2010 SCHMETZ Portfolio Designer - Janet Pray

Janet's Favorite Needle:  Jeans 90/14
"When constructing my Double Green Shopping Bags made from recycled blue jeans this needle works wonderfully sewing through crossed or flat felled seams like a dream.  I have used SCHMETZ needles exclusively for over 25 years!"

Janet Pray

Janet is a fiber artist, fiber arts teacher, sewing instructor and business woman.  She began her sewing industry career by creating a unique line of artistic women's clothing.  Her specialties were coats and scarves sold at fine art fairs and boutiques.  Her career has greatly expanded by developing the largest independent sewing expo - The American Sewing Expo held annually in Novi, Michigan.

The American Sewing Expo
The Largest Independent Sewing Expo in the World!

Janet teaches industrial sewing techniques developed by her aunt, Margaret Islander.  Janet now owns Islander Sewing Systems Company which publishes Janet's clothing patterns.  Her pattern directions are easy to follow and I love the time saving industrial sewing shortcuts.

Irish Coat
This is My Favorite Islander Sewing Systems Pattern

Between writing books and developing DVDs, Janet has found time to share her love of sewing with even more people by creating the National Sewing Council, a non-profit organization focused on encouraging more people to experience the joy of sewing.  Janet serves at the Executive Director.

The Sew Creative Lounge hosted by the National Sewing Council
in Chicago at the CHA Craft Super Show, July 2010
Brenda Rogerson shares her love of sewing with a free Make & Take project

 Janet's work never ends.  Find out more about her shows, patterns and publications at these websites:

www.americansewingexpo.com

www.islandersewing.com

www.nationalsewingcouncil.org

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International Quilt Market in Houston

My annual ritual is to visit International Quilt Market in Houston.  New products are presented.  Orders are written.  Events are planned.  Business is done.  Between conversations with vendors, designers and all the eye candy of new fabrics and notions, it is easy to "overload". . .  but I'm not complaining.  Here are a few friends of SCHMETZ:

Karin Hellalby
UK Teacher, Author & Quilters Haven Shop Owner
Delighted to Show Her 7 Book Covers on Her iPad
http://www.karinhellaby.com/

Barbara Weiland Talbert
Signing Her Latest Book The Sewing Answer Book
http://www.joyofsewing.com/

Betsey & Margaret
MorninGlory Designs
Modelling their Newest Jacket Designs
http://www.morninglorydesigns.com/



Donna, Indygo Junction
Modeling Midtown Trench
http://www.indygojunctioninc.com/



Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions by Indygo Junction
Delves into the life of Mary Brooks Picken.  What an inspiration!
http://www.indygojunctioninc.com/

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2010 SCHMETZ Portfolio Designer - Luveta Nickels

Luveta's Favorite Needles:



"Jean Queen" and the "Denim Diva"

 Jeans 80/12, 90/14 and Topstitch 90/14

  

Luveta says "Jeans needles are a must for recycling jeans.  Penetration is greater with less stress on the sewing machine.  I find the smaller the point the better.  The Topstitch needle is a must in every aspect of sewing or embellishing.  It performs like none other when trying to match previous jean flat-felled seams.  I like to use two threads of my favorite color through the same eye of a Topstitch needle.  This allows a more pronounced stitch without threads fraying.

Frequently nicknamed the "Jean Queen" and the "Denim Diva", Luveta has been recycling jeans for 20 years.  Frequently seen at the American Sewing Expo, the Sewing and Stitchery Expo and State Fairs, Luveta's popular seminars are jam-packed with finished samples of her easy, but professional techniques.  Luveta has written books, designed patterns and invented many notions specific to sewing on recycled jeans. 

When sewing on jeans have you found sewing through the flat-felled seams difficult?  The answer is Luveta's very own invention!  The Jean-A-Ma-Jig to help move over the seam without skipped stitches.



Jean-A-Ma-Jig



Pink Thrill of the Drill
Use bleach in a controlled, splatter-free manner

And for something thrilling.... try the Pink Thrill of the Drill!  for adding bleach in a controlled manner to decorate your jeans.



French Grommets embellish Junk Jean Jackets

Luveta imports special Grommets from France to embellish her Gone Wild jackets. Finely finished, they add a special touch - a special sparkle to jean and non-denim jackets.


Luveta is a rancher from South Dakota.  She is passionate about recycling blue jeans!  Her website is

http://www.junkjeanspeople.com/

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Platter of Silver Spoons

Are you still enjoying an Indian summer?  Last weekend was glorious for flea markets and craft shows.  With the upcoming holidays just 2 1/2 months away, I am still hunting for gifts.  Still looking for gifts?  I admit this year I'm an early bird and have only one gift left to find or make.  Yes, I shop and make gifts throughout the year so I can get them mailed on time and enjoy the holidays... Some years I'm more successful than others.  Here are a few special gifts I found last weekend - appropriate for any sewing enthusiast.

 



Silver spoon pin cushions

 


Amy of www.artfire.com repurposes barkcloth curtains and vintage linens into dresses and accessories 

  



Button.  Button. Who's got the button... bouquet?




Pattern Bouquet
So, this is what happens to those patterns that cannot be refolded into their envelopes!



How many sewing enthusiasts are on your holiday list?

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Yes! I Made This! ... Forever Friends

September 2010
American Sewing Expo, Novi, MI

Sewing is a creative hobby.  We may find ourselves sewing alone in the solitude of the night, but eventually we share our love of sewing one way or another with others - maybe as gifts or meeting friends for a fabric spree, shop hop, guild meeting or quilting bee.   No doubt about it, we enjoy sharing.   Thanks to you for sharing your love of sewing by purchasing a Yes I Made This! button.  Your donation went to the Dress for Success program to assist women to economic independence.  http://www.dressforsuccess.org/.

Yes! I Made This! ... Fish, Wildlife & Other Creatures

September 2010
American Sewing Expo, Novi, MI

This is not a large photo gallery, but very worthy to see the wonderful workmanship in machine embroidery and some applique.  Whatever your favorite creature, it is fun to see them in fabric and thread!
Enjoy!

Yes! I Made This! ... Vests, Tunics, Dresses and More

September 2010
American Sewing Expo, Novi, MI

I love vests - just ask my husband.  He thinks I wear too many, especially in the winter.  Vests are very practical allowing me to layer clothes without a great deal of bulk.  I especially love vests for pockets.  Good secure pockets mean I don't need the burden of carrying a wallet - I'm not a purse person. 

I love dresses too - just ask my husband.  Before we married  my wardrobe was 80% dresses.  In fact today as I write, I'm wearing a dress.  Funny thing is I find this dress the equivalent to wearing a pair of favorite jeans - comfortable and maintenance free. 

Whether you love vests or dresses, you will find them both here with lots of personality.  Enjoy!