Bolt Neighborhood

Class list available for Modern Domestic.

by Lupine.

So, our list is ready and we can take payment for classes so it is finally time to share. We will have our online registration available within a few days, but for now, you can call: 503-808-9910, or come in and visit: 1408 NE Alberta Street. and we will happily sign you up for class over the phone or in person. You are also welcome to come in for some open sewing on one of our beautiful Bernina or Janome sewing machines. Modern Domestic Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-5. 

Most of our classes will require the use of a sewing machine. Each student will have a sewing machine provided for class, unless otherwise indicated. If you want to bring your machine to class instead of using ours, please feel free to do so, we will just move one out of the way. We will also have tools to check out for class, you may want your own supplies, feel free to bring them, but we will all basic sewing supplies, cutting supplies, and machine equipment provided for you. We will provide you with a list of supplies needed for the class in addition to this list, that will include consumables and fabric, books and patterns. Books and patterns will be available for class purchase at MD, and MD students receive a 10% discount for class supplies purchased from Bolt! All hands-on sewing classes are limited to 8 students. You will also receive free use of the space during your class session and for 2 weeks after class to work on your class project!

Skill level categories:

Beginning: you’ve learned to thread your machine and make the needle move. You know how to wind and change a bobbin, sort of. 

Advanced Beginning: 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. 

If you need help getting to this point, look for a “learn to sew” level class and get signed up. Learn to Sew classes will cover machine use, choosing the correct needle and thread, and basic sewing terms.

Sew Basic

The first class for the new sewist. This class will cover the basics and beyond of using a sewing machine. You will learn to thread the needle and wind a bobbin, use a variety of different needles and thread, and sample some presser feet. If you plan on using the studio for open sewing, this is a prerequisite (or equivalent sewing skill), and if you have never really know what your machine is capable of, this class is for you. You will leave this class feeling confident on any classroom machine at Modern Domestic and ready to start your first sewing project. Class includes 3 hours of open sew time. 

Learn to Sew/Beginner. 
Cost: $30 (includes 3 hours of open sewing time)
Instructor: MD Staff

Multiple Sessions Offered:

• Sunday March 21st, 1-3pm
• Thursday March 25th, 7-9pm
• Friday April 2nd, 10am-12pm
• Sunday April 11th, 10:30am-12:30pm
• Friday April 16th, 1pm-3pm
• Wednesday April 21st, 10am-12pm
• Saturday April 24th, 2pm-4pm 

Friday Night Open Sewing

Come and bring a friend and spend an evening full of productive inspiration. Created to become your favorite go-to place for some sewing companionship, Friday will become the best night of the week to get things done! You can use our sewing machines and sergers, tools, and tables and work on what ever project you like. We can help you pin a skirt hem, choose a project, use a new presser foot, or get started cutting. Modern Domestic Open Sewing fill up fast, so pre-register online to save a spot.

Beginning-Beyond
Cost $10
Friday Nights 6-9pm

Learn to Sew Pajamas for the People

In this learn to sew class, you will learn your way around sewing machines, fabric, and patterns. You also gain a much greater knowledge of sewing terminology and tools. We will work through these comfy pants in a 3 night class. The pattern from Favorite Things has a basic elastic waist that work for both men and women. These pants are perfect for spring in light-weight cotton or double gauze, and the pattern size accommodates either men's or women's adult (child size pattern available).

Learn To Sew Class/Beginning.
Cost $90
Wednesdays, March 24th, 31st, and April 7th. 6:30-8:30pm 
Instructor: Lupine Swanson

Learn to Sew Pillowcases

Learn to sew and discover the joy of working with beautiful cotton or flannel fabrics by making matching pillowcases. This class will take someone who has never before touched a sewing machine all the way through completing a project. You will learn machine basics, all about fabric, sewing terminology, and how to use basic tools and equipment. You will gain confidence working on a straight forward project that can get you going into further sewing adventures. 

