"It's Sew Easy" new sewing show debuts June 30th, 2011

This is the first season (series 100) of It's Sew Easy, a long awaited sewing show. Check with PBS in your area for times and availability. If it's not available please ask for it. More information will be available on http://www.itsseweasytv.com/. You will be able to purchase the entire series.

I was fortunate to be invited to do a segment (#104), so I believe that means "week four". I'll have more info soon. The segments carry a myriad of projects for all sewing levels and interests.

The segment above is a promo and gives you an idea of what it is like. In the intro, there is a quick shot of me....thank goodness I had a good hair day! After all, I was in snowy Cleveland, Ohio and my hair is used to blasts of Florida humidity. On the other hand, the hotel had great complimentary cookies. When you see a shot with three dress garments dressed in wearable art Kimono....they're mine!

I'll add more info soon....

Haute Handbags Spring 2011 ~ Mumm Pouch by Stephanie Kimura

Well....Stampington outdid themselves with this issue of Haute Handbags. I especially love the Spring issue because of all the brilliant colors and artful styles apropo for celebrating the coming of Spring and Summer. The issue is out on the stands now........if you live in an area where it is not available.......then buy it HERE.
I'll also have the metal frame used in the Mumm Pouch for sale in a few days....watch for it here.

Here's my "Mumm Pouch" on page 94 (above). Elegant morsels made with vintage Chirimen Kimono textiles. Use fabrics from a skirt your Grandmother wore....a great way to keep a connection to her (also a great gift to the bride in your family).

More instructions on page 95 and free pattern on page 96 (below).

LOTS of great Artists in this issue......here is a peek......

I am a sucker for RED!





ETSY...HolyCrapClothingShop

This photo came from a shop on Etsy called the holycrapclothingshop. They used a Patty Young pattern and they don't mention whose fabric but since Patty is associated with Michael Miller Fabrics.....

The photographer is Lindsey Mills and she has captured the most amazing moment in time with these darling girls in their beautiful dresses. Shops on Etsy have come a long way and rival the big names in fashion. Kudos to you all! This is how it should be done.

So, a fabric company, a pattern maker, a talented designer, a seamstress, a photographer, darling models, cool bamboo floor, and a shop owner are making money while they whistle. It's not always about sitting around waiting to be hired for a job! HA!

Vintage Kimono Clutch...Kinou no Yume..Dreams of Yesterday

This clutch was made with fabric taken from a vintage Kimono. This fabric is over 70 years old and the colors are as vibrant as ever. In keeping with the very traditional floral images, I've embellished the fabric with hand sewn stitches using silken rayon thread while quilting through the layers of batting and underfabric. I lined it with yellow silk dupioni and machine quilted with two colors of rayon thread. Between the outside layer and the lining, I've included a strip of very stiff stabilizer and insulated it with more batting. This way the clutch can "sit up" on it's bottom surface. I just love this fabric and clutch.

Fellow Kimonophile, Cheryl Imperatore, is editing her book and getting ready for reprint "Kimono...Vanishing Tradition...Japanese Textiles of the 20th Century". I'll keep you posted about the book.

Fabric Hut in Norfolk, VA

I just got back from an event with the Hampton Roads (VA) ASG. What great women...they can sew and they can cook! I will be posting more about that soon.
But meanwhile....they took me to the FABRIC HUT in Norfolk. What a great store! They had everything...and I mean everything. They had all the latest quilting cottons that most stores haven't even ordered yet...every notion imaginable...every lace from every country...every stretch fabric you might need or not...rhinestones by the mile....every pattern....I was overwhelmed...in a good way. Their new website is under construction BUT if you're ever in that area....GO! If you are an ASG member and would like more info, contact their Chapter: http://www.hamptonroadsasg.com/

Kona Bay Asian Fabric Panel

I cut up a Kona Bay Asian fabric panel and appliqued them on a denim jacket. I added a machine embroidered applique from my Amazing Designs Collection too. Now i am getting ready to add beads and Swarovski crystals. Love that bling. Doug (the owner) of Kona Bay Fabrics put it up on his Facebook Fan Page. I would link to it but I couldn't figure out how to do it. But I can link to his BLOG.

Kona Bay has some NEW Asian panels...I'll let you know when I have them. Meanwhile...keep on sewin'.

Use free motion sewing to add fun designs quickly!

Now that it's summer...and it's hot as blazes outside...it's time to sit under a cool fan and work on some sewing techniques. You have that stack of quilt tops and gorgeous fabrics that you've been meaning to "quilt". Set aside some quiet time. Gather up your free motion foot, drop the feed dogs on the sewing machine, sandwich some fabric with batting in between and GO! Look in magazines and online for motifs that interest you. Create a line drawing. Use your pencil to trace the outlines a few times. It will help you get accustomed to the curves in the lines. If you like...trace the design on to your fabric using the Dritz Marking Pens with water soluble ink. Sew over the lines. Use a moist Q-Tip to remove the lines before you press. Hmmm...looks pretty good. Now for the stack of quilts...

It's summertime...time to make a bunch of new bags!

Check my Etsy store:

http://www.bamboogoddess.etsy.com/

Make a bunch of new handbags, wallets, and small accessories. You can make them up quickly and wear them out the door in a short time. Wear lots of bright pinks and greens and add a great purse handle. Don't worry about if they will match all your outfits. That rule no longer exists. No rules. It's all about YOU!

BTW, I just love this pink and green fabric. It was designed by Jane Sassaman and it's from her Prairie Gothic collection. I'll be listing it on Etsy because I just ordered MORE!

Wow..new Michael Miller Fabrics!

Check it out... http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/

Corset Couture is coming in Belle Armoire on July 1!

I got my complimentary issue of Belle Armoire (which will be in stores on July 1) yesterday because my Corset was accepted for their magazine. It has its own FULL page (57) and their photography is exquisite. Thank you to Jenny Doh and staff. I also LOVE their Altered Couture magazine and thanks Amanda Nolan (editor). Please look through their submission guidelines and submit your works of art. The staff at Stampington love artists and embrace all "styles". It's a great way to share what you create with all of us.