Paris blog 1 aout 2010: La mode de Paris

August 7, 2010 1 comment
Designers may come up with fancy flourishes but retailers are playing it safe this Fall.  A walk through Paris’ four major shopping areas — Faubourg, Avenue Montaigne, Bon Marche and Printemps/Galeries Lafayette — shows some basic facts:
Flourishes and flounces are dead.  Let’s keep it simple and classic.  Pleats, of a Catholic schoolgirl kind, are fine.
Black and white are the favorite colors.  Some subdued browns, navys and beiges, and some touches of color in the black and white.  But when money’s tight, let’s stick to the safe tried-and-true.
Shoulders are strong for the younger set, whether cowled, draped, pleated or gathered.
If you are going to open your wallet, you must have one of three things:
– A leather jacket.  In white or black of course.
– A bulky sweater.  Nothing better to keep you cozy and warm when the times outside are dreadful.
– Slim pants.  Skinny pants still are going strong.  Even cargos are close to the body.  But no jeggings, leggings or tights in evidence — with one exception (see below).
And if you don’t have a personal stash of gold, then put some on a clunky necklace to wear with your clean white blouse.
So where can we break loose from this puritanical simplicity?  In the shoes, of course!  Look at these things!  Heels are higher than ever, whether stilettos, wedges or boots.  Six inches and skinny as nails at Christian Louboutin — which killed my planned buying spree at their little store on the Faubourg.  Who can walk in these things?
Okay, so I bought some anyway — but from Costume National instead of Christian.  At last I can fulfill my dream of being 6 feet tall!
And to balance things out I got these cute kitten heels from Miumiu.  I mean, I do have to walk.
Now for the exception to the leggings.  One designer showed laced up leggings at the July RTW shows.  Took the dressers one hour per leg to get them on the models.  So now we have the pull on kind with fake lacings, writing, crochet, dots and, yes, zippers up the back.
Je t’aime le mode!  Je t’aime Paris!

Designers may come up with fancy flourishes but retailers are playing it safe this Fall.  A walk through Paris’ four major shopping areas — Faubourg, Avenue Montaigne, Bon Marche and Printemps/Galeries Lafayette — shows some basic facts:

WangpleatsFlourishes and flounces are dead.  Let’s keep it simple and classic.  Pleats, of a Catholic schoolgirl kind, are fine.

Black and white are the favorite colors.  Some subdued browns, navys and beiges, and some touches of color in the black and white.  But when money’s tight, let’s stick to the safe tried-and-true.

Shoulders are strong for the younger set, whether cowled, draped, pleated or gathered.

If you are going to open your wallet, you must have one of three things:

– A leather jacket.  In white or black of course.

BomberJacketWhitebomber
AsymLthrJkt

HoodedSwtr

– A bulky sweater.  Nothing better to keep you cozy and warm when the times outside are dreadful.

– Slim pants.  Skinny pants still are going strong.  Even cargos are close to the body.  But no jeggings, leggings or tights in evidence — with one exception (see below).

And if you don’t have a personal stash of gold, then put some on a clunky necklace to wear with your clean white blouse.

Picture 13

WhiteCharmeuseBls

So where can we break loose from this puritanical simplicity?  In the shoes, of course!  Look at these things!  Heels are higher than ever, whether stilettos, wedges or boots.  Six inches and skinny as nails at Christian Louboutin — which killed my planned buying spree at their little store on the Faubourg.  Who can walk in these things?

PlatformbootsCLB
AlberElbazShoes

Okay, so I bought some anyway — but from Costume National instead of Christian.  At last I can fulfill my dream of being 6 feet tall!

MiumiuKittenHeels

And to balance things out I got these cute kitten heels from Miumiu.  I mean, I do have to walk!


Now for the exception to the leggings.  One designer showed laced up leggings at the July RTW shows.  Took the dressers one hour per leg to get them on the models.  So now we have the pull on kind with fake lacings, writing, crochet, dots and, yes, zippers up the back.

Leggings

Je t’aime le mode!  Je t’aime Paris!

Paris blog 31 juillet 2010: Paris style

August 4, 2010 No comments yet
No doubt about it.  French women have style.  Something about them makes them stand out.
Could be the cigarette.
There is somewhat of a standard uniform.  A silk knit topped with a thin cardigan.  Or a belted chiffon smock and light leather jacket.  Then nice slacks, high-heeled sandals, a large purse, an I-phone — and a cigarette.
Slender body, long hair, well-manicured hands and painted toenails (red, coral or tangerine please!).  The sandals of choice this year:  Espadrilles.
You can spot these young women from a block away whether alone, in a pack or with male colleagues heading to and from the office.
The men are well-groomed with hair slicked back whether long or short.  Their uniform:  Oxford shirts, no tie, well-cut suits and long-toed shoes.
Older women are easy to spot, too.  But they wear dresses, tweedy suits and much more sensible shoes.  Think Ferragamos.  And they don’t smoke.
Cigarettes and walking.  Is this the secret that keeps the French slim?  Believe it or not, we saw them exercising this morning, running around a track, kickboxing and cross-training in our neighborhood park, Park Monceau!
Outside of the park, however, only the tourists were wearing running shoes, graphic Ts and shorts (including cutoffs — ugh!).

