Cutting Line Design Patterns, Events and Announcements

[Sewshopper]

Marciae, I find that if I put a piece of Aqua Film (kind of like Saran Wrap) on top of my buttonholes they come out very smoothe.  It tends to even out the fabric and tears right off.  I put off doing buttonholes because of the feeling that the garment can now be ruined!!

Karleene

[marciae]

Marciae, I find that if I put a piece of Aqua Film (kind of like Saran Wrap) on top of my buttonholes they come out very smoothe.  It tends to even out the fabric and tears right off.  I put off doing buttonholes because of the feeling that the garment can now be ruined!!

Karleene

Just finished the buttonholes - I used the solvy and I actually didn't have a bit of trouble.  I'll sew the buttons on tonight while I listen/watch the news!  I know what you mean about the buttonholes - I have a very nice jacket hanging because the first buttonhole got messed up - in trying to take it out I now have a teeny teeny hole - black fabric.  It is on the bottom of the jacket - I could easily move the placement up a very tiny bit - patch the hole - which is hard to find - but.........    It has been this way for about 2 years now!!!

[RobbieJo]

Hmmm, contemplating the spitting Rowenta reply and it makes total sense--DUH  why didn't I think of it?  (I'm a mechanical engineer, dealing with piping and heat transfer--just on a MUCH bigger scale-- think power plants.  I am so embarrased!!!  )

As the steam sits in the steam cord or "pipe" at room temp, it will condense into water and has to go somewhere.  Pressure from the water tank (pressure vessel) will blow the water through the cord and out the steam vents on the iron making it spit.  Dunno what the pressure is in there but it is higher than atmospheric/room pressure (14.7 lbs/sq. in), that's what makes it steam and why the little screw in cap is so hefty. 

So, to remove the condensation and relieve spitting, we need to either do a "blowdown" (engineer speak for blow it out of the pipe/line) or let it run back to the vessel.  If the vessel is the lowest point, i.e. below the steam cord/pipe in a reasonably "non-tortuorus",  that is, a mostly straight path with no kinks,  the condensation will run back into the tank and viola!!! no, or greatly reduced, spitting.   So sit the tank on the floor or at a very low point, stretch the cord up and blow it out for a few seconds.  That should mostly eliminate the problem, just like Rowenta said.

Fellow sewist, you have just passed elementary heat transfer.  Congratulations! 

Rowenta should tell us these things--we aren't dumb you know    We would also like to be able to tell what the level is in the water tank instead of putting water in until it runs out, all over, and we have to clean it up.

Thanks, Louise!!!

[Doris W. in TN]

Rowenta should tell us these things--we aren't dumb you know    We would also like to be able to tell what the level is in the water tank instead of putting water in until it runs out, all over, and we have to clean it up.

Isn't that the truth!   I've mopped up more water on my carpet.   I guess we'll have to do it the old fashioned, low tech way:  put a dowel  into the tank and check the wetness level.   LOL  Why didn't I think of that before right now???

[Liana]

 I guess we'll have to do it the old fashioned, low tech way:  put a dowel  into the tank and check the wetness level.   LOL  Why didn't I think of that before right now???

This made me laugh!   Like Robbie, I'd never thought of irons in relation to larger systems, in my case, checking the fuel tanks on our farm trucks and tractors.  Yes, they have gauges, but they're not reliable, so if you really wanted to know just how much fuel you had, you got out the stick and put it in the tank to see.  We bought one truck used, and the former owner had a very 'fancy' stick.  It was marked 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and Full!  I was so impressed! 

[Martha Domke]

I have heard from several people that they got rid of their Rowenta irons because of the spitting.  Now I have to wonder if they didn't make a huge mistake?

[Sewshopper]

My sewing room is upstairs and laundry room is downstairs, for this reason, I need 2 means to get ironing done, don't care to haul laundry upstairs nor sewing downstairs.  Lately, my old Bernina iron has been having the light go on the moment that it is plugged in and then when I pull the plug, it tends to be warm.  I started looking for a new iron this week.  I went to the Rowenta site and printed off the list of irons that they make.  To my surprise, only one, the Professional DX8900 is without auto-shut off.  Since having my iron shut itself off by itself would drive me crazy, I quickly went to Nancy's Notions and ordered one out.  Just a head's up if there is anyone else out there like me.

