This month we return to San Francisco’s Summer of Love for more retro fashion inspiration. It’s another field trip ‘cast I’ve been working pretty hard on non-sewing business. Still I love  blue-sky sewing. I’m always keeping an eye out for creative ideas I’ll put to use down the road. Last month and this, I’ve been getting future sewing inspiration from fashions straight out of the Summer of Love. Last month,  I shared my response to denim fashions from the late sixties social movement known as The Summer of Love. The kind of  clothing on view in the Denimocracy portion of  the San Francisco de Young museum exhibit, we’re visited last month, still affects fashion we sew and wear today. This month we’re making a quick return to San Francisco to look at the part ethnic and historical clothing played in the fashion scene back in those days. ~ ~ ~ http://deyoung.famsf.org/summer-love-art-fashion-and-rock-roll http://digitalstories.famsf.org/summer-of-love

This month we return to San Francisco’s Summer of Love for more retro fashion inspiration. It’s another field trip ‘cast I’ve been working pretty hard on non-sewing business. Still I love  blue-sky sewing. I’m always keeping an eye out for creative ideas I’ll put to use down the road. Last month and this, I’ve been getting future sewing inspiration from fashions straight out of the Summer of Love. Last month,  I shared my response to denim fashions from the late sixties social movement known as The Summer of Love. The kind of  clothing on view in the Denimocracy portion of  the San Francisco de Young museum exhibit, we’re visited last month, still affects fashion we sew and wear today. This month we’re making a quick return to San Francisco to look at the part ethnic and historical clothing played in the fashion scene back in those days. ~ ~ ~ <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/summer-love-art-fashion-and-rock-roll" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://deyoung.famsf.org/summer-love-art-fashion-and-rock-roll</a> <a href="http://digitalstories.famsf.org/summer-of-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://digitalstories.famsf.org/summer-of-love</a>

EnchBySew-58: Summer of Love -Ethnic & Historical Inspired – Postcard 2 (Field Trip)

A denim-embellished, sewing inspiration, field trip to the San Franciso de Young Museum’s 50’th anniversary of the Summer of Love – at the de Young museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, about 4 miles away from the Polo Fields where the Summer of Love’s Human Be In was celebrated.   So just step on in to your time portal of choice and …. Let it all hang out….   - We’ll start with…Pensamientos Primeros: Hey, had you realized that this summer marks the 50’th anniversy of the Summer of Love in San Franciso? Wow – Far Out Sister!   - Entonces  Un excursion / Then a field trip - Join me for a short field trip to the Summer of Love !   - Y en Pensamientos Finales/And in Final Thoughts : A Perpetual Summer     * * Resources * * Xilocuatla - Nahuatl   http://www.mexicantextiles.com

A denim-embellished, sewing inspiration, field trip to the San Franciso de Young Museum’s 50’th anniversary of the Summer of Love – at the de Young museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, about 4 miles away from the Polo Fields where the Summer of Love’s Human Be In was celebrated. So just step on in to your time portal of choice and …. Let it all hang out…. - We’ll start with…Pensamientos Primeros: Hey, had you realized that this summer marks the 50’th anniversy of the Summer of Love in San Franciso? Wow – Far Out Sister! - Entonces  Un excursion / Then a field trip - Join me for a short field trip to the Summer of Love ! - Y en Pensamientos Finales/And in Final Thoughts : A Perpetual Summer   * * Resources * * Xilocuatla - Nahuatl <a href="http://www.mexicantextiles.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mexicantextiles.com</a>

EnchBySew-57: Summer of Love: Denimocracy - Postcard 1 (Field Trip, Sewing, Sew, Textiles, Inspiration, Fashion )

I'm enchanted by silk. Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts: What is silk and where might it come from? Exploring an historic Japanese Minka Folk House. Technicos/Techniques – Furoshiki: A no-stitch creation from silk - Marriage of ancient Japanese practicality and art Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts – Dreaming of a Superfluity of Silks in the Alcaiceria Bazaar of Granda Spain - home to the Alhambra Palace ~ ~ ~ Resources !~ ~ ~ What was the fibula reference? http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/04/before-safety-pins-there-were-fibulas.html  1) Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts - Links Silk was one of the Animal Fibers in this exhibit, which I loved, at the Met  http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/animal-fibers  http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/animal-fibers/exhibition-themes http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/objects?exhibitionId={118765DF-EE1C-4F92-9606-27916C0763AB}  PUSH THE PLUS BUTTON to get more details ALL OBJECTS shows pictures and text for all items in the exhibit  Other Two Parts of the "Secret Life..." Exhibit  http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/plant-fibers  http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2017/secret-life-of-textiles-synthetic Peace Silk/No Kill/Cruelty Free - I have not studied this. Feel free to post what you know  https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/new-silk-production-technique-does-not-require-killing-worms.html  http://thekindlife.com/blog/2012/09/alicia-silverstone-what-is-peace-silk/  ~ ~ ~ Continuado - The Minka House at Kew Gardens, England near Richmond, Easy Day trip from London https://sequinsandcherryblossom.com/2013/01/06/silkworms-and-mortice-joints-the-minka-house-at-kew/ 2) Furoshiki Sampling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W0BajFL6uQ Furoshiki: A folded bag https://youtu.be/Z9dbjzcmLBU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F74Dwe2BDFw 3) Pensamientos Finales - A Superfluity of Silks - The Alcaiceria, Granada Spain: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada/alcaiceria.htm

I'm enchanted by silk. Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts: What is silk and where might it come from? Exploring an historic Japanese Minka Folk House. Technicos/Techniques – Furoshiki: A no-stitch creation from silk - Marriage of ancient Japanese practicality and art Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts – Dreaming of a Superfluity of Silks in the Alcaiceria Bazaar of Granda Spain - home to the Alhambra Palace ~ ~ ~ Resources !~ ~ ~ What was the fibula reference? <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/04/before-safety-pins-there-were-fibulas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/04/before-safety-pins-there-were-fibulas.html</a> 1) Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts - Links Silk was one of the Animal Fibers in this exhibit, which I loved, at the Met <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/animal-fibers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/animal-fibers</a> <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/animal-fibers/exhibition-themes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/animal-fibers/exhibition-themes</a> <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/objects?exhibitionId=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/objects?exhibitionId=</a>{118765DF-EE1C-4F92-9606-27916C0763AB} PUSH THE PLUS BUTTON to get more details ALL OBJECTS shows pictures and text for all items in the exhibit Other Two Parts of the "Secret Life..." Exhibit <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/plant-fibers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/plant-fibers</a> <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2017/secret-life-of-textiles-synthetic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2017/secret-life-of-textiles-synthetic</a> Peace Silk/No Kill/Cruelty Free - I have not studied this. Feel free to post what you know <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/new-silk-production-technique-does-not-require-killing-worms.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/new-silk-production-technique-does-not-require-killing-worms.html</a> <a href="http://thekindlife.com/blog/2012/09/alicia-silverstone-what-is-peace-silk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://thekindlife.com/blog/2012/09/alicia-silverstone-what-is-peace-silk/</a> ~ ~ ~ Continuado - The Minka House at Kew Gardens, England near Richmond, Easy Day trip from London <a href="https://sequinsandcherryblossom.com/2013/01/06/silkworms-and-mortice-joints-the-minka-house-at-kew/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sequinsandcherryblossom.com/2013/01/06/silkworms-and-mortice-joints-the-minka-house-at-kew/</a> 2) Furoshiki Sampling <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W0BajFL6uQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W0BajFL6uQ</a> Furoshiki: A folded bag <a href="https://youtu.be/Z9dbjzcmLBU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Z9dbjzcmLBU</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F74Dwe2BDFw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F74Dwe2BDFw</a> 3) Pensamientos Finales - A Superfluity of Silks - The Alcaiceria, Granada Spain: <a href="http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada/alcaiceria.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada/alcaiceria.htm</a>

Enchanted by Silk

I’ve become more and more enchanted with altering patterns not only to make them fit me well, but also to add I-am-my-own-designer details to what I sew. A patch pocket a very basic pattern alteration project that doesn't take long and adds a lot to the garment I'm sewing.  Patch pocket alteration is also great for  a first time pattern alteration project, or someone who’s returning to sewing and wants to feel they are adding their own touch to a commercial pattern.  This month show I talk about how I altered and created a unique patch pocket for my Sukey blouse. Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts: Blue Sky Sewing. How I might use a patch pocket to feel more like my own pattern designer or simply add practicality to my wardrobe and other things I sew and use.  Technicos/Techniques: How I altered the patch pocket I made for my Sukey Shirt (I expect to blog and cast more about Sukey in the future)

