's as I possibly can into this fast-moving one woman Trunk Show, but this in no way replaces the above class. Instead, you'll see each and every one of my jackets ON my body so that you can really appreciate the fit and the design. BULLETIN: My designs are not just for sweatshirts!!!! My designs and embellishment techniques can be used on ANY BASE for a jacket that you so desire! I allow Photos in this class, but NO video taping.

Hands-On Classes

#105 page 29 Create a Stylish Sweatshirt Jacket --- That Fits! $122
Monday, October 31 8 am - 5 pm

Catalog Description: "Using Rohlfing's "Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern (sent to you before class to preview and study), re-cut a top quality sweatshirt to raise the dropped sleeve to a natural shoulder for a great fit; design embellishment with your fabric grouping using design principles taught: transform the sweatshirt lower band into a classic cardigan neckline; and trim with bias cut silky 'fabric fur" and yarn combinations." www.londas-sewing.com/pages.php?pageid=87

Londa's Additional Description: This is a full day class, but they allow for a 2 hour lunch break - (however I WILL be available during that entire time span if you want to continue to work!). I can NOT promise that you will finish your jacket...because everyone 'does their homework' (or NOT!) and understands differently, AND, everyone works at different rates. However, What I DO PROMISE is that you WILL understand the fitting and embellishment/creation process VERY WELL so that you can go home and finish up your jacket with confidence. The homework PRIOR to class is KEY to achieving great progress during the hands=on class. Your sweatshirt and my Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™ will be sent to you before you arrive. YOUR assignment is to sit in front of your computer and watch/listen to me explain each and every step of the creation of this jacket as you view photos of every step! THAT is what a Talking Pattern™ is! (My invention!).
You MUST do this or I cannot be responsible for making up all the difference in your understanding during the class...as that would NOT be fair to those who HAVE made the time to watch and learn from this wonderful opportunity. (If you still have dial-up internet service, you'll have to go to a library or somewhere with faster service, as it does NOT work on dial-up! - something over which I have 0 control.) ALSO- if you are a generously sized woman, I really want to give you some additional guidance on what to bring, think about BEFORE the class. Please give me that opportunity. We can creatively solve your challenges, but with the time constraints, we need to work on that BEFORE the class.
The class limit is 25 students, BUT I will have Carol Coleman with me - who is very experienced in my techniques and fit, who will be the SECOND teacher available to you in class!

Regarding Supplies: The $49 Kit includes: Sweatshirt (Size 2XL to 3 XL-for more generously sized ladies) in a color of your choice, my Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™, the needed Straight Fusible Stay Tape, and 5 spools of matching Metrosene polyester thread. $49 is a real BARGAIN for these products - which would normally retail at $63.95 ($66.95 for 3XL sweatshirt needs)! I need to have as much lead time as possible (minimum of 4 weeks!) in order to get the sweatshirts ordered and to each of you, and also the pattern so that you can DO YOUR LISTENING AND LEARNING HOMEWORK!!! I really don't think this will be a problem, as I anticipate this class filling very quickly since it was SO requested during my classes and Fashion Show in 2010. Though everyone will be making the same general cardigan style jacket, with 3 different design plans (that will be emailed to you well before class), and everyone's different fabric combinations, all students will leave with a one-of-a-kind jacket!

Also You Need to Bring FABRICS: a coordinated grouping including 3/4 yard of Fabric A (the 'Main Actress'), and 1/2 yard each of Fabrics B & C (the 'Supporting Actresses') AND 2 silky fabrics in accent colors plus a coordinating Yarn. I will soon have up HERE some sample combinations to help guide you.

Available for Purchase in Class of the other Sewing Supplies Listed in the brochure will be: Fabric Chenille Brush ($5.25) and Monofilament Nylon Thread ($3.75). There is a shortage of monofilament nylon thread currently, so I highly suggest that you find and bring some to class. Polyester can also work. Clear if your yarn is a lighter color - Smoke if your yarn is a darker color.

#814 page 67 Fiber Embellishments for Artistic Wearable Garments $47
Sunday, November 6 31 9 am - noon

Catalog Description: "Learn all these tricks while stitching away the morning - Rohlfing's techniques for folding fabric for bias cutting, stabilizng edges, fine finishing for bias, creating luscious 'fabric fur' from silks, selecting and applying couching yarn, and twin needle texturizing. See demos for multi-cord sole couching and twisted cords.
www.londas-sewing.com/pages/.php?pageid=87

Londa's Additional Description: You will be making samples - as you learn techniques for all the 'embellishments' that I incorporate into the creation of my wearable art jackets. You will also see many garments (NOT sweatshirts) from my own wardrobe so that you can envision adding these embellishments to your own clothing.

Regarding Supplies: The $8 kit fee includes shaped knit fabric to stabilize and bind, fusible stabilizer, Italian Trim, and yarn to couch.... a Kit of all the bases and things you need to apply. For other supplies, see the brochure from Quilts, Inc.

It's SEW Easy -NEW PBS show...

