Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™ off to the printer!

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

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

Londa's Way of Setting in Sleeves just posted on YouTube

Yea - finally had my son tape me setting in the sleeves on the linen jacket I made using my Chosen pattern collar design and embellishment. I need to finish that Blog post as well - but I've been VERY busy on my new pattern: Genesis Too™!
Anyway - go see it at the Free Info Tab at my site...at this link: Londa's Way of Setting in Sleeves - It's all in the Fingers!
Try it - I think you'll like it - and let me know how it goes for you!

Perhaps I can just embed it here - I'll try - Ahhh I see it worked!


Your comments HERE and at YouTube much appreciated! Also - if you have questions- ask away!

Genesis Too ™ New Pattern Mess

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

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

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




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


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

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

Makes sense to me - 28th Amendment

An idea whose time has come - regardless of your part or politics...

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered...in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. This is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come.

Have each person contact a minimum of Twenty people on their Address list, in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution

"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

LUV Wow Storage System Containers

When I'm home for just a week at a time these days - I feel I really want to keep house and cook exceptionally well for my beloved hubby....

I weakened one day when I saw the ad for these WOW containers on TV - and am I ever glad I did!

They are amazing!

See them in ONE pullout shelf in my kitchen cabinets here to the left - ALL fit together!!!!! How cool is that?











Below, see them neatly in my refrigerator (note it is VERY clean - as is my kitchen floor! It was actually a delight to spend the day Wed. cleaning!!!!

At the price - order 2 sets and keep one in that Gift Closet!

LIVING pattern booklet at the printer

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

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

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

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

Shoppin' at Sew Bee It on way to Atlanta Original Sewing & Quilt Expo

Ahhhh - shoppin' heaven on the way today to the Atlanta Sewing & Quilt Expo where I'll be teaching and vending this Thurs., Fri., and Saturday...
SUCH a lovely quilt shop - Sew Bee It - Glenda, my assistant, had found in the Quilter's Travel Companion. In Ringgold, GA, this charming shop was so neat, anc clean, and such attractive displays, and lovely women to help.

Photo'd are my selections that I bought either 1.5 or more yards of - in 3/4 yard increments - as 3/4 yard is always enough to one of my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets. Then...the excess will end up in one of my Kits that I sell at the shows and when I visit guilds.

I can't wait to atach that whirly print with patches of Texture Magic on the back, stitched, and then 'textured' when I shrink the Texture Magic on the back...those whirly gigs will just POP! I'll put it on either Mustard or Denim sweatshirts, and probably combine it with parts of jeans - of course! I 'see my Transformed or Worthy pattern in it.

The piece at the upper right was in a group of corals and greens - colors i've decorated my home in in the past - and still love, so I had to have a piece of it. I think I'll end up segmenting it as I have done on the PeriKona jacket in my Transformed pattern.

The solids at the left, I'd seen recently at another shop. They are from Kaufmann - I forget the name, but they are 55% cotton, 45% silk. Sheen on one side. Can't wait to try my Dupioni fur - bias strips layered with them. I also think this fabric has enough 'drape' quality to it that it might work in the insert draped back on my Celebration pattern.

In the center then are 2 colorways of a large floral - 'see that on my Refined pattern. And, the one on the far right is a 'Quilter's Tweed' - like a photograph of wool tweed - with a solid black background.

In the foreground is a blotchy soft mix of hemp, brown and orang - just scrumptious...!

Hope I can sleep tonight after petting and 'imagining' over my stash additions from the day...again - if not, my mind will be creating jackets with them.

Sew Bee It has even opened a large, sunny room where they have lovely yarns. I'm always on the hunt for a textured black with some character - so I was tickled to find this Zinnia Black that is 74% cotton, 26% nylon.

Sew....if your travels get you anywhere near Chattanooga, TN - just hop over the state line to Ringgold in the NW corner of GA, and you're there. Let your GPS take you there - 6103 Alabama Highway, Ringgold, GA. http://www.sew-bee-it.com/.

Chatting along the way, Glenda helped me decide on a succint description of what my career is these days - I'm a 'Wearable Art Designer' who travels the country teaching my techniques to sewers of both quilting and garment persuasion at guild workshops, shops, and sewing expositions. AND - operate an active sewing-related webstore supplying notions and creative sewing supplies. " How's that sound? Seems lately when people ask why I'm traveling so much I'm at a loss for words and hesitantly say that "you're not gonna believe this but .... my niche is transforming a sweatshirt into a stylish jacket - so I've written a book, patterns, and 2 DVD's about this and creative sewing..." I think the first try sounds better. Help - comment with your suggestions!

Oh - have LIVING at the printer - another blog post to come...

Puyallup

What a treat it was to be part of the Biggest Sewing Party in the US - the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, WA Feb. 24-27. I was so honored to have Kathy as both my assistant and my hostess...luxuriating in their large motor home. As evidenced by the photos, it is still amazing to me that WA state is a good 1.5 to 2 months ahead of us here in central Illinois when it comes to Spring! See the daffodils ready to burst into bloom - and indeed, they did while I was there.

I was so humbled to have 3 sell-out classes - you can't imagine!

AND - all my boxes arrived safely here on Friday so I'm busy getting ready to head off for the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Atlanta tomorrow.

All I can say is ...you know you've been 'on the road' alot when you expect the toilet to flush, the water to flow and the paper towels to spurt out without lifting a finger!

Thanks to all my new friends in Puyallup area - your orders for the patterns, book, and DVD I sold out of while there are in the mail. I'll expect to have lots of great jackets to share!!!

LUV my Kindle!

Stuck in O'HARE airport for 3 hours - plane from Indi late - so will get to Puyallup, WA very late tonight...
Grateful for:

• my new KINDLE - automatic book - not sure how it works - but thoroughly enjoying it!!!! Highly recommend Chris Fabry's "Dogwood". Enchanting - intriguing, and inspiring book.
• Computer - electricity - friends - everything i can stay in contact with via an electrical hookeup here in airport!
• Family supportive of this vagabond 'career' of mine - and all the opportunities coming my way! SO grateful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sewers...Help Drill a Well

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

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

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

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

http://www.firstgiving.com/londasdrillawell

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

Eeeks - YEA - I get to teach at Houston Quilt Festival!

Eeks - and once again, I'm humbled to be selected to be on the faculty for the Houston Quilt Festival! I discovered the email notifying me of my selection buried in the hundred+ emails here as I dig through them in the Houston airport!
Not sure which class proposal they selected - certainly one of my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket classes.
Can't wait to get home and dig into the contract being mailed to me...
Meanwhile - I'm just thrilled to smithereens - is that a word?

Keep tracked of my travels on the lower right corner of my website...
Londa's Creative Threads