Category: Sewing
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Fri, May 9, 2008 at 3:47 PM'49 Sensational Skirts' Book Giveaway
If you're one to step out of the box when it comes to your wardrobe, then Alison Willoughby's recently published book, "49 Sensational Skirts, Creative Embellishment Ideas For One-of-a-Kind Designs" will help you put together some really "head-turning, show-stopping skirts."
Willoughby shows you a lot of different creative techniques, like deconstructing, layering, using found objects as embellishments, using strips of fabric and much more.
For a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me a little about your sewing projects. Please put the word "skirts" in the subject line and remember to include your name and address.
Good Luck!
Category: Knitting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM'Ewe-nique Knits Fundraiser Donates $1,250 to Royal Oak Animal Shelter'
(The following is a press release sent in yesterday from Ewe-nique Knits)
Royal Oak, Mich. - Ewe-nique Knits recently raised $1,250 for the Royal Oak Animal Shelter at a silent auction and ice cream social hosted at the shop. Over the last six months, local knitters and spinners have joined the shop's monthly "Knit for Charity" evenings to create individual squares (yarn & pattern provided by Ewe-nique Knits) that became part of the blanket auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Royal Oak Animal Shelter. The blanket sold for $1,000, and a scarf spun with dog hair by Ewe-nique Knits owner Marilyn Grazioli sold for $250.
"We're proud to be able to contribute to the Royal Oak Animal Shelter," said Grazioli. "Many of our customers already give so much of their time and talent to the local community, but they continue to participate in our events because it combines something they enjoy - knitting and spinning - with something they feel good about."
"Our customers have enthusiastically participated in our charity knitting events, and the result of their efforts was this beautiful blanket that we were able to auction off," said Amy Goller, owner of Ewe-nique Knits. "Not only did we raise money for a worthwhile local organization, but we also had fun doing it!"
In addition to knitting or spinning a square for the auction blanket, participants at the monthly charity knitting evenings created small blankets to donate to a dog or cat at the shelter (research shows animals with blankets appear to be well loved and cared for, and as a result are adopted quicker).
The shop will continue to hold charity knitting and will begin work on new projects to benefit local charities. The last Friday of each month is dedicated to knitting for charity at Ewe-nique Knits, and the shop also will offer participating customers 10% off anything in the store that night. The next Knit for Charity event is May 25.
WHAT: Ewe-nique Knits "Knit for Charity" and 10% Off WHEN: The last Friday of each month 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. WHERE: Ewe-nique Knits 515 S. Lafayette Royal Oak, Michigan CONTACT: (248) 584-3001 or visit www.eweniqueknits.com.
Category: Beading
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 10:20 AM'Bead Simple' Book Giveaway
From wooden earrings and chain necklaces to vintage button bracelets and rhinestone embellished feather hair combs, "Bead Simple, Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It" (The Tauton Press/$19.95) by Susan Beal has a lot of interesting and fun jewelry making projects to offer persons of all skill levels.
You'll find ways to use some of those buttons, feathers and textured ribbons you've been collecting over the years. No matter what your taste, you're sure to find something you'll want to make to add to your jewelry wardrobe.
For a chance at winning a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me why this book interest you. Please put the words "bead simple" in the subject line, and remember to include your name and address.
Good Luck!!!
Category: Other
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 4:29 PMRegister Now For the 'Funky Ferndale Art Fair'
It's time for interested vendors to register for the "Funky Ferndale Art Fair," scheduled for Sept. 20-21st.
Application deadline is June 1st. For more information and/or an application, visit their website.
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Category: Lace making
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 10:24 AM'Love of Lace' Event Scheduled for May 3rd
The Great Lakes Lace Group, Inc. will present "Love of Lace XV, Take an Adventure into Lacemaking" Saturday, May 3rd, at Livonia Civic Center Library.
Those who attend are invited to take part in the "Lace In." Take your own project and work along with other lace makers whose techniques include crocheting, knitting, needle and shuttle tatting, bobbin and Battenberg. Other highlights include watching lace makers as "they weave their magical webs of lace," and making purchases from vendors of lacemaking books, tools and supplies.
Admission is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Livonia Civic Center Library is located at 32777 Five Mile Road (just east of Farmington) in Livonia. For more information, call (313) 406-5888 or (517) 592-9815, or visit the lace group's website.
Category: Knitting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 10:24 AM'Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves, Dazzling Designs to Knit'
Nicky Epstein's recently released book on knitting scarves is truly delightful. It's a definite treat for knitters of all skill levels who want to wrap themselves in the warmth of uniquely designed knitwear.
