Amy Pow Pow: September 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

New arrivals

Rayon and mohair pinstripe 60" wide $19.95

Silk dupioni 45" wide $19.95

Silk shantung 54" wide $29.95

Silk charmeuse 54" wide $29.95

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Hello Everyone! Just a quick update for October's free class: the class is now full! Thank you so much for the great response. I look forward to seeing those that signed up for the class on October 9th and for those of you who weren't able to get into the class, don't worry! We'll work on having a free class every month. Thanks so much!

Date Correction!

Sorry everyone! The free class will be available on October 9 not the 16. For those of you viewing this in a reader service, it may not have updated. So please make sure to click through to the blog for the final October class schedule. Thanks so much!

October 2013 Sewing Classes!

Here is the class schedule for October! This month I've decided to add a free class to the roster. That's right, I said free class!! I'm very very passionate about fitting and since I know its something that everyone struggles with, I've decided to offer the class Street Smart Fitting for you all. It will only be offered one time this month, and there is limited space. Please scroll to the bottom for more info!

Copy Your Favorite Garment – 1 class session, $50
Class Dates & Times: October 3 & October 23 @ 5pm – 7pm (note this class is being offered twice this month)

Skill Level:Intermediate

Do you have clothing in your closet that fits you perfectly? Are you dying to have 20 of that same garment because you love the fit or style? This class is all about how to do what’s referred to as a “rub-off” – taking a pre-existing garment and creating a paper pattern from it, all without harming the original garment. In this lecture style class you’ll learn techniques for how to create a paper pattern from your favorite garment. We’ll discuss construction order, how to add in elements like darts and gathers and ideas for creating different garments from one pattern. Please note that this class is geared towards intermediate sewists and is not for beginners!

Materials to bring:A notebook for taking notes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sewing with Knits – this class entails 3 sessions, $150

Session Dates & Times: October 8, 15 & 22 @ 5pm – 7pm

Skill Level: Beginner -Intermediate

In this class you'll learn how to sew with knits. You'll learn about different types of knit fabrics, how forgiving knits can be and how to sew with knits on a regular sewing machine. Additionally, we'll draft and sew a simple style t-shirt which will include tricks for the neckline and two different hemming techniques.

Materials to bring: Please bring your sewing machine to the 1st session, as you'll want learn how to sew with knits on your machine. In the first session of this class we'll discuss other materials to bring for session 2 and 3.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sewing Machine Basics - 2 hrs, 1 class session, $50

Class Dates & Times: October 16 @ 5pm - 7pm

Skill Level: Beginner

Want to learn how to sew but don't know where to start? This is a great class to start with! Learning the ins and outs of your sewing machine is always much easier with someone to help you along. We'll cover everything from how to thread your machine, wind the bobbin, basic stitches and what they are used for and how to adjust tension on your machine. In addition, you'll be given a list of resources for how to do it at home, just in case you forget. Bring your sewing machine and let's play!

Materials to bring: Your sewing machine (its best to learn the ins and outs on your own machine); if possible, your sewing machine manual.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Fit Sewing Patterns – this class entails 3 sessions, $150

Class Dates & Times: October 10, 17 & 24 @ 5pm – 7pm

Skill Level:Advanced Beginner – Intermediate

This class is an extension of the popular Demystifying Fit class! In this class we'll cover a big discussion about fitting and how to go about doing it. We'll cover the entire process from measuring your body to picking your pattern size. We'll be mocking up muslins and determine what is good fit and what is bad fit. In addition, we'll cover how to make fitting alterations to your pattern, what works and what doesn't and how to go about getting the best information on fitting. We will not be sewing the finished garment in this class.

Materials to bring: Vogue 8766 - please note that this is the pattern that will be used in the class, exceptions will be made for those who don't fit the size range, but prior approval is required. Keep in mind that you will be slashing and cutting up your pattern, so if you want to preserve sizes, you will need to come with the pattern traced off beforehand. Muslin will be available to purchase from Yellow Bird Fabrics. Additional materials will be available for use.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get to Know Your Serger - 1 class session, $50

Class Dates & Times: October 29 @ 5pm - 7pm

Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Has your serger come unthreaded and you're terrified to try to rethread it? This class is all about sewing with your serger. We'll cover how to thread your serger, how and when to use it to finish your seams, the types of needles you need and how to change them, threads, differential feed and serger tension. Take the fear out of your serging!

