My New 'Living' Sweatshirt Jacket in 'Christmas' Colors...

I was excited about  completing my new jacket version of the Living™ Talking Pattern™ last week and uploaded a new Album on my business Facebook Page...but now I want to take a minute to repeat those photos here and share more regarding the creative process that I so love.

Inspired totally by the angular button shapes and colors

If you look closely at the set of 3 buttons from Crone Art Fimo Clay Buttons on this jacket - you can see that THEY WERE THE INSPIRATION.  I sell amazingly beautiful buttons of this type only at the Sewing Expos and guild/shop  appearances since they are one of a kind and therefore would take forever to scan, measure, describe and put on my site.  :)  However... you can always contact me with specific color/size/shape needs and 'm most happy to snap a picture of some that qualify and email it over to you!
I especially loved the touch of purple in them - feeling that capitalizing on that color with the 'typical' green and red Christmas color theme would take it beyond solely a 'Christmas' look.

Determining which color to use for binding edges.

Here you can see that even though I had already applied an iridescent hot pink/green silk binding to the jacket's right front edge - at this point I realized I didn't like the 'pink' that was showing in that fabric, AND I really was considering the emphasis on the purple that I ended up with.
Look closely and you can see that yes - I had even mitered those points of the binding.  OFF they came.  Creative sewing definitely includes UN-SEWING!!!
That is...if you are like most creative people - and have to 'try it' before you can see if you 'like it'.  Kudos to you if you can 'see' the result ahead and always KNOW if you're going to like it or not!
After I had committed to the front closing edge shape, decided on how much of the left front's Underlap to let be exposed, and created interfaced facings for both the left and the right front edges, it was time to play wit the hem silhouette.  Here you can see what I came up with.  This is why details like exact hem length and shape are NOT included in my Talking Patterns, but rather my personal explanation and teaching you HOW to determine this for YOUR project IS included.  Much, much more fun - and even educational in the long run!                  

See here the inside of the Left Front.

Look closely here at the inside of the jacket's left front.  Because I wanted the green silk dupioni to 'peek' substantially to the right of the right front edge on the jacket, I set it over further than the cut edge on the jacket's left front.  THAT is why the stitching line is further to the left edge.  I eventually trimmed back the excess green sweatshirt edge closer to the stitching.  '

The black you see here is Pro Woven Fusible Interfacing from Pam Erny that I love.

If you look very closely, you can see that I've serged the right most edge of this interfaced silk Underlap.

  And here is the photo that shows closely how much underlap on the Jacket's left front I had decided to have exposed.  Note the pins marking the points of the closure.  I needed to decide and mark that securely so that the 'fit' didn't constantly change on me.
This decided, THEN I could go back and tweek the side seam fit.  I DID use Fronts, Back and Sleeve patterns as found in my Book 2, or Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™ or Refined Too™ Talking Pattern™ to create the basic part of this jacket, as I wanted the sleeve up at it's natural location on my shoulder.   You can do the same - even if you do NOT have my bodice pattern.  Just make use of ANY jacket pattern that fits you the way you want it to.  Cut the back, and the sleeves out of the available sweatshirt - which I 'see' as just fabric once the ribbings are cut off.  For the Fronts, obviously leave it cut on the center font fold, and cut neck, shoulder, armscyes, and side seams ONLY.  THEN you your buttons down - and go to work designing a pleasing edge line for the front closure that looks good with YOUR buttons.
   With my stash of fabrics and yarns for this jacket was this silky polyester that had a wonderful selvage.  I thought all along that I would use this fabric as well - and here at the right most side of this photo, you can see where I had wrapped a cable cord with the selvage.  However - durned if the red wasn't objectionably too 'orangey' compared to the blue undertone of the chenille yarn I'd already chosen and attached - centered with a purple chenille yarn.
Below, see the entire hem silhouette I decided on.  The point in the back is centered, but I had also decided that I would do some couching in a non-centered orientation as well...just not sure WHAT.  You have to be OK with NOT making ALL decisions at one time - but rather, one decision at a time that you are feeling good about and just trust that the rest will fall into place.  Just like life - eh? See how valuable SEWING is?!?
  Ahhh - naughty girl!  I really SHOULD close my rotary cutter blade when I lay it down!!!
Anyway...here you see that I've trimmed the sides of the layered and stitched (down the center of) 3/4'' wide bias strips so that the edges are clean and straight 1/4'' from each side of the center stitching.

