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15942 SE Brooklyn Street
Portland OR 97236-2049
503-761-6460 (phone)
503-762-1617 (fax)
sales @ saf-t-pockets.com
 
 
Money Orders & Checks

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THE INSIDE POCKETchronicles of an independent pattern company owner |
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Teaching A Class In Atlanta
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For the past several days, I have been preparing kits that will be used for the "On the Surface" class I will be teaching at the Atlanta chapter of the American Sewing Guild on January 13. I have stamped squares of fabric with foil adhesive so the students will have designs ready to be foiled. They will also be practicing scrunching and pleating fabrics, so I got fabric squares cut and ready to go for that as well. Each time I put kits together for a class, I realize how much time it takes and it makes me think I need to raise the price of the kits. Students get so much more out of a class when they actually try the process for themselves. I know if I make samples of a new technique it stays with me better.
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posted by Marsha
on December 31, 2006
at 00:28
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After Christmas Plans
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So how was your holiday? Ours was quite low key this year. It was wonderful to spend time with family and friends, but why do all activities seem to revolve around food? This year, I did lots of baking and, even though most of it was devoured, the remainder still needs to disappear soon so I can get back to healthy eating.
Between Christmas and New Years is a difficult time to get much done. Many businesses are closed, which slows down progress. I'm pleased I got the brochures for the 2007 Sew Many Options Tours mailed out yesterday. Getting those addressed and stamped always takes more time than I expect. Now I just wait to see who wants to come along on the fun trips we have planned. There will be information on the web site within a few days but even the webmaster needs some holiday time off.
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posted by Marsha
on December 27, 2006
at 08:33
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Happy Holidays From SAF-T-POCKETS!
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I must apologize for the long time frame between entries. Like many of you, I am running behind schedule during the holiday season. My thanks go out to all of you who have emailed to see how we are doing in Oregon with our poor weather conditions. Our state has been in the news a great deal with the lost climbers on Mt Hood and the Kim family being lost in southern Oregon. Both are very tragic events that prove Oregon still has wilderness left and it is very unpredictable in the winter.
On a happier note, I hope you have finished all the gifts you plan to make. I finished two new Christmas stockings for my son and his new bride to hang on the mantle of their new home. I gave the socks to them the other day and they seemed thrilled. It's a tradition that any new family member gets a Christmas stocking. I have one more pair of slippers to finish for my daughter-in-law and I'm done. Did you make many gifts this year?
Happy holidays to you and yours!
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posted by Marsha
on December 20, 2006
at 09:10
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Fabric Stash
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How many of you have a significant fabric stash? For the past few days, I have been going through mine and I am amazed at what I've accumulated. I sometimes look at a certain piece of fabric and wonder, "What was I thinking?" Tomorrow, our American Sewing Guild chapter is collecting fabric to send to Africa, where missionaries are teaching women to sew. I'm weeding things out and sending off pieces I just don't think I'll ever use. It's easier to part with them when I know they are going to help others. I figure I will still need to live until I'm about 115 to sew up the rest. How about you?
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posted by Marsha
on December 1, 2006
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Pattern Suggestions
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Currently, we are deciding what new patterns will be next for our pattern line. We always listen to what our customers are needing and wanting, so this is the perfect place for you to share your thoughts.
Would you be interested in a pattern of interchangable knit garments to wear with your SAF-T-POCKETS garments?
What kind of patterns would you like to see developed?
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posted by Marsha
on November 20, 2006
at 16:01
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Journey Jacket Two Available Now!
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Hi, everyone! My name is Michelle and I am the webmaster for the SAF-T-POCKETS Patterns website. I am making this post to let you know that the long-awaited Journey Jacket Two pattern is now available for sale. This classic SAF-T-POCKETS pattern has been redesigned with some new and very cool features, including optional detachable sleeves and a new sizing chart. With the addition of several new sizes, you'll find it much easier to achieve a perfect fit.