IMG_0234No doubt about it.  French women have style.  Something about them makes them stand out.The uniform:  Chiffon top, slim slacks, heels

Could be the cigarette.

There is somewhat of a standard uniform.  A silk knit topped with a thin cardigan.  Or a belted chiffon smock and light leather jacket.  Then nice slacks, high-heeled sandals, a large purse, an I-phone — and a cigarette.

Slender body, long hair, well-manicured hands and painted toenails (red, coral or tangerine please!).  The sandals of choice this year:  Espadrilles.  Though as we move into fall, short boots and closed toes are replacing the sandals.

You can spot these young women from a block away whether alone, in a pack or with male colleagues heading to and from the office.

The men are well-groomed with hair slicked back whether long or short.  Their uniform:  Oxford shirts, no tie, well-cut suits and long-toed shoes.

Older women are easy to spot, too.  But they wear dresses, tweedy suits and much more sensible shoes.  Think Ferragamos.  And they don’t smoke.

Cigarettes and walking.  Is this the secret that keeps the French slim?  Believe it or not, we saw them exercising this morning, running around a track, kickboxing and cross-training in our neighborhood park, Park Monceau!

Outside of the park, however, only the tourists were wearing running shoes, graphic Ts and shorts (including cutoffs — ugh!).

Paris Blog, 3 aout 2010: Yves the King

August 3, 2010 No comments yet
Today’s visit to the Yves St. Laurent show brought me pain in two ways:
#1 — That I could never be as good a designer as he.  Face it.  He invented everything:  Sportswear (Ensembles don’t have to match).  Leather jackets for women (inspired by Marlon Brando and beatniks).  Pants suits (Yes, Dietrich and Hepburn wore them in the movies but Yves brought them to everyday life.)  Power suits (Remember those soft bowties as a substitute for a man’s tie when women were trying to break through the glass ceiling?)  Safari jackets (An anti-war, anti-hunting statement).  Transparency (Today if you see a bra or a brastrap through a chiffon top, no one cares.)  Tunic and tights (His contribution to the youth culture of the 1960s.  And we’re still wearing them today).  Jumpsuits (Ditto.)  And my personal favorite — Art in clothing (I made and wore a Mondrian dress in high school and had no idea it was a YSL knock off).
#2 — That he is dead.  He died in June 2008, a month before my last visit when I also saw his private studio.  We will not see the like of him again.  Today’s designers are mostly corporate prostitutes.  Yves was his own man.  And a beautiful man too.  From his youth to when he was old and sick.
We could only examine his garments without touching them.  Looking at them as closely as I could without tripping the alarms brought me new insights and gave me two vows.  I vow to plough new ground and not borrow from what he already created.  And to make clothes that women want today.  And I vow to continue perfecting the skills his atelier did so well whether in couture or ready to wear.  I bought the 300+ page show catalog.  You’ll love it.

Le Smoking, first introduced in 1966 then shown every collection was the new way for women to dress for the evening.Today’s visit to the Yves St. Laurent show brought me pain in two ways:

#1 — That I could never be as good a designer as he.  Face facts.  He invented everything:  Sportswear (Ensembles don’t have to match).  Leather jackets for women (inspired by Marlon Brando and beatniks).  Pants suits (Yes, Dietrich and Hepburn wore them in the movies but Yves brought them to everyday life.)  Power suits (Remember those soft bowties as a substitute for a man’s tie when women were trying to break through the glass ceiling?)  Safari jackets (An anti-war, anti-hunting statement).  Transparency (Today if you see a bra or a brastrap through a chiffon top, no one cares.)  Tunic and tights (His contribution to the youth culture of the 1960s.  And we’re still wearing them today).  Jumpsuits (Ditto.)  And my personal favorite — Art in clothing (I made and wore a Mondrian dress in high school and had no idea it was a YSL knock off).

Trapeze liberated a woman's figure

This chiffon blouse from the 1970s would still be modern today.
If only my Mondrian dress had been this good.

