Thank you from Sew Chic

I have a lot to be thankful for. 

"Ariel" Designed for Competition about 2001

I began college in 1993 working toward a BS in apparel design, finally finishing in 2003. I gave myself a few years to hone my design skills by going back to custom design, mostly bridal and evening wear, and by 2008 I felt ready to tip toe out into the world with a few designs. About this same time, I saw Colette patterns showing up on Flickr. Sarai (who also lives in the Oregon Willamette Valley) was also doing vintage inspired at the time.

"Chantilly" was inspired by my mother's wedding dress, about 2005

Though I'm stepping a little more boldly now, Colette is definitely running at jet speed. What could I have taken from those business classes that could have made any difference? If I missed something, I'm sure it wouldn't have helped. Business is not my talent, and never will be. I can only be me, and I'm a designer and love pattern making all the way!

"Dalliah" is a mix of three different patterns: Fifth Ave. bodice and drape with Fantasia Skirt, about 2004

Sales numbers are definitely one way to gauge popularity, and the the proceeds of your purchases (where ever that may be) do keep the machine running. But one perk of my job not associated with cash is getting to know you though your communications and kind comments. Today I received the most wonderful and kind compliment when Francesca decided to comment on my Threads article blog post sharing her very sensible strategy when adding to her sewing magazine stash.

"Chinoiserie" was designed for my mother. It's her favorite and she is still wearing it! Yes, it definitely needs to be replaced. About 2003.

She says "I buy Threads sometimes - I don't say always because I have such a stash of Burdas, Neue Modes, La mia Boutique etc that I have to really discriminate - so I don't buy any pattern mags any more unless there's at least one amazing or two useful patterns - doesn't happen much any more, I tend to prefer indies like you :). Threads I buy if there's at least one useful article - and to be honest when I saw there was an article by you I didn't even flick through - just bought it - because your instructions and patterns are so brilliant :). Loved this article."

"Essence" was inspired by a Threads magazine article. 3 Designers were chosen, then told to make something modern using 1914 era as inspiration. Hey Threads, how about another article like that?

 Francesca, you have no idea how you warmed my heart with your kind comments today. You didn't have to say it. In fact, you didn't have to say anything at all. But if the internet is good for anything, shouldn't it be used it to spread good things throughout our world community? Thanks to you Francesca, and all of you who have helped me get down the road to where I am today. I had no idea where those first timid steps would take me, but as one woman put it (the first year vending at the Sew and Stitchery Expo) as she walks away with a smile, "We'll let you know if we don't like you!"  As always, your comments are welcome!

Have a great sewing day!
Laura

"Mixing Patterns" Article in Threads magazine

Threads Inspires with Reader-Written Expertise

Make it Yours
What do you do when you picture a garment in your mind but can't find just what you are looking for in the pattern catalogs? Ever tried putting two (or more) patterns together? It may sound intimidating, but it can be done. My article "Mixing Patterns" walks you through the steps of combining two patterns to create that perfect piece.
Let's say you don't like the sleeve on your pattern. You want it bigger, smaller, longer, whatever. Wouldn't you just take a sleeve from another pattern and try to edge and ease it into place any way you could without another thought? There is a better way, and that's what my article is all about.

Here's part of the article. Get the magazine to read the whole thing!

How many of you read Threads magazine? It's one of my all-time favorites and one I've subscribed to for many years. In fact, my collection goes all the way back to 1998. But the current issue is special because the dress I made (for the article) is on the cover. I really liked the way it turned out, and they did a wonderful job with the photos- they came out fabulous. How lucky am I?? Thanks Threads! You guys are great!

Decades of Design

My favorite cover. Ever.

Why do I like Threads?
It's a magazine for designers. And that's who we are! Whether you're a veteran like me who starts with an idea and takes it to finished product, or someone who is passionate about sewing but maybe just wants to embellish a garment or learn a new technique, there really is something for both the beginning and the advanced sewists. I certainly don't try everything suggested, but every issue definitely sparks my imagination, and the articles are always interesting.

One of my favorite features is "UpClose" on the back cover. Each issue shows a garment with some kind of unique detail. Then there's an up-close picture of the detail. Even better, inside the magazine are often instructions on how to do it yourself!

UpClose from March 2008

Specializing in Original
We love vintage details and embellishments. Whether designed decades ago (remember Nicholas Ungar: Vintage Treasure Hunt?) or of more recent origin, Threads is full of ideas that inspire me. Why? Because you don't see these ideas in every store, in every mall. Last year while attending a conference in Las Vegas I went shopping. I hadn't really shopped for about a year. And, boy, I wasn't inspired. Every store had the same pink and tan separates! That's fine if you want to look like every other gal -- lace booty shorts anyone? But I'm looking for something a little more original. Threads gives me something surprising and wonderful with each issue.

