these several weeks at home and being in 'Creative Mode' as I finish the designing and sewing and writing and recording audio for my new Top Priorities line of instructional Talking Booklets - all about sewing knit tops! For a Quick Sneak Peak, check out this little 'show n' tell video.
My new Upscale Techniques for Knit Tops booklet flew off the hooks at the Martha Pullen show 2 weeks ago in Orlando. This is the backbone of my new line - and the info in it will NOT be repeated in the new booklets, but rather build on this body of information. Here is what Janet in Pennsylvania wrote to me just yesterday... "I just got my copy of Londa's Upscale Techniques for Knit Tops and
'devoured' it last night. I also watched the 'talking pattern' that
coordinates with the book. WOW!! The pattern used as a starting point
is Pamela's Perfect T-Shirt pattern from which I've been making knit
tops since taking a class with Pam this past fall. Londa's book and
talking pattern provided excellent additional fitting and construction
information that I'll be incorporating into my knit top making. I
highly recommend the book. It's so easy to make an upscale knit top
using Pamela's pattern and Londa's additional information. What Londa's
done for sweatshirts, she's now doing for knit tops. I can't wait for
future publications of the 'top priorities' line of books and talking
patterns. "
You can have yours - right now if you like, via pdf delivery. Click here to order.
Paired with Pamela's Perfect T-Shirt Pattern, you save money and get both a great basic pattern (same as I've used for all the tops you saw in the video) AND my Upscale booklet. Click HERE.
My Combos always save you money - so for all of my favorite, indispensable notions, tapes, needle, etc. that I use AND my Upscale Booklet - click HERE.
Release dates for the rest of my TOP PRIORITIES line is as follows - Lord willin'.....
Feb.20 for Londa's Nifty Necklines AND Londa's Twin Sets (FOUR jackets and shells!)
Early March for another including Flounces, shirring, artsy stuff, hems, tiers and more...no firm name for this one yet as I'm still PLAYING!
SEW...while I'm busy working, my hubby volunteered to fill orders - so here is my EARLY VALENTINE GIFT to you...
FREE SHIPPING for orders $30 and more thru January 31, 2012. you MUST input this code at checkout to generate the FREE SHIPPING: luvfreeship that's all lower case letters - computers are picky creatures! Speaking of 'picky' - so is my hubby - so you MUST put the code in. If you don't and you're charged shipping...he'll say 'Tough Nuggets'...so PUT IN THE CODE!
Be sure to check out the SAVE $ HERE department at my website. Those savings + FREE Shipping - you can't go wrong. I even just reduced some batiks to $17.50 for 3 yard pieces!!!!!
Many more gals have signed up to join me at the 2nd Annual Creative Sewing Getaway in Danville, IL April 26-29...but there's still room for you. Call if you have questions. Here is where to sign up. At just $350, it is a BARGAIN weekend of girl time, making new friends, sewing - and some shopping all in one. OH - and I'll teach you a few new sewing tricks too!
While I stitch and design, I always listen to my favorite radio shows - past programs, etc. In this election year, I feel it is very important to stay informed, read, listen, and 'hear it from their own mouths' instead of interpreted by the 'news' 'people. Today, it was refreshing and heart-warming and inspirational to hear Karen and Rick Santorum interviewed by Dr. James Dobson - not on political things, but on LIFE. As a Christian gal who worked through infertility, adopted 2 children as infants, and now oversees the care for 2 elderly parents as the 'kid in town', I value life. I pray you do as well. Nothing is more important. Nothing. The person I vote for to lead my country and the free world MUST respect life. I recommend your listening to these programs...
Time for some before bed reading...my favorite relaxation next to sewing. Just started another book by one of my favorite authors: Chris Fabry.
Sewing hugs,
Lines from Londa 1-5-12
I've been in my creative sewing' Heaven' the last month....also known as the 'elegant' corner of my basement. What FUN!!!! T-shirt/knit tops are
so quick& EZ...that's why it seems so 'criminal' and wasteful to
fork over the high $$$ that Ready-To-Wear is asking for all the
embellished knit tops. My new line of embellishment-related products is
called TOP PRIORITIES, and starts off with the release today of the first, basic product... Londa's
Upscale Techniques for Knit Tops... which is really a very complete
'Londa's 2 Cents Worth' format PLUS my Talking Audio
pictures/instruction online at the dedicated webpage that goes along with the product.
