Cutting Line Design Patterns, Events and Announcements

[Terri K]

Lisa I've snoop shopped the Eskandar collections and have to say that you can replicate the touch and feel of the Eskandar garments with fabrics from many of the swatching sources.   I believe that Louise sends swatches for free and shops her sources for similar fabrics to those used by Eskandar and others.   There are many fine wools that duplicate the cashmere/silk blend at a fraction of the cost and are more durable.

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Terri, what a great coat...a little later...after I look at the neck line, I'll write how to change the collar so it is 'backed away' from the center front fold of the garment. I have to keep my promise at least for one day into the New Year...get organized...with the retreat coming...eek...at the end of the month...Linda Lee staying here at my house...and no sooner  the retreat finished I'm hitting the road for the next 4 months teaching...I have to get many, many things back in order.

But it is nice to at least sit down for a few minutes to write this...I've been going for the past 6 1/2 hours, but closets, drawers, magazines, samples, etc. are getting back in order. Done are: one guest bedroom and bathroom, my sewing room (although I haven't had time to mess it up) the hall luggage closet, I'm now working on the second guest bedroom closet (getting all the Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon back where it belongs). The second guest bathroom is next.   

Why oh why do we save so much ... stuff!

till later, Louise

PS...and NO...I won't come and clean any of your closets etc .

[marciae]

I finally worked on the Stars in Heaven Jacket the past couple of day!   (It's only been cut out a couple of years!!)  It's a great pattern, but it is not intuitive at all!  However, Louises directions are to die for - I'm a 'show me' person and had to read the directions a couple of times - but they are very clear and concise!   There have been a couple of times, while using Louise's patterns, I've read directions and thought - why so detailed?  Well, now I know!   Thank you Louise for taking the time so folks at all levels can sew and make wearable clothing because of your dedication to all of us.  I also truly appreciate the time you spend on this web site answering questions for all of us in this thread and also the one seam thread. You are a real inspiration 

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Thanks marciae...I remember while teaching at one of the Expos several years ago I was talking about instructions...a lady blurted out, "I don't read directions!"...just about everyone said at the same time "your'll read Louise's directions." A few months later, the lady e-mailed me saying she now knows why you read my directions...she was sewing the top in ' Heading for Adventure' and was using the directions as a coaster for her drink! Well she sewed the lower half of the front on a) before she put in the lower buttonhole (if you sew it first...you can't get your buttonholer close at the bottom because of the seam you just sewed) and b) you can not turn the yoke to the inside without the entire front getting pulled inside the yoke and the yoke facing, around and around...oh ya, and it gets twisted also if you sew the lower half of the front before I tell you to. . She wanted  to e-mail me, thinking I would get a giggle out of it and to say just like you have...Thanks. Well, marciae thanks back to you. It is comments like that that make my day...especailly after a day like this one.

Now on the the Eskandar (by the way I will post on the One Seam chat that the answer can be found over here.

I have the ABO pattern Collar and Front here in front of me. Oh goodie, I was afraid  the pattern pieces would go flying...so Twinkie has just jumped up to sit in the middle of them....hmmm...

As far as the Front pattern piece dealing with the Collar area goes...nothing has to be done to the Front of the jacket (lower part later) Now on to the collar. There is a front fold line for each size. Find your size and fold the collar in half on YOUR collar size...the inside length of collar will be larger (that is the seam allowance) so don't touch that area. If you fold the two layers of the collar at the same time  to shorten the front of the collar area (while it is in the folded position) a 1/2" fold would make the finished garment collar edges 1" apart 5/8" will make it 1 1/4" apart and so on. (I fear if I go from this post and look at Terri's link to the Eskandar jacket I will loose all that I have written...If I see anything different, I will edit the post after taking a better look at the neckline.  With a temporary scotch tape tape the fold into position.

You now can make the jacket as the instructions say. Just make sure the collar is the same distance away from the front fold.  As I recall the collar is a bit narrower. on the Eskandar jacket..just fold the same amount down from the top edge of the collar again tape into position. Remember you have to have the 5/8" seam allowance. The top edge is the straight one. As far as the width at the hem of the coat...if you want a more 'Eskandar' wide jacket make a bigger size. Leave your neck line in your size, and  cut along the shoulder line in your size, but then go to the next size larger when you get to the armscye, put in the larger sleeve so they sleeve cap and armscye match...but you might want to shorten the hem of the sleeve a bit...granted you will roll the sleeve up, but maybe not that many times to see your hands!

