Londa's Comments on THREADS Magaizne #157

I LOVE THREADS Magazine!  I hoard it when it comes - keeping it 'saved' for 'me time'.  This week, I finally stole some time to thoroughly digest this most recent issue - November 2011.
WHY do magazines dated November arrive in August?????

Anyway - here I go, straight through from beginning to end - just MY thoughts, my experience, my opinions for what it's worth.

page 15.  Well - I just ordered myself Couture Sewing Techniques - and put it up on my website for sale.If you click on the link above, for a limited time, you'll save 15%!!!
Claire Schaeffer was the last celebrity I had at my retail sewing store in 2003 - so she is extra special to me.  She is a dynamo little lady who really knows her stuff!  An investment in this book would be a treat to yourself for many pleasant 'vicarious' sewing hours, as well as a great resource for techniques for years to come.

page 23.  Shirred Velvet jacket - beautiful!!!!  However, I think it would be even prettier if it had been created with 3 sections of  tucks rather than 4 sections. If I were to do it, I'd certainly use a very strong 100% polyester thread so that it wouldn't break when pulling up to gather.   Honestly, as beautiful as it is, having sewn on velvet more than enough in my 45+ years of sewing, I really don't think this project will go on my 'to do' list.  Sure fun reading and admiring it though.

page 31.  Personally, I don't care for the sleeves on Marfy blouse 2314.  Guess I'm old enough to remember the leg-o-mutton silhouette on sleeves and I just don't want to 'go there' again.  Pretty colors though.  But heh - don't think I'd carry that brown purse with this ensemble!

page 32. New Look 6028.  My French Loop or Italian Trim would either look beautiful on this Chanel style jacket.   
              Vogue 1220 - I just went to look up more about it at Vogue Pattern.com  and decided quickly that IF I needed a 'business' dress, the lines on this one are very interesting, but that I CERTAINLY would NOT make that wide belt - much less tie it in a bow on my tummy!   I think a self-fabric or skinny leather or metal belt at the natural waist would 'fit' much better with the tailored look of this dress.

page 33.  Colette Beignet 1005 - a new pattern line for me- I'd never heard of it anyway.  I like the skirt, but have NEVER liked a buttonhole that close to the hemline  I'd quickly eliminate that lowermost buttonhole and button. 

               Butterick 5575  looked intriguing, so I looked it up online.  As made up with the black ides and print center fronts and back, I do NOT like it.  My opinion is that it looks clowny.  Just mu humble opinion.  I also don't understand why put a tapered let on the women's size pant.  My feeling is that pegged pants make the hips look larger.  I prefer to balance a wide hip with a boot leg silhouette.

The Cover Stitch - pages 34-39.  Pam Leggett obviously knows her topic, and this is a great article if you're trying to decide if you need this feature in your sewing equipment.  Honestly, I have it on my Elna 744 serger and have NEVER used it!  Give me my twin needles and fusible stay tape - and I'm set to go.  Wanna race?  I can guarantee you it wouldn't take me 10 minutes to 'set the machine'. I know many have the cover stitch and love it - that's great.  Just not me, thanks.
#6 - page 37 - I would bury the threads rather than knotting and sealing.

#7 - page 37 - I would certainly use an applique scissors to trim - they help alot but do not INSURE that you don't nick through the outside of the garment.
page 38 - I LOVE that bias trim on the skirt!   The hints in the Basic Guidelines for Cover Stitching are all VERY important.  -especially starting with the needles in the fabric.  THAT I remember well from selling sergers with the cover hem.

page 39.  The scarf looks quite bulky to me.  If I did this technique, it would have to be on something very very lightweight and drapey...ala silk charmeuse.

page 40-47  Season Fashion Forecast
In a nutshell:
1. Think 'outfits' - 'ensembles'
2. hip emphasis (be careful here if you're hippy in the first place - for example, SKIP those fur cuffs as on page 41 photo at the top!)  So perhaps REAL defined waists are back as in the diagram ono page 41!?!  THAT will be hard to teach any 30 and under gal - WHERE her waist is!!!
3.  Shoulder emphasis - YEA - shoulder pads are back - jut natural - not huge.  IMHO if you have slanted shoulder, shoulder pads should ALWAYS be 'in'!
4.  Higher necklines - YEA - tell the female newscasters that 'decollette' -revealing tops and dresses are OUT and in bad taste, would ya PLEASE?!

5.  Jacket - wide lapels or NO lapels.  Then why didn't they sketch a wider lapel on the diagram??
6.  page 42 - I don't see how a 'slouchy pocket' can be slimming on anyone.....
7.  page 43 - LOVE that asymmetric burgundy sketched top!  I'm ready to LEAP into embellishment options for T's and TOPS after my fall show circuit - STAY TUNED!!!  I can't sleep for all the ideas I have, and my 'box' of design stuff in my studio is overflowing.....
So - that grey slouchy look at the top left is 'feminine' looking?  That's a new definition of 'feminine look to me - I call that 'sloppy'!
That orchid blouse with the full bishop sleeves, gathered shoulder and tie neckline looks like straight out of the 70's...I made MANY of these for myself and dress-making clients.  A very 'lady' look!
8.  Love all the textures - ala pages 44-45.  However, that Oscar de la Renta combo is a bit much for me...I'd skip all that jewelry - the top and skirt 'talk' enough, thank you.  AND - I do NOTget that green top underneath - and those too long slouchy sleeves sticking out - but heh, what do I know?!?/?
9.  page 46 - Black is NEVER gone - so how can it be 'back'???  Again - love the textures.  10.  Color palette - KNOW your colors!  Yellows are HARD to wear well.  KNOW your best pink and red - is it 'cool' - mauve-y, 'berry'  or 'warm - 'tomato-y'???  Better find out!