I offer my new product both WITHOUT or WITH her pattern - because I
know so many of you may already own her great pattern. AND - all this
value for just $6.00!!!! AND - if you want the electronic version -
it's just $5.00! (That means you print it on your own paper is all...)
I've just added quite a few of Pamela's Patterns to my website - including her Draped Front Cool Cardigan as was featured in the current THREADS Magazine.
Here's a deal for you - they are 10% off - through Midnight Friday, January 6, 2012.
That way - I can place an accurate order - and my dear hubby will fill
these next week when her patterns arrive...as I will be off in Sunny
Orlando, FL at the Martha Pullen Sewing Market teaching and vending.
Here are links to the products of hers I'm carrying at this time. If
you are interested in others - just email me! You can also jsust use
the Search Tool in the upper left corner of myw ebsite with the word
'Pamela's" and all these will come right up for you!
TOP PRIORITIES - Londa's Upscale Techniques for Knit Tops - $6.00
*NEW: Clear Elastic - direct from the industry - 3/8'' wide - 5 yards - $3.00 (read below for some info regarding)
4.0/75 Schmetz Twin Stretch Needle - $4.46
Wonder Tape - $4.99
Knit Fusible Stay Tape - $7.50
Regularly totaling $25.95
less 15% off = just $22.06
A note about my new LASTIN Clear Elastic.
I've found that I really, really like the 3/8'' wide clear elastic over
the 1/4'' wide commonly available. This product comes from the
ready-to-wear industry, is stored OUT OF LIGHT (as YOU must also do to
maintain it's integrity!!!) I was driven to find a source when the price
on the commonly available Dritz product skyrocketed from $2.50 to $4.50
for 5 yards!!!!! You're gonna LOVE my techniques for using this for a
nice, clean finish in necklines and armholes of sleeveless tops. I've
refined it over what I've previously been teaching - and for some
exciting creative options, watch for my TOP PRIORITIES: Necklines and
Hems product due out in February.
Ruffle Fabric is all the RAGE - and I have just reduced my price on the 3 I have in stock... Just
1/2 yard pieced together end to end makes the most amazingly wonderful
SCARF!!! The 'flat' ruffle versions are NEW and not commonly
available. Read about my fun with them in a 'Coastal Curtsy Skirt' HERE at my Blog. Here are my selections:
I've had to discontinue Authentic Pigment Sweatshirts because the price increased - like DOUBLE! Reason: competition among sweatshirt companies and the increase in cotton prices... Just SO glad I have the awesome color collection to offer in the great USA Comfort Color brand. When ordering these sweatshirts, please always check the IN STOCK department first - for possible savings, AND to get your sweatshirt sooner. I can only hold to this price because I order in bulk, so read the parameters on delivery that I've stated there. Meanwhile - the IN STOCK department has some of those Authentic Pigment Sweatshirts still available - so run and get them for just $24.95 while they last!!!
AND... Last, but certainly not LEAST....
a GREAT deal through January 15, 2012 on my Creative Sewing Getaway Retreat.... April 26-29.
Read ALL about it HERE.
Danville is just 1.5 hours straight west of Indianapolis. I already
have gals coming from Florida and D.C.!!! I will help arrange for
travel between the airport and Danville. Just $350 covers EVERYTHING
except food!!!!! The Retreat Center is an amazing quilt shop, yarn
shop, 'heaven on earth'. You can use a machine (Janome) from the shop.
I'll be there to help you with ANYTHING other than quilting! Fitting,
garment sewing, creative sweatshirt jackets, AND my new T-Shirt
embellishments. There will be formal presentations on all of that on
Thursday afternoon and evening - and YES, you could attend just that.
If you live close by - we can arrange for an even lesser price without
lodging. (But you'll miss the fun of our Slumber Party each night!). I
offer 'break-out mini lessons' throughout the day. I stay up until at
least 11 pm each night to be there to assist you. HERE is a link to this great facility. To get the slots FILLED and this off my mind - I'm offering a deal of $299 for those who prepay in full by January 15!!!! Compare to other retreats - you won't find a BETTER DEAL THAN THIS!!!