Karleene

[Ann C]

I have just finished--well, I still have to sew on the buttons--a Stars in Heaven shirt jacket in a lightweight linen tweed. This was quite an interesting construction, and I had to pay attention. The sleeve-yokes were very interesting shapes. We're getting ready to deliver our son to the south Florida for his freshman year, and I'm definitely going to pack this top! Since we live in Southern CA, this is quite an adventure! Hmmmm, maybe I should have made "Heading for Adventure", instead....

MaryAnn,  I made the Stars in Heaven shirt jacket right after it came out and just before attending the Atlanta Expo 2 or 3 years ago!  Had to get it made and show it off!  I'll agree that it was an interesting construction and made one really pay attention to what they were doing!  I've worn it a lot and get compliments on it everytime I do!  Kudos for sticking with it! 

Marciae, I have dug out my Points pattern and looked at it relative to making it with two left fronts.  I think I'll make it for this fall and do the long sleeves that Louise gave us the instructions for a while back.  I'm always looking for a different version of the camp shirt.  Thanks for the idea!  Any chance of pictures?

[redhead]

I have heard from several people that they got rid of their Rowenta irons because of the spitting.  Now I have to wonder if they didn't make a huge mistake?

I found a great Rowenta at the Goodwill--that must be why.  It did seem to have to clean itself out before the first use, but it worked for me for quite a few years.

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I have been working on a new project for the past few days and have not been here...you all have been busy sewing. Thank you for loving the different CLD patterns.

marciae wrote:

Speaking of "whipping up" - I'm working on a BPD top.  I haven't made one for about 4 years   - I had forgotten how easily it goes together.  I'm using a silk 'suit' weight - it's the woven "nasty" stuff to sew with - the needle kind of clanks every now and then.

The BPD top is really an afternoon sewing project, and yes I have had a silk/linen that really didn't like a needle going through it, I double checked to make sure there was not a small percentage of wood or bricks woven through the fabric. I had to go for a larger jeans needle because of the very sharp point...helped a bit but still clanked every so often. Never turned out to be one of my favorite garments, I think becasue of the sewing experience.   

mary ann wrote:

I have just finished--well, I still have to sew on the buttons--a Stars in Heaven shirt jacket in a lightweight linen tweed. This was quite an interesting construction, and I had to pay attention. The sleeve-yokes were very interesting shapes.

You should have been on my end drafting it, and then the test after test trying to figure out how it would be sewn together. About half way through the project I started to laugh...I'm gluing this garment together! I know the garment could not be sewn any other way except with Steam a Seam and to follow the directions exactly.

I'm thinking of retrieving some Brussels Washer that has been lounging in my stash, and putting it to work.   

If you are working with Brussels washed linen/rayon...make sure you wash it again and dry it in the dryer...because of the rayon in the fabric, it really shrinks a lot.

I'm going to do button holes in my BPD top first thing this am!  It's going to be a challenge with the weave of the textured silk - but yes, Doris - it's a great looking top also!   The next pattern on my list is the Less if More top!  This summer it seems like the only top I wore was the LIM that I'd made from a silk print when the pattern first came out.  DO make the points blouse - you'll love it!  I also want to make the pleats.  I'm thinking that if I don't pleat I can do a small dart in the bottom of the top piece?  I'm going to try it as I love the looks of that pattern.  If I use "interesting" fabric I think I can get buy without the pleats?? 

I'm forgetting who said what by now...so I will just answer questions. I would recommend the Aqua Film  or Solvy...In fact I suggest to wrap to around the fold so the buttonhole stitch is catching it on the front and back of the garment.
You can make the pleats blouse woth out the pleats in P & P. There is a template' for the top portion of the blouse front. Draw your 5/8" stitching line along the bottom of that tissue pattern piece and on the top of the lower section of the blouse front and 'marry' the two pieces together...now you can all start to make the pleats blouse with out a couple of days extra work...and yes you will be able to drop a dart into the garment now.

Ann C

I made the Stars in Heaven shirt jacket right after it came out and just before attending the Atlanta Expo 2 or 3 years ago!  Had to get it made and show it off!  I'll agree that it was an interesting construction and made one really pay attention to what they were doing!  I've worn it a lot and get compliments on it everytime I do!  Kudos for sticking with it!