page 48.  Hand-Embroidered Understitching   - in my DREAMS I'd have time to do this - but if I had the time- Yea, I could enjoy it!

pages 52-55 Love that Bias Half Lining.  The old tailoring and dressmaking techniques are always worth a second look.  THANKS for this, THREADS and Louise Cutting!

pages 56-61.  I LOVE this all -lace red dress.  THIS may be my direction for New Year's Eve Ballroom Dancing gown this year!  I used many of these techniques with lace on my daughter's wedding dress(es!)

page 62-65.  INGENIOUS!!!!  WHY didn't I think of that??????????????  Very smart construction order - VERYsmart!   Way to go, Susan Pottage!

page 66-73 - interesting reading.  LOTS of effort for entertainment in my book.

page 73 - COATS  I looked up each of the patterns in the 'try thee Patterns' box...
Butterick 5297 - seems to be a VERY good basic, but UNLINED- which, in most cases, I would prefer lined personally
Classics 104 - Cecelia Podolak - seems she is designing for the larger woman - and pattern sizing reflects that.  Basics.
Elements 013 - Linda Kubik - LOVE the collar on 013.  009 with yoke and slot buttonhole in front yoke seam is also TRULY wonderful.  On my 'list' for when I need a new coat - either of these.
McCalls 4975 - basic, raglan sleeve nothing special imho
McCall's 9576 - basic, shawl collar, set-in sleeve, nothing special imho
Vogue 1145 - that's a BIG collar - too big unless you're at least 5'9'' or more! imho...
Vogue 8695 - cut-on Kimono sleeves - more of a 'jacket' than a coat I think, or a very lightweight coat.
Vogue 8539 - nice - fits that 'cocoon wrap styling from the style forecast article - but beware of the collar depth - if you don't have a long neck, you probably will want to decrease the depth of the collar or you'll feel strangled. 
page 74 - Preshrinking wool technique - never heard of turning off steam and re-pressing with a dry iron.  Sounds like it makes sense.  Always learning - always!

I'll never forget making a wool melton coat.  Melton is HEAVY.  I did a fantastic job, but then my machine could NOT make buttonholes!  I took it all over town looking for a tailor to make hand-worked or good machine buttonholes.  I honestly don't remember the end of the story - but it mustn't have been positive, because I don't remember wearing that coat!  lesson - if you are going to make a coat of HEAVY fabric - and your pattern requires a buttonhole, buy an eighth of a yard and play with buttonhole solutions FIRST! ;)

page 75 - Shows use of the duckbill applique scissors very well - middle right hand side.  I LOVE mine - and think every seamstress needs one.  HERE is a link to buy the applique scissors at my site.  


page 76 - It's Sew Easy new PBS series!  Little ole' me was on the 2nd program of this first series.  Read about my experience taping HERE.

Agree COMPLETELY with the Style Tips for length of skirts, and proportions with the longer skirts.  And I'd just decided to shorten some of my skirt - guess NOT!

page 77 - 'Measure of a Man" trivia - very interesting! Love things like this...tidbits of trivia along sewing lines!

page 78 - a Good Color Forecast - a good visual summary.  Now choose what is good for YOU.   
 

Royal Wedding Commentary - Ceremony

I'm moved! because of a business engagement, I was on the road this morning - and just now, this evening, have had a chance to watch a recording of the ceremony.
HOW MOVING - HOW Beautiful! WHAT a TRIBUTE to God's sacrament of marriage between a man and a woman! YES!!!!!

I am grateful for the message of this marriage - the pomp, the ritual, the quiet beauty of not only the bride, but the ceremony and the excitement, the loyalty, the pride of the British people. Oh - for this level of respect for marriage as God ordained it in OUR land.

I know some think it is silly, but I think the attention the world has given this marriage is a testament to the God-given yearning we all have to meet the challenges of life with another: man with woman, woman with man.

I pray sincerely for the success, the blessing of children, God's guidance of this couple as they face the challenge of their roles in their country.

Onto the dress ....
Well, my guess of last post was pretty close. I wasn't surprised at all by the long lace sleeves either. Beautiful.

Equally beautiful is the dress for Pippa, her sister. I'd LOVE to see that one up close. Beautiful silhouette - absolutely beautiful.

I'd love to know the history behind the choir robes, ruffled collars on those adorable little boys, the lace ascots over top of the red soldier-looking choir members standing out front.

And the HAT! Can't help but observe that on all the one-sided ones that the 'hat', the 'fluff' is ALWAYS on the left as you look at the lady...their right side. This aligns with what I've been taught - and teach, that focal points belong on one's right - which is the left as they are seen. Because - we read left to right.

Can NOT figure out though why Queen wears a pin so high and in addition to pearls!

Quite the pleated skirt thing going on on Camilla's ensemble! She looks so austere and sad. So much of Kate and William seems so much better, more mature than the whole Charles/Diana marriage.

Wonder why the preacher guy took of that pointed hat for part of the ceremony...

Westminster Abbey! Wow!!! I don't know how old it is, but that man figured out how to build such a beautiful, arched, tall, symmetrical cathedral - only testifies to the intelligence God planted in us, His image.

