June 01, 2009
If I could do it again.......
If I would have been a little more prepared for my recent trip to San Francisco, this coat would have definitely made it into my suitcase. This orange Soho Coat would have been perfect for the misty rain that wouldn't go away during my trip. And the bright & summery color would have lifted my spirits through the dark fog. Now don't get me wrong, the trip was fabulous. But this coat would have given my wardrobe the extra kick it was lacking. Thanks for the inspiration!

Check out more Soho Coat pictures in our gallery.
~Erin
May 11, 2009
Spring Sale!
In need of a jacket this spring?
Select jackets styles are on sale now. Get these great patterns for nearly 1/2 off the original price, at only $11.50, plus postage & handling.
Carnelian Coat
Deja Vu Wrap
Equinox Jacket
Haiku Two
Inventor Shirt
Joplin Pullover
New Yorker Jacket
Nikko Jacket
San Francisco Coat
Equinox Jacket

Inventor Shirt

Enjoy this sale for a limited time only. Sale is good through May 18, 2009.
May 08, 2009
Layering
I just arrived home from a week long vacation in San Francisco. This was my first time to the city. So the best advice I received before heading out was the importance of layering. The weather is unpredictable, always misting but that doesn't stop anyone from seeing the sights. The only solution-layering.
Here are some great ways to layer our patterns, using garments from The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection, as well as Shapes.
Trio T-Shirt, Top & Pants-get all these great garments in one pattern!!

Four Good Measure Top, Trio T-Shirt with the Zigzag Pants

Plaza Vest paired with the Zigzag Pants

So go out and enjoy this spring weather, from morning until night!
~Erin
March 10, 2009
Bag Kits
Our BAG KITS were tremendously successful during the Sewing & Stitchery Expo that we decided to introduce them on our website for a limited time. Choose from a variety of colors and prints to create a unique and brilliant bag. We have 5 Laminated Linen colors ranging from black to pearl white, red, green or turquoise. We've paired these linens with colorful prints in upholstery-weight cottons &/or linens for extra stability.

Also, don't forget the ULTRASUEDE for handles, pockets, binding, etc. We have coordinating Ultrasuede colors for each color of Laminated Linen. The durability and overall look of Ultrasuede can't be beat! It's also easy to sew!

March 04, 2009
Project Sewing Workshop Sewing Challenge
Fifteen designers, students, and hobby sewers agreed to participate in a fashion challenge. They were given a selection of six patterns by The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection and a group of 21 fabrics from which to choose to create ensembles for this show. Bernina provide the materials at no charge and the designers were given complete creative license to alter, re-invent, embellish, and otherwise give another life to these patterns and fabrics.
We are now announcing the winners for the Project Sewing Workshop Sewing Challenge!
People's Choice Award - Mary Collen

Creme de la Creme (Judge's Award ) - Jacque Goldsmith

Mary and Jacque will be attending the Bernina University Fashion Show in San Francisco in June.
The Judges were:
Louise Cutting- Cutting Line Designs
Sandra Betzina- Power Sewing
Marcy Tilton - artist, designer/Vogue Patterns
Katherine Tilton- artist, teacher
Deana Tierny (editor of Threads magazine)
Jennifer Gigas (Director of Training and Education - Bernina USA)
Other Awards:
Novice Award - Denice Rochelle

Creative Award - Tamara Fidler

Embroidery Award - Joanna Nebela

Next Gen Award - Erin Snethen

Surface Embellishment Award - Enid Wilson

Congratulations to everyone we participated!
Megan Haney

Laurel Johnson

Melinda Morrow

Bethany Otto

Stephanie Valley

Katrina Walker

Loralee Wenger

Stacy Wright

We want to thank all the designers that contributed their time and wonderful talents to the Runway to Everyday Fashion Show Challenge. It was a huge success!
January 29, 2009
Weekend Project
Hopefully you noticed the additions to our website with 2 new patterns, plus fun and colorful knits and cottons added to our fabrics section! These new products go hand in hand.

Do you need a quick and fun weekend project? The new Trio T-Shirt is a must-have pattern just for the occasion. Create a funky tee for spring using our new soft, 100% rayon knit Magenta & Celedon Leaf Print. Once you've created one tee, you're now a master at sewing with knits. Why not create another using Cynthia Steffe Royal Blue Jersey. Shown below with the Trio Top & Pants.

Don't forget to use Knit Stay Tape to make those hems quick to sew and smooth to the finish!
Happy Sewing!
~Erin
January 22, 2009
San Francisco Sewing Retreat with Linda Lee
Another sewing retreat is just around the corner. Linda will be in San Francisco starting January 29-February 1. Don't miss out on this inspiring 3 1/2 day sewing retreat at The Sewing Workshop Sewing School, 21st and Balboa in the Richmond district. This is your chance to immerse yourself in some serious sewing and to work with Linda to develop a wardrobe of clothes that really works for you and your lifestyle.
She is now offering A La Carte Options:
Trunk Show - Thursday, January 29, 6:30pm
See the latest garments and patterns from The Sewing Workshop and Shapes Pattern Collections $35.00
3 days of hands-on, personalized fitting and sewing - January 30-Feb. 1, 10:00-6:00
3 days plus trunk show and all lunches - $475.00
Come for one day only, either Friday or Saturday
$165.00, lunch included
For more information, see Getaways.
Linda would love to see you there!