I think I posted the proportions for making the Topper length of a jacket earlier...again, I don't want to go looking for it and loose this post.

Let me know if you need more help. Hey, if I am not answering your questions because I haven't been viewing the chat areas...just e-mail me to get over here.

I'm always here to help. till later, Louise

[Karla]

Louises directions are to die for

  If you want a crash course in sewing a shirt, try A Perfect Blouse.  You'll learn the most sensible, reliable way to produce a great looking man-tailored shirt, and you can transfer the techniques to other patterns....like a shirt for the man in your life.  Or men in your life.  (We won't be judgmental...     )

[marciae]

I know - I've made several shirts/blouses from her pattern .  I have probably 75% of her patterns - but - I haven't made all of them!!   They're aging with my fabric!

[MsSewCrazy]

Question regarding Points (and Pleats) fitting muslin

When your shop was open I purchased a medley of fabrics to make the Points Shirt.   The fabric calls to be sewn but every time I open the pattern envelope, I feel overwhelmed by all the different pattern pieces.  I want to make a fitting muslin out of cotton and would like to know which pattern pieces I should use for this.  Please help.  Sorry if this feels like an idiot question.  I have had to swallow my pride and just ask.  Thank you. 

[LOUISE CUTTING]

To make a muslin you will need. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (collar...you might not need to put the collar on a fitting muslin). 7-11 are the facing/button bands etc...these are not needed for the fitting.

The one thing I went over and over again was to make sure that the layout, instructions, and the printing on the individual tissue pattern pieces told the sewer how to lay out the pattern on the fabric...wrong side up  or down, glue side up or down for the interfacing...because you are working with 2 different fronts, everything has to be in the proper order so the blouse comes out right...go slow and read each step...you will be fine.

The blouse really hangs from the shoulders down...there really isn't much fitting involved. It is a bit shorter in the front...just long enough to cover the tummy and the back is a little longer to cover everything else.

The side seams wrap around to the front a bit and with the back longer...the eye of the viewer thinks your hips are as wide as the two vertical side seam lines...simply put...you just lost 10 pounds. Especially if you wear a darker color on the bottom.

'P&P' is way up there as one of my favorite patterns I designed. It is not the easiest pattern, but I am right there step-by-step so you don't get lost.  I sew a seam, write what I did and illustrate that step and then back to sewing the next step...it is a very long process, but I want your garment to look very professional. And I'm here also if you need help.

I just heard (well, yesterday morning) from Program Chairman of the Puyallup Sewing Expo that my 'Sit and Sew' class was sold out in less than a week...I am thrilled for them. With the day before event being something totally new. 

I've been told I will have 30 in the 'Sit and Sew' class  I am teaching in Louisianna in a few weeks. 

Well, it has been a long day of a constant headache, so I am off to a dark room for the rest of the night.  till later, Louise

[Doris W. in TN]

I just heard (well, yesterday morning) from Program Chairman of the Puyallup Sewing Expo that my 'Sit and Sew' class was sold out in less than a week...I am thrilled for them. Wwith the day before event being something totally new. 

I've been told I will have 30 in the 'Sit and Sew' class  I am teaching in Louisianna in a few weeks. 

I'm signed up for your MDB s&s class in Atlanta, and looking forward to it!     

[marciae]

Louise - thanks for the description of the P & P blouse.  I'm going to dig out my pattern sometime today!   It probably said all that on the pattern, but I don't remember reading it before.

[MsSewCrazy]

Thanks for the informative response.  This really helps.  I usually do not pay attention to layout since I tend to buy large chunks of fabric cutting out pattern pieces as needed.  I am so glad I asked.  I will certainly follow your layout sheet now.

As for fit, the one thing I probably will change is length.  I am 5'9" and have a bit of a long waist.  You are tall too, if I remember, and I understand most designers design for their body type. So maybe this won't be an issue. 

I can understand the class being sold out.  You are a great instructor. 
Thanks again.
Nancy P

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Dear Nancy....5'9"...grrr ...On a good day I am 5'7"., but thanks for the thinking I was tall...so yes, you should lengthen both the front and back about 2"...you may or may not want to lengthen the sleeve...if so maybe only 1".

