Baby Alyssa Ensemble

I've been so looking forward to sewing some little GIRL ruffles - and baby Alyssa,my sister's granddaughter born May 23 is just the excuse...

This little Sun Suit from Sew Beautiful, current issue No.137, 2011. Vol. 25, No. 4.

First, I show folding the back ruffles as directed. I KNOW my ruffles are cuter because I cut them on the BIAS rather than on straight grain as directed.







This is the back for Baby's bibbed sun suit. It has you hand wind elastic thread (without stretching) onto the bobbin, then stitch. Oh - and once you do this stitching as directed, it is important to hold a steam iron over it to make it all pull up as you see here. I don't like this technique - never have, as it doesn't hold up. I would rather advise to line with a soft fabric - even in this area only, sew casings, and run 1/8'' elastic through the casings. You'll be happier.


This is the sleeve ruffle - cutting an arc at one end, then using that as the pattern to cut the arc at the other end. I used fabric cut on the bias, and folded for the ruffles instead of eyelet trim or lace.







Here are my finished straps. See my gathering technique on You-Tube. Search for Londa Sewing...









Cloth Baby Booties
These are adorable Robeeze copy fabric baby booties. I found the pattern on a blog - www.stardustshoes.blogspot.com.

Here you see I have pulled the 9'' length of elastic through the Heel casing, and the wrong side of the Top through the slits, pulled to 7'', stitched, then the excess cut off. Note that the sides of the heel are NOT stitched to the sides of the Top/Sole seam. This took me a bit to figure out.

















Ahhh - too cute! Now, I've trimmed the Sole to Top and Heel seam by pinking with pinking shears. I honestly think this is preferred to serging because tiny toenails could get caught in serging threads/loops. This makes it nice and soft inside, and solves the notching that is necessary to remove some of the bulk of the 'outie' seam allowance because when it gets turned right side out - that exterior most seam edge becomes an 'innie' curve as I say - needing less space. Understand?







Elastic joining scootched around so invisible. This shot shows the inside of the bootie really well.

Cute or what? Needs a bonnet....























Back View ...I just had to add the yellow ribbon on the straps and down the center of the butt ruffles.








Londa's Heirloom Bonnet  -Kit 
SAVE on my combo of the pattern seen below, silk organza for back pouf lining, elastic, baby piping cord, safety pins. 


Creating the Fancy Band for the Baby Bonnet. Here is the first step of the Colonial or Candle Wicking Knot - I"m using 1/8'' wide silk ribbon. The white is adorable,delicate tatting I bought at the Martha Pullen Arlington Market I did in late June, 2011.













Next step in those Candle-Wicking Knots.












And...the last step in the decorative knot. I let my silk ribbon travel from one knot to the other on the back side of the Fancy Band as my pattern directs you to line this Fancy Band any way - covering it up.Note here you can see that I staggered the loops of the double rows of the tatting when I applied it. I carry the itsy bitsy piping cord at my website. You can see it at both edges of the Fancy Band. Yellow was obviously the 3rd, and accent color of this ensemble.

Just enough tatting left to put into the front edge of the front Ruffle on the Bonnet. Yeah!










Stitching the 'lining of the Front Ruffle - from the side where I can see the stitching of attaching the tatting - stitching just a needle width to the left of that stitching.












Cutting the arcs at each end of the Front Ruffle.











Using my gathering technique to attach Front Ruffle to Fancy Band. Note the threads figure 8'd around that right most pin. My You-Tube video can be found with all the rest of my how-to videos HERE.








Ahhh - too cute! I LOVE sewing ruffles. Dear Lord, send me a Grand Daughter to join my #1 grandson! Now to line the Fancy Band.








Sandwiching the Fancy Band/Front Ruffle unit with the Front Band Lining as per my really good directions in this pattern - my very first - done way back in1988!!!









Flipping Fancy Band Lining to the inside. See how nicely that baby piping just adds the little touch of color at each long edge of the Fancy Band - which, by the way sizes the bonnet. You just take earlobe over head to other earlobe (bottoms of each) and add 1/2'' for how long to create the Fancy Band - and approx 2'' to 2 1/2'' wide.




Drawing in side bonnet casing lines as per directions - on OUTSIDE of the Pouf.










At this time - I realized I hadn't cut a Pouf Lining (duh - I didn't have enough fabric!), so I went to my STASH and found the perfect silk organza for the ling - which is over the top of all this - the elastic pieces as directed, are secured. The left one is for the back pouf circlet and the right one (duplicated at the other end of the Pouf) is to pull the bonnet in at the bottom, neck edge. The Silk Organza was perfect because it is lightweight and ads just the perfect crispness to the bonnet.

