Bolt Neighborhood

New, new, new...and a sale reminder!

by Gina.

 
It feels like it's been weeks and weeks since I've posted anything about new things at the store.  Maybe it has been...anyway, I've got lots to share!  A new group from Patty Young for Michael Miller arrived, along with some cute, recognizably Michael Miller animals and dots.

Some quirky designs from Lecien of little mushrooms, deer, and chickens.  I really like the many, many eggs around the chickens.  Pretty darn cute.

 
A few western-y prints done well by Moda.  Includes cowgirls and cowboys.  

Bright florals from Tanya Whalen's Dolce line.  And, lastly, the package that was being opened just before I left the store yesterday was full of fine quality, heavier weigth red/cream and brown/cream ticking.  Soft, wide, durable.  Perfect for housewares (dishtowels, napkins, place mats, slipcovers, pillows, curtains), or clothing and accessories (bags of all sorts, pants, skirt...).

 
And, I saved the sweetest for last.  Amy, who wrote up the great review on The Sewing Bible, has made up the ever-so-sweet wrist pin cushions.  Many of you have asked if we carry them and I've never been fond of the plastic cuff, or ill-fitting elastic. Then Amy showed me hers: soft, pillowy, beauties.  The cushion is nice and thick so you won't be pricking yourself when stowing a pin and the strap is made of soft twill tape and velcro.  No plastic cuff!  Check them out when you're in next.  Thanks Amy!   

Don't forget!  This Saturday (tomorrow), the 30th will be a special sale day to benefit our organization of the month--P.E.O. All books and patterns will be 20% off and at the end of the day 10% of the day's total sales (total, not only books and patterns) goes to P.E.O.  So come pick up that title you' ve been eyeing, or anything else you could use and help support a great organization!

PS--be sure to check out the latest class list on the website.  After scrolling through the first page of classes, click on the "previous" button and you'll see the rest of the list.

 

The Beach.

by Lupine.

  

What better way to spend a few days than snuggled up in a cozy beach house with amazing friends sewing. Well, some were knitting and others of us were sewing.  The projects included: yo-yo's, napkins, owl backpack, dress, quilt top, two shirts, skirt, hand warmers, sweater, and more napkins. It sounds like a lot, and it was, we were so focused and relaxed, good things were really happening.

I said a couple times and I will say again it has been a life long goal to go on a sewing get away. We just needed a place to stay, food, lounge wear, cocktails, and lots of sewing and knitting projects. 

I finished two projects from Twinkle Sews and the Sencha blouse from Colette Patterns. I could have done more if I wouldn't have slept so late Sunday. 

If you have ever thought this sort of thing sounded like fun, I suggest you gather a couple other like minded friends and head for the crafting destination of your choice. We hardly left the house, but did explore a bit here. And I kept running out of thread, so I was glad there were other sewers there to back me up. 

photos compliments of Nancy Ricci

Modern Domestic

by Lupine.

Tuesday I started my morning by getting a key to the new beautiful space on 14th and Alberta that will be the home of Modern Domestic. It is a project that has been in the works for a couple of months and is now officially full speed ahead.

Modern Domestic will be a place to sew and create. It will consist of two separate classrooms, one downstairs on the open light and airy main floor and one up above on the mezzanine level. The upper classroom looks out over the space but is nicely private at the same time. It will accommodate 8 students and the main floor classroom will hold 12. 

Each work area will have enough sewing machines for every student, upstairs will be Janome and downstairs Bernina. The classrooms will also have cutting areas, ironing stations, design walls, tools, and great lighting.

Modern Domestic will be open 6 days a week for drop in sewing and retail shopping. We will sell Janome and Bernina machines and offer a drop point for service for all models of machines. We will also sell machine presser feet and tools that are offered for use in the classrooms including cutting tools, irons, and pressing equipment. 

