Waechter's Blog

Monday, November 24, 2008

Holiday Gift Ideas

Christmas is only 4 weeks away! Does it seem to you that the days are passing by more quickly as the years go by?!! Perhaps it is a sign of being busy....our staff has been very busy getting ready for the holidays, Laura has decorated our store windows so beautifully. Everyone is sewing gifts or at least planning to sew a gift or two.



The Yo-Yo clown in Indygo's Clownin' Around pattern is an adorable soft toy for a young child. The yo-yos can be easily sewn using the Clover yo-yo makers - one large and one extra large. A white tube sock, some bits of felt and yarn, and voila--it is ready to sit under the tree on Christmas morning!






Another fun gift idea, is Amy Butler's GumDrop Pillow or Ottoman. Elizabeth made hers as a 16" ottoman using 2 yards of fabric, plus about 3.5 pounds of fiberfil. This would be great for a a young adult on your list and you would have fun making it!



We have many wonderful patterns for bags, totes, and pin cushions and the perfect fabric to make that special gift. We also have adorable kits from ArtGirlz for making necklaces and bracelts using felted balls and metal charms -- there is also a holiday elf and a decorated Christmas tree. If you need to write a note to those far away, we have a beautiful selection of "vintage" holiday season note cards. AND we have an assortment of ready-made rayon batik scarves that would be the perfect hostess gift!


For a gift that keeps on giving, consider registering your favorite young girl for the Holiday Sewing Camp that Karen will be teaching on December 29 and 30 from 11 -4pm. The class is open for girls age 8 and over....the registration fee is $60 plus supplies. Call Waechters at 252-2131 to register.


The first shipment of Jane Sassaman fabrics have arrived...these are a heavier cotton weight--similar to oxford cotton. Any one would be perfect for bags, totes, pillows or other decorator items.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Joyce

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Winter Visions of Wool Coats

The blustery winter winds hit Asheville this week. Abby and I have shortened our walks as neither of us like the cold blowing in our face. I have dug out my winter wardrobe and I am sure Abby’s fur coat is thicker! We have some absolutely gorgeous woolens in the shop that would make a wonderful new winter coat or jacket. Here are some ideas I have been thinking about....





This Akasha Gemini Coat would be lovely in a wool melton which is one of my favorite fabrics. One of its best features is that you do not need to line it. We carry many colors in stock..purple and coral are two great colors. With bound seams the coat could be reversible. And why not create graphic appliquéd designs using several colors of wool melton for the deep yoke in front and back? This coat is narrower at the bust, flaring gently to the hemline….a great coat for all body shapes.





The Akasha Coat is a flattering straight coat that is designed in two styles. One has a hood, great for those below freezing days and nights...or make it with a notched collar. It suits all body shapes with lots of room for creative fabric selections and embellishments. . I can envision this coat in a double fused wool….we have several selections -- charcoal, a grey and winter white, 2 shades of blue or burgundy and bronze.





Akasha's Trilogy is a pattern to inspire your artistic side of sewing. The jacket has many different fabrics spliced together presenting a stained glass effect with bias binding that defines the shapes. I imagine choosing several different woolens or wool blends in solid colors mixed with tweeds, plaids, and checks - all in one color such as grey -- or combining grey, brown and black. A lining of a luscious silk charmeuse or silk dupioni would set the right mood. The pattern includes a shirt -- a feather-weight soft wool would be wonderful....or you could make a coat using a wool and cashmere blend. There is no limit to the possibilities!



Button, button who’s got the buttons…..check out What’s New on our website to see the most recent additions to our fine buttons for your sewing pleasure. We also have some absolutely beautiful new rayon batiks. There's more -- 6” appliqué scissors, 4” double curved embroidery scissors, 8" knife edge serrated scissors from Gingher and many other types of scissors – any would make a great present for someone who loves to sew!
Happy Sewing,
Joyce

Friday, November 14, 2008

A Successfull Sit and Sew Retreat





Linda Lee of The Sewing Workshop and Louise Cutting of Cutting Line Designs breezed into Asheville the end of October for a Sit and Sew Retreat with 27 women from different parts of the country. And oh, what a swell time we had….patterns and fabrics were flying all over the hotel ballroom, sewing machines were humming away and everyone was clammering for consultation time with Linda and Louise. We even made time for a field trip to Bellagio’s to “examine” their fabulous art to wear and evenings were spent socializing, eating and shopping! Everyone agreed that this was another successful Retreat and best of all…..Linda and Louise will be returning in 2009. The dates are November 1-3…why not give yourself a gift (or put it first on your wish list!)….sign up today for the 2009 Sit and Sew Retreat at http://www.waechters.com/


Linda and Louise shared their collaborative Shapes patterns via a trunk show of samples constructed in different weights and types of fabrics—soft, crisp, casual and elegant. Check out our Gallery for samples that we have made up using some of the Shapes patterns….for instance-




Plus One Tunic is asymmetrical. The collar is open on one side and there is a flange on one side of the garment. We made our version from an open weave cotton blend that drapes easily. You could use regular linen, rayon batik or any soft fabric. We love this tunic as it has a lot of style in a simple garment.



Two’s Company Tunic is shown here in a double layer of woven striped linen. We cut the under layer on the opposite grain to the upper layer so that the stripes run on opposite axis. The sides tie on this tunic to hold it closed. Slip this tunic over your head and add a nice necklace and you have a finished look with little thought.



Three Fold Vest has two long rectangles cleverly crisscrossed in front and back. A V-shaped insert detail holds the back together. This easy but high-style vest looks great made in light to med-weight fabrics in knits or wovens and looks great with a t-shirt.


Shapes High Five jacket is a great wardrobe builder. Make it in a neutral and wear it with tons of different things. It looks great over a skirt or pants. High Five is beautiful in fancy silks for evening or linen.

Six Sense Skirt has architectural lines and an easy fit. We made ours from a firm cotton. This skirt would be equally good in silk dupioni or linen. Six Sense goes together quickly. We all love this skirt and some of our favorite customers are raving about it.




Thinking ahead to the Holidays…one of my favorite fabrics is Burmese silk. This cloth is woven in the villages of Burma. You may find slight irregularities in the weave. We like to think of these not as flaws, but rather a testament to its authenticity. Since this is handwoven, the color batches may vary slightly and there will be shrinkage with the first washing. Some pieces may also contain cotton or rayon. Before using, we recommend pre-washing in cold water without detergents to set the dyes.




Speaking of details….a new Gallery “Details That Inspire” will soon be appearing on our website (http://www.waechters.com/). Featured will be close-up photos of embellishments – bindings, pipings, ruching, rouleau, closures, etc---that are intended to spark your imagination for creating a garment that speaks of your personality and style. Check it out. I would love to have your feedback.

Coming soon! Any day now we will be receiving bolts of fabulous cotton fabric designed by Jane Sassaman, well-known in the quilting world for her Art Deco fabric and quilt designs. Her new fabric designs really blew me away! We just love her art deco design decorator fabrics for bags and pillows and the fashion fabric for jackets, skirts and tunics and you will too!


Happy Sewing for the Holidays,
Joyce