Cutting Line Design Patterns, Events and Announcements II

[Karendee]

Sounds like such a wonderful workshop! I know it was a great treat with such special teachers.

Karend

[joanier]

I, too, had a wonderful time in Asheville.  I think I gained a lot of confidence relative to sewing for myself and I got a pair of Louise's tapered one-seams to fit and I'm very happy with them.  I can't wait to make another pair.  The first pair was a wearable muslin and while I liked the fabric, they are linen and it's much too cold to wear them here in the winter.  So, I will make some more and save the linens for next summer.  I also picked up some Bemberg Rayon in off-white and black and will make some pant liners in a basic one-seam with perhaps narrower elastic to wear with the pants and make them a bit warmer.  I think I like that idea better than lining ande then I can pick and choose whether to wear them or not based on the weather.

Joyce's fabrics are to die for, but I already knew that.  I've just had trouble getting the confidence to cut into a nice (i.e., above $8/yd.) piece of fabric.    I will probably still make wearable muslins and seek out more reasonably priced fabric for that, but I think I may be getting up enough nerve to use some of the nicer pieces.  I think I will take more time and really love what I make if I use the better quality materials.

I also had met Louise a number of times but never Linda Lee.  I have found that I love her patterns and so far am finding them to fit a bit better  (maybe it's just the style) than some of the more loosely structured patterns Louise designs  Nonetheless, I am thrilled with my one-seams and know I will use it as a basic many times.  It feels great to have that pattern and know it fits and I can just cut it out and sew it up.

[Barbara Mock]

Hi there,

Sue and I had a great time in Asheville too, as always.   Sometimes we will drive over from Georgia, just to shop at Waechters.   Nice to meet everyone, what a great group of ladies.   

I have finished up my two projects I was working on, a plaid linen By Popular Demand shirt/jacket, I have made that pattern over and over again.   Also, started out with a quilted and woven Ikina jacket, the quilted fabric was too stiff for an Ikina though, so I came home and recut the armholes and sleeves into a conventional set in sleeve jacket.   It all worked out fine, but was more work than it would have been if I had used a fabric and pattern that were more compatable. 

Joyce did a great job feeding and organizing for us.  The food was wonderful.  Her shop was loaded with beautiful fabrics.  Louise and Linda gave some good demos on different topics, they both had trunk shows and allowed us to try on their clothes.   If anyone ever has the opportunity to study with these ladies, just go for it.   It was so much fun and a good learning experience too.     

[Velma42 (Barbara)]

Barbara, your jacket was beautiful!  I'm glad you were able to rework it as it was such a great idea.  I agree with you on learning from Linda and Louise.  They are so helpful.  Wish we had more time with them!!!

The Other Barbara

[Karendee]

Asheville Workshop Attendees,

All this wonderful conversation about your weekend is really making me wish I had been there. If possible, would you post some pics from the event. I'd love to see some of the clothes and what you all made. I've seen Terri's pics  and they were great.

Thanks,
Karen d

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Mornin' all,

Sun is up and so am I....this is the first day this year that I only have one page of things to do!

First up is to get 2 of the new 'Shapes' garments illustrated for the envelope cover and sent off so one of the next pattern can go to the printers.  It will be called 'Four Good Measure'.....so the first 6 patterns will be complete (number 'four' design had been rejected when the first set came out).

Second, get out the last of the orders that came in while I was gone. Four trips to the post office....I stopped counting at 300 packages! Patterns have gone to England, Australia, Canada, Denmark, and South Africa.

Third, pull the sewing room back together...all the samples I take when I do Expos and Retreats now need to get back into order and put away until the retreats start in January.

Fourth, sew, sew, sew, sew, sew, sew, sew... I have missed just sewing...not the kind when I am drafting/writing the instructions/drawing the step by step illustrations...just sewing for fun!

In the mix of everything on the cutting table I saw the new issue of Threads...the White Shirt Challenge is in this issue (starting on page 30)....not quite sure why all 5 of the Editors white shirts were not in the same issue, but as I understand 3 are in this one and the next issue will have the other 2. The Editors received the invitation for the challenge in (I think) May. I found a tiny, tiny pique at another vendor booth while doing the Martha Pullen Sewing Expo in Dallas mid June. I planned what I would do while on the road...we where told that there had to be tips included...at least 3...I had very little time at home before I would be back out teaching.....I was on the road for over 30 days straight starting July 5th...so, when I was home the shirt and article for my part had to be done in short order. I sent my shirt...'A Subtle Twist'...in with 'how to change a pattern for a "cut on" facing to reduce bulk'...'echo stitching'.....I have seen this pretty accent on Ellen Tracy and St John's designs and the 'scrunch collar'...seen on Eskandar shirts. When I received the galley for my article I noticed that they had the step by steps to make the 'scrunch collar' but not the illustrations or patterns I drew to change a shirt pattern.

