St Francis Sewing and Dining Hall
The redbud trees were in bloom during our retreat. This is the building that holds our sewing room and the dining area. It is fabulous. Besides keeping busy with sewing, we had a lot of fun events. We had a fashion show by Vicki E, a show and tell of each of the participants favorite garment, a raffle of sewing items to support new construction at St Francis, a demonstration of a binding foot, etc, etc. What a wonderful time. Thanks Jane.
Vicki's Fashion Show
Vicki very generously shared with us a look at many of the garments she meticuously made. The inside of the garments were constructed with as much attention to detail as the outside. Many of us were lucky to witness these garments being made at previous retreats, and it brought back fond memories. Its always nice to sit close to her and watch the process. View Vicki's garments.
Vicki keeps a journal of the process she goes through when making a garment. The page for the garment at the right included samples, ideas, changes, etc. It was fun to see the detail she journaled. What a good idea.
Show and Tell
Wai shows a couture jacket lined with silk. and she made a matching silk blouse.
Lisa showed her jean jacket on which she embroidered a lizard with her new Baby Lock embroidery machine.
Barbara M took a bunch of squares and grouped all the darker squares into a pile for one quilt, and made another pile of brighter squares for the second quilt.
Here is the quilt from the brighter pile of squares.
Maria shared her coat with an asymetrical closure.
Lisa showed everyone this amazing quilt.
The vest JoAnn is wearing was made by her. She has a purse to compliment the look.
JoAnn B embroidered a shirt for her husband .
Carrie looks great in her coutour jacket.
Sewing with Jane on her Sewing Retreat and Vacation
Vicki G is making a Marfy blouse.
Jane fits Yolanda's jacket.
Yolanda used Butterick B6169 for this beautiful jacket. It is made of faux leather and knit fabric from Emmaonesock.
It is constructed beautifully.
Zelda's new StyleArc knit dress.
The light coming in the window made a perfect place for Zelda to do her hand sewing.
Sharon asks Jane how to adjust her pattern.
Betty and Sharon met on one of Jane's Sewing Retreats about 15 years ago, and have been coming together ever since. They always have a great time at the retreat and being with all the interesting ladies.
Betty is finishing a jacket.
At a previous retreat, Jane chose fat quarters for students that harmonize with there hair, skin, and eyes. Here Jane demonstrates to her students how these colors look so great on Betty.
Carrie is making a top. She can complete garments very quickly, so this top will be done shortly. Good for you Carrie!
Here is another top Carrie cut out and made in less than a day.
She also made this fun jacket and backpack for her grandchild.
Jane fits a muslin on Elaine.
Barbara, Vicki, and Yolanda
JoAnn B is working on her Kantha jacket.
The color is great on her, and she is very please with how it will look.
Vicki enjoys the hand sewing.
Vicki completed another wonderful garment using a ponte fabric.
Maria embroiders a motif for her apron.
Diana enlarged Jane's four pocket purse pattern so it could be used as a book bag. She embroidered the motif.
JoAnn F will soon have a nice cotton skirt.
Wai used an Issey Miyake pattern to make her interesting top out of silk taffeta.
Barbara M worked on a quilt.
Diana is making a garment for a trip.
The sewing room was large and great. Besides a table for each of us, we had a cutting table, irons, and of course Jane.
Sharon showed one of the many knit tops she made using a princess style pattern developed by Jane.
Jane finds a few moments to sew a sample.
Jane gifted this fantastic quilt to Sharon. It was made from a Kaffe Fassett kit, and has washable wool batting. Sharon was thrilled to receive it. It will be perfect for her Wisconsin climate.
JoAnn and her sister Diana relax before dinner.
Patio outside the sewing room is perfect for taking a break.
A magnificant oak tree on the grounds of Saint Francis.