PETIT DUDE

From, Ottobre design  (Issue 3/2009 # 25 - Tiger), I have sewn this jacket in denim for my little friend Connor. The lining is a cotton from Moda (central park). A lot of top-stitches are made in contrasted orange thread. It was not a very difficult design, but it needs time and attention.

I also made two summer shirts for him. For both I used the pattern  #11 Apple from Ottobre 3/2010.  I added a pleat in the center back for better ease. The green cotton is a cute Debbie Mumm's fabric. I lined the back yoke with a contrasted color from the same designer.
I designed two lopsided pockets on the other shirt, playing with the stripes. I also embroidered a sailboat by machine. The buttons are sewn with red thread. It is classy and yet different.

Baby Christening Gown

I used McCall's pattern M4865 for this adorable baby gown made in cotton lawn and white organza with dots.
It is pretty simple construction and can be made in one day. Add your personal touch choosing lace, flowers, ribbons and more.
Join me to enjoy a full sewing day creating your own design.

See our Calendar of Single Classes (spring 2011) for details.

FLEECE & SPARKLING ORGANZA JACKET

 from ordinary fleece to tailored jacket...

Let me introduce you to my great friend Jane. She is an artist in many ways, playing the violin and painting. Jane also is a talented craft woman: potter, quilter, knitter and crocheter. If you are living around Berryville, Boyce or Millwood, you might have seen her work in an exhibition.

It will  soon be her birthday and I could not miss the opportunity to sew something personal for her.

As she likes easy care garments and glittery fabrics, I choose to combine fleece and a sparkling organza.

I was inspired by a princess line jacket pattern with fanciful flounces from a Burda Plus magazine.

The model has an edge to edge front, so I added an overlap and three buttons for closure to give more warmth.
I was also pretty sure that she would like pockets, subtle and elegant, I mean bound ones of course!

At last, I fully lined the jacket.
I can't wait to see Jane and shall have my camera ready when she  opens her present.

GRAND OPENING

Here, we are ... The studio is ready and it's awesome! 
Yesterday, I inaugurated it and gave my first beginners' sewing class.
I was impressed by how quickly Coral mastered the sewing machine and the cutting for the first time. I have no doubt that she will very soon sew a full wardrobe. The new generation is ready to take over, and I am delighted to show them how.

First room: Tacsew industrial machine, serger Elna, long counter for the students' machines and drawers.

Second room and the cutting tables

Fabric storage

Documentation, books and patterns

 Laundry and ironing area

Cul-de-Sac

After preparing the sewing bag for the beginners class, I was in the mood of designing others.

The cutest being for plastic bags storage! This hen is holding dozen of them. Lift its wing and fill it. It will lay bags anytime you need...from its bottom.
It is made from Provencal calico in two contrasted tones. The fabrics are padded with batting and muslin, wings are edged with a bias binding and appliqued on the top only. The comb is cut out of felt material. Two black buttons will do the eyes.