This shows ripping a little hole at the X as at the top of the 2nd side of the directions in my pattern. This is the ONLY thing in these - my very first directions ever, that I would improve on - you can't really see the X in the diagram. It is at the left end of the Back neck Crown Edge - right above the words 'Center Back'. It is through this hole that the back crown elastic will exit. That gets anchor stitched, and eventually covered with a ribbon/button unit as you'll see.


My directions do instruct you to secure tiny safety pins onto the ends of each piece of elastic, so that you can easily pull the elastic through after the Pouf Lining is attached.









Oooo - I need a manicure! Anyway - securing the end of the elastic with machine stitching. Do at both 'sides' or bottom edges of the POUF.








Attaching Pouf to the back side of the Fancy Band. The pattern calls for a Back Ruffle as well as the Front Ruffle, but I just didn't think this bonnet needed the Back Ruffle. What fun is sewing...YOU are the designer!







Now it is time to stitch across each of the lowermost ends of the Fancy Band, securing the Lining to the outer Fancy Band. I designed an absolutely adorable technique to attach the Ties on the outside. See next steps!







How the bottom-most edges look all finished off.











1/4'' folded in on both sides of each tie. At the machine, finger fold in the little bit of extra. Establish where under the presser foot the right folded edge will be guided, and WALA, a beautiful, double folded and stitched edge! Do one side of each Tie.











Fold one end at an angle as shown. Now,stitch across this double layer at the other long edge, along the pressed line from the opposite side you see here.








Trim excess, turn right side out, pull out corner crisply with a pin and press. NOW finish the other long edge with same technique used on first long edge,but stop at this cross stitching.

Fold 3/4'' down to the wrong side at the other end of each tie. THEN fold it as shown.









Attach folded end with machine stitching as shown, then pull center fold down as you see here. Add a decorative Candle Wick Knot or French Knot inside for that special little touch.












Hand crocheted thread loops close the back of the Bonnet - at both the back crown elastic edge, and the lower edge. Ribbon streamers make it very 'girly'. I need to add my hand crochet method for thread loops to my YouTube Videos...











Finished ensemble. Now to wrap it and send it off. She's just a month old now - so this will be perfect for NEXT spring and summer. Can't wait to see baby Alyssa - my Grand Niece - first GIRL of the GREAT Grand Kids for my folks in it!

Londa's Heirloom Bonnet  -Kit 
SAVE on my combo of the pattern, silk organza for back pouf lining, elastic, baby piping cord, safety pins. 

Houston Quilt Festival...Londa's Classes

Houston Quilt Festival Classes with Londa 2011

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

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

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

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

Lecture/Demo Classes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hands-On Classes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Londa's Must Have Starter Sewing Notions

Londa's 'Must Have' Starter Sewing Notions

If you've decided to give sewing a try --- more than just stitching up rips and sewing on buttons --- these are the notions that I think you should invest in.....

• Seam Ripper - I like this one for the big, easy to grip handle.
• Water Soluble Marker - select fine or thick point
• Applique Sharp Needles - Black/Gold from Clover sizes 9-12 - perfect size here for most hand sewing uses
• Point Turner - my absolute favorite, simple tool to safely push out corners once you turn something right side out
• Loop Turner - inexpensive, loop on one end for holding, hook on other...handy to hook onto elastic lost in a casing in addition to turning a tube!
• Protect & Go Thimble from Clover - my favorite new thimble! Select size.
• Double Needle Threader from Clover - one end fine, other side heavier
• Steam a Seam 2 - paper backed 1/2" wide fusible web - a 'strip' of glue that bonds 2 fabrics together
• Schmetz Needle Collection - Londa's favorite needles that will cover most any type of need based on fabric and threads
• KAI 5135 scissors - small, but still large enough for quick clipping and trimming
• KAI 5220 Shears - my favorite for cutting garments - invest in these to last a lifetime! Once you get 'hooked' you'll want to add a rotary cutter, cutting mat, etc.

I simply would NOT allow a student to 'fish' pins out of a tin in my classes...what a waste of time! AND, a 'pin' is NOT defined as those things that hold men's shirts together or a corsage on your jacket! Treat yourself to these wonderful PINS and a Pin CUSHION so you can easily and quickly retrieve them and store them as needed!

