Categories I Write About
Sewing with 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric
3D Spacer Mesh 3D Spacer Mesh is a double layer of a smooth polyester knit with open ‘holes’ backed by a lattice open weave. It’s 3D (dimensional) –scant 1/8″ thick, has a slight stretch in both directions, and is quite … Continue reading
Snowbird Sewing Projects
Snowbirds Head South for the Winter Come January 1st, there is a steady stream of traffic from the Northern tier of States and Canada as snowbirds head South. Central and Eastern States make Florida their destination. Those remaining … Continue reading
Moschino Fall 2017 Mens/Womenswear Collection
Moschino 2017 Collection [ictt-tweet-inline]The Collection is a Military Fight theme with camo for both men and women. Hints of Storm Troopers–fatigue pants bloused over calf-high marching boots. Lots of camo green webbing as trim–or bindings? And then military combined with … Continue reading
Make a Rectangle Vest
Make a Vest from a Half-Yard of Fabric A Rectangle Vest Somewhere–probably Pinterest–I once saw a knitted wrap that was essentially a rectangle that could be worn multiple ways. Nice…but same old, same old. It’s a Shawl; It’s … Continue reading
Shopping Surprises at Sewing Expo
What you May Find Shopping a Sewing Expo Superb shopping for fabric, patterns, notions, trims… Nothing makes me happier than being in a crowd of sewists. Shopping a Sewing Expo qualifies. Here I gather superb sewing finds and divine inspiration … Continue reading
Couture Beading and Embroidery Workshop
Am happy to promote: Beginning Couture Beading and Embroidery Workshop Dr. Theresa Alexander & Dr. Lalon Alexander Are you looking expand your possibilities with garments? Start to learn about professional beading and embroidery! This is a beginning level course in … Continue reading
Celebrating Mid-Century Modernism
Mid-Century Modernism in my Backyard Docomomo US MN sponsors an annual Mid-Century Modernism (MCM) tour in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul every Fall. This is a housing tour not to be missed. And it comes around every year. It … Continue reading
Outerwear Apparel Fabric for Made Garments
[ictt-tweet-inline hashtags=”#made garments,#utility garment fabrics”]YES, You Can You Make Your Own Outdoor Recreation Apparel[/ictt-tweet-inline] Have you wanted to sew outdoor recreation garments? You know you could if patterns, outerwear apparel fabric and specialty hardware were to be found. Well, … Continue reading
It’s a Wrap! Breaking the Rules with Lois Ericson
Breaking the Rules with Lois Ericson Lois Ericson was a forerunner in the field of home sewing education. From her Salem, Oregon studio, she was sewing, experimenting, writing, self-publishing patterns, creating, and teaching locally. Then, in the 1980’s, the formation … Continue reading
SHOP THE CLOSET
Wardrobe Quandary?…Shop the Closet I recently enjoyed a birthday celebration trip to NYC and as it was just a long weekend trip, I didn’t obsess about wardrobe–until the night before. And then–I panicked! A note about my daily wardrobe: I … Continue reading
Can This Fabric be Saved?
Can This Fabric be Saved? I recently bought about eight different fabrics at one time and one piece is cut incorrectly, plus, the fabric is horribly off-grain. As you can see, the horizontal design is curved when it should … Continue reading
Great Douglas County MN Get-Together aka Fair
A Review of the 2016 Douglas County Fair Fairs are a staple here in the Midwest. In July and August you can attend a Fair every week, many times, multiple locations. Fairs have been an institution … Continue reading
Snoop Shopping While Out & About
Snoop Shopping Took a day off to head to the TC of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, to stock up on the fantastic storage items I always find at Ikea and do some Snoop Shopping at MOA, which is, conveniently, right across … Continue reading
33 Steps and One Secret to Sewing on a Button
Sew on a Button with a Thread Shank 33 Steps–That got your attention. Actually, it may be that many, as have tried to include all the tips and tricks I’ve accumulated. And want this to be the be-all, end-all … Continue reading
Not Just Any Old Seam Gauge
It’s all about the Button Spacer–that U-shaped appendage at one end. There are two that swivel plus the ruler itself.
