Bicycles Baby

Bicycles on my mind..

1. Love the overlapping in this Duralee bicycle print

2. Find this cutie at WhipStitchFabrics

3. This Avelis Bicycle fabric goes way back.

4. Lovely whimsical bicycle illustration by BeckandLundy
 
xo- Aja

LA Chronicles

For the past 5 days LA has been terribly sweet to me. No grey skies. Just bold blue horizons, perfect sun and beautiful people too.

I'm so enthralled by Cali-love that I didn't even mind sitting in 2 hour traffic today while headed back to Venice from downtown LA.

From lush fabrics to puppy poodles and vintage Chevy step-side trucks, LA has it all. Or at least has my eye.

Now, if only there was a SEW Moni shop in Venice off Abbott Kinney. To be continued...

Xo-Moni

Banner O' Triangles

Our office space needed a little pick-me-up, so I broke out the scrap fabric and the scissors and sewed up a sweet DIY banner to add some texture and color.

Here's how...

 

Materials: 

Fabric, Scissors, Pinking Shears, Ruler, Pins, Thread, Sewing Machine

Step 1: Chose your fabrics

Combine different fabric prints that share warm and cool color tones. This means pairing up the  green, blue, and aqua fabrics or matching up the red, yellow, pink, and orange fabrics. The similar color palette will help unify the different fabric prints in the banner.

Step 2: Cut the banner streamer 

Using the pinking shears, cut a banner streamer 3 inches wide and at the desired length.

Step 3: Cut out the triangles

Cut the triangles so that all 3 sides were all 10 inches long. If you plan on hanging this in a doorway or in a window, you may want to consider cutting 2 triangles of each fabric so that the fabric print can be seen from both front and back views.

Step 4: Pin the banner streamer and triangles together

Iron the banner streamer in half along its length. Evenly space the triangles along the banner streamer and pin in place between the fold of the streamer.

Step 5: Sew the banner streamer and triangles together

Stitch the banner streamer and triangles together 1/4" away from the cut edge of the banner streamer. 

Step 6: Cut slits into triangles

Add a bit of movement to the banner by cutting 1" slits into the triangles. 

We would love to see your version of the "Banner O' Triangles" - comment and share your image link!

Happy Sewing!

xo Katie

Sewing Graduate!

Monday Monday

Happy Mondays guys and gals!

Just wanted to let you in on some exciting things that will be taking place this month.

Moni and I will be back at the Astoria Market next Sunday (November 21st) at Bohemian Hall.  We enjoyed getting to know the Queens neighborhood and loved showcasing our new line of sewing patterns. This coming Sunday, we will have plenty of items to stock up for your next craft project including fat quarters, patterns, vintage buttons and trims. We will also have some great gift items too! Come pick out a handmade apron, tote, cosmetic bag, lovely skirts, reworked vintage jewelry, or a hand-poured soy candle. Enjoy next Sunday with us and other crafty vendors at Bohemian Hall 12pm-5pm; it's off of the NQ Astoria Boulevard stop.

In other news, we are proud to announce that the SEW Moni store front will be up and running come December! Get ready to sew and craft as we will be offering more classes, great sewing notions and tools, as well as handpicked fabrics. Stay tuned for more updates for the next few weeks!

Yours truly,

Katie

Florida

Of all the people I found to be my first design assistant I'd never guess that she'd be from Florida. Nor, did I think that our next team member, coming in 2 months, would be from Florida too!

Here is a shout out to Florida and all it's glory.

Sewing Tips: The Importance of Pressing

Below is an excerpt from 150 Sewing Tips by Mary Johnson, printed in Woman's Day in 1962. I found this booklet in my grandmother's sewing library. Reading it not only conjured up memories of my grandmother, but reminded me of the legacy of this crafting tradition.

