The Quick Reference Guide

Advice or good references for creating sewing patterns, rather than buying them? Please help!?

I am learning how to sew, and I wanted to learn how to create sewing patterns rather than buy them or alter ready-made ones. I was hoping to find a good book or website to show me the step-by-step process. Also, some tips or advice would be nice. Thank you!
Also, please keep in mind that I have a pretty tight budget, and am not willing to buy the most expensive books out there. Thanks. =D

I’d suggest you start with a similar commercial pattern and learn to revise that into a different design if you’re just beginning to sew. There are some subtleties to the way patterns go together that are difficult to understand if you haven’t sewn a number of garments already… things like how a set in sleeve cap is shaped, or how to get a collar to roll so that it sits comfortably and looks right. It is amazingly easy to alter a good sleeve pattern for a new design — it’s also amazingly difficult to draft a refined, beautifully fitting sleeve from scratch. Even the pros use basic patterns — called “blocks” — to develop a new design, rather than starting from scratch each time.

I’d send you to the library to start your education… two of the easiest pattern drafting books for home are Rene Bergh’s and Don McCunn’s.

If you have kids, I’d send you to two of Kwik Sew’s books — Sewing for Toddlers and Sewing for Children, because these are really three books for the price of one — 1) some basic blocks for kids, ready to use as is or be restyled; 2) instructions on sewing up the garments properly; 3) instructions on restyling the blocks into new designs. Having those basic blocks as the basis of your work definitely improves the fit of your final design.

If you’re working with adult males, I’d use a couple of the most basic KwikSew patterns as your basic blocks. Something like KS 3422 can be used as a block to further develop the jacket and coat blocks from, and 3267 is a good pants block.

For adult women, I’d send you to Butterick B5300 for a two dart blouse block (which can be revised to most of the other bodice blocks) and B5215, which is the fitted, semi-fitted, and t-shirt knit bodice blocks, which can be restyled to the other knit blocks. The pants from B5192 are a good pants block (from which you can derive the straight skirt block, the foundation of all other skirt blocks).

The best standard text in the US market for my money is Connie Crawford’s Patternmaking Made Easy — but at just under $100, it’s expensive (and worth it!). She teaches (among other things) balancing the pattern (no other does that) and making the basic custom bodice block by draping, as well as the usual block manipulations to produce new designs. See if your library can get it for you on interlibrary loan for examination. Trying to redesign an unbalanced pattern is an exercise in frustration.

If you’re in the UK or want to work in metric, Winifred Aldrich’s books are my picks… though she doesn’t teach balance.

Flat Felled Seam

Of all the items I carry in my wallet, my Chicago public library card is the second most valuable — next to my driver’s license. Not only is the little green and white card the key to a world of possibilities; it is totally priceless. Let me tell you why.

1.Library cards are FREE. There are no fees, charges or taxes for owning the card. Just complete an application and provide proof of identity, a current address and Chicago residency.

2.Obtain a FREE education via books, periodicals, movies, museum passes, and other special perks offered by individual libraries. There is one main library, 76 neighborhood branches, and three regional facilities in the Chicago library system. Books can also be borrowed from suburban libraries according to the reciprocity policy. Therefore, this free education is very easy to obtain.

3.Accounts can be accessed online 24/7 with a valid library card for FREE. Records will show how many books that are checked out; when they are due; and any other information that is relevant to individual accounts.

4.Conduct research from home for FREE. Periodicals and other reference materials used for research can be found on the library’s website 24/7. There are only a couple resources that can only be found on the library databases; otherwise, all other research can be conducted remotely.

5.FREE Internet and WiFi are available at all libraries. Library cards are required for internet access; WiFi can be accessed through individual computers.

6.Gain FREE entry into most of Chicago museums with museum passes. Passes can be checked out for up to seven days. Although they do not allow entry into the extra attractions at museums, patrons can walk in for no charge.

7.After searching for books online, patrons can request to have books sent to the ANY library of their choice for FREE. Books can be delivered to a branch close to home or not.

8.Other benefits include FREE author discussions, exhibits and programs for individuals of all ages.

Although the library system offers lots of free stuff, patrons do have to pay late fees and any charges accrued for items checked out if a library card is lost or stolen. Fines range from $.20 a day for books and music up to $2 a day for movies and museum passes. Fortunately, there are maximum fines per item. Patrons won’t go broke unless they have a lot of items borrowed.

