Thursday, November 10, 2011

More About Sergers

Well it is another day and I will finish a large batch of scarves today, then DH (dear hubby) can sit and pull threads for fringes while he watches Fox News all evening....the 'My Serger, My Friend' CD  has all the information you need for the care and use of your serger-no matter what the brand.  It also includes some examples of using your serger for things other than just serging a seam - such as making a beautiful rolled hem.  These CD's  will be available in my shop and on my Website (www.stclairoriginals.com) beginning Black Friday, Nov. 25 and the regular price will be $ 7.95.  I will have a Holiday Sale Price of $ 6.95 for a limited time and you may Pre-Order now to make sure you get one....and get FREE SHIPPING.

My Serger, My Friend is just the beginning of a whole series of CD's that will be available over the next few months........these are based on my classes and are a step by step guide to help you have a wonderful sewing experience.  These programs are in PowerPoint with pictures and instructions on every page.  Simply put the CD in your computer and when it opens you can click on the screen to go forward or backward to the info you want.  You may also print out everything so you have a hard copy for reference. 

Talk to you tomorrow........

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Serger Problems??????

What a fun day!  I have been doing tight rolled hems on long rayon Batik scarves for the past two days.  The ironic thing is that I am almost done producing my CD and DVD on 'Making Friends with your Serger'....and I spent several hours today cussing mine out and being very frustrated.  I rarely ever have serger issues, so maybe this happened to make me understand my customers' frustrations better.

Brought the Serger from home today (I had been working at home on a project last weekend) and when I plugged the Serger in, it appeared not to be getting power.  After 10 minutes of plugging and unplugging, checking the power strip, back up battery surge protector etc,  I realized the only thing wrong was that my bulb had evidentally burned out!   I never actually tried to sew on it, just assumed that because there was no light, there was no power....WRONG. 

Then when I changed thread colors, I forgot to reset the lower loop tension...when I tried to sew everything got icky.  Spent about 20 minutes fixing the threading problems and then realized what I had done.  Started to do rolled hem on scarf and top thread broke and messed up again.  Fixed it and re-threaded and two minutes later it broke again.....this was like a 3 Stoogies movie or something....then I discovered I had a bad spool of serger thread (it happens).  Every yard or so the thread was cut on the spool.  Maybe it came that way or maybe I knicked it with the scissors when I removed the wrapping.....anyway, I now have a better appreciation of all your frustrations out there in Sewing Land.  Maybe the Sewing Fairies though I was getting too smarty pants about never having serger problems and decided to give me a hard time!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

NEW ARRIVALS

Rosemary St. Clair Originals, Fabrics & More now carries Gutterman poly thread and a large line of Superior Threads selections such as MASTERIECE by Alex Anderson (Egyptian Cotton), KING TUT Cotton Quilting Thread, SO FINE by John Flynn poly sewing & quilting thread, and BOTTOM LINE bobbin thread for machine embroidery. 

The shop has a large color selection of 60" wide machine wash & dry Sophia Knit fabric that is Rayon, Poly & Spandex.  Wonderful for all types of clothing.  A gorgeous very light weight poly twill has just arrived this week...the perfect fabric for fall slacks and jackets....machine wash & dry!!!!

Lots of new Oriental cotton prints from Kona Bay, and cotton batiks from Hoffman California and Island batiks.  Getting them on the website as quickly as possible and I am always happy to send you a digital pic of fabric or actual samples.  If YOU don't sew, then you can just order it and I will make it for you.......

if you wish to receive my monthly Newsletter, advance notice of sales, 10% off your web and in store purchases, money saving coupons and more...just email me.

Rosemary St. Clair Originals, Fabrics & More
2118 Trent Blvd  New Bern NC  28560
http://www.arttowearoriginals.com/   and   http://www.stclairoriginals.com/
email: rsdesignsnb@suddenlink.net    252-229-7397

Aug 5, 2011

Busy putting together my fall class schedule and starting to make fall clothing for the shop.  Lots of new Cotton Batiks from Hoffman California have recently arrived, and next week my favorites will be here.  They are grey batiks....never have had grey in batik before.  Very excited to make some fall patchwork jackets and vests for the shop using these fabrics.

