It's Been Awhile

Hi Sewing Friends,

It has been awhile since I posted any sewing projects.  A lot has happened in the past month and a half.  Here are some highlights.

Me and one of my sewing students made a trek up to Vogue Fabrics in Evanston to see what we could see and buy.  Lol  

I had an eye procedure to remove a cyst from my right eye.  It had been there for over a year but didn't hurt. What brought me to the ophthalmologist in the first place was I had started seeing floaters in that same eye.  To my surprise, I learned that floaters are a common condition that happens with age.  The eye becomes more fluid over time.  Anyway, the cyst was removed mid March, and it took some time for my eye to heal.  

Other news, my nephew, Christopher wanted to make a turkey dinner, but didn't know how.  I volunteered to teach  him how to roast a turkey, cook collar greens, corn, and make some buttery potatoes.  His meal turned out very well.  We sat down with my daughter and had a lovely dinner.

We had two book club meetings: March and April.  Both books were good, but I like the second the most.

I didn't take any photos of my garments until a month after my eye procedure.  Now, I'm just starting to post me wearing them.  

I'm showcasing Vogue V1937 view A, worn with Vogue V1929 pants. 

About Last Week - SewCamp

Gaylen and Jay Owners' of the B&B

Some of the lovely ladies at Breakfast

SewCamp was so much fun!  I had an opportunity to see some old friends and make some new ones.  I headed for Philadelphia early Thursday morning.  Andrea picked me up at the airport.  We went to get Philly Steak and fries.  Then off to JoMar for our first fabric shopping experience of the weekend.  After that, we picked up Laquana (of course, we had to bring her a cheese steak too. Lol)

Andrea

Laquana with her sewing projects

Group after the shopping

Next stop Carriage Corner for our four day Sew Camp!  Within an hour of our arrival, we were all gathered in the sew studio selecting sewing stations and pulling out projects to sew.  On Friday after breakfast, we quickly got into the van and headed to Fabric Mart fabric.  Look at the group fabric haul.

Just a few pieces from my fabric haul.

Over the next few days, we did some serious power sewing.  Everyone enjoying the process and the company of fellow sewists.  There was all kinds of buzzing in the sew studio. We were helping fit each other, doing tutorials, snacking, and talking about the news of the day.  Gaylen and Jay are the best.  Hosting a Sew Camp is a big deal.  The preparing of the accommodations, meals, and sharing a lovely studio is a lot of work.  But Gaylen and Jay never failed to make this the most enjoyable experience.

Me with my sewing projects

On Saturday afternoon a few of us decided to take a walk to the local Quilt shop were they sold high end quilter's cotton and notions.  On the way, we stopped a fudge shop to pick up some treats.  After shopping back to Carriage Corner to continue with our sewing marathon.

Lady in the fudge shop

Fudge Shop

Carolyn kindly did photo shoots for each of us on Sunday and Monday.  Each of us have a series of photos to select from for Instagram and blog posts.  I think she took over 100 pictures of three outfits for me.  Great start for blogging my pattern and sewing project reviews.

Monday afternoon, my kind friend, Andrea, drove me and Laquana back to the airport for our flights home. I love everything about Sew Camp:  the location, the hopping, and the sewing with friends.  I'm looking forward to my next Sew Camp in 2020.

For more Sew Camp stories, check out these posts:

Carolyn, Diary of a Sewing Fantatic
Gaylen, gMarie Sews 
Andrea, Knit-Knac
Laquana, Made by Laquana 


Happy Sewing!
C

New York, New York!

By now, many of you know that I was in  New York to meet up with a few of my east coast friends.  Carolyn posted about our meet up and shopping day last week. I had a great weekend, but a few days later I came down with a very bad head cold. Today I am still not 100 percent but feeling much better.

When I arrived at the hotel on Friday night (1-13-17), I joined Andrea, Gaylen, and Carolyn for dinner.  We had a wonderful visit and discussed how we would shop the Garment Center on Saturday.  Of course, our first stop would be Mood Fabrics.

This was my first shopping experience in the physical store.  Let me tell you, it is huge.  If your in NY, you should check it out.  My fabric haul was heavy.  So I just had them ship it to me.  Our mini shopping spree also included stops at:  SIL Threads, Chic, Pracific Trimming, and Spandex House were I purchased more fabric and other sewing goodies.  It was a fun day of shopping.  There were many, many stores in the area, but too many to stop by in a short period of time.  Carolyn was so good about mapping out some great spots to hit during our day of shopping.

After a very hard day of work, I mean shopping, we  went to Rosa Mexicano for dinner.  A few more ladies join us:  Sheila and Olgalyn.  We had a fantastic time and I couldn't believe the weekend was nearly over.  I wanted to stay for at least two more days.

We made the trek back to the hotel.  Most of the sewing ladies headed back to the homes.  Andrea and I spent one more night at the hotel.

Then on Sunday morning we palled around New York city.  Andrea and parted our ways as I got into the taxi to head for the airport.  I smiled and chuckled as I reflected on the great time I had with my friends.  A special group of friends that I would have never known.  I first met most of them on the internet through blogging and social media.  A lot of bad can be say about the internet and social media, but there is also a lot of good to be say as well.  What I know for sure, these things have made it possible to establish friendships across vast bodies of water hundreds, thousands of miles away.

Parting Shot:  Me pictured with Eric owner of Mood.  Great Guy!