The Importance of Pressing 

* Good pressing is done slowly with a gliding motion. Don't bear down heavily when pressing seams open or darts flat or you'll get a ridge on the right side. Too much pressure also produces a shine on dark fabrics, flattens napped fabrics, and stretches loosely woven ones.

* Press seams open unless the pattern specifies otherwise. Start at bottom of a seam and work toward top.

* Press vertical darts toward center, underarm and elbow darts with fold down. When working with a heavy fabric, stitch darts, then slash to within about 1/2" of each point and press open.

* You must press as you go, but you don't need to jump up and press each seam the minute it's sewn. Join the parts that make up a unit, make any darts in it, then put it aside and work on another. When all units are prepared, press them before joining them.

* To prevent the topline of the hem from being embossed on the right side, press thoroughly only on the lower half. The upper half is given a once-over-lightly touch-up with a dry iron.

* Never press the bottoms of hems into creases before you hem them.

Sew on people!

Katie

Textile Tuesdays Present: Organza

Organza is traditionally made of 100% silk, but is also created with synthetic filament yarns like polyester, nylon, acetate, and viscose. These filament fibers also give organza a slight resilience and resistance to being bent or folded making it perfect for billowy or structural garment/upholstery designs. Because of its looser weave, the fabric is light weight and has a transparent appearance. You can find them in any color, some with metallic threads, some embroidered, or some embossed.

Organza is created in the mills of China, India, France, Italy and the United States. Each mill boasts a specific type of organza. Chinese organza is mostly created with 100% silk. Indian and American organzas generally use synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.  However, organza from France and Italy is a bit more sturdy with a blend of nylon and silk yarns.

Silk organza is commonly used in bridal wear and evening wear. Whereas synthetic organzas are used for everyday interior purposes like curtains and accent pillows. Synthetic organza, especially the embroidered, embossed, or metallic designs, has even made its way onto table settings as a layering cloth to bring drama, color, and life to receptions and dinner parties.

Speaking of dinner parties, I remember my grandmother wearing an organza pin-apron while preparing for a summer seafood dinner.  It was so beautiful and the use of organza made a common/functional item into something beautiful, beyond the confines of everyday duties like cooking and cleaning. She got quite a few compliments that night if I can remember correctly.

So don't be afraid to try new fabrics, it will not only challenge you as a sewer, but will also challenge your creativity and increase your inspiration as you work with a new medium.

Happy Sewing!

-Katie

Mexican Flavor

WARNING!! It is HOT HOT HOT outside in Brooklyn today.

I just came back from running with Katie (SEW Moni Designer) and Taru (SEW Moni Sewing Instructor) and I can't express how HOT we were, even while doing push ups in the shade. I secretly prayed for rain the whole time.

After sweating and doing one to many sumo wrestler lunges, I was left craving Pinche Tacos (in Ft. Greene) and an ice cold lemonade. The heat (and muscle burn) also reminded me of Mexico: fun, great food, margaritas, strapless dresses made from Mexican fabrics and dancing till dawn.

Above it just a taste of my day and maybe it will inspire you to A. Get a margarita or B. Head for the border.

XO

Monica!

Sewing Tips: Your Sewing Machine

Below is an excerpt from 150 Sewing Tips by Mary Johnson, printed in Woman's Day in 1962. I found this booklet in my grandmother's sewing library. Reading it not only conjured up memories of my grandmother, but reminded me of the legacy of this crafting tradition.

You Sewing Machine

* If the thread breaks when you stitch, the machine is improperly threaded, you've inserted the needle improperly or you are using the wrong make needle.

* If the machine has been unused for some time, oil it in the tiny holes provided for that purpose. Stitch through cotton strips to absorb excess oil.

* Regulate length of machine stitching to suite fabric texture. For heavy coatings, 12 to 13 stitches to the inch; for medium-weight suiting, cotton or synthetics, 14 or 15; for sheers, 16 or 18.

* Use a medium-size machine needle for general garment making.