We are not a one-stop sewing experience like Bolt; although we will have a few basic notions and thread that you may need in class and while you are sewing. You will be encouraged to enjoy the amazing selection of fabric, trims, books, patterns, and notions that are offered just a few blocks away.

We will also offer open sewing on a drop in basis. You will not need to bring your machine to sew, just your project and self. You can use our machines and tools for an hourly rate of 8$ and less if you purchase time in bulk.

Classes will cover lots of bases; We will begin with sewing from very beginner to more advanced, but will also include silkscreen, block printing, leather sewing, felt making, and quilting. We hope the scope of the classes grows with your interest and is driven by what you want to learn.

There will also be room for fun events at MD, including quickie classes for great prices, group open sewing, quit groups, workshops, private events, and more. We are thinking of it as your own sewing space, full of the tools and friends you most desire to create with. 

My role is that of a co-owner. There are two others: Gina (of Bolt) and Michelle (talents too long to list). To see Gina you will have to keep an eye turned to Bolt, but she will be working hard behind the scenes to make MD thrive. Michelle will be there most days, inspiring projects, showing you how to make button holes, and helping you choose presser feet. I will be there a few days a week working, and also teaching a bunch. I plan on offering some favorite classes that I have taught at Bolt, as well as some new stuff that has been requested by students in the past. 

The class schedule should be ready to view in the next 2-4 weeks and you will be able to follow our progress on our blog, MD lab, very soon. 

Can you tell I am excited? I have been dreaming about this every night, and now that I can actually set foot in the space, I can hardly sleep. I would love to answer any further questions in the comments section, so please ask away. 

New Class List!

 

If you're familiar with our classes, you will surely notice the absence of Lupine as a teacher on this list.  Lupine is being kept busy with organizing the opening of the new Modern Domestic down the street.  We are super excited getting all this put in place and ready to go and will keep you informed of the progress.  Lupine will be teaching at that location and we expect to see the first list of classes in a month or so.  In the meantime, you will still find Lupine's posts here, filling us in on her latest project, technique, ideas. 

 

If you're interested in taking a class or two, stop by, or give us a call to get yourself signed up.  If you're planning on using a gift certificate to pay for your class, we will need to receive the certifiicate (either by mail or in person) to secure your spot in the class.  The list goes out to folks on our e-mail list first, so some of these may have filled up.  Give a call and find out!  And, if you want to get yourself signed up on the e-mail list, go here.

 

Belle Skirt

Date/Time: Sundays 1/31, 2/7 4:30-6:30 pm

Instructor: Sally

It’s not too early to get started on a spring skirt. This popular skirt looks great made up in the heavier home dec fabrics or lightweight wool! With a bias cut yoke and narrow elastic at the waist, it has a flattering fit with the ease of an elastic waist. Choose up to three different fabrics for this fun skirt or give it a classic look by sewing it up in one solid color. We will talk about lengthening or shortening the skirt without losing the tiered shape, as well as fitting on the bias.

Skill level: Novice

Instruction Cost: $45

 

Chic and Simple Trench


Date/ Time: Tuesday 2/2 and Wednesday 2/10, 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Autumn

Make a great coat that will keep you warm through these chilly days.  Using the pattern in the book Chic and Simple Sewing we will make a simple trench. Use some of Bolt’s wool, a patterned canvas, or upholstery weight fabric for your trench. We will also talk about different ways we can dress up this simple trench coat.  In this class, we will be veering away from the pattern in the book and adding a lining to your coat to make it chic and warm for the winter.  Check out the store sample--you're sure to fall in love!  The skills you will be enriching are cutting fabric using a pattern, follow along with a pattern, sewing a basic seam, lining an item, and topstitching.  This class is for the novice sewer.  You know how to sew a straight line and are ready to sew a garment for yourself.  For this class you will need a sewing machine, scissors, Chic and Simple Sewing Book, thread, and fabric for your trench.

