Watch for the Newsletter...

Big sale on some great stuff starting tomorrow over at Gorgeous Fabrics. Keep an eye on your inbox.

And Facebook Peeps - you know what to do!

Happy sewing!

Emmet Event Alert!

Emmett is hosting an event this Thursday, folks! If you are in the New York area, stop by. He's hosting a networking party with members of BNI Manhattan Chapter 55. It looks like it will be fun, have fabulous fashion, and be a great networking opportunity. So if you are in the area, stop by from 6-9 on Thursday!

Another Pattern Magazine!

My friend Carla recently came back from a trip to Brazil, and brought me a magazine called Manequim. It looks like a combination of Redbook and Burda WOF. It has patterns for some really cute garments in it! Here are a couple from the website:

A Beyonce Knockoff:

A cute little summer dress

A cool jacket

I have the March issue, which is all about blazers. I don't know if this magazine is available here in the US. The next town over from me has a big Brazilian population, so maybe I'll ask at some of the stores there.

I don't speak or read Portuguese, so I'll be flying blind, but if I get some time (ha!) I'll trace off some of the patterns and see how they look in muslin form.

ETA on 4/28
A big shout of thanks to Belinda at Sew-4-Fun for pointing out that you can download all the patterns directly from the website. Thank you Belinda!!

Happy sewing!

Life's a B*tch

And so am I. No, seriously. I realized today that I've let too much get to me, and it spilled out and I took it out on someone who had nothing to do with anything. I've apologized to her, and I hope she forgives me, but if not I'll understand why.

And on top of that, I was talking with a customer today who has been having problems. I got frustrated and snapped at her. She then said, "Why did you hurt my feelings?" It turns out she has a terminal illness, which I didn't know, and she has to go into assisted living. I just started to cry. We ended up talking for about an hour. And honestly, I think talking to her was the best thing that happened to me in about the last month. She helped me realize that I've been not enjoying myself. Except for Easter, I have not sung at all since Christmas. Even sewing has been distinctly un-joyous. My family is great, but I feel like I spend all my waking hours away from them at the computer.

So that's it. I don't make new years resolutions, but I am resolved to do more things that I love, and when the end of the business day hits, finis. I'm done. Nothing is so important that it should take precedence over my family, my health and my sanity.

Now I'm off to work on "Summertime" and enjoy listening to my friend Richard sing "I Got Plenty of Nothin'"


So please forgive me. And Vicki? Thanks

Barcelona Muslin is Finished

I made the muslin for the Brensan Studios Barcelona blouse and tried it on today. It needs a couple of little tweaks. The good thing about the fit is that the bust point is exactly where mine is, so I don't need to do anything there. I am using the size Small, which fits perfectly at the shoulders, waist and hips. I need a little itty bit more room at the bust, so I'll adjust that. I don't need a FBA, more adding a wee bit of circumference. I'm a size small everywhere but the bust. There I'm between a small and a medium. So I'll make that adjustment to the pattern and start cutting my shirting fabric.

Stay tuned and happy sewing!

I Have to Show You This Fabric

I have to show this one off. This is one of Emmett's fabrics for Sewing Hope. I LOVE this so much. It's a georgette that is embroidered with self-fabric ribbons all over. It is so fabulous! Really I'm showing it off for purely selfish reasons. I want someone to buy it so I don't! C'mon - it's for a great cause and all the proceeds from the sale of these fabrics benefit Sewing Hope. It's sold as one piece. It's 60 inches wide and I listed it as 2 1/2 yards, but it is really 2 1/2 yards full, with about another half yard that has a chunk taken out of it.

Thanks Allyn!
Happy sewing!

Still Waiting for the Marfy

I feel like that Talking Heads song. "Still waiting/ah hah hah/Still waiting..."

So while I wait, I received my Barcelona Shirt pattern from Brensan Studios

Okay, sorry, I have to say it. I hate the fabric combo used for this picture - too "Chicos goes to the art fair". If it had not been for Pam's recommendation, I never would have given it a second look. But Pam recommended it, and so I decided to give it a shot. So while everyone else in the Northeast is spending the day outside, I'll stay in and trace off the pattern and make a muslin. Stay tuned!