I’ve become more and more enchanted with altering patterns not only to make them fit me well, but also to add I-am-my-own-designer details to what I sew. A patch pocket a very basic pattern alteration project that doesn't take long and adds a lot to the garment I'm sewing.  Patch pocket alteration is also great for  a first time pattern alteration project, or someone who’s returning to sewing and wants to feel they are adding their own touch to a commercial pattern.  This month show I talk about how I altered and created a unique patch pocket for my Sukey blouse. Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts: Blue Sky Sewing. How I might use a patch pocket to feel more like my own pattern designer or simply add practicality to my wardrobe and other things I sew and use.  Technicos/Techniques: How I altered the patch pocket I made for my Sukey Shirt (I expect to blog and cast more about Sukey in the future)

EnchBySew-55: A Pocket for Sukey  (Pattern Work)

Part three of my series about my 3-piece Mother-Of-The-Bride (MOB) outfit. Wrapping up my MOB sewing project -sharing my experiences working on this ensemble. It’s about- Planning, Patterns, Prick stitching , Perturbation, and Patience. All 3 garment pieces have involved pattern creation or alteration. Snapshot of This Month’s Show - Pensamientos Primeros – Planning and Patterns Recapping the history of my mob ensemble a. Camisole slip - See my previous podcast - "A Camisole for the Mother of the Bride" b. Modified Dirndl skirt i. Modified dirndl is not the Heidi style traditional alpine look It's NOT http://www.kaffeeundkuchen.co/home/guide-to-buying-and-wearing-a-dirndl  ii. It's NOT any of these fun skirts! http://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-skirts/ iii. Back in the 80’s I remember a number of the suit patterns I sewed called the style of skirt I just made a ‘modified dirndl’ – but I can’t find a link quickly. I’ll describe it iv. What IS a modified dirndl? 1. Somewhat straight skirt 2. Not so straight that walking is inhibited a. No slits or kick pleats needed 3. Wth a little gathered ease 4. Attached to a waistband c. Lace over blouse i. Kept under garments as narrow as possible. Lace blouse loose fit ii. Downton Abbey inspired lace overblouse 1. Not straight hobbled skirt of Edwardian era  iv. Slightly below waist v. Loose vi. Scalloped lace ¾ sleeves and down the open front of blouse vii. Hem of blouse maybe 3 inches higher than knee length skirt - Technicos - Pick Stitch and A hand-sewn zipper - Pensamientos Finales -Perturbation and Patience

Part three of my series about my 3-piece Mother-Of-The-Bride (MOB) outfit. Wrapping up my MOB sewing project -sharing my experiences working on this ensemble. It’s about- Planning, Patterns, Prick stitching , Perturbation, and Patience. All 3 garment pieces have involved pattern creation or alteration. Snapshot of This Month’s Show - Pensamientos Primeros – Planning and Patterns Recapping the history of my mob ensemble a. Camisole slip - See my previous podcast - "A Camisole for the Mother of the Bride" b. Modified Dirndl skirt i. Modified dirndl is not the Heidi style traditional alpine look It's NOT <a href="http://www.kaffeeundkuchen.co/home/guide-to-buying-and-wearing-a-dirndl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kaffeeundkuchen.co/home/guide-to-buying-and-wearing-a-dirndl</a> ii. It's NOT any of these fun skirts! <a href="http://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-skirts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-skirts/</a> iii. Back in the 80’s I remember a number of the suit patterns I sewed called the style of skirt I just made a ‘modified dirndl’ – but I can’t find a link quickly. I’ll describe it iv. What IS a modified dirndl? 1. Somewhat straight skirt 2. Not so straight that walking is inhibited a. No slits or kick pleats needed 3. Wth a little gathered ease 4. Attached to a waistband c. Lace over blouse i. Kept under garments as narrow as possible. Lace blouse loose fit ii. Downton Abbey inspired lace overblouse 1. Not straight hobbled skirt of Edwardian era iv. Slightly below waist v. Loose vi. Scalloped lace ¾ sleeves and down the open front of blouse vii. Hem of blouse maybe 3 inches higher than knee length skirt - Technicos - Pick Stitch and A hand-sewn zipper - Pensamientos Finales -Perturbation and Patience

EnchBySew-54: A Postcard from the Mother of the Bride (MOB)

Spring Shirring:In this show I'm continue to share with you, some of my experiences working on my Mother-Of-The-Bride ensemble. All 3 garment pieces involve  pattern creation or alteration. Snapshot of This Month’s Show  1) Pensamientos Primeros/First Thougths  Shirring? Are we talking sheep? Thoughts on scissors,  shears, and the sewing technique known as ‘shirring’. 2) Entonces inspiración para fruncir/Inspiration for Shirring  Museum portrait and wardrobe shopping 3) Y finalmente, Technicos /And finally Techniques that I’ve used for shirring Note: Within the Inspiration Section, and at the end of the ‘cast,  I included travel notes for places I like to visit in San Francisco Golden Gate Park for fellow sewists who may be visiting, or to prompt other local sewists to share their own thoughts on this locale.

Spring Shirring:In this show I'm continue to share with you, some of my experiences working on my Mother-Of-The-Bride ensemble. All 3 garment pieces involve  pattern creation or alteration. Snapshot of This Month’s Show  1) Pensamientos Primeros/First Thougths  Shirring? Are we talking sheep? Thoughts on scissors,  shears, and the sewing technique known as ‘shirring’. 2) Entonces inspiración para fruncir/Inspiration for Shirring  Museum portrait and wardrobe shopping 3) Y finalmente, Technicos /And finally Techniques that I’ve used for shirring Note: Within the Inspiration Section, and at the end of the ‘cast,  I included travel notes for places I like to visit in San Francisco Golden Gate Park for fellow sewists who may be visiting, or to prompt other local sewists to share their own thoughts on this locale.

EnchBySew-53: Spring Shirring (MOB)

Part of my 3-piece Mother-Of-The-Bride outfit. I'm also working on a lace over-blouse and a skirt. The camisole I talk about in this show, is Part one of my 3-piece Mother-Of-The-Bride  (MOB) outfit.  In this show begining to share experiences working on MOB ensemble.  All 3 garment pieces have involved  pattern creation or alteration. Snapshot of This Month’s Show    - Pensamientos Primeros - short sewing history to date of my MOBride - - - Technicos: Jan Bones Lingerie Secrets book,Original pattern  designed for knits, How I altered to use a woven The darts - added plus natural placement,Strap placement-  - Pensamientos Finales  - is it worth the trouble? This podcast is an extension of my regular sewing blog - http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com

Part of my 3-piece Mother-Of-The-Bride outfit. I'm also working on a lace over-blouse and a skirt. The camisole I talk about in this show, is Part one of my 3-piece Mother-Of-The-Bride  (MOB) outfit.  In this show begining to share experiences working on MOB ensemble.  All 3 garment pieces have involved  pattern creation or alteration. Snapshot of This Month’s Show  - Pensamientos Primeros - short sewing history to date of my MOBride - - - Technicos: Jan Bones Lingerie Secrets book,Original pattern  designed for knits, How I altered to use a woven The darts - added plus natural placement,Strap placement-  - Pensamientos Finales  - is it worth the trouble? This podcast is an extension of my regular sewing blog - <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com</a>

EnchBySew-52: A Camisole for the Mother of the Bride (MOB)

BETSEY JOHNSON

Not long after I finished up my front pleated, mid-weight, denim trousers. Suddenly hit …I was taking my sewing inspiration from trousers I’d sewn in high school – which for me was quite some time ago. And that inspiration came from fashion designer Betsey Johnson. What will you hear in this month’s show? 1) Vintage Alley Cat – The Original Betsey Johnson – In which Laurel is whisked away on a time travel jaunt, reminding her that not all of her sewing projects come from the pages of the here and now.   2) Betsey Briefly – A Timeline a. Including a bit about how Betsey’s designs iinfluenced my own coming of age sewing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youthquake_(movement)  3) -Trousers Inspired by an Alley Cat In which A woman draws inspiration from her teenaged sewing self. Talk about time travel! a. The original Betsey Johnson pattern - way back when - was B3289 http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/01/vintage-flared-trousers-alley-cat.html b. Further ideas for sewing inspired by Betsey Johnson. The Jamie M pattern, I mentioned in this section, - way back when - was B6533 Here's a posting I did showing a little bit of what I talked about in the 'cast. http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/01/laced-up-empire-alley-cat-more-betsey.html