If you wish to receive my Monthly e-mail Newsletters and coupons plus advance notice of sales, please e-mail me at rsdesignsnb@suddenlink.net to be added to the mailing list.  It al gives you 10% off purchases on the website and in the shop.

Stay cool!!!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE

CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE AND MY SHOP IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA THIS MONTH.......We are having a great sale to make way for lots of new Hoffman Batiks that are arriving at the end of July.

Many of the SALE FABRICS are posted on my website.  If you send me your e-mail address to sign up for my Monthly Newsletter, you will receive FREE SHIPPING on any website orders, advance notice of sales, and discount coupons.

Don't forget to check out the deCOLOURANT products that have just arrived.....

Happy Sewing

dECOLOURANT DISCHARGE DYE IS HERE!!!!

20% OFF INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL ON ALL deCOLOURANT PRODUCT INCLUDING THE BOOK.  I HAVE JUST ADDED THESE PRODUCTS TO MY WEBSITE.  www.stclairoriginals.com   

THIS IS THE MOST FUN YOU WILL EVER HAVE WITH FABRIC! 

deCOLOURANT is a new product in my shop....it is s non-toxic Discharge Dye Product that cleans up with soap and water....it is not permanent until it dries and is heat set with your iron.  This product was developed by two friends of mine from ASDP (Assoc. of Sewing & Design Professionals), and they are visiting quilt and fabric shows around the country to demonstrate these products.

There are 60 colors, including metallics, that you can use on your fabric to create your own designs or just use the basic deCOLOURANT to just remove the original dye color.  You can apply this product with a paint brush, stencel, rubber stamps, sponges - just about any way you want....  it also comes in a spray bottle to create your own design, then just clean up with soap and water.  There is a wonderful book available with demos and valuable info and designs.


CONTACT ME AT RSDESIGNSNB@SUDDENLINK.NET AND I WILL E-MAIL YOU A COMPLETE BROCHURE WITH ALL THE DETAILS.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

May 24, 2011

I have a new product coming in June to my shop and for sale on my website.  This wonderful product removes colors from natural fibers and also paper...then if you wish, it will add new color to your design.  You can brush it on, stencil it, sponge it-really anyway at all.  It is non-toxic, cleans up with water and is removable until you heat set it, so if you do not not the design simply rinse in soapy water and start over.  I will be having classes at the shop showing how to use this product.  I am looking forward to playing with this new toy!  There are about 60 different colors availble.  Check back for more info.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

May 14, 2011

I have finished posting the Rayon Batik, Cotton Batik, and almost all the Oriental Cotton Fabrics on http://www.stclairoriginals.com/.  Over the weekend I will add the new Batiks, Batik Jelly Rolls, Jewelry, and some Pattern Books.  Next week I will add the remaining Cotton Prints and hopefully buttons.  The following week I will add the Poly Prints and other Apparel Fabrics.  As my introductory Website Special, I am offering FREE SHIPPING and Special Discounts on various Fabrics.  I also have a special discount for Quilt Groups and ASG Members.  Check back here or on the website for further info.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Saturday March 26

I have just finished getting all the rayon batiks from Island Batik Fabrics posted on http://www.stclairoriginals.com/  website.  Now over the weekend I will work on the Cotton Batiks and next week I will get the Oriental Cotton prints posted.  A long and tedious process, but well worth the effort when it is done.

Hope you all are getting geared up for Spring Sewing Projects!  I have the new Spring/Summer Class list ready to send out, so if you are interested in receiving the list, send me an e-mail.

 

Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday March 11, 2011

Cannot believe it is Friday again!  I have too much left to do for it to be the end of another week...Lot's of new Island batik Jelly roll colors and Batiks.  Ordering more this weekend since they are going fast.  Still trying to get the Class schedule together, but I can tell you that there are two openings left in the Tue morning 9 - 11  AM  Jelly roll Jacket class that will meet March 22, 29 and April 5 and two spaces left in the Wed evening Jelly Roll jacket class that meets Wed 7 - 9 PM  March 23, 30 and April 6.

