Plan to attend the 2nd year of the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Lakeland, Florida.  We will be there with some new classes, plus the Day Before Barb Originals will be teaching the Dream Coat Class.

It’s green, it’s fun and it’s oh, so great to wear! Choose your color palette and learn how to use a variety of knits and woven fabrics to create this wondrous coat of color hues….discover innovative fitting techniques, discuss closure options and then begin your artistic journey. Once your decisions are made, serge it all together and float out of class in your new coat.

We will be on the road soon for the Rusty Barn Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival at the Arizona State Fairgounds January 26-28, 2012.  click here to find out more as we will be there Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Looking forward in seeing everyone.

January 12-14, 2012
Martha Pullen Sewing Market
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL click here
Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Wing needles are typically associated with heirloom sewing, the kind used for christening gowns and Victorian linens. But my wing needle hemstitch technique adds a fresh accent to contemporary clothing and accessories and is an easy, yet lovely way to secure a facing or hem by machine—it’s one of my favorite ways to finish and simultaneously embellish a garment.

Wing needles divide and separate
As the wing needle descends through the fabric, the fins spread the weave and make a hole without cutting or tearing the fabric. The hemstitch is more effective when the needle backtracks to pass through a hole more than once to complete the stitch pattern. click here to read the rest of the article Threads

Fern Jacket front

Nuts and bolts were the inspiration for this jacket but any fabrics can be used to fit your personality.It can be made in a short or long length.

The jacket as pictured here uses linen, silk and cotton but you can use any material. It is easy and quick to sew.

The class I chose to spend the day working on was The Dream Coat. This class was taught by Barb Callahan.

The class was described as: “It’s green, it’s fun and it’s oh so great to wear!” When I read this I though wow I can make a coat in one day? Amazing. click here to see all the photos.

Much to my surprise when I arrived I found Barb wearing one of these fantastic coats.

Thanks Barb… SewFrugalandFashionable@gmail.com

You can make your own “dream coat” thanks to Barb.