A Fascinating Article

Today's Wall Street Journal has an excellent article on Increased Scrutiny of Bloggers' Product Reviews. You may need to subscribe to the site to read the whole article, but if you can get hold of a copy, I highly recommend it. I find it interesting because, obviously, I'm a blogger who reviews products, and because I'm a merchant who sells fabrics. I have no compunction at all about shilling for Gorgeous Fabrics. It's my site, it's a passion, and it is how I make my living and put food in my kids' mouths. I also have no problem reviewing products that I have purchased for my own use, like books, interfacing, notions, patterns etc. I am also happy to shamelessly plug my favorite products and some friends. You can usually find those under Shameless Plugs.

I get a little more chary about it when I have been given products as gifts. I haven't reviewed too many of these, and I have been very careful to disclose the situations where I have. I've never been paid to review a product, and I don't know if I would. If a company is giving me money or even free product, it's hard to give a completely objective opinion. In the WSJ article, one prominent blogger who accepts payment for reviews "said she never writes anything negative about products she is asked to review because, 'I choose not to be critical.'"

And that is hard - what if someone presents me with a product as a gift and I hate it? That's tough to put in a review. And I would imagine its worse if one is actually compensated for reviewing a product. I've also been asked by bloggers to compensate them for mentioning my fabrics in their reviews. I've taken a pass so far, and it has resulted in fewer mentions of Gorgeous Fabrics on some sites. Recently I received an email from another online fabric vendor offering me a percentage of their sales if I sent people over to their site. Clearly it was a mass email, and clearly they had not bothered to check to see that they were sending said email to a competitor.

Situations like that are beginning to draw the scrutiny of the FTC. It will be interesting to see what happens and what rules are put forth over the coming months. Maybe I'm just being obtuse, but for now, I prefer to keep my Bestest Friends and my reviews on the up and up. I may change my mind. Heck, I put Gorgeous Fabrics on Facebook, which I never would have thought of a year ago. But if I decide to review products that have been presented to me as gifts or for which I am receiving some sort of remuneration, I do promise that you will know it up front.

Happy sewing and blogging!

Big Sale Starting Tonight, Kittens!

Check your email if you subscribe. It will tell all the details, times and numbers. Woo hoo!

And if you don't subscribe to the newsletter, for heavens sake, why not? I NEVER sell or share your information with anyone(there's one large pattern company who is mightily PO'ed at me for that), and you won't be inundated with emails. Three in one week is the max I've ever sent out, and the average is once a week. So get your bad self over there and The Gorgeous Fabrics email signup and find out what the deals are!

Pattern Review - Jalie 2910 Faux Wrap Top

While I wait to get my Marfys, I decided to make a top from one of Jalie's new patterns. I bought all four when they became available last month.

Pattern Description: From Jalie's website, "Women's knit tops with forward shoulder seam, banded surplice neckline, sleeveless or with three-quarter sleeve. View A has a neckband that goes all around. View B has a mandarin collar and banded front neckline." I made the sleeveless version of View A.

Sizing: Every last one. I made a V

Fabric Used: Cotton blend jersey that I bought when I was in New York last. I used Wide Silk Jersey in Tangerine for the contrast neckband.

Needle/Notions Used: Stretch needle 75/11. Tricot knit interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply to stabilize the shoulders, Steam-a-Seam (yes Karla, Steam-a-Seam) on the front only, Mettler thread.

Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes. One thing to note about this pattern is that it is LONG. I hemmed it the recommended 3/4", and it is down below my hips. I'm not especially shortwaisted, but I'm not longwaisted by any means. I think I'll take about 2 inches off and re-hem.

How were the instructions? I took a cursory look but I really didn't need them. this is a very well drafted pattern, and it goes together beautifully. The instructions are quite adequate if you do use them.