I hope the Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hannukah season was a wonderful one for you. It
was a tender time for our family being the first year without my big
brother who passed to Heaven in June, and also without my Mom who must
stay in the nursing home now with Alzheimer's. I prayed especially for
those of you experiencing similar situations. My most precious gift
was from my dear sister-in-law of the original award-winning photo you
see above that my brother did (with God's help!) This is just a quick
'picture of a picture' with her permission. You could order this or any
others at his website: www.flawlessfotos.com.
It reminds me of the peace he is experiencing in heaven with Jesus, and
that I can have that same peace here and now - if I only reach out and
claim it. I try. I pray you do as well. It will be an exciting
2012...especially for my business with the release of something VERY BIG
AND EXCITING in August I cannot tell you all about for yet another
month or so....
Meanwhile - my sewing machine is calling to me,
but first I'm gonna try to keep those resolutions and do my devotions
and exercise, as I munch on my Honeycrisp Apple for lunch...I'll bet
many of you are 'with me' in those resolutions. We are SEW lucky to sew
- and to enjoy that creative passion. If EVER you are 'tearing your
hair out' and need help - I'm here for you. I LOVE to talk to real
people - just give me a call. Or email. Happy New Year!!!!!
Creatively,
December 6, 2011
I feel like an
ELF...though I think most days I look like a bag lady...and my
sewing/creative area - well, here is a peek (ONLY for friends!) Yes - a
corner of my basement, and would someone please just take a minute to
sew the button on those pants hanging there!?!
December finds my home instead of traveling, so it is time to CREATE.
As promised, I'm focusing on T-Shirt embellishments. I' KNOW I'm designing when I sleep as well!!! My head is spinning.
Let me tell you how this goes...
1. I've been shopping for 'stash' and inspiration
for over 6 months - at shows, markets, in closets, goodwill, online -
and I've even taken pics of great clothing on customers at shows, ... It's impossible to create without a STASH ya know, and creativity is just combining ideas in new and different ways. I have fabrics, trims, notions, ideas and more ideas.
2. Then...I organized, by color and all ideas categorized into folders. Take a peek....
3. NOW...I'm designing and stitching
(and lots of UN-stitching) and testing. Not only embellishment, but
stitching on knit TECHNIQUE is included. Every step of the way...my
camera is ready and waiting to snap a picture. EVERYTHING I do, I ask
myself: "What could a sewing friend learn from what I just did? How can
I save my friends grief and UN-Sewing precious time? How EZ (or hard)
is this? Will it work on ALL machines? How else could I do it? What
notion makes it EZ, or more FUN? For example...yesterday I spent most
of the afternoon designing (writing directions, taking photos) to create
this little top - and 5' from finishing, THIS is what happened! YES -
That is a hole I managed to cut in the front armhole of my top when
trimming the excess seam allowance after finishing the armhole.
"Practice what I preach" is what I told
myself...this is just a 'CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY' so 15' later, HERE is how
I 'fixed it'!
I figure...knowing I mess up too - makes you feel better, eh?
My mid is wandering as I write -
so here I'll stick in some WEBSITE/Product NEWS...
The MOST fun new Notion I found
is this fusible gathering tape... and here's my play from this morning
using it. It's kinda pricey, but if gathering is a chore for you - you
might want to give it a try. Be sure to: fuse it on securely AND to
tie off the gathering threads at one end before you start pulling the
gathering threads. Buy the 13 yard package, for sure!
Here is a linkto my YOU-Tube spot on MY gathering technique, created back when I was stitching ruffles for my little girl. It is the THIRD photo down.
http://www.londas-sewing.com/pages.php?pageid=197
Those E-Tablet (Kindle, I-Pad, Nook) cover templates/system from Nancy Zieman are in! Wish I had time - I'd sure be making one for a gift and even myself! I made a $-saving COMBO - find it HERE.
My TRAVEL Schedule for 2012 is up
at the lower right hand corner of my website. Check it to see if I'll
be in your area. Only a few 'holes' of time remain, so if you're
interested, call soon. I'm especially honored and excited to have
been invited to be one of the featured speakers at Nancy's Notions May
weekend in Beaver Dam, WI.