It's Sew Easy, Series 100 is a NEW sewing show on the horizon offering Public Television viewers a novel approach to sewing through unique television experience.

The program is based on sewing and pattern designers featuring education that revolves around their expertise. Projects demonstrated are easy enough for beginners but creatively challenging for seasoned stitchers. The experts concentrate on easy ways to accomplish great sewing projects without the stress of perfection.

The show format includes two main projects each week and one shorter technique segment. Show themes include: Apparel Details and Embellishments, Kids and Baby, Simple Sewing, Make it Personal, Dress up Ready Made Home Decor, Garment Construction Tips, Patterns, Surface Embellishment, %-shirt Surgery, Fun Fabrics, Restyling, Gifts, and Easy Sewing Tricks.

It's Sew Easy replaces America Sews with Sue Hausmann, promising to give faithful viewers a new spin on sewing where America Sews left off.

It's Sew Easy gives viewers the opportunity to invite experts into their home to show them how to enhance their sewing skills and create personalized apparel and home accents. Whether they are a novice or experienced sewer, they'll learn why It's Sew Easy!

It's Sew Easy, Series 100
Uplinks Thursday, June 30, 2011
from 1800-1830ET/HD 04 via NETA
The National Educational Telecommunications Association.

Write/Call your local PBS station and ask them to include this great new show in their lineup.

It's Sew Easy is made possible in part by:
Brother International Corp, Havel's Sewing, BurdaStyle, Horn of America, Rowenta, Vogue Fabrics, Inc, Original Sewing Quilt Expo, The Warm Company, Coats and Clark,
and Blumenthal Lansing

A DVD set of all 13 episodes of Season 100 of It's Sew Easy is available for $39.99 plus shipping and handling. Orders can be placed at itsseweasytv.com. You won't miss a single episode of projects and patterns from the experts featured each week on It's Sew Easy.
So - here is the 'studio. A bit intimidating? Well - all depends on your experience I suppose. It was a bit to me, that's for sure - as I'd only done this one other time - for Nowsewing.net a Pfaff series which is not available any longer.

A quick plane trip to Cleveland the beginning of March took me there - after weeks of thinking/writing/ rehearsing in my brain...and convincing myself that it wouldn't be any different from teaching a class like I love to do at the expos.

Those sentiments began to fall apart when I realized that I'd forgotten to pack my favorite and MOST IMPORTANT Fabric Chenille Brush to show the last step of ruffing up my 'Fabric Fur'!!!!! Thankfully, the guys in the studio came up with a stiff wire brush from their tool box! When you see my spot - you'll notice I have my big hand almost completely covering that precious brush!!!

Being female - I was VERY happy to learn that my makeup would be done by a professional. Being over 55 - I have to admit I forget this lovely, talented artist's name...but she was beautiful and put me totally at ease. Here's her doing her magic on me.

It was fun to meet/share the experience/give each other encouragement that day. Tricial Wadell, Bobbie Bullard, Eileen Roche, Trish Preston, Katrina Loving - and very memorably, 'SUEDE' from Project Runway were all taping the day I shot my spot.

It was very interesting to hear Suede's story about the development of his career as designer, and also to hear all the 'ins and outs' of his contracting with Simplicity for his patterns.

I suppose you've heard of 'Green Rooms' for TV guests? Well - I have no idea why - or even IF 'green rooms' are really green - but at this studio - it sure was!

And what a creative mess it was.... here's a peak.
Sew... that's the story. We were encouraged to wait until now to share about the series - but since the release is upon us - now you need to help! The more stations we can get this series on - the more people will see it - and the more people will join with us in enjoying the many benefits of sewing!

First Annual Getaway Sewing Retreat Report

Picture this...THREE plus days of sewing and friendship (and shopping, of course at the quilt shop and Yarn shop attached!)!

20 of us enjoyed all this and more May 12-15, 2011 at the Threads of Time Sewing and Retreat center in Danville, IL. Look at this huge, wonderful room we had! Check out those great office comfy chairs and the lighting was good too!

While participants could sew ANYTHING, all chose to do creative sewing on a sweatshirt base...ala my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets.
I snuck in stitching up a skirt I'd had cut out for a year - Fajita Skirt from LJ Designs - YEA I got that done finally!

As always, we all got along fabulously, and loved sharing our love of sewing unique garments. The event got rave reviews from all the gals, and dates for 2012 are already set:

April 26-29, 2012

Before I can set a firm registration/teaching/lodging fee for 2012, I need to look at all the costs again, as the lodging has increased some, as has my commitment outlay in order to reserve 25 spots for next year. But for now, a $100 deposit will hold your place. Click HERE to reserve your place NOW.

High School buddy Vickii gets some great fitting advice from Carol. Both of these gals are helpers that travel with me - so this was a great training opportunity for them!

Vickii had found a great scarf for $1 at a dollar store - that she used some Texture Magic on behind the flower. Scroll on down to see the progress she made on the front!










Its so great to have someone handy to pin hems and help you get a great fit!