I asked if the pattern pieces and additional explanations could be on their website....and it is. http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00261.asp
If you plan to do this addition, I have found in the second illustration (on the website) for the collar piece has a little 'hiccup'...the collar should be 8" high and then the 5/8" added to the top and bottom. The illustrations shows the 8" includes the top and bottom 5/8"...that would make the finished collar only 3 3/8" high...now granted....the collar can be made any height...but the pattern illustration and the copy is not the same and can cause confusion. I am going to email them and see if they can change it on the website...it is a very small change...but I didn't want anyone to try it and not succeed in getting the look in the article.

Well, I better close....Twinkie is trying to walk across the keyboard. He is doing much better...it has been since late July when he contracted an upper respiratory and inner ear infection...odd for a totally inside kitty.  But he is now totally deaf....balance has been off, so jumping on a chair or bed is just starting to come again now that he is getting more self assured.

Off to get another cup of coffee and tackle #1 on the list...till later, Louise   

[PatTM]

I'm another happy attendee at the Asheville retreat!  I echo all the other nice comments about the event.  It is really quite satisfying to be with people who share your interest in sewing and Linda and Louise are absolutely the best as leaders of this type of event.  Joyce, and her staff at Waechter's outdid themselves as the hosts.  Joyce is so lucky to have each and every one of them and they are all fortunate to have each other as a resource.    The store is a great place to purchase fabrics from- either in person or online.

It was great to meet a lot of the ladies who post here- like Barbara, Alice and Terri.   I hope Terri changes her mind about posting here.  It would be a loss to lose her comments and input here.

I think these type patterns- CuttingLine Design and Sewing Workshop and Shapes-  are a step above the others in terms of style and instructions, but I also think they require a bit of education about the way they should fit and look.   If you are a bit (and more)  past the teen years and  looking for a contemporary look that is a bit fashion forward these patterns work very well.   If you want the same old, same old- stick with the Big 4.  Just MHO. 

Pat

 

[Barbara Mock]

Hi Pat,   Here are a couple of photos of my efforts from Asheville.   The plaid shirt is a variaton of By Popular Demand.   The jacket is machine knit and pieced and quilted.   It started out as and Ikina, but the quilted fabric was too stiff to drape properly, so I came home and recut the sleeves and armholes into a standard set in shape.

[PatTM]

Barbara- The shirt turned out lovely, but that jacket is absolutely wonderful!  Great job!

[Alice in Bama]

Barbara,


      GREAT JOB!  2 of my favorite patterns too.  I have not done any sewing since I got back had the brite notion of painting my sewing room when I got back but have decided its just to close to the holidays to do that I am going to clean it up put my sewing machine up and get busy . My daughter  had a big surprise when I came home I am going to be Grandma  again so I've got to think about that but not till after the holidays and she through the first trimester

so i will go get to work

Alice

[Karendee]

Barbara,

The tops are absolutely great. Explain to us how you did the 2nd combination fabric and edge detail. Is the fringe just the fiber of the fabric? Did you do the piecing on the front or did the fabric come that way? I'd love more pictures and some details. Beautiful  absolutely beautiful.

Alice,

Congratulations on the new GB and painting your sewing room. You'll be situated in your freshly painted sewing room stitching up clothes for the baby. Enjoy your room and the family news.

Karen

[Alice in Bama]

I know this has nothing to do with Louise patterns but DD went to her first of many ob appointment yesterday and she is due The 28 of June I am putting the painting off till after the first of the year

Alice in bama

[Barbara Mock]

Hi Alice and Karen,   Thanks for the comments on my projects.   I am going to post some more photos and talk about what went into the jacket.   Will post over in the Wearable Art thread.   I hate to take over Louise's topic with this.

Alice, how great for you to be having a new grandchild.   You can start making baby things soon. 

[Karendee]

Barbara,

I commented on the art clothing thread, but I want to post again. You look just beautiful in your smart, trendy, work of art. I am mesmerized your creation. And I appreciated learning about the construction of the top as I have done quite a bit of fiber arts, also.

