Update!

It’s been slow going this month with an inlfux of private classes, custom orders and alterations for prom and spring weddings! With most of it out of the way my schedule has opened up and I am taking in wedding gown alterations for the summer, new custom orders and bookings for private lessons.

A few new things…. Classes are being updated, (my son is officially done with pre-school through the end of the summer so that kind of helped to put a hold on figuring out the new schedule) and refreshed with some new and exciting offerings! A retro bathing suit class, teaching the Wiksten Tank and much more. Living Social will be once again featuring my deal for the Mommy and Me class in a few weeks as well which has been a huge hit with both moms and kids who have taken it so far! Summer Fashion Camp applications are ready to roll out so if you would like to enroll your teen e-mail me at atelierstitch@gmail.com for that. We only have 3 slots left!

Some not so exciting news and a bit of a pain for me and my customers as well is the fact that due to some long term aggravations with my internet and phone service provider my phone number has been changed and I have had to deal with making sure that search sites and everywhere else it is posted and is circulating (even my business cards!) has the new number. With Google, this can take up to a few weeks for the request to be processed. If you have tried to get a hold of me please recheck the number before giving up! I am still here, and still in business! another great way to reach me is through e-mail. Here is my new new number: 207-450-0465

As soon as I can sit down with my computer and get the new schedule in I will post about that!

New Layout!

Here’s me in the studio chugging on a coffee as I work hard super hard on some tiny things that will make a big difference in my (lack of!) organization. I’m in the middle of switching around my site here a little bit. I would like for people to be able to see sewing classes right when they come to my page first thing so I’m working on moving all of that loveliness over here. I will then have sub pages and links for all of the other sewing offerings I have. Once I’m done with the “big move” classes for May will be up. Thanks for being so patient!

My Sewing Nook…

People often ask me what my home sewing set up is like. Nothing like my studio! I work from home (our apartment) a lot and the situation is much different. I spread out on my kitchen table when I need to cut and literally have a nook, in a portion of my hallway. There’s no natural light, the full size ironing board hangs over  the door of the closet that holds my fabrics and blocks the entire hallway when I open it. Though it isn’t the biggest or most efficient set up it is my cozy little corner completely personalized and everything is within my reach. I love it! Plus, I have the fabulous studio the other percent of the time. No complaints! So here is a tour of my mini sewing space in the tiny little corner of our castle in the sky.

View of the nook from looking down the hall. The lighting is just awful and this was the best picture I could get. I love my rainbow of vintage zippers and colorful balls of yarn. The sewing cabinet swings open (but not very easily!) to give my legs a place to go and lets me spread out a bit.

The view to the right of the nook. I have crammed everything I love in there!

Jars of baubles, beads and and metal findings. Animal postcards by Sandra Arteaga and illustrations by Laura Berger. Scissor prints by Pamela Tachibana.

A bit of my thread stash, mostly neutrals and Steve Martin. Oh I love him. Print is by local artist Shayna Blumert.

Another print by Laura Berger. Expressing just how I feel about my teensy space.

A closer picture of my vintage zipper rainbow and balls of yarn.

A few of my favorite things: bamboo knitting needles, pink serger thread, giant scissors, one of my favorite books and the book I’m currently reading.

More thread!

Top shelf. This is where all of the jewelry and hair things I take off while sewing end up. And where I keep my pretty perfume bottles and boxes because I just like to look at them

I keep my good sewing machine at the studio and usually haul it home when I need to use it. Otherwise I use this gal. This foxy fabric and I have a date this weekend and I have some big plans that will hopefully result in me wearing it on Monday!

And this is my little guy painting beside me

Holidays!

With the Holidays coming up, the end of the year and our 1 year anniversary (yay!) We’ve decided to team up with Living Social for a great Mommy and Me deal, and to get ourselves some spiffy Gift Certificates and offer them through the end of December at a discounted price.

Mommy & Me deal: Throughout next year I will be posting 3 Mommy & Me classes per month. The living Social deal goes live December 5th. You get to pick from any of the Mommy and Me classes, or you can set up a time and date to do something custom. All materials are included, machine use is included, and it’s a great way to spend time and bond with your child while learning something new.

Gift Certificates: These are also going live December 5th and will be available for purchase on our website through the end of December. The certificates cost $30.00 and they are good for any ONE session class listed regardless of list price, OR and ONE session private sewing lesson and they are good for an entire year! They come in beautiful handmade fabric envelopes and can be shipped anywhere you’d like and if they are a gift I can wrap them up before shipping!

***(They cannot be used for multi-booked sessions, summer camps etc. unless to put toward the original balance of a multi-booked session, summer camp etc.)

We are also excited to announce that we have made it a year (in January) and we are going to keep going! We’re going to close down starting Dec. 22nd thru Jan. 7th to reflect on the year and make some improvements to how we operate, introduce some new classes and to renovate the studio itself. We’ll have an open house for First Friday January 7th so if you haven’t been in to check out the space you can come check it and enjoy some wine and snacks on us.

Update on Hours:  I am not sure if I have this listed anywhere but studio hours are currently by appointment only. After the New Year we will have short, regular studio hours.

Lastly! I’ve got a tutorial for you all! Perfect kids sewing project for packaging handmade gifts, fabric envelopes! I’ll be posting that one tonight after I put my kiddo in bed.

Phew! I don’t blame you if you couldn’t make it through that post! ; )

Little Girls Dress Tutorial

 

This is my first attempt at a tutorial so if you try it and have questions please let me know. These dresses are very easy adorable and customizable. Think switching up the hem, high low is hot right now! Adding pockets, ruffles, cute buttons and straps.

