highly recommended sewing books

Have you wondered about some of the suggested fabrics when reading the back of a pattern envelope? Here is a handy book for your reference library; Classic and Modern Fabrics: The Complete Illustrated Sourcebook by Janet Wilson. With colour photos and detailed descriptions of current tech fabrics, classics and even obsolete fabrics this book will become a well read reference book for any sewer or fabric lover!

Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Schaeffer is another recent addition to my reading list. Full of photos and illustrations with detailed descriptions, Schaeffer uncovers the secrets of haute couture sewing so that the simple home sewer, like me, can incoporate high fashion sewing details in my projects - just because or to show off to my fellow sewing enthusiasts!

congrats to Denise Williams

Congratulations to Denise Williams, one of Victoria's successful small designers, for the news story in the Vancouver Sun paper. Guess where she buys some of her fabric?
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/First+Nations+fashion+carves+niche/3490688/story.html

wrap dress from colette patterns

New Release from Colette patterns! A cute little wrap dress with either a sweetheart neckline or traditional V neckline. Wraps to the back so you won't have the occasional underwear flash! Pattern in store soon!

http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/crepe

spring 2011 shopping trip

Off to Las Vegas for a 2 day shopping trip for Spring 2011. Feels funny to think of Spring on this dark and rainy fall day. However, if one must .... Will keep you posted of upcoming spring trends!

sewing help

An unfortunate fact of life has hit. I used to be able to cut and sew a size 14 with little adjustment, but not now. All my button up work shirts have the "straining button" issue but the next size up was too big. What to do?? Fern Macdonald to the rescue.

A certified Palmer Pletsch instructor, Fern helped me measure and redraft my shirt pattern pieces with great success. If you are also having fitting issues (full bust, flat butt, sway back etc) arrange a sewing session with Fern and enjoy sewing again! Nothing more frustrating than sewing something that doesn't fit the way you want :( Also handy as a reference guide is Palmer Pletsch's "Fit for Real People". Fern teaches at Saywer's Sewing Center in Victoria. Click on link to see class schedules.
http://www.sawyersewing.com/News2.htm#link-1

Sorry Vancouverites. Don't know who on the Mainland could help. Any suggestions?

another quick fall project inspired by fall 2010 fashion shows

Silk tweed infinity scarf inspired by Micheal Kors fall 2010 collection. Can be made from wovens or knit fabric. Instructions and further details in the fall 2010 edition of SewStylish, pg 92.

micheal kors fall fashion runway show. infinity scarf for men ...

and women!

quick fall fashion projects inspired by fall 2010 runways

inspiration: Kenzo fall 2010 runway show

black and white satin rosette made from blanket binding. Less than 10 mins to make!

Inspiration: picture says it all!

pink rick rack rosette with button embellishment.