Sewrite

Demand For Dressmaking Classes

2009-10-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

The demand for our dressmaking classes continue to grow. We have had requests for classes from people, all very interested to learn to sew garments for themselves and family and friends.

It is really exciting for us to see how much the fashion world is inspiring people to be creative and have a go. It is so easy today with such wonderful sewing machines that offer lots of easy to use stitches, accessories and helpful one step buttonholes.

If you are still struggling at home with an old machine maybe it is time to review and come in and take a look at what we have available. Take a look at our website our machines are up to the minute state of the art, and we offer lots of support and encouragement for you to achieve what you are aiming for.

To meet the demand for dressmaking classes we have put on more teachers and will be able to offer a better selection of times to suit your requirements. We stock Kwik Sew and Simplicity patterns and an ever growing range of dress fabrics to meet the demand.

Come in and discuss with out staff just what you are intested in. Browse and test drive our machines and join in a fun and productive class.

Phone us on 9621 4007
find us at 1115-121 Best Road, Seven Hills.

Fabrics and Classes

2009-08-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

We have new patchwork Fabrics arriving in September. We are having a huge clearance sale to make way for all the new fabrics.

We are also having a sale on our dressmaking fabrics to make way for new fabrics.

We also have many classes on Patchwork classes and many Dressmaking classes.

There is a demand for dressmaking classes for all ages. Young girls , ladies and also some
men.

We are creating a special class for men for basic repairs and sewing.

Favourite Magazines

2009-02-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Firstly I must say that everyone at Sewrite are thinking about the Victorian Bushfires. We wish to send out love and support to all that have lost family and loved ones, suffered injury, lost homes, property and pets.

To those who have helped in the major task of fighting fires, assisting victims and caring for the homeless. Thankyou. We are so proud to be Australians and all of us are, in our own way choosing to contributing to causes that will directly assist those who have suffered so much and those who work tirelessly to help.

WE CARE.

MAGAZINE STYLE

I have been very selective about the magazines I buy now. I have moved away from the run of the mill patchwork magazine and am a bit more enamored by the art style magazines. I find the inspirational content appeals to my artist/creative need much better. They don't give you patterns per Se rather they feature textile artists using fabric and textiles, stamps, inks, mixed media, even computer generated art.

Belle Armoire, is in my opinion a worthwhile magazine even at $18.95 at Borders, I pay the extra for the airmail to get the magazine I want. They do have subscription which I haven't looked into but this is another way of acquiring it. They do lots of other specialty mags as well, these vary in price and can be up to $40.00.

To have a look at any of these try www.stampington.com

Have you any sewing related questions

2009-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

WE ARE HERE TO ANSWER THEM.

We pride ourselves on really good teachers who have heaps of experience and know how. However unless you are able to come to the classes we have no way of helping outside the shop for sewers who would like to learn more but do not have access to classes. We are keen to do a on line workshop in dressmaking, patchwork and anything else that is of interest to our readers.

This will be run along the lines of other online courses - with guidance and resources available on line and requirements sent out to you via Australia post. We are able to take paypal and credit card or cheque. This will enable you to have at hand what you need and to take the online class at a time to suite you.

In addition we are constantly updating and posting new ideas and handy hints to help you along with general sewing and crafting.

Just a few hints from our sewing guild that met this morning.

Always keep a note book and pen next to your machine as you work on a project, jot down the stitches used, measurements or any changes made to the pattern. You will have this reference handy next time you pick up the project or if you make the item again it will all be there written for you so that you don't have to try to remember what you did the first time.

Before you attempt a button hole on a garment, always do a sample one first, use stabilizer behind your button hole for a more stable and neater finish.

Wind more than one bobbin at the start of any large project.

Change the needle every eight hours of straight sewing. A blunt needle can cause more problems than anything else. If you are having a problem with the machine, skipped stitches etc. Re thread both top and bottom threads and change the needle. This often works and saves you having to take the machine to a repairer.

Use only good quality threads. Many machines made to day are made to an exacting standard and the cheaper threads just don't cut it. If you spend money on your fabric, spend money on the thread and save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress.