This is the technique I was honored to be invited to share in the first series of the new PBS Sewing show called It's Sew Easy.  HERE is a link to the written how-to's for my segment of the 2nd show!
AND, I even saved the scraps that you see in the pile.  They were so pretty - I think they'll end up on the front of some stitched Christmas greeting cards.  Stay Tuned...........

After trimming, I ATTACK both edges, both sides of this strip with the Fabric Chenille Brush which is indispensable for this task!  NOTHING works as well!  Find it HERE.  Just $5.99, but for a limited time - get it FREE with purchase of my DVD:  Refined Embellishments for Creative Sewing - just $19.95.
  The sleeves weren't as long as I would like - since I had cut them out of the sweatshirt in order to Re-Cut with a sleeve cap.  Just a 'creative opportunity'... I added interfaced BIAS cuffs as you can see here. And yes - interfaced the outermost layer with Pro Woven Fusible Interfacing.

Back View of my finished jacket.

And here you can see my finished jacket  from the back side.  Be assured the placement of all of the chenille strips and couched yarn was NOT quickly and immediately decided upon!  Not only standing back from a proposed design of those embellishments, but TAKING A PICTURE with my digital camera to view has become my absolute favorite way of 'seeing' if I really like a design proposal or not! I'm surprised not to see that trick yet on Project Runway.
There you have it - the Creative Process for this jacket - and such fun! Approximately 6 Jumbo Clear Plastic Snaps actually close the front of the jacket.  Those were unavailable for a time, but now I have them back again at my site HERE.  YEA! Those snaps are included with the Living Pattern Combo which includes the pattern, snaps, my tissue pattern for the front, back and sleeves, one each of the Fusible Stay Tapes AND makes a $5 donation to my Drill a Well for an African Village project!
Don't  let time get away from you  - send in your entry for my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket contest.  Find all the details HERE - and have a good chance at winning the Grand Prize of $250 at my site or one of the other great prizes.  Deadline for entry:  November 15, 2011.

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.

Use for sweatshirt neck band!

A creative student proved me wrong....I always say I've never found a use for the neck ribbing of the sweatshirts as I create my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets. Well...while presenting a seminar/workshop at Fabrics Etc. 2 in Bensenville, IL last weekend, a clever student came to me with this rose!
1. Cut off the neck band from the sweatshirt.
2. Rotary cut off the seam allowance.
3. OPen it up so you have double the width.
4. Set a serger for a wide balanced stitch with decorative threads in upper and lower loopers. This was done with the WAVE STITCH on a BABYLOCK serger - which is a new wrinkle to me since my days of selling machines/sergers ended almost 8 years ago now!
5. Gather remaining end and twirl and stitch into a rosette.
WALA....... WAY TO GO!
Sorry I forget the name of the student who did it - Cindy perhaps?

Had lots of fun at this candy store of a quilt/machine shop! What a nice owner - Mary Forte, and her helpers/associates. If you're ever in Chicagoland - don't miss Fabrics Etc. 2 in Bensenville!

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

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!

NEW Creative Sweatshirt Jackets

Creatively Busy AGAIN.... some of my current KITS for jackets I offer at the sewing expos around the country include cashmere neck scarves and Pashmina scarves, so I decided to execute some jackets utilizing them.
The green cashmere scarf was simply trimmed down 5" in width, and stitched to the INSIDE of the staystitched cardigan neckline on this jacket, then flipped to the outside, tucked at the waist, let fringe hang below the twin needle hem, and the outer edge couched with yarn. Oh - and I had to take a seam at the center back to shorten it a bit to the correct length , with I did at an angle, so that the outer edge was longer than the neckline edge.

The Pashmina Scarf jacket - I utilized only half the scarf, as that is what I include in some of my kits, and it was the perfect amount. I utilized the 'baseball collar' neckline from my Transformed™ Talking Pattern™ for that. Tagua Nut Buttons work with buttonholes (quite large) done through the scarf, and interfaced front edge that I'd bound with the aqua silk dupioni. I also corded those buttonholes. If you look closey, you can see the Pashmina scarf fringe that hangs at an angle from the jacket's right side at the cener front. There were lovely open pulled thread areas on this scarf that I accented with black and aqua chenille yarns. The scarf borders and botht he sides of the scarf were also utilized. I did free motion quilting around the paisly sections down the front, and across the yoke at the shoulders and back yoke. Can't wait to wear this one!

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.

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!