Learn To Sew
Cost: $60
Saturday, March 27th 1-5pm
Insturctor: Autumn Lapour

Learn to Sew Grocery Tote

Learn to sew and make a practical every day grocery tote at the same time. This class will take someone who has never before touched a sewing machine all the way through completing a project. You will learn machine basics, all about fabric, sewing terminology, and how to use basic tools and equipment. You will leave gain confidence working on a darling tote bag that folds up into its self; this great project that can get you going to the grocery store and into further sewing adventures in style. 

Learn To Sew
Cost: $60
Saturday, April 10th, 10am-2pm
Instructor: Autumn Lapour

T-shirts!

Looking for a t-shirt that fits perfectly? Using the popular Jalie patterns, you will learn how to lay out and cut knit fabrics and how to sew perfectly stretchy seams. We will discuss which areas need stretch and which need reinforcement to prevent unsightly sag. Choose a Men’s pattern (with sizes for boys) or a feminine Women’s version (with sizes for girls).

Advanced Beginner
Cost: $60
Sunday, April 11th
Noon-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess

Knit Dress

Have you made a t-shirt or two? If so, you are ready to make a knit dress! Working with the charming Sew U Home Stretch Book, we will take your knit sewing to the next level. You will make a great spring dress, choosing sleeve length, waistline (empire, regular, or low) and hemline. Have a custom dress in time for warm weather!

Advanced Beginner
Previous knit experience required
Cost $60
Sundays, April 18th and 25th, 2pm-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess

Serger Class

Are you mystified by your serger? Does it sit in the box because you are afraid of how to thread it or what might happen if a thread breaks? Do rolled hems intrigue you? Do you covet the tidy seams on the inside of serged garments and crafts? Come take this class, bringing your own serger or learning to use one of the MD sergers.

Beginning
Cost: $37.50
Sunday May 2nd, 1:30pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Sally Hess

Good Night and Get Lucky: Camisole and Panties

Are  you charmed by the idea of making your own lingerie and undergarments? Do you dream of perfectly fitted and comfortable clothes against your skin? Choose a knit fabric such as soft cotton or a luxurious bamboo or rayon blend and make a snug fitting camisole and matching panties. Or you can choose a woven such as silk, satin or cotton voile and have a bias cut chemise with loose fitting tap pants.

Advanced Beginner
Previous knit experience required if you choose the knit camisole
Cost: $60
Sunday May 16th, Noon-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess

Diapers and Diaper Covers

Cloth diapers are the best “green” choice you can make for your baby, and family. Using soft flannel, we will make highly absorbent contoured (hourglass) diapers. In the second class we will focus on waterproof diaper covers with Velcro closures and fold over elastic (FOE) around the leg openings for a snug, leak-free fit.

Beginning
Cost: $60
Sundays, June 6th and 13th, 2pm-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess

Sandbox Pants

Increase your sewing and finish techniques with a super cute and practical pair of pants to fit a little child in your life.  In this three-part class we will learn how to use a single pattern for multiple sizes, make an elastic wasted pair of pants with a tie, and add front or back pockets.  These pants can be made quickly and easily for growing children with seasonally appropriate fabrics from lightweight cotton to denim or corduroy. There are a few great details included in the class to increase your sewing skill level and add a bit of personality to any project. This class will require homework.

Advanced Beginning. 
Cost: $90
Thursday, April 8th, 15th, and 22nd 9:30-11:30am
Instructor: Lupine Swanson

Uniform Skirt

The uniform skirt is the perfect everyday all the time lots of options skirt. We will install a zipper (invisible), baste some seams, make a super fun skirt, and talk custom details. Maybe you want a lining, maybe you want a simple turned hem. Maybe you find that you can't live with out a ruffle or a raw edge.  This is a great class to finally make yourself something to wear, and overcome your fears of fit and zippers. The Barcelona skirt pattern will be the jumping off point, but we will explore the options from there. This class may require homework.

Beginning-Advanced Beginning.
Cost $90
Wednesdays, April 14th and 21st. 6-9pm
Instructor: Lupine Swanson

Kimono Wrap Dress and Obi Sash

Sew this flattering dress for your spring wardrobe in all sorts of beautiful fabric. The beauty of this dress will be fully recognized with a great fabric that drapes well and a contrasting Obi sash; from there, you will learn about using elastic thread, garment fitting, and gain confidence following a pattern. Using the pattern from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing book, we will trace off and sew this beautiful project that is sure to flatter any figure and become a favorite for the warm weather ahead. This class will require homework.

