FASHION FORECAST for FALL 2009
The season is here and it's time to start thinking of what is most important to add to your wardrobe and at the same time get back into sewing. It's our job to shop the department stores and pick out what we're seeing and how we can satisfy your fabric needs.
The most important item we see being added to our wardrobes are cardigans--but their different from the old fitted cardigans. What we're seeing is cardigans with drapey fronts made from sweater knits and jerseys. What I would suggest you use is a beautiful sweater knit that has multiple colors--perfect for wearing over that fantastic Sophia cashmere feeling knit from Logantex. Pictures follow of our sample as well as the perfect pattern.
We have several basics that fit the bill for wonderful fall pants. As we said "Sophia" is the best knit but there is another bottom weight fabric in a woven that is absolutely the best. The name is "Dandy" also by Logantex. This is a 100% poly twill-slightly sueded. It's a gotta feel. Ask the next time you come in. The style of pants for this season is a fuller bottom that is slightly tighter at the thigh giving them a more shapely look.
There's another fabric you must check out. It's a double weight rayon wonderful for tops, jackets or pants. Notice on the jacket sample hanging in the store we've used a lightweight knit interfacing to give the jacket just a little body. Check out that ONE special button. Jacket styles are still shorter, collarless and slightly tapered sleeves to allow for bangle bracelets.
We're looking forward to the coat class and we see that we have many beautiful coating weight Meltons on the way. Some in herringbone and some beautiful solids. Coats in the department stores just are not made from fabric of this quality. Actually, a coat is quite easy to make because there is not a lot on interfacing, and shortcuts can be taken--collarless, machine made buttonholes and patch pockets.
I hate to mention but we're getting ready for Halloween. Many, many colors of sequin fabric has come in for all the little ones. A project we have in mind is a Carmin Miranda pants or skirt (broomskirt style) in layers of the different colors. This will be fun. As usual most people wait until the last minute to sew Halloween but remember that we do run out of patterns and then it becomes too late to order them. After looking at all the pattern books Disney still rules. There will always be princesses. Animal prints are always the best. I think so many people wait until the last minute because they think they'll buy a costume and then when they see the quality and the price they decide they can do it better. Check out the ideas and then come make your own--we'll help you.
We've gotten in a beautiful selection of cotton double-faced quilts perfect for tote bags, placemats (we even have the unquilted fabric coordinates for napkins). There's a class on making quilted bags the beginning of October if you want to see all the options for making quilted bags.
We have a beautiful selection of sweatshirting--not for just sweatshirts--they're inexpensive enough to buy. Our sweatshirting is 100% cotton. What fun to do with it is to make a wearable art sweatshirt adding a special cotton print, glitter trim, buttons, etc. There are wonderful books with great ideas.
We've always had a wonderful selection of slinky knits. These very washable, very stretchy rayon knits are easy to wear, easy to sew--when you know how. Because of the stretch you must stabilize the shoulders using plastic elastic (clear elastic). When sewing pants they should be shortened because of the lengthwise stretch. There are little tricks--come hear more in our class later this month.
Another season comes around when we use lots of corduroy. We're ready for it with lovely colors all in 100% cotton. Corduroy should be pre-washed because of shrinkage but it's worth it for the softness. Remember to cut it all in one direction so it doesn't look like a clown outfit.
Ok, here was just a glimpse of what the fall has to hold! Come on in and take a look at all the fabulous Autumn fabrics.
Happy sewing,
Pat