Archive for the 'workshops' Category

Terrariums

Published on April 2, 2011 in classes and workshops. 1 Comment Tags: Herban Design Studio, terrariums, workshops.

I took a workshop today: Creating a Botanical Terrarium. It was at the most amazingly beautiful Herban Design Studio at Herban Feast and led by Chad Burnworth, stylist creative extraordinaire. (Have I told you how I love to work with stylists? I’ve worked with a talented handful and each one is so refreshing and inspiring, everyone should have a stylist in their life… or a few.)

I love terrariums. I think they are mystical magical lands where fantastic creatures can live. Have you ever watched moss bloom?

Fortunately, living in the Pacific Northwest, there is a lot of moss. Tons of it, it’s in our lawn, on our roof, and covering trees, especially in the woods. While the materials for this were supplied, I think terrariums are the perfect environment to display your nature walk findings. Chad shared some of the history of terrariums, with the beginnings approximately around the desire to watch a chrysalis.

We turned our works of art on lazy susans. (I also love lazy susans, they are probably on every single table in China btw.)

I wish I could tell you the name of the all the plants in my terrarium above, but instead, just marvel at their loveliness like I do. (Ok, there’s a fern in there, and some tree moss and some mood moss. For the life of me I can’t remember the name of the pink and green leafed beauty.) I have a plate covering my terrarium now, but I’m on the lookout for a fabulous clear class cover of some sort (LOVE the glass headlight Chad had at the studio.)

We could have made succulent terrariums too. I love succulents.

One of my favorite things are the “decorations”. Just think of the possibilities….

I really loved my workshop today. It was the perfect creative outlet. Reminded me that I need to make something every day (other than dinner and the bed).

Hats – or Getting Ready For Spring

Published on February 23, 2008 in Bucket Hats, classes, fabric shopping, Iz, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, sewing for Iz, sewing with kids and workshops. 0 Comments

Even though 12″ of snow fell around us yesterday (with probably the same amount again in a few days), I’m thinking about a Spring/Summer hat. I know that soon, we’ll be outside all day long, working in the garden, going for nature walks, playing in the river. (could it be that I’m trying to get out of that Feb FunK?) So that means we’ll need hats.

I made this one for Iz last spring:

and it actually fits her perfectly this year.

I picked up some lovely remnants at Osgoods the other day, some really fabulous geometrics that would make excellent hats. I’ll make a few more this year, with Iz being a lot more active, I’m sure we’ll leave a few behind. I’d like to have one or two, and Rob could probably use one too.

I’m teaching a bucket hat class in March. Since this hat is like “magic”, the class is “Sew With ME!!: Make a Bucket Hat” and is geared to adult/child pair stitchers (all ages are welcome). We’ll measure our heads and make our own patterns then stitch up a loverly hat. The class is Sunday, March 2, 9-12 at LuckyStitches. I hope you’ll join me!

Pillows and Pin Cushions

Published on February 10, 2008 in classes, HomeSchool Sewers, inspiration, LuckyStitches, pin cushion, projects, sewing, sewing with kids, tutorials and workshops. 0 Comments

I think pillows are a great beginner project, heck – they are a great project for any level stitcher. Excellent practice. Not a big fabric investment, not even a big time investment, and they allow for you to experiment with fabrics, colors, thread, closures and size. They always look fabulous and are the perfect accent in any room. Beautiful shots of color. I love pillows.

Everybody came to class with an idea or drawing and we talked about how to turn it into an appliqué. We made a pattern, traced it onto the fabric, then cut them out of fabric and pinned the motifs down to the pillow fabric – and stitched away. Once the front was done – we put a zipper in the back, stitched up the sides and VIOLA! pillow happiness.

I think you might remember my love of handmade pincushions? This is another great sewing project. Great practice for learning basic hand sewing stitches. These were inspired by this FABULOUS tutorial. Each picked a jar or bottle lid, made a pattern and picked their colors. I LOVE the pocket for the scissors/seam ripper. Makes it a cool little sewing station.