Well that was just a few hints for the moment, we have lots more. And perhaps even a project or two coming soon. So watch this space for more

PROJECT RUNWAY AUSTRALIA

2009-02-02T17:32:00.001-08:00

A new series of Project Runway Australia starts in February - if you are anything like us in the store we can not wait for the new show to start.

What we love is the challenge they give the contestants, they are judged on their ability and team work together. They are asked to comment on each others skills, communication and abilities. It is really interesting to see what the designers come up with having been given a specific project to do and how they work together.

The classes are now back in full swing for the start of the year, we only have a few vacancies left now in some classes, mainly patchwork tuesday morning, thursday morning and afternoon. Friday morning and afternoon. All dressmaking classes are full but we are taking names and looking to put more dressmaking classes on.

Last blast at old prices, we still have some model machines at Christmas prices. These models have been very popular so we were able to get some more at these prices and pass the saving to you. These machines have been increased otherwise due to the drop in the dollar. If you are thinking about a new machine it would pay to come in and have a chat with the girls and have a test drive of the models available.

The shop is looking great this summer, the airconditioning has been running non stop so it is always nice to pop in out of the heat and share a cup of tea. We have students who have been coming to the classes over several years, they enjoy the company and the learning - sharing environment.

GET CRAFTY

2009-01-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Did you happen to see the article in the Sunday Telegraph body and soul insert. It was all about the booming new interest in sewing and craft.

It seems like we are in the beginning of a new rush of intrepid sewers. Knitters, crafters and beaders, reusing and recycling - "Up cycling" as it is now dubbed. For all of us die hard sewers we have been doing this for years. This is great news as it includes young people getting interested in sewing etc.

We have been inundated with enquiries for all our classes our dress making classes are full and we now have to put on more sewing teachers to fill the demand. The high schools are purchasing Bernina's and Janome's to put back into the classrooms as there is a great demand for textile and design to be revamped in the schools.

This can only be a positive thing for the industry and sales of sewing machines have soared.

This trend seems to be a knee jerk reaction against mass consumerism combined with a concern for the environment and desire to embrace the simpler things in life, including many forms of craft.

Embellishments

2009-01-19T18:45:00.000-08:00

Today in the shop we have been discussing embelishing clothes both new and old.

We are going to do a challenge and search out an item of clothing in our wardrobe or at the op shop, and embelish it in the next two weeks. We will then show this off to the class ladies and offer them the opportunity and inspiration to step out side the square and tap into their creative juices.

Any garment can look fantastic, old jeans, jackets, blouses, t shirts and skirts can be re purposed to make something interesting and fun to wear. Pick something that you may have been going to throw out, find some interesting bits and pieces such as lace, ribbon, buckles, beads, trims, old costume jewellery, even mettalic fabrics and threads, embroidery threads, pieces of leather, suede and felt can all be used.

A sewing machine makes the job easy but is not necessary. Begin by laying out your garment and placing the embelishments over it as artistically as you like. You can use Roxanne glue to hold the items in place until you can attache them more firmly. Just play with the items taking and placing as you go.

Once you have a look that you like, use the machine to sew down your fabrics, lace and trim, using the machines fancy stitches can help to emphasise the design and add to the over all effect. For beads, buckles, jewellery and anything metal you will need to secure these with hand stitching using a heavy duty thread and firm knots into the fabric.

The idea is to have fun and save money while you are at it, save the environment by reusing what you have.

Check back soon to see what the girls have created.

Please remember to log on to the website and if you have anything that you want to show off or any ideas you may have please join our blog.

PROJECT RUNWAY

2009-01-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

The highly successful show Project Runway has inspired many people to start sewing or get back to sewing clothes for themselves and for their family.

It is a fabulous show that allows would be designers to see just what is possible and that anyone can achieve a brilliant result with their sewing.

The first place to start is by getting some basic sewing lessons, having a good reliable machine with a variety of utility stitches and for fun some fancy stitches to help you embelish and create.

A basic pattern and supplies and a teacher.

At Sewrite Seven Hills we offer an array of classes geared toward the beginner sewer and the more advanced, our teachers have a vast knowledge in all types of sewing, tailoring, design, fit, patternmaking and an abundance of ability to help you achieve your sewing goal.

We offer Janome and Bernina machines for sale and offer a comprehensive after sales service, your sewing classes will be a fabulous way to get to know your new machine while learning new skills or advancing skills you already have.

