I’d like to introduce you to a new Friend of Sew Fun – Studio Kat Designs!

The wonderful and talented Kat has 24 beautiful bag patterns which are gorgeous to look at and I’m sure would look even more amazing on your arm. My personal favorite is the Quattro, so named because of its FOUR types of pockets…. yes, FOUR.

Hello, my new knitting bag!

She has also published photos of the bag stitched up in all kind of colorways from her loyal fans. This tie-dye one is my personal favorite, although I can see I’m going to be very hard pressed to choose the fabric for my new knitting bag. So many possibilities!

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Yesterday, I went to the Happiest Place on Earth…. the United States Post Office. As I often do, I was shipping orders for my fabulous customers (I love you all SO MUCH!) when I saw THIS:

Is that cool or what? This stamp is part of the Pioneers of American Industrial Design collection of Forever stamps released on June 29, 2011. Yeah, I’ve been to the post office more than once since June 29, I just didn’t notice them until now.

In any case, what a slick looking sewing machine! The designer, Dave Chapman, is best known for his “innovative and award-winning designs for classroom furniture”. (Apparently, none of his creations ever made it into any classroom I ever attended).

More from the USPS website: “He also designed household appliances like refrigerators, hairdryers, radios and electric heaters. Shown at the first exhibition of the American Society of Industrial Designers in 1947, Chapman’s streamlined sewing machines (shown on the stamp) featured a chrome grille that evoked the sleek look of contemporary automobiles.”

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Ask Sewfie... advice for the sewing obsessed, because you know you need help. E-mail "Ask Sewfie" today!

Dear Sewfie,

How did Sew n Vacs get to be so popular? What do sewing machine and vacuum cleaner repair have in common? They are two completely different machines.

Heather

Dear Heather,

That is a good question. And a bit of a stumper, so Sewfie consulted some industry experts to get the real back story.

Judy Patterson, President of the Vacuum Dealer Trade Association (VDTA), replied, “Many of the businesses today carry both vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. Both require demonstration, product knowledge and repair.”

Furthermore, industry expert John Douthat, President and CEO of AllBrands.com, explained, “Sears started the Sew Vac combination in their store space and merchandising over 50 years ago. Dealers picked up on it to compete with Sears and each other.

Although sewing machines and vacuum cleaners perform different functions, from a repair perspective, they have many kinds service in common, for example: replacing cords, plugs, switches and belts, installing new carbon brushes, cleaning motor armatures, and even motor and light bulb replacement.”

Thanks John and Judy, that totally makes sense!

Sewfie would also like to thank Beth Vitiritto, also from the VDTA, for her help in answering this age old question!

Warm Stitches,

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Ask Sewfie... advice for the sewing obsessed, because you know you need help. E-mail "Ask Sewfie" today!

Dear Sewfie,

All of my sewing projects are totally stressing me out. Nothing is going right. I tried putting down one thing that was frustrating me, only to get annoyed by another project. What do you do when all your projects are making you nuts?

- At Stitch’s End

Dear Stitch’s End,

When Sewfie has a bad sewing day, she KNITS! Although its hard to believe that the following is “relaxing” in any way.

Maybe when it looks as cute as this it will be.

Seriously though, if none of your projects are going right, just take a break. The best thing you can do is use the time to organize your workspace. Sewfie often finds that when things are more organized, projects go more smoothly. If not, at least you’ll be able to find your shears.

Warm Stitches,

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Yesterday, Sewfie was regaling the wonders of pockets in pajama pants when she learned about THIS… pockets in (wait for it….) wedding dresses! Apparently, it’s some kind of “trend” now.

How brilliant and inspired! What a great idea, a place to keep your lipstick so you look fabulous and a place for your iPhone so you can get all those candid shots!

Sewfie would gladly trade all of the taffeta, lace and fake pearls from her oh-so-80′s wedding dress for one of these beauties! And did I ever tell you how you should never make your own wedding dress? More on that for another day.

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