• Ewesful Pincushion - sets flat, lubricates pins and needles at the same time. Saves time grabbing instead of in a 'tin'
• Glass Head Pins from Clover - EZ to get hold of - won't melt with iron - perfect strength, yet fine enough for silks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tribute to a Great Big Brother...now with Jesus

My big brother is with Jesus. It happened pretty suddenly - the illness - but I was so fortunate to have been able to get there on Monday before he passed to Jesus' arms. I even got to apologize - once again, for stabbing him with knitting needles when I was about 10! He was not quite 63 and had just retired. Lessons to learn? Just what he said not long before on one of our last times together after his first round in the hospital..."I've learned not to put things off - to go ahead and live and do the things I dreamed about NOW".

This week I've been so comforted as I Re-read about what the 'Present Heaven' is like now for my brother - the Word of God made clearer with insight from Randy Alcorn in HEAVEN. And just this morning - reading a new book, Heaven is Real: Lessons on Earthly Joy by Don Piper who wrote 90 Minutes in Heaven. He quotes an anonymous saying: "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, you will rejoice and the world will cry." That will certainly be true of my big brother, Roger Luer. He was a wonderful photographer! . Enjoy his work that so celebrates life and this beautiful world at his site here where you can even order photos. I will be SO proud of him and the life he lived as we celebrate his life Friday and Saturday.

God is answering prayers already...Mommy (with Alzheimers) has had a few days of clarity and truly seems to understand the loss. Yet, she hasn't asked about the funeral - to which it would be impossible to take her. She knows her firstborn will be in Heaven to welcome her.
My sister got here safely all the way from the east coast to Austin, then driving here. I just pray for safe travel for everyone coming.

I'm so lucky to have friends all over the country from business...one just wrote this morning that after her brother died she asked him to 'drop' nickles to let her know he was there. She finds lots of nickles. Then she does something nice for his wife - and finds dimes each time.

Consider God's timing in what I've been reading! Just on Monday morning in taping my Video Email- hours before my brother died, I shared about reading and studying for the last 2 months HEAVEN and Heaven is for Real. God has prepared me for this time. But for now...I must mourn and walk through the valley of the shadow. I do so knowing I am prepared for the next life in Paradise because I believe Jesus came and died to make that possible. I pray you do as well.

First Annual Getaway Sewing Retreat Report

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

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

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

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

April 26-29, 2012

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

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

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










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






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










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

Meeting Huckabee

What a night! Met Gov. Mike Huckabee in person - photo proves it! Handsome buy on the right is my dear Hubby, Charley.
He was here in Champaign, IL to raise money for a home for unwed mothers. This man is so wise, so humble, so 'Lincoln'ess'.
He is the first one in his family to even graduate from HIGH SCHOOL!
I told him I pray daily for clear guidance from God regarding if he should run for president. I pray he will! I think he will!
His message was that in the Declaration of Independence it was so novel of an idea that we were all created equal because at that time - that really didn't seem to be the case - it was more how much land you owned, or your family name....... but THAT idea, that we were created EQUAL, and endowed with unalienable rights by OUR CREATOR - gives each one of us value. And that means ANY human being - whether in the womb, or in a nursing home.
Once we determine a human's worth based upon finances or social 'interruption' - and when you get down to it, those are the 2 determining factors used to argue in favor of abortion - we have set the bar (very , very dangerously) LOW. My mother is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. Yes, it is a monetary drain. Yes, she is not 'contributing' the way some 'see' it. But she is my Mom, and God has her here for a purpose. Until HE calls her home to heaven to be with him, there is something for me to learn from her. She has rights, she is worthy of our love and our support.
THAT's the kind of president I WANT and PRAY for!
Join me in praying that Mick Huckabee run, and WIN! And reclaim our dear land for God, as it began.

Use for sweatshirt neck band!

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

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

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...

Royal Wedding Commentary-Day Before the Wedding

Day BEFORE:
DID YOU SEE THE right side hem on Kate's white ruffle front jacket hanging down on TV tonight - coverage as she arrived at the hotel?



Tell-tale quick construction in my book - depending on the lining to hold up the hem! IN my construction thinking, a hem should ALWAYS be hand stitched to the garment, and the lining hand-stitched to the hem. But hey - what do I know?

THat hanging hem just screamed to me in this 'event' where everyone is holding their breath wondering what Kate's dress will be like...

My guess?

Slim through the waist - full with gores. Probably all a beautiful lace - and with at least little cap sleeves.

If she shows up in that monster of a dress with the HUGE flower-textured skirt they just showed on Inside Edition - I'll scream!