And it looked great on you Ann. I remember it in the chocolate brown tweed fabric. The SinH jacket is not one of the shortest of sewing projects but it gets your brain working. I love sewing projects like that. I think that is why I love to draft patterns, I think the designs up and then have to figure out how it is put together (and in the right order).

Well, I have a big project that I have been working on for the past week, so look for a broadcast newsletter. I am off to start the claim forms for the missing box and broken in boxes at the recent sewing expo. The trucking company have not been the most plesant people to work with.

Plus, I have to go through the Calif state sales tax info. I think the paper work is 1" thick. I have never seen so much information for a 3 day show. Then I can get started working on the illustrations for the next/next pattern. It is like having to eat your vegtables before you get ice cream.

till later, Louise

[Doris W. in TN]

Louise - I've rethought using the Brussels Washer on the Points blouse.  As I was tracing the pattern, I realized all those layers of fabric (hidden placket, etc.) might  make a very warm top.   Brussels Washer is nice but a little on the mid-weight/bottom weight side.    I don't want four layers of it over my chest and possibly six at the button plackets, as that will get quite thick after a while.  I know about the shrinkage and it also tends to 'shrink' in the width and then stretch back out.  I had to take in a BW skirt a lot after the first time I wore it.    I'm rethinking that fabric choice now, towards using a handkerchief linen!   It is so hot here all I can think about is clothing that is comfortable to wear.

I have two questions for Louise....

I bought some of your "Sewers Dream" European interfacing (http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=4028974237402&Store_id=516&page_id=23&Item_ID=1154 )  with my last order and really really (!) like  it!      I test fused a piece to some scrap handkerchief linen and there was no glue show-through, either.  Wow!   I used silk organza on that project and am brave enough to try it with my next handkerchief linen top.       Is it my imagination, or does the Sewers Dream interfacing  not shrink very much?

Second question.    I've started using your one-piece collar technique with shirts (and it goes much better when I remember to trim off the seam allowances from that collar front-LOL!) and am wondering:   which interfacing do you use that is wide enough for this technique?    I'm hesitant to "piece" the interfacing for obvious reasons, unless I do it at the front 'fold' of the collar.... I have a fusible that is 60" wide but I'm not really very fond of it.   Bought it from another vendor at the Atlanta Expo.....

[Sewshopper]

Doris, I have a pair of capri pants on that are of Brussels washer and they have grown at least 2 sizes since I put them on this morning.  I have vowed not to use the stuff again on anything that I want to stay nicely fitting which also means anything that is going to take some time to sew.

Karleene

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I've rethought using the Brussels Washer on the Points blouse.  As I was tracing the pattern, I realized all those layers of fabric (hidden placket, etc.) might  make a very warm top.   Brussels Washer is nice but a little on the mid-weight/bottom weight side.    I don't want four layers of it over my chest and possibly six at the button plackets, as that will get quite thick after a while.  I know about the shrinkage and it also tends to 'shrink' in the width and then stretch back out.  I had to take in a BW skirt a lot after the first time I wore it.    I'm rethinking that fabric choice now, towards using a handkerchief linen!   It is so hot here all I can think about is clothing that is comfortable to wear.

I have a pair of capri pants on that are of Brussels washer and they have grown at least 2 sizes since I put them on this morning.  I have vowed not to use the stuff again on anything that I want to stay nicely fitting which also means anything that is going to take some time to sew.

I'm kinda mixed you two together about the Brussels washed. Yes, Doris, it would be better not to use it for the Points top. I have made it in Linen...the shorter front doesn't get caught in the seatbelt in the car or when sitting all day at a computer or sewing machine and the back is long enough to cover 'stuff' but not too long to get under your seat when you sit down, so no wrinkles there...and it is the top that makes you look thinner, not that you need that, I seen you! I have also made Points blouse in the Jananese cotton I bring to quite a few of the shows and I have made a long sleeve version out of a corded Tencel. So there are other items you can use the Brussels for.