#2 — That he is dead.  He died in June 2008, a month before my last visit when I also saw his retrospective at the Fondation created by his longtime partner, Pierre Berge.  We will not see the like of him again.  Today’s designers are mostly corporate prostitutes.  Yves was his own man.  And a beautiful man too.  From his youth to when he was old and sick.

Famous picture of Yves promoting his fragrance "Homme."Yves died June 1, 2008.

We could only examine his garments without touching them.  Looking at them as closely as I could without tripping the alarms brought me new insights and gave me two vows.  I vow to plough new ground and not borrow from what he already created.  And to make clothes that women want today.  And I vow to continue perfecting the skills his atelier did so well whether in couture or ready to wear.  I bought the 300+ page show catalog.  You’ll love it.

One picture shows 1980s supermodel Carla Bruni wearing a “Picasso” wedding dress.  She helped curate the show.  That’s because she married some guy named Sarkozy and is now first lady of France.

$1,000 Fashion Design Scholarship!

May 14, 2010 2 comments
ElisabethMariepicElisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship 2010
Competition: Portland-area high school juniors and seniors for school year 2010-11 interested in pursuing an education in Fashion Design are eligible to participate in this competition.  The winner receives $1,000 to study Fashion Design at Portland Sewing, 2111 NE 43rd, Portland OR.
This scholarship enables the winner to study fashion sketching and illustration, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, patternmaking 1 & 2, draping 1 & 2, beginning sewing 1, 2, 3, industrial machine sewing, portfolio preparation and presentation.
The goal:  To prepare the student to win entry and possible scholarships to a higher institute of fashion design of their choice.
Winner will also have the opportunity to intern at Nike and blog about their experience on PortlandSewing.com
Entry Requirements and Criteria
Entries are due by August 17, 2010.  Submit your entry to “Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Competition” c/o Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218.  Selection and notification of the winner will be made by September 17, 2010.
Open to full-time high school juniors (grade 11) and seniors (grade 12) in the Portland area for school year 2010-2011.
Your entry must be in a 2”, 8 ½”x11” 3-ring binder and include (in this order):
Complete entry and release form
An original apparel design idea showing your design process from original idea to finished product.  You show this by giving:
- A written summary of your overall concept with details on fabrics, trims and construction including elements (collars, pockets, sleeves), seams and closures.
- Sketches, illustrations, photographs or digital images of your project as it evolved from concept to completion.   Please include front, back, and side views in either the illustrations or photographs.
- A written summary of people that you contacted for information about your project, including the advice they provided and its influence on you.
- A review of influences on your entry, including fashion designers, music, television shows or movies.  Please organize these separately on a single 11”x17” inspiration board.
Your high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA
A short essay (800 words or less) outlining why your fashion entry is innovative and explaining your interest and motivation for a career in fashion.
About Elisabeth Marie
Born in 1912, Elisabeth Marie grew up in Vienna, Austria where she studied fashion design.  She opened her own atelier, making couture for an exclusive clientele until World War II.  Since she was a Jew, the Gestapo confiscated her clothing business and she was forced to flee Austria.  In March of 1939, she immigrated to the United States and soon relocated to Portland, Oregon.
She re-entered the world of fashion, creating and selling her custom tailoring to wealthy women.  She became the first pattern-drafting teacher at Portland Community College after the school was built in the 1960s.  Elisabeth Marie held classes in advanced pattern drafting and tailoring in her home until the middle 1970’s when cancer limited her energy.
Elisabeth Marie died in 1978, leaving a legacy of love of sharing and education.  Her daughter, Kathrine Grinnell, founded this scholarship in loving memory of Elisabeth.
How to Enter
Complete the attached entry and release form.  Submit the entry materials in one package and write “Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Competition” on the package.  Essays and information may be submitted on a CD-ROM.  Mail all entry materials in an envelope with proper postage to Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218.  Entries must be received by August 17, 2010.  For more information, visit www.portlandsewing.com
Entry and Release Form
Yes!  Please enter me in the Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship Contest 2010 at Portland Sewing!
Name _________________________________________________________________
Signature _________________________________________ Date _______________
Mailing Address ________________________________________________________
City _______________________State _________________ Zip __________________
Home Phone (_____) ____________________Email __________________________
If under 18, signature of parent or guardian is also required:
_______________________________________________________________________
Print Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________
How did you learn about this competition?
__ From Portland Sewing
__ From the Internet
__ From a friend
__ From a newspaper article
__From a high school teacher
__From an ad
__Other ______________________________________
Submit this form with your entry requirement materials to Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218.    Entries will be returned by request only and must be picked up at Portland Sewing.
By signing this entry and release form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the official rules and regulations for the Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship Competition and agree to abide by them. I represent that the attached work qualifies for submission to this competition. I hereby irrevocably give my consent to Portland Sewing and to those it may authorize, to photograph, film, and/or videotape me and/or my work, and to quote and record statements made by me and to use, reproduce, publicly display, distribute, sell, and/or create derivative works from my image, images of my work, and statements made by me (with or without my name) and to identify me by name and/or with school and employment information, in all forms of media now known or later developed, including, without limitation, on the Internet, for any editorial, promotional, advertising, trade, commercial, or other purpose whatsoever, in perpetuity throughout the world.
I understand that Portland Sewing and those it may authorize shall not be responsible for unauthorized duplications/use by third parties on the Internet or otherwise. I hereby release Portland Sewing, those it has authorized, and their respective successors and assignees, from any and all claims and/or damages that may arise regarding the use, reproduction, display, distribution, and/or sale of my image or images of my work, or statements made by me as consented to herein, including any claims of defamation, invasion of privacy or infringement of moral rights, rights of publicity, or copyright.
By signing this form, I certify that any work submitted is original and mine alone and that I have the right to grant the permissions herein granted. I have read and understood this form.
Rules:  Winners may not substitute, assign or transfer prize or redeem prize for cash.  Portland Sewing reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.  Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied.  All prize details are at sponsor’s sole discretion.
Sponsor reserves the right to film, photograph and otherwise record all levels of the competition and use said photographs and recordings in any and all media now known or hereafter created throughout the world in perpetuity for any use whatsoever.  Individuals present during any aspect of the competition may be required to execute and return a liability/publicity release which release shall include a grant to Portland Sewing and its designees of the right to use of their names, likenesses and performance for publicity and advertising purposes.
General Conditions:  Released Parties (as defined below) are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, stolen, inaccurate, misdirected or undelivered entry materials; or errors or problems of any kind whether human, printing, typographical, mechanical or otherwise relating to or in connection with this competition, including, without limitation, errors or problems which may occur in connection with the administration of the competition, the processing or judging of entry materials, the announcement of the prizes or in any competition-related materials.
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the competition, as solely determined by Portland Sewing, will be disqualified.  All associated entries will be void.
Should any portion of the competition be, in Portland Sewing’s sole opinion, compromised by non-authorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole opinion of Portland Sewing, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play, or submission of entries or entry materials, Portland Sewing reserves the right at its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the competition (or any portion thereof) and, at its discretion, determine the winners from all eligible, non-suspect entry materials received prior to action taken using the judging procedures specified herein.
Entrants (and, if eligible minors, their parents or legal guardians), by participating, agree that Portland Sewing, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, prize suppliers, and advertising and promotion agencies, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) will have no liability whatsoever for, and shall be held harmless by entrants against, any liability, for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including death, to persons, or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prize or participation in the competition, including any travel or activity related hereto.
Each winner, by acceptance of prize, except where legally prohibited, grants permission for Portland Sewing and its designees to use his/her name, address (city and state), photograph, voice, performance and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further compensation, in all media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Internet and world wide web, in perpetuity, without notice or review or approval.  All decisions made by sponsor and judges at all levels of the competition are final and may not be disputed.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010, 5 PM.