Construction Notes: My kids were playing with my camera and set it to manual focus, and I didn't realize it until too late, so I didn't get a picture of how I used Steam-a-Seam. The front has two identical pieces overlaid on one another. You then turn the hems together and stitch them as one. To keep them from shifting, I used Steam-a-Seam between the two layers. After applying it, they were a cinch to turn and sew as one. I also used 3/8" strips of interfacing in the shoulder seams of the back to stabilize them.

One thing to note about this top is that it's clearly drafted as a sleeved top. You use the same pieces for both the sleeved and the sleeveless versions. As with other tops that are drafted this way, I found that if you make the sleeveless version and you have any bit of a bust, you must add a bust dart. I didn't need a FBA, and I suspect if I had made up the sleeves the problem would not be so obvious. But without the sleeves, there is a gap at the front of the armhole. A dart took care of it, and I'll adjust the pattern to remove the excess for future versions.

Any changes? Just those noted above

Likes/Dislikes: I like the wrap effect. It's a cute pattern that will be great for summer. The only thing I don't really like is the length, and that's easy to fix.

Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Yes and yes!

Conclusion: A great basic top that will be a staple in my wardrobe, I'm sure! Here's a picture on Shelley.


BTW, you'll notice my wrap overlay goes from the left shoulder to the right hip. Yeah - that was intentional. Riiiiight...
Happy sewing!

Weekend Recap and an Expo Lament

I hope you all had a great weekend! I didn't get any sewing done, because I spent Saturday working as an Ambassador at the Sewing and Craft Expo in Worcester, MA. Then Sunday we decided to take the kids to Newport RI and spend the day.

I have to tell you, I was really saddened by the state of the Sewing and Craft Expo. Considering that sewing seems to be undergoing a resurgence, it was so disappointing to see what is going on at the Expo. Mind you, I only had a day there, so perhaps there were things that I missed, but I don't think so. There were far fewer vendors there this year than in years past. And there was a lot of non-sewing stuff (massagers, basement finishing). On the plus side, I did get to meet Jennifer Stern of J. Stern Designs. She is delightful, and she gave me a gift of her latest patterns. I'll be reviewing them (with all appropriate disclaimers) soon, I hope.

I was the ambassador, which translates roughly into "ticket taker and classroom assistant" for three classes. One class was taught by Peggy Sagers. I love Peggy. She's no-nonsense, opinionated and outspoken. Hmmmm - who does she remind me of? Her class was about debunking common sewing myths. While I didn't agree with everything she said, I certainly agreed with most of it.

The other two classes were more craft oriented. Anyone who knows me knows that I tend to cast a gimlet eye at "craft" and many of the purveyors thereof. So it was an interesting lesson in self-restraint to sit through these classes. One was about machine embroidery. I know many of you love it, but I find machine embroidery to be a complete waste of thread. Sorry. That's how I feel. The other class was about easy embellishment techniques. Okay - "easy" and "embellishment techniques" do not belong in the same sentence in my universe. If you are going to embellish something, it should be spectacular. Needle felting, fabric paints and cutesy appliqué? Sorry, not my bag. Don't get offended. I'm just saying it isn't for me. I feel the same way about free jazz, NASCAR and body piercings. I'd never tell someone else not to partake, but I school my facial expressions to keep them very bland, and make my grocery list in my head the entire time.

What I did enjoy about these classes was the unbridled enthusiasm of both the instructors. They brought the same sense of joy to their seminars that I try to bring to my garment sewing classes. And that's what you're paying for, right? The expertise and enthusiasm of the teacher. That was what kept me from running screaming from the room when they pulled out the refashioned, embroidered sweatshirts. Those have no place in ANY universe. Ever.

Sunday was fun. We packed the kids up early and headed to Newport, RI to spend the day. If you haven't been to Newport and get the chance, I really recommend it. At the turn of the last century, it was the summer playground for the robber barons and New York society. My sons had never been there. We wanted to go to see the Doris Duke exhibit, Shop Like an Heiress at Rough Point, her Newport estate. Unfortunately, the estate was closed for a private event, so we went to Rosecliff instead. Rosecliff is most famous for being used as a setting for the 1974 Robert Redford film, "The Great Gatsby". It was simply stunning. I had been there as a kid, but not in recent years. We picked a lovely day to visit. After taking the tour of the mansion, we went walking along the Cliff Walk, then headed into town for lunch and puttering about. Newport is built on a beautiful sheltered harbor, and the weather was warm enough that we didn't need our jackets. On the way home, we stopped for dinner at Phyllis' house. Most excellent salmon, Phyllis!