Skill level: novice

Instruction cost: $57

 

Basic Handstitching/Embroidery

Date/Time: Wednesday, 2/3 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Shelly

In this class you will learn the basics of hand stitching. You will learn the blind stitch, backstitch and the running stitch.  We will create an embroidered dishtowel, napkins or any other fun object you would love to embroider with your own personal drawing or pick up a Sublime Stitch packet for ready-made iron on patterns.  Here you will find a few samples of what we can create.

Skill Level:  Learn to Hand Stitch/ Beginner

Instruction Cost: $30

 

Little Sleep Well PJ’s

Date/Time: Thursdays, 2/11 and 2/18 6:30-8:30 pm

Instructor: Shelly

Adorable, cozy and stylish pajamas for your little one or “tween”.  The low-rise pants have an elastic waistband and an optional drawstring.  Pajama top sleeves can be hemmed with a deep hem, ¾ length or regular length.  Pick bottoms, tops or both.  In this class you will learn how to use elastic, hemming methods, buttonholes (optional), ties or snaps (optional). 

Skill Level: Novice

Instruction Cost: $45

 

Zippers I 

Date/Time: Sunday 2/14 4:30-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

Are you ready to learn zipper applications? Come learn easy ways to sew zippers in your garments and craft projects. In this hands-on class, we will cover centered zippers as well as lapped zippers, making you ready to tackle any project that calls for a zipper, from a throw pillow to a prom dress.

Skill Level: Novice

Cost: $25 + $7 materials fee

 

Proper Pillow Covers
Date/ Time: Tuesday, 2/16 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Melissa
Does the new year have you looking for a new look, too?  It's time to slipcover your throw pillows!  This one night class for beginners covers a basic piped edge cover for a 18" square decorative pillow.  We'll sew a completed cover together as well as go over different methods of customization and embellishment.  Your couch will never looks so good.  
Skill level: Novice

Instruction cost: $30


School House Tunic


Date/Time: Wednesdays 2/17 and 2/24 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Autumn

You will love the School House Tunic by Sew Liberated.  This tunic is flattering and has a charming design.  This tunic is cute layered with jeans or leggings.  Use the shirt variation and turn your tunic into a top.  It will look great in a variety of fabrics.  Choose a fabric with nice drape, such as a cotton, lightweight corduroy, or linen.  Some skills you will be enhancing are how to do a gather, sew pleats, sew on sleeves, and make an elastic casing.  This is a class for the moderate sewer who wants to brush up on some of these skills.  You will need a sewing machine, the School House Tunic pattern, fabric, scissors, and thread for this class.

Skill level: Moderate

Instruction cost: $57

 

 

Uptown Coat

Date/Time:  2/21, 2/28, 3/7 4:30-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

This fitted full-length coat or hip-length jacket has a double breasted design that looks great on everyone. It features a tall collar that can stand up in a mandarin style or fold over. There are pleats on the front and back to add a little flare under the flattering empire waist. Make this coat in corduroy, wool, or velveteen to stay cozy and chic this spring.

Skill level: Moderate

Instruction Cost: $67 Class meets three times

 

Pink Chalk’s Mail Sack

Date/Time: Tuesdays 2/23 and 3/2 6:30-8:30 pm

Instructor:  Shelly

This is the perfect bag for the woman/child that needs a hands-free bag.  This “Mail Sack” is a roomy cross-body bag with two interior pockets one zippered and the other divided—perfect for a cell phone and keys.  This pattern includes two sizes, adult and child.  You will learn how to insert a zipper, line a bag and create pockets. 

Skill Level: Novice (should know how to run your machine)

Instruction cost: $45  

 

Favorite Things Little Hooded Jacket


Date/Time: Thursdays 3/4, 3/11 and 3/18 6:30-8:30 pm

Instructor: Autumn

Learn to make The Little Hooded Jacket pattern from Favorite Things, for your little one.  This is a versatile pattern with lots of fabric possibilities.  You will learn to trace a pattern (so you can use it again and again), construct and line a hood, sew in piping, attach sleeves and put in a zipper. This is a novice level class for those who know how to use their sewing machine, but need a little help with sleeves and zippers.  You and your little one will love this little jacket.