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Contact:  Sharon Blair

Sharon@portlandsewing.com

(503) 927-5457

PORTLAND, Ore. — You have two more weeks to launch your fashion career.

That’s the message from Portland Sewing to Portland area high school juniors and seniors.

Students have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, 5 pm, to submit applications for a scholarship competition that gives the winner $1,000 worth of fashion design classes.  The goal:  To build a portfolio so the student can gain entry into a fashion design college.

The original deadline was today, Aug. 17.  “We have several applicants already,” says Sharon Blair, director of Portland Sewing.  “But we wanted to give students two more weeks as they finish their summer vacations and start heading back to school.”

Portland Sewing is a sewing and apparel design school in northeast Portland.  The scholarship winner would study such things as fashion illustration, patternmaking, draping, sewing and portfolio preparation.

“Most fashion colleges require a portfolio as part of the application,” Blair says, “and even if you aren’t required to have a portfolio, these classes will give you a jump start for your fashion career.”

The winner also would have a chance to intern at Nike and blog about their experiences at PortlandSewing.com

The scholarship is named for Elisabeth Marie, an Austrian fashion designer and Holocaust refugee who moved to Portland and became one of the first pattern drafting teachers at Portland Community College.

The winner will be announced Sept. 17.  To apply, go to http://www.portlandsewing.com/elisabeth-marie-fashion-design-2010-scholarship/

Q.  I have a few questions about the scholarship. I am wondering if you are looking for the design and concept of one piece or a collection. Also, when you say “finished product” are you asking for the design(s) to be turned into physical pieces?