OK now Sewshopper, you are right...the Brussels will become 'rump sprung' and bag out at the knees...it is best to save the Brussels for items that don't have stress on them in very hot weather where body temp plays into the mix...so what does that leave...the FtheA amost bias skirt...hangs beautiful and doesn't touch any part of the body except the waist..or the LisM little shell, pull it over the head and head out the door or the ABO little top...same thing. Just look for garments that don't have a lot of fit and won't get stressed out when worn...also if you wash and dry it...it will become smaller (for a time).

I have two questions for Louise....

I bought some of your "Sewers Dream" European interfacing (http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=4028974237402&Store_id=516&page_id=23&Item_ID=1154 )  with my last order and really really (!) like  it!      I test fused a piece to some scrap handkerchief linen and there was no glue show-through, either.  Wow!   I used silk organza on that project and am brave enough to try it with my next handkerchief linen top.       Is it my imagination, or does the Sewers Dream interfacing  not shrink very much?

It is one of my favorites...I test all the interfacings before I carry them...if I don't like the way the interfacing works on quite a few different types of fabrics, you won't either...and I won't be able to help you if something has happened and I haven't used the product first...this is what I do to all the notions and for that matter...fabric. I always have people either when I had the store or at the sewing expos...ask...what would you do with this fabric. I can tell them exactly.  Back to interfacing, another one along the same lines  I love is 'Dream Weave' it too is such a very light weight knitted interfacing. 

No, these interfacings  don't shrink much...I know there are other educators out there who say you don't have to preshrink interfacing...my theory is...it can't hurt...and it takes no time at all.

Second question.    I've started using your one-piece collar technique with shirts (and it goes much better when I remember to trim off the seam allowances from that collar front-LOL!) and am wondering:   which interfacing do you use that is wide enough for this technique?    I'm hesitant to "piece" the interfacing for obvious reasons, unless I do it at the front 'fold' of the collar.... I have a fusible that is 60" wide but I'm not really very fond of it.   Bought it from another vendor at the Atlanta Expo.....

Most interfacings are 'shreaded' by the manufacturers by half or thirds this is why you get interfacing that are 20" wide or 30" wide...usually it all comes 60" wide to begin with.

In lightweight fabric you don't want to see a shadow through of pieced interfacing. So for the collar, you can turn it on a angle so the whole collar is on the interfacing from one edge to the other...seeing the interfacing will stretch on a somewhat bias, and this way no piecing together...if you ever have to put two pieces of interfacing together (in something you can't see through) overlap the pieces about 1/2" and then the interfacing won't 'crack' at the 'butt' point in the garment.

For the store, I would order the full width (60")...because we sold so much it back then... but it is very expensive to pay duty and shipping with the rate of exchage and the euro now (and then too). The order would be between 200 and 500 meters. So now I order about 50 meters and by half the width...much easier to lug around also and I just keep ordering so I always have it.

Well, we are getting a huge thunder storm at the moment and it seems to be right over the house...so before I loose this and my electric I will scoot, later, Louise

[Doris W. in TN]

In lightweight fabric you don't want to see a shadow through of pieced interfacing. So for the collar, you can turn it on a angle so the whole collar is on the interfacing from one edge to the other..

If I understand this right . . . the interfacing would be cross-grain from the collar?    Is this . . .    LEGAL??? (she gasped)

[LOUISE CUTTING]

the interfacing would be cross-grain from the collar

Even worse on the diaoginal / / / I will keep the  away.

back to being busy!!! later, Louise

[Doris W. in TN]

Louise - well . . . I won't tell if you won't.            What a sewing breakthrough for me.   I thought the grain of the interfacing always had to match that of the fabric.  It probably does,  but on a shirt collar it  probably does not.   The things I learn here on the internet!     