Here is the front of Vickii's jacket - wonderful, I'd say. Finish it yet, Vickii? She had to leave early - shucky durn!










Check out this on-target lighting solution that Karlene showed us all. It's a headlight that is worn on your head - a large elastic band. I believe it was from L.L. Bean.

Challenges of Travelling and Shows!!!!!!!

Get a kleenex, cause if this saga doesn't make you cry - you'll be laughing your heads off!
IF you think traveling, vending, teaching it shows is 'glamorous' - take heed! While I still consider myself to be VERY fortunate and blessed to be doing all this..... it DOES have its challenges!

I truly believe the Lord has something for us to learn through EVERY situation, and honestly, what I think he's telling me is that I'm stronger than I think I am, and that ONLY with the great helper/friends He has brought my way could I every possibly be handling days like today.....

Puyallup show was early March. Had my 7 boxes of jackets, booth fixtures, lighting, cash register, stock, brochures, credit card machine, etc. shipped by my great helper Kathy and her hubby on Mon, March 8 directly to Tampa area - my helper here, Elaine and her hubby - in Clearwater actually. That allowed plenty of time. I sent an extra box of stock..... had some jackets with me for intense work on my NEW BOOK!

So got home from Puyallup March 8. Monday. That Thursday I flew off to Cleveland from Indianapolis (that is a 2 our drive from my home - dear son drove me)...to go tape an episode for the new PBS sewing show, It's Sew Easy. More on that later...exciting, I met and worked a bit with SUEDE - designer from season 5 of Project Runway..... It snowed there 7" or so overnight. Taped Friday morning - after which my head cold took hold of me with a vengeance. Had gotten that because I slept with the humidifier on me to make noise to balance the CPAP mask my husband has been told he has to sleep with - which keeps ME awake. That's another whole story - had a huge scare with his health in Jan and early Feb causing me to cancel the Feb. Denver Show..... So as soon as I got done taping that morning, I really start blowing my nose constantly. So - got home Saturday morning.

Made more Jacket Kits like crazy, proofed NEW BOOK, and then left again for Indi arriving on Tuesday. Also - that Monday, my helper here called to let me know that THREE of the SEVEN boxes had arrived. Not worried - figured they'd arrive on Tuesday - no sweat!

THANKS BE TO GOD ABOVE, at least those 3 boxes contained ALL my jackets, and kits from Puyallup. If those get lost, I may as well just give up an entire year of travels!!!!!!!! God is GOOD!

So - start to track the other 4 boxes, they're lost. Then appear perhaps in the area and change with UPS the delivery to be here to my hotel. Praying they arrive on set-up the booth day, Wednesday. See the UPS truck roll up - raise arms in praise - assuming they are on the truck - NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sew - nothing to do but to start to re-buy what necesssary to pull off a booth:
New cash register, print out forms for credit card purchases, new clipboards, black fabric to cover tables, screen and hooks, pvc pipe, ..... you get the idea. Go home to motel last night. Think ahead and realize my projector for Power Point programs for classes is also lost. Knew I could use the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo one - but would need a connecter to go to my Apple computer - go buy the one dear son tells me to buy - at Best Buy. Grateful thought of before class started...feeling quite smart.
Program the NEW cash register. Went well - felt very smug and smart I did it so easily - was the same type of cash register as my old one. Read that batteries needed to hold journal info for $, but no alert it held everything else also only with batteries...well found THAT out this morning.

THEN... backing out of the parking place about 9 pm finally having done everything in booth possible, CRUNCH!!! A fender bender in the parking lot, - but really not even a scratch on either car - and Elaine had NEVER had any type of mishap driving! I'm feeling so responsible and terrible... and so indebted to all their great help - I'm sure you can imagine!

Then went to eat and sat in the bar area instead of waiting and got lousy service. I mean... it took 10' at least to get a glass of nerve-calming wine I figured I needed/deserved...........

What an end to a day that started with the only thing on my list of real concern was stopping at a drugstore to get eyeliner so I had 'eyes' cause it didn't get or keep packed! At this point - I could care less if I have proper eye makeup!!!
Could I sleep? After programming the cash register - thinking it was done perfectly - then NO, I couldn't sleep!

OK - so I go to teach my class at 9. WOULD YOU BELIEVE - that the connector sold to me by Best Buy was NOT the correct one?!? No such port on my apple that fit that thingie! Thankfully I had my cell phone on me - and called Mark the superboy of this group - and he arrived about 10' into my class - getting power point up and running. Meanwhile - was 'winging' it..... Such Fun!

Get back to booth - to take over cash register I leave dear Eileen with (hasn't run cash register in about 50 years) - she'd been playing and it wasn't programmed, nothing working!!!!!!!
Long and short of it: that brand new cash register would NOT hold the tax rate in it - and most of the time - not ALL the time, mind you - it did not add the proper 7% tax. Which meant we had to hand figure/check everything. Ahhh - but what wonderful customers sewers are! Everyone so understanding, patient, etc, etc. Meanwhile, Elaine and hubby Dave and also helper Sandy who had volunteered to help out - learning as they go and picking up pieces of me everywhere it seems!

