Learning New Stops, Sewing and Crafts

Sewing Machine Feet from A to Z

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Sewing Machine Feet from A to Z

Course Description from Craftsy:  Designer, patternmaker and sewing instructor Steffani Lincecum teaches you how to identify and use 11 of the most common sewing feet. Start with zipper and buttonhole feet, then learn how to use blind-hem and rolled-hem feet to finish your work like a pro. Finish with a tour of popular optional feet that help you achieve perfect topstitching, gathers, couching, free-motion stitching and more.

Here I am shopping for a new sewing machine to do all these fancy stitches and looks, and I had it all the time.  All I had to do was buy a box set of sewing feet for my machine.  I was very impressed with this quick class.  It was not long and the key to the course is PRACTICE!

Whether you are new to sewing or have been sewing for a long time, this class is a must!!  You will be amazed to learn what your machine and what you care capable of creating just by knowing which feet can achieve what look.

Sew Much Love,

Aysun

Uncategorized

Sewing My First Coat: 5 Suggested Tips from McCalls

For my first coat, I’ve decided  to go with Vogue 8930 .  Yes we have seen this coat pattern a few time within the last year but I think is is a perfect start for a coat beginner.

Blanket Coat V8930
Blanket Coat V8930

While preparing for my coat project, McCall’s posted on their blog Sewing Your First Coat: 5 Tips For Success.  YES RIGHT ON TIME!

Tip 1:  Take a look at RTW and designer coats you like first, for inspiration.

I have to agree…..I have so many coats that I love, but I had to choose based on my sewing skills level.  I was able to pick out 5 different coats to make, and I put them in order buy skill level.  I am going to be a coat making sister this fall/winter

Tip 2:  If this is your first coat to sew, stick with patterns featuring a loosely-fitted shape with minimal details.  

Giving my pattern section, I am on the right track for this step

Tip 3:  Choose a solid-color, quality 100% wool

For this step, because it is my first, my choice was a high quality print fleece.  I wanted to be able to under the coat process without damaging expensive wool.  I know for sure I do want to make this pattern again in wool.

Tip 4:  Select a lining fabric that’s warm and easy to work with

For this project, I am going with a basic suit lining.  Again I do not want to spare the expense while trying to learn a new sewing skill.

Tip 5:  Pressing is as important as the sewing. Use pressing tools.

After reviewing the pattern instructions, I will not need any coat pressing tools for this project, but I do currently own a pressing ham.  I am reading a tailor book and will be making additional purchases based on the book recommendations.

I am very excited to start this process.  I will journal my progress and keep you all posted. 🙂

Sew Much Love,

Aysun

Lifestyle

The Ultimate Dressing Room’s 2015 Southern Fall Trunk Show

Meet Sulay Renee, owner and personal stylist of “The Ultimate Dressing Room, “Where Grownups Get to Play Dress Up.  Sulay Renee opened The Ultimate Dressing Room back in 2011 and it has been a huge success.  Most of Sulay’s success has come from the community work she does for the city.  These are the things many people do not hear about.  She believes EVERY WOMAN is BEAUTIFUL no mater what situation she may be in or come from.  When different events are held for cancer survivors, burn victims, or any illness that effects the self esteem of a woman, trust and believe, Sulay and UDR are there to help them restore their inner and outer beauty.

Owner of The Ultimate Dressing Room
Sulay Renee, Owner of The Ultimate Dressing Room

The invitation to the Trunk Show began with Pantone’s 2015 Fall Color Guide.  This was an awesome touch to the invite because it gave you a sneak peek into what the evening had in store for the audience and buyer.  Pantone’s 2015 fall guide is a huge hit this year because the colors are earthy neutrals that are part of the unisex pallet.

Pantone 2015 Fall Colors

Beginning right at 6pm on the dot, the audience was the Miracle Skirt.  This is a must have in every woman’s closet.  This skirt can be worn as a skirt, long tube top or a dress (if you buy two).  The Miracle Skirt forms to your curves leaving you with a beautiful smooth figure.  It even help with a little tummy control for those who worry about their pouch.  The skirt is sold in various colors of Navy, White, Turquoise, Black, Fuchsia, Red, Yellow, Royal, Purple, Orange, Teal, Mocha, Brown and range in sizes XS-3X.

Two skirts used to make a dress
Two skirts used to make a dress

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Next we previewed the casual/fun day fall fashions.  Comfortable looks while still looking good as you run around town or even have a movie date night.  I have to say may favorite from this segment was the knit sweater.  I can see my self dressing this sweater up for business and down for a fun day/night out.  I think it is a must have for a woman’s wardrobe as well.

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The ladies came back and hit us FIRE on the business attire for the fall. Beautiful Classy looks for the office or for a business meeting.  I loved all of these looks, it was kind of hard to select my favorite.

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Who does not love a cute and comfortable jumpsuit?  I think I want one in every color.  Fun thing about jumpsuits, they can be dressed up or down as well.  JUMP JUMP JUMP

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After the jumpsuit we have a few more casual relax looks.

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I don’t care what modern age we are in, the retro look will NEVER leave.  UDR  brought back retro on a whole new level.  These bell bottom pants were a crowd pleaser.

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Now this is TEXAS, and what girl does not LOVE her leather and fringe.  Another crowd pleaser for the evening, UDR gave us various ways of tstyling basic leather and fringe.  The tan vest was hands down my favorite garment of the night.   I can really see myself in this vest with a Steven Tyler swag

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Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you thought I forget them. NO, NO, NO….I had to save the best for last. MAXI DRESS TIME!!!!  YES, YES, UDR is not only the home of the Miracle Skirt, but they have a large selection of sassy maxi dresses.  From casual, to business, to sweet and sassy, these ladies brought the house down with the maxi’s.

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To end the trunk show, we were able to preview the 31 Days of Pink collections for this year.  31 Days of Pink is a tribute Breast Cancers.  For each day of October, Sulay wears pink (or fuchsia) to support and pay respect to those have fought the fight.

Sulay starting off the 31 Days of Peak segment of the Trunk Show
Sulay starting off the 31 Days of Peak segment of the Trunk Show

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CONGRATULATIONS on this AWESOME TRUNK SHOW Sulay and The Ultimate Dressing Room Models and Staff.

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Sewing and Crafts

September is NATIONAL SEWING MONTH

YES, September is National Sewing Month and I am super excited.

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The observance of National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.”

This year I pledge to do something sewing related each day.  How many of my sew sisters and brothers will join me?  I will journal my sewing activities, and blog them once a week.  A strong commitment to make, but this will allow me to increase my sewing skills and knowledge.

If you would like to read more on National Sewing Month and the different activities, visit National Sewing Month website

Let the sewing challenge begin!!!

Sewing and Crafts

Sewing Tools: NARROW HEM FOOT

My ultimate weakness when it comes to sewing…..HEMS. Recently I decided to make a few purchases on sewing tools that will assist me in this process.

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* Easy to attach to the sewing machine because it snaps on, the narrow hem foot takes lots of practice. I notice it does not work well with heavy weight material not material that is too light (polyester strect knits)

*When using the narrow hem foot, I’ve notice you have to hem your garment, then sew your pieces together.

*Once you get the hang of it, your hems look AWESOME. GREAT INVESTMENT, but please PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!