Essentially, getting a FREE library card; access to a FREE education via books, movies, and museum passes; and FREE computer access, WiFI and online research are totally priceless.

Marcie Hill is a published journalist, business writer and blogger with an entrepreneurial spirit. She is the owner of The Write Design Company http://www.thewritedesignco.com, and has been writing, editing and publishing her monthly inspirational newsletter, “Shorty In Da House”, for over eight years.

Ms. Hill’s works can be be read in her newsletter or one of her many blogs including ‘As NOT Seen on TV’, http://asnotseenontv.info.

A Prairie Home Companion: “Ruth Harrison, Reference Librarian” February 21, 2009

Caring For Your Feet Is Essential, So Trust Essential Oils To Do The Job

Feet are an important part of the body. They allow us to walk upright, they support the body and act as a shock absorber for the spine. However, the feet are generally the most neglected part of the body, leading to problems ranging from foot odors to chronic back and joint pain.

Massaging natural essential oils into the feet not only helps the feet to smell great and feel better, but also can be beneficial for the body as a whole. The application of the oil itself increases blood circulation to the feet, providing a refreshing and cooling sensation and reducing bacterial and fungal growth. This is provided that you are using foot oil with quality ingredients, like Oil For Feet.

The oils used in Oil For Feet have been used effectively for centuries in many different cultures. Current scientific research shows that these traditional oils relax and de-stress the feet while improving overall health. Effective foot oils like Oil For Feet contain a combination of different essential oils, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Each of the oils in Oil for Feet has been chosen for its aroma as well as its effects when applied to the skin, making it the most effective and beneficial foot oil available.

Camphor, peppermint leaf extract and other oils containing menthol derivatives have traditionally been used in foot oils because of their healing smell and ability to kill bacteria and fungi. The minty smell of the menthol-containing oils relaxes muscles, while the plant chemicals in them kill a wide range of germs and bacteria commonly found on the feet, which are the cause of smelly feet. Using these oils leaves the feet feeling cool and fresh. In addition, peppermint oil contains antioxidants that strengthen and protect the cells of the feet.

Lavender oil is calming, both because of its distinctive, relaxing scent and through absorption into the skin and tissues of the feet. Rubbing it on the feet has been shown to relieve depression, anxiety and stress, while relaxing the muscles. Studies show that lavender also kills bacteria and fungi.

Lemongrass is an herb used throughout Asia as a medicine. The essential oil kills fungi and the pleasant scent of lemongrass also combats foot odor.

Sesame oil has been found in studies to be the most effective massage oil for improving blood flow and circulation, while also promoting relaxation and sleep. Additionally, sesame oil contains vitamin E, which softens the skin on the feet.

Ginger is found in Oil for Feet because it relaxes muscles, stimulates blood flow and has a refreshing smell. Ginger can ease joint pain in the feet and ankles since it has been shown in studies to help reduce osteoarthritis pain in joints.

Each of these oils has a unique fragrance, therapeutic effect and germ-killing ability that is beneficial for feet and overall health. Oil For Feet will also make your feet feel softer. By combining these effective ingredients into one foot oil, Oil for Feet, makes it easier to care for your feet and still get all of the benefits that a variety of oils can provide. Buy Oil for Feet, with all these ingredients at a great price here. This is the only US store providing this great product – www.WholeHerbal.com.

References:

Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2531-8.

Agarwal KN, Gupta A, Pushkarna R, Bhargava SK, et al. Effects of massage and use of oil on growth, blood flow and sleep patterns in infants. Indian J Med Res. 2000;112:212-7.

Cavanagh, HMA, Wilkinson JM. Biological activities of Lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research. 2002;16(4):301-8.

Sökmen A, Vardar-Ünlü G, Polissiou M, et al. Antimicrobial activity of essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea sintenisii Hub. Mor. (Asteraceae). Phytotherapy Research. 2003;17(9):1005-10.

Vardar-Unlü G, Candan F, Sökmen A, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Thymus pectinatus Fisch. et Mey. Var. pectinatus (Lamiaceae). J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(1):63-7.

Wannissorn B, Jarikasem S, Soontorntanasart T. Antifungal activity of lemon grass oil and lemon grass oil cream. Phytotherapy Research. 1998;10(7):551-4.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Caring For Your Feet Is Essential, So Trust Essential Oils To Do The Job

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