Running out of brochures, stock, already. But always excited when reception of my stylish sweatshirt jackets is positive and exciting...which it seemed to be. Keep Smiling, Londa.... Keep Smiling.............
Meanwhile blowing my running nose constantly... EAT? fat chance! Mouth dry as cotton - nasal drainage...
Keep Smiling, Londa,,,,,,

4:00 - Sandy and I leave having taken down most of the 39 jackets, to the Free Stage to do my one woman fashion show of jackets - THAT's a Sweatshirt??!!?? Half way through - the lavalier microphone stops working! Sew... OK - we'll use the hand-held mic - a bit taxing with constantly putting on and taking off jackets. I think there must have been 250 to 300 in the crowd. Great audience - I shared a bit of my 'experience' thus far - I NEEDED EMPATHY - and they were SO kind!
While I'm giving the show - my cell phone (in my bra) - starts buzzing like crazy - like yea, I'm gonna whip it out of my bra and answer!!!!!!!

Well - guess what? The dear lady in Puyallup UPS office has news that the 4 boxes have been located - and are being delivered to Elaine's house - in Clearwater! NOT what I had changed it to - so now this evening, her dear hubby Dave drove the 1.5 hours each way to go fetch the boxes. Is that a dear, wonderful, generous man or WHAT?!?

At this point - leaving it all in the Lord's most capable hands - that the cash register WORKS. That the Credit card Machine WORKS, etc......... Because you can be SURE that I marched the faulty cash register right back to Staples and got a refund.

Now my fingers are tired as well - but I feel better already and do bet I'll sleep tonight!

That's All Folks.... Stay Tuned! I'm just gonna write a list of my blessings and call myself fortunate. I mean come on - if all the people in the world (how about Japan right now!) could have 2 rolls of toilet paper, a clean bed, an air conditioned room, a computer - internet connection - how amazing would THAT be? So - please don't get me wrong, though I know I'm complaining, I DO realize and appreciate the many blessings.

Say - the events in Japan will be affecting sewers in a significant way. While I"m almost hesitant to share this - as those people's lives are SO much more important.... but already my
scissors man friend says he's gotten notification of 22% increases in prices of scissors coming from Japan (KAI among others!) and that is only the beginning! And, so much fabric is printed in Japan as well! Costs were rising before, but now - just hold on.........

I truly believe God is trying to get EVERYONE's ATTENTION! HE is in control, and when you think anything else, He'll put you and me in our proper places. That is where I pray my heart and head are tonight - in the proper place in relationship to Him!

Thanking and praising my helper friends, customers, but most of all Jesus my Lord.. and our Father above............
Good Night!



'sinifical

Puppet Theatre Creation

Recently, I got to escape to play and create with #1 Grandson! DD had torn out a page from a magazine on a 'hang in the door' puppet theater, so that was our project. Here we are having a great time sewing it...which he LOVED being artsy-craftsy as he is. The machine is one I gave my daughter at the end of my shop days - a Brother - which is a GREAT machine. I got it 'out of the closet' and gave it a good run - since it never sees the light of day otherwise...
Maybe SOME day!

Anyway..... he had a great time deciding on the ribbons to create 'stripes' on the theatre. And he was just pretty durned right one when it came to 'if that color matchded the other ones' or not! That's my Boy!!!! He actually wanted to paint on the stripes - but I convinced him that then it would have to dry and we wouldn't be able to finish.

The heavy denim was a great background. On the magazine version, the curtain was gathered along the top - ughhhh - it would have to stay tied back for the 'show'. So I engineered this so the curtains could easily be opened and closed...
It is heavy piping cord knotted and stitched onto the outside stage 'frame', and then plastic cafe rings stitched to the top of the curtain. For that I used that 'button-sewing-on' stitch that is on so many machines. You can also see here how it is hung 'taut' inside the laundry room to the family room/kitchen area so that he has a ready 'audience' . Ahhh - and see those kitchen cabinets in the background...I claim transforming those from mediterranean dark wood to current light colors. After that painting/antiquing, I decided NOT to do my own cabinets! They do look good though...

Sew.... here's the end result. Lamb Chops there on the right - a gift to daughter from my very creative and clever Sister-in-Law retired Kindergarten teacher who does great things with puppets and plays...and on the left - a puppet 'creature' that Grandson created from the goodies his great Aunt had provided - starting with a green sock.

Back to hopefully the last day on re-working and adding to my own book on Creative Sweatshirt Jackets, as current inventory is about depleted. Tuesday next finds me on a plane to Puyallup, WA for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo... and the beginning of a VERY busy month of travels around the country.

Londa's Video Demo of Flower Frill Template from Clover

Having fun with these new Flower Frill Templates from Clover - watch me make one...

Home and hard at work

Houston Quilt Festival was great. Sorry I didn't post more - but I was one tired puppy by the end of each day!

Onto new things...here is my studio (corner of the basement!) piled with VERY organized stacks of fabrics, buttons, yarn, and sweatshirts...all assembled for my proposal for a book with a major industry publisher! Will share more as things develop.....

