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see what I've been creating
for 11.5" and 16" fashion dolls!
Click on the logo for
the solution to the "too-low neckline" problem...
"for modesty and good looks!"
Favorite Links
Palmer & Pletsch
Sewing books, Perfect Pattern Paper, and more. Supplement your learning with a selection of great books, helpful information and notions.
Nancy's Notions
When you can't find your favorite notion at your local fabric store, check out Nancy's Notions on-line. And, check your local PBS listings for "Sewing With Nancy".
THE NEW YEAR, NEW PROJECTS, NEW GOALS January, 2010
It's that time of year again. It "seams" like every January everyone gets up off the couch, makes resolutions to eat better, exercise more, have more fun, work harder, enjoy life, etc. etc. I gave up making New Year's resolutions years ago because, like everyone else, I rarely kept. them. What I do, however, is reflect on the upcoming year and put my thinking cap on. For me, it's about new designs, new classes, twists on old designs, ways to spread the word about sewing, where do I want to take my personal sewing, and how can I share it with others?
So some of my goals, I guess, are:
I've been on a "fabric diet" for several years now, because I have a cabinet full of beautiful pieces purchased over the years that haven't been sewn up. My first goal for this year is to "shop my stash" and use pieces I already own to make garments. I'm off to a great start - I've already made a batwing style sweater top and a new blouse with a wild black, yellow, silver and white print. The sweater fabric I purchased in 2002, the print I purchased just last year (okay, so it's not a strict diet, after all!). I also have made a pair of exercise pants in a beautiful, drapey knit, also purchased last year.
I recently purchased a fabulous book, called "Fashion". It's by the Kyoto Costume Institute and has 500 pages of gorgeous photos of fashion from the 1700s to the 1900s. My goal is to reproduce at least one of the beautiful gowns shown in this book for one of my 16" fashion dolls. I already found the perfect brocade fabric (on sale at JoAnn Fabrics) for the gown, too. (I am not on a fabric diet for the dolls, just for garment fabric for myself!) Stay tuned for photos ...
I'm a real believer in my Graceful Maiden cleavage cover-ups. They work, and have been "field tested" - by myself as well as many others. They are so comfortable, you don't even know you have them on! And, because they don't add another layer under your main top, there's no added bulk. Do you know someone who has a problem with necklines? It's hard to buy modest neckline garments these days. Even if you sew, sometimes the neckline gapes a little bit or it's just a tad too low for comfort. Graceful Maidens are adjustable, and you can wear them all day in complete comfort. They're available in numerous sizes, styles and colors, too!
Why should you learn to sew? Sewing your own clothes gives you a great sense of satisfaction. It will save money in the long run, because what you make will last for more than one or two seasons. You can choose the style, color and type of fabric for your particular garment, even if your favorite color isn't the "it" color of the season. You can save money by altering your own clothes if you know how to sew. You can re-style an old garment into something updated, or recycle an old favorite fabric into a completely new garment. Although I don't teach children (my cut off age is 16), learning to sew as a young person is great. One of the best reasons to learn how to sew is that it's a relaxing hobby that is also practical. It can also be a social hobby - plan a sewing get together with friends for one night a week or one night a month. You can help each other fit patterns, check out each other's projects and overall just enjoy each other's company. Give sewing a try!
As always, feel free to Email me with suggestions for classes, things you'd like to learn about, or even ask me a question if you're stuck on a technique. I'll be glad to help out if I can. Until next time.
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