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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Time Off
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This spring has been so busy I haven't had any time to just relax. On Wednesday, my husband and I drove to the Oregon coast for two days of relaxation. We were able to use a gift certificate given to us by our son and his wife for two nights lodging at our favorite hotel. The weather could not have been more beautiful. We walked on the beach and I actually laid on a chaise lounge in my swimsuit and read while soaking up the sun. We swam and did a lot of walking, so I hope all the eating we did will go unnoticed. It was a much needed break. What a treat! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend.
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posted by Marsha
on April 7, 2007
at 14:02
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Richmond ASG Classes
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Last weekend, I had the privilege of teaching for the American Sewing Guild (ASG) chapter of Richmond, VA. They are a delightful group of women who were very interesting and made my stay extremely pleasant. It was 80 degrees when I landed in Virginia, but, by the next day, the temperature had dropped to 38 degrees. Quite a change! After class, different ladies took me out for dinner and drove me around to see the sites. I love the architecture of Richmond with its beautiful red brick homes with white columns and trim, especially in the area called "The Fan" due to the way the streets fan out. It's always wonderful to meet the women of the different chapters of the ASG throughout the country. We always have that immediate bond of "sewing".
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posted by Marsha
on March 23, 2007
at 23:44
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Puyallup Sewing Expo Report
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We're back from the show and I've spent this week trying to catch up on orders and paperwork. The show this year seemed to have attendance that was down from previous years due to snow in upper Washington. It snowed the day we set up, but nothing seems to stand in the way of avid sewers. My class each day, called "Pockets, Pockets, Pockets", was well attended. In fact, they had to add a second class on Friday due to that large number of signups.
Each year, customers that have shopped with us for years stop by the booth. They are like old friends and it's great to catch up on what they have been doing.
This year, I only shopped for a few minutes one day, but managed to purchase some beautiful double sided wool.
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posted by Marsha
on March 9, 2007
at 00:11
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Off to Puyallup
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We leave in the morning for the Puyallup Sewing & Stitchery Expo near Seattle, WA. This show is close enough to Portland that we drive a cargo van filled with merchandise. Oh, the glamour of being an independent pattern company owner!
The show runs from March 1-4 at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup (pronounced "pew-AL-up"). It is the largest sewing show in the US and one you will want to visit sometime. If you plan to come, please stop by our booth, #637-639, in the Showplex and say hi.
We will be back in the office bright and early Monday morning.
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posted by Marsha
on February 27, 2007
at 09:38
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Academy Awards
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Last night I sat and folded fliers (why must I always be productive?) while watching the Academy Awards program. I watch mostly to see the beautiful dresses. My favorites this year were Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Cruz and Helen Mirren. Helen looked royal enough to be a queen and showed that mature women can still look fabulous. Penelope's pink dress looked like something a movie star should wear and Gwyneth looked great in a rusty orange colored dress with lines that radiated out from the center of the gown. I'd just love to see these up close. For me, the worst was Kristen Dunst in what I heard was a couture Chanel gown. It was gray, dowdy and had a strange collar. What did you think?
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posted by Marsha
on February 26, 2007
at 08:17
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Visit to Los Angeles
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I'm back after a short visit to California to see my aunt. My two sisters and I flew down to spend time with her in Ventura. We enjoyed laughing, catching up and spending quality time together. The 70 to 80 degree weather didn't hurt either. We strolled the beach, shopped 'til we dropped (literally!) and dined while watching the sun set over the Pacific. It was just what I needed!
One day, we drove to the Reagan Library located high on a hill overlooking the Simi Valley. The First Ladies Red Dress Collection exhibit just opened, so it was a special treat. Twelve beautiful red dresses by some of America's top designers. Nancy Reagan's gorgeous red lace dress, by Oscar de la Renta, was included. Wow, is she tiny! The exhibit is traveling to raise awareness of heart disease in women. The museum had many interesting items including a section of the Berlin wall. There is memorabilia from Presidents Reagan's Hollywood days through his Presidency, including the Air Force One plane that he used. It's all housed in a beautiful building.
It's Monday now. Back to work!
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posted by Marsha
on February 19, 2007
at 07:47
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Preparing for Puyallup
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There is always lots to do before the Sewing & Stitchery Expo, March 1-4, 2007. If you have never attended this show, it's the largest sewing show in the US. It is held at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup, WA (pronounced "pew-AL-up") in two of the largest buildings at the fairgrounds. Many classes are offered and are very inexpensive at $4 each. There are several daily fashion shows and over 400 vendor booths. This year, my garments will be part of the IPCA (Independent Pattern Company Alliance) fashion show, so I have been busy getting 3 outfits ready for the event.
As a vendor, the lists have been made for all the things that need to be ready to go the day of setup - handouts for my class ("Pockets, Pockets, Pockets"), flyers for the booth, signs, inventory, booth props, samples and much more. It seems that each day a new item is added to the list. It's a great show and I highly recommend coming to check it out. It's about 45 minutes by car from Seattle and 2 1/2 hours from Portland.
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posted by Marsha
on February 12, 2007
at 07:24
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Home from Denver
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We had an exciting trip to Denver. Right after we arrived to 8 degree temperatures, it started to snow. It's been a tough winter for Denver, but many turned out for the Denver Creative Festival. I taught two classes daily plus did a trunk show. Everyone was very friendly and appreciative. Several customers came into the booth wearing their beautiful SAF-T-POCKETS garments. I took pictures that will soon be up on the site so you can see them, too.
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posted by Marsha
on February 7, 2007
at 22:35
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New York City Tour update
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I'm happy to report the New York City tour is filling fast. We have met the minimum number but there is still room to join the fun. The last few days I have been checking airfares and from Oregon to NY is only about $300 right now. Of course, that can change in no time. We're set to visit Simplicity Patterns, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the costume collection at the Metropolian museum, the garment district for fabrics plus some other visits I am currently arranging.
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posted by Marsha
on January 24, 2007
at 00:57
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Back from Atlanta
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My trip to Atlanta was great. I left Portland with threats of snow and enjoyed 70 degree weather while I was there. The Atlanta chapter of the Amercian Sewing Guild is always so welcoming and seemed to enjoy the classes I taught. We had 40 eager women who tried foiling, pleating and scrunching fabrics with some fabulous results. Each time I teach a class I learn something from a student who experiments and comes up with something different. That's why I enjoy teaching so much.
Now back to work to catch up on all that needs to be done.
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posted by Marsha
on January 19, 2007
at 08:17
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Gift Show Shopping
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I attended the Portland Gift show on Saturday. It's a small show, but I found some fun jewelry items that will be showing up on the website soon.
On Wednesday night, I leave for Atlanta, Georgia to attend the largest gift show in the country. It consists of 3 buildings, all with over 11 floors filled with merchandise. What an experience! Frankly, this is some of the hardest work I do. We go from early morning until about 8:00pm each day.
The highlight of this trip for me will be on Saturday when I will be teaching an all day seminar for the Atlanta chapter of the American Sewing Guild. This is my third year teaching for them. They are a great group of women. If you don't belong to the ASG in your area, check it out. I highly recommend it. You will find it's a great opportunity to meet other sewing enthusiasts and share ideas. For more information, visit www.asg.org
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posted by Marsha
on January 8, 2007
at 14:50
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Looking For New Products
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The new year is off to a good start and I have lots of ideas that I want to pursue. Today, I'm headed off to the gift show here in Portland to check out what is new on the market. I will see home dec, gift items, food items and jewelry. I'm always on the lookout for items I think my customers might enjoy.
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posted by Marsha
on January 6, 2007
at 10:01
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