This jacket is sure to become one of your most favorite garments. Wear it on a trip around the world or to the corner market. The numerous secure pockets are perfect for carrying all of your valuables in any situation. Even if you own the original Journey Jacket pattern, you'll want to add this improved version to your collection.
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posted by Michelle
on November 20, 2006
at 00:56
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Off to Kansas City
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Today we are leaving for the Original Sewing & Quilting Show in Kansas City. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hi. This is a new show for us so we are excited to meet people and share information about SAF-T-POCKETS.
We arrive back in Portland on Monday and all orders will be shipped at that time. The new Journey Jacket Two will have arrived and all existing orders will be mailed.
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posted by Marsha
on November 14, 2006
at 06:33
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RE: New Journey Jacket Two Pattern
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The new Journey Jacket Two is going to the printer on Monday. It should be available for sale in about three weeks. We are running a little behind schedule. It's always difficult as the graphic artists, photographers, etc. all have their own schedules. I know that some of you are anxiously awaiting it's arrival, so I wanted to post this update.
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posted by Marsha
on October 29, 2006
at 19:31
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Sew Inn Followup
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I just returned from our Fall Sew Inn at Beachcomber's Haven in Gleneden Beach, Oregon. This time we had 12 women who made SAF-T-POCKETS garments that turned out just great. We had women from Ohio, Iowa, Georgia, Washington, Montana and Oregon. The fall weather cooperated and we had beautiful sunshine. Many took breaks to walk on the beach. One afternoon, we took handwork to the upper deck and stitched while getting a full view of the Pacific Ocean. Each time, I think we can't get another group as good as the last, but they are always fun, energetic and talented sewers. Many said they want the Sew Inns to last a week but I'm not sure the teacher can last that long! Right now, I'm planning two Sew Inns for next year - one in April and one in October. We will extend each event to 3 full days of sewing and include another night's lodging. I encourage you to attend a future Sew Inn for lots of fun, good instruction and delicious food.
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posted by Marsha
on October 24, 2006
at 23:51
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Taking a Fit Class
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Today I'm taking a class, sponsored by my local chapter of the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers, called "Fitting with the Pros". It should be interesting and it never hurts to learn more on fitting. I encourage all of you to look for good classes in your areas on the topic. People who stop sewing report it is because they can't get things to fit. Some bodies are harder to fit than others and aging affects us all. In my 20's, I could make something right off the pattern and it fit. At least, I thought it fit. Maybe I just didn't know much about fit then so it didn't matter to me. As I've aged, the body has shifted and now patterns need to be tweaked before I can sew them up.
What are you feelings on fit?
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posted by Marsha
on October 14, 2006
at 07:42
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Guest hosting on the Creative Machine Quiltropolis Digest
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This week I am the guest host on the Creative Machine digest on the Quiltropolis website. I will be discussing our patterns and answering questions. I always enjoy the chats. It's a great way to hear what people are are up to and what they find interesting.
If you are interested in joining the group: - Go to the Quiltropolis website at www.quiltropolis.com. - Select "Email Discussion Boards" from the menu on the left. - Choose "All Lists" or "Sewing Machines" from the given list. - Click on "The Creative Machine Newsletter" to bring up the page to join the list. You can also join by checking the box next to "The Creative Machine Newsletter", scrolling to the bottom of the page, entering your email address and clicking on the "Join" button.
It's an interesting group of fellow sewing enthusiasts.
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posted by Marsha
on October 9, 2006
at 20:25
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Back to Work
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I've had trouble getting back into the swing of things this week as I picked up a cold while traveling. Why is it you don't appreciate how good you feel on a regular basis until you don't?? Right now I am working on the fabric layouts for the guide sheets of the new Journey Jacket Two pattern. It is a very time consuming, but important, part of a pattern. Now back to work!
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posted by Marsha
on October 6, 2006
at 07:57
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