Sunday, April 29, 2012

We have a question from a reader, Sharon:
My one 4-Her has chosen Simplicity # 2689 as her project for Knits. Does this meet the criteria? It is a dress except for length - she is making the tunic. Does that meet criteria or does she have to make pants to go with the tunic? If she has to make pants, could they be from cotton/corduroy, etc.?
Where could she fine suede cloth or faux leather to make the belt?

Hi Sharon!
The Simplicity pattern does meet the criteria for the Knits project.  She can make just the top or she can make the top and coordinating pants and the entire outfit will still be considered a Knits project--the pants do not have to be made from a knit.
Another options would be to consider the outfit as two projects: a Knit project for the top and a Separates or Coordinates project for the pants, depending on the difficulty of the pants pattern.

Do you have the Textile Science Leader's Guide? It is available at your County Extension office or you can find it on the Penn State Extension website--here is the Link. It is a great help in understanding the skills and concepts that are taught for each project and it gives you ideas for what kind of garments can be made for a particular project. I would be lost without this booklet! I also look at the classes in the Farm Show catalog to get ideas of what kind of garments to put in a particular project. I save my catalog from year to year as a reference.

As for the faux leather or suede cloth,  Gorgeous Fabrics has some leather skins. Fabric Mart has a couple colors of faux suede, which may or may not suit for this situation.  We haven’t seen other skins or faux stuff on-line lately.  There are definitely places to get Ultrasuede at full price. Vogue Fabrics has it for $70 per yard.  For a belt you don’t need much, so that may be a possibility. 


We hope this helps! 
Maureen and Linda

Sunday, April 1, 2012

PA 4-H FASHION REVUE IS ALIVE AND WELL!


The State 4-H Fashion Revue Committee is busily planning the 2012 State Fashion Revue.  Seven Regional Fashion Revues will be held, allowing 4-Hers in every county to participate.  At the Regional Revues, judges will select the maximum 60 participants in the state event.  State Fashion Revue is held each year during State 4-H Achievement Days at Penn State.  It’s not too late to start some 4-Hers on their sewing project for this year!  Get in on the fun, the excitement and the learning!


Maureen and I have worked with many 4-H sew-ers who participated in Fashion Revue, including our own children.  We know it was important for us, our own children, and the many youth who participate each year.  Fashion Revue is a great way to supplement the club-based sewing program by:


*      Challenging and developing new skills and knowledge in textile science


*      Broadening the interaction of 4-H youth from across the Commonwealth


*      Recognizing 4-Hers demonstrated abilities in textile science


*      Acquainting 4-Hers with the faculty, programs, and facilities of the Pennsylvania State University


*      Helping youth learn more about the types of garments best suited to them


*      Helping youth select suitable and enhancing accessories to meet their wardrobe needs


*      Developing poise, confidence, maturity and pride of their garment choice


*      Helping youth learn how to complete an application





The contest provides an opportunity for 4-Hers to compete against other Fashion Revue regional winners, to model on the Eisenhower Theatre stage, to improve life skills in cooperation, responsibility, and decision making, and oh-so-much more!





The details:   


*      Anyone who creates a wearable item may enter their Regional Fashion Revue (sleepwear and swim wear are usually not permitted—ask your regional chair). 


*      Junior division is for youth ages 8-12 (as of January 1 of the current year) and Senior division is for those 13-18.  Only senior division winners move on to the state competition.


*      Volunteers are needed and appreciated at the regional events.  To volunteer, contact your county or multi-county 4-H educator.  This year, some regional events will be totally volunteer-led.  Many thanks to those folks who have stepped up.  You are special people!


*      A committee of volunteers and paid staff organize the state event.  If you would like to volunteer to help this year or in the future, contact Sandy Hall (sph3@psu.edu).





The state event is a terrific learning opportunity for our 13-18 year olds.  To ensure that State Fashion Revue continues for youth in Pennsylvania, even though our own children are no longer age-eligible, Maureen and I chair the Friends of Pennsylvania State 4-H Fashion Revue.  This committee works to raise the funds from donations to ensure that funds are available for future Fashion Revues.  We contact businesses, individuals and 4-H alumni who provide cash or prize donations (sewing-related items) that supplement the member registration fees, making the state event possible.  We have added a tab at the top of our blog home page which links to the Friends fund-raising effort.  Please help us to spread the word!  We can also use the help of enthusiastic folks who are willing to help with this fund-raising task.  Contact us at linda@lebaweb.com if you would like to join our committee.





If you ever have questions about Fashion Revue, 4-H sewing in Pennsylvania, techniques, working with kids, please use our Leaders Helping Leaders tab to connect with other leaders who will answer your questions.  In addition, we will post updates regarding regional Fashion Revues and the Friends group on those tabs.  We want you to get the information that you need and to share what you know with others. 

Let’s support each other so that we can keep youth learning how to sew and create their own fashion in 4-H!



Linda



P.S.  If you are reading this, you have found our blog!  Yeah!  Please bookmark it so you can find it again.  Then, forward this site’s address to your friends and others who sew with 4-H’ers so they know how to find it, too.  We just started and we want as many people to find it as possible!