Your design and concept could cover one or more pieces.  That’s up to you.  We’re not looking for anything to be sewn up into physical pieces — we would teach you proper construction.

We’re just looking for your ideas — from the first photographs and pencil doodles to the final “how it would look” drawing.  And the drawing doesn’t have to be a polished fashion illustration — we would teach you that.

We’re just looking for the quality of your thought, how you got the idea(s) and how you would put it all together.

———-

Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship 2010

Competition: Portland-area high school juniors and seniors for school year 2010-11 interested in pursuing an education in Fashion Design are eligible to participate in this competition.  The winner receives $1,000 to study Fashion Design at Portland Sewing, 2111 NE 43rd, Portland OR.

This scholarship enables the winner to study fashion sketching and illustration, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, patternmaking 1 & 2, draping 1 & 2, beginning sewing 1, 2, 3, industrial machine sewing, portfolio preparation and presentation.

The goal:  To prepare the student to win entry and possible scholarships to a higher institute of fashion design of their choice.

Winner will also have the opportunity to intern at Nike and blog about their experience on PortlandSewing.com

Entry Requirements and Criteria

Entries are due by August 17, 2010.  Submit your entry to “Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Competition” c/o Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218.  Selection and notification of the winner will be made by September 17, 2010.

Open to full-time high school juniors (grade 11) and seniors (grade 12) in the Portland area for school year 2010-2011.

Your entry must be in a 2”, 8 ½”x11” 3-ring binder and include (in this order):

Complete entry and release form

An original apparel design idea showing your design process from original idea to finished product.  You show this by giving:

- A written summary of your overall concept with details on fabrics, trims and construction including elements (collars, pockets, sleeves), seams and closures.

- Sketches, illustrations, photographs or digital images of your project as it evolved from concept to completion.   Please include front, back, and side views in either the illustrations or photographs.

- A written summary of people that you contacted for information about your project, including the advice they provided and its influence on you.

- A review of influences on your entry, including fashion designers, music, television shows or movies.  Please organize these separately on a single 11”x17” inspiration board.

Your high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA

A short essay (800 words or less) outlining why your fashion entry is innovative and explaining your interest and motivation for a career in fashion.

About Elisabeth Marie

Born in 1912, Elisabeth Marie grew up in Vienna, Austria where she studied fashion design.  She opened her own atelier, making couture for an exclusive clientele until World War II.  Since she was a Jew, the Gestapo confiscated her clothing business and she was forced to flee Austria.  In March of 1939, she immigrated to the United States and soon relocated to Portland, Oregon.

She re-entered the world of fashion, creating and selling her custom tailoring to wealthy women.  She became the first pattern-drafting teacher at Portland Community College after the school was built in the 1960s.  Elisabeth Marie held classes in advanced pattern drafting and tailoring in her home until the middle 1970’s when cancer limited her energy.

Elisabeth Marie died in 1978, leaving a legacy of love of sharing and education.  Her daughter, Kathrine Grinnell, founded this scholarship in loving memory of Elisabeth.

How to Enter

Complete the attached entry and release form.  Submit the entry materials in one package and write “Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Competition” on the package.  Essays and information may be submitted on a CD-ROM.  Mail all entry materials in an envelope with proper postage to Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218.  Entries must be received by August 17, 2010.  For more information, visit www.portlandsewing.com

Entry and Release Form

Yes!  Please enter me in the Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship Contest 2010 at Portland Sewing!

Name _________________________________________________________________

Signature _________________________________________ Date _______________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________

City _______________________State _________________ Zip __________________

Home Phone (_____) ____________________Email __________________________

If under 18, signature of parent or guardian is also required:

_______________________________________________________________________

Print Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________

How did you learn about this competition?

__ From Portland Sewing

__ From the Internet

__ From a friend

__ From a newspaper article

__From a high school teacher

__From an ad

__Other ______________________________________

Submit this form with your entry requirement materials to Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218.    Entries will be returned by request only and must be picked up at Portland Sewing.

By signing this entry and release form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the official rules and regulations for the Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship Competition and agree to abide by them. I represent that the attached work qualifies for submission to this competition. I hereby irrevocably give my consent to Portland Sewing and to those it may authorize, to photograph, film, and/or videotape me and/or my work, and to quote and record statements made by me and to use, reproduce, publicly display, distribute, sell, and/or create derivative works from my image, images of my work, and statements made by me (with or without my name) and to identify me by name and/or with school and employment information, in all forms of media now known or later developed, including, without limitation, on the Internet, for any editorial, promotional, advertising, trade, commercial, or other purpose whatsoever, in perpetuity throughout the world.