* If the stitches don't look right, check threading and bobbin. If the trouble still exists, consult the instruction book.

* You can improvise a seam guide with a strip of adhesive tape about 2" long. Place it straight up and down on the machine plate as far right of needle hole as width of seam allowance (usually 5/8"). When you stitch, bring raw edges of fabric up against tape edge.

* If your machine puckers some fabrics take the needle out of the shaft and roll is on fine sandpaper; or sew through the sandpaper without thread (abrasive side up to sand won't get into the works).

* If machine skips stitches on synthetics, especially tricots, change to a fine machine needle and nylon thread.

Let the good times roll and happy sewing!
-Katie

Textile Tuesdays Present: Batik

This Indonesian dying technique has been found in several other cultures in India, the Middle-East, Africa, and parts of Asia. Known for its hand-worked prints, this fabric depicts stories and expresses cultural art unique to its individual creators.

The majority of Batiks start with a plain weave cotton fabric and are made unique by using resistant dye methods.  Silk and rayon fabrics are also a commonly printed on. This method alternates the use of waxes and natural dyes to create all over patterns, directional patterns, single scenes and motifs. Patterns are applied via stencils, carved stamps, and hand painting making it very personal and specific to the artist and region.

Use this fabric to create a bold statement in a dress or an eclectic addition to your home with a Batik wall hanging, a set of throw pillows, or if you're up to the challenge a quilt.

-Katie

Lunch Breaks are Dangerous!

We took a lunch break to interview Stephanie H., Design Assistant at SEW Moni. Our walk near the park turned a bit dangerous for a few moments. We are okay and still happy to be living in Brooklyn, NY!

XO

Key to my Heart.

Morse code |ˈmôrs|
noun
an alphabet or code in which letters are represented by combinations of long and short signals of light or sound.
verb [ trans. ]
signal (something) using Morse code.
ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: named after Samuel F. B. Morse (1791–1872), U.S. inventor.

I'm dying to tell you what we have cooking in our crock pot of creativity here in Ft. Greene Brooklyn.

However, my team has sworn me to secrecy. At least until January 15th.

I am allowed to give you a hint: It has a lot to do with code and a little bit of romance.

FYI: Chocolate Fabric is not the answer.

XO. MB.

Fabric Experts Unite!

I recently took a trip to Staten Island to pick up fabric at a local Jo-Ann's store. While there I met an individual who sparked up a conversation with me about his design aspirations and quest to find the perfect wool blend. He noted how searching for fabric or even knowing an online site where fabric is critiqued, not just sold, is scarce. This brief discussion got me thinking that there are probably fabric critics out there and maybe we at SEWMoni could help build a list of such critics?

Selecting fabric is definitely personal and if not, a crucial decision regarding any project. Facets of a fabric's texture, down to weather or not it is washable, are important factors will affect your project.

All this to say, if you are a person who critiques fabric, we'd love to hear from you! Please send us your blog or contact information. Our goal is to link to students and craft peeps to one another as well as provide any information that might make sewing easier.

XO

Moni

Finding Fabric in NYC

I LOVE fabric so today I'm excited to blog about excellent places to find great fabrics in New York City! :) There's nothing like walking into a fabric store and being able to browse through all the unique fabrics first-hand.  The first area I go to get inspired and gawk at gorgeous fabrics is the Garment District in Manhattan. I'll share two of my favorite spots there first, then a great place for bargain fabrics farther south by Canal Street in Chinatown, and then a hidden gem down in Brooklyn!

Let's start with Mood. This store is amazing! It's the biggest fabric store I've seen in the city. They have three levels, packed with great fabrics of every kind you can imagine. It can get a little pricey but if you're looking for a very specific kind of fabric they're bound to have it. And if you're shopping for fabric for a special occasion this is definitely the place for you. You'll find Mood at 225 West 37th Street on the third floor.
P.S. I just found out you can check out their floorplan on their website! Awesome!