Again, fantastic job!
Karen

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Dear Barbara and all,

I had to go find your finished art work! I usually don't venture out of my little pattern chat area...took a bit to find where it was. Gee, there is a lot of stuff ladies are talking and showing...I need to get out more...some fun stuff out there! Barbara, you did a fine job. I know how hard you worked on it and it shows.

I have been sewing up a storm myself. It has been so long just to sew for fun. Three pairs of One Seam's to match outfits, a 'High Five' jacket in an Asian cotton print (I made it 4" longer...just wanted to play with lengths and proportions), a wool crepe 'ABO' top made 3" longer to go under a boucle 'High Five' jacket I finished about a month ago...again with proportions...I wanted the little 'ABO' top to be a longer layer than the jacket.  And started to sew another jacket that I cut out in a heavier black wool to match a pair of lined One Seam's. I found with all the traveling I have to do over the winter and early spring months, my 'winter' clothes really aren't 'winter' enough, so I have been making some new fun things. 

I have to fly to Cleveland in early Dec. to film with Sue Hausmann and I had to get the samples and 'step-outs' completed also...so that much more sewing this week. I figured I can wear one of the new outfits for the filming.  I fly in early Sunday, Dec 7 and plan to spend the afternoon at Janie's Sewing Center in Cleveland showing some of the new Shapes garments.  Then, it is to the hotel to have dinner with Sue and then bright and early Monday morning filming, head to the airport and back home Monday night. As short a time in the winter north as I can....just too many years growing up....up there .

Well, I wanted to start on the black wool jacket...but it is too late in the day to sew on black. I have the room flooded in Ott lights plus those little lights that different companies are selling that glue to the side of your machine....I have one on each of my sewing machines and sergers....who ever came up with those, my hat is off to them. They are the coolest things I have seen in a long time. It really isn't to late to sew on black...I just have been at it for about 10 hours today, and have some Retreat paper work that needs to be filed...plus a little fuzzy kid need to be fussed with.

Keep me posted as to what everyone is sewing. till later, Louise



   

   

[Barbara Mock]

Thank you so much, Louise!

I have been looking over my newest Louise pattern, Ebb and Flow.   Just had a thought, I might try one of them as a jacket, by just opening down the front.   What do you think, Louise?  Can't wait to try these new patterns.    Barb

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Boy did I get side tracked yesterday afternoon...I was in the middle of drafting a new 'CLD' pattern, but my mind started to travel to other patterns and details...and I was off digging in my pattern drawers. Years ago when an old Clothworld (miss that store) was changing over to a Joann's, all their brand new pattern cabinets (Clothworld had just put them in) were for sale at $10 a cabinet (I told you it was years ago! ) so I purchased 2 of them. When I closed my store, during the sale of fabric, buttons etc., people were asking about fixtures...the pattern cabinets were the first to go...and they didn't go for $10.00! People even bought the slatwall...but I digress.

Anyway, as I started to look through...this was not easy...the drawers were so full I could not even see the covers of the envelopes. I had to pull stacks out to file drawers and look through them...as I did, the thought went through my head....'what were you thinking???!!!!'...'didn't I just see this one in another drawer?' (OK, I found 4 of the same pattern in various sizes...don't know what that means, I have never been a 6-8, but you bought 4 of the same pattern!)...'just how many tailored jackets (insert camp shirts, pants, skirts, from how many designers do you need?'... anyway, I started in the first drawer, I pulled all my 'CLD' patterns together and all the 'Shapes' patterns....and if Linda Lee ever needs some of the very first Sewing Workshop patterns...I think I have all of them...back when they started in the huge envelopes!

I pulled up a chair and a box and started to pitch...I figured I would be there maybe a half hour or hour at the most...but, I ran out of boxes and now have 13 stacks of  2 foot high patterns ready for Sandy to go through on Tuesday. So many are from the '70s and 80's (gathered tops of sleeves...always a good look...NOT )...some 'evening' patterns (ya, lot of use there) and some patterns that came along with the 'real one' I wanted on eBay to sweeten the deal. Others, I'm sure I really had something in mind at the time...but not any more, my taste and life style has really changed...and then again...many, many, many were 'what were you thinking???!!!!'

