Tonight I am going to my sewing class which is offered through the Adult Continuing Education Program. Check out to see if you have such a program in your community. I found out that here in San Diego the programs are free to all. In fact, when I registered I had to include my educational background and I was afraid they might not let me in because I have a degree - but no problem. These classes are free to all, no matter what's your educational background or how much or how little income you have (what a deal, we should all take advantage of this -- after all our tax dollars are paying for it). Anyway, one of the great things about taking a class like this, is being around other creative people. It just inspires you! You end up brainstorming new and different ideas and pretty soon you have new and fresh ideas. The main thing I am learning is the importance of Fit and practice pieces. In class we are making a reversible jacket. Never one to do it the easy way, I decided to use fabric that had a different look on the front and reverse side. Most of the other students are using quilted reversible fabric. But as one of my classmates said, I don't want to look like a sausage in the quilted fabric. It is a challenge especially considering how to finish seams so they look nice on both sides and still be able to embellish it. I'm planning on using some Angelina Appliques on one side and couched on fibers and beads on the other side. Here is a picture of the collar I've put together. On the shiny gold side I used Angelina Appliques made from my Ginkgo stamp. They are very easy to make. Simply take the Stamp. put it image side up on your pressing sheet. I fold my pressing sheet like a book to make it even easier to use. Put a little clump of Peacock colored Angelina on top. Cover with the pressing sheet, then drag your iron across until you see the design show through. It only takes two to three swipes and your done. Zig-zag stitch it onto whatever you want. Here is my Ginkgo stamp, available for $5 on my website, www.cowgirlquiltdesigns.com. It's hard to find a nice ginkgo stamp and this one is nice because although it's bold and graphic it has enough detail to really distinguish it as a Ginkgo leaf.
Tonight I am going to my sewing class which is offered through the Adult Continuing Education Program. Check out to see if you have such a program in your community. I found out that here in San Diego the programs are free to all. In fact, when I registered I had to include my educational background and I was afraid they might not let me in because I have a degree - but no problem. These classes are free to all, no matter what's your educational background or how much or how little income you have (what a deal, we should all take advantage of this -- after all our tax dollars are paying for it). Anyway, one of the great things about taking a class like this, is being around other creative people. It just inspires you! You end up brainstorming new and different ideas and pretty soon you have new and fresh ideas. The main thing I am learning is the importance of Fit and practice pieces. In class we are making a reversible jacket. Never one to do it the easy way, I decided to use fabric that had a different look on the front and reverse side. Most of the other students are using quilted reversible fabric. But as one of my classmates said, I don't want to look like a sausage in the quilted fabric. It is a challenge especially considering how to finish seams so they look nice on both sides and still be able to embellish it. I'm planning on using some Angelina Appliques on one side and couched on fibers and beads on the other side. Here is a picture of the collar I've put together. On the shiny gold side I used Angelina Appliques made from my Ginkgo stamp. They are very easy to make. Simply take the Stamp. put it image side up on your pressing sheet. I fold my pressing sheet like a book to make it even easier to use. Put a little clump of Peacock colored Angelina on top. Cover with the pressing sheet, then drag your iron across until you see the design show through. It only takes two to three swipes and your done. Zig-zag stitch it onto whatever you want. Here is my Ginkgo stamp, available for $5 on my website, www.cowgirlquiltdesigns.com. It's hard to find a nice ginkgo stamp and this one is nice because although it's bold and graphic it has enough detail to really distinguish it as a Ginkgo leaf.