I'm hard at work also preparing for the MEGA SALE at my website: www.londas-sewing.com
next Mon and Tues. - Nov. 15 and 16.

Ordering NOW will entitle you to FREE SHIPPING during that big sale! I'm even scanning/photo-ing some of the season end KITS for my jackets and Crone Art Buttons for this sale!

FREE SHIPPING on Creative Sweatshirt Jacket Products thru Wed., Oct. 13

It sure makes my day - and all the heart I pour into my directions - written and TALKING - when I receive emails like the 2 below!

" I really liked the talking pattern and found it more helpful than I'd expected. The pictures and explanations are very good and I like the way it is delivered in short segments so it's easy to repeat if needed. This morning, I checked email and saw the second email you had sent testing the original link. I clicked on that and it works for me also. I don't know what the problem could have been as spelling checked out. Anyway, it works now. Thanks for your time and effort in helping me get the pattern." from Cheryl in VA

"Am working on my "Refined Jacket" with your Talking Pattern Assistance. I can't believe the value in your talking pattern. It's like taking a private class at my convenience. I always learn something that helps with my whole sewing experience. The fitting and cutting instructions are so good and my jacket is going to be a perfect fit." from Pat in NY

AND... sometimes there are questions, and I'm always happy to answer those as well, so ALWAYS be sure to just e-mail me or call with ANY and ALL questions you might have! I work with my wonderful local printer to print my pattern booklets and book, so I can make corrections as they appear to be needed.

I'm celebrating - and just changed shipping to FREE

on all of my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket products...for TODAY - TOMORROW and WEDNESDAY til midnight -

Yes, FREE SHIPPNG for all my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket products - patterns, books, and DVD's ...

through midnight, October 13 CST.

Talking Pattern™ url corrections

EEEKS - while I and my publisher/printer try VERY hard to check every dot and tittle in my publications, it appears that a few have snuck by us.... so if you purchased either of these two patterns, please read below and make the corrections that will be obvious to you when you look at the url that gets you to the 'Talking' portion which is printed INSIDE the booklet you purchased!

• Chosen - use a small c in the url - not a capital c. Also - the last url mistakenly has tm after the 'c' word - eliminate the tm. My printer is graciously reprinting to correct this.
  
• Genesis Too - in the url, simply insert a period, a dot in the url before the 'com'. I tried to manually correct most of these - but obviously missed some. This pattern has sold so furiously, that I have a new big bunch that is all correct now.

while I try my very hardest...I'm humbled and comforted to know and believe that ...
only God does things perfectly!

Travel/Show Update

Novi is over - and it was super! Thanks to all of you who visited my booth, made a purchase, and also those who selected my classes, and took in my fashion show!

Eeeks - I am sure thankful for microphones! The last day my voice all but disappeared.

Helper Vickii has taken me back to my memories of my Grandma - by urging me to put Vicks Vaporub - under my nose and on the soles of my feet! At least I can breath through my nose - and that is unreal for me when I have a cold!



Garmin failed me today - did not 'recalculate' when we were on I-75 south and she was saying we were fine on I-80 East. Oh well.....



Especially thrilled with how well my new 'baby' Creative Jacket Journey was received. Anxious for feedback to come in - so as you watch it - please let me know!



Sold out of so many of my KITS for my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets - I went all over the Novi show buying more goodies and will try to find the energy to make some more when a few supplies arrive from dear hubby at home via UPS.



My old High School buddy Vickii and I are having a ball - and wow was I thankful for Carole's help.



All propped up in a Hampton enjoying Dancing with the Stars! LOVE the outfits - one of the most fun parts - and then hubby and I 'dance' a bit ourselves...
WILL try to figure out how to get those photos of the Passion for Fashion Contest out of my camera and into my laptop - when I feel better!

NEW Refined Jacket #3

This 'Tailored Collar Jacket" will replace the Denim Dash Jacket in my new REFINED™ Talking Pattern™. As I complete the written and verbal directions for this jacket - hopefully this morning - I near the end of this LONG process. It's taken longer than I had planned or hoped - but will be worth the wait.
I hope you like it as much as I do! Combines an oriental print, a dark little print cotton, red raw silk, and grey silk dupioni.

Save 4 since you found this product on my BLOG:  Click on link below to order:
Pattern-Design-Booklet-by-LondaCAT--http://www.londas-sewing.com/Refined-Too--A-Creative-Sweatshirt-Jacket-Talking-Pattern-Design-Booklet-by-LondaCAT--p25334.html

Creative Jacket Journey DVD - the Jackets

The newest DVD - Creative Jacket Journey is almost here! Gloria and I had a blast designing, fitting, constructing and embellishing these two jackets...

The blue jacket - Gloria named 'Triumph' because she 'triumphed' over her fear of cutting into
the sweatshirt and her fabric...

Created from my Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™...it features a cardigan standing neckline created partly from the lower ribbing of the sweatshirt. Two batiks, two shades of silk dupioni and a cream yarn to couch supplied the 'Resources'.









