Australian Sewing Guild - Industry Day

Had a fabulous day in Toowoomba recently.

The day was hosted by the Darling Downs Region, and they did a great job. The ladies in the kitchen put on a delicious spread for morning tea and lunch.

There were 3 Presenters Maureen Thompson, Martyn Smith and Suzanne Gray.

Maureen has just retired from Scafs at Indooroopilly. She has previously produced a book on designing your own skirts from a simple pattern or using no pattern. She presented her next book on Designing bodices. Maureen presented in a way that is easy to understand and her book has ALL the details and pictures to make it easy to do at home. I purchased a copy and need to set about making myself some bodices (or they may become dresses).

Bodices by You by Maureen Thompson

Martyn Smith's presentation was all about interfacing. McCalls have developed some lovely new interfacings, that at the moment are available through Spotlight. I will be ordering some to have on hand for classes next month.

The most important thing Martyn said (more than once) was

DO NOT USE STEAM to apply your interfacing. Ideally use a press, but an iron will work if it is hot enough 185 approx. cotton to linen setting for 16 - 20 seconds. The disadvantage of the iron is the plate is usually full of holes (for steam). So if you have a solid plate use it instead. Let the interfaced piece sit and cool before you move it carefully without getting your fingerprints on the piece (use the seam edges). Ideally use a separate padded board for applying interfacing because your ironing board will be full of moisture form all that steam you use when pressing fabric and garments.

Names of new interfacings

Suzanne Gray specializes in Fractured Knits. She uses a variety of knits and jerseys, prints and plains to create gorgeous jackets and shirts.These can be made from a basic t-shirt or cardigan pattern. Suzanne was full of tips and tricks for sewing with knits and creating one of a kind designs.

A small selection of Suzanne's ideas