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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October pattern sale
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All of our patterns are on sale at 10% off for the remainder of October. On November 1, the price of the SAF-T-POCKETS patterns will go to $16.00 each. We have waited as long as possible, but major increases in production costs and pattern freight have forced us to make this decision. We appreciate all of our loyal customers and will continue to offer outstanding customer service.
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posted by Marsha
on October 21, 2007
at 22:18
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Fall Sew Inn
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I am back from our Fall Sew Inn. The weather was beautiful and we had a terrific group of women. We created an assortment of garments. Two Shopper's Vests, two Flight Jackets, one Perfect Pair, one Rochelle's Reversible, one Journey Jacket, one Wear with All Jacket and one Shell Seeker. Each garment turned out great and all participants learned not only how to construct their garment, but how others go together, too. We did manage to partake in delicious meals cooked by my friend, Anna Owens. Attendees said, if Anna is doing the cooking, they'll be back. I'll try to get some pictures to post soon.
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posted by Marsha
on October 16, 2007
at 22:16
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Creating new classes
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Right now, I am starting to prepare new class offerings. It is always difficult to come up with fresh new ideas. Today, I have been looking at past classes and going over my extensive collection of sewing articles to see if I can come up with some new ideas. What kind of classes would you like to see me offer? I would appreciate hearing from you!
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posted by Marsha
on October 1, 2007
at 19:09
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Northwest Quilting Expo
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Right now I am packing and getting ready for the Northwest Quilting Expo being held in Portland, OR at the Expo Center Sept 27, 28, 29 10:00-6:00pm. This is a nice quilt show that gets bigger and better each year. I will be teaching a class on foiling on fabric and presenting a SAF-T-POCKETS trunk show at the event. This year they will have the Hoffman challenge garments on display along with many beautiful quilts. If you attend the show, please stop by and say hi at Booth 4.
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posted by Marsha
on September 24, 2007
at 14:48
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RE: Getting the pattern to the computer
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Today I took the my new pattern and muslin sample to the pattern maker. We discussed the pattern and I shared a couple of concerns I had. She will digitize the pattern into the computer and make the changes we discussed. She will also check to see if seams match, create notches and make sure the pattern is balanced. Once this is done she will print off a copy of the pattern on her plotter (a large printer 36" wide)for us to check against the original and so I can make the next muslin. Often I use fashion fabric for this sample so I can see how the design hangs and if everything works I can actually use it for a sample. It's good to have a fabric the weight you plan to use for the final garment. This is also a good way to use fabric that is aging in your stash. Do any of you use fashion fabric to make mock up garments?
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posted by Marsha
on September 19, 2007
at 00:13
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New Pattern Development
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Over the past few days, I have been working on a new jacket pattern. First, I drafted the pattern from our block then made a muslin. When I put it on our medium dressform, I realized that one of the bodice seams needed to be shifted, so I made the corrections and re-cut the muslin for Version 2. I liked it much better. As I sewed the muslin, I put my laptop computer near the sewing machine and started to write the sewing instructions for the guide sheets. When I construct the next sample, I will take pictures so my graphic artist can do the illustrations from the photos. I have found this works best for me as my drawing skills are somewhat limited. I feel I'm off to a good start for this fun new jacket.
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posted by Marsha
on September 15, 2007
at 23:31
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Fold-Over Elastic
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I have really enjoyed experimenting with our fold-over elastic. It's great for finishing necklines and armholes, but, recently, I used it to bind the edges of a vest. It's applied one to one with no stretching. When folded in half, one side is slightly wider than the other. You place this side on the underside. Then, when you edgestitch along the upper edge, you will definitely catch the underside of the elastic. We now carry it in many great colors. The following photo is a Town & Country vest made from raw silk and bound with the black fold-over elastic.
Have you used it for any other applications?
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posted by Marsha
on August 31, 2007
at 21:08
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A Fun Portlandia Jacket
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Earlier this week, I received a few photos from Evelyn MaVeety of Indiana. She shared pictures of her lovely Portlandia jacket, which she made in Fred Bloebaum's class at the 2006 ASG national conference. She made it out of organza for a lovely jacket.
She said it is wonderful for events, especially outdoor weddings by the beach. As you can see, this pattern makes a great car length coat in anything from organza to double sided denim. Way to go, Evelyn!
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posted by Marsha
on August 23, 2007
at 21:20
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Jewelry & Tote Bag Sale Extended
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We have extended our sale on all of our fun button jewelry. There are several different styles and many colors. We offer fun, inexpensive jewelry to our customers as we feel, when you travel, you should leave the good jewelry at home and take along fun pieces. They also make great gifts for friends and family. Our two tote bag patterns are also on sale through August 26.
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posted by Marsha
on August 20, 2007
at 22:19
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RE: ASG Conference
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The American Sewing Guild conference went very well. I always enjoy meeting or getting reacquainted with fellow ASG members. This year, about 900 sewing enthusiasts gathered in Sacramento for classes and shopping. I taught four classes and, from the feedback I received, I think they went very well. I never teach a class where I don't learn something myself from a student. This conference is predominately made up of garment sewers which are my kind of people. So many made wonderful clothing which they wore to the events. It was great fun to see. This year, I modeled in the fashion show along with my friend, Lynn Weglarz. She modeled our Journey Jacket Two with matching pants and I wore the Getting to the Point Jacket from my son's wedding. It's always nerve wracking because you don't want to fall and become fashion road kill. We both lived through it and I owe Lynn big time.
Four of us drove to California from Portland in my friend Judi's truck stuffed full of garments, product and suitcases. It was a fun road trip. We took the trip home slow and stopped in Jacksonville, Oregon to rest and visit.
Next year's conference will be in Chicago, Illinois, so start planning to join the fun. For info go to www.asg.org
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posted by Marsha
on August 12, 2007
at 14:29
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Preparing for national ASG conference
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This past week I have been finalizing samples for my classes at the American Sewing Guild national conference, which is being held in Sacramento, California next weekend. I'll be teaching "Pick Your Pockets", "Redesigning Jackets", "It's in the Details" and a class on surface design. I can use some of my existing garment samples, but I still need small ones to pass around during the class. I try to make the cost of kits affordable, but always underestimate the time it takes to cut, collate and get them put together. Four of us will be driving from Portland to the conference in a friend's large truck. This way, I don't have to ship anything, but, right now, I'm afraid it won't all fit in the truck along with luggage, etc. I'll have to cross that bridge when I come to it. I love the conferences as there is such energy and enthusiasm. Stop by and say hi if you attend.
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posted by Marsha
on July 22, 2007
at 07:27
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Hot in Portland
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Today our temperature is supposed to reach 102F/39C degrees. This is not normal for Oregon. Needless to say, I'm staying indoors and will do some sewing. Later today, I must venture out to my Dream Team meeting. This is a group of Portland designers, pattern company owners and writers who get together monthly to support each other and share ideas. It's a great place to get feedback on projects as it is a very talented group and I feel honored to be a part of it. I sure hope the home we are going to this evening has air conditioning!
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posted by Marsha
on July 10, 2007
at 14:00
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