Small projects like these are perfect practice for any sewer. They make the best accessories for your home or sewing kit (or sewing lounge!)

Wednesday, February 27 6Pm-9Pm – we’re making Egg Cup Pin Cushions at LuckyStitches. I hope you can make it.

Slippers and Circles

Published on November 27, 2007 in about me, Christmas Tree Skirt, classes, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, inspiration, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, slippers, stars and workshops. 2 Comments

It’s been super cold at my house. There is no insulation in the crawlspace under our 200+ year old holey-frickin-moley farm house, so perhaps you know or can imagine what the floor may feel like. It took me a year to realize that was the reason Iz always wanted uppies in the winter time. So today at LuckyStitches we made wool felt slippers:

We drafted our own patterns from our own feet. I didn’t used to be a pattern person. When I was in school, I’d make my own clothes and clothes for my roommate before we’d go out. I’d cut bodices, sleeves, pants, skirts, all without a pattern. Then, after several years of intensive patternmaking, I’ve come to LOVE making patterns for things. I love it when things look good and have a great fit!

The orange and pink slippers were made with wonderful thick wool felt. They are comfy and warm. I think these will be the first of many. I think family members and friends will be knocking down the door…

These are mine (note the stars):

I don’t think you know this about me (except for those of you that have gone shoe shopping with me), but I have EEE wide feet. What this really means is that NONE OF MY SHOES FIT. ever. IT SUCKS! Shoe shopping is, while I try to keep a chin up and hopeful, one of the most devastating things I’ve ever done. I can literally leave a shoe store in tears because NOTHING FITS, not even the ugly shoes. sad, but so true.

Anyway, I made these slippers, and they fit. I added stars to remind me of the left and right.

I added a layer of fleece to the sole. They are warmer than I could have imagined.

With a few dabs of fabric paint, I added grippers to my slippers.

I might have to add a few pairs to my list for Christmas presents. They are fun, and would work with old sweaters and blankets too. I think my next pair will have even another layer for the sole, just for a bit more cushy-ness.

On another note, tonight was the first part of the Christmas Tree Skirt class. Below is the winner of the BostonMamas.com LuckyStitches certificate, using her dollars wisely. She’s starting this really great business around her ideas and sewing (maybe more on that later…), so we talked about that for a while, then got busy working on our skirts.

What I came to realize from our talk about Christmas Tree Skirts, is that they are so much more than the 2 pieces of hot pink satin I’ve been draping around our trees for years. Rather, they are an opportunity for family tradition and memories. While they are displayed for just a few weeks, they can come to mean so much in a lifetime.

Messenger Bags and The Bag Share

Published on November 18, 2007 in a-line skirt, bag sew, classes, Creating, design, fashion design, LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Jean Class, projects, sewing, The Bag Sew, totes and bags and workshops. 0 Comments

Ok, first – if you are a local yokel – than please visit me Monday night, 11/19 at LuckyStitches 6pm-8:30pm for a Sew-A-Bration. We’ll be sewing up more bags for the Florence Bag Share which launches the same day (celebration). So come on down! Bring a dish to share, a machine to sew and fabric will be available for bags. If you have questions: info(at)luckystitches.com or 413.695.3092 Hope to stitch it up!

On to regularly scheduled business. The latest round of newbie sewers finished their messenger bags this weekend. I know you’ve probably heard me say this before, but I just have to tell you again. Hearing these guys and gals tell me that there is no way this is going to work and be a bag, then watch as their faces light up when they turn their bags out (we sew linings into them). It’s just so freakin’ precious! I love it. I also really love that each person is able to make their bags their OWN individual bags. All the choices are their own, including what to appliqué, how many pockets, inside pockets, length of strap, closure. I really want people to leave knowing that they can really turn what they are working on into something original, even if it is from a pattern. fun right?

We practice a bunch of different things, just so people can become familiar with their machine. I encourage pressing all the buttons, levers, turning all the knobs, trying all the widths and lengths. Everyone brings different types of fabrics (above is a thick fleece – she’s using a cool fish print and a fun stitch on her new to her (but previously owned) machine and came up with something that looked like seaweed.

