BOOKS & PATTERNS SHOWCASE
Oh, My Stars!
New from Alicia’s Attic is the recently released book Oh, My Stars by author Marci Baker. There are 14 different six-pointed star patterns that are strip-pieced in this book. With fewer pieces required than traditional methods and no Y-seams, this is the easiest way to create these classic quilts. With the pattern “First Stars” everyone can learn the technique and graduate quickly to more intricate projects, which include wall hangings, a tote, a Jewish challah cover, a Christmas wreath, and crib-size to queen-size quilts. Oh, My Stars features tips for all skill levels, from beginners to designers.
To order this book, contact Alicia’s Attic at 1-888-348-6653.
Patternmaking Made Easy
Connie Crawford’s new book Patternmaking Made Easy is invaluable to home sewers who want to draft or change their own patterns. Written for use in fashion education classes for people pursuing careers in the garment industry, the book’s introduction depicts perfectly the main goal for the publication: “Its strength lies in its clear presentation of the principles, theories, and skills of patternmaking.”
Readers will learn about creating pattern blocks and slopers, how to apply basic styling steps, ways to correct problems in basic pattern drafts when made into slopers, the reasons why and how patterns should be balanced, and a myriad of principles all relating to flat pattern design. The language is clear, easy to understand, and the line drawings illustrate the clarity of her how-to explanations.
To order, contact Fashion Patterns by Coni at 1-360-638-2629 or visit online at www.fashionpatterns.com .
Mini dress, tunic & tops
The mini is all about versatility! Great details on this pretty frock complement everyone’s style. Included are design options and sizes for both girls and women. The tunic and dress lengths have optional pockets. More is more when it comes to fashion!
To order this pattern wholesale, visit www.amybutlerdesign.com.
ABC’s of Longarm Quilting
Pat Berry tackles what can be an intimidating machine and turns it into a partner rather than a tool. It doesn’t matter what size a quilting machine is (longarm, midarm, shortarm). What matters is that the user learns the new skills to make quilting fast and fun.
The book is written for:
Quilters who have purchased or are considering a quilting system and now are looking for more detail.
Quilting Teachers who are looking for a class text and student reference that contains hundreds of pictures and dozens of tips.
Quilt Shops who sell quilting systems and would like to help their customers improve their skills and confidence level.
It is divided into three sections:
“A” -- About Longarm Quilting. To learn about the machine functions, table or frame features and lots of handy gadgets to make it easy.
“B” -- Basic Quilting Techniques. To learn how to load quilts, check machine tension, choose supplies, and stitch edge to edge or custom designs.
“C” -- Confidence Building. To build confidence by using newly learned quilting skills when working with the patterns and projects included.
To order, contact Checker Distributors at 1-800-537-1060 or Krause Publications at 1-800-258-0929.
Support the Apron Revival
Rent Mary’s Productions Apron Trunk Show
Nine apron patterns designed by Mary Mulari are showcased in the apron trunk show from Mary’s Productions. A free two-week rental (with a pattern order) is available to sewing stores.
Aprons have become a stylish accessory, moving far beyond the practical garment cover-ups of vintage aprons with bias bound edges. They are an ideal beginner’s sewing project and a blank canvas for embellishments such as machine embroiodery, applique, and “bling.” Adults and children enjoy wearing reversible aprons with conversation print fabrics that match their hobbies, career, or personality.
Each of the adult patterns featured in the trunk show is reversible and requires two yards of fabric. They are inspired by vintage aprons and restyled with modern details and shaping. Apron patterns for children and dolls are part of the collection in the Newfangled Reversible Aprons pattern. Printed on durable paper, the patterns can be used multiple times. They are pefect projects for in-store classes and for gift making.
The trunk show contains two of each apron style, one for display and one for modeling during an informal style show or sewing club meeting. A script for giving details of each apron is included for the apron style show hostess to read. The trunk show provides a colorful, informative program totally prepared for the sewing club leader.
For further details and scheduling the trunk show, contact TyAnn Jackson at tyann@marymulari.com, or call 1-218-229-2305.
The aprons and apron patterns are also featured during Mary Mulari’s seminar presentations. Contact Mary at marym@marymulari.com or 1-800-562-5578 for seminar information, scheduling, and seminar sponsor testimonials.
Double Green shopping bag
This new pattern from Islander Sewing System is “Earth Friendly,” fun to make and convenient to use. The Double Green shopping bag can be constructed from used blue jeans or choose a firm or vinyl covered fabric. Originally designed as a re-useable grocery bag, it folds up in a neat, flat package much like the brown paper grocery bags. The boxy shape allows for maximum efficiency when packing groceries or mall purchases. Best of all this bag is an open canvas for creativity to thrive! Topstitching with gold jeans thread will give the traditional “jeans” look. Fabric paint works very well on denim as does a gel bleach pen. For an upscale look, add crystals, studs, applique or embroidery.
Sewing Machine Dealers: if you are looking for a project to attract new and young sewers, here it is! The Double Green shopping bag can be taught in a three or four hour class and the supply list can be as simple as two pairs of old jeans and a pair of scissors.
To order this pattern, contact Islander Sewing Systems at 1-248-889-5091, or visit www.islandersewing.com.
The Quilter’s Wallet
Pat-e-Patterns is well known for their concise instructions and full color illustrations. The Quilter’s Wallet Pattern has been a best selling pattern for over seven years and continues to sell well in quilt and fabric stores.
Go to www.pat-e-patterns.com to see their whole line of patterns. E-mail lfletcher@pat-e-patterns.com or call 1-951-277-2571 for further information. Pat-e-Patterns are also distributed by Brewer Quilting & Sewing Supplies and Thimble Faire Distributors.
Boutique Fashions for Kids!
Children’s fashions took center stage at Quilt Market in Pittsburgh. New designers and fun fabrics were introduced at the show. Indygo Junction has released eight pattern designs for children over the past year.
The Uptown Tops and Trousers IJ821 and Teatime Dress & Coat IJ820 are airing on this season’s Sewing with Nancy series. The garments offer a variety of techniques with machine embroidery and stenciling showcased on the program.
The Shoulder Tie Topper IJ827 is a topseller, as it is a quick and easy, yet stylish design. It is comfortable and versatile -- worn for cooler weather with a coordinating tee shirt. The designer quilting fabrics currently on the market accentuate the boutique style. But why not try the Shoulder Tie Topper in batiks for a unique and different look! Childrens’ fashions can be great examples for teaching sewing methods.
The Jane and Sally IJ825 apron is a great pattern to teach the basics of bias binding with tools and machine methods for a professional finished detail.
Most of the patterns on the market are for little girls, but do not forget sewing for little boys. The Jack & Jill Jammies IJ842 offers year-round pajama separates for boys and girls. Sewing for the whole family is fun!
To order, contact Indygo Junction at 1-913-341-5559 or visit www.indygojunction.com.
Reprinted from SQE Professional, July 2009 |
