The Sewing Season is looming…. March 2015 It’s a funny time of year isn’t it? The cold mornings are starting, and that makes me start thinking about warmer clothes, so I go to my wardrobe and discover I don’t like any of my warmer clothes anymore. Or I can’t even remember what I wore last autumn… and then my mind starts filling with new projects of items of clothing that I desperately need. Especially now that the new fabrics are coming in for the new season, I have A LOT of projects in my mind! Here are a few ideas that might inspire you too…. New Season Fabrics! This is a brand new Merino/Nylon Jacquard fabric. It has a great stretch and good return so it would be fabulous for a long sleeved top, or even a fitted dress. It’s available in both this blue as pictured, and a fuchsia pink…lovely! Furthermore, it is even a New Zealand made fabric, coming all the way from Levin! This is a heavyweight stretch tartan, which I just love. It is a firm knit, so perfect for a pencil skirt, or even put it into a tailored jacket. It is a poly/spandex mix, so will hold its shape beautifully. Does it need lining? Not necessarily… making the whole process simpler still. You may already have spotted this in the shop window – pop in and have a feel of the fabric. Carrying on the tartan theme, this is a gorgeous organza – I can so imagine this in a double layered box-pleated skirt. Pop a plain black organza underneath, a black lining, and layer this patterned tartan over the top – yum. This beautifully textured fabric reminds me of the classic Chanel style jacket, with feature binding, and structured strong lines. The combination of the red, white and navy makes it so versatile as well - a true classic. If you are looking for some winter warmth already, we have some gorgeous new colours in the wool flannel coating. Alongside the bolder colours, we now have some more subtle dusky blue, lilac, and soft green. Such a welcome change from the ever present black! And if you love the fabric, but just need a helping hand on how to turn it into something great, sign up for our Coat Making class! (See details below). Bernina 550 Quilters Edition We have one Ex-Symposium Bernina 550 QuiltersEdition in stock and it needs to go! For this one machine only we can offer you an even better discount: Now only $3.599 – Saving an amazing $1.100! The Bernina 550QE is probably the best selling Bernina for Quilters … easy to use and full of quilting specific accessories and features! Local technical support, a 10 year warranty and free lessons are also part of the package. The Creative Centre Applique In this class you will learn how to use Vliesofix, Steam-a-Seam or similar and with your creativity, you will be guided to make a small quilt, a cushion or a wall hanging it’s up to you. This will be your very own design so let your creativity flow. Tutor: Clare Vallance Date: Sat 28th – Sun 29th March Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Fee: $60 plus materials Skill level: Some experience of sewing required Sigma Dress – Student Class! This class is aimed at student sewers aged 13+. You will learn basics of cutting, sewing and finishing while you make yourself a Sigma Dress from the Papercut Pattern range. You may already have started learning to sew at school and want to extend your knowledge during this school holiday period. The course is spread over 6 mornings during the Easter holidays. Tutor: Anna Hamann Date: 8th, 9th, 10th, & 15th, 16th, 17th April Time: 9.30am – 12.00pm Fee: $120, plus materials (fee includes pattern) Skill level: Beginner, some knowledge of using a sewing machine would be helpful Riverstone In this class we will try out two different simple techniques. For the pollen rings we will be using an easy method of reverse applique with a flat piping for colour contrast and a technique learning to do curved piecing for the stone. Those techniques will result in an interesting block which is fun to make. Tutor: Susanne Jensen Date: Sat 11th April Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Fee: $50 plus materials Skill level: Some experience of sewing required Set in Stone An exciting new idea from Lynn Edwards, from the UK. Based on the cathedral floors of Europe, which were the inspiration for these designs. The ancient patterns are recreated in fabric, as a Table Centre Piece / Wall hanging, with a “no seams“ method. Choice of fabrics can be tone on tone, marbles, batiks or hand dyed, Xmas, NZ themes, stripes or dots, etc. Tutor: Barbara Paton Date: Sat 18th April Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Fee: $40 plus $10 course notes plus materials Skill level: All Levels Make a Coat or Jacket under expert Guidance Choose your own pattern to make yourself a winter coat or jacket to be snug and warm this winter! This course runs over 2 consecutive weekends and teaches tailoring techniques that can be applied to your own choice of garment. Tutor: Daphne Radmall Date: Sat 9th – Sun 10th & Sat 16th – Sun 17th May Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Fee: $160 plus materials Skill level: Intermediate Facebook Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and always be up to date with what’s happening at The Sewing Store. See new arrivals first, get the latest specials and see upcoming classes! And if you don’t have Facebook … follow this link to our website and find the latest news here  Easter Opening Hours We shall be closed on Good Friday, and Easter Monday, but we shall be open on Easter Saturday from 10am - 1pm. Happy sewing! Anna, Lars and the team at The Sewing Store.