What I Learned at Sewing Camp

One of the great things about ASDP combining our annual conference with ASE was the number of excellent instructors teaching and lecturing. We've had Claire Shaeffer, Susan Kahlje, Angela Wolf and Kenneth King at our conferences in the past, but never all at once.

I wasn't able to complete all my samples in classes (too busy talking--making new friends and catching up with ones I only see once a year), so I'm making sure I do it as soon as possible so I don't forget what I learned.

One of those techniques is a foolproof welt that Kenneth King showed us in his "Cool Tricks" class.
This can be used for pockets or bound buttonholes--just vary the size of ribbon you use. I used grosgrain in this example, but petersham would work better and make a softer welt. You can find his detailed instruction in his book, "Cool Couture".


Lay the ribbon on the wrong side of the welt fabric and stitch 1/8" from the ribbon edge.


















Fold one side over the ribbon and stitch between the first two rows of stitching.
Trim close to the stitching line
Repeat for the other side.










Here's what the welt will look like after you've trimmed both sides.

Lay the welt on the fabric piece with all 3 stitchlines facing up.
Stitch 1/4" from the outside edge of the welt.














Cut down the center of the welt. Do not cut the fabric underneath.


Cut the fabric from the wrong side, make long slits towards the corners.

Grab the end of the welts, matching the folded edges. Push the welts through the slit, raw edges first.
Repeat for the other end.














Done!


















Check out Kenneth King's website for more information on his custom work, articles and books. If you get a chance to take a class from him, go for it. He's a great and entertaining instructor.
Many thanks to Kenneth for approving this post!

Juliette

Home again, home again, Jiggity Jig!

I arrived back home a few hours ago, and though I am happy to be back with my hubby and fur babies, I had a really wonderful time in Novi, MI.
This year was an experiment for ASDP, and though there were definitely some bumps and drama, there were definitely advantages for our group to mingle with vendors and attendees at the American Sewing Expo.

Mechiel Whitmore, Kathy Levy,
Claire Shaeffer and me!

Some highlights: 2 day master class with Claire Shaeffer on techniques for Chanel-inspired jackets (as well as a great piece of fabric that she brought back from Linton Tweeds--lower right)

Fabric shopping at Haberman Fabrics (Nanette Lepore open work wool plaid--upper right)


2 workshops with Kenneth King on couture techniques.


GORGEOUS French boucle that Mom bought me as a birthday present from Helen Haughey at Mendel-Goldberg.








Having 3 outfits in the fashion show, 2 that were finalists in the "Innovative Lace" Challenge with Threads Magazine.
My very good friend Kathy Levy WINNING "Most Innovative Technique" in that challenge.

Seeing friends from ASDP and PatternReview.com.

Jennifer Stern, J. Stern Designs

Brenda Breitenmoser

Rae Cumbie, Fit For Art Patterns

Angela Wolf, Angela Wolf Pattern Collection

Finally meeting Angela Wolf in person after being friends on Facebook for a couple of years, and attending her excellent lecture on jean techniques (my construction methods will change dramatically thanks to her!)
Keep an eye out for my review of her Ruched T pattern.
I can't wait for her jeans pattern to come out!














And that's just a preview. More details and photos to come soon!

Happy Sewing,
Juliette