Shop Talk

Shop Update ~ Silk Pins, Ribbons & Stay Tape!

May 16, 2012 · 6 comments

A few more acquisitions made it into the shop this week! First off, there’s a couple of new petersham ribbon colors and sizes.  I just added Dreamscicle and Rasberry hued ribbons in 1 inch widths, plus in a few of the other colors there’s a few more sizes. Definitely check them out!

Also new – Glass Head Silk Pins! These are seriously the cat’s meow! I purchased a set awhile back and have been using them for sometime now and I could not be happier with them. They work wonderfully for silk, and for all other light to medium weight fabrics too – I’ve also used them for heavy weight fabrics with much success as well. These are definitely a dynamite pin to have! Plus those glass heads make them way easy to find in carpet – it only goes without saying that I drop my share of pins from time to time.

I’ve also become unbelievably fond of this particular brand of stay tape and so I just had to add it to the shop! This is Sewkeys E Extremely Fine Fusible Stay Tape. My especial favorite use for this stay tape – in the shoulders of knits. It totally beats adding twill tape after you’ve sewn a seam, something I always seem to have trouble applying. With this magical notion, you simply fuse the tape to the shoulder’s seamline, stitch it up and Voila! you’re done! It’s so easy and so much simpler. Not to mention, this stuff has a myriad of other uses too. Do give it a try! You’ll love it!

I also wanted to say an especial Thank You to you guys for making me feel like a million yesterday. I’ve read each and every one of your comments and each made me smile and remember what’s really important. Thanks so much for your encouragement! It means the world to me!

xoxo,
Sunni

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Shop Talk ~ Chalk Pens & Rulers, Oh My!

May 9, 2012 · 11 comments

Hey friends, its been awhile since I’ve done a proper shop update here and there are just a few new things I’ve added. I decided to start carrying those infamous Clover Chalk Pens. Yay! These things are lovely to use and so much easier than fiddling with chalk that breaks up in your hand or trying to sharpen one of those chalk pencils which always seem to break off in the sharpener (at least mine ALWAYS do). I’ve started carrying the blue and white, which are in the shop right now, and the pink and refills for these three colors should be coming soon.

Also, Collins’ Quilt and Sew Ruler is in the shop. A somewhat odd item for a shop that’s mostly into dressmaking tools, you might say? Don’t let the name fool you here! This ruler is THE ruler. It’s got a 1/8″ grid and to boot 1/16″ markings around the outer edges. I use mine all the time when I’m doing a little pattern drafting here and there. They come in terribly handy for adding on seam allowances and putting in grainlines. There’s some stellar instructions on the back of the packaging, to give you great ideas for other fabulous uses for this ruler too.

Just a couple new items to dream about. Yay!

Enjoy!
Sunni

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Colette Patterns Spring/Summer Lineup!

April 10, 2012 · 6 comments

Colette Patterns Spring/Summer patterns are now available – I die! Sarai asked me to give a mention when the patterns debuted – which I’m delighted to oblige as I’m also an avid pattern tester for Colette. Aren’t they just wonderful?

I had the pleasure of testing out Hazel. Believe me when I tell you that I’m surprised at how easy it is, yet how simply marvelous it looks. I’m especially keen on the striped version. Don’t you just love stripes? Plus there’s pockets and a summer dress just isn’t complete without pockets, I think.

The Iris shorts are so sweet and they look positively wonderful and easy to wear. And is that lining I see peeking out? I do so hope so. The perfect accompaniment for a bike ride through the park.

Last, but definitely not least – Lily! What a great frock for a date with the mister. And, oh me oh my, what is this I see? Why a vent! Now, I can definitely tell you, without any reservation, after revamping vent tutorials, I’m very happy to see this little number on this little dress. Yay! Another thing that makes me rather happy – both dresses, Lily and Hazel can be worn with a regular old bra. That’s big in my book. What about yours?