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I have always put my interfacing a bit off grain...even knitted interfacing. It won't make the garment fabric quite so rigid. the roll lines will roll better and the whole garment will be more subtle.

out of here...till later, Louise

[LOUISE CUTTING]

While drinking (coffee) and printing stuff of this morning, I fell across this interesting site to 'get lost in'

http://www.artemisiataos.com/wad.html

I posted these sites below when I hosted creativemachine last month, but not everyone is a member, so I thought you might enjoy them here. Plus, they are easier to find in one location and you can come back to them from time to time while you are sitting and printing off stuff. Outta here to the post office to ship fabric, fabric, and more fabric. Have fun, till later, Louise   
 
http://atelierdesigners.com/index.cfm show in NYC
 
http://www.dreamweavercollection.com/index.htm   art to wear in Sarasota and Edgartown
 
http://www.kissofthewolf.com/ 
 
http://www.heatherlaurie.com/
 
http://www.marylynnoshea.com/Jacketpage.html
 
http://www.janesisco.com/index.html
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_detail.cfm?designer_ID=632
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=765&category=Daywear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_detail.cfm?designer_ID=129
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=373&category=Daywear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_detail.cfm?designer_ID=453
 
http://www.doshifiberart.com/
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_detail.cfm?designer_ID=70
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=426&category=Eventwear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=507&category=Daywear
 
http://www.hardingdesignstudio.com/
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=718&category=Daywear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=439&category=Daywear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=78&category=Eventwear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=668&category=Daywear
 
http://www.oska.de/
 
http://www.ocelotclothing.com/
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_popup.cfm?designer_ID=53&category=Eventwear
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_detail.cfm?designer_ID=804
 
http://www.atelierdesigners.com/go/_d_detail.cfm?designer_ID=429
 
At the bottom of the site are many links to artists...don't really know anything about this...just fell over it today. http://www.pretaporter.com/mediaffpap/thetrain_bilan_1005_en.pdf
 

[DeniseM]

Wow, Louise, thanks so much for posting those. I'm so glad I sew, because I can see some of those made up in your patterns. There are some fabulous dream garments on there and the fabrics are just gorgeous.

[redhead]

Oh, I own a kiss of the wolf dress with sash that I bought at a craft fair when I was a rich college student.  I'm sure it's the same.  The proprietor of the booth sashayed up to me and said, "that's the least expensive item in here."     Uh, OK.  What are you trying to say?  That was in the late eighties--it's beautiful hand-painted silk in purple and bronze.  Yes I still have it.  She even offered to make me up pants to match.  I wish I had taken her up on that now.

[vtmartha]

The jacket I'm wearing in my avatar is a MaryLynn O'Shea creation.  She is a local (to me) artisan.

[Fabricarts]

Thanks so much for all of the inspiration, Louise. I've been keeping an Oska screen up on my computer the last few days - enjoying the Fall collection.  Martha, thanks for pointing out MaryLynn O'Shea! Her website is making light bulbs go off in my head as well.
Coming to Stitcher's Guild really keeps me thinking about sewing and how to improve my wardrobe.
Miriam

[Sew Sew Sandi]

At last, at last, at long last, I'm finally posting pictures of the Points blouse I love.  I didn't have any events that merited wearing it until today ("ladies that lunch") and I decided it was easier to wait until there was.  I added information with each picture that I hope will be visible when the picture comes up.  If it isn't, let me know and I'll just move that information to a post in this strand.  Here is the front, the back, and the button.
I'll be anxious to hear any suggestions and/or comments you can offer.  I plan to make this again with long sleeves to wear during fall and winter.

[Sewshopper]

Nice, Sandy, I love what you did with the button!  If you wear linen, the wrinkles are just part of the fabric.

Karleene

[fzxdoc]

Sandi, it looks as though you achieved the perfect fit with that blouse.  It does not in any way overwhelm your small frame.  It's so pretty, and the button was such a brilliant idea.  I guess it's true that necessity is the mother of invention, because your invented button solution is perfect.  I'd like to copy it in the future.    Thank you so much for posting the photos.

Kathryn

[Doris W. in TN]

At last, at last, at long last, I'm finally posting pictures of the Points blouse I love.  I didn't have any events that merited wearing it until today ("ladies that lunch") and I decided it was easier to wait until there was.

Sandi - your Points blouse looks great and I love the button.  What a clever idea!  Did you make that yourself?   If so, I am impressed.      I'm currently making the same blouse in a navy handkerchief linen.   Just got the collar sewn on today and needed a break before doing the 2nd layer of yoke.    I don't know if I can finish the rest of it in French seams, but I can hear my sit & sew teacher now..... I may do a faux felled seam.   I know the answer will come when the time is ready.

I was at JoAnn's just this morning, pondering just waht type button to put up there.   I don't want anything that overpowers the blouse design lines, yet don't want a plain-jane button either.