American Sewing Expo - Novi excitement

Wow! Novi American Sewing Expo just concluded its first day - and while I hardly have a voice left - it has been a GREAT day!
Tomorrow is the Passion for Fashion event - a Project Runway spinn off. Sew - at the end of the day - we get to sit and watch the contestant designers show their garments and then await the judges determination. Honestly, I forget the exact 'challenge' - but they each have a model car on display at their work area that they were given, as the 'inspiration' for their garment. Truly a very creative challenge.
I'll be sure to take photos tomorrow night to share - along with my 2 cents worth!

It was especially fun to see a customer from my old shop days at the show, and in one of my classes! Hi Cheryl - and I'm not sure I'm spelling your name correctly!

What a treat when women can escape into their creative 'world' in such a huge 'candy store' as this - and often with friends who share the love of sewing with them! Seems many have gift-making on the brain - an indication of the giving spirit of sewers!~!!

YEAH - Creative Jacket Journey has arrived!

http://www.londas-sewing.com/Creative-Jacket-Journey-DVD-CAT-p25333.html
Yea! The 'labor' is over and 'she' is here! All 1020 copies of her! Many already shipped out to all who were kind enough to pre-order.
I'm tickled to death and so appreciative of everyone's confidence AND especially my friend Gloria's help with the DVD as a wonderfully creative and inquisitive 'student' and my son Jeff's awesome technical editing!
Anxious to hear reviews................

Sine you found this DVD on my BLOG - SAVE$ when you purchase - click on link below:
http://www.londas-sewing.com/Creative-Jacket-Journey-DVD-CAT-p25333.html

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.

Newest Refined Jacket

As I improve my Refined™ pattern. making it a Talking Pattern™, this is the new Mandarin Collar Jacket - like the Moss jacket in the original pattern. 91 photos are included to show the design, constuction, and embellishment of this jacket. I went for a
'clean' look this time - no bias, shaggy edges. I VERY carefully used the accent blue silk dupioni and yarn. I like it - photos all done, and in order - now time to write and 'speak' the directions...but that will have to be after the ASG Conference in Atlanta that I leave for on Tuesday.

Refined Talking Pattern™ delayed...

OK - I can't resist. In transforming the Refined™ pattern into the Talking Pattern™ version - I created a NEW jacket from the V-neckline version (Fuchsia Fun) yesterday. Since I ALSO have collections of wonderful fabrics pulled together for the remaining 2 jackets in this pattern, I have decided to make those as well. Therefore - the availability date for this pattern re-make has been delayed to late August - early September.

THEN - what I 'refine' and add in the creation of these jackets will become wonderful ADDITIONS to the current pattern as it gets redone to the Talking Pattern™ format.

AND - if you've already purchased Refined™ in its present state, you WILL HAVE ACCESS to the Talking Pattern Version AND the additional photo galleries with abbreviated directions for all 3 of the new jackets!

This is pretty brain-twisting for me, but Mom taught me..."If you're going to do it, do it right and better", and my Dad taught me..."Always give your customers MORE than they expect...never less!"

All goes along with my motto of the Golden Rule as Jesus taught Treat others as you'd want to be treated (or better!) than yourself.

Off to work.

Here's the latest jacket:

Napkin of Ideas from Snoop Shopping on Vacation

Hmmmm - yep, this is how I do it - along with my trusty camera, and now my phone camera as well. However, sometimes it just isn't possible to take a picture - so one just must sketch. Sew...here are my sketched design ideas from our recent working Colorado vacation...

Not jacket design - but, OH, was that cream cheese blended with salmon ever good!
Top right: a little T-shirt on a gal at a table next to us in a restaurant. The stretched elastic around the neck, down the center front, and around the armscye (but not under the armscye) was really a nice, simple, feminine touch. Can't wait to try it - utilizing Clear Elastic and my trusty Twin Stretch Needle.

Center Scooped Neckline: This was in a shop - many different ribbings - different colors - attached together for the front neckline. Fodder for the new sweatshirt jacket pattern my brain has started on featuring sweaters and sweatshirts....

Sleeve below above sketch: Yet another idea for insertion of sweater fabric for a sweatshirt jacket sleeve...

carlopick? well - I thought that was the label in some neat knit dresses - but, alas, Google's page 1 doesn't take me anywhere - shucks!

Pink Linen Note: Reminds me of this great pink linen jacket in a HIGH Class shop in Vail, CO - with ruffles all around - lapel, front, hem, etc. The princess seams were stitched regularly, then pinched together as a French Seam - on the outside, and stitched close to the edge - really highlighted those flattering seams.

Other half of my napkin idea to come - but must go iron! Hubby seems to think end of 2nd day home all wash and ironing must be done. O well..... catch me later!

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!