Advanced Beginning. 
Cost $90
Saturdays, April 3rd, 10th, and 17th. 10am-12pm.
Instructor: Lupine Swanson

Sewing 101: Kids 8-12 or 13-17 

This is the perfect class for the child who has never sewn before. They will learn sewing machine functions, the basics of fabric, using measurements, and how to sew seams. This class will include finished projects that can be shown off and used for years to come, and of course their sewing skills will last a lifetime.  Shelly has chosen wonderful projects such as a roomy reversible Tote Bag that they can use on your trips to the library or help carry home the grocery goods and envelope pillow covers to decorate their room or special spot in the house.  Both of these great projects will allow your child to be creative with fabric choices and express their personal taste.

Learn to Sew/Beginning 
Cost $120
Tuesdays, April 30th, 6th, 13th and 20th. 3:30-5:30pm (ages 8-12)
Wednesdays, April 14th, 21st, 28th, and May 5th. 3:30-5:30 (ages 8-12)
Thursday April 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. 3:30-5:30 (ages 13-17)
Instructor: Shelly Figueroa

Sewing 102: Kids 8-12 and 13-17

If your child is ready to take the next step into sewing clothing this class is right for them. Geared toward the second level student who understands sewing machine functions, fabric, and seaming sewists will gain further confidence and skills in this class and be ready to take off sewing. Your child will learn the basics of apparel sewing, increased knowledge of pressing, and beginning garment fitting skills. The projects include darling pajama pants with a drawstring and the perfect springtime elastic waisted skirt. 

Advanced Beginning/or equivalent knowledge
Cost $120
Dates: to be announced
Instructor: Shelly Figueroa

“Mary Go ‘Round” Child’s Reversible Wrap Dress

This is a wonderful all season wrap dress that your little girl (size 2-6) can wear twice for every trip to the laundry. Shelly Figueroa will take you through the pattern with a snap closure and also give you a few variations: adding piping or a buttonhole. You will have the opportunity to make this cute dress with the designer herself. It is the perfect pattern for the newer sewer who is just beginning to make clothes for little ones. 

Beginning
Cost $45
Tueday, April 27th 9:30-12:30
Instructor: Shelly Figueroa

Screen Printing Basics

Learn the fundamentals of screenprinting in this two-part workshop. The first class will explore the stencil making process with contact and freezer paper. We will make a small screen and use the screen-filler method to produce a one-of-a-kind design. We will also cover the principals of proper inks and technically appropriate images for our second class covering the photo-emulsion process. The photo-emulsion method of screenprinting is the most effective in achieving the highest level of image detail. You will have the opportunity to "burn" your favorite photograph or illustration. 

Beginner. 
Cost: $210 (includes $60 kit fee)
Two sessions offered:
Saturday March 20th and 27th 12-5pm
Saturday April 17th and 24th 12-5pm
Instructor: Nicole Cipriano

Undercover

Time to protect your investment and cute-up your sewing area all at the same time. You will make a sewing machine cover that is custom fit and styled (by you ) to be the perfect patchwork addition to your work space. Working off the measurements that you bring to class, we will use some quilting techniques to piece a sewing machine cover. We will also explore a “walking” or “even feed” foot to quilt our projects and learn how to apply grommets. This pattern is from the book, I (Love) Patchwork, and is perfect for the sewist who wants to give quilting a try on a small and useful scale. 

Beginning
Cost: $60
Wednesdays, April 28th and May 5th, 6:30-8:30
Instructor: Autumn Lapour

Charm Squares Baby Quilt

Make this beautiful row style baby quilt with a clean modern feel. In this 3 session class students will use pre-cut 5" fabric squares (or "charm packs") to make a 33"x40" baby or wall quilt. You will learn the basics of quilt construction, including sewing with a quarter inch seam allowance, making a quilt sandwich, machine quilt using a walking foot, and making and sewing on the binding. This class will require homework.

