Terms to know

Stitching in the Ditch - means stitching on the right side, in pressed-open seams, to fasten another piece of fabric underneath. Done with matching thread and regular stitch length, it is invisible on the outside because it disappears into the "ditch" of the seam.

Flat felled or Felled seam - This is how it's done:          A flat felled seam is always worked in two steps: First place fabric edges right sides together and stitch seam. Press seam with both seam allowances turned in one direction. Trim away the under seam allowance, fold in edge of wider top seam allowance, baste over trimmed allowance and stitch in place close to edge.

Flattering Skirt Styles

To choose skirt styles appropriate for your body shape! First identify your body characteristics . We will cover a few styles in each newsletter.

• Small waist: Fitted waistlines are best
• Large waist: Choose elasticized waistlines in the back, with just enough ease to comfortably fit over the hips and waist.
• Short waist. Select narrow waistband, on waistline to make upper body look more proportionally longer. Skirts with dropped waistlines also achieve this effect. 
• Long waist: Choose wider waistbands. Mid calf length help visually lengthen the lower body.

*Tip* 

• Gored skirts help camouflage large derrieres.
•  For full stomachs and abdomens: Do not tuck tops into tight waistbands and avoid belted and belts. 

Take control of your sewing

Think things through for yourself. Pattern directions and instructions are meant to be a guideline, not the "be all, end all" way to put a garment together.

Just as you would think through the choices of fabric, notions as well as the steps it takes to construct a garment or project.

Think through the garment. Are there any pockets, collars, zips, buttons?

Then start where it would be the most logical to start. I like to sew with as much of my fabric still in flat position, for instance a jacket with welt pockets: 

• Welt pockets 
• Shoulder seams
• Collar
• Side seams
• Sleeves
• Lining?

If you got yourself going by making a short list in what you think you should do first, it become a natural thing on how you like to sew it together. It's almost like training a child to make a cup of tea.

Enjoy it!!!

 

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Online Classes

We had a very good response to our Online Sewing Classes and it seems as everyone is enjoying themselves. We will have another run of all the classes in July and September later this year. For more information on this classes, please go to ONLINE CLASSES. We will keep you posted.

 

SWP News

We have just presented Pattern Making Classes in Hamilton (Fabric Barn) and Auckland (The Home Show) and will also visit Whangarei (Fabric Barn) on 23-24 April. These cities are in New Zealand. As promised in our previous Newsletter, our itinerary for presenting pattern making classes for the rest of 2004 is as follows:

Australia

• Perth: 20-23 May - Needlework & Craft Fair (Burswood)
• Perth: 26-29 May - Lincraft (Whitford City)
• Adelaide: 2-5 June - Lincraft (City centre)
• Sydney: 15-19 June - Lincraft (City centre)
• Sydney: 23 - 27 June - Needlework & Craft Fair 
• Melbourne: 21 - 25 July - Lincraft (City Centre)
• Melbourne: 29 July - 1 Aug - Needlework & Craft Fair (Geoff's Shed)
• Melbourne: 4 - 7 August - Lincraft (Alternative stores)
• Canberra: 12-15 August - Needlework & Craft Fair (Exhibition Park)
• Brisbane: 20-24 October - Needlework & Craft Fair (South Bank)
• Brisbane: 27-30 October - Lincraft (City Store)

England

• Surrey: 17-19 September - The Stitch & Creative Crafts Show
• Exeter: 23-26 September -  Creative Stitches Show
• Birmingham: 30 Sept-3 Oct -  The National Knit, Stitch and Creative Needlecrafts Show 
• London: 7-10 October -  Knitting & Stitching Fair at Alexandra Palace

New Zealand

• New Plymouth: 27-28 August - Fabric Barn
• Auckland (Henderson): 3-4 September - Fabric Barn

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Specials!!

Buy two and get one FREE! For a limited time......until 30 April you can buy any two of our three Special Editions (Children's, Men's and Classic) and receive the latest Supplement nr 252 absolutely FREE. This is a saving of US$ 22. To order please click on the ORDER link and select any two of the Special editions and we will also dispatch supplement 252 or any other supplement of your choice to you.  

 

Lutterloh supplement 

The latest Supplement (Nr 252) is now available. In there, you will find the following interesting patterns:

• A denim dress that could be a casual coat or shorten it for a cool jacket
•  Wow....a nice asymmetrical skirt with interesting pockets and a cute blouse ruche's up in front darts
• A very flirty skirt " fitted full circle" and a nice Cowl Top
• Nice shift dress pattern in stretch fabric and a very stylish jacket to go to a wedding
• Fuller figure: There are a few smart outfits to do including a coat, jacket, skirts and a dress
• Evening wear: An elegant halter neck evening dress - slim fitted
• Maternity wear: Nightie/Slip with nice easy flowing Dressing Gown
• Children: A real little princess dress for flower girls at a wedding 

The 40 patterns are available for US$22 plus shipment. You can also subscribe for a full year and receive 4 supplements of 40 patterns each for US$68 plus postage. To order please go to ORDER and follow the instructions.

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