Friends, these patterns are available today through Colette and will be available soon through A Fashionable Stitch! Excitement abounds – bring on Spring & Summer! What’s your favorite?

xoxo,
Sunni

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the Belts

March 15, 2012 · 11 comments

Aren’t they fun? So, I decided this month that I was going to tackle making each and every belt and buckle kit that is in the shop. Being a one man band, this was a rather big undertaking if not just plain old time consuming. But hey, that’s fine. It was fun and now you can get an idea of what a belt looks like when its finished! Yay! I also decided to do a little shop cleaning and renaming and I wanted to give you a tip or two plus my favorites list. So let’s talk belts huh? What girl can have too many belts?

So let’s start with my most favorite belt of the bunch – though I do love them all really. This belt option was actually not in the shop until just yesterday….Weird huh? It’s newish and I positively adore it. Her name is Bernadette and I swear there seems to be so much that this mustard color goes with. Color aside though, I love this particular kit because of the shape. I don’t know, its just like perfect! Not to mention, this belt was a cinch to whip out.

Next up – all square buckles get a serious thumbs up. These are now under the name of Rita and its no wonder, but the 1 inch version of this belt is the most popular in the shop. There’s some serious square buckle love out there. I’ll admit that my favorite is the 2 inch of this version. Fab. U. Lous. Plus the shop sample is bright pink – does it get better?

Hazel’s got the run for the round buckles. I had misgivings about doing any of the belts in prints (I have no idea why) but the Liberty-ish print for the 1.5 incher makes me smile every time I look at it. Friends, its the bee’s knees having a floral belt. I highly recommend. So fun to wear and pair with stuff. So FUN! Now for those of you with a round buckle fetish, let me caution you on these particular belts – and please forgive me that I didn’t know this earlier. Let me just point something out. The buckle’s round. I know, you got that. But that also means that since its not square, the open areas in between the bar (where the prong is) and the buckle don’t contain enough room to actually slide multiple layers of belt backing through it (cause it gets smaller hence the circle-ness of it). I know. It’s weird. Long story short, trim the belt backing down along one edge about 1/16″ – 1/8″ depending on the type of fabric you use (thick or thin – so more or less, you know). After you’ve covered the buckle and before you sew the fabric for the belting, try to slide two thicknesses of the belt backing through the buckle and then trim it down until you can do it easily, OK? OK.

I love Stella. Always have. It’s THE classic belt and buckle kit, I think.

And then there’s Daphne. Another rounded edge buckle – depending on fabric thickness, I recommend trimming the belting down just a little on this one too.

Last, but not least is Velma. I do love the rectangular buckles – especially the 2 incher. She’s a definite winner.

Speaking of 2 inchers, I noticed that they take up more belting as they go around your waist. So as you plan your belts and such for various sewing projects, just be aware that you’ll want a very solid 6 – 8 inches (I would lean more toward the 8 inch side) more of belt backing than your waist circumference for the 2 inchers. And did you know that you can sew strips of belt backing together (just use a zig zag stitch)? And vice versa you know, you can trim down belt backing widths too. And even though I thought this would affect the way the belt would look after being covered in the fabric, it really doesn’t. Seriously. So think about that next time you have an odd width buckle (like 3″ or 1/2″). And have fun with the fabrics you use. Break out those quilting cottons that you don’t know what to do with, because sometimes a Tee and denim skirt or jeans is just dying for a loud belt, with a scarf and sweet dangly earrings.

Now. Go ye forth and make belts. And have fun and smile. Cuz belts are fun!

xoxo,
Sunni

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Happiness Comes Wrapped in a Package

February 7, 2012 · 6 comments

I’ve been busily doing some inventory, purchasing and redoing some packaging for the shop. I thought I would drop in with a little sweet update and some things you may not know about the Belt & Buckle Kits I offer at A Fashionable Stitch.

I was brainstorming another way of doing up the packaging and this idea was inspired by the delight I have in opening a sweetly wrapped gift. All the Belt & Buckle Kits now come in these sweet little boxes – which you can even gift to another sewing buddy or relative or recycle and reuse the sweet little box for something else, like bobbin keeping or such.

