Button-Bustin' Proud of my Girl

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Trash at Sporting Events Rant

WHY can't people pick up the trash they make at games?
Hubby and I went to Cardinals vs Denver Rockies last night - and I couldn't believe the amount of trash left in the stands!

If everyone would have just picked up after themselves - Tickets could be cheaper allowing more people to attend the games. VERY sad - especially for the 'green conscious' Coloradians...

Take just 3 minutes to help sewers in Guatemala

PLEASE take just 3 minutes or less to go do this - PLEASE! It will really, really help the great charity that I support through my website - where they teach women to sew and SELL them sewing machines to improve their lives - in Guatemala. Londa


Dear Friends of Miracles in Action and Guatemala,

Most of you know, we are seeking votes from Facebook Friends to win $20,000 to build a school Guatemala that was destroyed by mudslides.
This morning, a generous donor offered to match the $20,000 winnings, but only if we win the Chase Community Giving contest.

Now your vote counts for $40,000!!!

We are at 217th position today, and need many more votes to move to the top 200, and stay there until voting ends on July 12th.

We can't do this without you and your friends. Please forward this email, and FB message all your contacts.

PLEASE VOTE!!!
Simple steps to vote:1. Go to our website www.MiraclesInAction.org 2. Click on the "Support Us" Vote box. 3. Click on: "Get Started to Vote" in Green4. Request for Permission to Access Basic information – click on "Allow" 5. Pop up window asks you to "Like" Chase Community Giving – click on "Like" 6. Verify you are still on the Chase Community Giving Miracles in Action page 7. Click on VOTE. If you are not on Miracles in Action's vote page, go up to "Search and Vote"
and enter our name in the search.

Thank you for your vote, and spreading the word, Penny

P.S. Please view our video with the "Story of Miracles in Action". Here is a YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvJNQho78H4&feature=email
Penny Rambacher, R.D.
Founder/PresidentMiracles In Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profitwww.MiraclesInAction.org239-348-0815Helping poor families to help themselves…Building our 28th school in rural Guatemala. Established 19 vocational workshops and libraries. Installed 20 water systems for remote villages. Join us, and support a sustainable development project, where 100% of donation dollars go directly to the project.
Dear Friends of Miracles in Action and Guatemala,

Most of you know, we are seeking votes from Facebook Friends to win $20,000 to build a school Guatemala that was destroyed by mudslides.
This morning, a generous donor offered to match the $20,000 winnings, but only if we win the Chase Community Giving contest.

Now your vote counts for $40,000!!!

We are at 217th position today, and need many more votes to move to the top 200, and stay there until voting ends on July 12th.

We can't do this without you and your friends. Please forward this email, and FB message all your contacts.

PLEASE VOTE!!!
Simple steps to vote:1. Go to our website www.MiraclesInAction.org 2. Click on the "Support Us" Vote box. 3. Click on: "Get Started to Vote" in Green4. Request for Permission to Access Basic information – click on "Allow" 5. Pop up window asks you to "Like" Chase Community Giving – click on "Like" 6. Verify you are still on the Chase Community Giving Miracles in Action page 7. Click on VOTE. If you are not on Miracles in Action's vote page, go up to "Search and Vote"
and enter our name in the search.

Thank you for your vote, and spreading the word, Penny

P.S. Please view our video with the "Story of Miracles in Action". Here is a YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvJNQho78H4&feature=email
Penny Rambacher, R.D.
Founder/PresidentMiracles In Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profitwww.MiraclesInAction.org239-348-0815Helping poor families to help themselves…Building our 28th school in rural Guatemala. Established 19 vocational workshops and libraries. Installed 20 water systems for remote villages. Join us, and support a sustainable development project, where 100% of donation dollars go directly to the project.

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

5 clicks to Help our charity: Miracles in Action

Dear Friend of Miracles in Action,

Chase is giving away millions of dollars and Miracles in Action is competing for a piece of the action. The top 200 organizations (who get the most votes) will all receive $20,000 or more. This would allow us to rebuild the destroyed school in San Antonio Polopo at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. The school was destroyed just recently by tropical storm Agatha. The voting takes place on Facebook. Here is how you can vote...

This takes about 1 minute -- just 5 clicks:

1. Click here and log-in to Facebook if you aren't already signed in:

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/731728299-miracles-in-action-inc

2. Click on: Get Started to Vote

3. Request for Permission to Access Basic information – click on Allow (this isn't a real big deal. It allows them access to your public info on your profile page)

4. Pop up window asks you to Like Chase Community Giving – click on Like (they send out occasional reminders about their program -- you can "unlike" them after July 15 when the contest is over if you want -- but don't do it until then or they will take your vote away!)

5. Verify you are still on the Chase Community Giving Miracles in Action page and click on VOTE (if you lost the Miracles in Action page, come back to this link and click it again to shoot straight there).

PLEASE be sure to also post this on your Facebook wall to help us get enough votes! Without the referral effect we may not win! Click for a cause!! It is free and fun sharing Miracles in Action with your friends!

Miracles In Action Inc. is an all-volunteer charity. 100% of the prize money will go to fund the school building project. To learn more about us, visit www.MiraclesInAction.org

Even if you are not a Facebook user, you can view the Miracles in Action new video on YouTube. It is just a few minutes....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvJNQho78H4

Thank you for your vote, and spreading the word.

Penny Rambacher
Founder/President

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Eman - World Vision girl writes

Received this letter from our sponsored girl, Eman, and wanted to share it with you all...
"I am very happy because you chose me. I want to tell you a little about me.
My name is Eman Muhammad Betelo and I live with my family in a small house in a village situated about 40 km from Jerusalem. In my village there are schools, mosques, and clinics, but there is no hospital. My hobby is basketbool. What about you? I hope to receive soon a letter from you. God bless you and your family. Your sponsored child, Eman Muhammed."

I've written to her and will keep you posted.
I believe it puts a 'real' face on the children in lands of unrest to sponsor and communicate. Thanks for your support of my website which helps me in turn support Eman.

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!

Bury me with this Gold Titanium Rotary Blade

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!
I cut out 3 garments (class reunion coming up next weekend!) last night and this morning - and this Titanium 'Roll the Gold' 45mm Rotary Blade is STILL cutting fabric - even knit with Lycra in it - like it was butter! I've already cut quite a few fabrics for my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket Kits with it - and I was expecting it to start leaving 'hinges' if you know what I mean... when I cut these garments out, but it was GREAT!
Treat yourself, Ladies! This blade is AWESOME, SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!

Save $ on this item since you found it - and my site - through my Blog!

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.....