I can't but think...if this is what we can accomplish here on earth - what glory it will be ours to see in heaven. My mind is all into heaven these days reading Randy Alcorn's HEAVEN, and just read last night and this evening, 'Heaven is Real' about the little 4 year old boy who obviously died and came back during surgery with many details proving he was, indeed, in heaven. What a gift - this glimpse. I highly recommend it!

And now - back to the challenges of this day - which, in our country, is coming to the aid - monetarily, in person, and in prayer for all those families so devastated with the tornadoes. May God be glorified in how we respond...

Personal Sewing Plans...FUN!

OK - since I've designed and stitched 14 jackets since mid December (2 to go)...a Secret Project... I'm gearing up to do some PERSONAL sewing!

From the Teal jacquard knit - 2nd from left, purchased from Emma Seabrooke at Schaumburg...

Vogue 1250 - a classic DKNY I imagine will be in my wardrobe for a LONG time - AND serve as impetus to NOT gain weight! Would you believe this takes only 1.25 yards? I hardly could - so bought 3 just in case - and then to make a T as well...

The paisley knit - also from Emma - is a brushed almost polyester I think. It will be a top - of some sort - and I think I'll get some pink chiffon to play at the neck - ala this great idea on a gal who came into my booth - and was kind enough to let me take photos of this great sweater she purchased. Evidence of all the BIAS raw edges on sheers out there!
I saw another great little finish at Chico's the other day - I will return - perhaps tomorrow - and snap a photo to add.... just a touch of bias finishing the neckline - TOO CUTE!
This finish would be better on a jacket as shown...but then I might have enough of this pink paisley for a Jacket AND a T... that's an idea! Stay tuned......

Vogue 1208 - Platt design - just another classic I HAD to have for $3.99 - why not? It might be a strong option for the hand-dyed aqua/blue silk charmeuse at the right of the fabric photo... But, for SURE with the matte, NOT SHINEY side out! Perhaps I'd bind the neckline with a bias of the shiney side, but no sheen on MY hips!


That 3rd fabric from the right was a Vogue Fabrics 'steal' - a poly georgette - on tap might be:
This flippy little number featuring flounces... Vogue 1104

OR... Vogue 1158 caught my eye - perhaps out of the silk charmeuse...



This Kay Unger classic just HAD to join my 'collection'..... for any wedding upcoming, I think it would be PERFECT! - especially out of silk dupioni. Now - who is gonna get married? NOt a problem - with a super hubby who I get to dance with every Friday night (at least when I'm home..) I have the perfect excuse for pretty dresses!




Vogue 1160 - Polka Dot dress above... I'm adding this for several reasons - I think it is an adorable dress - but I also KNOW it is pathetic color/print for the blonde model!!! I mean really - do you see HER in the dress, or just the DRESS? 3 guesses, and the first 2 don't count! Take in my 'Frumpy to WOW' class at a show - or at my upcoming Creative Sewing Get-Away Weekend May 12-15 and you'll understand WHY this is SO Bad!





















This one just simply intrigues me - gotta see how it is made. Another option for the silk charmeuse on the right -

Seems to really need a belt though...could be a sash of the shiny side of the fabric...

Vogue 1223 from Anne Klein.




Vogue 1232 - now this one has a 'split personality' in my book. I don't get that tailored bodice with this flippy, unique flounce skirt. I bought it to create a SKIRT only!



Sew...there you have it - some plans anyway - and that's half the fun of sewing!!! Comment away - chime in with what YOU are planning to sew for spring/summer 2011!~

BIRTHED: Creative Sweatshirt Jackets...Londa's Way Book TWO

Creative Sweatshirt Jackets - Book 2

WOW! I feel as if I've given birth to 9 more 'children'! Adding to the 5 jackets in my first book, find

• Complete TALKING™ directions for every Basic Direction task and EVERY jacket
• BOTH of my Fitting Techniques included
• NEW embellishment 'wrapping' edges techniques perfected!
• COLOR photography throughout the book!
  
• LOTS of additional photos at the associated online website (as given INSIDE the book)
  

I squeezed this task into my very active creative and traveling schedule late last year and the first months of this year, working VERY diligently to 'give birth' to this new product. It seemed a logical step as the stock of my first book was about depleted.

To purchase the book AND one each of the VERY IMPORTANT Stay Tapes that you NEED in order to create jackets that look like mine (regularly $7.50 each - and NOT available in chain styores!), go here: http://www.londas-sewing.com/Creative-Sweatshirt-JacketsLondas-Way-Book-2-PLUS-1-each-Fusible-Stay-Tape-p25157.html

Many thanks to the confident customers and students who pre-ordered this book at both the Puyallup Creative Sewing Stitchery Expo in early March and the Lakeland, FL Original Sewing & Quilting Expo mid March. Your copies are mailing first class USPS Mail today and tomorrow (April 4 & 5).

Once again, I couldn't have accomplished this without the able and creative assistance of my wonderfully talented and artistic son, Jeff. As you listen to the audio and see all the photos, it is HIS skills that make this possible! Way to go, Jeff! Dear Husband Charley encourages me along the way - and diligently stuffs the envelope of patterns into the back of each book, and manages all the BOXES!

Also thanks to Shelley at my friendly local printer, Upclose Printing here in Champaign, IL. She hung with me through countless revisions and corrections!

Down to the 'order fulfillment center'.... ala the basement.... I go!


SAVE Since you read about it on my BLOG -
click HERE for the Book ONLY and save!
click HERE for the Book and 2 Fusible Stay Tape  Deal.   
   

