September 12, 2007
September in California- it doesn't get much better! The garden is in it's glory- thanks to an enormous water bill, the dogs are in the pool, and I'm up to my ears in fabric.
We know some of you are workroom professionals and some are home sewing enthusiasts. Occasssionally we will be addressing one group or the other specifically.
Today I'm wondering if I'll see my workroom friends in Valley Forge at the October conference. We'll be there in booth 106. Come by and say hi!
Chris
It's September!
I know- it has been for almost two weeks. But I'm still excited. September has always meant new beginnings to me. In the workroom, it's the time customers start thinking about their family coming for the holidays and how they want to be sure they have the new draperies underway. Business picks up!
In my personal life, the slightly cooler weather makes me want to cook something warm, go for a hike, and sew something new.
What will you do with this wonderful month? Don't let it go by without a little bit of inspirational fun. I heard September is here for a limited time only!
Sandy
"Watt"s up- Tips from Chris
Everything's coming up Rosettes!
It's all in the proportion. Do you have a favorite rosette? We love large and fluffy ones for sunburst sheers and small and tight for little pillows. Here's a combination of the two. This one is a wide rosette with petite ruffles I'm sure you'll find lots of uses for.
The rosette in the photo is 4 1/2" in diameter and took 3 @ 54" by 2" strips of fabric. Sew short ends together. Fold lengthwise, press and serge raw edge. Gather by hand or machine. Your needs may vary depending on weight of the fabric and how tightly you gather the strips as well as the finished diameter of your rosette.
Draw a circle on a piece of cardboard 1" smaller than your finished diameter and mark the middle. Place a piece of wax paper on top of the cardboard so you can see the circle. Put a puddle of white glue on the wax paper within the circle.
Start in the outer edge of your circle, tuck in the raw edge, wind inward just covering previous row. End at the centerpoint. Use pins if necessary to keep all the gathers in place. Walk away. Don't touch it. When the glue has dried into a solid disk you can staple, sew or glue your rosette into place.
It is a good idea to do a dry run first to be sure all your materials are ready and you have enough to complete the rosette before you pour your puddle of glue.
I like Aileen's Tacky Glue for this application.
Enjoy!
view larger
Questions for The Pillow Lady
Contact us......
Have a question or comment? Ideas for articles you'd like to see? Write to Sandy@thepillowlady.com .
We'd love to hear from you!
Featured Product of the Month
Gathered Dust Ruffles
Also known as bedskirts or dusters, gathered dust ruffles are widely known as being time consuming to make. Chris changes all that with the video and shows you step by step how to make one.
Whether you're just starting out or have been sewing for years- you'll love this one.