I understand that Portland Sewing and those it may authorize shall not be responsible for unauthorized duplications/use by third parties on the Internet or otherwise. I hereby release Portland Sewing, those it has authorized, and their respective successors and assignees, from any and all claims and/or damages that may arise regarding the use, reproduction, display, distribution, and/or sale of my image or images of my work, or statements made by me as consented to herein, including any claims of defamation, invasion of privacy or infringement of moral rights, rights of publicity, or copyright.

By signing this form, I certify that any work submitted is original and mine alone and that I have the right to grant the permissions herein granted. I have read and understood this form.

Rules:  Winners may not substitute, assign or transfer prize or redeem prize for cash.  Portland Sewing reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.  Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied.  All prize details are at sponsor’s sole discretion.

Sponsor reserves the right to film, photograph and otherwise record all levels of the competition and use said photographs and recordings in any and all media now known or hereafter created throughout the world in perpetuity for any use whatsoever.  Individuals present during any aspect of the competition may be required to execute and return a liability/publicity release which release shall include a grant to Portland Sewing and its designees of the right to use of their names, likenesses and performance for publicity and advertising purposes.

General Conditions:  Released Parties (as defined below) are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, stolen, inaccurate, misdirected or undelivered entry materials; or errors or problems of any kind whether human, printing, typographical, mechanical or otherwise relating to or in connection with this competition, including, without limitation, errors or problems which may occur in connection with the administration of the competition, the processing or judging of entry materials, the announcement of the prizes or in any competition-related materials.

Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the competition, as solely determined by Portland Sewing, will be disqualified.  All associated entries will be void.

Should any portion of the competition be, in Portland Sewing’s sole opinion, compromised by non-authorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole opinion of Portland Sewing, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play, or submission of entries or entry materials, Portland Sewing reserves the right at its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the competition (or any portion thereof) and, at its discretion, determine the winners from all eligible, non-suspect entry materials received prior to action taken using the judging procedures specified herein.

Entrants (and, if eligible minors, their parents or legal guardians), by participating, agree that Portland Sewing, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, prize suppliers, and advertising and promotion agencies, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) will have no liability whatsoever for, and shall be held harmless by entrants against, any liability, for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including death, to persons, or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prize or participation in the competition, including any travel or activity related hereto.

Each winner, by acceptance of prize, except where legally prohibited, grants permission for Portland Sewing and its designees to use his/her name, address (city and state), photograph, voice, performance and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further compensation, in all media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Internet and world wide web, in perpetuity, without notice or review or approval.  All decisions made by sponsor and judges at all levels of the competition are final and may not be disputed.

Best sewing machines for the $$

May 9, 2010 No comments yet
I am in the market for a new sewing machine and I remembered you saying in class the kind we should have but I forgot what it was. Just want to make sure I get something that will be dependable and last a long time. Let me know what you recommend if you have time. Thanks!
Much depends on your budget and what you want it to do.  Janome Magnolia 7330 is a good bet ($349.95).  They are solid machines with synchronized stitching, 30 stitches including 6 beautiful and completely automatic buttonholes.  For a few dollars more, you can get a Janome DC2010 (50 stitches with 3 automatic buttonholes, $399.95) or Babylock Grace 40A (40 stitches with 5 even more beautiful automatic buttonholes, also $399.95).  All these have proven very popular among my students.  And about dependability:  As I say about my Janomes, you can pound nails with them and they will still keep sewing.  And as I say about my Babylock sewing machines:  They make the best buttonholes in the business.
Why don’t you come to my Speed Dating with Sewing Machines class Saturday, May 1, 2-5 pm?  In 3 hours you’ll get to try out 8 different machines and see what you like best.  Then you’ll be better able to judge what you want to buy.

Q.  I am in the market for a new sewing machine and I remembered you saying in class the kind we should have but I forgot what it was. Just want to make sure I get something that will be dependable and last a long time. Let me know what you recommend if you have time. Thanks!

A.  Much depends on your budget and what you want it to do.  Janome Magnolia 7330 is a good bet ($349.95).  They are solid machines with synchronized stitching, 30 stitches including 6 beautiful and completely automatic buttonholes.  For a few dollars more, you can get a Janome DC2010 (50 stitches with 3 automatic buttonholes, $399.95) or Babylock Grace 40A (40 stitches with 5 even more beautiful automatic buttonholes, also $399.95).  All these have proven very popular among my students.  And about dependability:  As I say about my Janomes, you can pound nails with them and they will still keep sewing.  And as I say about my Babylock sewing machines:  They make the best buttonholes in the business.

Why don’t you come to my Speed Dating with Sewing Machines class Saturday, May 1, 2-5 pm?  In 3 hours you’ll get to try out 8 different machines and see what you like best.  Then you’ll be better able to judge what you want to buy.