Thanks for sharing your photos.    I hope to get mine finished  before next week, so I can take it on a trip coming up soon.   

[blue mooney]

What a cool solution to your problem with the button, Sandi! Your blouse looks lovely, wrinkles and all!

[sewingbeth]

At last, at last, at long last, I'm finally posting pictures of the Points blouse I love.  I didn't have any events that merited wearing it until today ("ladies that lunch") and I decided it was easier to wait until there was.  I added information with each picture that I hope will be visible when the picture comes up.  If it isn't, let me know and I'll just move that information to a post in this strand.  Here is the front, the back, and the button.
I'll be anxious to hear any suggestions and/or comments you can offer.  I plan to make this again with long sleeves to wear during fall and winter.

WOW!!!   loved seeing the pictures.  I am so encouraged now to make the same Points blouse also using linen in handkerchief weight.  Now just to decide what color will look "Florida fall" and up to date to go with all my black and kahki. Thanks for posting the pictures.

[LOUISE CUTTING]

I love that blouse pattern...if I have to say so myself. It looks wonderful on you. And you did a grand job on the button. What did the 'ladies that lunch' have to say about your outfit??? As pretty as you look in your blue and brown...I bet you made them all green.  .

The Points blouse is such fun to make...if anyone has been sewing all of their life, so many patterns out there are same old...same old...but this one, the construction is so different in this blouse that it makes you think and read and look at the illustrations and that is what I love about it. 

Today I received the computer generated drawing of the next pattern. My hand drawn draftings are put on a digitizing plotter so all the black lines are of equal weight before going to press. I have seen the 3 foot x 4 foot piece of equipment work and it is very interesting process to watch. On each pattern piece, every size, clip, notch, seam allowance, etc. has to be check to make sure it was printed accurately.  Then all the seam allowances have to be 'walked' to make sure the different sizes fit together.

If any of you have made P&P and looked at the grading of that diagonal front along with the pattern piece for the facing, interfacing...figuring out which way everything went...right side up or up side down so the interfacing is the correct way...I have to look over the pattern pieces and then leave the project and come back to it and do it again to make sure everything is right.

But when I see your blouse and how beautiful it turned out, it makes my day! Thank you for sending along the pictures.

till later, Louise   

[Linda 75142]

Louise was on TV yesterday here in the Dallas Metroplex.  The America Sews program was on here where she was the guest.  I LOVED it.  I just wish, Louise, that you had had more time.  The demos were WONDERFUL!

[Doris W. in TN]

I'm on the home stretch with my Points blouse.  Wow, this project  has been a real workout.  Louise you're not kidding when you say "For experienced sewer."  on the pattern.         This is a new type project for me with the hidden button placket & yoke.   All I can say is thank goodness for my #10 Bernina foot!  ..... and steam-a-seam.    I used a handkerchief linen and am topstitching ALL seams with my #10 foot.     BTW, I never realized how linty the Mettler 60/2 thread is.  Eeew. 

I had a few missteps but nothing anyone will ever notice.        My biggest goof ended up a blessing. for me.   I forgot to topstitch the pocket before fusing it to the blouse front.   So instead, I topstitched through both layers.  It worked out fine as this will prevent it from gapping open, since I'm rather hollow in the upper chest area and don't plan on putting anything in that pocket anyway.

I went down a size since I'm not accustomed to wearing roomy boxy clothing the past few years but  cut a size M neck/collar and widened to a M in the shoulders.    I'm so broad-shouldered that the seam is right where a normal blouse seam is.  It's not dropped at all like the pattern envelope shows, on myself.  Uuummmm...... now y'all know why I have to sew.  LOL  RTW runs a little narrow in the shoulders for moi.

I'm very pleased with how the blouse has turned out, and only have the buttons to sew on.    I tried it on and pinned the front closed and asked DH for his take on it.   He likes it, says it is 'me' and the best compliment of all,  "Wow, it covers your butt!"    ROFLOL 

There it is, Louise, from the mouth of a man.    (more LOL)

I'll post a photo here when it is finished . . . hopefully by early next week.