Happy Sewing!
C

Multi-Tasking - Sewing Related Activities

I'm all over the place with my sewing activities and projects.  I continue to add projects to the ole to make list. Occassionally, shuffling them around based on my current level of interest or excitement.  I'm ordering and buying fabric from multiple places.  I received a box from Mood with this lovely faux fur in it.  I haven't decided on what jacket/coat to make.

I have a mound of muslin garments cut, ready to sew up and fit.

My pattern collection has grown tremendously over the past few months.  I poured the newly purchased patterns over the dining table.  It looked like an explosion of patterns.Below is only a hand full that I started to trim.  And on top of that, I have a big shopping bag full of projects cut and stored in separate "Vogue" plastic bags.

So.., I will continue to "multi-task" the ole sewing projects and post as soon as I have something note worthy.  Expect to see more "Notes on a Pattern" even though I've only made one of the patterns of interest.

On Saturday, I'm attending a workshop taught by Rhonda Buss and Susan Khalje.  I'm so excited and can't wait to learn from the pros.

What about you?  Are you multi-tasking sewing projects?  Or do you work on them one at a time?


Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Sandra Betzina Power Sewing Retreat - Part III Shopping

Early Saturday morning Dan (Sandra's husband) picked us up at the hotel for a full day of shopping. We shopped at Stone Mountain and Daughter, Thai Silk, and Eddie's Quilting Bee. Everyone was excited to shop for fabric. Our first stop was Stone Mountain and Daughter. Sandra's class received a 20% discount on non-sale items.

Stone Mountain and Daughter Fabrics
2518 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-6106

The ladies of the Sandra Betzina Retreat talked about Stone Mountain quite a bit before the shopping trip. So I was very interested to see what they had to offer. Stone Mountain carries a variety of apparel, quality knit, quilting fabrics, and suiting fabrics. There are notions, patterns (including a large number of independent pattern makers), trims and buttons. There was something for every price level and fabric preference. They even offer sewing classes. I enjoyed the myself.

My bundle of fabric was shipped to my home. I didn't want to take any chances with my luggage being over the weight limit. LOL I mainly purchased knits and one boucle for another french jacket. No, I haven't finished the first one yet.

The prices were comparable to those at Vogue in Chicago. And that 20% discount was great. The sales people were exceptionally polite and helpful.

The overall shopping experience was pleasant. Throughout the store, they hung garments made to advertise uses for the fabrics they sold. Many of the samples where made from the independent patterns, which was very refreshing. It gave me an opportunity to see finished garments that stretched outside the norm. They gave me a greater appreciation for the details, something often lost in the photographs and illustrations on a pattern sleeve.

If I'm ever in the San Francisco area, I would definitely stop by, discount or not. LOL It's that great a store. I plan to sew some of the fabric I bought this fall/winter season.


Thai Silks
252 State Street
Los Altos, CA
650-948-8611

Thai Silks is full of exotic, exquisite silks. They specialize in silk. I was overwhelmed and couldn't decide what to buy. So many beautiful silks at competitive prices and I didn't have a single "special" project in mind for any of them. Bummer. My shopping experience was strictly looking in this case.

The store was clean and well organized. The silk was on rolls instead of the usual bolts. I didn't see a lot of notions and trims.

They stocked a few gift items. They also have an online store, so if you are looking for a special silk fabric, you consider Thai Silks.


 Eddie's Quilting Bee
480 South Mathilda Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
408-830-9505

Sorry. I didn't get any pictures while in Eddie's, but you can visit their website and take a virtual tour. They carry everything related to quilting. There were tons of fine quilting fabrics and notions. They also carry necessities for non-quilting projects including trims, books, and the magazines commonly found in fabric stores. They also have teaching facilities. One of their sewing instructors, Karen S, who is also a model for Sandra, came to assist at the Marine's Memorial Club from 4 to 10pm. Karen's willingness enabled us to continue working on projects into the night. Her mom even came to a visit and helped me design a a trim for my French jacket. Thanks, ladies.

Karen pictured above wearing one of Sandra's jackets, "Power Sewing ToolBox"

I enjoyed myself again. LOL I purchased three knits from Eddie's. They had a superb collection of ponte and jersey knits. Their staff was incredibly polite and energetic. Eddie's also gave us a nice discount on regular priced items.

My fabrics from Eddie's, I've already sewn two garments using the ruffled and brown knits.

The store boasted an excellent selection and was very clean and organized. There were sample quilts hanging throughout the store. The shelves were well stocked. I would shop there again and I don't even have to go back to California to do it. They have an online store. So you can shop from the privacy of your own laptop.

Last, but not least was Britex's. It wasn't specifically listed on our shopping tour but it was minutes away from the Marine's Memorial Club, and we all made at least one trip there. As part of our education, we toured Britex with Sandra and Ron guiding us through the various departments of the store. Britex's has everything! Their fabric section is vast; every color, every fiber, and a wide range of trims and notions.

Britex
146 Geary Street
San Franciso, CA 94108
415-392-2910

They have a huge section of imported goods that you won't find anywhere else. Britex's is definitely high end. You won't be disappointed. All in all it was a great shopping experience. Sadly, I only came away with thread and trim for my French jacket.

I would shop there again, but only for something special. Of course I highly recommend this store. The merchandise is of the best quality and the sales staff is outstanding.

That's all for now! Happy Sewing!