Back to the packing for Ruston, La...trying to get all the clothes and product up there today...well out of here today.

later, Louise

[LOUISE CUTTING]

http://contourclone.com/index.html

I know nothing about this...I was going through papers and came across a scrap of paper with this website on it. It looks interesting. I'm not quite sure how the History channel would be involved...

Don't let me start to pull the year end business files out to get ready for the tax guy...I fall over cool stuff. Let me know if any of you find out anything more. I'm just wondering if the frame would 'crush' you down and in???

Till later, Louise

[Ann C]

Louise,

I'm not sure, but it sure looks interesting!  It might be a big help to those of us who are asymetrical.  My scoliosis plays havoc with fitting! 

You know, it seems like I remember seeing this before..................but I can't remember where!

[marciae]

VERY Interesting!!

[template]

Hello everyone. It is very interesting. Of course this will be a two person affair, one to wear the "gadget" and one to make the adjustments and tighten what ever they are using to keep the section together. Decide to click on vote, it took me to the History channel, when I put a search for contourclone, I received the reply that there was no such thing on the Hystory channel site. Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Hope you all had a nice Holiday season. Late this afternoon with had some snow, we are supposed to get some more over night with the night temperatures for the next couple of days in the teens. Well as my husband would say, I beleive it when I see it. Bye for now.
Jackie B (the mouse potatoe in S OR)

[dausmer]

This contest ran last year and her invention was one of the semi-finalists. She has responded to posts on PR that she is still trying to market the product.

[Terri K]

Congratulations Louise, your CLD patterns are preferred by many on this board.
Edited

[Terri K]

Hi there - everybody must be SEWING or preparing for events because it's been pretty quiet around here.   I was wondering how many of you were signed up to attend the Orlando FL Retreat with Louise Cutting and Linda Lee ?    I would have signed up but had a business conflict.   I'm dying to hear what you all did and made 

I also changed the subject line since we talk about events and announcements here as well as the patterns.  I'm heading back to the sewing chamber now and my nice warm iron.

[LyndaC]

Hi, Louise,
I just started another class, so if you have time to send me fabric samples you are currently offering to share with the ladies, I would love to show and tell.     Sounds like you are pretty busy.

Lynda

[marciae]

Bringing this to the top so Louise can find it and post about the retreat!!!

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I AM HERE... KINDA!!!...eek! cap lock left on. I am still crawling out from the retreat and getting ready for the spring shows and ASG Guild lectures around the country. No sooner did I wave bye-bye to the last of the retreat group, boxes had to be packed to head to Wichita for the 2 day event next week. Then, all the booklets needed to be printed so I had enough of them until April x 9 different booklets. Plus my foot has to be nailed to the floor to get the next booklet finished and off to the printer.

I have regular orders and special orders to fill, I had to order notions and interfacings yesterday...the retreat gals really bought and bought.

I had ordered new fabric in and I threw out about 25 cardboard bolts....yes, there will be new fabric for Tampa and Atlanta Sewing Expo. LindaC, please e-mail me what you are looking for.

I will give a full detailed retreat weekend later today or tomorrow...Linda Lee, Sandy Miller and I did not stop to make sure everyone felt good about their time with us.

till later, Louise   

[ShannonG4d]

Yay!  There will be Louise Fabric at the Expo:)
Louise, when you come out from the storm shelter, check in and let us know that you are okay. The footage from your area is pretty scary.
Shannon

[RobbieJo]

Louise,   We are praying that you are OK.   

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I heard from many of you via phone calls to the office and private e-mails. The whole event went from southwest of Orlando to northeast of the city and off to the east coast almost in a 'bias' line. And then above that line toward the north. If it would have been just a few miles toward the south of the line it traveled, yes, I would hae been in the thick of it.

Because of the events happening in the greater Orlando area, the 3 local TV stations have been covering it 24/7. The pictures that are coming out of the different areas are just awful. They look like Katrina without the water. It will be months/years for these people to pull themselves back together. Occasionally I will still see a blue tarp on a roof that is still there from the 3 hurricanes of 2 1/2 years ago that hit me.

Again, thank you for thinking of me. till later, Louise

[Lisa Laree]

Thanks for posting, Louise.  It's good to hear that *your're* ok...but how horrible for the folks who were in the storm's path.  We can get those supercell nasties here, too...scary because they just can't be completely predicted very far in advance....

