Designer Linda Lee and her "Sewing Workshop"

Meet Linda Lee of the Sewing Workshop 

 Topeka, Kansas 

I have always admired sewing guru  Linda Lee and her many talents.  She is well known in sewing circles for her wonderful patterns, and the place women gather to be creative and share their love of haute couture at "The sewing workshop" It was there many came for inspiration and classes.  The San Francisco store was home to many now famous sewers.  Most all who took classes there enjoyed the quality teaching and materials there.  The store was loved by many in the bay area before it was sold and she moved to Topeka.  Not only is she an author of nearly a dozen quality sewing books, she is also a teacher who travels the country teaching fine sewing techniques, and creative inspiration.  Linda is available for special classes, lectures and sharing her love of sewing for the home and creative clothing. 

Linda's books include:

• Sewing Beautiful Pillows
• Scarves to Make
• Sewing Stylish Home Projects
• Sewing Edges and Corners
• Mastering Miters
• Sew Sensational Pillows
• Designer Home Sewing
• Sew Easy
• Sew Easy Bags
• Sew Easy Scarves

Here Linda is showing us how a pattern is made.  Kathy is putting her last few updates on this pattern that is about to be released.   It is a wonder anyone goes into the pattern making business when you hear how long the process takes and what is involved.

Off the beaten path in the town of Topeka Kansas The Sewing Workshop is tucked inside this antique brick two story building occupying the entire 1st floor (and basement for storage)  Her store is full of beautiful fabrics and notions and garments that provide inspiration and opportunity for creating some distinctive garments. In the front of the store there are sewing machines along one long wall, set up and ready for sewing classes.  were    

 In the front of the Sewing Workshop there is an area set aside for teaching

This is Erin, she is behind the scenes at The Sewing Workshop.  I loved her fresh ideas and sunny take on everything.  She submits articles to magazines and teaches some of the classes.

Here Linda Lee shares a new pattern that they are in the throws of finishing.  We really liked the skirt pattern and it has arrived to market faster than my posting this blog.  http://sewingworkshop.com/shop/new-products?page=shop.browse&category_id=52

This is the Eureka top and skirt.  I am looking at fabric to make this in.  My Mom gets all of Linda's patterns shipped automatically so we got this pattern right away.

I really enjoyed how Linda and company enthusiastically bubbled on about the new patterns they had coming out.  They showed us some inspirational pieces they used when gathering ideas for a new pattern. Linda took us on a tour of her facility where we saw her video's, fabrics, notions, accessories, and racks of made to perfection samples, many which were going out in the mail to stores carrying her patterns as samples.

I really enjoy reading Linda's blog http://sewingworkshop.com/blogs there I find her patterns made up by class attendees and samples by Linda, Erin and Kathy. 

Some of Linda's older patterns were discontinued, and now are offered by a down loadable e pattern.  Kathy talked to us about E patterns and how they work.  They are doing well for those sewers who desire  patterns quickly. 

To download Linda Lee's patterns:

Downloading Sewing Patterns can be fast, easy and convenient. Linda's article offers great tips and tricks to make the downloading process a little easier!
DOWNLOAD -- PRINT -- SEW!
Every pattern company is different. Curious how our ePatterns work? Download our instructions: ePATTERNS-downloadinstructions.pdf.

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider before downloading a sewing pattern. The cost of a pattern download is less than buying a printed pattern. But the best part is the instant gratification: Buy it now and wear it tomorrow. I had to look into this a bit.  This article from Sew News was helpful

http://www.sewnews.com/articles/online_sewing_patterns

-Kathy was working out the latest pattern.  We got a sneak look at the samples – can’t wait until the pattern comes out this month – just my style

Back of store has beautiful fabrics that she collects for inspiration and to make samples of her patterns. These fabrics are for sale on her website too
http://sewingworkshop.com/shop
(Lucky for us!)

Linda recommended stitch magazine.  She showed us the jacket that is featured in the latest Winter 2012 magazine on p.49 sewdaily.com the features rectangle coat  byLinda Lee  Also Fall 2012 featured sewing with knits byLinda Lee
Secrets for mastering this versatile fabric
PLUS: Bonus T-shirt Project!

