April meeting - Swimmy Suits with Rena!

Our former fearless leader (Rena) dusted off her presentation skills last Thursday to share her knowledge and expertise with us related to sewing suits of the swimmy variety as well as leotards and dance costumes. Somehow, I only got one this shot, featuring the bottoms of one of the many swimsuits she's made, but here are a few samples of the others she's whipped up for her kiddos.

In her presentation, she stressed that many patterns can be used for not only costumes, but for swimsuits as well. For example, one pattern was used to create both this swim dress

AND this dance costume:

After the presentation, many of us participated in our favorite part of the meeting - Show & Tell!

Here are a few of the highlights:

Hellenne's bags made of Japanese fabric, accented with Sashhiko stitching done by hand!

Japanese fabric can be found at Super Buzzy

Jan made an adorable stuffed cat for her daughter:

And Lucretia made this awesome quilt for her grand-daughter!

Other notable topics/links/websites that were discussed:

• Spandex House
• Stretch House
• Sew Sassy - great for swimwear notions
• Chez Ami fabrics
• The Selfish Seamstress (don't miss her Selfish Seamstress accessories)
• Burda magazine
• Ottobre magazine (great swimsuit pattern in the 2/11 issue)

December party

Many thanks to our lovely hostess, Lucretia, for yet another memorable (and fun) Sew Incredibles party.


And Santa was sew good to us.

Lining Lessons from June

So sad that I missed the October meeting, but here are some pictures showing how much fun they had! See more on Cookie's fabulous blog.

Quick Gifts

luggage tags

coin purse open

coin purse closed

This month's meeting focused on small gifts, something we all enjoy. Often these are quick projects, using those fabric remnants we cannot bear to throw away. And why would we when we can make such wonderful little objet d'art?

wine bag

sachet

clothes protector

Chrysanthemum from Omiyage

Also from Omiyage by Kumiko Sudo

In addition to these ideas, we learned of a new iPhone app, craftgawker, as well as a gift for children called PJ Eaters. Oh, and there were the *baprons* (formerly known as bibs). And, my favorite, the laptop case from Lila Tueller Designs.

Desi Does Dyes

Our August meeting was a blast. Desi shared her latest passion - dyeing fabric. And, of course, there was fabulous show 'n' tell!

Hellenne's dyed silk *mud cloth*

Jan's latest for Delilah

Rena made this for Sandie

Jan models her poncho

Desi creates on the spot

Hellenne also creates on the spot

Hellenne's Mary Ray creation

Desi demonstrates

Rena admires Hellennes creation

Desi at work

Desi teaches

Jan donated this for our next challenge prize

Sandie's Mary Ray progress

Cool Dyeing

Barbara's cute top

Desi knits too

Dinner and Some Little Cases

Sew Incredibles bi-annual party was fabulous! Thanks to Cecilia for hosting us. The food was delicious and her home is as lovely and welcoming as she is. After chocolate cake (yum), we exchanged little glasses cases and other clever little bags. Such charming little bags from such good sewing friends!

Oh, Kimono!

Oh, Kimono!

with Hellenne Vermillion

Sat, August 20, 2011 9:30AM—3:00 PM

Trinity Lutheran Church

 1826 Killian Hill Road

Lilburn, GA  30047

Our own fabulous artist, Hellenne Vermillion, is teaching a kimono class for ASG Atlanta. Learn kimono history and authentic sashiko, as well as excellent construction techniques. Registration is now available online here: http://www.shop.asgatlanta.org/product.sc?productId=26

The above pictures show Hellenne's samples for the class. Aren't they gorgeous?! And of course the sashiko is lovely. In class, we will be using the following pattern from Folkwear patterns: Japanese Field Clothing, Hippari.