All in all, it was a lovely weekend. I'm waiting for my Marfys, so I am going to start working on the new Jalie Faux Wrap Top. It's all cut out. I'll review it once I have it finished.

Parting Shot: The boys and me at Rosecliff. I think it's time to change my hair color. Stay tuned for that one...

Oh and see the handbag? It's an Emmett McCarthy.

Happy sewing!

I've Ordered the Marfy

Thanks for your input folks! I think Phyllis pegged it for me when she said the Burda, fabulous though it is, is more Armani than YSL. I really want the YSL sharp shoulders look. So I ordered two Marfy patterns: the green one in my previous post and this one:

I'll evaluate both of them and make a final decision when I have them in hand. Though I'm probably going to stick with my first choice. I have lots of fabrics that I can make into this jacket. And for fun, I ordered this skirt

I love the seaming detail on it, and it will be a nice change of pace for the summer. I even have some appropriately garish bright orange poplin for it. With a little tee or tank, it could be lots of fun for summer.

Boston Area Class Alert
For those of you in the eastern Mass/southern NH area, I'll be offering a "Saturday Series" starting in May. It's going to be a series of 4 classes, each two hours long, from 10AM to noon on Saturdays running May 9 to June 6 (no class on May 23, Memorial Day weekend). Each class will be self-contained and will teach one technique or related set of techniques. The four classes are:

Hand Picked Zipper with embellishments
Foolproof Welt Pockets
Designer Seam Finishes
Padstitching techniques for tailored jackets

The classes are $35 each or $100 for the series of four. Classes are limited to 6 participants. If you are interested and you're not on the class mailing list yet, drop me an email at ann "at" gorgeous fabrics(all one word) "dot" com. I'll send you the email with details.

Happy sewing!

Next Up, a Jacket

Wow! I guess yesterday's post on pattern instructions really hit a nerve. If you haven't weighed in, please do!

But now it's on to the next project. When I was in New York recently, I stopped in a retail store favorite of mine and picked up some Linton tweed. I want to make a spring jacket. Of course, now that I'm starting on it what do you want to bet that the temps will shoot up too high to wear it? That would be my luck. Here's the fabric:


How faboo is that? I just love it. The sparkles in it are pretty subtle, actually. I think it will look great over jeans, or over a pink silk duppioni dress that I made several years ago. I started tracing this Burda WOF pattern:

I want it to be very YSL-in-the-70s feeling. I haven't decided if this will be the pattern I use. Phyllis suggested I make this Marfy:

Which, like the fabric, is beyond faboo. But the problem is bird in hand vs bird in bush. So I may bide my time a little on the jacket and order the Marfy. Which has no instructions, BTW.

Happy sewing!

I Told You I Was in a Mischievous Mood!

Here's an example of internet instructions for the construction of a dress.

What do you think?

Bird Cage Dress

Happy welding - er, sewing!

Pattern Instructions - Love 'Em or Hate 'Em?

Good morning kittens!

Yep, I'm caffeinatin' and ruminatin', so bear with me. I also heard tell that it annoys the hell out of one person when I use the word "kittens" so here it is. Kittens kittens kittens! Oh, I am so evil. Bad Ann. But I'm in a mischievous mood today, and really, there is no harm in an affectionate moniker for readers, and it is affectionate. So there you go.

On to the matter at hand. I've been having a lively and fun email discussion with some sewing friends about pattern instructions. We've all been frustrated recently by instructions that have left something to be desired. So I got thinking; why is it so hard to write good pattern instructions? It's not any one company, either. It seems to be an area of pain for everyone, large or small. I recently made a dress from a Big Four pattern company whose instructions were so frustrating that, after finishing the dress, I tore them to shreds and stuffed them into the trash. On a public forum, one pattern company took such a thorough drubbing about their instructions that the whole thread had to be shut down. In another garment I made recently, I took one look at the instructions, started to go slightly cross eyed, then tossed them aside and made it my own way.