You see, buttons need a thread shank, yes, even buttons with built-on shanks; more necessary for thick, bulky fabrics. The thread shank acts as a support for the button lifting it slightly off the garment, allowing space for the overlapping fabric to fit between the button and the garment. Ever seen garments that bunch up around the button? Not enough room under the button! Continue reading
Hemline Sewing Knitting and Seam Gauge
Hemline Sewing Knitting and Seam Gauge A sewing gauge was the first sewing tool introduced to me in my 7th grade Home Economics class. Well, actually, it was probably the third or fourth, after scissors and pins. So it’s safe … Continue reading
Camo for the Metro Man
2016 Update Father’s Day is June 19, 2016. So, here’s my tip for the Perfect Father’s Day Gift. A Camo Shirt/Jacket is The Gift a Dad, husband, brother, boy friend, will wear. Whether he is a farmer or a Silicon … Continue reading
A Book Review–The Lost Art of Dress–The Women Who Once Made America Stylish
The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift. Update–May 2016 Received as Mother’s Day gift in 2014 and immediately devoured it. Two years later it is still a recommended read. Enjoy the review; didn’t change a word for the original post! The Lost … Continue reading
ITALIAN STYLE
May 2016 Update Fashion and Textile Museum, London, Thursday 16 June “Take a stylish look at Italian fashion from the end of the Second World War to the present day. Join fashion experts Sonnet Stanfill and Lucia Savi as … Continue reading
From Blah to Bling
Updated 5/17/16 Getting out the Spring/Summer clothes and this blouse surfaced again. Although this is from 2013, Bling is still trendy in daytime wear. Actually, after all this time, it has graduated from Trend to Fashion. … Continue reading
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8/16/15
One skein summer project. Perfect AC project.
10/9/14
Galanter & Jones have been nominated for The 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Awards.
I wrote about their heated outdoor furniture in February 2014 after meeting Aaron and Miranda in Palm Springs at the Modernism Week exhibits.
Now they are nominated for MS American Made Awards. Vote for them here. And follow Galanter & Jones on Facebook for updates on new heated furniture.
9/24/14
Head Wrap Tutorial for a bad hair day or fashion statement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMsT9QVSpmg
9/17/14
Three ways to wear burgundy–from NET-A-PORTER
Shade of the Season from Net-a-Porter
I have always had some burgundy/wine/espresso/raisin, etc., in my wardrobe as it goes with everything (unlike, in my opinion, brown,) and is certainly more unusual and interesting than Black.
My very first leather tall boots (back in the ’80s), were a wonderful deep, dark Wine/Red. Wore them for years until the skinny heel went out of style. Of course, what goes around, comes around, and those heels might work today.
In any case, it never hurts to have something burgundy–accessory or clothing item–in your wardrobe.
What I find notable, is that burgundy is NOT one of the Fall 2014 Pantone Colors.
8/9/14
I have subscribed to Vlisco (African inspired design) wax coated cotton fabrics for several years, but have never made a purchase. This may be an incentive.
Vlisco is a Dutch company established in 1846, that markets fabric primarily to Africa. They are now working with European designers and bags and scarves are available. Other RTW is in the works.
Related link: Jet Set Sewing–New(ish) Patterns for the Varsity, Letterman, Aviator or Bomber Jacket Includes link to Vlisco bomber jacket pattern.
In the Works
8/4/14
Per request, here is something vintage–the fabric!
It dates from 1994 (anything over 20 years old is Vintage) and was a gift from a Sister who is super organized, hence the fabric card. It was in her stash until 5 years ago and has finally risen to the top of my stash.
The garment is done, just need to edit the photos.
The blog will include lots of construction techniques so check back for updates.
Happy Sewing from Neucarol
Liberty of London cotton