Beginning
Cost: $90
Wednesdays, March 31st, 7th, and 14th. 10am-12pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Hartman

Crazy Nine-Patch Lattice Quilt

This class will walk students through each step of the process of making a simple modern patchwork quilt measuring 38"x53". Students will learn how to make  "wonky" patchwork blocks, how to piece a quilt top and back, make a quilt sandwich, free-motion quilt, and make  continuous double-fold binding. This is a great class for the sewist who has always wanted to venture into quilting but not know where to start. This class will require homework.

Advanced Beginning
Cost: $180
Sundays, April 18th, 25th, and May 2nd, 1-4pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Hartman

Introduction to Felt Making

Felt is the oldest textile on earth. It is a non woven material which is created by the compression of wool with the help of moist heat and rubbing, but without use of binding compound. Wool is the only fibre endowed by nature with the properties that enable it to be felted. Through use dyed super fine merino fibre from Australia, and mostly recycled fabrics, I am endeavoring to explore the creation of unique textiles, that rest on the laurels of this prestigious fibre, wool. In this introductory class, students will learn to make a basic piece of flat felt using superfine merino wool tops as well as using fabric and/or thread to embellish it. Time permitting, we will also explore cobweb and nuno techniques. 

Beginning
Cost: $45
Sunday, March 28th 11am-2pm
Instructor: Margy Alexander

Never Tear Us Apart

Learn to make a pattern from an existing favorite garment with out even tearing it apart! A well fitting garment is a treasure that you want to keep forever, and maybe even have another? In this class you will create a paper pattern to use to sew another one of your most flattering pieces of clothing. 

Advanced Beginning
Cost: $60
Tuesdays, March 23rd and 30th, 6:30-8:30
Instructor: Margy Alexander

School House Tunic

You will love the School House Tunic by Sew Liberated.  This tunic is flattering on lots of body types and is a stylish essential for your spring wardrobe. This tunic is cute longer layered with jeans or leggings, or sew the shirt variation and turn your tunic into a top. Choose a fabric with nice drape, such as a mid-weight to light cotton, cotton voile, or linen. In this class, you will gain confidence gathering, sewing pleats, sewing and setting in sleeves, and make an elastic casing.  This is a class for the moderate sewer who is ready to make a shirt. There will be some homework required.

Advanced Beginning
Cost: $60
Thurdays, May 13th and 20th. 6:30-9pm
Instructor: Autumn Lapour

Kitchin' Stitchin

This three night class will get you sewing some great accessories for the home as well as learning a ton of fun new skills. You will make a reversible lined apron with patch pockets and ties, quilted oven mitt, and dish towel with applique trim and a hook to hang it with. There will be the opportunity to use a walking foot, practice edge stitching, and apply a pocket. These modern, chic, and useful kitchen items brighten up any space and make for wonderful mothers and/or fathers day gifts. 

Beginning. 
Cost: $120
Thursdays, April 1st, 8th, and 15th 6-9pm
Instructor: Autumn Lapour

And the fine print:

Full payment is due upon signing up for a class

100% of class fee is refundable if cancellation is at least 72 hours before class. 50% of class fee is refundable if cancellation is less than 72 hours before class starts; other 50% goes to teacher payment; unless student’s space is filled by another student

No-shows forfeit any refund unless it’s an unforeseen emergency.

Your class fee includes use of the studio and machines at no additional charge to work on your class project during the class session and 2 weeks after the class has ended. This is to encourage you to complete your project and is not intended to be used for other projects.

So many new things around here

by Gina.

There are so many new things happening around here I almost don't know where to start.  Almost.  First, I want to make an introduction.  You may have noticed a new voice here at Bolt Neighborhood--Melissa.  Melissa has taken on the blog-over-seer position and I am SO delighted to have her here.  She created her fantastic blog, All Buttoned Up, years ago and continues to share, inspire, and amuse at that address.  She has been a supporter of Bolt from its beginning, even stepping in to help put away fabric during the crazy busy times of our sales.  I am so grateful to have her in the community and look forward to the many things we will learn from her experience and creativity.  Thank you Melissa and welcome!

I've been away from the store quite a bit the last couple of weeks and so was glad to have the day in there recently to aquaint myself with all the latest arrivals.  One group being those above--Timber--modern, botanical prints, in cool blues and greens, and warm ornages and browns.  Sweet trees with birds and geometric gingko leaves.

