SAF-T-POCKETS Patterns
15942 SE Brooklyn Street
Portland OR 97236-2049
503-761-6460 (phone)
503-762-1617 (fax)
sales@saf-t-pockets.com
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THE INSIDE POCKETchronicles of an independent pattern company owner |
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Chizimi Shrinking Thread
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I have been working on this garment for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo Pink/Red Fashion Show:
It is a Brief Escape jacket. I have used Chizimi Shrinking Thread to change the texture of the collar. I used matching thread in the machine and the shrinking thread in the bobbin. I stitched lines in a grid about 1/2" apart. The fabric needs to be large enough to shrink 30%. I then held the iron approximately 2" above the piece and steamed it. It's fun to see it shrink right before your eyes. I steamed it a second time to make sure all the shrinking had taken place. Once it cooled, I cut out my collar pieces and continued construction. This is a product you could use to do all sorts of interesting stitching for different effects.
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posted by Marsha
on February 21, 2010
at 07:21
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Sewing for Puyallup
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Right now, I'm sewing frantically for the Puyallup Sewing & Stitchery Expo - four outfits for the IPCA fashion show, plus one for the Red and Pink fashion show. I've been in the planning stages for a while, but now it's time to get those ideas made up into some lovely garments. Each day, I tell myself I'll get this much done, but, at the end of the day, it just doesn't seem to happen. Tomorrow, I plan to tie myself to my sewing machine so I can get something completed. Wish me luck!
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posted by Marsha
on January 21, 2010
at 22:57
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RE: New Year Sewing Resolution
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Each year, I try to make some resolutions to improve my life. I already exercise regularly so I can chalk that off my list. This year, I've decided to start sewing from my stash of fabrics. Now, mind you, I don't have near the collection some of my friends have accumulated, but it is a respectable treasure trove of fabrics. Each piece reminds me of where I bought it, the city I was in and what made me decide to add it to the collection. They are like old friends or maybe fine wine since many have been aging for quite some time. Now, it's time to bring them out of their storage containers and into the light of day so I can decide what each piece will become. Isn't the planning part of the fun? I just love that part. Right now, if I sew from the stash exclusively, I probably will need to live to about 125 years old to get through it. How do you plan to handle your fabric stash?
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posted by Marsha
on January 6, 2010
at 14:21
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Merry Christmas to All
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This Christmas season, I have had the chance to sew some for my granddaughter, Sophie. She is 21 months old and has brought such joy into our lives. I made her this dress for a photo surprise for her parents.
The photographer would take the shot, then she would smile a huge smile. We just never seemed to get the smiles at the same time the photographer snapped the shot. I think we got some sweet photos, in spite.
We want to say thank you to all of our customers for your loyal support. Merry Christmas and our best wishes for a wonderful new year!
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posted by Marsha
on December 15, 2009
at 15:46
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Zippers in Fashion
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I've been seeing zippers used not only as closures, but as embellishment. In fashion magazines, many pockets have zipper closures, jackets zip with unusual zippers such as exposed metal or separating invisible zippers, and dresses have long back zippers that are exposed metal. I've seen them used as piping and coiled as trims. I made a black jacket with a rhinestone separating zipper up the center front. I took apart a second zipper and inserted half around the neckline like piping. It gave the appearance that the zipper could be zipped right around the neck and made an attractive finish.
Recently, I found these great necklaces and earrings made from zippers:
Long pieces of zipper tape are turned and twisted to create a flower. They are very light weight and comfortable to wear, but still make a bold fashion statement. The current trend in jewelry is large and chunky. These items fit the bill without being heavy. Check them out in silver and gold in our jewelry department. They are the perfect gifts for a sewing friend.
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posted by Marsha
on December 4, 2009
at 22:55
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Puyullup Sewing Expo Tour
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The fliers have been sent out to existing customers and the registrations are arriving daily. If you haven't been to the biggest sewing show in the USA, you owe it to yourself to participate. Sign up for our tour before all the spaces fill or plan to drive/fly on your own. If you are interested, check out the show at www.sewexpo.com or go to our tours page to print off the registration form.
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posted by Marsha
on October 28, 2009
at 13:53
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Puyallup Sewing Expo Tour
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Currently, I'm getting information together to send out the flyer for the Sew Many Options Tours Puyallup Sewing & Stitchery Expo tour. The upcoming show will be February 25-28, 2010. Each year, we take a 56 passenger bus from Portland, Oregon to Puyallup, Washington (about a 2 1/2 hour drive). Participants have two full days for classes and shopping at the show. This is considered the largest sewing show in the US and it's an event no sewer wants to miss. Be watching for the flyer that should be on the site in the next week.