Not long after I finished up my front pleated, mid-weight, denim trousers. Suddenly hit …I was taking my sewing inspiration from trousers I’d sewn in high school – which for me was quite some time ago. And that inspiration came from fashion designer Betsey Johnson. What will you hear in this month’s show? 1) Vintage Alley Cat – The Original Betsey Johnson – In which Laurel is whisked away on a time travel jaunt, reminding her that not all of her sewing projects come from the pages of the here and now. 2) Betsey Briefly – A Timeline a. Including a bit about how Betsey’s designs iinfluenced my own coming of age sewing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youthquake_(movement)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youthquake_(movement)</a> 3) -Trousers Inspired by an Alley Cat In which A woman draws inspiration from her teenaged sewing self. Talk about time travel! a. The original Betsey Johnson pattern - way back when - was B3289 <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/01/vintage-flared-trousers-alley-cat.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/01/vintage-flared-trousers-alley-cat.html</a> b. Further ideas for sewing inspired by Betsey Johnson. The Jamie M pattern, I mentioned in this section, - way back when - was B6533 Here's a posting I did showing a little bit of what I talked about in the 'cast. <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/01/laced-up-empire-alley-cat-more-betsey.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2017/01/laced-up-empire-alley-cat-more-betsey.html</a>

EnchBySew-51: Betsey Johnson - Following a Vintage Alley Cat

This December I’ve put more time into sewing, than blogging about sewing. So though I’ve actually sewn five items – I’ve only blogged about two of them - so far. I’m hoping I'll find some time to post about what I’ve made, next week, because I really enjoy having a sewing journal.   I love looking back through my blog and remembering – oh that’s right Back in Dec of 2016 I made  * Queen Cordelia – a printed courderoy princess seamed shirt with ¾ len sleeves, fun buttons and some collar embellishment * A pair of front-pleated denim trousers * A  night shirt for my husband,  * A simple flannel baby blanket  * A flat bottomed tote bag   This Month’s Show is a holiday postcard, focusing on the basic technicos/techniques of sewing a flat-bottomed bag that can serve the combined purpose of being both a tote and gift bag.   Five reasons to know how to sew a tote   1 - Save money or just  be Green: I don’t know about where you live, but around here, we get chargd 10 cents for store bags -it’s really worth remembering your tote bag!   2) Be Arty as well as green and clean up your sewing resource inventory : A tote bag is a handy way to use up fabric scraps and remnents. I serves as a  vehicle for trying out favorite or new embellishment techniques like embroidery, craft button designs, beading, quilting or a collage made of scraps of  lace and trims    3) A tote bag is a basic sewing project . It’s  a good  way to stare learning to sew, or get back into sewing . It doesn’t take very long and you can practice basic seaming and other sewing techniques.   4) Unlike garment sewing - A tote bag does not require fitting!   5) A tote bag makes a great packable and reusable gift. If you have the resources on hand - You could even decide to make one an hour or so before it’s needed!   I blogged about, a tote I made earlier this month for visitng family members as a holiday gift. That posting includes four photos intended to show basic steps of tote bag sewing.   BTW I included a pound and a half box of biscotti from a wonderful local Italian deli – Diandras in San Mateo at Crystal Springs shopping center . If they ate , or shared, all the cookies during the conference they came for, they could use the tote to carry home their dirty laundry. Back home They can use it for grocery shopping or They can pass it on to somebody else as a gift bag. The bag itself was small and light weight , so it wasn’t going to make trouble when it came to taking their bags back on the airplane.     Technicos/Techniques: How to sew a flat-bottomed tote   Photo Collage and brief summary of basic steps for sewing the tote http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/12/green-sewing-tote-bag-for-reusable.html

This December I’ve put more time into sewing, than blogging about sewing. So though I’ve actually sewn five items – I’ve only blogged about two of them - so far. I’m hoping I'll find some time to post about what I’ve made, next week, because I really enjoy having a sewing journal. I love looking back through my blog and remembering – oh that’s right Back in Dec of 2016 I made  * Queen Cordelia – a printed courderoy princess seamed shirt with ¾ len sleeves, fun buttons and some collar embellishment * A pair of front-pleated denim trousers * A  night shirt for my husband,  * A simple flannel baby blanket  * A flat bottomed tote bag This Month’s Show is a holiday postcard, focusing on the basic technicos/techniques of sewing a flat-bottomed bag that can serve the combined purpose of being both a tote and gift bag. Five reasons to know how to sew a tote 1 - Save money or just  be Green: I don’t know about where you live, but around here, we get chargd 10 cents for store bags -it’s really worth remembering your tote bag! 2) Be Arty as well as green and clean up your sewing resource inventory : A tote bag is a handy way to use up fabric scraps and remnents. I serves as a  vehicle for trying out favorite or new embellishment techniques like embroidery, craft button designs, beading, quilting or a collage made of scraps of  lace and trims  3) A tote bag is a basic sewing project . It’s  a good  way to stare learning to sew, or get back into sewing . It doesn’t take very long and you can practice basic seaming and other sewing techniques. 4) Unlike garment sewing - A tote bag does not require fitting! 5) A tote bag makes a great packable and reusable gift. If you have the resources on hand - You could even decide to make one an hour or so before it’s needed! I blogged about, a tote I made earlier this month for visitng family members as a holiday gift. That posting includes four photos intended to show basic steps of tote bag sewing. BTW I included a pound and a half box of biscotti from a wonderful local Italian deli – Diandras in San Mateo at Crystal Springs shopping center . If they ate , or shared, all the cookies during the conference they came for, they could use the tote to carry home their dirty laundry. Back home They can use it for grocery shopping or They can pass it on to somebody else as a gift bag. The bag itself was small and light weight , so it wasn’t going to make trouble when it came to taking their bags back on the airplane. Technicos/Techniques: How to sew a flat-bottomed tote Photo Collage and brief summary of basic steps for sewing the tote <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/12/green-sewing-tote-bag-for-reusable.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/12/green-sewing-tote-bag-for-reusable.html</a>

EnchBySew-50: Tote’in for the Festive Season - Holiday Postcard

Color

* Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts: Impact of Color on My Sewing Choices   *Technicos/Techniques: Patterning and Sewing Color *Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts:Searching for Color in San Diego County 

* Pensamientos Primeros/First Thoughts: Impact of Color on My Sewing Choices *Technicos/Techniques: Patterning and Sewing Color *Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts:Searching for Color in San Diego County

EnchBySew-49: Fall Color Sewing

This Californian sews for her lifestyle, one that includes hiking, biking, school, and a casual work environment. She prefers arty romantic styles, like embellished tee shirts. Laurel sews pretty clothes that make her wardrobe work. Her monthly “Enchanted By Sewing” shows are garment themed, and include chat about techniques and patterns, as well as short interviews with other local San Francisco Bay Area sewists.

I have listened to every one of these well done podcasts.  If you are really into home sewing - you should too.  They only come out monthly but she has been doing them for several year.

Must listen - garment sewing

You produce an informative and entertaining podcast.

A must listen

Enchanted By Sewing

I'm learning to copycat a favorite knit top, without cutting the garment apart.

I'm learning to copycat a favorite knit top, without cutting the garment apart.