 
Adorable hedgehogs and lovebirds from the experts of cute at Michael Miller.

 

And more whimsy fromTina Givens.  Chandeliers and peacocks.

We have a new organization of the month for March--Community Warehouse.  We will have more about them soon.  The sale this month to benefit them will be held Saturday, March 20th.  Mark your calendars!  All cutting tools will be 25% off.  This includes all scissors, pinking shears, rotary cutters, replacement blades, cutting mats, blade sharpeners and rulers.  If you've been wanting to get yourself outfitted with all these tools, or need to replace that worn out mat, or stock up on replacement blades, that's the day to do so.  Ten percent of the day's total sales will be donated to Community Warehouse.  And thank you for the fantastic turn out for last month's donation sale!

We will have a new class list sometime soon, I'm not entirely sure when.  Bolt will continue to offer some classes, even with Modern Domestic up and running.  The two businesses are separate entities, that will work collaboratively and support each other.  Bolt will hold classes as long as it seems like we are filling a need.  You will probably not see as full a list from us at Bolt as Modern Domestic will be providing a full, wide-ranging list.  Modern Domestic is a beautiful facility and they will be offering so many more classes, both time-wise and topic-wise, than Bolt ever could.  It is a wonderful and very welcome addition to the sewing community! 

Modern Domestic Class News and Update.

by Lupine

We are swiftly approaching the opening day at Modern Domestic. We are sure it will be this week (yes, the week we are currently having), but we still are not quite willing to say which day we will tear down the paper.  I have been wanting to share a little with you about some of the sewing opportunities and classes that we have been working on. Our class schedule is nearly ready to publish, and has some great teachers that you know and love from Bolt and a few new faces. We will offer lots of great classes on sewing clothes for kids and adults, tons of Learn To Sew classes, kids sewing classes (two age groups 8-12 and 13-17), felting, and Screen Printing Basics. There is more, and there are dates, but as soon as we are ready to take sign-ups, we will give the heads up on the details.

We are also super excited to invite you all to come and sew at Modern Domestic. We have two beautiful classrooms with 8 sewing machines each. We will have space for drop-in style open sewing during the day, evening, and weekends. There is no need to sign up in advance, it is available during our open hours (10-8pm Tuesday-Friday, 10-6 Saturday, and 11-5 Sunday) unless we have 2 classes scheduled.

In order to use the class room machines for open sewing, we suggest you take a sewing machine basic class or have equivalent knowledge. This means that most of you can just pop in, check-out some tools, and get sewing. If you are new to sewing and have never sewn before, you can do it after you get acquainted with the machines in a class. Open sewing will be $8/hour and we will have punch cards available for 10 hours for $50 with 2 hours of additional sewing for a friend.We can't wait to share this wonderful project with you. Please come by and say hello, get us to show you around, ask lots of questions, and bring a project and sew!

Sewing Machine Update from Modern Domestic.

by Lupine.

 

After a morning of learning about the security system and coordinating the install of the phone lines, we got to have a little more glamorous excitement at MD. We got our Janome sewing machines! We have 8 machines for one of the classrooms and a few more models for demo in the store. 

We have had a great time working with one of our dealerships, Montavilla Sewing, who has been very helpful in selecting the right machine assortment and accessories for Modern Domestic. With our Janome's, we have paid special attention to the price conscious sewist. Someone who wants to get started on a good quality machine that will last for years to come. With both our Janome and Bernina machines, we have steered away from the embroidery type machines, going for machines that garment sewers, quilters, beginners, home decor folks would all love. 

We are excited to show you more about all our favorite Janomes and the amazing range of presser feet and accessories that will make them really amazing. We are also excited to be a service drop point for Montavilla. We will offer their same great service right on Alberta. No need to make the drive out to 82nd and Stark, we will do that for you. And Montavilla services everything; from Janome to Brother, from Viking to Phaff, they will make it sew like new again.

That box in the corner of the picture is a Baby Lock serger. It is amazing: jet-air threading and self regulated tension control. Basically that means that this serger is not intimidating, unlike most. If you have never sergerd before, you can come in and learn all about it, or better yet, even take it for a spin. Ooohhh, this is getting fun.