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posted by Marsha
on October 9, 2009
at 00:16
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Getting ready for the NW Quilting Expo
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Boy, does the time fly. It's already time for the annual NW Quilting Expo in Portland, Oregon. The event is held at the Portland Expo Center located at 2060 N. Marine Drive in the city. This show grows each year so it's always fun to see what is new. As a teacher and vendor, I love the fact that since it's in my home town, my husband helps me set up and break down, and I get to sleep in my own bed each night. It may sound silly, but, when you travel lots, it's always great to be home and still get to work your business. If you live or have plans to be in the area September 24-26, you can find more information about the show here: www.nwquiltingexpo.com. I know there is still room in my classes so come join the fun!
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posted by Marsha
on September 20, 2009
at 14:10
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Leather Source
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While I was in Albuquerque teaching at the ASG conference, I taught a "Sewing with Leather & Suede" class. A student told me about a place in the area that sells leather at good prices so Monday, before we headed to the airport, Marla Kazell and I walked over to RL Cox Fur & Hide Company (708 First St NW, 505-242-4980). It's a warehouse with piles of hides and skins everywhere. Most of the suede was neatly folded in small piles, while other scrap leathers were found in bins. I was concerned about lines forming in the suede from being folded or laying in piles. When I mentioned this to the owner, she said, "Oh, just throw it in a warm dryer then lay it out and smooth it with your hands." When I received my order, I did just that and the suede folds came out very easily. I then carefully piled the skins, one on top of the other, and rolled them up.
Storing leather this way prevents folds and wrinkles. I tied the rolls with small lengths of fold-over elastic, which works great. Never store leather under plastic. Instead, cover it with a sheet or a piece of cotton fabric to keep it protected from dust. Do you have any other tips on storing leather or suede?
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posted by Marsha
on August 9, 2009
at 00:00
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ASG conference
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I'm back from teaching at the American Sewing Guild conference in Albuquerque, NM. All who attended seemed to have a wonderful time. I taught four classes: Close It Up, Fun with Leather and Suede, Travel Accessories, and Planning a Travel Wardrobe. I had large groups in all of my classes. I received lots of positive feedback, which always feels good. On Friday night, I modeled in the fashion show. The audience members were surprised at all the ways the Vest-S-Cape can be worn and I sold out of the Sew Accessorized pattern the next day. I don't enjoy modeling so I must admit my main goal was to not fall off the stage and become fashion road kill!
I am including a picture of Marty Meyer in the gorgeous leather outfit she made for the annual ASG contest.
She won the best use of fabric. She took my leather class, but it certainly doesn't look like she needed it. Congratulations, Marty!
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posted by Marsha
on July 27, 2009
at 06:56
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FIT and Valentina exhibits
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Each time I take a group to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York City, I wish I could be lucky enough to be a student at this prestigious school. One of the costume collection curators takes us to a room, where we all sit around a large, muslin-covered table. One by one, she pulls gorgeous creations off a rack with designers like Chanel, Issey Miyake, Claire McCardell, Fortuny, Adrian and many others. She carefully shows us design details and the inside of each piece. It's fun to see how they were constructed.
After our presentation we go down to the Gallery to visit the current exhibit and see more beautiful garments. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to take pictures there. We then go to the book store, which has the best collection of fashion books I have ever seen. Walking through the campus we always find an exhibit of a senior student's work.
For this particular exhibit, each mannequin advertised a perfume the student had created.
On another day, we visited a special exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum of Valentina's work.
She was a New York designer from the 30's to the 50's. Katherine Hepburn, Rosaline Russell and many Hollywood starlets wore her designs. Our guide shared many interesting details about her private and public life. It was a wonderful exhibit of her work.
If you are visiting New York this summer, FIT has an exhibit of Isabelle Toledo's work which should be outstanding.
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posted by Marsha
on June 29, 2009
at 22:48
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Visit to Koos van den Akker Workroom & Boutique
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Koos van den Akker is a Dutch designer who has been working in New York for years creating beautiful pieced garments. He uses whatever fabrics catch his eye - expensive, inexpensive or fabric cut from a garment he purchased because he loves its colors. His talent lays in how he pieces it all together, sometimes slicing the fabrics to show a layer below or layering two sheer fabrics together to create a new fabric.
Each time we visit Koos, he and his talented crew are working on new and inventive pieces. This visit, his assistant, Javier, showed us how they mount two sheer fabrics together using regular 4M spray adhesive. It works perfectly. After they are mounted together, other small pieces are sewn on top for a gorgeous effect.
In his boutique, on Madison Ave, a collection of his fabulous garments are there ready for consumers to purchase. He has beautiful swirling skirts, wrap tops, jackets and coats there for those lucky enough to purchase one of his one-of-a-kind designs.
You can visit his website at www.koosnewyork.com
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posted by Marsha
on June 11, 2009
at 06:50
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