EnchBySew-48:Garment Copycatting

Come along on a field trip to the Oscar De La Renta Exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco

Come along on a field trip to the Oscar De La Renta Exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco

Ench By Sew-47: Oscar de La Renta Field Trip

Ready Set Sew! Sewing my own garments, allows me to define and create my own style.   This Month’s Show    1) Primeros Pensamientos/First Thoughts  * Defining this sewist’s current style  * Elements of Style- According to Laurel -Color -Design Lines and Fit,  -Fabric and Drape -Lifestyle   In reference to wearing fur -We go with what the always charming Felix Bassenak (S.Z. Sakall) said to Elizabeth Lane (aka Barbara Stanwick) in Christmas in Conneticut… "You need it? Nobody needs a mink coat but a mink!" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037595/quotes 2) Entonces/Then  Technicos: Techniques I used for altering M6403, the pattern I used for my black linen summer pants     In Pensamientos Finales, I recall the importance of  sewing this maxi jumpsuit 3)) Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts Looking back- Sewing myself as a grownup   …. Web and Pattern Resources: http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/08/floribunda-bouquet-another-sleeveless.html   M6403 pants pattern - out of print but many copies available on the web M6076 Palmer and Pletsch princess-seamed shirt

Ready Set Sew! Sewing my own garments, allows me to define and create my own style. This Month’s Show  1) Primeros Pensamientos/First Thoughts <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7JIyHTNK0c/V7juSiSe_GI/AAAAAAAAGrk/zSw2sRRvn9kzVzFOUQf9m-t9Ysm8JwJjQCEw/s1600/WebVuForibundaFromAbove.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>* Defining this sewist’s current style  * Elements of Style- According to Laurel -Color -Design Lines and Fit,  -Fabric and Drape -Lifestyle In reference to wearing fur -We go with what the always charming Felix Bassenak (S.Z. Sakall) said to Elizabeth Lane (aka Barbara Stanwick) in Christmas in Conneticut… "You need it? Nobody needs a mink coat but a mink!" <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037595/quotes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037595/quotes</a> 2) Entonces/Then <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsucB1ZCA4o/V7juSm9xvaI/AAAAAAAAGrg/me46BiP-kxgb04PT_svy8v-14LswAIARACEw/s1600/WebVuBlackLinenPantsWithFloribunda.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>Technicos: Techniques I used for altering M6403, the pattern I used for my black linen summer pants <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Xc5hixP7E/V7juBq8dxaI/AAAAAAAAGrc/hXPWBAP_d0wBfBqcgF8hFOjgMGFUEOlrACLcB/s1600/maxi%2Bjump%2Bsuit%2Bbirthday%2Bparty.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a> In Pensamientos Finales, I recall the importance of  sewing this maxi jumpsuit 3)) Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts Looking back- Sewing myself as a grownup …. Web and Pattern Resources: <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/08/floribunda-bouquet-another-sleeveless.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/08/floribunda-bouquet-another-sleeveless.html</a> M6403 pants pattern - out of print but many copies available on the web M6076 Palmer and Pletsch princess-seamed shirt

Ready Set Sew! Sewing Style

Sewing Pinto's Purse using the free buttercup purse pattern from Rae at MadeByRae. Her original (free) pattern is available at http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/ Rae's pattern is designed for laying out on a fat quarter. My buttercup purse is an example of green sewing. I created it both from remnants saved in my fabric inventory and scraps from Pinto, a sleeveless princess-seamed shirt I had just finished. http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/07/summer-essentials-pinto-picnic-shirt.html Snapshot of This Month’s Show * Primeros Pensamientos//First Reflections   Rae has created a number of patterns linked at her site. One of them is this darling free purse. It’s a tiny bag, though you can enlarge the pattern easily on a photocopy machine or extend the pattern freehand. I’ve made several of these purses both in the original small size and also larger versions. The small original, which is big enough to hold my keys, iPhone, iPod and maybe a little cash or a bag for a doggie’s needs, is perfect for a walk or an evening out.  http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/ When you visit Rae’s site to download this free pattern, you’ll find the terms of use. It’s free when you’re making it for personal use. Rae sells a licensed-to-sell version of this pattern for only $10. She also links to sewists who sell these licensed buttercup purses from her site. I often vary the size, construction, and details of this purse. * Technicos/Techniques I use for altering and sew Rae's buttercup purse pattern Rae includes directions for working at this pattern in the site, along with a how-to-layout the pattern. The pattern pieces include: a) Purse Outer Top – I call this the yoke. It shows on the outside b) Purse Outer Bottom – . It shows on the outside.This is what you see the most of from a distance. This piece has tucks at it’s top edge to give the purse fullness, and make it blouse out from the bottom of the yoke. c) Lining – The lining extends from the bottom of the outer bottom to the top of the outer top. This piece does not have tucks or gathers. d) Strap (no pattern piece – Dimensions are Given) e) Tab/Decorative Button Flap ( no pattern piece – Dimensions are Given) My Buttercups 1) Turning Scraps into Lining and the Magic of the Zig Zag 2) How I increased the pattern size   a. 129 percent size   b. Extend the bottom for a bigger purse  3) Play with it             1. Paper             2. Muslin             3. Paper towels  c. Vary strap length  d. Add rings   4) Interfacing for Light Weight Fabric Body 5) Altering the original details to suit me 6) Considering Embellishment Options     Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts   Buttercup purses Known and Loved – Kept and Given. A few Buttercups that stand out in my mind   1) Red Toile Evokes Marie Antoinette 2) Think Vintage - Bluebird with Tatting 3) Little Christmas Cowgirl 4) Engagement Celebration 5) Buttercup Dreams … . . . I never get tired of using, sewing, or envisioning, these charming accessories. Thanks Rae! Your buttercups purses are just one more thing that keep me…  Enchanted by Sewing

Sewing Pinto's Purse using the free buttercup purse pattern from Rae at MadeByRae. Her original (free) pattern is available at <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/</a> Rae's pattern is designed for laying out on a fat quarter. My buttercup purse is an example of green sewing. I created it both from remnants saved in my fabric inventory and scraps from Pinto, a sleeveless princess-seamed shirt I had just finished. <a href="http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/07/summer-essentials-pinto-picnic-shirt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2016/07/summer-essentials-pinto-picnic-shirt.html</a> Snapshot of This Month’s Show * Primeros Pensamientos//First Reflections   Rae has created a number of patterns linked at her site. One of them is this darling free purse. It’s a tiny bag, though you can enlarge the pattern easily on a photocopy machine or extend the pattern freehand. I’ve made several of these purses both in the original small size and also larger versions. The small original, which is big enough to hold my keys, iPhone, iPod and maybe a little cash or a bag for a doggie’s needs, is perfect for a walk or an evening out. <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/</a> When you visit Rae’s site to download this free pattern, you’ll find the terms of use. It’s free when you’re making it for personal use. Rae sells a licensed-to-sell version of this pattern for only $10. She also links to sewists who sell these licensed buttercup purses from her site. I often vary the size, construction, and details of this purse. * Technicos/Techniques I use for altering and sew Rae's buttercup purse pattern Rae includes directions for working at this pattern in the site, along with a how-to-layout the pattern. The pattern pieces include: a) Purse Outer Top – I call this the yoke. It shows on the outside b) Purse Outer Bottom – . It shows on the outside.This is what you see the most of from a distance. This piece has tucks at it’s top edge to give the purse fullness, and make it blouse out from the bottom of the yoke. c) Lining – The lining extends from the bottom of the outer bottom to the top of the outer top. This piece does not have tucks or gathers. d) Strap (no pattern piece – Dimensions are Given) e) Tab/Decorative Button Flap ( no pattern piece – Dimensions are Given) My Buttercups 1) Turning Scraps into Lining and the Magic of the Zig Zag 2) How I increased the pattern size   a. 129 percent size   b. Extend the bottom for a bigger purse  3) Play with it             1. Paper             2. Muslin             3. Paper towels  c. Vary strap length  d. Add rings 4) Interfacing for Light Weight Fabric Body 5) Altering the original details to suit me 6) Considering Embellishment Options   Pensamientos Finales/Final Thoughts Buttercup purses Known and Loved – Kept and Given. A few Buttercups that stand out in my mind 1) Red Toile Evokes Marie Antoinette 2) Think Vintage - Bluebird with Tatting 3) Little Christmas Cowgirl 4) Engagement Celebration 5) Buttercup Dreams … . . . I never get tired of using, sewing, or envisioning, these charming accessories. Thanks Rae! Your buttercups purses are just one more thing that keep me…  Enchanted by Sewing

Ench By Sew-45: A Purse for Pinto (Green Sewing)

This month's show is, PART 2 of Embellished and Printed, Reflections from a Historical Exhibit from an Historical Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 In this Show *Primeros Pensamientos/First Reflections – Chatting about my sewing and a little more My Kensington Gardens Shirt - Terminado!/Finished! *D’accurdo, tambien/OK also And a little more /y un poco más At work on Pinto another summer shirt *Entonces/Then Back to the exhibit at the Metropoliton Museum of Art in NYC - Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 Web Resources I mentioned the Tanna Lawn fabric for my cur.rent sewing project, that I purchased a few years back from Liberty of London. In this podcast "Laurel Loves London" I talked about a trip to Liberty http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/06/ench-by-sew-009-laurel-loves-london.html One of the items in the exhibit we visit in this cast comes from the Victoria and Albert in London (V&amp;A). Below is a link to a walk I shared with you around the fashion gallery at the V&amp;A. http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/07/ench-by-sew-010-v-fashion-gallery-tour.html -Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2015/fashion-and-virtue - “The Third Knot”. Interlaced Roundel with Eight Wreaths and a Scalloped Shield in its Center Artist:Albrecht Dürer (German, Nuremberg 1471–1528 Nuremberg) Artist:After Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, Vinci 1452–1519 Amboise) (or workshop) Date:1521 before http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/388791 - Link to the 10th century block printed lions - that I think would make a great quilt block - Spoonflower would be my ticket! http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448647 Ancient Egypt print block http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448512 Many wonderful links turn up when I searched on 'printed textiles' at the Met https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=www.metmuseum.org+printed+textiles&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8 "Nineteenth-Century European Textile Production http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txtn/hd_txtn.htm