Also there are still two spaces left in the Curved Piece jacket class for Tues mornings 9 - 11 AM that will meet April 19, 26, and May 3.  If there is enough interest I will also hold a class on the Wed nights.  The complete schedule for now thru June should be posted on my website and also here by next week.

Call 252-636-3589 or 252-229-7397 for more info on the classes or to reserve your spot......or e-mail at rsdesignsnb@suddenlink.net

Talk to you later and remember...A MIND is a terrible thing to WASTE and a WAIST is a terrible thing to MIND......

Monday, March 7, 2011

Happy Monday!

Well the Fashion Show is over and now I am cleaning and reorganizing the shop......New shipment of fabrics will be here from Island Batik this week.  Lots of clothing items to finish making for March 19th introduction of my new spring line.  Looking forward to warmer weather.

Remember: It's not about waiting for the storm to pass........It's learning to dance in the rain

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Feb 26, 2011

The updated Spring Class Schedule will be available Sunday.  I will post it here and also I can e-mail it if you contact me.

We are having a Sping Fling at the retail shop on Saturday March 19.  There will be special pricing on new spring designs, a special final sale rack and all my jewelry will be 25% off that day.  Come join us and register for Door Prizes.

Monday, February 14, 2011

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

My New Website at http://www.arttowearoriginals.com/ is now available.  This website shows many of my clothing designs that are available in my retail shop and on line.  The other site at http://www.stclairoriginals.com/ featuring fabrics and clothing is also now online and has a shopping cart so you will be able to shop in your PJ's.  I am still adding items to the stclairoriginals website every day, so hang in there- soon all will be organized-I promise!

Finally getting a little warmer this week, so I am getting more in the mood to make Spring Clothes for the big Fashion Show!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Sat Feb 12

Still hard at work trying to get the new website up and running.  Many, many fabrics to photograph and catalog....will it never end!

Looking forward to warmer weather this week and the incentive to make Spring clothing for the Fashion Show.  Hard to think Spring when you are scraping ice off the windshield each morning.

Shop is closed on Thursdays during February.

Thought for the day:  Quilting - it's cheaper than Therapy!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

TUES FEB 8

The http://www.stclairoriginals.com/ website will be off the internet for a few days to get a totally new look.  I'll post when it is up and running again.

Our Weekly Hint:  When threading your bobbin, use a medium to slow speed.  Running the pedal at full throttle heats up the thread and stretches the thread as it winds so quickly.  Then when you sew with that bobbin the thread relaxes in the seam-often giving you puckers.

Happy Sewing

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Sat Feb 5

Looking forward to getting my new website up and running on Monday.  Then I have the huge job of adding all the fabrics to the new site.  I'll post when it is up and running.......

I gave up jogging for quilting because my pantyhose kept catching on fire! ....I loved that saying....especially if you see the cartoon picture that went with it.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

FEB 3 NEW FABRICS

Just got in a shipment of the newest items from Hoffman Fabrics.  The new Hanami Orientals are DIVINE.  Got them in the cream, peach, green and gold and also in the black, cream, green and gold, plus the companion fabrics.  Also got some new Hoffman 1895 batiks.  Looking forwad to using these fabrics in the Spring clothing I will make for my Shop.  Still working on getting the fabrics on my website, but in the meantime if anyone wants to purchase the new items, e-mail me at rsdesignsnb@suddenlink.net and I can e-mail you digital pics of the fabrics.  Happy sewing!

http://www.stclairoriginals.com/

Sunday, January 30, 2011

WHAT'S NEW

My blog is what's new!  I finally have joined the world with blogging.  I hope to encourage all of you to sew and quilt.  Many ladies have been away from the sewing world for years-it is now time to come back and have fun. 


Each week I will post a sewing or quilting tidbit to help you learn something new.  I will also be discussing how to fit clothing and how to buy retail for your figure. 


I welcome questions and suggestions.  If you are in the New Bern NC area, please stop in the shop to say hello.  You can also visit my website at  http://www.stclairoriginals.com/.  During February the website will be getting a whole new look and I will also be adding the fabrics....this way you can buy fabric  or even my clothing without leaving the house!


I leave you with these words of advice.....


CHOCOLATE - It's not just for breakfast anymore!


Rosemary