GREAT Vest on my Houston Helper

As I was going through photos from the Houston Quilt Festival, I found these of my helper, Pat, and her great vest. She made it of recycled and felted wool sweaters, vests, etc. The striped binding is even the lining of a jacket she picked up for $.50 at her local thrift shop!

HUNT for reversible knits!

One of the most fun parts of doing the Sewing Expos is seeing all the neat clothing on our fashion-conscious customers! Often self-created, but also store-bought (RTW = Ready-To-Wear). I always keep my camera handy and when I ask permission, most often the wearer is flattered and I get to take pictures. This is really where I get lots of the ideas that end up in my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket Talking Patterns™. I honestly forget if this gal was at the Novi or the Chantilly shows I just completed, but the 'dust has settled' and I'm wading through ideas I got at those shows.
Check out this jacket - it is a single knit - meaning that the crosswise edge WILL curl - usually to the right side - and that means also that the knit itself looks like stockinette stitch on one side, vertical, and horizontal ribs on the reverse side. That being said, this jacket was made of one of those knits which, in addition, had a different character on both sides - dark grey heather on one side and lighter grey on the other. Anyway - FIRST- a straight UN-pleated strip of the same fabric, with the opposite side up - about 1.5" wide was stitched down along the hemline, stitching about 3/4" from the top raw edge. . (To keep the knit body from stretching out of shape ala 'roller coaster' look, I would advise STAYING where you are going to stitch, on the INSIDE with Straight Fusible Stay Tape.) Then - kinda like all the rag quilts, the 3/4" edge above the stitching was simply cut into every 1/2" or so perpendicularly TO the stitching.

THEN - the box-pleated row ruffle was added on top - opposite side of the fabric 'up'. The 'ruffle' was really box pleated row of trim - cut about 2.5" wide, cut edge 'finishing' both edges. If I were going to mark and stitch all that, I would certainly make use of the Simflex Gauge to do the marking - as this wonderful crazy tool automatically evenly spaces things. It appeared to be stitched about 1/2" from the top edge, right on top of the other trim's stitching, and then the opposite side flopped down over top of the stitching creating the 'double' row of light colored fabric you see. Remember- raw edges everywhere, as knits do NOT ravel!

Look at the collar - it appeared to be a double layer - with 'wrong' or light sides together, simply stitched about 1/4" away from all the edges.

Next, check out the little gathered ruffle, raw edge, stuck into the top of the sleeve cap seam. Then, the diagonal row of embellishment down the center fronts appeared to be a hand-whipped strip of rolled fabric.

Finally, up the Center Back, it was stitched wrong sides together, seam allowance exposed on the right side to emphasize a nice slimming vertical line. RAW edges again!

So thanks - whoever you were - I lost your name, sorry! But be sure we appreciate your great taste i RTW!
If you find a great reversible knit online, post it as a comment for the rest of us here at this post. Remember, I must approve all posts before they show up - so feel free to send me a quick email alerting me that you posted. londa@londas-sewing.com.

Sew.........beware when you visit my booth - I just may photo and 'pick' at your great clothing!

BEWARE of Current Pant Silhouettes!

Can't help it - got this Chico catalog last week and immediately put it on my scanner to remind myself to scan and comment.

It seems that SKINNY pants are the rage for fall! Unless you are Twiggy skinny - DON'T DO IT...I beg you! See the skin-tight silhouette of the pants at the left side of the image to the left? THAT is TOO skinny to be attractive for - I'd venture to say at least 90% of American women - of any age!

The straight leg silhouette at the right is a big more forgiving - but not alot, in my humble opinion.

What I was taught and continue to believe in - bottom line, is that I'd rather look like "I lost weight" rather than "I need to lose weight". Too tight of clothing ALWAYS accomplishes the latter. Don't go there. Stick with the silhouette of pant that looks good on YOU!
For me - and most of us - that, to me, is the boot cut - or a subtle flare which balances the rest of our usually too heavy bottom halves.

There... I said it - YEA!

More Fall Fashion Finds - Pant Focus and Londa's How-To's

I could do these jeans - or change a less expensive pair to look like these! All I need is my Discharge Paste and a sponge brush to take away color on the thighs (But honestly, WHY would I want to make my thigh area a lighter color and attract attention there???) Now - perhaps down the inseams and the side seams - then attack the stitching with a Topstitching needle and new thread. White is pretty daring in my book though. I still prefer the Topaz Jeans Stitch Thread. I always keep it handy to do jean alteration work.





Pant legs seem to be narrow - pegged, slim..... yuck! Won't last - then you'll be back for more flattering straight and boot leg silhouettes next year - that's my prediction! Meanwhile, it does seem though that there are LOTS of pant options. In the In Style Magazine, I found ads from
Levi - new Curve ID pairs - for whatever shape your behind is in...and offered in skinny, staight and boot cut. Go to levi.com.

Then a fold-out ad from GAP caught my eye as well -0 offering black pants in slim cropped, modern boot, boy fit, true straight, really skinny and curvy options. THAT ad will get me into the store! The silhouettes were really, really well shown.

BEWARE OF SLANTED MIRRORS in the stores! Always check out the mirrors - in the show room and in the dressing room...if the lower portion stands out from the wall more than the top - the mirror is purposely placed that way to make you look - OH - at least 10 lb. thinner! Can I get glasses for everyone to do that for my body every day - ALL the time please?