Classes are filling fast so please call the shop and book your place quickly, 9621 4007

The shop is conveniently located at Seven Hills, close to bus and train and parking close to shop.

Looking forward to meeting you there.

How much fabric do I need?

2008-09-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

For anyone who is a true fabraholic having a stash of beautiful fabrics awaiting some future project is just part and parcel of the process, it isn't necessary to know what you have purchased the fabric for - often it isn't even the issue, it is just a case of loving the print or colour or the combinations so much that you have to take a piece or two or three home.

Here begs the question I am asked all the time, "How much should I buy?" Well, just as a guide I suggest a total of 3 to 4 metres being enough for a reasonable sized quilt, approx a single or a double or topper for a queen bed, also a reasonable amount for a wall hanging. If added to from a stash, and depending on how many colours are required, 3 to 4 metres is "safe".

Given that you may make up the top and then decide on a second purchase for borders, backing etc, once again 3 to 4 metres is a good place to start.

I love fat quarters, and the charm packs, altho I still havn't fallen for the jelly rolls. Fat quarters allows me to have some gorgeous fabrics in small amounts which suits my style of quilting which is scrappy, and applique with lots of small pieces and some unusual use of prints as background fabrics. So when I look at fabric I am looking at it as a palette of colour, texture and design.
All these principles are integral to how I sew and create.

So whether you buy a lot or a little, if you have a stash or not, don't worry just enjoy the process as a creative one, let the fabric dictate to you and you will not go wrong.

Claim yourself as a "Fabraholic" and have fun.

Roz

Thursday night classes

2008-09-07T00:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all welcome back,

Thursday night at the shop is super busy with three sometimes four or more classes going on.

I take a general patchwork class with some very clever ladies all talented patchworkers who know what they like. They all work yet they are prolific in their sewing.

Irene has a class once a month in circles of the east a specific quilt and or any other quilts her many followers enjoy doing with her brilliant tutoring.

Barbara has a dressmaking class, once again a variety of age groups and talent to spare, these ladies are fabulous and Barbara makes it all look very easy with her excellent teaching

(Barbara top photo and lower photo her students with some work)

And Amanda who teaches many of her very individual designs and teaches techniques that she has perfected, these quilts are often published in Australian magazines and having the designer on tap in our own shop is amazing.

We are up and running

2008-09-03T01:11:00.001-07:00

Hi and welcome to the new blog site for our wonderful shop in Seven Hills, Sydney.

Let me introduce myself to start, my name is Roz Panetta and apart from teaching patchwork in the shop two days a week I also work in the shop when needed. I am editing this blog on behalf of Narelle and Ken the owners and for the other wonderful staff, Kim, Carol T, Carol S, Ann, Kerryn, and the teachers, Irene, Amanda, Barbara, Jackie, Leanne.

I hope to keep you up to date on the many interesting happenings within the shop, the many quest speakers, demonstrations, classes and general fun that we all have on a daily basis here.

The shop is just delightful, airy and open with masses of windows letting in natural light which is just wonderful for classes. We have four dedicated class rooms, these are impressive with large roomy tables, comfortable air lift chairs and convenient central located power points for machines, extra lighting is provided by OTT Lights, steam irons and full size ironing boards, applique mats, rulers and boards are all provided.

Lots of shelving with a rainbow of fabric rolls of recent release fabrics, New arrivals spilling over and lots of bargain priced fabrics, some starting at only $5.00 a metre.

Gorgeous quilts line the walls for inspiration and decoration. Machine embroidery samples tempt with their intricate detail, sitting amongst the machines that created them, you can see at a glance how truely amazing these machines have become, the Janome 1100 is a stunning machine with a nearly unlimited potential to keep you happily sewing for years to come.

Sewrite Seven Hills is a destination shop for those wishing to have a true sewing experience. To add to this we now offer a website www.sewrite.com.au and this blog link, so grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy what we have in store and to come within the comfort of your own loungeroom. I look forward to offering an interesting blog with lots of information, links, ideas, new products, class news, inspiration and free patterns.

Please leave comments and requests and come back often. And be sure to pop in and visit us in the shop, we look forward to seeing you.

cheers

Roz