Thursday, January 19, 2017

OPEN Registration for ICQC-103 Course: 19-21 January 2017

 REGISTRATION will remain open until midnight on Saturday, January 21st CST
 
ICQC-103 Embellishing with Threads
 
This class covers Surface Embroidery Motifs
to include beaded and silk ribbon monograms.
Additional seam treatments are also part of the course. 
 
This is the "introductory" course to embroidery motifs. The following course (ICQC-104) will build on the skills taught in this course. So, the ICQC-103 is required before you can register for the ICQC-104.
  
The class is FREE, you will not be charged anything for the instructions.
 
Registration for this ICQC-103 requires the completion of the Basic (BCQC) class first. This is a prerequisite.

  If you are interested in taking this course, please email me at shaw.kathy@yahoo.com and provide me this information:
Your first name
Your last name
You country of residence
Your state of residence IF you live in the USA
The email address you wish me to send class instructional handouts to.
 
After you register, I will send you a Welcome Email within 24 hours of your email. IF I DO NOT CONTACT YOU in that timeframe...please email me again. You will not be in the class until I actually receive/respond to your request.
 
Next, Google/Blogger will send you (at my request) an Invitation to join the Class Blog where the class will be held. Watch for BOTH of these emails, check your spam folder. If you do not receive this by Friday morning, email me to let me know. You will need this invite to actually gain access to the class blog.
 
Supplies needed for this course include various colors of embroidery floss and/or perle cotton thread. A pattern will be provided for the creation of a series of pieced blocks; or you can use plain fabric and work the items as technique samples only. 
 
 
Hugs to all,
 
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Friday, January 13, 2017

Beaded and Hand-dyed Lace Yoke


I added a new item to the Etsy shop today, a hand-dyed lace yoke. It is suitable (in my opinion) to be attached to a simple A-line dress, a Spring wedding dress, or used as part of a costume design.
 
The photos are against a dark blue terry cloth towel, just to show how it would contrast against a dark fabric nicely. Personally, I think it would be most effective against a pastel...but, you know how I love my pastels!
 
The base yoke is gold metallic and shines wonderfully. The hand dyed lace motifs cover it almost completely, with hints of gold peeking out here and there. The lace motifs have some beading added to give it more dimension. It really is gorgeous and would be wonderful just displayed alone. 
 
To be worn, it can be sewn into the shoulder seams with simple basting stitches...allowing it to be used for multiple dresses, gowns, or blouses as desired. 
 
If you have never thought to try something like this yourself, I encourage you to consider it...layering hand-dyed lace is very creatively rewarding!
 
Hugs!
 
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Thursday, January 5, 2017

Etui anyone?


According to Webster's Dictionary, an "etui" is a small ornamental case. The word is believed to first have appeared in the common English language around the year 1611. 
Today, we usually apply the word for a small sewing organizer that has been embellished in some way. Usually, these are rolled or folded and closed with a clasp or ties of some manner. Boxes with lids that have inside pockets and other organizational elements are also in this category; but usually small in size...to be considered "delicate".

Here are some photos of one I finished this morning. Simple, but enjoyable sewing just the same. This specific one is constructed of an Outer Layer which has some embroidery and a hook/eye closure.
 
It has as an Inner Layer that contains a large pocket, smaller pockets with embroidery accents, and an elastic band.
 
 The large pocket can hold a small pin cushion, also with embroidery, or items that do not fit within the elastic band; such as this little box of straight pins.
 
The elastic band can secure pins, pencils, seam rippers, stiletto, tweezers, snips, glasses, etc...anything that can be placed under an elastic band. 
 
The embellished pockets are sized to hold a pair of embroidery scissors and a thimble.

Once you decide how large you want the rolled or folded Etui to be (this one is about 6" x 9") then repeat the length for the number of "folds" you want. Add a "flap" to secure a clasp, or omit and add ribbon to tie the finished item.The overall cut size of this one was about 9.75" by 22.00" before sewing any seams.
 
 Select embroidery designs for at least one of the outside sections and some smaller designs for the inside pockets. I selected a wool for the outside fabric, small pockets, and pin cushion; but, cotton or silk would have been wonderful to work with as well. The inside should be reinforced to hold the weight of the pockets. I used fusible fleece for the inside fabric and medium weight knit fusible interfacing on the wool so it would hold it's shape.  Recommend you draw your entire Etui out on paper so you can "play around" with the position of pockets, etc. It's a good idea to place the individual tools you might be using down on this paper pattern so you can be assured that the final Etui will actually hold what you need it to secure. Have fun designing and creating your own version!
 
Hugs!
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