Fall Fashion Finds + Londa's thoughts and How-To's

OK - I've been browsing...through Fashion Magazines and mailers that have caught my eye.
I learned from Sandra Betzina years ago to just scan through magazines looking for the common ideas - and here is what I've come up with for Fall Fashion Trends for 2010

• Big Bulky Tops - Chunk Knits - paired with straight, slim skinny bottoms (WHO looks good in skinny bottoms, is what I wanna know - I'll keep my boot cut and straight leg pant style, thank you!) Anyway - here's some photos...

At least it seems the skiinny pants are usually black, and focus is near the face with cowls, jewelry, etc.

• Ruffles, Ruffles, Ruffles - EVERYWHERE - from on coats to jackets to boots to purses...here's the proof - and most of the time these are circular ruffles - so you just cut circles, cut into the center, cut a smaller circle, stay stitch the inner circle edge, clip to stay stitching to make what is round be straight - and stitch them in - on - whatever. FUN!
  

Personally - I think the ruffle - which extends and turns into the flower on the lapel - is just too cute, but I'd put it on the other lapel, and forget the belt, and carry through the black onto the braid or topstitching on the lapel...but that's just me.

Ruffled purses are cute - but not gathering attention at MY hips, thank you! Lovely to look at - not sure about attractiveness as carried though - and last? You try - not me.

ss above The aqua teal dress above to the left appears to have circular ruffles stitched into the side seams - OK if you're skinny - otherwise - how about at the shoulder seams to create a wider shoulder therefore skinnier bottom? Do LUV that color on the red head model though!
Look closely at the plaid black and white jacket - pairing a sheer polka dot ruffle on top of what appears to be a fringed self fabric trim.

While the other photos have used ruffles right INTO the construction seams, it appears the ruffles on this purple vest are added as embellishment. For this wide and full - allow at least 3 times length it will cover, and perhaps get out the serger to finish the edges first - THEN dig out that RUFFLER gadget which, though ancient, actually works AMAZINGLY well - giving the pleated effect you see here. Note the white blouse - I Blogged on that earlier ....

• • Large face-framing collars on coats, jackets, etc..... ala my Chosen
  pattern for jackets made from sweatshirts! I LOVE this white collar - and you'll see it and some different versions of it on a new pattern of mine next year!
  

• Check out the HUGE lapel on this coat! Get out that topstitching needle, and even play with 2 heavy threads in the Schmetz Double Eye Needle!
  OR the Topstitching Needle. Remember - Schmetz needles are 25% off at my website!
  

  • 

• Zippers Zippers Zippers!!! See them
  

up the edge of this double-breasted jacket and extending into the lapel - I love it! I'm personally amazed at the amount of sewing that is going into these garments! At least we can appreciate it all - and decide what makes sense to sew - and what make sense to BUY!

Can't wait to try to figure out how to take some zipper by the inch and turn it into this spectacular zipper flower necklace - below, upper right photo!


Note then too the zipper insert piping type application on the dress to the left. Personally - for most of us, I'd stick zipper piping into some flattering VERTICAL lines..... I'm fighting Blogger today - why is this underlining? onto another post for more photos and comments..... Please COMMENT - share what YOU THINK!!!

Colorado Observations

On vacation in Colorado - Vail area before the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo later this week...
Some observations to share:
1. The flowers! Oh my gosh!!!!
You'd NEVER see pansies potted with geraniums in Illinois - pansies are only for spring and fall. The Lobelia are prolific...amazing!!! And, combining of colors - all and every colors in one pot. Really quite beautiful. The Lupines and Delphiniums and Poppies - just amazing! Especially fun was the Betty Ford Gardens in Vail. I even LOVE the dead trees amongst it all - what a wonderful contrast. It looked like the dead wood was specifically placed throughout as well...

2. Love to 'snoop shop' - though it seems it's either T-shirts and polar fleece smattered with 'Vail' on them - or VERY $$$$ clothing and art galleries. Guess where I linger??????? Yep - the $$$ shops and art galleries. Vail Village was exceptionally fun. Here is what I see:
Monochromatic embellishment - yes - embellishment done in the same color - oftentimes even the same fabric. I watch FOX News and I see this all the time on the simple dresses on the women reporters and commentators as well...and of course, sleeveless. I see this embellishment - usually of a knit fabric cut on the cross grain so it will curl, or on the bias for woven fabrics. Definitely adding to the cost - regardless of the price range....as well, it should!
WHITE Blouses and shirts with ruffles or pleats - everywhere! I actually really think this is a clean, fresh look - for most everyone - especially those of us who have seen cosmetic dental work ie: whitening. I learned in my color training that you shouldn't wear white whiter than your teeth or the whites of your eyes. Well - there are many more of us around with much whiter toothies than God ever planned on! Anyway - they look good. I love wearing my Coldwater Creek white blouse as a jacket.
More Embellishment than ever...EVERYWHERE. I have a napkin full of drawings and quite a few pictures on my cellphone from my snoop shopping. Many of the ideas I've seen will be adapted and utilized on upcoming Creative Sweatshirt Jackets. However, I often think that the designer has gotten carried away. Usually the more $$$ garments do this - in my humble opinion. Even Tim Gunn (Project Runway) would agree with me I'm sure. It all comes down to 'Less is More'. So - if you need some em bellishment ideas and techniques, be sure to invest an EZ $19.95 in my Refined Embellishments for Creative Clothing.

Off in a jeep today - into God's 'closet' of creation. Stay posted for what inspirations I get today....

Appropriate Dress

ok - I have to rant. I am constantly APPALLED at the cleavage I see - everywhere. AND, just because a woman is 'large' - overall - does NOT give her the privilege to flaunt her cleavage in front of me at a checkout lane.
WHERE are the managers??? WHERE is common decency and good sense????

