Needle and thread can’t compete with computers Latest in technology invad THREE TIMES I sewed those patches on and three times my efforts were met with failure. ee y Kevin Gillies Contributing Writer Each time the patch fabric ended up pulling away from the denim at one point where ~~ due to uneven pulling pressure around the patch — my primitive stitching just couldnt hold any longer and was stretching out. These were my favorite jeans; they’d been with me through thick and thin. Now the seat had grown a little too thin and U just had to try to save them. But cach time I patched them, the project became a three-hour ordeal that was unsuccessful. It became demoralizing. So why were my efforts consis- tently met with failuse? I was going about it all wrong. T used a needle and some thread. Nancy Riemersma and Yvonne Cote at Albee’s Sewing Centre have informed me that in the 1990s “there are computers and other sophisticated machines to take care - of life’s rips, tears, seams, serges, creases and, yes, patches. The cutting edge of technology can be found in-the most modem of sewing machines such as the Janome “Scan ‘n’ Sew." The machine comes equipped with a scanning device that allows - sewers to scan pictures from a mag- "azine into the machine. It instantaneously sews’ the: design onts your fabric. Or there’s the Bernina 1630 (Inspiration Plus) machine which comes with a built-in mouse for users to “roll” through a large selection of designs, lettering, pic- tures, stitches and patterns. This machine can sew in 16 directions without moving the fabric. Irons have also evolved so far that most bachelors wouldn’t recog- nize them. __ . The Omega system comes with suction, steam and iron. The suc- tion can be used to hold fabrics in -proper place for creases or to dry an item while it is being steamed. Irons are also available that come with their own IV line — a gravity-fed steam system. The Omega Silver Star industrial steam ‘Designer wear’ for the homeless A COAT tuilored for the lifestyle of the homeless will make its Canadian debut at “Sew it Seams,” a show on sewing, needle arts and crafts at TRADEX, Feb. 25-27. ° . Researched on the street and designed by students at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, the Shelter-PakTM has both versatility and wearability. “This garment is literally for people who call the streets home. Its multi-use design allows its owner {to use it as a coat, sleeping bag, duffel bag or pillow.” says. show organizer Lilly Thome. > The coat will be featured during the Wester Canadian Designers & Fashion Association fashion show. Patterns are free at the info desk along with discount coupons for the coat fabric from Mr. Jax Fabrics. Completed coats will be - distributed by The Salvation Army. Se Poe ? on NEWS pnote Cindy Goodman YVONNE COTE of Albee’s Sewing Centre demonstrates the scanner that is part of the Janome Scan ‘n’ Sew. Users of the machine can clip patterns or designs from magazines or other publications then scan them into the computer’s rnemory. The sewing machine will then create an embroidered replica cf the scanned pattern. The Scan ‘n’ Sew is an example of modern technology's movement into the textiles industry. The comput- erizecl machine is ideal for a small business tailor. iron uses solenoids to make steam which shoots more consistently. The Elnapress 2000 can put as mauch as 100 pounds of pressure on a garment while steaming it. It comes with the master and sleeve board and resembles a miniature press from a drycleaning plant. While all of this technology is bound to help produce and maintain garments everywhere, it comes too late for my jeans. While the knowledge will help someone in the future, 1am now 30 pounds heavier than when I wore those jeans. I couldn’t fit into them if 1 want- ed to — seat or no seat. “Because Creativity is the Essence of Sewing” esanté Pee Y baby lock iy + 503 Builtin Stitches + 371 Touch Screens « Built-in Instructions *Professional Style Embroidery(with frame 100mm x 100mm) * Lateral (Sideways) Feeding « Quick Set Bobbin » Automatic Thread Cutter Layaways accepted * Free Lessons with any & machine purchase = 3 Months No Interest * In House Financini NOW ONLY Le Mie AL Stitchy NN” Gime, Designs CROSS STITCH * HARDANGER PETIT POINT « NEEDLEPOINT Supplies & Accessories DMC floss, perle cotton, flower thread, tapestry wooi, 3-ply persian, medicis wool BALGERS — CARON WATERCOLORS — OVERDYED FLOSS ANCHOR floss — BOOKS ~ KITS ZWEIGART fabric, linen, hardanger, canvas BIBS — BLANKETS —- AFGHANS — TOWELS CUSTOM FRAMING READY MADE FRAMES — GLASS — MATS 110 West 12th Street (604) 986-2278 North Vancouver, B.C. HOURS: Tues-Sat 10-6pm Sun. 12-4pm FABRICS HAVE ARRIVED! And our sale of fall and winter fabrics will continue through February P.S. Please enquire regarding our sewing classes elle fabrics 644 Seymour Street (across from the Bay and the Skytrain station) Phone 683-7466 Hours: Mon.-Wed. 9:30am-6pm Thurs. & Fri. 9:30am-8pm, Sat. 9:30am-5:30pm Sun. 12-5pm electrojet 3000 The elnapress revolutionizes iron- ing as you know it. Get profession- al dry cleaning results in a fraction of the time of conven- tional irons. Perfect for fusing interfac- ings, too! With 100 lbs pressure & 10 X iron surface. Choose steam or dry ironing. EP 3000 includes, sleeve. board, auto shut-off and SHBME electrojet” stean control sys- SEW IT SEAMS SPECIAL 69 99 reg 950" WITH THIS AD