Modern Domestic Update and Employee Search.

by Lupine.

I thought it might be fun to give you a little heads up as to the goings on down the street at Modern Domestic. We are making great progress with our space; have built many tables and assembled chairs, are working away at the final logo design and making decisions regarding lighting and point of sale systems. It is all really quilt fun, even the little silly stuff. 

We are working with other Alberta arty type places too, beyond Bolt, to become an amazing neighborhood community resource and a place to learn and create all sorts of amazing stuff. We hope to open in the early part of March, and have classes by the middle of the month. Working on the class schedule has me in awe of the talent and creativity of the future teachers at MD. 

One of the things we still need for Modern Domestic is an employee. Said employee needs to be someone who has excellent sewing skills. The type of person who can understand commercial patterns and knows their way around a sewing machine. We will of course give our dream employee some great training with Janome's, Bernina's and our Babylock serger. This position is going to be about 15-20 hours/week and the hours will be weekday afternoons-8 pm and some weekend days. This person also needs to have exceptional customer service skills and know how to make people feel welcome as well as be able to sell stuff in a helpful and non-pushy way. Are you this person? We can't imagine anyone closer to our hearts than our first employee at MD. Remember John Blasioli? He was the original employee at Bolt, and look at him now…

If you think you are the one for the job, please hand deliver or mail your resume to Bolt, attention Gina. 

Call for Fashion Designers of all types!

Check out this great opportunity to show off your talents, have a great time, and raise some funds and awareness for worthy organizations.  Andrea, one of the organizers passed this on.  Bolt will be featuring all three organizations being supported by this event as our Organizations of the Month during the month of May.  And, one of the organizations--Caldera--is our Org of the month for February.   Stay tuned for more on that!

Modified Style: Inspiring social transformation through sustainable art & fashion

If you're interested in sewing, creativity, helping raise money for awesome Portland-area non-profits, or having a rockin' good time at a fashion show, then you may be interested in Modified Style: Transformed Fashion Show.
 
It's all for fun!
 
 
What is Modified Style?

Modified Style is an annual fashion show and benefit that began in Seattle in 2008. The co-chairs of Portland's Modified Style, Andrea Fretwell and Janessa Philemon-Kerp, brought it down to Portland in May 2009. We are committed to raising awareness of select local non-profit organizations by featuring unique and wearable fashion created using sustainable practices by participants of all skill levels.

Modified Style '09:

• Successfully raised almost $2,000 in the first year
•  Inspired creativity in 30 designers
• Inspired confidence in 30 models
• Stephanie Ortman from Fox12 News emceed
• Prizes and donations from BridgePort Brewpub, PGE Park, Portland Center Stage, Honest Tea, Nike, Scrap, Thai Massage Clinic, and many more.
• Silent Auction
• Raised awareness and funds for Farm Sanctuary, Sisters of the Road, and Junior Achievement.

 
If you wish to participate in Modified Style '10, email us at modifiedstyle@gmail.com. Please include your contact information as well as your model's contact information (once you decide on your model). The closing date for signing up as a designer is February 25th, 2010. We will try to get all donated scrap fabric out to the designers by March 15th, leaving you approximately 2 months to make a wearable creation for a model that you choose.  Your model will show your dress at the Transformed Fashion Show  in May 2010. The event will be judged, and the top picks will receive a small prize (it's mostly for fun). A silent auction of the dresses will enable us to donate proceeds to Sisters of the Road, Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuary, and Caldera.

No sewing experience is necessary, just a creative urge or a desire to learn!

Rules and Guidelines will be emailed to designers and models by March 15th.


Resources
Facebook Page
Andrea
Sandra
Vanessa
How to Sew
How to make a sewing form
Dress making 101
Sewing Book
 
 
Interested Participants RSVP to
modifiedstyle@gmail.com
by February 25th
 
We are requesting a $25 donation from each participant. This goes to cover the cost of the room, equipment rental, copies, and all other incidental costs related to the event.  Everyone is welcome to participate whether they can afford the donation or not.  All proceeds benefit:  Sisters of the Road Cafe,  Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuaryand Caldera.
 