Observations on Jeans

Was just ironing my Coldwater Creek Jeans and made some interesting observations...
On this pair - waistband cut on straight of grain at center back - where there is a seam in the waistband underneath the belt loop....and then the waistband is bias at the center front...
Whereas...on this lighter pair - it is opposite - straight grain at front, and bias at back...????
And - the back of the legs are MUCH larger - all the way down - than the fronts...back of the jeans is at the top of the photo...and note that the INSEAM is topstitched - NOT the side seam. Furthermore, the topstitching - on this seam only, has only one row of gold stitching, the other is navy and you can't see it... ???

ANd - the side seams are NOT topstitched - which drives me CRAZY by the way - cause that seam allowance always flips the other way - and ironing my jeans is one thing - but inside out first to press the seam allowances properly - that's another issue - I will NOT do!
If anyone has explanations for all these observations - reasons why - etc. please enlighten me and the rest of us.

I wonder............does anyone else notice things like this while ironing?

By the way - if you make your own jeans, or need to do hemming or altering - I carry that gold (Topaz) Jeans Stitch thread - it is heavier than normal...
And I'd recommend a Jeans/Denim Needle size 90 or 100 - test to see which works for you...
Or even perhaps the Topstitching Needle...size 90 or 100...
Wish I could say exactly which one would work, but all depends on your machine, and the denim weight.
Needles are 25% off regular prices EVERY DAY at www.londas-sewing.com

Was fun to teach my Care & Feeding of your Sewing Machine class at the Cincinnati Creative Festival - and it was VERY well received. Look for it at more sewing shows around the country. Think I'll even revive my old class taught at my fabric store years ago: Londa's Secrets....

For a written version of most of the Care & Feeding class - find it at my Free Info, along with lots of other great FREE information!
ish I could

Oh my Gosh Bridal Gown

On a recent expo trip to WI, my helper Glenda and I couldn't believe what we saw in a bridal shop window...this gown! Up close it didn't look quite so bad, but from across the street - well it just looked like 2 red boobs!

This one is going in my "Frumpy to Wow" class photos to teach how important it is to 'stand back' and get a total overall view of what you're creating!

I put this in the league of Michelle Obama's 'Black Widow' dress from the night he clinched the nomination.........

Just my personal opinion...which is what Blogs are all about.....

Feel like a 'Dressed Up' gal in these casual days...

OK - amongst a very frustrating day - note my VERIZON post a bit ago - I needed to feel GOOD. So I 'dressed up' for an appointment with my patent attorney this afternoon ....
I have on:

• Deep Teal camisole for COLOR
• Topped with WHITE - yes - WHITE shirt from Coldwater Creek as a 'jacket'. It has 3/4 length sleeves, a stand up wing type collar. I haven't had a WHITE shirt for AGES. Was taught - and still believe that 'you shouldn't wear a white whiter than your eyes (mine are pretty bloodshot these days), or your teeth (well, I did have some cosmetic work done, but didn't go for 'Chicklet' white)... but it feels smart, snappy - and I LIKE IT! That's the bottom line - if you feel GOOD in what you're wearing!
  
• My Coldwater Creek dark JEANS (that amazingly FIT my curvy ample 'behind' and smaller waist) in which I pressed front and back creases.
• Added silver earrings with bit of Teal in them and a groovy (is that a current word?) chain type belt.
• AND - I think this is real important- I put on HEELS! I can't tell you how much better, more confident, more dressed up I feel in HEELS~! These are sandals - and a chunky 2" heel (new), but they make the difference between feeling frumpy and feeling dressed up - at least to my soul!
  

So - that's my 'fashion advice' for the day. Oh - and I have to tell Dear Daughter that the current IN STYLE magazine says it is A-OK to wear denim with denim - as long as it is different, and doesn't look like you tried to match it. Lots of 'stars' are doing that - and photos there to prove it.

Shopping with Dear Daughter

Had a ball on a shopping spree with DD (Dear Daughter) one night this week. Ahh - what a 27 year-old can teach a 'mature' woman...even if her 'field' is supposed to be fashion and design?!

Ladies...Here it is - in her own words.... Keep in mind this is my daughter - raised with a very fashion-conscious Mom, and one who sewed most everything for her for a long time - including the prom gowns and wedding dress(es). AND owned a fashion fabric sewing store from the time she was 8 to 22.
As with everything - take it or leave it. (As I do with her screaming at me to dye my blend of blonde/grey hair! My hairdresser says not to touch it! I'm listening to my hairdresser on that one! - AND my wallet!...)

"Mom, hope you like this - let me know if I can do anything else for ya - Carmen

What your 20 something thinks of your fashion…..

The fashion faux pas:

Don’t wear pants that are too short….high waters are just NOT cool. If anything go too long, remember to have a few good pairs of “heels” pants.

I'm 'filtering here - suffice to say that she says: Do NOT wear pants that are not long enough in the crotch…that is gross!

Don't ever wear more than one piece of denim…you jacket and pants will NEVER match, don’t even try. It looks like a bad 80’s film. Jeans go with everything – but denim!

Don’t wear all of one color – blue pants, blue shirt, blue shoes, blue purse – you will look like a blueberry! A couple pieces of the same color are ok, but punch it up with a fun accent color. The one exception – black, you can go all black….if and only if they are the same shade of black (which is tricky so be cautious)

Continuation of last rule….don’t wear sweat suits in public, we all like to be comfy but not for a day out. If you need comfy find great comfy jeans/tee/tennis shoes or yoga pants and a tee.

