Darts: Versatile & Amazing

Have you ever looked at a dress and wondered how the darts got into that unique position?  This new Sure-Fit Designs DVD tutorial is going to answer many of the questions you may have regarding the stunning array of dart positions and design possibilities.  Please watch the short introductory video below showing you highlights of this Darts DVD tutorial.  (You may need to open up this email in a browser in order to see the video, as frequently this link does not show up in your email  program).

It's almost magical how it all happens.  You'll love seeing the versatility and amazing possibilities of where your basic waist and bust fitting darts can be moved to and how they no longer look basic.

Highlighted in this course will be moving darts into the following positions:

• Triple, parallel shoulder pleats.

• Graduated and radiating darts from the neckline.

• Angled and parallel center front darts.

• Asymmetrical, curved and parallel darts from the waist and armscye.

Experience this dart designing fashion fun for yourself and in doing so build your confidence for designing on your own.  You'll follow me...Glenda the Good Stitch...in my usual highly detailed lessons taking you step-by-step through each transferring process in this 1.5hr. long DVD tutorial.

To introduce you to this new DVD, we're offering a 20% Introductory Special.
It's regularly $14.95...Now only $11.95...Simply use Discount Code darts20 during checkout.
Please order from this special Promo link - Click Here
Offer is good through Wed. March 22, 2017 

Remember, now when you purchase the physical DVD, you will also receive the 100% discount code to watch the lessons in streaming video format in our new online platform - www.sewfitacademyonline.com. Simply watch for my 'Thank you Letter' in your email inbox which will contain this discount code.

Happy darting!
Glenda...the Good Stitch

 

The Little Black Dress Sew Along

There is something about a fitted  'little black dress' that is tantalizing and that cannot be replaced in a colorful dress.  (London designer Roland Mouret states).  And as Christian Dior said, 'every lady should have (at least) one little black dress'.

Join Glenda the Good Stitch in our newest Sew Along, featured in SewFitAcademyOnline.com.

The Little Black Dress dates back centuries to queen Victoria, when her beloved husband Albert passed away.  She wore black for the remainder of her life.  And of course throughout the centuries, designers like Coco Chanel, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Dior, have designed their own take on this dress.

And as Sarah Jessica Parker, whose fashion choices have been tracked since her "Sex and the City" days, believes so strongly in the little black dress, that she recently launched a collection called SJP LBD at Bloomindale's.  She said, 'We really wanted to make the point that this is for all people at all times of the day.  That's the job of the little black dress."

Glenda the Good Stitch has just launched the Sure-Fit Designs version of the Little Black Dress in her most recent Sew Along, found a SewFitAcademyOnline.com.  Here you'll also see the LBD video highlights describing the details included in the 19-lesson Sew Along.  Just click the previous link.

The details are definitely difficult to see in this photo, so here's another close-up:

When you participate in the Sew Along, you'll receive:

• 19 highly detailed video lessons

• How to measure

• How to draw the blueprint

• How to design the pattern

• How to sew it all together

• Step-by-step detail in Glenda's precise demonstrations

• 24/7 access to your course 

• Available for a life-time...no expiration
• See details for the optional hem flounce
• See details for the optional designer belt

By enrolling now, you'll receive a 20% discount.  Use this Discount Code lbd20.  It's good until March 12, 2017.  Head over to SewFitAcademyOnline.com to get your Sew Along.

A few facts you (probably) didn't know about the History of the LBD:

• Coco Cuff// Chanel's little black dress of 1926 actually had white cuffs.

• La Vie En Noir// A little black dress was Edith Piaf's signature look.  She always chose styles with long sleeves to hide the scars from 3 serious car crashes.

• Needle-to-Know// In Balenciaga's collections, he included one black dress that he personally made entirely by hand.

• Slippery Strap// During a 1956 press conference announcing the Marilyn Monroe film ' The Prince and the Showgirl', the strap on her slinky LBD gave way, causing quite a sensation and that incident was subsequently written into the script.

• Royal Lore// When Lady Diana Spencer wore a tight, strapless black dress fro her first post-engagement appearance with Prince Charles in 1981, the British tabloids responded with 'cleavage' headlines.

• Breakfast at Tiffany's// And one that you probably already know, Audrey Hepburn, in Breakfast at Tiffany's epitomized the LBD.

Join me now and  receive a 20% discount.  Use this Discount Code lbd20.  It's good through March 12, 2017.  Head over to SewFitAcademyOnline.com to get your Sew Along.

Happy drafting and sewing!

Sewing for Toddler's, Children & Teens with Sure-Fit Designs

We're generally so busy producing videos for you ladies that we seldom find time for the children.  But finally, this latest video finishes off the video series on the discounted Combos offered by Sure-Fit Designs.
If you sew for your children or grand children, you'll save when you purchase the Children's Kit Combo.  Remember you can sew for both boys and girls and toddlers through teens, when the child matures and grows into the adult patterns.  There's a cross over in size/measurement range between the Children's Kit and the adult pattern Kits so that we can accommodate the best shaping possible for the youngster.