Anyone who has experience as a technical writer will tell you that writing instructions is not easy, and it takes a completely different skill set to write instructions than it does to design and create a pattern. I used to work for a company called Information Mapping that sold a whole lot of consulting and books on how to document things and write instructions. They made a lot of money teaching engineers how to document their work and transfer their knowledge.

Part, but not all, of the problem is that some of the pattern companies act more like printing companies. I once asked the head of development for a very large pattern company why their patterns didn't have more tips for users in them. I was comparing their patterns which had "tips for sewing success" to another pattern line, which I consider the gold standard for in-depth instructions. The answer was, "Our pattern instruction sheets are 4 pages. Period. They will never be more than that." The gold standard had something like 12 pages of instructions.

Another problem is that sewing is very visual. Traditional patterns have line drawings which are helpful to an extent, but in some cases are useless or even unintentionally misleading. Certain things that require three dimensional construction and visualization can't be drawn clearly in two dimensions.

One proposed solution in my email group was for pattern companies to just eliminate instructions altogether. Of course, the problem with that is two-fold: first, it would discourage many beginning sewists. Second, instructions are an integral selling point to patterns. I know of one company that doesn't print any instructions, and they are a niche player because of it. Their patterns are among the highest fashion and best drafted out there. But the lack of instructions is an immediate turn-off to some sewists.

So what's the solution? It could be any number of things. I think pattern manufacturing needs to evolve from prior-century printed material to a multi-media approach. YouTube, blogs and the internet have been a boon that sewing companies can exploit. Color photography of individual steps is very helpful and an improvement over line drawings. And you can put color photos on the web at minimal cost compared with printing. Online video is another great tool. There are lots of great videos out there that show how-tos. And the beauty of videos is that they demonstrate the process, not just individual images of individual steps. Can pattern companies do this for every pattern? Probably not immediately, but eventually perhaps.

Before I close out, I just want to make one point (and please don't think I'm scolding - I'm not). Notice that I haven't used any names. Please don't use this post as a place to air dissatisfaction with any particular companies. I won't publish comments that do.

So how do you think pattern companies could improve their instructions?

Happy sewing!

Okay, I'll name one name. The gold standard to me is Claire Shaeffer's patterns for Vogue patterns. I may not always go for her styles, but her instructions are absolutely the best out there, and I buy all her patterns just so I can study them. They are a class in an envelope.

Pattern Review - BWOF 4-2009 106 Coat

Pattern Description: From Burda, "Keep your fashion cool in this trendy garment that’s as light as a jacket and as elegant as a coat. It‘s slightly flared and made up in popular piqué."

Sizing: 38-46. I made a 40

Fabric Used: Stretch floral cotton (sold out, sorry) from Gorgeous Fabrics

Needle/Notions Used: Stretch 75/11 needle. Interfacing from Sew Exciting, two 1.5 inch (big uns!) snaps from Botani, silk duppioni.

Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Better!

How were the instructions? Burda WOF typical - cursory at best. I didn't use them, since the pattern is well drafted and goes together easily.

Construction Notes: This is your basic raglan sleeve coat with an interesting inset variation on the front pieces. The inset has a very sharp corner. It's important to staystitch the inside corner of the inset. I didn't get a decent picture of it.

I added 1/2 inch seam allowances to all major seams and 1/4 inch seam allowances to the facings. I used 1 1/2 inch hems. The pocket edges are curved, so you need to stabilize them. Burda recommends Vilene tape, which is hard to come by in the US. Instead, I used the selvage of silk duppioni. It curves beautifully and doesn't add bulk. I sewed it just inside the seam.
Several people noted that the model shown in the magazine looks like the edges are unfinished. I thought they looked like they were serged, but I had decided before cutting out the pattern that I would use a mock Hong Kong finish on all the seam allowances, since this coat is unlined. I used a bright red silk duppioni.
I used the same finish on the edges of the facings and the hems. I also understitched the collar facings and the pockets:

I was also pleased with the pattern matching I did across the front of the coat, and on the pockets. The left one was spot on. The right one was close, but not quite as good as the left.

