Bernina CutWork Tool with Software

I am really excited about the new Bernina CutWork Tool and Software! This new tool allows you to create an outline on your computer, send it to the sewing machine and then cut it with the new tool that sits in the needle bracket. With the software you can sequence the motif to cut and then embroider using a variety of stitches. The Cutwork tool will work on any Bernina machine, which is embroidery capable. Bernina was winner of the Swiss Technology Award for this invention.

Here is a leather book cover which the new tool cut and embroidered. It had no problem cutting through leather and can easily cut up to 10 layers of fabric at once. The book cover is my own design. It has handles and a built in bookmark, making it perfect for anyone who travels. I sequenced the design to first cut out the scales and eyes from a piece of green leather. I then glued brown and red leather to the back of the green leather and embroidered around the cut holes. I set this aside, hooped up brown leather and cut out the lizard. I then positioned the green leather I had prepared, glued it in place and finished with embroidery around the outside of the design.

For more information on sewing with leather visit my website http://www.finesewing.com/ for information on my Sewing Leather CD. For more information about the Bernina Cutwork tool visit http://www.berninausa.com/product_detail-n6-i294-sUS.html

Koos van den Akker Workshop April 14-18, 2010

The Academy is pleased to have New York designer Koos van den Akker return again this spring to teach another inspiring and creative workshop. Here are some of the photos from last year's class. All of the students accomplished more than project while learning Koos' techniques. Visit http://www.finesewing.com to download workshop registration information.

Creative Ideas for 9 year olds

Here are two of my 9 year old students, Emma Rose and Maiah, who just completed their bean bag chairs in time for Xmas holiday movie watching!

Leather Workshop

Here are a couple of the leather jackets students in the Leather workshop made this fall at The Academy. The student in the red leather used Ce Podolak's Fearless Jacket #108 which was designed for leather. The other student, who came all the way from Hawaii, used a Simplicity pattern. Great job!

Paris 2009

In October The Academy led a group of 10 students on a Design and Creativity tour of Paris. We had a great group. Everyday we toured and visited a different part of the city.

One of the highlights was our day at the famous embroidery House of Lesage where students created a flower brooch complete with silk ribbon, beads and sequins. They had the opportunity to meet Mr. Lesage!

The food, cafes, shop windows, fashions, Madame Vionnet exhibit, Vanity Fair Vogue magazine cover display and shopping made for an incredible trip!

Couture Draping with Jon Moore

We had two very successful draping workshops with Jon Moore of London, England this fall. Here are some of the projects that the students worked on with Jon. Having their own 'body double' dress form, which they created during the first few days of the workshop ensured a perfect fitting jacket, which they draped during the remainder of the workshop.

We are looking forward to having Jon back in 2010 when he will be teaching the Little Black Dress workshop.

Couture Draping with Jon Moore

We have had a fantastic week working with Jon Moore, couturier from London, England. Students have been busy building 'body double' dress forms. The body double dressform consist of a draped cover for the dress form and padding built up to create a personalized shape and then a final draped cover. It was amazing to see the twin shapes take form! What a useful tool for the students to take home with them.

Tomorrow, students will begin draping a classic jacket.