You will need:

Fabric at least 44″ wide. I used quilters weight cotton for this one.

Two types of elastic. 3/4 inch wide and 1/2 inch wide.

Matching thread

Iron

First you will need the following measurements:

1. Chest- measure around the chest right under the armpit

2. Waist- measure around the waist

3. Chest to waist- measure down the body from your first to second measurements.

4. Chest to desired length of dress.

Now we will add the hem and casing allowances. To the total length (chest to desired length), add 4 inches.

Here we go!

Cut your fabric straight across according to the total length measurement.

Fold over the top of your fabric 1/2 inch and press.

Fold over an additional inch and press.

Stitch close to the edge fold.

This is your casing for your 3/4″ elastic.

Measure down from the top and fold the fabric at the chest to waist measurement and press straight across.

Make a straight stitch  5/8″ in from the fold.

This is your 1/2 elastic casing.

Fold this casing up towards the top of the dress and press.

Stitch this in place very close to the edge of the fold.

Cut your two types of elastic 2 inches shorter than your measurements. The top elastic is 3/4″ and the waist elastic is 1/2″.

First feed your waist elastic through.I use a safety pin for this. When your elastic is through the fabric stitch down in place on both openings of the casing.

Do the same with the top elastic.

Right sides together, pin the back and sew closed.

Turn up the bottom of the dress 1/2 inch and press.

Turn up an additional 1/2 inch and press, pin and sew.

Viola!

New Classes!

I am very excited for this this summer! I am elated  to teach the Youth Fashion Apparel Class and I’ve gotten a ton of feedback from people about what they want to learn and have developed a few classes that I hope will meet peoples needs in the way of developing sewing skills. I thank everyone immensely who has taken my sewing classes and hope that you all keep it up!

Here is what I have coming:

Free Classes:

Summer Hack and Slash! A free workshop on how to turn a men’s shirt into a super hip peasant blouse.

 

Budget Class:

Fix it! Learn how to replace a zipper, patch pants two different ways, sew a button on and hem pants.

Intense D.I.Y. Workshop:

This is a workshop for people who want to learn how to build and design. We will be doing a bag with a basic template that has multiple design options and will allow you to pick and choose sewing techniques that you want to learn. This class is for the calm, and serious learner.

For Kids!:

Scrap It Out! A free workshop on how to use scraps. Perfect for kids. I will teach how to make fabric beads and rags dolls.

Super Hero Capes!

Meant for the boys who want to sew but girls are super too! Learn how to make and sew a super hero cape. This is a beginner sewing class for kids.

Adult  &  Me !

A beginner sewing class for kids accompanied by  parent or adult (maybe even big sister or brother!)  Inspired by a recent parent and child couple, the class went so well that I thought I would offer it forever. Parent and child can come in and learn together!

Men Only:

Movie, Men, Mend, and well, beer.

We will screen 21 Jump Street, (the 2012 movie.) Learn how to mend holes, patch jeans, sew buttons and that’s pretty much it. Bring your best bro-friend! Totally want to put in a spoiler but I won’t for those who haven’t seen it yet. Beer provided

 

New Crewel Workshop, Book Signing and Trunk Show!

Whether you’re brand new to stitching or an advanced embroider, Katherine Shaughnessy’s New Crewel Embroidery Workshop is sure to be a perfect fit. Shaughnessy is coming to Portland on June 30 and will be stopping by Atelier Stitch with a trunk load of her unique crewel works and autographed copies of her latest book, New Crewel: The Motif Collection. Come and learn the basics of crewel embroidery including Shaughnessy’s favorite and essential ‘New Crewel’ stitches, a little history, explanation of materials, finishing techniques and pattern transfer tricks. Participants will receive all the supplies needed to get started — linen fabric, wool thread, needles and a hoop. Shaughnessy’s Wool & Hoop kits, supplies and books featuring her original designs, dozens of fun projects and over 20 embroidery stitches, will be available for sale. The workshop is $65 and runs from 1-3pm. Sign up by calling 207.775.7773. Space is limited. Full payment is expected to secure a spot and can be sent via Paypal to atelierstitch@gmail.com

the hexies are coming!

PAPER PIECED HEXAGONS CLASS
Skill level: no experience necessary!

In just a couple short weeks, Brooke will be offering her popular “hexie” class at The Atelier Stitch! This class has already been taught around the state and has proved to be the most fun you’ll have in a couple of hours – without a sewing machine! You’ll learn the whole process, start to finish, and come away with knowledge you can use to make hundreds of projects!

2.5 hrs : $30/ person (limit 6 people per class)
Tues., May 8 @ 6:30 – 8:00pm

call us at (207) 775-7773 to register!

Can you thread a needle and make a simple hand-sewn stitch? Are you looking for a fun chill-out project that you can take anywhere? Paper pieced hexagons (also known as Grandmother’s Flower Garden, or “hexies”) may be perfect for you… This is an antique art turned modern! A little history lesson will be given in the beginning, explaining the origin and progress of this unique art. In this workshop, you will learn two different methods for hand-basting your fabrics to a hexagon paper template background. You will also learn how to stitch them together to make any number of items (such as quilts, pillows, appliqués).

Hexie templates will be provided (cost included in workshop). Please bring fabrics (pieces larger than 3” square), or purchase some at our shop before class. All scissors, thread, and needles will be available at the shop for use.

It’s National Quilting Day!

To Celebrate, we are giving away quilting scraps AND use of our machines is FREE today from 12pm-5pm  if you bring a quilting project to work on! What a deal!