You'll love the variety of different styles you can sew for both boys and girls.  It's kind of like taking the children's section of a pattern catalog and wrapping all the designs into one big package called the Children's Kit.
Now there's a savings combo dedicated just to sewing for children.  It's called the Children's Kit Combo and consists of the following:

• Children's Kit

• The Introductory How-To DVD

• 1x10yd roll of tracing vellum

• And the essential drawing tool, the Designing Stylus.

Just click on the video link below to see a brief re-cap of all the elements in the Combo.
https://youtu.be/zuf5vVJdSig

Have fun sewing for your kids.
To purchase, please click here - http://www.surefitdesigns.com/Children-s-Kit.html
Here's a sneak peak at so many of the different styles you can sew.

Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!

How to Divide your Crotch Measurement for Front and Back Lengths

Let's just call this a Vlog - a blog in video format.  We have been re-doing some of our very original instructional videos on working with the Sure-Fit Designs pants pattern.  This particular video shows the easy process of  taking your total crotch length/your straddle measurement and dividing it so that you end up with a back crotch length that is longer than your front crotch length...which is exactly the way it should be.  I do know some of you have excessively long back crotch lengths in relationship to shorter front crotch lengths, but that's the topic of another video.  I hope you enjoy this.  You'll no doubt need to go into a web browser to watch this because you likely won't be able to see the video while reading this in your emails.  Go to this page - http://www.sfdlearningcenter.com/Pants-Videos-General_Info_Measuring.html and look for video - P.3 Crotch Length - How to create your Front & Back Crotch Lengths for your Pants pattern.  And while you're there, check out some of the other videos that might be relevant to your pants fit.

Kindly,
Glenda the Good Stitch

What's in the Discounted Men's Combo Package Options?

www.surefitdesigns.blogspot.comWe don't want to forget the men in our lives.  Sure-Fit Designs has just the right Combo combination for your and his sewing needs.

Dress your men from the bottom half down with the Men's Pants Combo Package.  If you'd like to include the top half as well, the Men's Outfit Combo will fill the bill when you add in the SFD Shirt Kit, Designer's Companion and the SFD Travel Shirt - a downloadable Fashion Leaflet.

Watch the short video above to see the items and Combo packages explained.  (You will need to watch this video from your computer, not your email inbox.)

Happy Fitting & Sewing!

1/2 Price $50 Gift Certificate

Valentine's is just around the corner.  Gift yourself or a sewing friend with a $50 Gift Certificate (for just $25)
from Sure-Fit Designs.

It's good for any SFD Kit, tools or vellum
(with a minimum purchase of $49.95).

It's a great opportunity to get started with Sure-Fit Designs, stock up on Vellum or get the DVD you've been wanting.

And the best part is you'll get this $50 Gift Certificate for $25.

This offer is valid Feb 7 - 14, 2017.

Shop now!  Must be purchased from this special page link

 click here.

Happy Valentine's
Glenda the Good Stitch!

Identify Common Hip Shapes and why the Sure-Fit Designs™ Pants Pattern w...

www.surefitdesigns.blogspot.com

I thought you would like to see one of our latest videos.  We are re-doing some of the very first and very old videos and updating them with new information.  I'll post more as they become available.

I hope you enjoy this latest video on identifying your hip shape and how the Sure-Fit Designs Pants pattern will accommodate all shapes and circumferences.

What shape are you?  Click on the forward arrow below on the video.


Happy Fitting & Sewing!
Glenda...the Good Stitch

September 2017 Fit & Sew Retreat now available for Registration

www.surefitdesigns.blogspot.com

 Would you like to attend a Sure-Fit Designs

hands-on Fit & Sew Retreat?

I know it seems a little early to be planning your Sept 2017 activities, but we all live such busy lives that I know planning ahead is important.

The September dates for the Retreat are Sept. 16 - 21, 2017.
You'll receive 6 days of fun, along with the pants and bodice fitting instruction and projects.  I teach this Retreat at an awesome sewing studio in Springfield OR - just across the freeway from Eugene OR (where Sure-Fit Designs is headquartered).

To register - call Glenda at 541-344-0422 (Pacific Standard Time).

To see where you'd spend 6 concentrated fitting days, watch this video below.  We recorded this live video this past August.  A good time was had by all...and a lot of learning occurred.  To watch this short video below, this blog needs to be viewed in a web browser (not in your emails).  Please click here to view - www.surefitdesigns.blogspot.com

To see all the details for this Fit & Sew Retreat, please click here.

You'll receive:

• 3 days Pants Fitting

• 3 days Bodice Fitting

• Pattern drafting/drawing experience with the Sure-Fit Designs patterns.

• Gift bag including drawing/drafting supplies

• Non-stretch elastic for your Yoga/Travel/Comfort pants project

• Waistband interfacing

• High cutting table – 1 per student – personal work space - no need to share your space

• Use of a sewing machine and serger – no need to bring your own

• Transportation to and from the hotel to the sewing studio

• Fabric shopping field trip - Thursday.  There are 2 (small) fabric stores within walking distance. 
• Farewell event

• Join the comraderie of other like-minded seamstresses.
  