On the other, he used some pink satin to appliqué a one-eyed robot demon guy onto his black corduroy bag. It’s so cool! The thread he brought was a little thick, so experimenting with all these things were really fun, and what a cool surprise it was for these to become actual bags they can use.

and what lovely “LuckyStitches poses”!

Oh – on to the next…I’m working fast and furious to finish up the JanFebMar 2008 schedule. Fingers crossed, I can finish tonight! I’ll be repeating some classes, like Sewing Machine 101 (that will happen every month), Jeans and a few others, and there’s some cool stuff for the late winter and early spring. A coat class, a skirt class, a wrap dress class. Some pattern-making 101 classes, like Full Bust Adjustment and Sewing Patterns 101. I’m also introducing a Homeschooling Sewing Series. That actually starts in December. It’s starting to fill up, so if your are interested, please register sooner than later. I’m also thinking of running the winter hat class again. I so LOVE the pattern I made, it’s perfect for kids and adults. So many projects and only 3 months…

Busy As A Bee.

Published on November 14, 2007 in classes, Creating, design, fashion design, inspiration, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, sewing for Iz, sewing patterns, stars, wardrobe and workshops. 2 Comments

Whew. Tons going on. LOTS of sewing too! (yippeee for me!) The machines have been humming at LuckyStitches. We’ve been making so much fun stuff over the last few weeks, I can hardly stand it (I had to lie down to type this…).

I’m super proud of all the projects and each and every LuckyStitcher, so note that these are all mentioned in no particular order.

Pajamas

I didn’t take pictures of the other pjs, but they are really cute, one pair of flannel lined pants (lined with flannel…oh SO warm!) and another sweet striped tunic and pants, also made from flannel. Now…this might seem selfish – but it really was unintentional, but I have pictures of what I’ve been working on:

Here’s my initial purchase:

I really LOVE the pattern. I fell in love with the illustration of the kids in PJs especially the one modeling the style (C) I’m making for Iz. I love it so much, I want to frame it. Nerdy? Dorky? Geeky? Perhaps…am I gushing?

and I love the buttons (more geekdom…). Stars make my heart pitter patter a bit faster than normal and I found these:

Here’s the first pair (I’m making three…) finished:

On Iz (ugh, I CAN’T stand that wood paneling. It made Elmo pass out..)

Iz LOVES her PJs. “Oh Mama, I love them, they are stupendous and so soft!” She’s been using the camera – and here’s her self portrait:

Sewing Machine 101

I know, where’s the sewing machine? Well I can’t wait to show you the messenger bags these LuckyStitchers are making. Here we put in a magnetic snap, but wait till it’s finished and you’ll see her appliqué, bag, zipper pouch…all practicing all the fun stuff we talked about the first class. Let me tell you, these guys and gals are getting LOTS of practice threading machines, making patterns, sewing seams, topstitching, and they have become best friends with Mademoiselle Seam Ripper. After this weekend, I’ll have proper pictures of finished messenger bags, proof that they have learned how to use their sewing machines!

Make A Pattern From Your Clothes

How many times have you found something wonderful that you can’t wear anymore because the fabric has fallen apart? Yoga pants, a favorite hoodie and a J Crew summer dress can now all be made again, out of favorite fabric, season after season. Everyone learned how to make patterns from their clothes (either leaving them whole or cutting them apart). Can’t wait to see what they want to make next…

Sewing With Fleece

I had actually intended this class to work with squares, circles and rectangles of fleece, embellish with appliqué, but it turned into SEW MUCH MORE. I quickly demonstrated how to draft a pattern of a hat, I always want people to leave learning every aspect of each project, so I always try to help them through the creative process of making something from conception (sketch and pattern) to completion (sewn article). So we drafted a pattern and worked with a few different types of fleece. I LOVE the hats:

My endangered species hat.

I made this one this morning. Hmmm. I might have to make a pattern available. It’s so easy and quick! I made this one in less than an hour.