This month's show is, PART 2 of Embellished and Printed, Reflections from a Historical Exhibit from an Historical Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 In this Show *Primeros Pensamientos/First Reflections – Chatting about my sewing and a little more My Kensington Gardens Shirt - Terminado!/Finished! *D’accurdo, tambien/OK also And a little more /y un poco más At work on Pinto another summer shirt *Entonces/Then Back to the exhibit at the Metropoliton Museum of Art in NYC - Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 Web Resources I mentioned the Tanna Lawn fabric for my cur.rent sewing project, that I purchased a few years back from Liberty of London. In this podcast "Laurel Loves London" I talked about a trip to Liberty <a href="http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/06/ench-by-sew-009-laurel-loves-london.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/06/ench-by-sew-009-laurel-loves-london.html</a> One of the items in the exhibit we visit in this cast comes from the Victoria and Albert in London (V&amp;A). Below is a link to a walk I shared with you around the fashion gallery at the V&amp;A. <a href="http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/07/ench-by-sew-010-v-fashion-gallery-tour.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/07/ench-by-sew-010-v-fashion-gallery-tour.html</a> -Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2015/fashion-and-virtue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2015/fashion-and-virtue</a> - “The Third Knot”. Interlaced Roundel with Eight Wreaths and a Scalloped Shield in its Center Artist:Albrecht Dürer (German, Nuremberg 1471–1528 Nuremberg) Artist:After Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, Vinci 1452–1519 Amboise) (or workshop) Date:1521 before <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/388791" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/388791</a> - Link to the 10th century block printed lions - that I think would make a great quilt block - Spoonflower would be my ticket! <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448647" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448647</a> Ancient Egypt print block <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448512" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448512</a> Many wonderful links turn up when I searched on 'printed textiles' at the Met <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=www.metmuseum.org+printed+textiles&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=www.metmuseum.org+printed+textiles&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8</a> "Nineteenth-Century European Textile Production <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txtn/hd_txtn.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txtn/hd_txtn.htm</a>

Ench By Sew-44-Part 2: Embellished and Printed Fabric, Reflections on an Exhibit at the Met in NYC

Embellished and Printed Fabric, Reflections from a Historical Exhibit from an Historical Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620  In this Show: * Primero Pensamientos/First Reflections - I reflect on this exhibit at the Met and also on how the exhibits I saw there, relate to my own current sewing and my interest in patterned fabrics and their history. *Entonces/Then #FashionandVirtue We go to the exhibit together. Remember that this is only Part 1 of this exhibit. I’ll take you back with me again, next month in the June show, for Part 2. Web Resources I mentioned the Tanna Lawn fabric for my cur.rent sewing project, that I purchased a few years back from Liberty of London. In this podcast "Laurel Loves London" I talked about a trip to Liberty http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/06/ench-by-sew-009-laurel-loves-london.html One of the items in the exhibit we visit in the current podcast comes from the Victoria and Albert in London (V&amp;A). Below is a link to a walk I shared with you around the fashion gallery at the V&amp;A. http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/07/ench-by-sew-010-v-fashion-gallery-tour.html -Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2015/fashion-and-virtue - Link to the 10th century block printed lions - that I think would make a great quilt block - Spoonflower would be my ticket! http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448647 Ancient Egypt print block http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448512 Many wonderful links turn up when I searched on 'printed textiles' at the Met https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=www.metmuseum.org+printed+textiles&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8 "Nineteenth-Century European Textile Production http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txtn/hd_txtn.htm

Embellished and Printed Fabric, Reflections from a Historical Exhibit from an Historical Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 In this Show: * Primero Pensamientos/First Reflections - I reflect on this exhibit at the Met and also on how the exhibits I saw there, relate to my own current sewing and my interest in patterned fabrics and their history. *Entonces/Then #FashionandVirtue We go to the exhibit together. Remember that this is only Part 1 of this exhibit. I’ll take you back with me again, next month in the June show, for Part 2. Web Resources I mentioned the Tanna Lawn fabric for my cur.rent sewing project, that I purchased a few years back from Liberty of London. In this podcast "Laurel Loves London" I talked about a trip to Liberty <a href="http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/06/ench-by-sew-009-laurel-loves-london.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/06/ench-by-sew-009-laurel-loves-london.html</a> One of the items in the exhibit we visit in the current podcast comes from the Victoria and Albert in London (V&amp;A). Below is a link to a walk I shared with you around the fashion gallery at the V&amp;A. <a href="http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/07/ench-by-sew-010-v-fashion-gallery-tour.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://enchantedbysewing.blogspot.com/2013/07/ench-by-sew-010-v-fashion-gallery-tour.html</a> -Fashion and Virtue: Textile Patterns and the Print Revolution, 1520–1620 <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2015/fashion-and-virtue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2015/fashion-and-virtue</a> - Link to the 10th century block printed lions - that I think would make a great quilt block - Spoonflower would be my ticket! <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448647" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448647</a> Ancient Egypt print block <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448512" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/448512</a> Many wonderful links turn up when I searched on 'printed textiles' at the Met <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=www.metmuseum.org+printed+textiles&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=www.metmuseum.org+printed+textiles&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8</a> "Nineteenth-Century European Textile Production <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txtn/hd_txtn.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/txtn/hd_txtn.htm</a>

EnchBySew-43 Embellished and Printed Fabric, Historical Reflections

This month is a short cast -a mini-cast!   Happily Ever After – A Sewing Story I mentioned in this episode thatI wish I could see the following exhibit at theMet in New York. I can't, but maybe you can! I am planning to buythe book. A docent I met there said it's going to be a really bigdeal show.   Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age ofTechnology Over 120 pieces of haute couture andready-to-wear fashion are yours to discover in Manusx Machina: Fashion in an Age ofTechnology. http://www.metmuseum.org  The exhibition explores the creative process and unravels howdesigners are reconciling the handmade with the machine-made infashion. Galleries will focus on embroidery, feather work,artificial flowers, and pleating alongside innovative processessuch as 3D printing, computer modeling, and more. Opening in earlyMay on through

This month is a short cast - a mini-cast! Happily Ever After – A Sewing Story I mentioned in this episode that I wish I could see the following exhibit at the Met in New York. I can't, but maybe you can! I am planning to buy the book. A docent I met there said it's going to be a really big deal show. Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology Over 120 pieces of haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion are yours to discover in <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/manus-x-machina" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology</a>. <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.metmuseum.org </a> The exhibition explores the creative process and unravels how designers are reconciling the handmade with the machine-made in fashion. Galleries will focus on embroidery, feather work, artificial flowers, and pleating alongside innovative processes such as 3D printing, computer modeling, and more. Opening in early May on through

Ench By Sew-42: Happily Ever After - Mini-Cast

What is a princess-seam? A princess-seam is intended to mirror the shape of a woman’s torso. It’s a long, lengthwise curved seam midway between the side seams and the center of the garment. You might see a princess-seam in a women's nightgown, camisole, swim suit, blouse, shirt, dress, or coat. The lines you’ll typically see in a bustier, or merry widow garment, are a good example of princess-seams.   Princess-seams are sewn into the front and/or back of a shirt. They may start at the low or high hip,  the waist , or wherever the bottom of the garment is. In a fitted cropped top they’ll start at that bottom crop point, in a dress or coat, without separate skirt pieces, they are probably at the hemline. A princess-seam usually moves up to the armscye (armhole) or to the shoulder seam.   Often a princess-seamed dress does not have a separate waistline at all, since it does its shaping without darts. A -Line dresses often have princess-seams.   Well executed princess-seams can add a long sliming look.    In this episode    Primero /First  -  Royal Reflection – My own ideas about sewing history and choices I made for my recent princess-seam sewing.   Entonces/Then – Technicos for Princess-Seam fitting – What techniques I’ve been using to fit my princess-seamed shirt pattern   Resources: * For my princess seam pattern,  I used M6076 0 a Palmer and Pletsch pattern http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6076-products-10887.php?page_id=482     * Coco  Chanel's Sleeves https://cloningcouture.com/2014/08/04/chanel-and-the-sleeve/  * Beyond Fitting - Sewing  Princess-Seams http://www.idlefancy.com/2014/01/sewing-curve-fitting-princess-seams-for.html