Skill level: Novice

Instruction cost: $67

 

Rooibos Dress by Colette Patterns

Date/Time: Wednesdays 3/10 and 3/17 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Shelly

This gorgeous Colette dress (brilliant local designer) has a vintage feel with a modern touch.  Take this dress out on the town with little gloves and fancy tights or pair with flats and cardigan for daywear.  The high inset waist and gored straight skirt creates a very slimming look.  The neckline and scalloped pockets add just the right amount of detail.  Pattern sizes range from 0 to 18.  In this class you will learn how to insert an invisible side zipper and piece together fabrics to create a gored skirt.  You can also learn the optional piping for the neckline and pockets.

Skill Level: Moderate

Instruction cost: $57

 

Zippers II

Date/Time: Sunday 3/14 4:30pm-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

Are you curious about INVISIBLE zippers? Do you wonder when to use one, and how to make it look right? Come learn in this hands-on class! We will help install the proper presser foot on your machine and sew an invisible zipper in class.

Skill level: Novice

Cost: $25

 

Learn to Sew: Farmers Market Tote Bag

Date/Time: Sundays, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4 4:30-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

The same great Farmers Market Tote that we’ve offered before. This class is designed for the absolute beginner, even one who has never opened the box on that machine! Learn all the basics about fabric and pattern layout and basic sewing while making a medium size tote bag (approx. 14” wide x 16” tall x 4” deep). Use your unique bag for a trip to the Farmer’s Market, as a diaper bag or as a great craft tote.

Skill level: Absolute beginner

Cost: $67 Class meets three times

 

Skill levels are listed after each class description. We currently offer mostly beginning classes, because that is what we’ve been hearing from our customers. Please feel free to let us know of class ideas you would be interested in — tell us when you visit, or send an email to info@boltfabricboutique.com  If you’re unsure of which skill level you are, here’s where we’re coming from, and if you still are unsure, talk to us.

• Learn to Sew / Beginner: you’ve learned to thread your machine and make the needle move. You know how to wind and change a bobbin, sort of.  If you haven’t yet taken your machine out of the box, ask us if this is an appropriate level for you.

• Novice: You’ve sewn a little, mostly straight seams, read through a pattern, maybe could use some help with that, or just some more practice with keeping your stitches straight. You’ve finished your pillows and want to tackle a skirt — with elastic.

• Moderate: You’re comfortable reading a pattern, have made a number of projects. Want to learn how to keep your zippers neat, make even darts, and successful alterations. You’re venturing into more complicated patterns (e.g., fitted and lined blazers, trousers, no elastic here).

• Advanced: You use a pattern just as the starting point, and jump off from there. You want to learn to make patterns, be more precise with your alterations, do more detail work. You tackle challenging patterns with joy.

The One I've Been Waiting For!

This post is from Amy, who works at Bolt and sees many books come in and out. Reading her review might make you hustle right over to Bolt tomorrow to snatch a copy yourself. 



It's finally here!  The book I've been waiting for.  If I could recommend one book to all our customers, it would be The Sewing Bible: a Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques by Ruth Singer.  Whether you are just beginning to sew, or you are a seamster with years of experience, you are going to want to make room on your bookshelf for The Sewing Bible.  



So often customers come into the store asking for a basic reference book of sewing techniques to help them learn new skills or help them refine the skills they already have.  Until now, the books which did a good job on this score often lacked a certain style, or just didn't grab the reader and hold their attention. The Sewing Bible is just as beautiful to look at as it is informative to read. From the first photo to the last, it captures the seemingly infinite possibilities of color, pattern, and texture that inspire us to sew (I defy you to look at the cover and not want to make the beautiful silk yo-yo cuff pictured there!).  