Well, that was about 5 hours and 8 drawers of patterns to look through. I got all the Miyake patterns together...almost the complete collection of them....and many early Claude Montana...still have to get them pulled together and in one place...And I seem to have quite a few of Lois and Diane's patterns. It was a interesting afternoon...and a cool way to walk down memory lane.

Well, back to drafting today...making sure I don't bump into the stacks or all will fall over like domino's.

Till later, Louise

[makeupmaven]

Louise,

I saw your segment with Sue Hausmann on collars earilier in the week.  I do not remember you saying where the grain line is on the redrawn collar pattern.  Please clarify.
Thanks,
Gail

[reanns]

Louise - don't forget the sewing ladies here in St. Kitts - they would be thrilled to have any patterns to work with - even if they are 20 years old!  And they are home-dec crazy.  These folks change their curtains and valences and bed spreads and pillows with the season.  And their fabric choices are so limited.  So if you're feeling like just tossing, please toss this way!

ReAnn Scott
U.S. Peace Corps
Basseterre
St. Kitts, WI

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I saw your segment with Sue Hausmann on collars earlier in the week.  I do not remember you saying where the grain line is on the redrawn collar pattern.  Please clarify.

I guess quite a few did. I have had several e-mails privately and a few phone calls about the collar. The grain line is on the fold at the center back...top collar...the under collar is the one that has a seam and actually ends up somewant on the bias.

The yellow booklet Expert Tips and Techniques Collection II has how to do a collar from another pattern start to finish and so does the DVD part 1. If a collar is included in the design from one of my Cutting Line Design patterns, the collar has already been changed for the 'rolled seam' technique.

Reann...as soon as I get my drafting completed, I will send you off a big box of patterns...and the good ones...I know you said they are about 60-70 years behind, but they don't have to look like it! I include some cool stuff, but wearable for the tropics.

till later, Louise   

[reanns]

Louise - I love you!  And so will the my ladies. 

Hope you and everyone else had a Happy Thanksgiving.  I hosted dinner for 10 (doesn't seem to matter where I live, my house ends up being 'home.')  I had about 1/2 PCVs and 1/2 locals and everyone ate till they couldn't move.  So a successful Thanksgiving dinner.  Even found an 18-lb Butterball at the local store - just cost about $65 US.  But was worth it.  Now we all hunker down and prepare for Carnivale!  Since I live right downtown and on the parade(s) main route, I have located my ear plugs and even thinking of moving out of downtown for a few days.  Understand the noise, music (?) and celebrations go 24/7 for a solid week - yippee!

ReAnn

[LyndaC]

Louise, if you can spare any of your fantastic patterns for the sewing school in Haiti, we would make excellent use of them.  The mission school students do not like pants, so I will have to pass on the famous oneseams.  Most of the students are extremely underweight, so I am thinking the smaller cut tops would be appreciated if you can spare one.   I laminate them in plastic so they will withstand the humidity and heat, so only one of any style would be SO appreciated!  You have my address.  I can send you a tax charitable contribution donation.  If you don't have any to spare, I certainly understand. 

You are still tops.

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Dear LindaC and Reann,

I sit here with Twinkie's help trying to write that both of you will be getting a package. Not sure when yours will get there Reann...major destinations get there in about a week-10 days airmail. I tried to put in what I think would be best for your ladies. No pants for Linda and smaller sizes and for Reann many patterns that would work for your ladies.

I had many duplicates...some were my error...you like them once you liked them twice...but others were for testing a size range for an article or teaching a class...I had to have them from the smallest to the largest size...that is my story and I am sticking to it!!!! So you both received some of the same patterns plus some additional goodies.

The rest  of the patterns, if in tact were given to my local Goodwill or if cut to shreds will become shipping box stuffing instead of 'popcorn'. They were evening gowns/tailored suits or jackets/extremely high fashion designer/major altered/pieces missing, etc.)

I am off to get to the UPS and post office. till later, Louise

 

[LyndaC]

Louise, I enjoy you as a person and I applaud you as a master pattern designer.  Now I am even more appreciative of you.   The future students and this school have gone to my heart.  I will thank you every time I use your patterns in Haiti. 

I could also use some prayers!  I understand what voodoo and witchcraft have done to the people there, but God has the greater power. 