What is a princess-seam? A princess-seam is intended to mirror the shape of a woman’s torso. It’s a long, lengthwise curved seam midway between the side seams and the center of the garment. You might see a princess-seam in a women's nightgown, camisole, swim suit, blouse, shirt, dress, or coat. The lines you’ll typically see in a bustier, or merry widow garment, are a good example of princess-seams. Princess-seams are sewn into the front and/or back of a shirt. They may start at the low or high hip,  the waist , or wherever the bottom of the garment is. In a fitted cropped top they’ll start at that bottom crop point, in a dress or coat, without separate skirt pieces, they are probably at the hemline. A princess-seam usually moves up to the armscye (armhole) or to the shoulder seam. Often a princess-seamed dress does not have a separate waistline at all, since it does its shaping without darts. A -Line dresses often have princess-seams. Well executed princess-seams can add a long sliming look.  In this episode Primero /First  -  Royal Reflection – My own ideas about sewing history and choices I made for my recent princess-seam sewing. Entonces/Then – Technicos for Princess-Seam fitting – What techniques I’ve been using to fit my princess-seamed shirt pattern Resources: * For my princess seam pattern,  I used M6076 0 a Palmer and Pletsch pattern <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6076-products-10887.php?page_id=482" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6076-products-10887.php?page_id=482</a> * Coco  Chanel's Sleeves <a href="https://cloningcouture.com/2014/08/04/chanel-and-the-sleeve/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cloningcouture.com/2014/08/04/chanel-and-the-sleeve/</a>    * Beyond Fitting - Sewing  Princess-Seams <a href="http://www.idlefancy.com/2014/01/sewing-curve-fitting-princess-seams-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.idlefancy.com/2014/01/sewing-curve-fitting-princess-seams-for.html</a>

Fit For a Princess - Fitting Princess Seams

Kunghei fatchoy! (Happy New Year!) Sewing inspired by the Chinese Lunar New Year and the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit "China Through the Looking Glass".  

Kunghei fatchoy! (Happy New Year!) Sewing inspired by the Chinese Lunar New Year and the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit "China Through the Looking Glass".

Ench By Sew-40: Year of Monkey Inspires Sewing

Plaid

Plaid tidings’ to you and all of your kin! During the winter holidays, plaids and tartans look so festive. Dolls are the perfect plaid-sewing partners, because sewing for a doll, gives me the motivation to engage in some sample sewing. And at this time of year they remind me of  dollies, and doll clothes that were sewn for me, at this special time of year – like the mini wardrobe of Barbie clothes my aunt gracie sewed and sent me one winter holiday, as well as the red courderoy jumpers and dotted slip dresses, Mama made for our chatty Kathy dolls, as well as for me and my sister Trisha in the winter I was 4 (with matching girl jumpers).    K.R's green plaid jumper is based on an  American Girl free doll clothes pattern in "Mollie's Pretty Clothes"   The doll featured in this sewing project is Katie Rose. K.Rose is an Engel-Puppen doll. (Engel-Puppen doll link - has history of these dolls) Sample sewing may not sound very exciting, but sewing an 18” (think American Girl sized) plaid doll’s dress gave me a chance to – in a very limited amount of time - practice my pattern cutting out skills for plaid fabric, as well as experiment with a new-to-me technique for improved  plaid matching This  show is all about the technicos/techniques. My goals with this doll’s dress were to work on: Primero/First)Careful layout of multiple princess-seamed bodice pieces - definitely less nerve racking for a doll, and gives me confidence to work on the red plaid princess-seamed shirt I’m muslin’ing - as well as the plaid nightshirt I’ll plan to be making soon for my husband. Entonces/Then)I tried Fusible Thread to decrease slippage during sewing (a new-to-me technique for enhanced/ improved  plaid matching).  Also useful /good idea for sewing on patch pockets   I used crafster to look for help regarding my challenges with fusible thread. Response from ~T Read more: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=442125.0#ixzz3ufLODkuJ https://www.byannie.com/shop/product/fusible-thread/ “She calls for low heat, so I am guessing you just had the iron too hot. She also describes another technique for using it with aluminum foil as your pressing cloth..letting that cool and peeling it off, to create a design on fabric. Like a dimensional paint overlay technique? You Craftsters always inspire me to hunt for new ideas    I Goggled 'Fusible Thread Instruction' for this one. There are more on there as well. ~T”  I love using succulents all over the house during the festive season.This simple arrangement provides the perfect place for Katie Rose to hang out. American Girl Doll Clothes Patterns - Free http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html   More Plaid Web Resources http://moviestarmakeover.com/category/classically-ladylike/ http://moviestarmakeover.com/category/myrna-loy/ http://www.pendleton-usa.com/thumbnail/Home/FABRIC/PLAIDS/1721/c/1828/pc/1816.uts

Plaid tidings’ to you and all of your kin! During the winter holidays, plaids and tartans look so festive. Dolls are the perfect plaid-sewing partners, because sewing for a doll, gives me the motivation to engage in some sample sewing. And at this time of year they remind me of  dollies, and doll clothes that were sewn for me, at this special time of year – like the mini wardrobe of Barbie clothes my aunt gracie sewed and sent me one winter holiday, as well as the red courderoy jumpers and dotted slip dresses, Mama made for our chatty Kathy dolls, as well as for me and my sister Trisha in the winter I was 4 (with matching girl jumpers). K.R's green plaid jumper is based on an <a href="http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Girl free doll clothes pattern</a> in "Mollie's Pretty Clothes" The doll featured in this sewing project is Katie Rose. K.Rose is an <a href="http://www.engelpuppen.com/en/history.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Engel-Puppen doll</a>. (<a href="http://www.engelpuppen.com/en/history.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Engel-Puppen doll</a> link - has history of these dolls) Sample sewing may not sound very exciting, but sewing an 18” (think American Girl sized) plaid doll’s dress gave me a chance to – in a very limited amount of time - practice my pattern cutting out skills for plaid fabric, as well as experiment with a new-to-me technique for improved  plaid matching This  show is all about the technicos/techniques. My goals with this doll’s dress were to work on: Primero/First)Careful layout of multiple princess-seamed bodice pieces - definitely less nerve racking for a doll, and gives me confidence to work on the red plaid princess-seamed shirt I’m muslin’ing - as well as the plaid nightshirt I’ll plan to be making soon for my husband. Entonces/Then)I tried Fusible Thread to decrease slippage during sewing (a new-to-me technique for enhanced/ improved  plaid matching).  Also useful /good idea for sewing on patch pockets   I used crafster to look for help regarding my challenges with fusible thread. Response from ~T Read more: <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=442125.0#ixzz3ufLODkuJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=442125.0#ixzz3ufLODkuJ</a> <a href="https://www.byannie.com/shop/product/fusible-thread/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.byannie.com/shop/product/fusible-thread/</a> “She calls for low heat, so I am guessing you just had the iron too hot. She also describes another technique for using it with aluminum foil as your pressing cloth..letting that cool and peeling it off, to create a design on fabric. Like a dimensional paint overlay technique? You Craftsters always inspire me to hunt for new ideas    I Goggled 'Fusible Thread Instruction' for this one. There are more on there as well. ~T” <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rci-YvutgPE/VnRVIYfa4YI/AAAAAAAAFmA/m4TFhJL04k4/s1600/succulentCuttingsRedStriped%2Bcup.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> I love using succulents all over the house during the festive season.This simple arrangement provides the perfect place for Katie Rose to hang out. American Girl Doll Clothes Patterns - Free <a href="http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html</a> More Plaid Web Resources <a href="http://moviestarmakeover.com/category/classically-ladylike/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://moviestarmakeover.com/category/classically-ladylike/</a> <a href="http://moviestarmakeover.com/category/myrna-loy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://moviestarmakeover.com/category/myrna-loy/</a> <a href="http://www.pendleton-usa.com/thumbnail/Home/FABRIC/PLAIDS/1721/c/1828/pc/1816.uts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.pendleton-usa.com/thumbnail/Home/FABRIC/PLAIDS/1721/c/1828/pc/1816.uts</a>

Ench By Sew-39: Plaid tidings’ to you and all of your kin( *Dolls* too!) Part 2 of Tartans and Plaids  (Winter Holidays Mini-Cast)

At this time of year, I particularly love to sew plaids. In this Show  *Tartans and Plaids – What’s the difference? *Tartans – Who’s got the rights to wear them? (Myth Busting) *Visit to Edinburgh Weaving Mill * Final Pensamientos...

