Treadlette Tuesday: Meg's Pick

Meg's Pattern Pick is Vogue 1415, a tunic top by designers Tom and Linda Platt.

Meg has made View A (shown in white, left side) a few times. "I like the neckline, it's casually elegant." It's designed for wovens, but Meg also made a version in Ponte knit for a party at a vineyard. "It was elegant, but not overly dressy."

Stretch Velvet

Want the plush of a velvet but the stretch (and easy care!) of a knit? These new stretch velvets are for you! The deep jewel tones and lush pile add drama to the simplest silhouettes.

 Nina made this cute raglan-sleeved tunic/dress from the black stretch velvet, and it turned out stunning!

She used New Look 6469, a simple pattern just for knits with a few detail options.

Treadlette Tuesday: Nina's Pick

Today we have another totally fun and useful notion pick, this time from Treadlette Nina! One of her favorite tools is the Snap Source snap setting kit.

Nina says, "If you're gonna use Snap Source snaps - which are awesome because they have an extra-long prong and they come in a TON of colors - you need to get the snap setter because it makes your life so much easier!"

The kit comes with easy-to-follow directions. Just a few taps with a hammer or mallet and your snap it set!

Snaps like these are a classic choice for Western-style shirts, but you can use them anywhere you'd put ordinary snaps, or even use them in place of buttons! Nina likes to use them on shirts for adults and kids. You can see a cute little boy's shirt Nina made with these snaps featured in the book One Yard Wonders.

Nina adds, "If anyone needs a tutorial, they can come in and I would be glad to help them!"

Art Gallery Prints

Here are a few more new fabrics from our recent Art Gallery order. Their "premium cotton" fabric is so smooth, soft, and light that we shelve it with lawns and shirting instead of with quilting fabrics. It's equally at home in quilts or garments - not the case with every cotton!

Plus these prints really make us think of shirts and blouses! How about you?

Art Gallery Lawn

We really love cotton lawn at Treadle. It's a lighter weight fabric, but not sheer or difficult to work with. These new cotton lawns from Art Gallery are just scrumptious; silky smooth with a wonderful drape and prints that make us drool.

Lawn might seem out of season now, but these could make the perfect blouse for layering under a warm jacket or cardigan! You don't have to wait until spring.

We have lots of cotton lawn in the store! Stop by and see.

Treadlette Tuesday: Jennifer's Pick

Today's pick is from Treadlette Jennifer! One of her favorite notions is the Clover bias tape maker. Available in four sizes, this handy little tool really simplifies the task of making your own unique bias tape.

"I think these are the bomb," says Jennifer. "I spent an entire Saturday making bias tape. In every fabric I had!"

Her demonstration of using this tool makes it seem like having a third hand. You can hold the iron in one hand, the bias tape tool in another, and just run it along. "It just felt good to make it! And you can pick what you want."

Cotton Velveteen

We have some lovely new cotton velveteen in the store. Like its cousin velvet, velveteen has a soft, plush surface, but because its pile is shorter, it can be a little easier to work with.

This 100% cotton velveteen is ideal for garments or home decor. A princess-seamed dress would be gorgeous, or use it for a smart jacket that still looks lush. A few velveteen throw pillows will instantly make your room more deluxe. Or go simple with a fitted pencil skirt!

Stop by today and touch the fabrics!

New Knits from Art Gallery

We have some wonderful new cotton knit prints from Art Gallery fabrics!

Knits are perfect for any time of year, and can sew up very quickly. Make a top, tee, skirt, or dress today and wear it tomorrow!

Treadlette Tuesday: Roberta's Pick

Our Treadlette Pick for today is this gorgeous printed silk charmeuse. Roberta reports that she fell in love with this fabric while at the last Las Vegas buying show with Michele. Of course it had to follow her home!

This 100% silk was made in Italy. The pink and fuchsia roses glow against the deep black surface. Like all charmeuse silks, it moves and drapes like water falling.

So, what to make? "I'm not sure yet," says Roberta. "I think it would be stunning as a classic, calf-length, shawl collar dressing gown. Or possibly a nightgown."

It seemed a shame to keep this lovely fabric indoors, so she is also considering a long, full skirt, or a shirtwaist dress with a vintage vibe.

She also adds, "I will accept suggestions from the public!" 

1920s Fashion Plate Prints

We have a beautiful new print featuring fashion illustrations from the 1920s. Take a look!

Each repeat of this panel print is filled with large-scale fashion plates in soft neutral colors. Vintage fashion lovers will adore the detail!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Michele Hoaglund started working at Treadle in 1994. Her daughter Olivia (yes, OUR Olivia!) was one year old.

In the time Michele worked at Treadle, she started teaching sewing classes and coordinating our wonderful class schedule. Some of her favorite classes to teach are Beginning Apparel Sewing, "because beginners have such energy and excitement!" and Copy Ready-To-Wear. "It's like playing dot-to-dot for grownups."

She loves to sew garments that go together well, like they are supposed to! "I appreciate a well-drafted pattern," she says. Patterns from independent company Sewing Workshop are a particular favorite of Michele's. "They are classic styles and they always fit well."

Michele bought Treadle a little over a year ago, and since then has been developing her vision for the store.

She added our new tagline, "Sewing People Together," which perfectly describes the sense of community Treadle fosters by bringing people together through sewing. "People run into each other here who haven't seen each other in years, but they were best friends in another life. We share our joys and sorrows. It's a gift Mary created. We will always carry beautiful fabrics, but we are focused on community."

CLOSED Today, January 2nd

Reminder, we are closed today, Monday, January 2nd, for Inventory! See you tomorrow!