Don't forget - my Creative Sewing Get-Away in Danville, IL is April 26-29.
Give your 'Santa' that for a hint! - Or keep it in mind if you get any
Christmas $ gifts. I'm sure with all my T-shirt embellishment work -
that many will be focusing on that fun this year as well as my
sweatshirt jackets. HERE is a link to more about it.
Select Batiks (ones not working with sweatshirt colors for creating my KITS) are on sale for just $2 per 1/2 yard - that's just $4 per yard!
THAT's even less than what I've seen them selling for at Vogue Fabrics'
booth at the shows. Enjoy scooping up THOSE savings and with FREE
SHIPPING!!!
back to my creating 'process'.....
4. THE BEST PART of all this
creative activity is knowing/hoping/praying that my efforts will become
products/patterns/Talking™ directions/classes at expos/shops/guilds as I
travel that will help you ENJOY the passion I know we share... CREATIVE
SEWING.
Yes, it's business for me - but also my
PASSION. I figure somehow God has gifted me, and it is my
responsibility to SHARE...but along the way, HE calls me to also boldly
SHARE His wisdom.
So, in that spirit, here are some sentiments, some life wisdom He has taught me this year... if
this offends you, accept my apology. You know where the delete and
unsubscribe buttons are - but if you're even a bit curious, I pray you
read on.
1. Life is CHANGE. This year
I've become the true parent to my 88 year old mom with Alzheimer's and
my similarly old and failing Daddy. It is both a blessing and a trial -
this role he has for me as the child living here in the same town. My
travels and my responsibility often collide, do I continually pray for
wisdom. I know many of you are going through the same thing. 2. Change involves loss. My big
brother went to be with Jesus this year - and I miss him. My heart
aches for his wife and family. My husband has had health challenges
this year we're still seeking answers for. My daughter finds herself a
single Mom once again. Yet, in EVERYTHING there is a lesson and a
blessing. This all gives me a new sensitivity for others facing
holidays without a loved one, for those caring for elderly parents, for
those single among us who wish they were not, and for those facing
health issues. If you find yourself in one of these situations and need
a prayer warrior, just email me and know I pray alot as I stitch.
While I create, I'm so thankful for
wonderful, inspirational listening to 'past programs' of Chris Fabry,
Janet Parshall, and James Dobson. Below are links to these my personal
favorites. I encourage you to flood yourself with wisdom, with
encouragement and uplifting messages as you sew! TURN OFF the TV! But,
if you listen - stitch with a pen and paper nearby to write down
nuggets of wisdom for contemplation and keeping. Here are 2 of my
favorites from just this week...
"Trust is the proof of belief."
from a 99 year old sharing on Fabry here:
http://www.moodyradio.org/radioplayer.aspx?episode=79767&hour=2
"A man wrapped up in himself is a pretty small package."
I believe from Joyce Meyer - in Battlefield of Your Mind
Say...I LOVE to talk to 'real' people,
so if you want to place an order, and want to talk to a REAL person
(ME) - just call my 'studio' at 217-398-5166. Leave a message if I'm
not home, and I promise to call you back.
Follow my BLOG- as that is where I will try to post created garments and more discoveries as I play! HINT: It is also where you'll find SPECIALS more often than these big newsletters!
Good NEWS to share: With your
help, a creative friend's talents in making and donating buttons, and my
Living Pattern™, we reached the $2600 goal to drill a well for clean
water for an African Village through World Vision. THANK YOU for your
support! Next, we'll focus again on Miracles in Action where they teach women a craft to help them earn a living.
With those thoughts, I'll sign off,
refresh with a shower, and get back to my 'basement' studio and
designing!
Remember: 1.FREE SHIPPING through Dec. 24 for orders over $30.
you MUST put in this Coupon Code: merrychristmas when you check out to generate the savings!
2. If you have to choose: make MEMORIES instead of STUFF.
3. Jesus is the reason for the season.
I pray you rest in Him, or find Him this Christmas Season.
With sewing hugs,
a favorite precious gift - my share of
childhood (not antique!) wooden blocks - my parents divided them up
between us 3 kids, so we could each spell out:
November 21, 2011
Quick & EZ GIFT IDEAS
Short n' Sweet - Here are some great, creative Gift Ideas for you...order from this USA retailer/designer, and skip the crowds to stay at home and create great gifts this season!!!