The spot on the hats looks amazing. I'd love to go to one of those hat-makers and see the entire process!!!

Back to reality - the devastation in the south here in the USA has me in prayer for the many people and towns effected. I'm confident that God's people will be the ones to show up first and stay the longest. Telling already to hear the survivors say they are 'blessed' to have survived even though they've lost anything. Yes, all that matters is your life. The rest is just 'stuff'.

Preview on the Royal Wedding

You just have to take a minute to watch this 'preview'...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav0FEhtLug

I'll be traveling during the big event - boo hoo, but I'm sure I'll get to see a replay of the REAL thing...

Did hear on a Christian radio station yesterday from a British commentator that Kate Middleton is a Christian...and that the church has issued a request for prayer for the couple. Even issued was a prayer for children to pray - and it starts "Dear Jesus" !! Oh - for our country to be so bold for Christ!

To hear this enlightening discussion, go to:
http://asxarchive.moodyradio.org/IntheMarketwithJanetParshall/2011-04-26_In_The_Market__hour_02.asx

DKNY Vogue 1250 in 2.5 hours

This is just too much fun!
I've been working too darned hard - and decided to sneak in a new dress for myself this morning...as my Vogue patterns (see last post) arrived yesterday!

I am so fortunate to be able to not only have been taught to sew - but to have the $ TO sew, and to have work that I LOVE to do - in teaching others and sharing how I do it! For all that - I give God the glory. On top of that, I have the health to do it. I have a dear friend with fibromyalgia who hurts too much to do lots of things - so for health as well, I give God the glory!

That being stated, in just 2.5 hours TOPS, I cut out and stitched up Vogue 1250 of this teal slinky jacquard fabric this morning - and will proudly wear it tonight at the neighborhood ballroom dancin hall!

I've been so 'into' taking photos of every step as I work on my Creative Sweatshirt Jacket Talking Patterns™ , that I just couldn't convince myself to NOT do that for this garment either...so all the photos AND my commentary below each are available at my Picasa Album created for it as found HERE.

Therefore, I'll add just a few progress photos at this post.
Sheesh - do I have thread?? It's a knit - so I don't need to serge - and it's a simple dress, so it won't take much thread. However, I DO want to twin needle stitch. Here's what I found...these 3. The RULE ALWAYS IS: select a DARKER thread than your fabric. THAT is why the middle and the right ones worked the best. AND it had to be 100% polyester thread in order to stretch with the fabric.


For needle, I selected my favorite size 75/11 STRETCH needle - meaning it has a slightly rounded tip - to separate the fibers of the fabric, rather than to pierce them as a sharp needle would do. A Denim/Sharp or Microtex needle is sharp pointed for woven fabrics. A UNIVERSAL needle is just a hybrid of Stretch and Sharp -and imho, NOT the best for ANYTHING. My advice - take it or leave it.

REad at the Picasa Blog - but after determining and measuring the back finished neckline, allowing that that is supposed to be 1" below my back neck bone, and checking waist length, I determined that I needed to add 5/8" to the pattern. That's what I've done here. Made use of my favorite pattern tissue paper, Medical Pattern Paper - available at my website, www.londas-sewing.com. ALWAYS have magic scotch tape in a desk dispenser too!




I decided to try to add a godet up the center back seam (there are NO side seams!). Here is my figuring and cutting that long triangle from leftover fabric.

Speaking of fabric, I'm glad I bought extra, as this fabric was 50" wide instead of 60" wide. 60" wide fabric requires only 1.25 yards! Even that was hard for me to believe - so I bought 3 I believe...and hope to get a little T-Shirt out of the leftovers.



I have a really slick way of marking with pins...find it COMPLETELY explained at the Picasa Web Album via photos and my comments under each photo. To be able to read all the comments, you have to click on EACH photo.

This technique ONLY works when the fabric is cut out RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. You just stab pins in where you want it marked, carefully tear away the pattern, stick pins in on the opposite side, then pull apart - THEN pin together to mark where to stitch.


This dress is SO EASY!
1. I added the center back godet.
2. I threw away the silly back neck facing pattern and used Clear Elastic instead to finish the back neckline.
3. Stitch front tucks and shoulder seams.
4. Stitch back seam.
5. Stitch upper back to back skirt.
6. Hem lower and sleeve edges.
DONE!



VERY important is hemming - and STABILIZING the hem - which I did using Knit/Stretch Fusible Stay Tape. It goes on the HEM allowance, and it is SO important to 'balance the bulk' in hem areas! Do this by clipping the seam allowance and pressing the seams opposite directions.