Summer Sewing Classes

Where does the time go when you're having fun? I just realized it has been almost 2 months since my last blog....we have been busy settling into our new home after our whirlwind move at the end of February. New fabrics for sewing a summer wardrobe have been arriving daily...my staff have been planning new sample garments as well as selecting fabrics for their summer fashions. To help you with your sewing projects, we have many new classes on the calendar from now through September. You will find a class calendar on our home page, just click on the class title and the description will pop up on the screen.

Our teachers and students are enjoying our new classroom with more space and privacy and it will soon be even larger. One of the most popular classes is Pants That Fit....we are now teaching this in 3 sessions to give students more time devoted to fitting their muslin and then constructing their new altered pants pattern in their fashion fabric. We also offer a Create a Master Pattern class and a Get Fit Clinic. And coming up in late August, you can learn how to design, cut and sew a lining for an unlined jacket pattern...great addition to your fall wardrobe.

We love to add our own personal style to the clothes we create. With that in mind,

we have some great classes in store for you....guest designer/teacher Mary Ray will be teaching a Rectangle Skirt that is shaped with darts, tucks, pleats or gathers...the choice is yours. She also has a "ton" of ideas for adding details to the waist and hems. This exciting class will happen on Thursday and Friday, June 22 & 23.

Laura Casey will be teaching a small hand bag for "the woman on the go." You will want to create several of these hand bags for gifts besides one for yourself! Her "Go To" Bag class takes place on Fri, May 29 and Tues, Sept. 29.

How about a "Flirty Shirty" to go with your new bag? Begin with a man's dress shirt, snip here and there, and then stir in some new fabrics, buttons and imagination! Julie Simpson will show you the many possibilities tucked in her bag of sewing tricks on Thursday, June 11.

Fabric Origami: On Sunday afternoon, June 14, Elizabeth George will show you a unique method of using stiffened fabric to create a small gift box or hand bag, a style similar to the art of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. You will want to make several of these boxes and bags.

These are just a few of the new class offerings and I will tell you about others at another time. If you are interested in learning to sew or brush up on construction or embellishment techniques, and don't see a class that meets your needs, please let us know.

You are invited to celebrate our GRAND RE-OPENING on Friday & Saturday, June 5 & 6 in our new location in Biltmore Village. We have planned a mini-sewing expo with free sewing demonstrations by our Waechter's experts, trunk shows displayed on mannequins throughout the store, sewing machine & serger demos ....all with door prizes and refreshments! You will find a schedule of events at http://www.waechters.com/ Bring your friends.....We open at 10 a.m. and close at 5:30pm on Friday and 5pm on Saturday.

Sew creatively,

Joyce

Our New Home

Finally, after a hectic three weeks, I can catch my breath. We have packed up and moved to a new location in Asheville. Once we signed the new lease, my staff and I started packing whenever we had a few moments. After working in our former location without heat and hot water since mid-November, we were ready to leave our old digs!

On Sunday, March 1st, staff members, their husbands, sons and friends were set to begin moving bolts and bolts of fabric. We awoke that morning with snowflakes in the air. Did my team wait to see what the weather was going to do? Absolutely not! They converged on the shop hours ahead of schedule and started a caravan of SUVs and station wagons loaded to the hilt with bolts of silk, linen, cotton, wools, interfacings, Irish toweling and a few other things we could not pack in boxes.

After several trips, back and forth, we finished moving the fabric...and not a minute too soon. In the beginning, the snow was beautiful, large floating flakes that melted as they touched our nose or the ground. As the day grew colder and the wind picked up, the streets were slushy and those who lived on the mountain tops were concerned about icy roads. Laura had made two large pots of chili which really hit the spot before everyone started heading home.

Then, Monday morning, the moving company was to arrive at 8 a.m. to move the boxes and fixtures....however, we had icy streets, schools and many businesses were closed with more snow and rain predicted. So much for our carefully laid plans. The movers finally showed up around 2 and worked until 9 pm that evening. Our carpenter was also busy building new walls and fabric fixtures.

A very talented guy, Jack, designed the floor plan for our new space. We have a great new wall for our designer patterns, another larger wall for notions, a special corner for children's fabrics and lots and lots of mannequins - 50+ children and adults - dressed in our fabulous samples throughout the store. The fabrics are so beautiful in this wonderful space.

In just 5 days, we were ready to open in our new location - 9-D Reed Street - in a large brick warehouse built in 1921. The original Waechter's Silk Shop opened its doors on March 6, 1929 in downtown Asheville. Saturday, we celebrated our 80th Anniversary in our new store. It was a beautiful day, sunshine and spring temps in the upper 70s. Customers, new and returning, came from all over WNC to check out our new home.