Create a 'Coastal Curtsy Skirt' from Ruffle Fabric.
Here's a shot of the back of this graceful skirt. Read my Blog Post HEREfor a COMPLETE step-by-step tutorial. You can even get TWO skirts from the yardage...one for a gift and one for yourself - in a quick 30' at the most! Honestly - one seam and the elastic is all it takes.
OR get 1 skirt and several scarves...
Trim up a plain T-Shirt
I can hardly sleep at night because my brain is buzzing with new ideas for my T-Shirt 'Top Priorities' - products and techniques for embellishing T-Shirts. I found these STRETCHY trims (all but the fur) at market last month...
Londa's Creative Sweatshirt jackets - Book 2 PLUS 2.75 yards of Christmas Essence Italian Fringe... PLUS 3 yards Straight Fusible Stay Tape and 2 yards Knit Fusible Stay Tape
The EZ, Perfect Gift.
All you add is 1. A Top Quality Sweatshirt - see mine HERE
2. 1/2 yard Fabric for Bias Trim
Some FUN Time to create - maybe 3 hours of so....
This
will give you plenty of Italian Fringe to go up both center fronts and
around the neckline, and around each cuff. Do a quick Twin needle hem
using the Knit Fusible Stay Tape to stabilize. The Straight Fusible
Stay Tape goes up the center fronts and around each sleeve before you
bind. Just follow the directions for either Miriam or Ruth in the
book!
AND - if you do the 'double
your money' technique for the fringe - making it half as wide... as
directed in the book or HERE...you'd have enough fringe for TWO jackets!
For Babies...Cloth shoes - OOO hhh too cute and my Heirloom Baby Bonnet
Here's a set I've got going for a shower gift next weekend...plenty of fabric left - just may have to whip up a little dress too.
Link for the Booties:
http://www.greatturtle.com/stardustshoes/clothshoe.pdf My Blog Post on these booties is HERE
I'm going to line the inner soles too I decided - nicer for little toes.
For Children - how about a Puppet Theatre and some puppets
Thanksgiving will start out with 5 kernels of corn on each plate at my table...to remind us of what the Pilgrims had to eat each day for awhile. We are SO fortunate here in the USA. I pray we will all stop to realize that this weekend. And...instead of adding 'God Bless America' - consider that it should be... America, Bless (Praise) be to God!
With thanksgiving for all of you - my customers and friends,
For an Archive of valuable info-packed past newsletters that are NOT time-sensitive, Click HERE
Starting August 14, 2010: Click HERE for an archive of my VIDEO EMAILS!
November 14, 2011
Whewww...I think
I've got things unpacked, and am 'back in the groove' since getting home
from the 2 week Houston Quilt Market/Festival. Read more about it all at my Blog HERE.
Read on for NEW products and some products helpful to you as you are
busy creating gifts. More specific Gift Ideas and how-to's will follow
in the coming weeks.
In Houston, I had a great time hunting
new products to offer at my website, and to play with as I design
T-Shirt embellishments over the next 2 months. Here's a snapshot of
just the items I arrived home with - more are on those big brown trucks
on their way to me.....
Antique buttons ($800 worth!!)
and kimono pieces - to give me LOTS to work with as I create the
one-of-a-kind KITS for Creative Sweatshirt jackets as I sell at the
shows. I can't take time to always put these up online, so if you're
interested, just email or call me and I'll work with you to let you know
what I have in colors you might be looking for.
Great new STENCILS - can't wait to play...find the ones I picked to offer you HERE.
FriXion Pens by Pilot disappear
with heat! Yep - I have them at my website...several versions. I even
did a Blog Post. Read about it all HERE.
My BLOG has moved! Be sure to freshly go to it from my website or by clicking HERE and re-bookmark its location. LIKE ME on Facebook so that you'll always know the most recent Facebook Only special offers, AND be sure to subscribe to my BLOG to see what I'm stitching on and creating.
Abalone is now commercially
extinct - it is now against the law to go scoop up thee wonderful shells
from the ocean floor to create buttons and jewelry. So - if you love
abalone like I do, realized it is going to get rare and valuable.
Here's a photo of buttons I purchased...