At this time of year, I particularly love to sew plaids. In this Show *Tartans and Plaids – What’s the difference? *Tartans – Who’s got the rights to wear them? (Myth Busting) *Visit to Edinburgh Weaving Mill * Final Pensamientos...

Ench By Sew-38: Tartans and Plaids - Part 1

Alexander McQueen

October is a month when many of us in the Western Hemisphere get in touch with our own emotions and comfort dealing with  mortality. Folks in my neck of the woods celebrate Dia de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead. Dia de Los Muertos is a day for celebrating ritual death tradition- engaging in crafts, creating and eating special foods, and putting out images – colorful, beautiful, and also macabre – that may touch on a connection with departed family members.  In our neighborhood we put out beautiful pumpkins, scary dancing skeletons and bright lights. Then we celebrate our connection to another world, by welcoming in the trick or treaters- be they costumed beautifully, colorfully, or gruesomely - by handing out free Halloween candy. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen focused on designing beautifully romantic, avent garde fashion. He also had a strong interest in the macabre. His masters fashion exhibit “Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims”, was a hint that this emerging designer was not going to be run-of-the-mill when it came to setting his artistic tone. Other chilling exhibits followed. “Highland Rape” and “The Widows of Culloden” , among others, carried McQueen’s historically inspired fashion artistry farther into the dark side of the human soul. Morose? Yes – often- but his work was also drop dead gorgeous. Many of McQueens materials, embellishments design lines, colors, technology and elements inspire my arty-romantic sewing nature, even as I am frightened by other aspects of his work. As you accompany me in the show, I’ll share the beautiful, and the colorful as well as the scary.  Because that’s what this time of year is all about, where I live.

October is a month when many of us in the Western Hemisphere get in touch with our own emotions and comfort dealing with <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PEMgXuQIWr8/ViiVSrUXcyI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/WkAMGaYrhlM/s1600/alexanderMcQueen.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> mortality. Folks in my neck of the woods celebrate Dia de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead. Dia de Los Muertos is a day for celebrating ritual death tradition- engaging in crafts, creating and eating special foods, and putting out images – colorful, beautiful, and also macabre – that may touch on a connection with departed family members. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcJte96ipDg/ViiVbvPuFII/AAAAAAAAFVY/k_1EnBcQtB4/s1600/alexanderMcQueen2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> In our neighborhood we put out beautiful pumpkins, scary dancing skeletons and bright lights. Then we celebrate our connection to another world, by welcoming in the trick or treaters- be they costumed beautifully, colorfully, or gruesomely - by handing out free Halloween candy. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen focused on designing beautifully romantic, avent garde fashion. He also had a strong interest in the macabre. His masters fashion exhibit “Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims”, was a hint that this emerging designer was not going to be run-of-the-mill when it came to setting his artistic tone. Other chilling exhibits followed. “Highland Rape” and “<a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/museumofsavagebeauty/rel/encyclopedia-of-collections-the-widows-of-culloden/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Widows of Culloden</a>” , among others, carried McQueen’s historically inspired fashion artistry farther into the dark side of the human soul. Morose? Yes – often- but his work was also drop dead gorgeous. Many of McQueens materials, embellishments design lines, colors, technology and elements inspire my arty-romantic sewing nature, even as I am frightened by other aspects of his work. As you accompany me in the show, I’ll share the beautiful, and the colorful as well as the scary.  Because that’s what this time of year is all about, where I live.

Ench By Sew-37: Savage Beauty of Alexander McQueen (Halloween Style)

Dress creation brings out the romantic in me. When I looked ahead to my summer sewing, I thought if I could sew only one garment for the season, it would be a dress. Fiona, the Irish Laurel dress, satisfied my yearning to design and sew the perfect summer frock. This dress was a very satisfying project for my arty romantic style. In between sewing summer essentials - shorts and tees - I worked off and on to determine what design lines spoke to me about summer, mock up a miniature sloper pattern to test my ideas, draft a pattern from my sloper, and then finally to sew up Fiona, while summer was still on! *Pensamientos Primeros - Thinking through my idea for this summer dress *Technicos - Pattern Drafting and Kissing Zipper using a Prick Stitch *Pensamientos Finales - Fiona's Design Lines have roots in my own history

Dress creation brings out the romantic in me. When I looked ahead to my summer sewing, I thought if I could sew only one garment for the season, it would be a dress. Fiona, the Irish Laurel dress, satisfied my yearning to design and sew the perfect summer frock. This dress was a very satisfying project for my arty romantic style. In between sewing summer essentials - shorts and tees - I worked off and on to determine what design lines spoke to me about summer, mock up a miniature sloper pattern to test my ideas, draft a pattern from my sloper, and then finally to sew up Fiona, while summer was still on! *Pensamientos Primeros - Thinking through my idea for this summer dress *Technicos - Pattern Drafting and Kissing Zipper using a Prick Stitch *Pensamientos Finales - Fiona's Design Lines have roots in my own history

Fiona, The Irish Laurel Dress (Farewell to Summer)

Charles James

Enchanted by Charles James - Stepping into a liminal space to study and enjoy glorious fashion designs and analyze the construction of those garments is the kind of thing that keeps me … enchanted by sewing. Hey let’s go to the show together!    Links and notes- http://EnchantedBySewing.blogspot.com     Some months the Enchanted by Sewing podcast, journals my own sewing project accomplishments, techniques and creative ideas. Other times I share the source of  some of my sewing inspiration. This month is inspiration time, as I take you along on an another in-the-,moment fashon exhibit - a visit to the beautiful Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco , where I went repeatedly to  view the exhibit, High Style: The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection  exhibit of the Brooklyn Fashion Museum.   This collection – which is housed  and curated by the Metropoliton Museum of Art  in NY City- includes a wide range of the work of 20’th century designers and couturiers. There was no way I could share all of what I saw with you. By my third visit, I realized that , despite the charms of designers and coturiers in the exhibit- Elsa Schiaparelli and Madeleine Vionnet, just to name a few of the big names, and some that have been almost forgotten- the hands-down winner for sharing with you, was Charles James. That’s because James, and his clients and admirers, worked to see to it, that more than his beautiful garments were saved in this collection, to motivate and educate future sewists, designers and couturiers. This historical treasure trove includes sketches and muslins which really tell the story of how he worked, and what went into the garments he fashioned. They are an inspiration for the creative process. The body of Charles James work extends from the 1930s into the1950s. The garments he designed, constructed and created were worn by high society types like  Austine Hearst, the wife of Mr. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., Millicent Rogers and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. They were also made for women with less blue blood like Jeanne Bultman the wife of the artist Fritz Bultman, and Gypsy Rose Lee! James didn’t just sketch up a gown and expect others to produce it. He worked in the true couture tradition (some say the only American designer who did). He draped fabric in complex ways to get what he was after. Often he created specialized support systems under his gowns, to enhance and extend their third dimensions . Charles James also used fabric in studied ways working with color, light and reflectivity in addition to the hang or drape of the material. He also focused on developing seaming techniques that molded the fabric into directions he wanted it to move.