The book, titled "Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves, Dazzling Designs to Knit" (Sixth&Spring Books/$29.95), will inspire any knitter to knit outside the box and challenge his/her sense of creativity.
The more than 30 featured patterns include a wide array of knitting techniques, some coupled with felting, piecework, embellishing, metal fasteners and "scarf edgings," as presented in a section at the back of the book.
Several of the scarves require assembly, like the "Celtic Glory" design featured on page 65. "These medallions are joined together to create a fabulous scarf-wrap. You can knit individual pieces on the go and assemble them later!" writes Epstein. Then there's the felted scarf, perfect for a chilly autumn day. It's made of lots of felted leaves in shades of rust, brick red and a deep mustard. The leaves have been layered, creating a falling leaves affect. It's quite stunning.
("One of today's hottest knitwear designers, Nicky Epstein has gained nationwide recognition for her innovative work, abundant creativity and dazzling workshops. She has authored numerous books, including the top-selling Edgings series ("Knitting On the Edge," "Knitting Over the Edge," "Knitting Beyond the Edge"), "Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers," "Nicky Epstein's Crocheted Flowers," "Knitting Never Felt Better," and "Cover Up with Nicky Epstein." Her designs have been featued in major knitting publications, including Vogue Knitting, as well as on television.")
Category: Quilting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 2:32 PMAT&T and Gee's Bend Quilters Celebrate Black History
"AT&T Inc. (NySE:T) has announed the unveiling of a specially commissioned quilt that celebrates the spirit of African-Americans and highlights the unique talents of the renowned Gee's Bend Quilters."
The quilt, which has been on tour throughout the U.S. this year, is currently on its final stop here in Detroit before being donated to the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Unfortunately, this unveiling is NOT open to the public.
(Below is a press release, in part, just in from AT&T Michigan).
The quilt measures 95 inches by 82 inches, was created by 46 members of the Gee's Bend Quilters Collective and features colors based on the AT&T brand palette. The quilters, aged 19 to 90, worked together for more than 250 hours to complete the artwork, which is destined to become a part of black cultural history. The quilt symbolizes the individuality of the quilters and their multigenerational approach to African-American art and culture. Along with Detroit, the quilt will tour the U.S. this year and make stops at AT&T locations in Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Los Angeles; Chicago and St. Louis. The tour will be supported by members of Community NETwork African American Telecommunications Professionals of AT&T, who will provide visitors with the history of the Gee's Bend Quilters. Ultimately, the quilt will be donated to the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).
"The collaboration with the Gee's Bend Quilters has given us the unique opportunity to share a piece of art with the Detroit area that will help not only to tell their story but to highlight the important cultural contributions of African-Americans," said Greg Clark, vice president of External Affairs for AT&T Michigan. "We hope this will be a tool that inspires people to preserve and pass on their traditions."
"Working with my mother, Leola Pettway, on our two squares for the commissioned quilt for AT&T was wonderful because it brought back memories of the old days, when we went from house to house quilting with all the women," said China Pettway, member of the Gee's Bend Quilters Collective and member of the board of the Gee's Bend Foundation. "We sewed our history right into this quilt and are proud to celebrate Black History Month. This gave us the chance to sit with a large group of the women, singing and sewing together."
Quilts made by Mary Lee Bendolph, a member of the collective, were featured in an AT&T broadband marketing campaign that was introduced last summer and included television, direct mail and Internet ads. As part of that campaign, AT&T also sponsored a three-city Gee's Bend Quilters tour to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, featuring appearances by several quilters.
The Gee's Bend Quilters Collective is a group of more than 50 women who live in Gee's Bend, Ala. The history of quilting in Gee's Bend dates back to the 1800s, when the women of Gee's Bend -- which remains a small, isolated, all-black rural community outside Selma, Ala. -- developed a style that featured distinct, bold, sophisticated designs. Blending the cutural influences of the area -- European, American Indian and African aesthetics -- the unique style and designs of the Gee's Bend Quilts have been developed and passed down through many generations. The quilts are internationally acclaimed -- The New York Times pronounced the quilts as "(among) the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced."
AT&T's long heritage of serving the African-American community stems from the company's commitment to diversity at every level. The relationship with the Gee's Bend Quilters Collective is just the most recent to celebrate and preserve African-American culture. The company also invests in cultural events, such as San Antonio's Beyond the Dream celebration to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, AT&T's activity has been recognized, with more than 20 notable diversity awards in 2006 and several distinctions last year, including being named 2007 Corporation of the Year by 100 Black Men magazine and being ranked No. 1 among DiversityInc magazine's Top 10 Companies for African Americans.