Sewing leather

May 9, 2010 No comments yet
How are you?? You look and seem to be awesome! I have been needing and looking for a leather sewing machine for quite some time now…but I feel lost, I really do not know what to get, where to go or how to find one and then I thought…SHARON will know:) I mainly work with soft leathers, deer hide, pig skin, some thicker but I need something rather than my home sewing machine to sew my handbags and wallets together..do you have any suggestions of what I need, brand and where I should look to get one. I am not sure if i need something industrial or not. I really appreciate the help!! Congrats on Portland Sewing, it looks amazing, I will be needing to stop by for sure!
Thank you so much!
You can easily feed leather through your industrial machine.  But the layers may not feed consistently and you have to be careful about track marks from the feed dogs when topstitching.  Bottom line, you need a Pfaff sewing machine.  But you have to get the ones with the IDT (built-in walking foot).  This means a Select 3.0 (about $659.95) or higher.  You know me.  I own 15 machines — and that doesn’t even count the industrial machines.  I love them all for one reason or other.  But for leather and tough fabrics, you have to have a Pfaff.  Yes, other machines have an attachable walking foot, but they are hard to attach, large, clunky and noisy.  No one has the power and consistent feed of a Pfaff.  And get one of the older ones if you can (7550 or 2144 are my favorites).  Since Viking bought the company and started changing the Pfaffs to be more Viking-like, the quality has really gone downhill.
I sew all my lambskins and pigskins with a Schmetz Universal size 12 needle and use size 16 on thicker deer hide.  Cowhide I run through my walking foot Juki industrial machine.

Q.  How are you?? You look and seem to be awesome! I have been needing and looking for a leather sewing machine for quite some time now…but I feel lost, I really do not know what to get, where to go or how to find one and then I thought…SHARON will know:) I mainly work with soft leathers, deer hide, pig skin, some thicker but I need something rather than my home sewing machine to sew my handbags and wallets together..do you have any suggestions of what I need, brand and where I should look to get one. I am not sure if i need something industrial or not. I really appreciate the help!! Congrats on Portland Sewing, it looks amazing, I will be needing to stop by for sure! Thank you so much!

A.  You can easily feed leather through a Juki industrial lockstitch machine.  But the layers may not feed consistently and you have to be careful about track marks from the feed dogs when topstitching.  Bottom line, you need a Pfaff sewing machine.  But you have to get the ones with the IDT (built-in walking foot).  This means a Select 3.0 (about $659.95) or higher.  You know me.  I own 15 machines — and that doesn’t even count the industrial machines.  I love them all for one reason or other.  But for leather and tough fabrics, you have to have a Pfaff.  Yes, other machines have an attachable walking foot, but they are hard to attach, large, clunky and noisy.  No one has the power and consistent feed of a Pfaff.  And get one of the older ones if you can (7570 or 2144 are my favorites).  Since Viking bought the company and started changing the Pfaffs to be more Viking-like, the quality has really gone downhill.

I sew all my lambskins and pigskins with a Schmetz Universal size 12 needle and use size 16 on thicker deer hide.  Cowhide I run through my walking foot Juki industrial machine.  Hope this helps!

Best basic serger to buy

May 9, 2010 No comments yet
I am interested in taking your May 18 – June 1 serger class.  I have
a basically unused 25 year old Pffaf hobbylock 776 which was given
to my daughter by her Mother in-law, who took classes on how to use
it but never used it.  Do you think this machine is worthy of my
investment in time and classes (for use in making my granddaughters’
clothes) or would you suggest that I look to trade it in for a different
machine–easier to use or whatever?   Also, what is your favorite basic
serger machine?
I have never used a serger but want to learn how to use one so that I can
show my daughter, who  presently has a young baby in arms.
I value your judgement and look forward to hearing from you.
Pfaff Hobbylocks are notoriously hard to use (difficult to thread, change from stitch to stitch, get consistent results).  My suggestion, if you have the $:  Trade it in for a Babylock Imagine.  These run around $1699.  I know that’s a chunk of change, but I use them as “student” machines and, except for periodically changing the knives as they get dull, they run beautifully despite all the abuse students can give them.  They are easy to thread, easy to use and will make your serger life a very happy one.
We just had a good time at the serger speed dating class yesterday, but there still are openings for the May 18 – June 1 sergery classes.  Hope to see you there!

Q. I am interested in taking your May 18 – June 1 serger class.  I have a basically unused 25 year old Pffaf hobbylock 776 which was given to my daughter by her mother in-law, who took classes on how to use it but never used it.  Do you think this machine is worthy of my investment in time and classes (for use in making my granddaughters’ clothes) or would you suggest that I look to trade it in for a different machine–easier to use or whatever?   Also, what is your favorite basic serger machine?