Don’t wear straight leg pants – no one should wear these, no matter how fashionable the magazines say they are. If you are bigger than a size two – aka all of us – no one wants to see every nook and crany!

Shot to find wide leg, boot cut, or slightly flared styles! This is a pain, but finding well fitting pants is necessary….try on many and if you find a good fit, get several pairs in more than one color.

Other pant tips: don’t wear pants that come up to your boobs! The ideal is that they sit just below you belly button, and if you try on several pairs at different stores you will find this. Don’t wear pants that are too tight at the waist – no one wants to see your muffin top. There are many options out there that will not squish you in the tummy, or sag at the butt – worth the time to find!

Don’t over accessorize! I asked males friends what fashion faux pas they see in older women, and they all said too much jewelry, bags, etc. (they also mentioned too much skin showing) One great piece may be enough, or several pieces of very low key.

Must haves for a great closet:

Good fitting denim jacket – dark works well (this can be worn dressed up or down with khaki, brown, or black – but never jeans!)

Several pairs of jeans, some that are plenty long for your highest heels

Basic tanks and tees in a variety of colors – these can be made fun with jewelry, a purse and/or shoes – hey those are more fun to buy anyways!

My favorite pieces are the variety of tailored suit coats, I have many colors and styles, they go with anything!

Closing thoughts:

Wear clothes that are comfortable and flattering! Cleaning out you closet and dresser is an amazing, you will feel better and you can determine what your closet is missing and what you have more than enough of. Case and point – I cleaned mine out and found I had 5 black jackets and hardly any purples or greens…so know I know what to look for and what not to buy. It will make your shopping more successful. Don’t buy anything that won’t go with at least 3 other things in your closet! Last pointer: When I reorganized my overflowing closet I grouped in by type than color. I used to have it simply by color, and found I wore black way to often since it was in abundance and easy. However, now I look at the weather and then go to sweaters or capris and choose based on weather rather than color and have found myself wearing pieces I almost forgot I had.

Best of luck in fashion to you, Carmen "

New 'Chosen' Interpretation

I cut out a 'regular' jacket using a Vogue princess line jacket pattern yesterdy. Fabric is a linen/cotton small neutral stripe.
THEN, out of the print linen i bought to go with it - I cut the large Crescent Collar from my CHOSEN pattern.
Goal is to stitch up to show that my designs/patterns can be used on a base other than a sweatshirt!

After this weekend here in Pittsburgh as speaker for the ASG Anniversary Event - I can't wait to get SEWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This jacket, then a black linen one using the large scarf collar from my new LIVING pattern.
Then... some new jackets to create my TRUNK SHOW as will be offered to shops carrying my patterns...debuting at the Spring Quilt Market in May in Minneapolis.

Then...there's the new pieces I have great fabric saved for to wear to my 40th High School Reunion...

All this sewing??? In my dreams...but I'll try my best. I really need a sewing FIX!

Raw Edges + Rhinestone pins - AHHHHH

Was scanning this great necklace

made from old rhinestone earrings and pins I found in a Martha Stewart magazine - THEN I noticed, the RAW edges on this charmeuse dress - undoubtedly silk as well. Look at the neckline finish - it's just a strip of bias!!!
Then - even notice the extra wide - I'd say 3" or so double layers of bias stitched down the center - looks like there are 4 of them - and upper edges not even caught in with the neckline finish...
AMAZING! Why do we make sewing so nitty picky is what I wonder???
http://www.londas-sewing.com/Londas-Refined-Embellishments-for-Crea...

I feature BIAS over and over and over in my '"REFINED EMBELLISHMENTS FOR CREATIVE CLOTHING" DVD.
If your clothing needs a little push in the creative genre - you might want to consider adding it to your collection.

Story behind the DVD most mothers can identify with: This project took a week of shared days with my 30 year old son.... and this is NOT his favorite area of interest nor pastime! We worked and worked and strained and strained to get along and make it as perfect as we could.
THEN...as he is editing it - he calls MORTIFIED that he has discovered some intermittent static...from a source we surely didn't hear: the TRIPOD! (You have no idea how many times we had to start over because the phone rang!).
Confident in the value of the material - and the quantity (a full 2 hours and 45 minutes!), I convinced him that the content was more important than the 'polish' and we went ahead with the printing instead of 'enduring' another fond memory-making week together to re-do it. Instead, we reduced the price $10 from the already reasonable price of $29.95 to just $19.95. Sew....that intermittent audio interference ... it's FREE! :)

Seems to have been a good decision - I've only had 2 complaints, and NO returns. PLUS, a large sewing distributor has even added it to their line as well.

Try it - you might like it. Londa's REFINED EMBELLISHMENTS FOR CREATIVE CLOTHING

My Love Affair with Fabrics

This is my current 'job'.... measuring, swatching, naming, describing, scanning and uploading this wonderful group of Fine Italian Fabrics that just HAD TO COME HOME WITH ME from Albuquerque. The vendor across the way was selling these (and many more 'to die for') fabrics,and when it came apparent that I could buy them wholesale to offer to my customers, I............weakened, ONCE AGAIN!

I'd pretty much weaned myself off of offering fabrics on my website - mainly because I just couldn't find many of a quality that I demand - but these Italian fabrics just wooed me mercilessly.

