News from Jane Foster's Sewing and Design Studio
Call Jane now to sign up for 2013 Fall Sewing Retreat
Be sure to contact Jane regarding her 2013 Fall Sewing Retreat at Monteray Ba;y. She is now accepting reservations. Call her today. Learn more!
Look at the photos from the Spring Sewing Retreat 2013.
Jane's Summer 2013 Sewing Challenge
Dresses are IN!
I challenge you to make a summer dress for yourself.Think about color of fabric and a style that complements your body shape. There are so many new dress patterns available now so you will have lots of choice.
Our deadline is Saturday August 24th when those who want to can join me for Tea at the Palace(hotel that is) in San Francisco.We will have a photo shoot of our dresses and enjoy tea together.
Happy Sewing! Jane
Here are some of the dresses the students are making.
Article About Jane's Class in Vogue Pattern Magazine
EXTRA...EXTRA.....EXTRA.....red hot news.
Be sure to buy Vogue Pattern Magazine, the February/ March issue. This issue features Jane's "California Class" in a six page article starting on Page 56 ! Jane describes how she challenged her students to use a pattern by the Italian pattern company MARFY. These patterns come with no instructions, no seam allowances, and no pattern layouts. So they are quite a challenge. So get a copy of the magazine, and enjoy!
You can also see the garments from Jane's Marfy Challenge here. !
California Seaside Sewing Retreat and Vacation
Jane is planning a Sewing Vacation / Retreat from Friday April 19 to Friday April 26, 2013. Choose to come for 3,4,or 7 nights. These sewing workshops are a fun way to sew and relax.
Please call or Email Jane with your interest in her Sewing Retreats and Vacations.
Needlewoman of the Month
Jane monthly features one of the women who sew with her. They are all so talented, and she wants to share their creations with you.
"Needlewoman of the Month" for December 2012
I have known Laura for many, many years. In the early days she came to my Monday night sew labs and sewed beautiful dresses for her daughter Ellen who was a toddler then and is now off to college. I was in designer heaven because Laura brought so many lovely fabric choices for me to suggest ideas for each dress.
In later years, Ellen started to ice skate and that started a whole new type of sewing for Laura as she created the most amazing skating dresses for Ellen's competitions.
Laura also has a love of quilting and has made amazing quilts for family and friends. Her attention to detail and incredible tenacity for high standards shows in all of her work today. It is such a pleasure to show you some of Laura’s garments and quilts...Jane.View slideshows for all the Needlewomen
Jiffy Jacket Class with Jane Foster
Saturday, September 22, 2012. 9:30 am - 4;00 pm.
Location: Sewing Machine Shop, Walnut Creek, CA
Registration: $65 with the Sewing Machine Shop. Call 925-937-7575 to register.
Spend the whole day sewing with Jane Foster, local sewing teacher, and make this easy, unlined sweater jacket. Choose one of the wonderful sweater knits available. Sew with your serger and/or regular sewing machine; use cover stitch or twin needles. The pattern will be provided. There will be lots of choices: make pockets or no pockets; fasten with buttons, zipper or no fastening; add embellishments, trims or leave plain. It's all up to you!
There will be a break for lunch.
Jane Foster's Design Challenge
It’s time to start sewing some seeds for my new challenge to you. The response to my last two challenges has been truly amazing and I commend you on that. Those who haven't taken the task before maybe you are ready for this one. I never mean it to be a competition but more a way to keep your sewing exciting and to give others joy when you share at the end.
I know we are in summer and thinking what we will wear over the next 4 or 5 months....BUT this Fall we have a very new silhouette appearing. It is certainly “out of the box” for most of us but I think it’s refreshing and fun. There are layers,,some long some short,the legging look continues but in narrow pants with sometimes a short skirt in the same fabric. There are bold geometrics with angles. There are sheer fabrics over narrow pants...and more.
So for starters I want you to sit and watch this video link and absorb the shapes...jot down words that come to mind and choose one silhouette that you like, one that you think would look good on you.
I want you to design and make, two, maybe three garments, to add to your Fall ‘12 and Winter ‘13 wardrobe that have the flavor of these fashions. this challenge is open to all and we will meet early next year to show what we have created.
Here is your Inspiration and Extra eye candy from Chanel.
Sew A Gorgeous Collage Jacket
It's fun, it's easy and it's creative! Join Jane Foster, a master at clothing design, and turn a boring sweatshirt into a charming jacket. You can choose a theme, apply cut-outs with fusible web, and needle paint with threads. Jane will help you with your design, fit, and construction.
Supply List
- A large sweatshirt with set in sleeves (not raglan)
- Design ideas such as a theme e.g., seasonal, floral, circles ,triangles, photos, etc. As you know, the ideas are endless.
- Fabric you love, printed or solid. Your chance to go to a fabric store with cottons and buy small amounts. (You can discuss design and colors with me before you shop if you choose .)
- Steam a Seam 2 Lite, assorted threads, yarns, and embellishments.
- If you are sewing at home, a darning foot or free motion foot for your machine.