Sew Serendipity Review for PR

The book is divided into sections, starting with an overview of basic fitting, tools of the trade and sewing techniques. The book then is divided into 3 sections- skirts, tunics and dresses, and jackets. There is a basic pattern for each section and instructions on how to do several variations for each basic pattern. The author also includes her original sketch for each variation as well as a photo of the finished product and a little blurb on her thoughts for each sketch and how it evolved into the finished product.

I found the book to be great for beginning sewers, but the designs are pretty enough to appeal to a wide range of levels. The layout leads to a progression of skills until the reader is able to tackle the jacket section. The photos are very colorful and interesting. The designs and the authors variations lead the reader to start to think of other variations that could be done on basic patterns.

The pattern sizing included in the book goes from xxs (b-32", W- 24", h-34") to xxl (b-44", w-36", h-46").

I originally purchased this book for my daughter, who is learning to sew, but I thought the patterns and variations were so pretty that she will have to wait until I am done with it! I already purchased some fabric for one of the skirts and will post a review when that is done.

Original Sewing and Quilting Expo

Ok, so I admit it. I am addicted to expo's. I have never been to an expo I didn't love.

Normally, I hate crowds, so what is the draw with an expo? I think it is the fact that at expo's more than any where else, you are introduced to products that you never knew you couldn't live without until the sales person showed you how much better your life would be with their product! Do I always fall for the sales pitch? No! But, if I can see how the product really would make my life better or easier and the price is worth it.....

And, of course, the Sewing Expo was no different from other expo's that I have been to. In fact, I think it was better because it is all about SEWING!! I was able to take classes from some of the best teachers in the industry- Hope Yoder, Connie Spurlock, Carol Steinbrecher, and the ever wonderful Cynthia Guffey are the instructors that I hit this year. There were lots of classes that I wanted to take, but I waited too long to register. I guess that's what happens when you are in the middle of a cross country move.

The displays were also fabulous, and the shopping!! Let's just say that I didn't spend nearly as much as I could have, or as much as I wanted to. I added to my pattern stash, of course. My biggest splurge was to get an Amy Butler pattern with the fabric to go with it. (Pics and review to come.) I also found some great sewing notions from Martelli (love their products!) and another book on pattern alterations that I will be reviewing. All in all, not too big of a haul. :)

Of course, there is always my wish list and next years expo......

Sewing Room

So, I am almost done unpacking and setting up my new sewing room. I have run into a few problems, like the fact that there is no electrical outlets in my basement and since we are renting, we can't make changes. But, luckily, I have a wonderful husband who ran extension cords all over the basement for me. I just hope we don't blow a circuit once I get all my machines and lights hooked up.

It has been an interesting process to set up my new sewing area because despite the fact that we are renting while still looking to buy, so theoretically, I should only unpack what is absolutely necessary, I decided to unpack the entire sewing room. Why? Well, for me, all sewing is absolutely necessary. I mean, how do you decide what you might need? Do you say that since I am working on making jeans, I will only unpack what is necessary just for that task? What if tomorrow I decide that I want to make a quilt? Do I then go through everything again and just pull out the quilting supplies? NO! That would drive me crazy. So, it is all treated equally and unpacked.

The process of unpacking has been really interesting because of how things were packed. Like a box marked sewing room that had one piece of fabric and the rest of the huge box was canning supplies. Or the box marked sewing magazines, without a single magazine in the entire box. Also, now that all the "sewing room" boxes are unpacked, I have to figure out where my missing things might be packed. I am missing at least 2 olfa rulers that I can think of off the top of my head. Who knows what else might be hiding in other boxes. I should probably make myself a treasure map to mark where I have already searched. :)

New Start

So, since this is my first entry on this blog, let me just say a few words. I am starting this new blog to go with my new life in Virginia. We have only been here about a month and a half and it has been interesting getting used to the crazy pace of life here. For example, it seems that since we are so close to DC, everyone commutes to work and gets up crazy early to get there. Because of that, everyone goes to bed really early. I am just so not used to this and don't think that I ever will be. I am not a morning person!! Getting the kids up for school at 5:30 is just ridiculous!! Seriously!

Anyway, since the kids crazy schedules are all over the place, it is just not possible for me to work here. So that leaves more time for sewing!! I have decided to brush up my skills and push my talents. To that end, it is just more than convenient that the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo (http://www.sewingexpo.com/) is going to be in Chantilly next week and I just happen to have signed up to take some classes. Not nearly all the classes that I wanted to take, but hey, that's what I get for waiting so long to register.

Also, it was just announced at http://sewing.patternreview.com/ that PR is sponsering a workshop with Kenneth King!! What a way to learn the Moulage technique. I have been trying to perfect this technique for a while and have even gotten to chat with him online about it, but to take the class in person!! Of course I signed up. Now just need to get my plane ticket and hotel. But, we do not let such details slow us down!

Now back to unpacking and organizing the sewing room! I see another post in the future just about that. :)