This also brings me to telling you just how great Fashionable Stitch kits are! Yay! If you’ve ever been a fan of vintage belt and buckle kits, you’ll know that sometimes they don’t end up making their way to you in the best of condition. My especial favorite is when the sticky transfer pattern is no longer sticky! Gah! Don’t fret – these kits here all have fresh new transfer patterns! My kits also feature some stellar eyelets and washers. These make such a difference in a professional looking belt. Remember this tutorial? You also receive a couple extra eyelets and washers for practice. Not to mention, there’s more belt backing in Fashionable Stitch kits than the vintage ones. You get a solid 50 inches which can make a 44 inch belt. And well, there you go! Lots of research, feedback and time have gone into making these kits great – I do hope you enjoy! Plus there’s a few belt making supplies on sale today. Don’t miss out!

wink wink,
Sunni

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In the Shop: Gift Certificates, Minoru Jacket & Sale!

November 28, 2011 · 10 comments

I hope you all had a great weekend! I did! Yay! Thanksgiving was wonderful – and I got to go through my grandmother’s old sewing patterns. And she gave a bit of vintage fabric to boot! I’ll be doing a show and tell later this week, along with several other things that I need to round up, like the petersham waistband tutorial.

I thought it was time to play a little catch-up in shop news and leading the way today is Gift Certificates! Finally, now you can purchase gift certificates for loved ones who sew. It really is a great gift to give for holidays and special events, especially when you know your special someone would like a sewing something, but you’re not sure what. Available in several different amounts and good towards anything in the shop, hop on over and have a peek!

I’ve also recently stocked the Sewaholic’s latest Minoru Jacket pattern. It’s a gem! Definitely do not miss out on this lovely!

As its Cyber Monday, across the interwebs, I thought it only appropriate to do another quick sale! Take 25% off your total purchase, today & tomorrow (November 28-29) when you use the code CYBERSALE (all caps please) in the discount section at checkout. Sale ends Tuesday, Midnight MST. Enjoy friends and happy shopping!

xoxo,
Sunni

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Petersham vs. Grosgrain

November 23, 2011 · 28 comments

I remember the first time I handled petersham ribbon. It was on a skirt that I prize and still have and I went in search of the ribbon at my local Joann. Thinking it was just grosgrain, I bought a length of grosgrain, took it home and started sewing with it. I was disappointed to say the least with the result. Not knowing what to do, I went back the my favored skirt and took a closer look at the ribbon that was adorning the waistband and hem. Just judging from my own experience of working with both ribbons, let me enlighten you on a few key differences between the two.

Before we go any further, I would like to say that I don’t feel that grosgrain is an inferior ribbon, even to sew with. In fact if you can lay your hands on some high quality grosgrain, there are some great uses for the ribbon and even benefits to using it over petersham for certain sewing projects. However, the grosgrain that I normally come in contact with is the cheap stuff that feels almost like paper and actually is something that would be ideal for scrapbooking, I think. Crunchy, itchy, and incredibly stiff.


First, let’s start off with the key difference between grosgrain and petersham. Grosgrain has a finished straight edge, where petersham has a scalloped edge. This is a result in the different process each ribbon goes through to be made. Grosgrain has a ridge like texture which is produced from the particular weave of the ribbon (in other words, its woven ribbon) and has a bound edge. Petersham has a ridge like texture too, which results from the cording its made from being strung together through the middle by what seems like a million strands of thread that encase the cording, also creating that scalloped edge which is so pretty.

Usually in today’s world, grosgrain is typically stiff – made from polyester, nylon or a blend – petersham is typically soft and pliable – usually made from rayon, though I’ve also seen cotton, polyester and acrylic and all of these can affect the drape, softness and pliability of the ribbon. Petersham is also strong and these two qualities together – the softness (rayon) and strength – is the biggest reason I love working with this beautiful ribbon. It’s soft against the skin, creates a beautiful drape in complement with the fabric if used as a trim, yet can be used as waistband or waistline stay because of its strength too. It’s also got a lovely sheen to it making it just that much more exciting to use in a sewing project.