The three of us went to lunch at noon driving to her favorite Mexican food place.  We have known each other for nearly 20 years so we spent lunch reminiscing about our past projects and people and the good old days of "The Sewing Workshop" when she was in San Francisco.  It was nice to catch up from our last visit when Linda was a speaker at a trunk show in Sacramento.  We hope to see her again in February when we attend the The Sewing and Stitchery Expo is the largest consumer sewing show in America. The 2013 dates are: February 28, March 1-3, 2013, at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center in Puyallup, Washington.  http://www.sewexpo.com/about-expo.htm

Ladies Bus trip to Stone Mountain and Daughter

Last weekend I went on a bus trip with the Haute Couture Societe.  It is a wonderful way to spend a slightly rainy day.  Our first stop was at Stone Mountain and Daughter fabric and sewing store in Berkeley.  This store has been in business at this location for many years. They must have the largest selection of quilt fabrics I have ever seen, and they have a huge selection of knits, wools, and specialty evening fabrics.

http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/

 


Up stairs is where you will find the sale bolts, all 50%off.  I found a gray snake skin pattern knit that I will make a top in.  (of course will she you later the final project.)











My personal favorite instructor would be Sandra Betzina  My mom knows Sandra, and from the times I have met her I can tell you she is vivacious and excited about sewing.  She is the host of the Power Sewing WebTV Show and designs a full line of patterns for Vogue under the Today's Fit Tab. She has produced a skill series of 11DVDs and is the author of: More Fabric Savvy, Fast Fit and Power Sewing Step-by-Step. Her new book, The Power Sewing Toolbox: Tips & Techniques.  Sandra is also a popular speaker and hosts several week-long Sewing Retreats in San Francisco throughout the year. For more information about Sandra Betzina and Power Sewing visit www.powersweing.com.  I also loved this Sandra Bitzini Skirt with layered fabric strips in a stripe.  There was a class scheduled to teach these techniques.

  
 


  
 
 
 
 

 Upstairs is the classroom where the very best instructors teach(http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/sewing-classes.htm With over 150 classes in their catalog it was no surprise that a class was busy sewing up skirts and I loved the teachers skirt, a vogue patter that has been discontinued darn it.  She was clearly an accomplished sewer and as I listened to her teaching she was a very good teacher too.  The offer a lot of sewing classes, and bring in top notch teachers to share their expertise too.

They have a full selection of patterns, including independent company patterns.  They had one binder filled with discontinued independent patterns, now that is a find!  (Here I am sharing pattern ideas with fellow member.)











I would say this place is a quilter's paradise.  They have wonderful cotton prints for quilts. 

The cutting tables were filled with ladies grabbing pieces of their favorite fabrics.  The walls to the back of the store were filled with sewing notions.  I like that they always have things on sale.  Check out http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/special-offers.htm for special online offers.



To keep up with the store events and trends in sewing why not read their blog http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/daughters-blog.htm  You can follow along with co-owner and Daughter, Suzan Steinberg as she talkes about the store, Berkley and her favorite things to make.   I'll tell more about our bus trip tomorrow.

Jonelle

Tour of ACCI Gallery, Berkley, CA

A trip to Berkley is not complete

without popping into ACCI Gallery

 

ACCI Gallery is an Arts and Crafts Cooperative that was established in 1957 and is known as one of  the oldest Arts and Crafts Cooperatives on the West Coast.   They sit on the corner of the popular street Shattuck Avenue.  They have a lot of windows letting in great natural light to view the magnitude of outstanding arts and crafts within.  In this gallery you will find unique, one of a kind, handcrafted work of the highest quality and design.

























They feature fine art, and quality crafts including works of ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, textiles, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and fiber art pieces.  These are photos I took that day of items I’d love in my own home.

ACCI Gallery

1652 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709

(510) 843-2527

Hours
Monday – Saturday, 11- 6
Sunday, 12 - 5

"Map and Directions"




 


Berkeley California has always been known for their wackiness.  But there is a softer more sophisticated side to this city and nowhere is it more pronounced than at ACCI Galley on Shattuck Avenue. 

Like their Facebook page and follow to see more of what they have to offer:
https://www.facebook.com/ACCIgallery



















Remember a few weeks ago when I talked about Melissa Arnold, textile artist and and inventive creator that taught our scarf felting workshop?  At this gallery where some wonderful felt scarfs, made by another designer that we were able to take a closer look at.  It was nice as my mom and friend Roberta also took the class so we talked about techniques and color and how well made these scarfs were.

