Rockin Smockin Pillow Class at CHA

 It was a Rockin Smockin good time with Westcott at CHA a week ago. We taught a great group of ladies how to smock a round pillow using a square pillow form. It might sound a little odd but it worked. I need to send out a big Thank you to Fairfield, Moda Fabrics and Prym Dritz as they donated the pillow forms, the wonderful Pat Sloan designed fabric, the needles, buttons and more.

Have you seen these gorgeous prints yet? Eat your Fruits and Veggies by Pat Sloan. The ladies in class had a difficult time choosing just one for their pillow design. Yummy!

Here is Patt Bell, a dear friend and fellow designer who helped during class. Yes, that was the pattern we used to transfer all of our smocking dots to the back of the fabric.

Did I mention that we used the World's Favorite Scissors during class? To add to the fun during class, Brenda from Westcott drew names for additional Westcott product giveaways.

   

Here's Brenda demonstrating the official Rockin Smockin technique to one of our participants. 

Yes, I was in class as well. The difference between Brenda's technique and mine is that apparently I like to stand to demonstrate. 

 All smocked and ready to go. 

 The finished pillow

I hope you enjoyed a peek into my latest class at CHA. I will be teaching locally at Berger's Sewing Center on August 17th. We will be creating slippers from my Boutique Slipper book, which is available at Bergers. Check it out at www.bergersewing.com

Boutique Slippers

Lorine

An interview with my friend, Jonathan Fong

I was so fortunate to be able to meet up with my good friend, Jonathan Fong at CHA this past January. Jonathan is a creative genious that walked past the booth Eileen Hull and I were sharing in the License and Design section some years ago. Jonathan was wearing a two piece suit created from floral images from his latest book. He was at the show to sign copies and check out CHA. Luckily, we stopped him and commented on his suit and became fast friends. Jonathan lives in California and we have been able to stay in touch via email and stopping by when either of us happens to visit the West or East coast. Jonathan is one of those people that make life fun and I am so glad to have connected with him.

BTW: If you happen to be looking for some inspiration, Jonathan produces, directs and stars in some great video shorts. Check it out at http://www.stylewithasmile.tv

Creating items from old T shirts

Creating fun accessory items is so easy when you cut T shirts up into strips and braid, weave or knot them using techniques you might have picked up in Girl Scouts or perhaps if you are old enough from macrame projects. I love the look I get when creating items from dyed T shirts as you never quite know what you are going to get until you start knotting. I just found out yesterday the I will be teaching a class at CHA in Chicago this summer showcasing the variety of looks you can get when working with T shirt strips. It really is quite amazing when you start playing around. I suggest you perhaps cut up a T shirt next time you are looking for something to do. Well that's it for now. Take care and for heaven's sake do something creative today. Lorine

Duck Tape ? The new faux leather in the design world

I just finished my challenge project for CHA. I cannot believe I am sewing with duct tape or Duck Tape which is actually the brand name I am using in my latest project. Let's go back a few days and talk about the journey into my Duck Tape sewing project. I wanted to support a fellow designer and decided that I would participate as the design funds were going to be donated to a good cause and hey I like a challenge. Here are the materials I used in the latest project.

Duck Tape - 4 sheets & 1 roll

Velcro Sticky Back dots

Westcott Cutting Tools

T Shirt fabric strips

100% Cotton canvas

Shape 'n Create Bag & Tote Stabilizer

Sew far sew good for now.......

Heading to CHA in Los Angeles

Here is a peek at my new business poster. I am picking it up from the printers this afternoon and starting the packing process. It is going to be a busy time in LA. I am not only showing in the License and Design section of the show ( Booth 4840) if you are in the area but am teaching a class with good friend and fellow designer, Ann Butler on Effective Communication.

Back to License and Design - I would love to show you the new product lines but that would be cheating so you will have to wait for the big unveiling at the show. The names are: Urban Doodles, Welcome Home and Sew Sweet. Yes, my sewing machine has been extremely busy lately. I will let you know how things go when I get back. Wish me luck, and take care while I am away. Lorine