Products, Books, & Patterns

September 15, 2021

What I’m Sewing: Pretty Peplum Top

Q. Item Created
A. Knit Top

Q. Independent Pattern Designer
A. Pamela’s Patterns, Pamela Ligett

Q. Name and Number of Pattern
A. Pretty Peplum Top

Q. Fabric Used:
A. Light stretch knit

Q. Special Embellishments/Notions Used
A. Stretch lace for sleeves

Q. Skill level required?
A. Moderate

Q. Are the instructions easy to follow?
A. Yes, including the fitting of proportions

Q. Are you pleased with the finished result? Did it meet your expectations?
A. Very please and have received many compliments!

Q. Did it look like the picture?
A. Better with lace sleeves

Q. Did you make any modifications in the pattern?
A. Used stretch lace for the sleeves instead of the knit fabric

Q. Are there any changes you would have made?
A. None

Q. Did the pattern teach you any unique or special techniques?
A. Some good info and techniques about fitting

Q. Would you make this again?
A. Definitely

Q. Would you recommend this pattern to others?
A. Yes

Pattern Link: https://pamelaspatterns.com/products/114-pretty-peplum-top?_pos=1&_psq=PEPLUM&_ss=e&_v=1.0

~Cheryl Huckerby

July 12, 2021

What I’m Sewing: Alyce Blouse

Linda Jensen from the ASG Lake County Chapter shares her experience making this great-fitting blouse from Silhouette Patterns.

Q. Item Created
A. Blouse

Q. Independent Pattern Designer
A. Silhouette Patterns

Q. Name and Number of Pattern
A. Alyce Blouse #621

Q. Fabric Used:
A. Stretchy knit, but a wide variety of fabrics can be used

Q. Special Embellishments/Notions Used
A. None

Q. Skill level required?
A. All levels

Q. Are the instructions easy to follow?
A. Yes, they are easy to follow. There is also a YouTube of making the top that is helpful. Be sure you mark all notations of the letters to put it together.

Q. Are you pleased with the finished result? Did it meet your expectations?
A. I got a blouse that was very different from the usual plain blouse, which is what I wanted.

Alyce Blouse Pattern from Silhouette Patterns. Sold exclusively at Fit2Stitch.com

Q. Did it look like the picture?
A. Yes

Q. Did you make any modifications in the pattern?
A. No

Q. Are there any changes you would have made?
A. No

Q. Did the pattern teach you any unique or special techniques?
A. I learned that I needed to use knit interfacing when using very stretchy fabric.

Q. Would you make this again?
A. Yes

Q. Would you recommend this pattern to others?
A. Yes

Pattern Link: https://www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/patterns/p_621.htm
* Pattern found exclusively at http://www.fit2stitch.com/p_621.html

~Linda Jensen, ASG Lake County Chapter

October 30, 2020

Sew Special Gifts

It’s never too early to start thinking about fun little holiday giftables for your sewing BFFs. They don’t have to cost a lot, but the sentiment of “thinking of you” is what’s important. So check out some fun things we hope our sewing besties might think about sending our way!

Sewing & Vintage Thimble Necklace

Letting the world know you love sewing is easy with these beautiful on-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Some come with scissors, some with thimbles and all with heirloom looking sewing notions on beautiful chains for dressing up or just wearing to your favorite ASG group meetings. Most components are repurposed, from thimbles, beads and buttons to jewelry findings, bits of fabric and even chandelier parts and skeleton keys. In addition, the company will create custom pieces from your own components—a great way to showcase your vintage sewing items or special family items. Sizes and metal finishes vary, but I bet you can’t settle for just one. www.blingmyneedles.net, prices vary

BladeSaver Thread Cutter

This colorful plastic holder turns used rotary cutter blades in a practical thread cutter for sewing. Whether you’re a quilt bock chain piecer or sewing multiples of a charity project, this handy cutter sits next to your machine and separates pieces in no time. Available in multiple colors. www.purplehobbies.com, $18

Threads of Life

Learn about the importance of sewing and needlework in our world history. From the famed Bayeux Tapestry to the traveling AIDS quilts, sewing and stitchery have been prominent means of expression for both men and women for centuries. Snuggle up for some great reading about our favorite pastime. Available in both hardcover and paperback; 320 pages. www.abramspress.com, $26/$17

Clever Zippered Pouches

You can never have enough zippered pouches, especially if you travel with your sewing friends, as they’re an easy way to keep things corralled. These cute 3 ¾” x 5 ½” and 7 ½” x 5 ½” lined zippered pouches are made of 100% organic cotton with three clever quips—Riveting Things Inside, Sewing is my Superpower and These Feet are Made for Walkin’. They’re ideal for storing presser feet, small sewing tools, spring clips and even basic cosmetics. These bags have a humanitarian side as well as they’re made at WORK+SHELTER in India, which pays a sustainable wage to the women who make them. www.emmalinebags.com, $12.99

Sweet Thoughts

Sewers and food always seem like a match made in heaven, so why not have a little fun with it? Gift these cute cookie stamps and set a fun theme for your next sewing get-together. The grouping included three food-grade silicone stamps, an acrylic handle and a yummy cookie recipe. The stamps say “Sew Happy,” “Material Girl” and “Sassy Stitcher.” www.sayitwithapplique.com, $12.95

True Confessions

OK, admit it…you and your friends are addicted to fabric, so why not proudly tell the world about it with this fun handcrafted sterling silver charm? Add the 13/16” pendant to a chain, cord or a charm bracelet. If you have other “issues,” there’s probably a necklace for that as well, or the company can do customized pendants to meet your needs. www.jessicas-gifts.com, $18