 

 

 Tom Chen is by far one of the most creative artisan in the Gallery on this trip.  I loved these clever and very creative paper mache sculptures of dinosaurs, and  imaginary creatures.  There is a lot of work put into each piece and they are also boxes that open up for a special something.  The prices ranges from 145.00 for the small ones to 265.00 for the one I'd love to get Richard. 






You can see some of Tom Chen's work at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Critters-Tom-Chen/

Or his website Website	http://www.curiousdinosaurs.com



hisis the one get Ri

Tennessee Music Highway - Tennessee USA

Memphis in December

"From Elvis and Tina Turner to Carl Perkins and The Kings of Leon, the Tennessee Music Highway is the most important geographical location of musical influence on the planet."  http://tnmusichighway.com/  This was the stretch of road for me today.

First thing I noticed when I walked off the plane was how polite everyone is. The moment you step off the plane there are senior greeters, there to say welcome to Memphios and give you direction to your next gate, the baggage claim or a quick stop for food or shopping.  I also noticed that most everyone  was reffering to me as  "Mam" and in a completely positive, well manored way.  And never mind that it made me feel a bit "old"

I rented my car (Budget, and yes it was a "budget" especially for a one way rental) and hit the road for my first three appointments.

With an afternoon free we shopped at Worlds Away www.worlds-away.com.   We went there to see interior furnishings and accessories that are sold in the larger and finer department stores.

My recommendation is to give yourself plenty of time to go through the store.  There is so much to see and it's a little un-organized.  (See picture below)

What we discovered is that they carry seconds and returns, all priced to sell, off their retail floor. Many items are damaged with deeper discounts that reflect it.

World's Away also has showrooms in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.  This one in Memphis is their public outlet. Worlds Apart is located right next to the Liberty Bowl.

Designers can shop wholesale at Worlds Away, and anyone can browse the stock.  Their items are manufactured abroad and sold to high end store and through catalogs.  They carry small furniture, light fixtures, home decor and fabric from the company's collections catalog.  (TI went online and ordered their catalog when I returned home.)  If your in Memphis I say "Check it out!"

http://www.worlds-away.com/
Contact:
HOME OFFICE:
WORLDS AWAY
322 SOUTH HOLLYWOOD
MEMPHIS TENNESSEE 38104
(901)529-0844
(901)527-3406
PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT TO OUR
SALES MANAGER, NEAL EDWARDS

I found it!

The "ah ha" moment of the day was discovering the most delightful shoes.  Yes delightful and shoes in the same sentance.  These comfortable smart looking shoes were for sale in the back of the showroom.  These shoes are hand made by the Charleston Shoe Company and the owner of this showroom is the mother of the developer of these fantastic fabric shoes.

Www.CharlestonShoeCo.com

We loved the colors, simplicity and contemporary style. I decided to try on a few and they were indeed comfortable.  They are made of elasticated fabric, and they can be machine washed in cold water on the gental cycle.  (I saw directions on YouTube.com) I fell in love with the wedge bootie ( in black) and the flat brown suede pair.  I went online to see what else they offered and will be ordering the boots soon.  I'll keep you posted when I get a list of locations that sell these shoes and a review when mine arrive as to how they fit.

We had a long drive ahead the next morning, and bad weather to boot so I turned on my GPS and drove East on the Tennessee Interstate freeway. Highway 40 traverses the entirety of the state from west to east, running from the Mississippi River at the Arkansas border. We drove the stretch of land between Memphis and Nashville also known as the “Music Highway”  Driving across the state we noticed the landscape was beautiful and getting ready for winter. The trees barren of leaves now were thick and lined all the rivers and creeks.  More on my trip tomorrow

Jonelle'

 

 

Knoxville TN, A Host of Shopping Surprises

Knoxville TN

 With a very limited amount of time in Knoxville we missed the opportunity to visit Dollyland, the  Artisan Colony in Gainsbourg and the Smokey Mountains, all I will keep on my list of must sees when I return to Tennessee in the futurehttp://www.knoxville.org/

http://downtownknoxville.org/visitors/shopping

I want to point out that the drive from Nashville to Knoxville added an hour because it is in a different time zone.  We didn't realize it but we lost an hour.  It was late when we arrived in Knoxville but we found a wonderful ad in the visitor guide about Benton District.  Stores I found in the District:
http://districtinbearden.com/

The Practice Yoga loves the Vols!! They have plenty of orange and white gear to help you out this football season! Stop on by and check it out!








