Amy Butler Inspiration

Amy Butler's inspiration page is a wonderful smattering of her beautiful designs and fabrics.

Here is the link to the page I really like:

http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/inspiration/lifestyle.php

New Jacket Class Possibility

Former and future Spark community -

I'm thinking of doing a class on jacket making. This McCall's pattern above is the one I'm thinking of. Any feedback would be welcome - or any other suggestions for patterns/ideas.

Thanks!

Knitting and Sewing, Two Peas in a Pod

Renee P has just started up a knitting blog for Spark! Some of you may remember
Renee from such films as David Hasselhoff Goes Nutty for Knitting, Knitting: Hoff Style, and Don't Hassle the Hoff: A Reflection of the Man Within.

Or some of you may remember her for the fabulous Amy Butler bag and skirt she made, or the glamorous little ruffled aprons she made, or her knowledge and skills for knitting, or her love of luscious fibers, or her witty, blunt remarks during a sewing class.

No matter how you remember Renee the blog will be just like her: sassy and thought-provoking.

Here is the link:
http://www.sparkknits.blogspot.com/

The Skirt Goddess

One of our fabulous Spark students named Melissa will henceforth be known as the Skirt Goddess! Melissa has taken the beginning sewing intensive and summer sundress class at Spark. She has taken a liking to making A-line skirts that fall just below the knee in a plethora of beautiful prints and colors. Since taking the class she has made 10 custom-fit skirts! Here is a smattering of the incredible work she has been doing. Way to go Skirt Goddess!

Sew Everything Workshop

For those looking for a fantastic beginner's sewing book check out Diana Rupp's Sew Everything Workshop. Its a fantastic book. Her writing is inspiring, funny, and very informative. The first half of the book is information about everything sewing, the second half is all project-based. The book includes 10 patterns. Her suggested projects are all stylish and wearable.

Rupp came to do a book signing and workshop on making machine-stitched cards back in February. She was so absolutely sweet and inspirational. She brought some of the projects photographed for the book.

So, if you are looking for a sewing book this is the one to go for!

For more information on Rupp's book and workshops in New York City go to:

http://www.makeworkshop.com/content/sewbook/sewbook.html

ArtBeat

ArtBeat is this Saturday from 11AM-6PM in Davis Square (in Somerville). The theme is green. There are 100 craft vendors (including quite a few Sparkettes - Bonnie Lewiston, Molly Hagan, Kate Casolaro, Teeru Bihani, and myself -Libby Meehan). There is also music and dance performances. Come join us for this crafty outdoor summer event!

For more information go to:

http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artbeat/

South End Open Markets - Opening Weekend

Here are some photos from the South End Open Markets Opening Weekend. Spark will be there July 13th, August 24th, October 5th, and October 12th. Spark instructors will be there with information on Spark events, classes, and studio space, as well as selling thier own creations.
The the left is a linen appliqued skirt by Bonnie. Below is a strapless dress with a vintage crocheted doily and embroidered curtain by Libby.

Above is an original design hand-made by Anne.

www.sowaopenmarket.com

Skirting Around

Some skirts made from pattern #: New Look 6843. All skirts were made in great light-weight fabrics (linen and cotton blends), perfect for summer. This New Look pattern is nice because its simple and comes with 5 different variations: long or short pencil skirt with darts, long or short a-line with darts, and a more flowy a-line option without darts.

Tote Time

These are 3 of the simple and fabulous totes made by students in the Sewing 1 class. They are easy to make and wonderful to give as gifts (or as the gift wrapping).

These are some baby pajamas that Caitlin made out of one of the many baby blankets she recieved at her shower (a fantastic form of fabric recycling). She did this without a pattern. Caitlin even made adorable buttons out of bits of yarn!

These are some aprons from Spark's Sewing 2 Class. Such fabulous color combinations! Every girl needs some ruffles in her life..

This is an Amy Butler pattern constructed by Emma with fabric from Sew-fisticated. Such a beautiful pattern, covered buttons in the back and a fabric rose that will go on the front.

Kristen's Dress

A beautiful dress Kristen made for one of her baby twins. She got the fantastic fabric at the Cambridge Quilt shop.

Sew Blogulous!

Welcome to the first Spark Sewing Blog! This is a new blog for Spark students, Spark employees, and anyone else that might be interested to share pictures, reviews, techniques, and any other ideas or links.