Any changes? Nope.

Likes/Dislikes: I like the shape and the interesting seaming on the front. I really didn't dislike anything about this coat. If the weather ever warms up around here, it will be fun to toss on over a LBD or jeans for kicking around.

Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? I doubt I will do it again. I'm already thinking about my next project - a YSL inspired jacket made with a Linton Tweed I bought in New York. But I do recommend it.

Conclusion: A fun, easy coat that has cool details. I need to buy an awesome belt (I'm thinking red patent leather) to set it off. Here's the finished coat.
I think it looks much cooler open, and it looks really good over trouser jeans and high heels. Fun for the spring!

Tip - Strengthening Spaghetti Straps

Here's an oldie but goodie. It's particularly useful now that we are into the prom/cotillion/bridal sewing season.

When making a spaghetti-strapped dress out of heavy (or even mid-weight) material, I reinforce the straps by drawing drapery cord through the finished strap tubes. The cording is 1/16" wide, so it adds strength without adding bulk. It also prevents the strap from stretching, which can be a problem if it's cut on the bias or cut from a loosely woven or elasticized material. And it eases my mind about whether there will be any 'embarrassing moments' while wearing!

Happy sewing!

Whatta Week!

Tonight started the Triduum. That's the Holy Thursday/Good Friday/Easter Vigil three-fer. I refer to it, combined with the Palm Sunday services, as the Holy Week Marathon. It's fun and really lovely, but by 11:00PM on Saturday (when the Vigil lets out), I feel like I've left a lung on the altar. Easter Sunday services are always raggy, and this year I may actually skip, since Ryan (our choir director and soon-to-be the assistant conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - hooray and boo hoo all in the same breath) is not going to be there Sunday. Between that and running to New York for business and Sewing Hope, I haven't had much time to blog.

But I have been very busy. I am working on an Easter coat. I'm making Coat 106 from Burda WOF April, 2009

from this sold-out (sorry) fabulous stretch cotton from Gorgeous Fabrics:



I'll make a couple of observations about Burda WOF. I love many of their styles, and I really love their fit on me. What I am not as crazy about (and this has nothing to do with Burda WOF) is having to trace the patterns off and then add the seam allowances. Honestly, that takes longer than the rest of the process. I'm lazy, so that's why I don't sew their patterns that often. But the good news is that when I do sew with them, I don't have to deal with the "Big 4" standard 5/8 inch seam allowances. I usually use 1/2 inch on Burda, with 1/4 inch for facings and sometimes larger for certain seams.

So it is cut out, and I'm taking a bunch of pictures for showing how I am constructing it. I should have it finished Saturday, just in time. Hopefully I'll be able to get a post up then before I have to rush off. Until then,

Happy sewing!

Positing a Hypothesis about Stretch

Regarding my Last Post about Stretch Fabrics... Okay, so, why does it work? Think about the process of manufacturing fabrics. Yarns are woven together in various ways - warp/weft, twill, etc. Into these weaves are introduced Lycra yarns. During the process of weaving, the fabric is under a fair-to-large amount of pressure (think of being stretched along a rack, with needles pulling you horizontally and pulleys yanking you in the length). The fabric is stretched before, and as, it is rolled along the bolt. It can relax somewhat once it's on the bolt and in storage, but it is still under pressure from the weight of itself as it sits on the bolt. So by unrolling it and letting it sit for 24 hours, the Lycra fibers are allowed to pull back to their original length, like a rubber band that has been stretched and recovers. Yes, it will still stretch with body heat. That's one of stretch fabric's selling points. But it won't stretch as much. So it is definitely worth doing when you are prepping your fabric. Letting it sit and then folding it up won't cause any additional stretching.

I know, someone is going to say, "well, isn't that what prewashing is for?" Nope. Let it sit first, then "prewash". It's what RTW manufacturers do. No, actually, they don't prewash. They get "prewashed" fabrics from their suppliers and let them sit for 24 hours before they cut.

Does that make sense?