After I hit Mood, B&J Fabrics is always my next stop. Located at 525 7th Ave this store is smaller but it still has a great selection and the prices are a little more affordable.

New York Fabric Warehouse, (also known as Long Island Fabrics) is the place to go for cheap fabric finds. You have to dig around a lot more at this place, but you just might get lucky and score a great deal! You can find it at 406 Broadway near Canal Street. I recommend walking west on Broadway a bit while you're there because there's a couple more bargain-priced fabrics stores nearby as well.

The Baltic Thrift Bazaar in at 141 Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn Heights is a great second-hand shop with the best vintage fabric selection I've found anywhere, ever! :) A lot of their fabrics and notions are focused on upholstry and home decor which makes sense because they're nestled in with all the antique furniture shops on Atlantic Ave. This place is a must-see!

~Steph

Seamstress Blues

After reading the "bust" on illegal immigrants working for American Apparel, I was upset. Here is a company who prides themselves on their American Made products while all the while employing illegal immigrants to get the job done. The shear knowledge of their labor force was unsettling to me for 3 few reasons:

A. Employing illegal workers only de-values and contributes to the [already set] low wage movement of workers and production within the crafting industry: carpentry, sewing, sculpting, etc.

B. Illegal immigrant employment does not allow for those who are legal to move forward.

C. Why aren't we spending money to teach sewing or crafting in primary education through home economics classes?

Sewing is dear to my heart and everything involving it's process is sincere. Sewing takes time, it's labor intensive and requires a keen eye. Taking pieces of fabric, cutting to speck and ultimately constructing something flat into form is magical.

I understand that at the end of the day a business has to make money. This is America and capitalism is the game. But at what cost and exploitation? If continually employing illegal immigrants becomes the standard, then we are only moving backwards.

I'm proud to note that our little company has legal workers. We are few but hope to be many. And while our business goals may be capitalist in nature, we are not in the market of exploitation.  Let us sew like the wind and build a thriving sewing circle to match!

XO

Moni

The King is Back in Fabric

 

Today I've been thinking about Elvis. Don't know why but I have!

My parents took me to see Graceland when I was about 10 years old. Exploring Elvis' mansion and witnessing multitudes of women cry as they strolled past his grave site left such an impression upon me. So when I Googled "Elvis fabric" and learned of its popularity, I had to post and write about my findings.

I'm not crazy about the prints I discovered but the idea of commemorating the King via fabric is stellar. Now if I can only find fabric with silhouettes of Edward Norton.

XO

Photo Credit: Elvisly Yours & Etsy

Go To!

I'm always asked which web-sites I use to gather information about fabrics. Below are a few that I surf almost everyday or at least once a week!

Purl Soho
JoAnn
Handcock Fabrics
Always Mod

If you are looking for fabric shops in your area I suggest Googling Quilt Shop Locations. This may sound like a "no brainer" to sewing fanatics but to beginning sewers, maybe not. My absolute favorite quilting store is The Quilt Cottage located in Corpus Christi, Texas. They have an incredible selections of cotton fabrics. They also have a nifty online shop and online orders are shipped out rather quickly.

XOXO

Photo Credit: Always Mod

Sexy Sewing Goddess

I grew up sewing since the age of 7. I don't quite remember my first sewing project or how it turned out. But I do remember many afternoons of watching my Grandmother sew. Her techniques of ironing fabric, stitching by hand and manning a sewing machine were magical.

My goal then was to sew in a straight line.

"If I can sew in a straight line then I might grow up to be a woman like her" was my frequent thought.

Now, I usually tell myself, "If I can spare enough time to just finish this sewing project then....". Not as idealistic of an initial aspiration but nonetheless personally motivating.

All this to say, I still love every minute of sewing, crafting and creating. Sewing gives me a sense of joy and genuine satisfaction. It makes me feel like a domestic goddess. Seriously.

Sewing even makes me feel dashing too.

XO.