There are also beautiful, original, inspirational projects to get you using many of the techniques described in the rest of the book - from home decor projects like quick curtains and pillow covers, to a jacket and skirt that use some advanced dressmaking techniques.  Each project is carefully cross-referenced to the techniques used (be still my librarian's heart!), and templates or pattern pieces are printed in the book. And if by some chance none of the projects speak to you, there is a section on designing projects of your very own!



In spite of all the aforementioned style and inspiration, The Sewing Bible isn't a "project book."  It is a reference and guide you can count on. I haven't actually weighed it, but it's not the kind of book you tuck into your sewing basket.  It's the kind of book you want to keep on your bedside table for a couple of weeks before you move it to your sewing space.  The Sewing Bible covers machine and hand-sewing techniques from the most basic (seams and hems) to the truly advanced (bound buttonholes and trapunto) with detailed, step-by-step instructions and photos.  In addition, there are "Masterclasses" for many of the most useful techniques, which go into even more depth of detail.  

Like a lot of people these days, I am interested in stretching a dollar, so I especially appreciate the section on repairs and alterations.  The addition of a glossary, reading list, index, and list of resources make this book a real value at $35.00.  Even the most experienced sewer I know found enough information of value in The Sewing Bible to buy a copy for herself.  



If I have any criticism, it would be that the patterns do require enlarging, which normally irks me, but in this instance, it seems a small price to pay.  Stop by the shop, have a look, and let us know what you think!

Tote for Christmas

by Lupine.

This is the gift I made for my lovely Mother for Christmas. She loved it, and actually requested some sort of bag specifically. She had some very specific requests and I wasn't sure that this tote would be something she could use, but I figured that one way or another it would get used it in the garden come spring since it is really supposed to be a garden tote.

It is from Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing. The pattern was a breeze, but the instructions left out a couple steps and the supply list had some holes. Luckily the pictures were good and I could tell that there were things I would need that weren't listed in the supplies.

I got some great help at the store choosing fabric (thanks Amy), and loved using a bit of Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley line. Mostly I love the printed bias tape that really worked so nicely with this. There are some great printed tapes in the store and they are in bulk, which makes it easy to get just the right amount. 

I got everything for this bag at one time except the boring old canvas which I had from many years ago. I like the natural canvas but knew that it would get awfully dirty fast if I left it that color, so I found the lovely cinnamon color to wrap around for the outside pocket. Shopping for fabric for projects is definitely one of the best parts.

I did add this custom lined inside pocket, which was a breeze. I just added it to the lining before joining the main fabric and the lining together. Working on bags is not something that I do a lot of, but it sure is fun. There is no fitting involved! Easy peasy!  

Mostly Cutting

by Lupine.

The conclusion of my week of cutting felt was a success. I was pleased with both the "Happy Birthday" banner and the name banner I made. I was lucky to get some expert advice from Autumn at a crucial moment of color decision making on the "Happy Birthday" banner. 

I had gone into Bolt to get myself some felt for these projects and practiced zero restraint. I got about every color of the wonderful felt sheets that are a blend of wool and rayon and used them all. The sheets are big, 12x18 or so, and you can get a lot of letters and circles out of them. They were even big enough for these princess hats and crowns that I made for party favors. 

I prefer the wool felt or the blended wool and rayon to the regular felt any day, but occasionally I have to use the less savory felt for the color pop. The dark pink letters in the "Happy Birthday" banner are made from the rayon only felt, and it really does the trick of making this banner girlie enough but not overly sugary.

The tutorial for the crown and princess hat came from Skip to My Lou, although I didn't use the crown template, I just traced one I had made previously. They came out great and were a total hit with the children. The keeper of the "W" crown wore his to bed for the night, making the whole cutting experience worth each snip.

P.E.O., featured local organization #1

 

Margi has sent in the following post about Philanthropic Educational Organization, or P.E.O.  It is Bolt's featured organization for January.  Remember, on January 30th, all books and patterns will be 20% off and 10% of the day's total will be donated to P.E.O.  Help us raise some funds and pick up some books you've been eyeing!  The photo above has nothing to do with P.E.O., it's just some new fabric that's in.