On your Mark…

Whether you’re marking your favorite spot in a new book, or highlighting where you are in the pattern directions, this set of three die-cut vintage sewing machine Sew Cute Bookmarks is handy as can be. The machines are made of plastic and measure 1 ¾” x 3 ¼” each. They’ll tuck right into anyone’s holiday stocking! www.itssewemma.com, $9.98

Card Tricks

If you’re looking for a sewing or quilting themed card for your sewing BFF, look no further than this site. The cleverly quipped 4 ¼” x 5 ½” offerings are blank inside so you can personalize them. One favorite (food related, of course) is “All you need today is a little bit of chocolate and a whole lot of fabric!” www.katicupacke.com, $4.99

~Linda Griepentrog
Linda is the owner of G Wiz Creative Services and she does writing, editing and designing for companies in the sewing, crafting and quilting industries. In addition, she escorts fabric shopping tours to Hong Kong. She lives at the Oregon Coast with her husband Keith, and two dogs, Yohnuh and Abby. Contact her at gwizdesigns@aol.com.

May 8, 2020

What I’m Sewing: Pamela’s Patterns Jacket #121

For nearly a year, we have been featuring articles on independent pattern designers and their companies. Now it’s your turn to tell us who you are sewing and share your experiences. In this first article, Princeton Chapter President, Joen Venitsky, tells us about her experience making a jacket from Pamela Leggett’s collection of Pamela’s Patterns. She used a knit animal print which is so popular this year.

If you are an ASG member and have a favorite pattern from an independent designer, we would love to hear from you. Go to the Members Only area and complete the What I’m Sewing pattern review form. We are looking forward to seeing your creations and hearing of your experiences!

What I’m Sewing

JoenVenitsky - Pamela' s Patterns #121 — Pamela’s Patterns #121

I have attended a number of classes with Pamela Leggett and have loved every one of them. When her new Cascade Cardi or Blazer pattern came out, I knew I just had to try it. I was not disappointed.

Q. Item Created
A. Jacket

Q. Independent Pattern Designer
A. Pamela’s Patterns

Q. Name and Number of Pattern
A. #121 Cascade Cardi or Blazer

Q. Fabric Used
A. Ponte Knit

Q. Special Embellishments/Notions Used
A. Gold Button and Interfacing

Q. Skill level required?
A. Intermediate to Advanced Beginner

Q. Are the instructions easy to follow?
A. Yes, Pamela’s Patterns have great fitting and pattern adjustment tips to help you get the perfect fit. The pattern includes a full bust pattern piece, which I used and was happy I didn’t have to do a full bust adjustment. You Tube video references are also included throughout the instructions for certain pattern details.

Q. Are you pleased with the finished result? Did it meet your expectations?
A. Yes, I was very pleased with the results and how the jacket looked.

Q. Did it look like the picture?
A. I believe it did with the exception of the contrasting sleeve and collar detail.

Q. Did you make any modifications in the pattern?
A. No, thankfully the full bust pattern piece was included with the pattern.

Q. Are there any changes you would have made?
A. I would like to try the tapered sleeve on my next blazer for summer when I would wear a cami or tank underneath.

Q. Did the pattern teach you any unique or special techniques?
A. Wrapped corner technique, which I did not know was taught by Nancy Zieman, and as Pamela states is life changing!

Q. Would you make this again?
A. Absolutely! It’s a great way to add to my wardrobe.

Q. Would you recommend this pattern to others?
A. Yes, if you are looking for a comfortable knit jacket or cardi to add to your wardrobe, this pattern is for you!

This pattern may be purchased at PamelasPatterns.com. Don’t forget that Pamela offers ASG members a discount which can be found on the Special Offers page. Not a members? Join today!

~Joen Venitsky, Princeton ASG Chapter President

December 27, 2019

Cozying up to Cotton

Cotton boll image Cotton is the natural fiber from the seedpod of the cotton plants. This versatile fiber is used to make well over 90 different fabrics from calico to canvas, charmeuse to denim, velveteen, poplin, cotton jersey and much more. Cotton fabrics can be silky or rough, smooth or textured, thick or sheer, completely indestructible or lavishly luxurious. It’s soft, yet strong, is moisture absorbent and accepts dye beautifully. Cotton is also breathable, making it a great summer fabric, and is comfortable to wear. It releases odors easily, making it the perfect fabric to use in workout wear.

On the down side, cotton shrinks, may bleed and, unless blended with something else, often ends up a wrinkled mess. To counteract some of these disadvantages, cotton fabric is commonly treated with special finishes and you may see wording on the bolt end along the lines of “water repellent,” “shrink resistant,” “durable press” and more.

Pre-shrinking

Many cottons will shrink the first 2-3 times they are washed so taking time to pre-shrink your fabrics (and notions, interfacings and linings too!) will help to prevent potential problems with the finished product. Even if the fabric is labeled “needle ready” or “preshrunk,” preshrinking is often still recommended to wash out any fabric treatments that could end up being skin irritants.

What to Look For

Fabric bolts When shopping for cotton yardage, look for a tight weave and straight grain. Lengthwise and crosswise threads should intersect at true right angles. Prints should be clear and printed plaids should be straight. Watch for one-way designs, nap, or luster that might require a one-way layout when cutting out your pattern. Adjust fabric yardage accordingly, keeping both shrinkage and layout in mind.

Helpful Tips

Wash your cottons in cool to warm water to prevent further shrinkage.
Don’t use fabric softener as it can dull the finish and cause fabrics to lose their shape.
Dry on low to medium heat.
Air dry flannel or, if using a dryer is necessary, use low heat.
Wash jeans inside-out in cold water and keep them out of the dryer.
If you want to avoid the iron and still have wrinkle-free clothes, intercept them halfway through the dry cycle and hang them up to complete the drying process.