Sewing can be a form
of self-expression

SANDRA BETZINA, author,
syndicated columnise and television
personality, will be in Vancouver
demonstrating the — latest
techniques, patterns areal tabrics
available in today’s sewing and
fashion market from Thursday,
Sepr. 12 to Saturday, Sepr. 14 ac che
“In Stitches” sewing show.

As a liaison between home
sewers and high-fashion designers,
Betzina’s unique position in the
fashion industry gives her insight,
inspiration and enthusiasm, which
she passes on to sewers.

Berzina explains the new interest
in home sewing by pointing to the
trend toward quality craftsmanship
and good value. In the past, sewing
was popular primarily tor economic
reasons. However, an increasing
number of people today are also
taking up the age-old craft as a
creative ourler, and a way to relax.
“After a long day at the office, some
individuals find quiet moments in
front of a sewing machine
therapeutic.’ says Betzina.

“D like co work with my hands, It
calms me down. I also like the
sense of accomplishment I feel
when I get ina sleeve, re-shape a
collar ar finish a perfect
buttonhole,” says an attorney from
Ohio. “My work hours are filled
with long-term projects where daily
pratificacion is the exception rather
than the rule. Completing a
tailored jacket or fabulous dress
gives me a sense of
accomplishment.”

Signs of the new interest in
sewing are all over che country,
from large increases in retail sales
to booming memberships in
regional sewing guilds.

For example, June Tailor, Inc.,
manufacturer of pressing and
sewing equipment based in
richland, Wisconsin, ias doubled
her facilities in the fast” year.

The QUILT
BASKET

1926 James St.
Bellingham, WA
PH: (206) 734-7080

100% COTTON FABRICS

Many of today’s sewers are
college-educated, 25 ta 45) years-
old, with incomes of $35,000 to
345,000, according to the New
York-based Sewing 9 Fashion
Council.

“Women are taking themselves
more seriously,’ explains president
June Tailor. “Self-expression has
become more importance; sewing
provides a creative and productive
approach for self-representation.”

Home sewers are looking for
stylish, original and well-firting
clothing. Quality is what macters
now, rather than a brand-name or
big. price-tag.

There are many other reasons for
the return to home sewing. Today's
sewer has much to choose from in
the way of sophisticated
equipmenr.

One of the most popular is che
serger. Often referred to as the
“microwave of sewing,’ it enables
sewers to save time and attain a
professional finish to garments,
formally available only in ready-
to-wear.

Another hot new item creating
a lot of excitement is the blind
hemmer, which does nothing bue
produce invisible hems. The
machine is eay to thread, requiring
only ane spool and no bobbins.

<5)

Another reason fac che trend
toward home sewing is thar parterns
from big-name designers such its
Calvin Klein, Geottrey Beene,
Anne Klein, Oscar de la Renta,
and) Donna) Karan are readily
available for less chan $15. “When
a woman) fonys for an Anne Klein
or Donna Karan, purchasing an
ireny for $400 co $600 looks less
attractive when she discovers she
can make it herself for $75." says
Eunice Farmer, a St. Louis fabric
store owner,

Even che button manufacturers
feel an upswing. "People are
Putting more money into buttons
today, or garments they purchase or
garments they make. Replacing
burtans is an easy way to put
glamour and excitement into an
outfit,” says Jean] Howard Barr,
president of JHB Buttons.

First time sewers are attracted by
the increased availabiliry of sewing
videos wich allows instruction to
take place ar othe viewer's
convenieace. Designer tabric and
books, such as Power Sewing
offering ready-to-wear techniques,
have also made sewing more
attractive and less formidable.

For more information about the
In Stitches Sewing Show, call

538-7477.

Sun drop
Outerwear Textiles Inc.

All your sewing needs

Instruction for Ocean to mountain wear.
Patterns
Specialty Notions

Hi-Tech
Outerwear
Fabrics

936-5236

#140 - 1140 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam, B.C. V3K 3P5
Look for us at “In Stitches” in booth #47

Wednesday, September 11, 1991 - North Shore News - 45

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY VOGUE
The 1991 VOGUE VALUE CATALOGUE provides a collection of

contemporary silhouecctes for use in building a complete. personalized
wardrobe. Vogue patterns #8019 pairs a tong, fitted jacket with the ever-
popular short skirt for a flattering look that's simple yet sophisticated.

MR. JAX
FASHION FABRICS
FABULOUS
FALL SALE

MNANTS

Come and see the first
and only serger with QTS
“Quick Threading System.”
Simply push a lever
and lower looper is threaded,
turn a dial and needles
are threaded.

BOOKS

PATTERNS

NOTIONS

CLASSES
- ROTARY CUTTERS & MATS
~- QUILTING RULERS

MARKED: PRICE”

© Exciuswe 4/5/2 thread sewing
«© Bulltin narrow rolied hem

« Differential feed

e Adjustable wacith dai

Open vear round at 3 locations

27448 Poughved Highway
Port Coquidam
AMeNt fy Stacy’st

46d 00
(Open San, 12-54

BONUS!
Receive FREE
Rowenta 1ron with
purchase of
habyioch.
serger with QTS
Vatue $?15000

TTTE Aldechridye Was
Richmond
(aes to Stace'st
276-8222

)pen Sua, 12-5)

31 West Cordasa Street
Sancouser
O84. 70H
(Chosed Sun

Exit 4254 from !5
Look for the patchwor), Rost
Gust 20 minutes from tne porter

Open Mon-Sat 95 pom