Category: Sewing
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 2:26 PMAmerican Sewing Expo announces 2008 challenge, contests
From the folks at The American Sewing Expo:
The 15th annual American Sewing Expo is accepting entries for its Baby Lock Passion For Fashion Sewing Challenge Art of the Quilt contest and Innovation Generation Fashion Show contest.
The Baby Lock Passion For Fashion Sewing Challenge submission deadline is July 1. Twelve finalists design and sew their garments beginning Friday at the event and finish Saturday, showing off their garments live at the expo.
Applicants must be 18 or older and have the basic sewing skills needed to sew a fashionable garment and have it fit a model. There is a $25 nonrefundable jury fee and all applications must include one fashion garment or outfit that will be returned. Finalists will be notified by Aug. 1.
The Art of the Quilt contest submission deadline is Sept. 5. Quilts are to be "other than traditional" in nature and reflect the theme "A Touch of Magic." Entries must consist of three layers held together with stitching and the work of a single individual. There is a $15 nonrefundable entry fee per quilt with a limit of two. All quilts will be returned after being on display at the expo.
The Innovation Generation Fashion Show contest deadline for submission is Sept. 12. The contest is for ages 8-18 years, knowledgeable on the sewing process and who have made their own entry. Garments will be prejudged and then worn by the entrants on the Expo Fashion Stage. There is a $15 nonrefundable entry fee.
Applications and complete list of rules and prizes are available at www.AmericanSewingExpo.com or call (248) 889-3111.
The American Sewing Expo will take place at the Rock Financial Showplace on Sept. 26-28. The event features celebrities, experts, national fiber arts exhibits, free stage demonstrations, more than 100 seminars daily, hands-on-workshops, competitions, young sewer programs, fashion style shows, contests and more than 350 vendor booths displaying sewing, quilting, knitting, home decor and fiber arts products.
Rock Financial Showplace is located on Grand River Avenue between Novi and Beck Roads in Novi. Show hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Preshow workshops are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26, and Sept. 27. Expo admission is $12 and children 16 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. One-hour seminars are $12, all-day workshops are $95 and special combination packages are available in advance online. Onsite parking is available for $5. For more information, visit www.AmericanSewingExpo.com or call (248) 889-3111.
Category: Other
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 1:47 PM"Spring Fling at Gabriel's Garden" April 26th
From Gabriel's Garden...
"Join us for our annual Spring Party at Gabriel's Garden! Our downtown boutique will be in full bloom with one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans, fabulous Spring fragrances and great ideas for decorating your home.
"The store will be decorated inside and out with unique garden art and handmade gifts from over seven talented Michigan artisans. Don't miss this chance to shop and browse some of the unique items that will only be on display during this event.
"We will serve complimentary tea and scones, pastries, and of course, lavender and lemonade. There will be outdoor seating available to enjoy the sunshine and refreshments, weather permitting.
"Remember, Mother's Day is May 10th! Shop early to find the perfect gift for Mom.
"Gabriel's Garden Lavender Boutique is located at 111 S. Main Street in historic downtown Romeo, MI." For more information, call (586) 336-0418. Hours for the Spring Fling are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Category: Other
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 1:24 PMSpace Available for "Major Garage Sale" at Gibraltar Trade Center
"Starting with an unique arrangement with the Gibraltar Trade Center, Detroit's Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS) is able to offer would-be-entrepreneurs a chance to catch major pedestrian traffic and sell their wares.
"COTS Clean Sweep will be a garage sale on a grand scale, with hundreds of spaces available to anyone who sells crafts, artwork or just the stuff from their garage. Each space will rent for $50, and since the event will take place over two days, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 9 & 10, this cuts the cost per day in half. Add in the extra attraction of the annual flower show happening at the same time, and there should be lots of folks making their way through the booths.
"Proceeds from the booth rental will benefit COTS. Vendors will retain funds from whatever they're selling.
"For details on participating as a vendor, please call Robyn Smith at (313) 576-0223. Gibraltar Trade Center is located in Mt. Clemens at 237 N. River Rd., Mt. Clemens, Michigan. For directions, call (586) 465-6440.
("COTS exists to alleviate homelessness by providing an array of services that enable people to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain quality, affordable housing. COTS also exists to advocate for long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness. Please visit www.cotsdetroit.org)."
