Amazing Sewing Circles and Pattern Groups

Ever wonder how much work goes into designing patterns so sewers everywhere can enjoy sewing to their heart's content without spending enormous amounts of time and effort figuring out all the math and physics that goes into pattern design?  

Image courtesy of  http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/63400/63436/63436_sewingcircle.htm

Check out an abundance of sewing groups on FaceBook and you will be amazed at the hours of work and careful attention that goes into every good sewing circle!  Join some fabulous pattern groups as well while you're at it.  They all have the most helpful and inspiring members, such as Ellie Inspired Pattern Group, where a great number of new smockers were inspired to learn how to smock from scratch and also finish a complete outfit in record time! Pretty amazing feat to accomplish!  Sew Classic for Children is an all-time favorite if you have questions or want to learn fine sewing techniques used with Children's Corner Patterns and  Tie Dye Diva Sewing Patterns has just announced the release of a new set of adorable summer designs.  All of them offer matching doll patterns.  Sew Exciting!!

http://childrenscornerinc.com/wp/shop/books/dollys-wardrobe/

For Heirloom sewers and smockers, be sure to check out the Heirloom Sewing and Smocking group created by Laurie Anderson of Southern Stitches and Brer Rabbit Designs. You will find in that group the very best tutoring and inspiration available from the most exceptionally gifted and talented instructors on earth!  Seriously!  Another reason you'd love to get to know these unique designers is that their contributions to sewing is always from the heart; and what an enormous gift that is to all humans around the world!

While many of us have recently mourned the loss of three amazing heirloom sewing and smocking magazines (Creative Needle, Australian Smocking and Embroidery, and Sew Beautiful Magazine), we are still very fortunate that the Smocking Arts Guild of America is planning a most amazing "Sewcation" this year and continues to promote smocking and fine needlework through programs such as their Artisan and Wee Care programs!

So we are definitely going through a very exciting yet challenging time in this new sewing and pattern era. Many seamstresses still love paper printed patterns, neatly folded in pretty envelopes and filed away in a drawer or pretty basket.   I have a number of them tucked away in an old dresser.  

The up-and-coming generation is more likely to love convenient and instant-downloadable PDF patters where one can print what's needed and reduce paper filing to a minimum.  I am part of the "sandwich generation" so I like both old and new.  My pattern library is filled with many favorite patterns from amazing pattern designers so my filing is kept under tight control, lol.   I keep most of my sewing instructions in 3-ring binders, like these from Gail Doane and Michie Mooney.

Slowly, but surely, I am also adapting to the new PDF world!  

My PDF pattern files are first downloaded to my trusty computer.  I file in 3-ring binders the patterns I have printed out once I start using them.  But most definitely, I also save design files in a separate hard drive, in case my trusty computer takes a hike to nowherecyberland!  How often do you BACK UP your sewing files and embroidery designs?  I sure hope you do, as it will save a lot of heartache down the cyber road and your pattern designers will surely love you for it too!  :)

HAPPY SEWING AND SMOCKING!