I’ve been working on the LuckyStitches Messenger Bag Pattern. I took pictures explaining the whole process, and I can’t stand them. Except for a few…but it’s back to the drawing board (or cutting table) to pick some different fabrics that would photograph better.

Magical Bags…

Published on October 30, 2007 in cape, classes, costume, Creating, Doll Quilt, fabric, LuckyStitches, projects, quilts, sewing, sewing for Iz, totes and bags, WIP and workshops. 1 Comment

Yes, these are magical. These LuckyStitchers made these really amazing and wonderful and so-well-made messenger bags for Sewing Machine 101 Class. I had so much fun, I think they really had fun too. The bags are each so special and spectacular. Great fabrics, fun appliqués and pockets, one even with a zipper! I really enjoy teaching people to sew. For me, it’s like a sew along, but I get to share what I’ve learned, and it’s even more wonderful to see the amazement on faces when they turn something right side out and realized that they made a bag! MAGIC! (not really, just patience, practice and direction…). There were some other photos, but this is my favorite. These three kindly humored me as I asked them to give me a “LuckyStitches” pose. The bags look better this way – don’t you think?

I made this little cape today for Marie’s oldest, she’s going to be Word Girl for Halloween. How cool is that?

The doll quilts started this past weekend at LuckyStitches, here’s one getting “stripped” up! Jen has an amazing amount of fat quarters. I think this one might make it to crib size…stay tuned.

Here’s mine, all pieced together. I used scraps from my first quilt.

LuckyStitches – New web site and classes! FINALLY!

Published on September 17, 2007 in classes, Creating, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing and workshops. 0 Comments

Whew. Sure did take a while, but the new LuckyStitches web site is alive and well, filled with great classes for October, November and December. I am so excited about this season:

Wednesday Night Sew-cials
Drop-In & SEW!!!
Sewing Patterns 101
Hem Your Own
Print with Freezer Paper
Morning Stitch Sessions
Sewing Machine 101 (Intensive)
Zippers 101
T-shirt Class
Sew with ME!!!
Learn to Applique!
Make a Pair of Jeans that Fit!
Doll Quilt
Costume Night (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)
Costume Emergency (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)
Pajama Party!
Make a Sweater Scarf
Christmas Tree Skirt
Holiday Ornament Series (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)

There will be more info to follow. I hope you can all visit!

xoZ

Open Source Sewing

Published on June 14, 2007 in classes, cool ideas, Creating, design, Download Patterns, fabric, fabric shopping, fashion design, inspiration, LuckyStitches, Open Source Sewing, projects, sewing and workshops. 0 Comments

Have you checked out BurdaStyle.com yet? I love it. Open Source Sewing. You can download their patterns at no charge, and make your own clothes. Or download their patterns, use them as a starting point and make something new from them. I love a bunch of their stuff. I especially love the Anda Dress and check out what nikkishell has made with her Anda Dress Pattern. I’ve downloaded this dress pattern and plan on using something in my stash for it.

Yes, no fabric shopping for me. I have so much fabric, I’m looking for projects to do so I can thin the stash out a bit. I really need to buy fabric for projects instead of just buying fabrics.

Just a reminder – the Pants Class at LuckyStitches starts this weekend. We will be taking a commercial pattern and adjusting it to fit YOU! There is still room – email me from the LuckyStitches website to sign up! (There’s a free pant pattern on BurdaStyle.com if you can’t make it to the pattern store in time!)
Happy Sewing

Summer Sewing 1-2-3

Published on May 29, 2007 in projects, sewing, Sewing 1-2-3, sewing machines, sewing with kids, The Children's Art Museum and workshops. 0 Comments

The Summer Sewing 1-2-3 Series is about to begin! To read more – click on over to studioCAM and learn about the classes and how to register.

Archive for the 'workshops' Category

Terrariums

Hats – or Getting Ready For Spring

Pillows and Pin Cushions

Slippers and Circles

Messenger Bags and The Bag Share

Busy As A Bee.

Magical Bags…

LuckyStitches – New web site and classes! FINALLY!

Open Source Sewing

Summer Sewing 1-2-3

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Inspiring

Lovely Reads

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