****Donations of fabric are welcome as well.****

If you or someone you know would like model, please let us know!
 
Please mail monetary and fabric donations to:

Modified Style
PO Box 10624
Portland, Oregon
97296

by February 25th

--
in progress:  http://www.modifiedstyle.org/

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 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!

Too cold to fish

Autumn shares this great scrap-liberating gift idea for small fisherpeople, or big people who can't get out to fish in this cold weather.

  

Here is a fun quick gift idea for your little fisherperson.

I made this for R. when he turned three and it has been a favorite of his ever since.  R. likes to just pour them out onto the rug and go fishing.  You could turn it into a game by adding numbers onto the fish for keeping score or make up your own game.

 

Supplies:

Fabric from your stash (scraps are perfect for this)

Pollyfill or other stuffing

Washers

Magnet for your fishing rod

 

1.  Draw out a fish template onto cardboard (you can wing this, I did).

2.  Go to your stash and cut out 20 fish for 10 finished fish. Cut through two layers at once to make it 2xfaster.

3.  I added the numbers at this point using Heat n' Bond, but you don't need this step to make a game out of your fish.

4.  Stitch two of your fish together with wrong sides together...leaving a small hole in the tail for putting in the stuffing.

5.  Stuff the fluff into the body of the fish.  The tail can be fluff free...this makes it easier to sew up the hole in the tail.   You could topstitch a line where the fluff ends and the tail begins if you want.

 

6.  Topstitch the hole closed and cut around your fish with your pinking sheers.  

7.  Now, hand sew your washers onto your fish.  

8.  Your fishing rod could be as simple as a stick from your yard and a magnet sewn onto the end of a string.  I fashioned my rod using wire, fluff, fabric, and glue.

 

9.  Now, go fishing...inside, because it is too cold outside (or wrap up nicely for a super fun future fishing adventure).

 

The Best List Ever.

and a little peek at some of the new Heather Bailey "Nicey Jane" line that has started to arrive... 

 

You all sent wonderful comments and links in that little giveaway a while back. Now, over on the right, we have a master list. I say keep them coming! I think you will have a great time looking around at all the creative blogs, sites, tutorials, downloads, and other free goodies on our list.

I would like to take a minute to high-light a few favorites. They are all so good. Which means that you are all so good, and have a lot of exploring to do. Feel free to leave a comment with anything else wonderful that we might have missed. We can always use more for our awesome and growing list.

Blogs and Sites with great Tutorials and Freebies:

Burda Style website--all sorts of trendy, stylish clothing to try out.  Many from their members, folks making up their own clothes.  There are discussion groups too, so you can see what others are saying about a pattern before trying it out.  There is so much great information on this site.  Check it out!

All People Quilt

Creature Comforts has no-sew or paper projects.

Heather Ross has a great sundress and garden gloves.

Craftzine has patterns and downloads and tutorials galore.

Artsy Crafty Babe has some great bags and more.

Heather Bailey has a few goodies.

How About Orange

Dana Made It

Little Birdie Secrets

Skip to My Lou

Make Baby Stuff

PS I Quilt

Mairuru is from Japan and has lots of instructions for hand-sewn treats.

Weekend Designers will show you how to make your own patterns and sew up all kinds of garments and bags.

Sew to Speak

Amy Butler--there's a "free patterns" link on the bottom of the menu on the right side. The "craft patterns" are for her paper line.  Under the "Sewing Patterns" there are lots of great looking quilt and duvet cover patterns, decor projects, a yoga mat bag, a necklace, pillows and more.

Anna Maria Horner--there are more quilts, a pin cushion, "tote-able towels," a dog leash, a great little tutorial on circles for applique, and a pillow case dress.

The Purl Bee--so many sewing, embroidery, knitting and crochet patterns and projects.  Many of them have photo-rich step-by-step tutorials.

Individual Patterns and Projects:

Sweet little note keeper from Soul Mama.

pvc-free coated cotton would work well for this sandwich wrap.

Knee pad pants for kids.

Baby Shoes

Wall Pocket that is like a purse for a door knob.