But it was not without incident. When I walked into the store that morning, I could smell gas! The gas company came and thought the problem had been fixed; but then had to return later in the day. At 6 pm we were told to leave the building, don't think that doesn't make your heart do flip flops! Finally, this afternoon (Monday), the gas problem is fixed and all is well.

Our new home is still a work in progress as we are nestling in. We will have it altogether in a short while. So what if we cannot not find the remote to the stereo today...we found the internet connector that was missing for a few days... and we still have to have a couple more wall spaces to be built. I have a great staff who are working as fast as they canto bring it all to fruition. What more could I ask for!

You wonder how Abby's adjusting to the new store? At the beginning of the week, she was somewhat nervous, having problems settling in. However, today, she seems more relaxed and 'at home,' probably because I am a little more relaxed and have some time to spend at my desk and computer. Abby also has more living space here at the new store, her doggie bed is no longer under my desk.

Please visit our new home....we would love to see you and show you around our new store. We look forward to seeing you soon.

It's sew fine,

Joyce

We're Moving!

We are so excited!!!....we have found a wonderful warehouse space in Biltmore Village behind J.Crew - 9-D Reed Street. We will have a much larger space for all our beautiful fine fabrics, buttons, trims, patterns....and a space dedicated for classes and workshops...and office space for our staff, the Waechterettes.

We are moving next week, so Waechter's Silk Shop will be closed from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6.

On Saturday, March 7, we will re-open at 9-D Reed Street at 10 a.m. to celebrate Waechter's 80th Anniversary...George Waechter opened his store on March 6, 1929, in the Grove Archade - the first retail store in the Grove Arcade.

Be sure to visit our new home between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.on Saturday, March 7. We will have door prizes and refreshments to celebrate our 80th Anniversay. Our popular silk dupioni, all 40 colors, will be on sale at 20% off through March 31 while store supplies last.

Bring your friends to the party!

See you on March 7,
Joyce

Kayla Kennington...Modular Designs

Kayla Kennington is one of our favorite pattern designers. Kayla has been creating one-of-a-kind silk clothing and showpieces for galleries, individual clients and shows for over 30 years. She won the "Crème de la Crème" Award in the Bernina Fashion Show in 2001 with the "Butterfly Coat," and again in 2002 with the "Fire Blossom Phoenix," and received the Bernina Hall of Fame Award in 2003.

Her pattern company, Modular Design for Couture Artwear, translates her more subtle couture garment designs into a fabulous pattern collection. One of my all-time favorite patterns is Kayla's Paris Evening Coat. This uses her unique signature seaming style, a roll-hem & multi-stitch zig-zag seaming connection. It is awesome and adds a beautiful detail to a garment. Instructions for the technique are included in her patterns. You can also find tips on this technique on her website http://www.kaylakennington.com/sewing_tips.htmlw.kaylakennington.com/sewing_tips.html

Kayla includes many illustrations in her patterns, addressing the abilities of both beginner and skilled sewers. Kayla’s patterns have no facings, no zippers, and no buttonholes, and lots of creative potential. What can be easier than that!

Another favorite pattern is Kayla's Perennial Pants, an easy construction pant without side seams. The soft elastic waist with two or three pleats give a comfortable and roomy fit, but stylish look for casual wear in cotton or linen or silk for evening.

Kwan Yin Kimono: Modular Design Garment, made with various sized rectangles is Kayla's newest pattern. You will love the loose fitting style for a new spring look. You will find these patterns and more by Kayla on our website: http://www.waechters.com/

Well, it looks like more winter weather ahead...it's snowing now, a good evening to relax, sit and sew!

Happy Sewing,
Joyce

Linda and Louise Will Return to Asheville

Kung Hee Fat Choy!

May you have good luck and prosperity in the New Year!

Today, January 26, is an incredibly auspicious day....not only is today the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Ox but there was a New Moon Eclipse this morning, an event that happens only twice a year! We look forward to many exciting new beginnings.....

One of the exciting events this year is that Waechter's Silk Shop will be hosting Linda Lee and Louise Cutting's Sit & Sew Retreat on November 1-4. This is an amazing 3 days of sewing with two fabulous pattern designers and teachers who contribute regularly to Threads and who have collaborated on a new pattern line, SHAPES.

After arrival on Sunday evening, there will be a social gathering to meet your teachers and "classmates" you will be treated to a cocktail party at our shop while viewing the trunk shows from Linda's The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection and Louise's The Cutting Line Design Pattern Collection.

During the Retreat, you will be working on a pattern(s) of your choice from The Sewing Workshop and/or The Cutting Lines Design with pattern adjustments and fitting help from Linda and Louise as well as fabric consultation. They will be demonstrating easy and time-saving sewing techniques such as fine finishing skills, hemming techniques, mitered corner techniques, proper pinning and pressing skills and sew much more!