Enchanted by Charles James - Stepping into a liminal space to study and enjoy glorious fashion designs and analyze the construction of those garments is the kind of thing that keeps me … enchanted by sewing. Hey let’s go to the show together!  Links and notes- <a href="http://EnchantedBySewing.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://EnchantedBySewing.blogspot.com</a> Some months the Enchanted by Sewing podcast, journals my own sewing project accomplishments, techniques and creative ideas. Other times I share the source of  some of my sewing inspiration. This month is inspiration time, as I take you along on an another in-the-,moment fashon exhibit - a visit to the beautiful Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco , where I went repeatedly to  view the exhibit, High Style: The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection  exhibit of the Brooklyn Fashion Museum. This collection – which is housed  and curated by the Metropoliton Museum of Art  in NY City- includes a wide range of the work of 20’th century designers and couturiers. There was no way I could share all of what I saw with you. By my third visit, I realized that , despite the charms of designers and coturiers in the exhibit- Elsa Schiaparelli and Madeleine Vionnet, just to name a few of the big names, and some that have been almost forgotten- the hands-down winner for sharing with you, was Charles James. That’s because James, and his clients and admirers, worked to see to it, that more than his beautiful garments were saved in this collection, to motivate and educate future sewists, designers and couturiers. This historical treasure trove includes sketches and muslins which really tell the story of how he worked, and what went into the garments he fashioned. They are an inspiration for the creative process. The body of Charles James work extends from the 1930s into the1950s. The garments he designed, constructed and created were worn by high society types like  Austine Hearst, the wife of Mr. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., Millicent Rogers and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. They were also made for women with less blue blood like Jeanne Bultman the wife of the artist Fritz Bultman, and Gypsy Rose Lee! James didn’t just sketch up a gown and expect others to produce it. He worked in the true couture tradition (some say the only American designer who did). He draped fabric in complex ways to get what he was after. Often he created specialized support systems under his gowns, to enhance and extend their third dimensions . Charles James also used fabric in studied ways working with color, light and reflectivity in addition to the hang or drape of the material. He also focused on developing seaming techniques that molded the fabric into directions he wanted it to move.

Ench By Sew-35:Enchanted by Charles James - 20'th Century Fashion History

This month’s show is Fairy Inspired… Fairy Gardens that is– where my sewing (like my gardening)  knows,  It’s the Story that makes it. I was feeling pretty serious about my sewing when I got back into town last month. I was thinking that any day I’d get on with some serious pattern drafting work. Well, I haven’t! As a matter of fact whenever I thought about doing intense pattern work – either drafting or pattern alteration – I just found something else to do. And, as this has been an unusually busy summer for me, both professionally and personally, it was easy to put sewing off. Finally I just quit worry about what I’d planned to do, and responded to materials and projects that were singing out to me from the bins over my machine. And I was, once more, reminded of Lori Van Monnans’s advice to ‘sew forth now’. Sometimes you just gotta sew. By just responding to what I had on hand, I was working on getting in some summer garment essentials. They were essential because there items I really use at this time of year, and also essential to my happiness. It doesn’ t always matter whether I’m carrying through on garments I blue sky about. What matters is that I respond to my essential need to sew because, sewing enchants me. In this month’s show 1) Recent summer essential sewing – Journaling about what’s useful additions I’ve sewn for my summer armoire. Lucy Locket's Mobile Pocket Bag - http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/lucky-lockets-mobile-device-pocket-bag.html A new Tapestry Cap - http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/replacing-my-tapestry-cap.html Enchanted by Sewing(Aug 2014) Capping Off Summer - Creating a simple pattern for, and sewing a cap http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2014/08/ench-by-sew-023-capping-off-summer.html -Singing the Blues Tee - Pattern drafted from my moulage http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/07/sewing-summer-essentials-singing-blues.html - Rose Embellished Straight Skirt - Pattern drafted from my sloper http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/terminado-rose-embellished-straight.html 2) Technicos: Techniques I used to complete My Rose Embellished Denim Straight Skirt – Sloper to Pattern, and embellishment techniques Enchanted By Sewing Show (May 2015) Parlez Vous French Pattern Drafting ?http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/05/ench-by-sew-32-parlez-vous-french.html 3) Fairy Gardens Inspire My Sewing  Whether gardening or sewing – it’s the story that makes the creation Postcard from California - How to Introduce a Fairy to a California Garden (Fairy Gardens) http://www.postcardfromcalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-to-introduce-fairy-to-california.html Both these Disney Garden books inspire my theme gardening style. I like the tabbed-cookbook style of DISNEY'S GARDENING WITH MICKEY when I want to quickly review the steps for creating a hanging basket or well illustrated how-tos for small topiaries. (There's lots of good info for larger topiaries and garden sculpting as well - I just haven't tried it out) In addition, there is good gardening (yard or pots) basic techniques as well as many recommendations for plants that work well for specific themes and temperatures. I highly recommend it, because I have used it a lot over a period of several years.   I also turn regularly to my Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens book. It has a lot of similar techniques and information as DISNEY'S GARDENING WITH MICKEY and it also has lovely, lovely photos that inspire me. So when I want to sit down and just get ideas for themes or gardening styles, I pour through the photos in this book.   Fairy magic is definitely adding a little more enchantment to my life, when it comes to gardening.  And ….It’s also given me a better understanding of how to keep my sewing enchanting.

This month’s show is Fairy Inspired… Fairy Gardens that is– where my sewing (like my gardening)  knows,  It’s the Story that makes it. I was feeling pretty serious about my sewing when I got back into town last month. I was thinking that any day I’d get on with some serious pattern drafting work. Well, I haven’t! As a matter of fact whenever I thought about doing intense pattern work – either drafting or pattern alteration – I just found something else to do. And, as this has been an unusually busy summer for me, both professionally and personally, it was easy to put sewing off. Finally I just quit worry about what I’d planned to do, and responded to materials and projects that were singing out to me from the bins over my machine. And I was, once more, reminded of Lori Van Monnans’s advice to ‘sew forth now’. Sometimes you just gotta sew. By just responding to what I had on hand, I was working on getting in some summer garment essentials. They were essential because there items I really use at this time of year, and also essential to my happiness. It doesn’ t always matter whether I’m carrying through on garments I blue sky about. What matters is that I respond to my essential need to sew because, sewing enchants me. In this month’s show 1) Recent summer essential sewing – Journaling about what’s useful additions I’ve sewn for my summer armoire. Lucy Locket's Mobile Pocket Bag - <a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/lucky-lockets-mobile-device-pocket-bag.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/lucky-lockets-mobile-device-pocket-bag.html</a> A new Tapestry Cap - <a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/replacing-my-tapestry-cap.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/replacing-my-tapestry-cap.html</a> Enchanted by Sewing(Aug 2014) Capping Off Summer - Creating a simple pattern for, and sewing a cap <a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2014/08/ench-by-sew-023-capping-off-summer.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2014/08/ench-by-sew-023-capping-off-summer.html</a> -Singing the Blues Tee - Pattern drafted from my moulage <a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/07/sewing-summer-essentials-singing-blues.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/07/sewing-summer-essentials-singing-blues.html</a> - Rose Embellished Straight Skirt - Pattern drafted from my sloper <a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/terminado-rose-embellished-straight.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/terminado-rose-embellished-straight.html</a> 2) Technicos: Techniques I used to complete <a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/06/terminado-rose-embellished-straight.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Rose Embellished Denim Straight Skirt</a> – Sloper to Pattern, and embellishment techniques Enchanted By Sewing Show (May 2015) Parlez Vous French Pattern Drafting ?<a href="http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/05/ench-by-sew-32-parlez-vous-french.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2015/05/ench-by-sew-32-parlez-vous-french.html</a> 3) Fairy Gardens Inspire My Sewing  Whether gardening or sewing – it’s the story that makes the creation Postcard from California - How to Introduce a Fairy to a California Garden (Fairy Gardens) <a href="http://www.postcardfromcalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-to-introduce-fairy-to-california.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.postcardfromcalifornia.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-to-introduce-fairy-to-california.html</a> Both these Disney Garden books inspire my theme gardening style. I like the tabbed-cookbook style of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B7RICK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B000B7RICK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=enchbysewi-20&amp;linkId=J5ZUOQFELAVZHWVG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DISNEY'S GARDENING WITH MICKEY</a> when I want to quickly review the steps for creating a hanging basket or well illustrated how-tos for small topiaries. (There's lots of good info for larger topiaries and garden sculpting as well - I just haven't tried it out) In addition, there is good gardening (yard or pots) basic techniques as well as many recommendations for plants that work well for specific themes and temperatures. I highly recommend it, because I have used it a lot over a period of several years. I also turn regularly to my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786855525/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0786855525&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=enchbysewi-20&amp;linkId=AWLG27UFS6NQP4JA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens</a> book. It has a lot of similar techniques and information as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B7RICK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B000B7RICK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=enchbysewi-20&amp;linkId=J5ZUOQFELAVZHWVG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DISNEY'S GARDENING WITH MICKEY</a> and it also has lovely, lovely photos that inspire me. So when I want to sit down and just get ideas for themes or gardening styles, I pour through the photos in this book. Fairy magic is definitely adding a little more enchantment to my life, when it comes to gardening.  And ….It’s also given me a better understanding of how to keep my sewing enchanting.

Ench By Sew-34:Sewing with the Flow - Fairy Inspired

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