  
  
  
  Hope you can join me!
  Glenda...the Good Stitch!
  

The Capezio Top - Join the latest Sure-Fit Designs Sew Along

Sure-Fit Designs Blog

Yet another Sure-Fit Designs Sew Along is ready for your participation.  Join Glenda the Good Stitch in the Caprezio Top Sew Along.  Click Here to enroll.

You'll love this latest Sure-Fit Designs Sew Along - the Caprezio Top!  Combine the flattering benefits of the ever-popular Princess Line, with asymmetry, unique style lines, color blocking and an easy cowl-like drapy collar.  Choose a comfortable, lightweight knit (like a lightweight Ponte) in colors or complementary patterns that suit your personal pallet.

Wear if short over leggings or casual pants, or lengthen it for an attractive dress.  You'll have multiple options with our easy-to-design and sew Caprezio Top.

This newest sew along features:

• 16 Video Lessons
• Text to accompany the video lessons
• Downloadable PDF instruction files
• Enrollment fee: $15.95 
• ENROLL HERE

If you enroll in this sew along course now, you'll save 10%.  Just before check-out enter Discount Code cap10 for your savings (Offer ends Jan. 14, 2017).

I know you're going to enjoy this sew along.

Happy Designing & Sewing!
Glenda...the Good Stitch

10 Steps for Sewing Success...says the Good Stitch!

Start your New Year with my 10 Steps to Sewing Success!

Have you ever wondered why your sewing projects just don't quite the way you hoped they would?  It just might be that one of these steps or tips could help change the course of your final outcome.

1. Grainline matter!  Knowing that the fabric lengthwise grainline is parallel to the selvage and that the lengthwise grainline marking on the pattern must be completely parallel to the selvage is step #1.  I've seen too many simply 'eye ball' it when laying out a pattern.  It's important to measure from one end of the grainline arrow to the selvage and from the other end of the grainline arrow to the selvage.  These distances must be the same.  If not, cutting 'off grain' can cause the finished garment to hang crooked.

2. When cutting out the pattern, especially when you use fabric shears, keep the blade as close to the table or cutting mat as possible.  When you lift the fabric for the cut, you can shift the position of the fabric.  That's why you'll often see me using a rotary cutter when cutting out pattern pieces.  I use my fabric shears in tight to cut curves and for cutting out notches.

3.  When cutting the pattern, pay attention to the actual cutting line for the seam allowance.  The standard seam allowance is 5/8" (1.6cm) wide.  I have seen this cut as wide as 3/4" and as narrow as 1/2".  When this happens it totally throws off the intended fit of the garment.  Please pay close attention to this detail.

4. Begin each project with a new sewing machine needle.  I know you think that if it's not broken it can be used again...and again...and again.  And pretty soon you forget how many projects that poor old needle has sewn for you.  I know some folks say change the needle every 2 or 4 projects, but to be on the safe side, make it a habit to insert a new needle for every project.  Over used needles can result in poor tension, blunt/dull ends, or have burrs that catch the fabric.

5.  And speaking of needles, make sure you use the appropriate needle for your selected fabric.  When working with knits, generally a ball point needle will be best.  When working with denim, go for a heavy duty denim size of needle.  But definitely have on hand lots of Universal needles in varying sizes.  Universal needles will sew a lot of different fabric types.

6.  Make sure to use a specialty sewing machine foot for specialty tasks like using a zipper foot for regular zipper installations or an invisible zipper foot when inserting an invisible zipper.  If you prefer machine hemming, consider using a blind hem foot.  Buttonholes always require a specialty foot.  Be aware of the machine feet that come with your sewing machine and use them for their intended purpose.

7. Slow down!  Please don't sew too fast particularly if you're a beginner seamstress.  Develop a nice comfortable speed where you can successfully guide the fabric under the presser foot.  Trying to race through a project will usually result in seams that need to be ripped out and no time at all being saved.

8.  Along with not sewing too fast...make sure you are sewing with accurate seam allowance widths.  In #3 above, I've said to cut accurately on the seam cutting line.  The same holds true for stitching the seam allowance width as accurately as possible.  A 5/8" seam allowance really does mean 5/8" wide - not 1/2" or 3/4" wide.  If sewn too narrow the garment can feel looser than intended and if sewn too wide the resulting fit can be tighter than it should be.

9.  Press, press, press during construction.  I'm sure you've all heard the phrase - 'press as you sew'.  Typically you want to press a seam or a dart before it is crossed or attached to another seam.  Pressing in a one dimensional state is far easier than when the garment is completed in its 3 dimensional form.

10.  And last but certainly not least is to press with the correct pressing aids.  Tools like a Tailor's Ham, Seam Roll, Sleeve board and press cloth are just as essential as a good steam iron.

And if you're new to sewing or perhaps an intermediate seamstress returning to garment construction after an hiatus, the latest DVD production from Glenda the Good Stitch (Sure-Fit Designs), is our Make It Sew Beginner's Series (4 DVD set).  To see details of the lessons contained over 4 DVD's, please click here.

Happy Sewing!