Not only is the Retreat a fun learning opportunity, but you will also make new friends who share your passion for sewing beautiful garments. Check the home page on our website for further details and registration information for this fun fall fashion event in Asheville, NC!

Sew long for now,

Joyce

P.S.

This is one of the latest Shapes patterns by Linda Lee and Louise Cutting: Crazy Eight Top, a slightly trapezoidal rectangle folds like origami to create a simple one-piece top. The overlapping back falls in soft folds, the front hangs nice and straight.

It's a New Year!

Well, here we are in the New Year! Everyone is busy scurrying around making room for new fabric that will be arriving in the days ahead. In fact, we have our first box of fabric for 2009 waiting to be opened. We all love opening these packages to see what gorgeous fabrics are inside to set our creative juices flowing…a celebration of fabric!

We have new schedule of classes that will be starting the week of January 12. There is a line-up of classes in heirloom sewing including a studio class where anyone who has taken a class in smocking may come and share their work with other “smockers” as well as receive advice from Betsy Sherman, our expert in heirloom sewing.

We also have fitting classes with Susan Stowell and fashion sewing classes taught by Karen Bennett and Elizabeth Searle. Karen will be offering an adult beginning sewing class on Thursdays and an evening sewing class on Monday evenings. Elizabeth will also be offering technique sewing class and a youth sewing camp for young girls on Saturdays in March. These are only a few of the many classes that you will find on the Calendar of Events on our website – http://www.waechters.com/

Earlier this week, Karen mentored several young girls who wanted to learn how to sew. They brought their mother’s sewing machine, picked out their fabrics and Karen had them ‘stitching up a storm' in no time.

Their first project was a pillow case with three coordinated fabrics. Here are Audrey, Kelleigh and Jenna showing off their colorful pillow cases in beautiful cotton fabrics in pinks and greens.




At the close of the second day, Kelleigh, Audrey and Jenna modeled their skirts. Audrey had made her skirt project for a young friend. She even began sewing a second skirt before the class was over. Note the hot pink pom-pom trim on Kelliegh's and Audrey's skirts. Jenna chose a retro trim in greens, blues and browns to add zing to her brown and green polka dots. I believe these girls have the makings of "fashionistas." Well done. girls!



Saturday, I ran away with my friend, Jan, to a wonderful needlepoint shop in Rockhill, SC....Two's Company Needlepoint. Jane, the owner, has a large, full service store with four finishers. We hit it off from the start as we share the same belief of personal attention to customers' needs and prompt customer service. If you are a person who enjoys needlepoint, yarns and fibers, Rockhill is about 20-30 minutes south of Charlotte, you will find the shop at 352 E. Main Street. Phone# 301/327-2967. website: http://www.twoscompany.com/

Until next time, happy sewing,
Joyce

I am ready for Christmas!

Christmas shopping is done and most of the presents have been sent in the mail. What fun it is to sew and shop for the two grandchildren. Now I am thinking about sewing for the New Year. One of my all-time favorite fabrics is this gorgeous ribbed silk blend...

55% Silk & 45% Linen

Plum, Green Tea, Wedgewood, Deep Earth, Spun Honey, Organic Chocolate…the names are just as wonderful as the colors! We also have it in black and natural. The textured vertical lines in this fabric looks best in a loose-fitting garment without darts and few seams. This fabric would be great in one of the new patterns from Shapes. ..the Plus One Tunic, Twos Company Tunic, 3-Fold Vest, High Five Jacket and the Six Sense Skirt.

Bellagio has a line of designer clothing, Planet, that is made in this fabric. A similar style would be this Spice ‘n Style pattern by Batik Butik. The Sewing Workshop's Plaza Jacket and Pants would also be suitable as the jacket is loose-fitting with straight seams and the pants do not have a side seam. Also, The Sewing Workshop Pattern -- Elle Shirt & Pant would be another great style. The hip-length shirt is loose-fitting and features a stand-up overlapping collar, mitered corner side slits, and dropped shoulders.

I am also thinking about Lois Cutting-Cutting Lines Designs Anything But Ordinary Jacket. This is also a very loose fitting, high-hip length style. The cropped jacket is bulk-free with a cut-on front facing. It has a standing collar, center-back seam and vent with bar tack at the break point. The drop shoulder sleeve is full-length. The side seam has vents at hemline.

Of course, LaFred has the smart Athena Blouse which would make a great jacket over a dress. A short sleeved blouse with unique square armholes, pleated sleeve hem and wing collar would be dynamite. The pattern includes a narrow collar and choice of front opening styles - straight or asymmetrical.

Loes Hinse's Tunic Blouse is a classic style with side slits and a four-button front closure.

Now that I have several ideas in mind, I need to decide which style and color will coordinate with my other ideas for a new spring wardrobe.

Happy sewing!

Joyce