A few things to keep in mind about petersham and grosgrain. Grosgrain is usually stiff and works great with stiffer fabrics. It also makes a great waistline stay because it absolutely will not stretch, the result of that great bound edge. Grosgrain also does not require pre-shrinking where petersham might if made with rayon, cotton or a blend of both. To pre-shrink petersham, soak in warm water for a minute or two, drip dry and press.

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of the differences between petersham and grosgrain. I’ll be showing you my petersham waistband tutorial in a day or two (actually there are two waistband tutorials coming up + several other tutorials so stay tuned!). And as an added bonus, I’ve just added two new colors of petersham to the shop! Sky and Olive!

Have you used petersham before? What do you think? Which do you prefer?

xoxo,
Sunni

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gratitude

November 7, 2011 · 3 comments

Dear, dear Readers – Thank you so much for your heart felt sentiments concerning the passing of my grandma. I read each and every comment and felt warmed and consoled by your sympathies. Death has been (and hopefully will continue to be) such a rarity in my family, though I know its something we all have to face at one time or another. For now, my deepest gratitude over your kind thoughts. I’ll be thinking of them as I attend my grandmother’s funeral over the next few days.

This week, we’ve got lots of fun to look forward to. I’m finally, for the most part, moved into my new place and am mostly unpacked – just a box or two here and there that need attending to. That means that the shop is back up and running! Yay! Plus more to come on my wrap coat, and I think I’m just about ready to share some more pencil skirt making secrets with you all.

A Fashionable Stitch is also proud to be apart of the Colette Sewing Handbook blog tour! In fact, you’ll be seeing my post tomorrow along with a super duper….giveaway! It’s been ages since I had a giveaway here. Ages. Keep your eyes peeled for that. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and here’s to the holiday season that’s ahead! Let’s get stitchin!

xoxo,
Sunni

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A Day in My Life…

October 21, 2011 · 6 comments

Hey Friends! Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons interviewed me about a day in my life. I love Tilly and her sartorial penchant so head on over and read about how I do what I do and then hang around and have a look at her delightful creations.  Here’s your chance to ask me anything you want about my business too and I’ll answer! Yay! Thank you Tilly for allowing me the chance to be apart of this blogging series! Have a wonderful weekend readers!

xoxo,
Sunni

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Ribbons in her hair…

October 19, 2011 · 25 comments

I have no idea why these look like they are runwater taffeta, because they really aren’t… just a camera thing, you know.

OK, not really, but I’ve added a few things to the shop. Of course I’m telling you this because, you know, who doesn’t need gorgeous ribbons, especially when these types can be ridiculous to find? So, let’s have a chat about ribbons. I’ve added a new size to all of the petersham ribbons that are currently in stock in the shop – the famed 2″.

Is it alright if I go off on a soap box for a minute about the particular color choices I’ve picked? I’m very interested in hearing your feedback too, which is why I bring it up. Look, I know that you can get the regulars – black, brown, white and red – and since I’ve been experimenting in contrast lately, I felt it was much more fun to have these colors in contrasting colors, hence the charcoal, honey, creme and scarlet. You tell me if you like the same, or if you would also like to see the regulars – like black, brown and white – too. You’ll be seeing a few more sizes filtered in to those options and then I also wanted to have pungent lovelies added to the mix that came in only one size. So I also bought a bundle of this plum 2″ petersham. I die over the color here! It’s just lovely! Sigh…

Arriving with this bunch was a ribbon I’ve been dying to try – satin faced silk ribbon. This stuff is to DIE for! It’s pure silk, has amazing drape and yet is unbelievably durable. I’m trying one color for now – Blush – in a 1 1/2″ width. Believe me when I tell you it is amazing ribbon! I’ve already got a great project ready to do in it too. You just wait.

So, let me know what you think. I’m interested to know what kinds of colors you are looking for in ribbons and what widths too. Ever tried these types of ribbon – petersham and silk? They are pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself. Such luxury. He he! Enjoy!

xoxo,
Sunni

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