Materials to bring: Your serger and if possible, your serger machine manual, your own serger cone threads. Please note that this class will not cover the capabilities of a coverstitch combo machine, but will cover your serger capabilities.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

~~Street Smart Fitting - 1 class session, free!~~

~~Class Dates & Times: October 9 @ 5pm - 7pm~~
Class is now full!

Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Do you wonder why sewing patterns don’t fit you right out of the envelope? In this class we’ll discuss why patterns rarely fit anyone right out of the envelope and what you can do to achieve great fit. We’ll talk about measuring yourself correctly, how to fit something by yourself, pattern sizing vs. ready to wear sizing and pattern ease. You will learn about my personal process when I tackle a new sewing pattern, how I approach the fitting conundrum and what I do to make it easier. Additionally, you’ll learn about basic adjustments and alterations plus you'll receive information for fitting resources and tips and tricks to bypass certain fitting problems. This two hour class is chucked full of the best information on fitting!

Materials to bring:A notebook for taking notes.

Class Rules: Please note that we have limited space and so even though this class is offered free, you need to sign up for the class, otherwise you will spend 2 hours standing instead of sitting. Please call or come into the store to sign up - don't email please.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested in taking any of these classes? Be sure to contact any of us at Yellow Bird Fabrics. We are available by phone, email or pop into the shop. Please note that all students receive a 20% discount off total purchase for anything in the shop the day of the class. Class fee excluded.

New Silks in Fall Colors

Just arrived are some lovely silk solids, in fall colors.

Blush silk georgette. A really nice opaque georgette, perfect as is or for dying. 45" wide, $19.95/yard.

Navy silk crepe de chine. 45" wide, $22.95/yard.

Gray silk crepe de chine. 45" wide, $22.95/yard.

Dark cranberry crepe de chine. 45" wide, $22.95/yard.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

More New Fabrics!

Here's a few more fabrics that were missed from the last fabric photo shoot. These are still in stock here at the shop.

Tribal Rayon Challis $9.95/yard - 60" wide

Would look great as the Sewaholic's Pendrell (which is currently in stock here at Yellow Bird too!)

-------------------------------------------

Lightweight, Sheer Plain Weave Silk $19.95/yard - 54" wide

Please note that there is not a grid printed on this fabric - that's just the grid that the photo was taken on. This fabric would be a great blouse with either a camisole underneath or interlined with our 100% cotton batiste.

-------------------------------------------

Cotton/Polyester Blend Voile $9.95/yard - 60" wide

Lightweight and fairly sheer, this too would work as a great blouse weight fabric interlined with our 100% cotton batiste.

-------------------------------------------

Wool & Cotton Heavy Weight Suiting $19.95/yard - 60" wide

This would make a great and stylish Colette Anise jacket/coat - also in stock at Yellow Bird.

-------------------------------------------

Boiled Wool Knit $29.95/yard - 60" wide

This uber thick, sumptuous wool knit would make a great jacket. I, for one, am considering it for this Named Coat. Now how dreamy would that be?

-------------------------------------------

Wool Plaid Coating $24.95/yard - 60" wide

A perfectly fall fabric. Reminds me so much of hot apple cider and walks through leaves. Would be perfectly complete as this chic and modern cape from Oliver + S.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

New Fall Woolens!

It's that time of year! Aren't y'all so excited for fall? One of the best times of year for sewing! The beautifully saturated fall colors, the chill in the air - its time to break out the wools, which is just what we're up to here at Yellow Bird Fabrics. Come in and grab up a couple yards of these beautiful new fall wools:

Dark Brown or Cream wool blend coatings $19.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Deep Plum stretch wool suiting $24.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Teal, Grey, Red-Orange & Slate Wool/Polyester blends plain weave $19.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Purple, Avocado Green, Deep Navy & Black Wool/Rayon Blends $19.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Black and White Wool/Rayon Gauze $19.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Grey and Black Wool/Cotton denim-look suiting $19.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Coral, Slate Blue & Bright Plum 100% Wool Suitings $24.95/yard - 60" wide

--------------------------------------------------

Plum and Navy Rayon Suiting $17.95/yard - 60" wide

New Cottons & Knits!

A few newly arrived knits to tantalize you. These would be great as simple shells or tanks underneath a fall jacket or cardigan, don't you think? A great way to ease into fall!