Waist detail from the March 1998 issue.

Hands On Expertise
Reader-written, the articles are full of suggestions for sewists at all levels. The articles show and tell you how to master both basic and advanced techniques. With time and practice, you can improve your sewing skills so you'll be able to achieve the look you want with greater ease. Teaching each other is a great way to minimize the learning curve! Don't forget to use my Sewing Tips & Techniques page as another source for the tricks of our trade.

Learn to love zippers!

Need some tips on hand stitching? Here they are!

Sewing projects don't have to take weeks!

If you also love Threads (or are now thinking you should), what would you like to see featured? They have asked me to, and I would love to write another article, so let me know your ideas!

Where do you get inspiration and how do you express it? I've said it before (and I'll keep saying it) -- I love to see what you've made! Keep those pictures coming.

Have a great sewing day,

Laura

2015 A Year to Look Forward to!

Hello Readers! Isn't life great!? We get one pass at this crazy maze on earth, and no matter our situation, it is always worth the effort to seek the good, and be grateful. 2014 has been a good year filled with good moments, new friends and connections, and opportunities. I attended two new shows, one of them being the American Sewing Guild conference. With the passing of another year, it's a good time to look ahead as well. Here's a list of few of the events and collaborations to look forward to!

 

 

 

 

Sew News is sponsoring a Sew Along with Rhonda Buss using the Valentine slip!

The sew along starts March 2 and will last 4 weeks, ending March 23. It includes photos and video posted to the Sew News Blog.  It's 100% FREE, so support the sew along by purchasing your pattern from
the  Sew News Sew it All Shop. http://www.sewnews.com/index.html
Read the Sew News article and see their version of the Valentine Slip here: 

http://www.jillcase.com/resources/Sew%20and%20Tell%201503.pdf

It's a beauty!

 International Textile Expo

In March I'll be heading for Las Vegas and the ITE show. This is not consumer show, but is a show for retail stores. Will your retail store be here? I hope so! I will be participating in a fashion show, which is always fun to do, and with any luck, will get some good photos I can post.

 

 

 

 

Article For Threads

I am writing an article for Threads Magazine called "Mix and Match Patterns." It's a pattern making "how to" for successfully combining elements from different patterns in a surprisingly new way. It will be published in the Aug/Sept. 2015 issue #180. I think you're going to like it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designing for Simplicity

I'm very excited to announce that I am now a special designer for the well-known Simplicity Patterns! I spent all of December designing and sewing my first pattern for them. It's been a favorite of my fans for years; a style I call Pongo. This pattern will be available with the Fall 2015 catalog, available about August or September. In connection with this, we are starting our own sew along site too! I'll be posting more about that later :-)

Happy New Year, and as always, Keep on Sewing!

Sew Chic Pattern Review in Threads Magazine

This week at the end of a phone order for the Phantom pattern, the caller says "You know Threads Magazine had a review of your pattern in this months issue." My voice brightens "You don't think I would MISS that do you?"  I knew the review was coming, but I didn't know what the review would say, or if it would be......left unprinted. The truth is I could very easy miss a review of another sort, if someone didn't mention it, so thank you to that customer who took the time to call in her order so she could tell me. How could she have known that inside my  mailbox last weekend was a huge manila envelope with this really spiffy folder:

Inside the folder was a letter congratulating me on the upcoming review, and along with two other sewing magazines published by Taunton, was the current Threads Magazine with a marker for a quick turn to the review: 

What? You say you'd like a closer look? Well, okay if you insist...

 

Not all reviews gets a photo of the outfit, so that was special too. I love to see the pattern come to life, and this ensemble is definitely modern chic. I love the wool they used for the pants. The review gives it a "challenging techniques" icon, probably because the jacket/shirt assembly is compatible with sheer fabrics. All but the center back, side, and armscye seams are enclosed. I used a serge on mine, but a french seam  would be top notch quality.

In this magazine was another bonus: Threads did an article on independent pattern companies. The caller hadn't read the article yet, but had noticed the Spin Skirt in the cover photo. It was truly an honor to be numbered among so many talented and skillful pattern makers.

 

 What did my family think? My son noticed his sister's face, barely visible in the corner, and exclaimed "Elise is famous!"

Ahhhh, trumped again. 

Please, if you write or see a review of one of  my patterns, do tell me about it. I wouldn't want to miss that!