Where Has the Time Gone? Update and a Tip for Stretch Fabrics

Man, it's been busy, and the Holy Week Marathon is just starting! Yesterday I sang the second reading at the Palm Sunday service, then I had to boot out of there to catch a train. I'm a baaaaad Catholic. But it was for a good cause. Sewing Hope's event was last night. I'll post pictures and do a post about it later, but I wanted to show one picture.
Me and my Brother by Another Mother. It was a great time, and it raised a lot for Sewing Hope. Like I say, stay tuned and I'll post all about it.

Now for a great tip, courtesy of Emmett. How many people have noticed that when you sew a garment from stretch fabric, that after wearing it for a few hours, it "grows"? C'mon, raise your hands. Mine's up in the air. Yep, it's that pesky "Damn this Lycra" love/hate thing.

It's a well-known problem and there's an easy cure. Let your fabric breathe on the cutting table for at least 8 hours and preferably 24 before laying out your pattern and cutting. Do that and, ta daa! Your jeans' "growth" will be stunted. I mentioned this to my old cut/sew guy, and he agreed. "We get asked to let stretch fabrics lay on the table overnight before we start cutting. It keeps them from stretching out too much with body heat."

Talk about an Aha moment! So try it next time you work with a stretch fabric. Lay it out (preferably in a single layer) for 24 hours before cutting. You'll find it makes a world of difference in the wearing. I'm looking forward to not having to cinch a belt around my stretch denims halfway through the day.

Happy sewing!

Holy Crap, It's Saturday Already?

Big Reminder, folks! Tomorrow (Sunday, April 5) is the Sewing Hope Fashion Event. If you are planning to go to the event, look for me there. I'm the gal with the "fake red hair" (thanks ever so much for that witty insult, Jack Mackenroth) wearing the fabulous outfit next to the 6 foot 7 inch gorgeous man (that would be the truly witty and urbane Emmett McCarthy). Tickets are still available, and it's a great cause, so please come by. I have no affiliation with the group other than an attendee, but I believe in it. Here is the reminder email:

It's not too late, but this is the last day to get your ticket before our 2nd Annual Sewing Hope Event! Your name was given to us to invite personally, and space is limited, so reserve your spot at our party now. You can buy tickets at the door with cash or check only....so if you want to pay with a credit card, buy online now!!!

DJ Kamau Mucoki will spin the event. Don't miss his mix of Afro-beat, reggea, and gospel-inspired music. Free-flowing drinks (till 9), and raffles of high-end items....including Broadway tickets, designer clothing, jewelry, Gossip Girl set-visit, interior design consultation, and tickets to a Met Opera dress rehearsal/backstage tour. Don't miss out--- bring your dollars!

If you cannot make it to the event, please consider donating anyway. Or attend our AFTERPARTY!! ....same location, after 10pm, for only $5. La Chipettes will take over the DJ booth, raffles, dancing! This night is our main event for the year and your money will go towards our summer trip, helping provide amazing things in the lives of our women!

The purpose of Sewing Hope is to support tailoring programs and teachertraining within small communities in Uganda, with the intention of creating an opportunity at financial independence for our students. The women we help are a direct result of AIDS devastation. By helping these women, families are supported and empowered, and children are left with positive role models.

One of Sewing Hope¹s main purposes is to show professionals in the fashion and costume industries here in New York that our field can be more than style and glamour. It is also a business that cares deeply aboutwomen and their empowerment. By participating with us, you will be a part of a unique organization that embodies these values both here in New York, and also in Africa.

Our yearly fashion event raises awareness for our cause, and raises fundsthat go directly to aid these women. Every summer, we fly to the villages to distribute supplies, teach classes, and generally support their work.

Buy your ticket now! See the details below or visit our website for more information. It will be a great party!

Hope to see you there!

Tara Hawks
Director of Sewing Hope
info@sewinghope.net

Oh damn, this is the problem with posting so late after watching DS the younger play a munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz" - I forgot to post the link if you want to get tickets. Here ya go!
Tickets for Sewing Hope Fashion Event

Happy and charitable sewing!