I'm on my 3rd day of this task - and hope to wind it up this morning.....so off to work I go! I've even dreamt up a really exciting debut marketing plan with them and the Sewing Workshop patterns that I think my customers will love.

Creative Ideas from Customers!

Gleaning Ideas Galore from Customers' Clothing...is one of the best parts of doing these shows. This potholder purse grabbed my eye

It's creator shared that it was from potholders her kids wove as children - which she resurrected and turned into a purse by looping together leftover COTTON loops (hard to find!) and then knitting - on large needles - the gusset and long handle. It was just TOO CUTE! Especially attracted my eye as making potholders was my very first business when I was in - about the 4th or 5th grade. I made them like crazy and then went door to door selling them 1 for 25 cents or 2 for $35 cents. Guess kids can't go door-to-door any longer (but back then we did the same with GirlScout cookies for $.50 per box too!), but there's always the internet..........

Here's yet another idea - just an extra T-shirt cut into leaf shapes, and stitched onto an existing shirt with straight stitch down the center... I'd seen this earlier on a ready-to-wear top myself and made notes - but a picture is worth a thousand words. This idea WILL turn up on a Creative Sweatshirt Jacket - and people will ask how I can come up with these ideas - well: from RTW to a large degree! Ideas are plenty for the taking...
This smart gal had taken the color que from her great shoes - and you'd never believe how this shirt complimented her shoes!

The little things of life can serve to excite us these days .....

Ramblings for Early March

Hmmmm...... Have you ever notice all the crud around the edges of the carpet in women's dressing rooms??? That really bugs me! Stores...VACUUM your dressing rooms!!
And - while you're in there, take notice to see if the bottom of those full length mirrors are tilted OUT, towards you. If so - that is one dirty trick to make you look slimmer, taller than reality. Consider yourself warned.

New GREAT Book: My dear daughter brought this one to my attention - though I'd seen the author on one of the talk shows and did know what she was referring to. Eat This Not That . I don't ever even run to the grocery store these days without it! For example: Breyers All Natural Chocolate Chip Ice Cream can save you 150 calories and 11 grams of fat over Haagen Daz Mint Chip . Triscuits - Original over Wheat Thins - Reduced Fat. It even helped us fine Stretch Island Fruit Co smooshed fruit in the roll-up type of snack thing that my grandson loves. I know, I know - we could all read the labels, and we sure do in my house after my hubby's heart attack 3 years ago. But, this book makes it simple, simple with photos of each product TO grab on the left instead of those on the right. WalMart had it for under $14 - and a regular $25 book.

I'm in the Esther Beth Moore Bible Study at church right now, and what a blessing it is! From my study yesterday... I write some of what Beth says in first person to myself in my journal, and here from 3-4: "I desire to sit on YOUR side rather than serving myself all the way to meaninglessness. I am called to a purposeful life. I need to always ask myself: Is this a critical moment? A make or break moment? If I make a man-ward vs God-ward decision - will I be left out of a divine loop that would eventually mean everything to me?" She helped me really see that a war is being waged in the heavenly realm and great witnesses in heaven are cheering me on in my decisions. All this from 'for such a time as this" quote from Esther 4:14 where Mordecai sends the message to Esther that she really MUST go talk to King Xerxes and convince him to NOT kill all the Jews.

Beth's study on Daniel really impacted me in ways hard to describe. It makes it so crystal clear how our world has gone so totally askew...we continue to break the first commandment: Have NO other Gods before me. We do that when we insist on someone to get us out of any fix we get ourselves into...whether it be a greedy mortgage we insisted on, or as a company asking the government to save us, or asking the government to pay our medical bills, or when - even as a top government official - we cheat on our taxes! When anything and everything is more important to us than God is - then we have it all wrong, and deserve the trouble we get ourselves into!
Check out Beth's studies wherever you are. She makes the Bible SO revelant to our daily lives - you just can't believe it until you hear her. You can also access many of her products, DVD, CD, and even downloads online at her site: http://www.lproof.org/default.asp

Again - to me, Gov. Huckabee is the only one singing the right song - just "Do The Right Thing"!!!!! Though I often agree with Rush Limbaugh, and I believe his intent is good, he has put himself in that 'God' seat. At least in my humble opinion. I'll listen to him, I just don't make him into the God he wants to portray himself as.

For Huckabee, and for me - that 'right thing' is clearly defined in God's Word, the Holy Bible. In these days of doom and gloom, I trust in the fact, I depend on the fact that God - as revealed in the Bible, and demonstrated to me in an eartly way in the person of Jesus Christ - is all I need for my joy and my security!

Ohh - and I just have to share this poignant tale I received on the internet yesterday...regarding abortion. As a God-made mommy through adoption of 2 infants 27 and 30 years ago, I am unabashadly pro-life. Believe me, it would NOT have mattered if the child offered to us was the product of a rape, or born to a prisoner........none of that mattered then, nor would it now. As our birth announcements said - our children grew IN our hearts, not under mine.
Here is that story - and it matters not whether it is true or not, the principle of valuing LIFE above all else is the same.

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: 'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.' So the doctor said: 'Ok, and what do you want me to do?' She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.' She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request. Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms. The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution. The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same! If you agree, please forward. Together we can help save precious lives! AMEN

If you are a woman who fell for the lie of an abortion as a 'solution', you need to know that God loves you ANYWAY! You will see your baby in heaven again some day. All you need to do to insure that is to ask His forgiveness and claim Jesus as the Lord of your life. Go to any Bible believing church and be transparent. There is help for you. If I can even help lead you to the forgiveness God has for you, please email me!