I have never used a serger but want to learn how to use one so that I can show my daughter, who  presently has a young baby in arms.  I value your judgment and look forward to hearing from you.

A. Pfaff Hobbylocks are notoriously hard to use (difficult to thread, change from stitch to stitch, get consistent results).  My suggestion, if you have the $$:  Trade it in for a Babylock Imagine.  These run around $1699.  I know that’s a chunk of change, but I use them as “student” machines and, except for periodically changing the knives as they get dull, they run beautifully despite all the abuse students can give them.  They are easy to thread, easy to use and will make your serger life a very happy one.

We just had a good time at the serger speed dating class yesterday, but there still are openings for the May 18 – June 1 sergery classes.  Hope to see you there!

Students Show Projects

April 26, 2010 No comments yet
I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. It has been hard to access our wedding pictures, but I finally got two pictures for you. I had so much fun learning how to make patterns and still enjoy creating new dresses and ideas.

Walking togetherI am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. It has been hard to access our wedding pictures, but I finally got two pictures for you. I had so much fun learning how to make patterns and still enjoy creating new dresses and ideas. — Caitlyn


Ali's Hepburn PantI just finished my denim Hepburn pants tonight (well, more like, this morning). I LOVE them! I am so excited because they fit so well, they’re really comfortable – even when I sit, and they’re exactly what I’ve wanted for a while but never could find in a store to fit me! Here is a pic of them I’m attaching. I’m going to wear them to my work conference I have to attend this morning. Your fit & sew pants class is so great! – Ali

Portland Sewing Links Students to Jobs

April 26, 2010 No comments yet

Thank you so much for that sweet note of introduction. I emailed a cover letter and resume today, went out to dinner, and had a response from Holly by the time I got back. I’ll be interviewing this week!  Thanks again. I’m sure your endorsement made all the difference.

Thank you sooooo much for saying sweet things about me.  It got me some work!  Hope all is well and busy.  Hope to see you soon!

Thank you for sending me that job information, I got a contract job with her and I got my first project. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I’ve got a meeting at 4:00 this afternoon (Monday).  I don’t know how long it will take but I’ll head over to Portland Sewing when I’m done. [LATER] I am very excited to start working.  I don’t know how much time it will take up, but I still plan on working with you at Portland Sewing.

Thank you so much for the lovely recommendation.  Wanted to let you know that she did hire me as a sample sewer.  I think it’s going to be really fun and a good experience.  I had my first day today, and sewed my first-ever hat!

Questions About Pants

April 26, 2010 No comments yet
I’m making some progress on my pants – I’ve purchased fabric (tencel) and created the zipper fly and facing and waistband. However, I do have a few questions.
Should I be adding seam allowances for the waistband?
Also, when doing a zipper and waistband, what is the order of sewing – would it be 1. inseam 2. crotch and zipper 3. sides 4. attach waistband?
I am going to need some serious help on the zipper and waistband part, I’ve been reading in some sewing books I have but am not really understanding the instructions. I was curious if there was any of it that I could get started on, or if I should just hold off till I can come in to Rehab on Saturday.

Q.  I’ve been working on the pants I am making for my sister – she tried them on and they actually fit with only very minor adjustments! How rewarding.  I’m wondering if you could suggest a type of fabric to use though. She will be traveling in India this summer and wants them for her trip, so I’m looking for something that is lightweight and breathable. Any suggestions?

A.  Congratulations, you’re a couturier — and on your first try! Your sister will want something that doesn’t wrinkle:  that travels and packs well.  I’d suggest a poly-linen for a structured pant and tencel for a more flowing pant.

Q 2.  I’m making some progress on my pants.  I’ve purchased fabric (tencel) and created the zipper fly and facing and waistband. However, I do have a few questions.

Should I be adding seam allowances for the waistband?

Also, when doing a zipper and waistband, what is the order of sewing – would it be 1. inseam 2. crotch and zipper 3. sides 4. attach waistband?

I am going to need some serious help on the zipper and waistband part, I’ve been reading in some sewing books I have but am not really understanding the instructions. I was curious if there was any of it that I could get started on, or if I should just hold off till I can come in to Rehab on Saturday?

A2.  Just come to Rehab and we’ll make quick work of it.  Make sure you bring a zipper.  You may also need twill tape, basting tape and interfacing.  But we have these if you are unsure of what to buy.

Yes, add seam allowances for the waistband.  Use the same as you are using on the pants.

Order of sewing:  1) Darts; 2) Crotch just enough in front to install zipper; 3) Inseams; 4) Side seams; 5) Crotch seam; 6) Waistband; 7) Hems.