Stitcher's Playhouse - Where Sewing is FUN!
Getaway Sewing Retreats
by Ann Barnett on 06/21/10
What a treat for me....a getaway for three days just to sew with a group of girls in Manchester! And, NO, we didn't make it to Bonnaroo! I planned ahead, stayed focused, and finished two outfits. I've told you about the three new patterns from Trisha's Treasurers and the two samples we have on display. Now we have the third one, "Kelly", which is a cute sundress that goes up to a size 12. I used a fun jungle print from Free Spirit and embellished the bodice with a large fabric flower! We think our older girls will love this sundress.
My second project was the Lily Top by Pink Fig except I lengthened it and made it a dress. Thinking ahead to fall, I made it in two colors of Dupioni silk--lime green and dark turquoise. This pattern uses the shirring technique at the neck and on the sleeves. Quick and fun! As soon as I find someone to try it on, I may go back and shirr the waist! If you haven't attempted the shirring technique using elastic thread in the bobbin, you must!
I just had time to unpack my Manchester suitcase and pack another one for Jeanne and I to visit Butterfly Meadows Inn & Farm in Williamson County. This is a new B&B that has just opened off Bethesda Arno Road (easy to find off 840/Arno Road exit). Darlene and Norm Bobo have put years of planning and thought into this beautiful retreat. Darlene's an avid quilter, and she wanted a place where creative people could come and get inspired. Located on top of one of the highest hills in Williamson County, you feel like you're in the Smokies--especially coming up the long winding driveway to the Inn.
Jeanne brought along her Block of the Month Quilt amd a tablerunner to finish while I sewed on Michie's "Iva Leigh" pattern Jeanne had already cut out using two of our favorite Art Gallery fabrics! This is a perfect dress for the little girls--our sample is in the 18 mo. size. Perhaps the most fun of our two-night stay at Butterfly Meadows was meeting and getting to know other shop owners. We had lots of fun talking about our love of fabric, the fun things each of us do in our shops, and what new things we'd like to try! Jeanne and I came back with many fun ideas we hope to share with our customers!
Hope you're having a wonderful summer and staying cool! We continue to get summer fabrics in from Michael Miller and Robert Kaufman. Some of you have looked for the large red and white dotted fabric for Minnie Mouse outfits. We now have it! Also, we just received four more bolts of the cupcake fabric in pink, turquoise, and white. Not only does this fabric make cute birthday outfits, it's also great for aprons!
Happy sewing!
Ann
New Patterns!
by Ann Barnett on 06/04/10
We're excited to have Trisha Smith's new patterns in the shop. Samples of "Rhea", a cute button-down-the-back sundress, and "Ella", a skirt, pants, and top combination, are made up and hanging in the shop. The third pattern, "Kelly", is a wonderful sundress that goes up to size 12. We can't wait to get this one made for our customers to see. We've already selected one of our favorite Art Gallery prints! Trisha's directions are easy to follow and offer lots of helpful tips to make sewing easier. We've posted our samples on the Stitcher's Playhouse website, What's New page. Hope you'll visit the shop to view these beautiful garments in person!
Ann
Contest Winners!
by Ann Barnett on 05/30/10
It's official! We have five winners in our Laminated Fabric Contest. Thanks to all of you talented girls who entered projects. Our judges were twelve members of the Grand Ole Smockers Chapter of SAGA. Believe me, they know a whole lot more about creative sewing than their name implies. It was great fun watching them get excited about each and every project. Congratulations to our winners!
Apparel Category:
First Place ($50 Gift Certificate) Child's Mermaid Skirt by Priscilla Hogue
Second Place (Tie) ($25 Gift Certificate) Adult Apron by Pat Steele and Child's Craft Apron by Lacey Lewis
Non-Apparel Category:
First Place ($50 Gift Certificate) Toiletries Bag by Tammy Wiseman
Second Place ($25 Gift Certificate) Picnic Mat by Priscilla Hogue
A New Adventure!
by Ann Barnett on 05/30/10
Well, I'm going to give this BLOG thing a run. The shop keeps me so busy with all the things that have to be accomplished on a daily basis. So, this BLOG will be my opportunity to share with you new fabrics, patterns, added classes and many ideas from our talented teachers and creative customers. Hope you will enjoy and I look forward to your comments. Happy sewing! Ann