[Alice in Bama]

     I was altering a brides maid dress hem  . Guess  "ya" wonder what this got to do with Louise Cutting   This is what it has to do with it  I use here tectonic on  a rolled hem .
by machine it work great having Louise sitting on my shoulder in my sewing room is a great Help
  Sorry I have not posted in a long time but was out of town for a while  then  had some personal family problem when I got back and the site did not want to take my pass word so a number of thinks have keep me from having time to post but I am now back sewing and posting hopefully

 Karen ,

   Did you get Louise Pattern that you want have you made any thing from it yet want to see pictures when you do

till later

Alice

[Karendee]

Alice,

Sorry things have been out of sorts for you lately. Hopefully everything will settle down for the holidays. I did want to share with you that Carole's (from Atlanta) husband passed away recently. She posts here on GRITS and I'm sure you know her. Anyway, back to my sewing......I have the pattern but have not done any sewing recently. I read about everyone's progress religiously, but have just not been inspired to stitch a stitch. Hopefully, I'll get going after the first of the yr. Thanks for the post; I've been wondering where you were.

Karen

[Terri K]

Dropping in to say Happy Holidays to every one of Louise's fans and Louise wherever you are!   

I enjoyed sewing three different Ebb blouses in November.   I returned yesterday from a long weekend in balmy Charleston SC where the camellias are in bloom.   Check my blog Sew Terri regularly to see more about those and what I'm inspired by and sewing these days.   


I'm wearing the white Ebb blouse in the photo

[marciae]

I love the looks of the Ebb blouse.  I'm 5'2 - would it be easy to shorten?  And what about a FBA??
Thanks
Marcia

[Linda Dean]

Terri,
I really like the look of the Ebb top on you.  I don't have that pattern yet.
Glad to see you post again.
Linda

[Terri K]

Marcia,  I'm 5'5" and the finished back length measured at center back of the Ebb, size small (size I used) is 28".   You can just fold up the pattern on the front bottom piece and back piece to take out the length.    I don't think the tops require a FBA, but I'll let Louise answer that.    The finished Ebb bust measurement on the small is 41 3/8".    I just loved how the top went together and how nicely they are finished.   

I'm working on the Flow in the same white jacquard cotton.  That one has more ease than the Ebb.  The size small bust is 45 3/4", but then it has cut on sleeves and a back pleat.   To see the difference, here's the drawing from the envelope.

[vtmartha]

Lovely blouses, Terri.  That's a style I would enjoy wearing as well.  I'm trying to remember which blouse you are wearing in your avatar.  Is that one you made as well?

[marciae]

Thanks Terri - I may have to order that pattern - even though I "swore" NO more patterns or fabric!!!

[miranda]

Louise, just have to say that I've used (twice) the narrow hem technique you demonstrated on the Threads DVD and have been thrilled with it.  So much easier than how I was doing it before!  Not really on topic, sorry, just wanted to say.

Miranda

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Whoa! I get busy and you gals are off and racing! Posting, posting, posting....I have been knee deep for the past couple of weeks.

Flew to Cleveland to film and no sooner did I get back I was drafting the next several Shapes patterns and illustrating the envelope covers. Linda and I hope to have most, if not all out before Puyallup. Speaking of Puyallup...they are doing something new this year...some of the teachers are teaching 2 different classes. In years past a teacher was selected to teaching only one class all days. I will be teaching the One Seam Pants class twice...last year I taught it 4 times and had 200 in each of the classes. So with a 100% capacity they selected it again for 2 classes and then a new class this year called 'Cutting and Pasting'. 

Linda and I also have been selected to have a fashion show each day with all 3 pattern lines. Cutting Line Designs, Shapes, and Sewing Workshop. That means 45 outfits in 45 minutes...that is a top, bottom, and a jacket or vest for each outfit. So we have all been busy with figuring out what would be produced between mid Dec and Mid Feb. eek!!!

Anyway, I hope you all have a great holiday season...and I also hope to see many of you at retreats or sewing expos around the country in 2009. All the best, till later, Louise

p.s....thanks for the nice comment on the DVD and what you all have been up to with your sewing. I love Ebb and Flow it looks great on everyone...winter fabric or summer...and all the gals at Janie's Sewing Corner in Cleveland had them on and had a tea for me when I arrived Sunday afternoon.

[corinne kelly]

Terri-
 Love the Ebb tops!!!  Checked out your blog and you have been a busy girl for sure.  I am glad to see you back here posting.

Louise or anyone that can answer-
I do have a question about the new pattern (Ebb).  Are the sleeves dropped or at the shoulder line?  I already have very narrow shoulders and look pretty sad in drop shouldered designs.  I do really like the design.  I guess I could change that aspect....