At Plum Gallery, these beautiful hand-woven scarves from Swalsmith of London are the perfect accessory for the fall season!












SOLE IN THE CITY:Sole in the City is so excited about hosting an Old Gringo trunk show with over 30 styles of Old Gringo western boots in the store for our holiday open house on November 30th. Come kick up your heels. http://www.soleinthecity.net/
TWISTED SCISSORS:Come see us during our Open House on November 30th! We will have 25 gift bags filled with samples and coupons from the salon and surrounding businesses! We’ll also have a drawing for a cut and color that evening

http://www.twistedscissors07.com/

It had some interesting sounding shops.  (Antiques, Home Decor, Christmas shop, second hand store, coffee house). I must say I was disappointed to find half the shops closed.  I commented on how tacky the antique and vintage store "Nostalgia" was for closing an hour early on a Wednesday night when their "store closing" announcement came over the speaker.  Lol. I was so dignified in my statement and I was embarrassed when I realized while at the hotel front desk checking in that it was indeed MY mistake.  Note to self, check time when traveling near time zones.  Yep I had the front desk give me a "wake up call" to be sure my iPhone didn't let me down.

We did however have a few hours after my appointments the next day and before heading to the airport and flying back to Sacramento to do some shopping (funny how I always fit that in)

 

Resale Shopping

 












Repeat Boutique on Kingston Pike was the find of the week.  A resale shop that is Huge, and filled with incredible buys.  The sales staff is so courteous (again let me say Tennessee is the most polite state in the nation). They have jewelry, designer clothing, petites, plus size, casual sportswear, dressy evening wear, leather jackets, a ton of coats and shoe-shoes-shoes. All three have quality well priced items and a great find for our trip.  I bought a wonderful black knit jacket by ----  and a cashmere long sweater with one button at the waist in purple. 

What you'll find here is You’ll find one-of-a-kind items, as well as many sought-after labels such as BCBG Maxazria, Prada, Milly, Trina Turk, Dana Buchman, Nanette Lepore, and Michael Kors. Expect to find designer denim labels by Citizens for humanity, True Religion, Paper Denim and Cloth, Red Engine and Paige, all for a fraction of what they cost originally.

www.repeatboutiqueknox.com

They carry the largest selection of scarves, belts, purses and jewelry I have ever seen in a resale shop.  Their staff is friendly and helpful, even looking up my favorite Peruvian Connection to see if anything from their line was in the store.  (Yes they had several pieces, all larges darn!)









They carry accessories from designers such as Brighton, Coach, Michael Kors, Kooba, Cole Haan and Brahmin.

Repeat Boutique8079 Kingston Pike, Suite Q
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 531-8200




Next door there is a store for antiques and home decor called Repeat Etc. and a children's store called ----  
 Repeat EtcStreet: 8079 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, tn 37919-3901
Phone: (865) 531-2801

For fashionable secondhand children's clothing try Weepeat Boutique.  They carry fashionable clothing from retailers such as: Gap, Gymboree, Anavini, Ralph Lauren, Baby Lulu, Abercrombie, Justice, Lilly Pultzer, and many more.
http://weepeatboutique.com/

On the other side there is a deep discount store called the Bargain Hunt.  I can tell you they had a large selection of items that are returns from manufacturers as well as close outs, overstocks, refurbished, dents and miss matched items.  Reminded me of BigLots, but these were deeper discounts.  Most of the boxes were damaged and one better check the contender as some were missing parts and pieces.  A fisher price toy I had just bought the grandson was there  I paid 29.00 at Target and it was 14.00 here (but the box was tattered.)
https://www.facebook.com/BargainHuntStores


www.bargainhunt.com

A rush to the airport to return my rental car and a wonderful flight on Delta Airlines.  All in a weeks work I say.  Enjoy your week.

Jonelle'