Photo's in the 40's style

I've had this dress designed for a while now. I had it published, packaged, and ready for market, but it wasn't selling very well. Every time I wear mine, people compliment me, so I really thought it would do okay on the market. My sister came to visit early this month, so I had her model this dress for me, thinking if I could get some better pictures that might do the trick. They turned out fabulous, in my opinion. Now I'll see if others think so too.

Sewing Support

Once again, I'll be teaching at Linn Benton Community College. This time it will be a sewing lab/support group. You work on your own project in a group environment. Not only is it a really fun way to get your project done, but you get help with fittings and sewing techniques. If you come upon a problem, you have a whole classroom full of people (besides me!) to help you get through it. It's a great way to meet friends who also are learning or love to sew. The class starts September 29th, that's a Tuesday, from 6:30-8:50pm. The class will be held at CHS. Check it out when the catalog comes in the mail!

Food for Fashion

Jessi models #9
Last Saturday was the finale to months of planning and fitting models for a benefit fashion show in Keizer, Oregon called Food for Fashion. The producer of the show, Sylvia Ions did a fabulous job putting a show together that had all the trimmings. In an all volunteer show, she made sure that there was something for everyone. Everyone got some kind of publicity, but the best part was that the proceeds went to the Keizer food bank. A couple of model mom's suggested we do this again, perhaps for the Philomath Food Bank, which is always hurting for supplies and money.

Doing a fashion show really is fun, though it is a lot of work. I had several models drop out on me right before the show, and even had a model not show up the day of the show, but someone was ready to fill in where they could. A hair dresser didn't show up, so Kimberly Morris, one of the models took over as hair dresser too. This is the best in humanity.

I like helping women look their best, and so for me, this is like playing barbie dolls with real women. I give them a new look every time I dress them!

Kim models 5th Avenue in Gold

What's a Fit Model?

I put an ad craigslist to find a new fit model, and luckily it worked! The first time I tried it some years ago, I got one reply - And she wasn't even close to the right size. It's unfortunate, but the economy probably has something to do with my success. All kinds of women, and even men, applied for the job. Some were desperate for work, others were looking for the kind of fame that people associate with modeling, some just wanted an easy dollar and figured it would be quick and painless. Some who applied had experience, but most did not. Some were older, most were younger. Most were too thin, and all were pretty. Being a fit model isn't that glamorous. It's simply a person that has the measurements and body type that I want my clothing to fit. Many said that they were exactly the measurements I wanted. I set appointments and measured a steady stream all week long, and into the next. At the end, there were three that came within a 1/2". One had the right body type. Wow, that was scraping by!

A New Name

Hi,

Elise Rodemack writing here. I guess I've become a bit of a spokeswoman. :) Laura has decided to change her name to SEW CHIC PATTERNS. This change has come about in the past few weeks, when discussions were made about the name Nostalgic Patterns. Laura has had the name Nostalgic for her pattern company for the past year and it has not been as successful as she hoped. So, since that name didn't catch people's attention, she's decided to move in a new direction. She has big hopes for the future and hopes you'll like the new name and theme she's chosen. She wants to thank you all for your support of her and her business and hopes you'll stay on board. Let's see what she'll come up with next!

Elise Rodemack