[Linda Dean]

Louise,
I can't remember your suggestions for prewashing linen to help with the wrinkles.  I want to get some of the linen I bought from you ready to sew.  I loved your article in the new Threads magazine.  I want to order your book on the "paper dolls".  I meant to buy it from you in Sacremento but forgot.

[LOUISE CUTTING]

Louise was on TV yesterday here in the Dallas Metroplex.  The America Sews program was on here where she was the guest.  I LOVED it.  I just wish, Louise, that you had had more time.  The demos were WONDERFUL!

Once the program is aired the local PBS station can air them again. So far I have done 4 with Sue...I get e-mails from different pockets of the country letting me know I was on...I always have to ask what did I do?  And more to the point...what was I wearing? Then I know how to answer a question that they might have...for some reason, I remember what I wore with the samples done. So there is no telling what is on when and where. But, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Working with Sue is so easy. The hard part is getting all the samples in various stages of being done and being able to talk about the steps without saying the name of a product and talking in general steps for all skill levels, and sewing machine levels. It is PBS and you are not allowed to 'advertise'.

I'm on the home stretch with my Points blouse...."For experienced sewer."... "Wow, it covers your butt!"

And there it is in a nut shell! What more could you ask for? I hope the P&P is finihsed by now and you are ready to make another one! . Don't forget you can make another one very quickly, just don't use any pattern piece that says 'Right Front' and cut 2 left fronts...it makes a really great camp shirt...the back is longer, side vents, back yoke, short sleeves,  just not all the right front work...gee...and you can get it done in a day.

I can't remember your suggestions for prewashing linen to help with the wrinkles.  I want to get some of the linen I bought from you ready to sew.

I like to wash my linen that I don't want to have that 'fresh from the dry cleaners look' and thatl wrinkles just getting it out of the plastic bag.  Wash with soap...dry...see if it is what you want...if not, wash, no soap...dry to damp dry and pull the fabric back into shape...again see if it is the feel you want. Usually, linen fabrtic can  now be  washed just once or twice to get the look  and feel you want. The secret is (and this goes for all washing and drying)...unless you have just run a 26K run, none of you laundry needs to be washed on anything else but the shortest cycle and cold to warm water. It is just getting surface dirt and makeup off the garment...more than that is just beating up the fabric and garments..

Now for the dryer...get the dryer hot for about 10 minutes with nothing in it...then throw the fabric or garment in at that time...dry for about 10 minutes...it will be damp dry...take it out and pull the fabric or garment back into shape and let it air dry completely.

I loved your article in the new Threads magazine.  I want to order your book on the "paper dolls".  I meant to buy it from you in Sacremento but forgot.

I have been sending  orders for the 'Paper Dolls' out like crazy since Thursday...I guess that is when Threads landed in mailboxes. I had no idea...I usually get several copies sent ot me mid month in a big envelope. I did have an advance tear sheet, so at least I knew what the ladies who have called or e-mailed and are not familiar with Cutting Line Design patterns are talking about..."that red one with the brown flowers in the upper left hand corner" Huh?? So many readers are being introduced to the patterns  for the first time and many CLD pattern sewers are being introduced to the Paper Dolls.

After I finish here I have about a dozen orders to get ready to go into the mail on Tuesday.

We had a new 'Last Call' Neiman's open up on Friday so I thought I would head out there to do some snoop shopping tomorrow. Will report back if it is any better or worse than any of the others I have been to. With traveling around the country usually there is an evening or two that I can go and play...if there is not the real thing (NM or Saks)...Last Call or Off 5th will have to do. Some of them are as neat as pins and others look like they have just finished a fire sale. Lets hope that in 2 days of being open there is still goodies to snoop for.

Well, I see I have to answer something over on the One-Seam chat...till later, Louise

[LindaL]

Sandi, just saw your pretty blouse.  Love the look on you and love the button.

[Linda Dean]

I ordered my paper doll book.  Can't wait to get it and play "paper dolls".  Has anyone else gotten the paper doll book?  Maybe we could post pictures of our paper dolls and play together?  I need a whole new wardrobe so I am looking forward to getting started.  My husband suggested I take everything out of both my closets that didn't fit, needed alterations, was out of style or I just wasn't going to wear.  I did it and I only need part of one closet.  Everything I have made from Louise's patterns are still in my closet because they fit and look good.