The aqua jacket - which I named 'Harmony' because I learned alot about harmonious color value in jackets... is from my Worthy™ Talking Pattern™.
A scrap of brown wool gab, a lovely oriental print rayon, silk dupioni, a silk tweed, and silk ribbon plus black couching yarn provided my 'resources'.

Pre-Order this TWO disc DVD now - by clicking on its name: Creative Jacket Journey.

Button-Bustin' Proud of my Girl

Had the joy of paging through my dear daughters' (27) 'House Idea'' Folder with her last night...what fun! She and hubby are about to close on their first house - and she's obviously been dreaming and collecting and vicariously 'feathering' her nest for quite awhile now...
Conclusions:
1. She has the creative bug - THAT's for sure! She must have caught it - that is exciting!
2. That sewing machine I gave her (and everything notions-wise to use it) will soon be broken out of it's case - especially since she's 2 hours away from ole' Mom here.
3. There is nothing she doesn't think she can do! How awesome is that?!? Even hard wood floors - Wow!

Anyway - I borrowed a couple of her tear-out sheets cause I thought you sewing gals might find these ideas interesting...
How cute and clever is that! Lace tacked into side of makeup drawer to hold things in place!
In all the pillow-making I've done over the years - I don't think I ever did what you see above - simple Knife edged pillows with different sides. How simple is that???

Avoiding 'Dog-Earred' Pillows...
Reminds me of something I learned from a Singer Sewing Reference Library book on Home Dec - which I can NOT find anywhere now - when she could use them - though I DO think I loaned all of those to her back when she was decorating an apartment..... is what you see below... folding fabric (or pattern you cut SAME size as pillow form - NOT larger for seam allowances!) in quarters, then trimming 1/2" off at corners to nothing half way along each of the 2 sides or loose ends and you get this: Believe me - it WORKS! Then - take 1/2" seam allowances and you'll end up with a VERY nice, SQUARE rather than POINTY cornered pillow, fully and tightly stuffed pillow!

She also had lots of pictures of pleated treatments - and most seemed to be Box Pleats. That made me think of the handy dandy Simflex Gauge that I finally have back in stock... for marking things like pleats. Wonderful - marvelous -super dooper - can't live without it notion. If you don't have one - order quickly! I'm definitely packing them this weekend to go along to the American Sewing Guild Conference in Atlanta.

Working hard on new jackets - and making Refined™ into a Talking Pattern™...

New pattern: Genesis Too™ now available...

Alas - home from CO working vacation, and shipping my newest pattern, Genesis Too™.
The pattern pieces (Front, Back, Sleeve) arrived from McCall's 1 hour - yes, 1 HOUR before we left on vacation on July 1. I was able to stuff and get shipped all the pre-orders from customers and shops who had ordered this pattern at the Spring Quilt Market - as I had envelopes pre-addressed, thinking my Dear Son would get the fun of doing this...alas, I was able.

Genesis Too™ was top seller for me at the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo in Denver. Next Thurs. and Fri., I will be using it at a workshop for the DeKalb Quilt Guild. I'm SEW excited! This was a real labor of lover, and it turned out SO good - if I might brag.... If you want a beginner project - THIS is IT! PLUS, the entire Section II is like my 'Frumpy to Wow' and 'Embellishment' classes added as the frosting on the cake! Of course, this is a Talking Pattern™ - meaning I've taken a photo of EVERY step of the process, the recorded my personal tutorial for each and every photo. All that and more is posted on the dedicated webpage for this pattern - which, of course, you only get with purchase of the pattern. Still work best by reading and seeing? Well - it's all printed for you as well - now with the most vital photos printed in the pattern booklet.

Sew...for yourself, for your sewing group, guild, or shop - I recommend this pattern, Genesis Too™ !!! ANY questions - just holler - I'm home and working hard on transforming another favorite pattern, Refined™ into talking format!

Kona Bay Cotton Sateens arrived

Yummy - yummy! Scrumptious, soft, luxurious cotton sateens have arrived from Kona Bay.
Yes - I weakened at Quilt Market despite my best intentions...
BUT - BUT - But I told myself - these would be GREAT in my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket Kits! AND, my old buddy Pres. Doug from Kona Bay made it just TOO attractive to pass up.

FYI - SATEEN means that the floats of the fabric go horizontally - rather than vertically as in SATINS. Floats of threads over more than one in the opposite direction reflect light - thus it is in the weave, not the finish, that the beauty of satin and sateens resides!

Sew.... dresses, purses, bags, pillows, cushions, robes, jackets...and, of course quilts - but HURRY - yardage is LIMITED!

Spring Quilt Market Review

OK - back and recovered for a few days now from Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis.....and caught up on business here at home - and I guess 'recuperated'!

