Couture Finishes

Ginny presented a wonderful hands-on session today on various finishes she uses. Each adds just the right couture and artful touch.

First up was the hand under-stitch, just right for the perfect rounded neckline. She used the Susan Khalje technique. Although it requires a little finesse, the results are just lovely.

Next up were bias tubes. Here Ginny applied the Ann Williamson technique. With the added Ginny-original touches, the results are perfect each time. She also showed us a very pretty way to finish the ends with waxed thread.

Speaking of waxed thread, that was Ginny's main take-away.

After a terrific Show 'N' Tell, Ginny shows us her fabulous method for making gorgeous Monk's cord. I have uploaded a video to drop box. Hope you can see it.

If the above link does not work, try this one.

And here are pictures from the rest of her presentation:

Note all the couture details: the pick stitch along the front and sleeve cuffs, as well as the hand-made monk's cord with embedded garnet beads.

Used for making monk's cord - an old-fashioned screw driver

Above and below: samples of hand-made monk's cord

Show and Tell:

One Pattern, Many Ways

Today Lorraine presented *One Pattern, Many Ways* during our regular July meeting.

She focused on Nancy Erickson's jacket pattern 1945 ,as well as Peggy Sagers' Mani's Blouse pattern. And she provided many, many ideas for how best to use the patterns you have, especially if fit is challenging.

Lorraine recommends that you buy patterns, but mostly for the details. For perfect fit, don't go back to the drawing board for each and every pattern. Rather, use these TNT patterns and add the new details.

In addition, Lorraine provided an excellent hand-out with numerous resources.

Last, but definitely not least, she demonstrated the concepts with her own beautifully sewn garments.

Many thanks to Lorraine!

And, as always, we had a great show n tell session.

French Knots

Today's inspired presentation focused on French knots and related embroidery and their uses. Here are some pix of the samples. What fun! Thanks, Karen.

Buttons stitched on with knots to look like flowers

French knots and other stitches on this child's dress

Lorraine's Mani's blouse - French knots hold the bias tubes in place