[LindaE]

Louise,
Thanks for posting here..  Glad to hear you are okay..

The storms damage I have seen on the news look like storm damage we get here in OKlahoma just about every spring.

Take care..   

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Hi all, I'm back from this weeks travels, and had to get some garemnts off to be photographed for Threads this morning. Trying to dig out from all the mail that seemed to find it's way into my box in just 4 days.

Plus, the info had to be sent to make the Puyallup fashion show program deadline, and the Las Vegas Textile fashion show deadline also this morning.

The newest booklet is now at the printers and will be shown the first time at the Tampa show along with other new products.

I have orders to fill and need to get my teaching  samples back in their right piles and bagged for the upcoming shows. When you do a 2 day presentation, the samples get to be all mixed together.

I'm working like crazy today, becasue the weather for the next 2 days is supposed to be 75 and 80 degrees...sorry cold weather friends.

Let me know what you are working on, i'll check in later....will also try to get a blog up soon.

till later, Louise

[Terri K]

Hi Louise, was reading your blog about the Sewing Retreat.  Sounds like something I need to do next year!    This year I had a big conflict for that week.   Sounds like the logistics for doing the Tampa Sewing Expo later this month, then the Puyallup Sewing Show, and Atlanta in March.   Wow!

[Terri K]

I would like to invite anyone who is coming to the Tampa Sewing Expo to come visit at Louise's booth next Saturday.    I need to visit my mother who lives in Clearwater and will be over at the Tampa Convention Center that day.

[QueenBee]

Terri, that's great that you get to go see your Mom and hang with Louise a bit too!

Any time spent around Louise is good, IMHO. I know you are a big fan of her's too. Plus you'll be able to use your keen sense of style and design to let us know about her new booklet and other cool things she has with her there. I'm looking forward to seeing your posts about it next week.

Have fun!

Rene Marie

[LindaL]

I would like to invite anyone who is coming to the Tampa Sewing Expo to come visit at Louise's booth next Saturday.    I need to visit my mother who lives in Clearwater and will be over at the Tampa Convention Center that day.

Terri, I would love to be at the Tampa Sewing Expo.  Actually I would love to be living back in Florida again; having lived in Lakeland, FL about 45 minutes from Tampa.  Lucky you to spend time in Florida and with Louise!

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I look forward to seeing many of you in Tampa, Puayllup and Atlanta...in the next 3 weeks I will be home 2 1/2 days. Sandy and I packed and shipped 14 boxes yesterday to arrive in Puyallup...we get the van and pack it next on Tuesday to head to Tampa. Terri is helping Sandy and I out Sat morning in Tampa...for some reason (no matter how many times I reminded the schedular) Sandy and I are teaching at the very same time on Sat Morning in Tampa. Terri will hold down the fort until we get back from the teaching area to the booth area. I'm teaching One-Seam Pants...it always surprised me that no matter how many times I teach it around the country I always have a full class...and it takes a bit of time to get back to the Expo floor.

The new booklet will be showcased at the 3 venuesplus its related product. It won't be up on the website until I arrive home from Atlanta....web boy has a real job now....he is a financial planner with a national bank and there is no time to get pictures up...but it will be worth the wait.

If any thing looks a but odd in this note this morning, I have had a great deal of help from Twinkie...he wants to 'help' so much uyyyyyyyyyyyy7777777777.....ok so he just walked across the key board. till later, Louise 

[DeniseM]

Wish I could be with you all in Tampa. It's freezing here in D.C. But Louise, if you're at the Worcester, Mass. expo I'll probably see you there. Terri, have a really fun time in Fla. I envy your ability to get away from the cold.

[Terri K]

I've finished my ABO jacket and top and will post photo tomorrow.   I used that poly paisley mattelasse  from FabricMart that I washed and it really textured up.  I'm pretty sure that was a home dec fabric.  The heavily textured fabric made it more challenging but it really was easy hemming (with the steam-a-seam) that is recommended by Louise.   Really turned out very nice.    I used a silk/lycra knit for the top.   This is such a fast jacket to make and I would have finished it sooner but with the low temps and winds up to 50 MPH here today, I was glad that I had preempted my garment sewing and replaced my sheers with the MM fleece window liners for every window.