 

 

I am excited to have P.E.O (philanthropic educational organization) chosen as the first local organization featured at Bolt.  We are women helping women starting in 1869 with 7 members to nearly a quarter of a million members today.  Oregon has nearly 7700 members and Washington over 10,000 members.  Over 77,000 women have benefited from our organization’s educational grants, loans, awards, special projects and education at our own Cottey College www.cottey.edu where we have educated over 8,000 young women.

 

To provide funds for all our educational projects, each chapter of women has fundraisers.  Our chapter JH, in Vancouver, WA has designed and hand made, self-adjusting aprons for women, men and children.  One of these aprons is being featured in Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique during January.  The aprons sell for $14.00 plus $2.50 shipping.

I am proud to say, my mother, myself, and my daughter are all members of P.E.O.  I am a charter member of my chapter in Vancouver, WA serving as Vice President and then having the honor as serving as President.  I am currently the area contact for women interested in joining P.E.O. or current members moving into the area as well as chairing our fundraising committee.  I truly believe through P.E.O.’s efforts we make a difference in women’s lives.

I would be delighted to share more information about P.E.O. and the sale of our aprons.  You can contact me at margiroper@gmail.com and please visit our website at www.peointernational.org.  A special thank you to Gina for her efforts in promoting our organization and the sale of our aprons.  Margi Roper

Banner Day.

by Lupine.

Saturday is the big sister's birthday and frankly, I miss the holiday decorations. So I am making some banners to fill the void and celebrate the occasion.

This one has been a favorite of mine for a while (since Autumn is out of stock at Etsy, you can get it at Bolt, or send her and email). It is so fun for kids to get their name as a gift, and the happy possibilities of words and phrases is limitless. I am going to work on a big "Happy Birthday" one this week too, but having run out of Heat n' Bond and having a sleeping baby, I have switched to working on this one.

It has a simple and clean flavor that I am loving. My color inspiration came from this print and as Pantone has chosen turquoise as the color of the year for 2010, I thought I should explore its beauty through banners.

Banners are a little more work to make for a birthday party than say unrolling crepe paper streamers, but they are totally reusable and fun for so many occasions. Plus, they are much lovelier. 

Anyway, I am going to spend the rest of the windy rainy morning cutting more piles of circles, I guess I need to have 200 or something.

New Liberty prints are here!

by Gina.

 
That's right.  We've just received eight Liberty of London prints and they are gorgeous, as expected.  There are a couple of repeat prints (the city map and the Cesar--peacock--print), in different colors than we've had in the past.  Other arrivals this past week include new Westminster prints (in pic below) from Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and Philip Jacobs, more recycled hemp/organic cotton woven, the ever popular organic cotton/ soybean knits, a sweet, playful line called Wild Thyme, and cutie pie owl prints on fleece from Valorie Wells.

If you haven't yet touched Anna Maria Horner's new line, Little Folks, you really should.  It is so silky soft.  There's a great post over at Craft about the designer if you want a peek inside the designing process.  There are also some great new fleece-y, sweatery pieces in and more gorgeous wool to get us through the winter months.

 
We are starting a new program at the store that features a different charitable community organization each month.  At some point in the month you'll see a write up about the organization here by someone involved with it, as well as a special sale day to raise funds.  I will announce the details of the special with a week or two notice and a portion of the day's total sales will go to the group.  In store you will see some sort of display along with a write up, so you can learn more about each organization and how to get involved if you'd like. 

P.E.O. is our group for January.  They are women promoting educational opportunities for women.  We will have a post from Margi--our P.E.O. connection--next week.  In the meantime, check out their website for more information and mark your calendars for a sale on Saturday, January 30th.  All books and patterns will be 20% off and at the end of the day, 10% of the day's sales will be donated to P.E.O.  So come by, pick up some new patterns and books and help out a great organization!