I think the most exciting new CLOVER item will make just the most AWESOME GIFTS!For anyone with an I-Pad, Tablet, or Kindle on your gift list, how about stitching up a fabric 'Keeper' as designed by Nancy Zieman? I have these up at my website HERE,
and am accepting pre-orders. My supplier said the expect to be able to
ship November 21-23, and believe me - I have ordered many of them to
be prepared! As Nancy demo'd this template, there was always a crowd
around - and we were all excited....
As Nancy posed with me for this quick
shot, people said we could be sisters - say, that would be A-OK with
me! I'm excited that I've been invited to be a presenter at Nancy's May
weekend in Beaver Dam next year!
My own newest product is my Casual Knit Jacket Patternselling for just $4.
It sold well along with my Creative Jacket Journey DVD at Houston - so
I'm offering it to all of you too. AND - if you order it by this
Friday, November 18, I'll even include 3 yards of Straight Fusible Stay Tape and 2 yards of Knit Fusible Stay Tape.This
combo will give you everything you need to stitch a jacket along with
Gloria as I teach her on my DVD. This would be a GREAT cardigan jacket
to WEAR or to GIVE this season.
Read more about this new pattern at my Blog Post
Order it HERE
Find my end-of-show season IN-Stock great top quality SWEATSHIRTS on sale for just $24.95 HERE.
I've
worked hard at getting 'older' and over-stock inventory all up on my
website for you. Jump over to that department by clickingHERE.
My 'To Do list' tells me to start updating/increasing my website to agree with Clover's price increase when I watch Project Accessory on Thursday night - Lifetime Network- (say, I think this series is even BETTER than Project
Runway - have you caught it yet?) Sew....if Clover products are some
of your favorites like they are mine, you might want to go shopping
BEFORE Thursday night!
Are loved ones asking YOU for a gift idea for yourself? If so - how about considering asking for help for a sewing Get-Away? My annual
Spring Creative Sewing Get-Away Retreat is scheduled for April 26-29, 2012
in Danville, IL. Read more about itHERE.
Danville is just 1 3/4 hours straight west of Indianapolis, IN. It is
just $350 for lodging and instruction. $100 deposit holds your spot,
balance due Feb. 1.
PLEASE take just 1 minute to go and Vote for a charity I believe in and help support through my business - Miracles in Action - to help them win a Chase Giving award of $25,000!
Just go to this link: http://bit.ly/rX4nkffollow these directions... Easy Instructions:
1. Click Mayan Families link http://bit.ly/rFKYZE
2. Click on green "Vote & Share" button.
3. You may be prompted to "Like" Chase Community Giving page. Check "Like".
4. Click on "Vote & Share" button again.
(When you 1st click on the "Vote & Share" button, a window may open
that states: "Chase Community Giving" requests permission to do the
following...". Click "Allow" button. This will allow them to count
your vote. Then click the green "Vote & Share" button at the
bottom).
If your vote is counted, you will see a message "Thanks For Your Vote".
The link to Vote will appear on your Facebook page. Next to your photo
it will say: 9 VOTES LEFT.
Please vote again for our partners to win:
Amigos de Santa Cruz http://bit.ly/rX4nkf
Mission Guatemala http://bit.ly/tHzDgZ - vote by Nov. 22 PLEASE!
Thanksgiving is at MY house, and like many of you - this is the 'reason' to do some deep cleaning - so off I go! Click HERE
for a great program on cleaning without harmful chemicals. I'm
avoiding ALL chemicals, processed foods, etc, etc, these days. Enjoy
listening. This is at/with a great radio personality, Chris Fabry. I
listen to him online (among others) and his past programs while I work.
www.chrisfabrylive.org
I'm thankful to be HOME and to have a HOUSE to clean! How about you?
Wisdom to stitch by: I realize
that I can easily 'fixate' on something as I sew, so Joyce Meyer's
advice to 'Think about what you think about ' - and to take control over
your own mind is especially good for me. I'm so enjoying her book: Battlefield of Your Mind. I highly recommend it.
Sewing hugs,
PS - Watch for a quick, stylish one-seam Ruffle Skirt How-To and some more Gift Ideas in my newsletter coming next week.
Love, LUV, Lovin' 
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