Quilt Market is held 2 times a year: once in the spring and it travels around the country - and then the other time in late October in Houston, right before the infamous Quilt Festival. Market is where shop owners, designers, distributors, etc. go to actually place orders for their shops and businesses from .... people like myself: pattern designers (of which there are UNTOLD numbers!), fabric manufacturers (the REAL draw!), trim people...about everything and anything you can imagine might be sold in a fabric/quilt shop. It is where shop owners go to 'find something new', find out what is 'hot', etc.

A booth selling SuperMan fabric even brought in a bonafide Phone Booth! Amazing...
To put it simply - I was honored to be a part of this event. It is certainly a testament to HARD WORK - takes most of us a full day to cart in and set up a booth - and untold hours of preparation besides. It is really good old USA Capitalism - meaning WORKING FOR a LIVING at its best. imho.....


Twas quite an experience! I was there 'peddling' my own line of Talking Patterns™ (which received rave reviews by the way!), book and DVD. My new Genesis Too™ pattern was extremely well received due to having made the samples in current quilt fabrics, and having a Teacher's Outline available to help utilize it in classes and workshops. My friend/helper Von went with me and had a VERY good time shopping! Though you're not supposed to 'sell product', but only take orders - HMMMMM - quite a different story. I sure took product so they could take home - saving us both shipping expense! Many others did the same thing - and if minimums weren't met, were happy to sell at retail. Let's just say Von has plenty of 'work' cut out for her! :) She was great at 'sniffing' things out for me though! I'm VERY excited about what I found to offer MY customers at Londa's Creative Threads website and expos around the country. My head is SPINNING with new ideas, interpretations of my jackets on which to use all these great ideas and products!


Some things to share. First - I just must state that the effort that vendors go to in order to make spectacular booths AMAZED US! The first photo above is of a chest covered with a wire GATE, covered with glass! Just too cool an idea for a coffee table, or any kind of table. Under the glass - see the memorabilia? Then - on the legs that supported the gate - were big old bed springs - or what looked like that. TOO CUTE~!!
Am always after new ideas for decorating - even display in my booth, so in the 2nd photo the arrangement of bars held by fabric caught my eye. Sending to all of you - and Dear Daughter-Mother of my #1 perfect Grandson - for an idea of displaying his artwork. If you look hard under the purse at the pattern, you can see that it is anchored by a push pin from the back of this huge painted bar - like a huge popsicle stick.

The 3rd photo was just a very nice room setting all created with quilt fabric. The chest really caught my eye especially - the fabric glued to the drawer covers.

Look carefully around the top of the 4th photo (sorry - don't know how to get photos by verbage ) to see the penants made of the quilt fabric. How fun is that?!? And a 2nd grader on up could help make those for their room! What a fun summer project...

Below - is the RUSH of Sample Spree held the first night. My conclusion: not a one of these eager buyers has ANY fabric! Yea - right!!!!! The fabric manufacturers give spectacular buys on fabric at this crazy night. And these ladies PAY $10 to get in! We decided that basically, the customers want ALOT but for a steal of a price. Was an experience to behold - crazy ladies (mostly) shopping!

















This is Art Felt. The most amazing
new thing' - at least to me - that we found.
It's not needle felting.
It's not wet felting.
It's not fulling.
It's Artfelt®.

My starting order is on its way - and I can't wait to get my hands on this. I envision it in the collar on one of my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets! Like especially Esther from my book, Creative Sweatshirt Jackets...Londa's Way, which everyone thinks is felted fabric anyway. The 'secret' is the paper - which is of potato starch. During the process, it gives you something to 'felt to'. Then- after agitation (which they say is all that is needed - wetness plus agitation - the drier), you pour boiling water over it to dissolve it. It's kinda like the Solvy Scarf idea - you stitch the ribbons to water-soluble Solvy Stabilizer, then wash it all and the Solvy disappears...well - this is the same! More once it comes in and I get to PLAY! Ohhhhh - and the roving colors, mixes - absolutely breath-taking! Gives me goose bumps remembering.....!!!!! Can't wait - can't wait - can't wait!

I was tickled to death to see amazing, luscious FABRIC as selected by Linda Lee from the Sewing Workshop available at my main supplier! So - OF COURSE I have some ordered - be on the watch for it to arrive soon.

Trims Trims and more TRIMS. I was on the lookout for a good, narrow black - and I found that, plus GOLD, plus great yarns, decorative threads. In my mind - all for my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets - but just fun to offer on my site and in my booth at expos for your creating pleasure. Can't wait - can't wait!

Did see the Roll the Gold 45 mm Rotary Blade there too...then, when I got home, it finally arrived in stock. This blade is Titanium nitride coated steel...which WILL last longer than your everyday rotary blade! Installed mine on my favorite Dritz (pressure activated) and Clover Rotary Cutters last night. I have a few garments to whip up in the next few weeks - so they'll get a workout. Two blades for $11.95 - not too bad - if they last longer - which I'm pretty sure they are destined to do!

Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™ off to the printer!

http://www.londas-sewing.com/Genesis-Too--printed-format-CAT-p25335.html
Yea - I'm only an hour or so away from sending off Genesis Too™ to the printer and my techy son for their part of the 'labor of love' of creating a new pattern! The only real job I have left - other than proofing (no small job!), is to trace off the nested size pattern pieces for Front, Back, and Sleeve...and THAT will have to wait til I return from the Spring Quilt Market and some family moving work.
At any rate - it is due to be available June 15 - and I've put it up at my site for pre-orders at this time. Please understand, if you order, you DO pay for it NOW, but you'll have to wait until it is ready before I can ship it - obviously!
From the pattern back: Seeing the sweatshirt as 'fabric and matching ribbing' fast forwards you through fitting issues, and moves the sleeve seam to the natural shoulder location. An extensive Embellishment library full of techniques, photos, AND Design Principles will help give you options, AND filter your decisions. This style is developed for the beginner level - though all sewers will enjoy the creative process. It is PERFECT for classes and workshop experiences!

Save $3 on this pattern since you read about it on my blog...Click on the link below.
http://www.londas-sewing.com/Genesis-Too--printed-format-CAT-p25335.html

Genesis Too ™ New Pattern Mess

Well - I'm at it again.... Ideas come either in the shower or in the car with a grat assistant - and this time it was with Gloria driving back from Detroit...the idea to do a version of my Transformed Pattern - featuring the cardigan neckline and sleeves set up to regular placement at shoulder.

So - that's what I'm up to. See my office, my work room (ala basement), and the Kitchen counter where I've labored over grading and refining the pattern itself. Yes - this one will have Front, Back, and Sleeves included. PLUS, directions for 2 jackets - both brand new, and an Embellishment Library to boot!

Thus - combined with elderly parent issues, why you're not hearing from me via newsletters lately.




BUT! Great news - the new sweatshirts from USA Comfort Color are dribbling in and they are GREAT!!!!


Sew....do I work in a creative mess, or what???!?????????????

LIVING pattern booklet at the printer

Yeah..... before I left for the Atlanta show - I met my goal of creating and writing the directions AND doing the 'TALKING' recording portion of my newest pattern, LIVING.
See the 3rd jacket here at the left - this one I've called
Journey'. it features a large bias scarf type 'collar' and I created some really distinctive seaming down the sleeve to conquer a 'bump' I've been seeing at the top of the sleeve seam when I do my 'Quick and EZ' underarm fitting alteration.

The pink jacket I entitled 'Endurance' to pay honor to all women battling breast cancer and heart disease. Say - about that, I really had my curiosity peaked today while reading while Glenda drove, on my KINDLE book a book by Suzanne Somers - called Ageless: The naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones. If you're a woman - you need to read this book - or even if you're concerned about living the life God has given you to its very fullest for the years He gives you here on this earth - I think you should read it. I can tell ya, I'm gonna get on the phone when i get home to find a Doctor who believes in BioIdentical Hormones. Though I feel I'm very healthy - at coming up on 58, I've seen a mother with breast cancer and now Alzheimers, and have been through infertility, endometriosis, and an unnecessary hysterectomy in my lifetime. SURE glad I refused to be 'cleaned out' by that Dr. and was left with one ovary that served me well - VERY well it seems. I've refused any synthetic hormone replacment therapy - and I'm very, very glad i did when i read this book, but these bioidentical hormones - that's another story. They are from nature, thereby not patentable - hence pharmeceutical companies are not interested - because no $$ in it. No surprise, eh? My main concern these days is avoiding cancer, strong bones, staying active, and improving my SLEEP!
Anyway - I highly recommend this book, and will be devouring the MEN part of it next.

As mentioned in a previous post, the grey jacket - previously known as the 'SWIRL' jacket has become the 'Peace' Jacket for this new pattern. Again, my tithe from this pattern, along with your contributions, will dig a well to give an African village clean water. Read more about it at that post below.

Save $3 since you found this pattern on my Blog. 
Click on the link below...
http://www.londas-sewing.com/Living--a-Creative-Sweatshirt-Jacket-Talking-Pattern-Ddesign-Booklet-by-Londa--CAT-p25336.html

Sewers...Help Drill a Well

OK - so I'm hard at work on my newest pattern, 'Living'. Formerly known as the 'Swirl Jacket' - it has proven so popular that I'm adding 2 jackets to it and making it a pattern - called 'LIVING'.
So named because the swirls remind me of water as it goes around stones - Christ is the 'Living Water'.... Sew...I think: let's join together to dig a well for a village in Africa!

This well costs $2600 to drill through World Vision.
According to their website, "In countries like Malawi, a well just 60' deep can bring health and life to a community of 150 people supplying more than 600 gallons of wafe ater a day for drinking, bathing, irrigating crops and watering livestock."

I will tithe 10% which is $1.50 of the sale of each of these patterns to this cause. However, that would take selling 1734 patterns! That's a LOT of patterns!

Sew...I need your help! At this website, you can help us reach this goal sooner - by donating to this cause directly!

http://www.firstgiving.com/londasdrillawell

This pattern to create a great jacket from a sweatshirt - with THREE related jacket styles - will be available by the end of March, but I'm taking pre-orders at this time.