Schmetz JLX2 NM90 Size 14 Coverstitch needles

I'm posting this as a reminder so this never happens to me again!
Over the years I've come to realize that novice sewers are always impressed with some of the materials I choose to work with,  mainly lightweight and stretchy jerseys.  I think many novices are under the impression that certain fabrics are harder to work with than others.  I disagree to some level.
I personally find jersey to be the easiest type of fabric since it's so forgiving.  If I accidentally sew into a seam 1/8" more than I should it wont affect the fit.   But if you're working with a woven fabric you've just made your overall garment at least a 1/4" smaller. 
The difference is that I use the right tools!  And this is what makes working with these fabrics so easy.
It's amazing to me how much of a difference it makes to use the right needle.  My first experience with silk was a nightmare because I forgot to replace the ball point needle I'd used on a previous project.

For sewing jerseys I use three machines - and all of my machines are home sewing machines.  I don't like industrial machines because they're really loud.  I enjoy listening to music while I sew.  I own a vintage singer zig-zag industrial sewing machine and I've probably used it less than ten times in the four years I've owned it.

I use a 4 thread serger, a vintage zig-zag machine and a Bernina Coverstitch Machine.  I bought the bernina over a 5 thread serger with a cover-stitch option because I realized I sew so much it would be a pain to have to convert my machine everytime I did a coverstitch.
I hadn't had any problems until recently when I ran out of needles and couldn't find a replacement.  I never realized how important cover-stitch needles were.  I always figured if I couldn't find my regular needles I would just use ball point needles.  But when I tried this I realized my machine kept skipping stitches.  I tried about 10 different brands/types of needles before I finally found my regular ones.
I got my order this morning, I've been sewing jerseys all day and I haven't had a single skipped stitch!
These needles are pretty expensive in the world of sewing machine needles (about $15 per pack) but they're worth every penny.

I found the most beautiful fabric today!

I've had a dress design in mind for a few months now and I've searched everywhere for a jacquard fabric in pastel and gold colors with no luck.  
I found the most beautiful fabric today and just couldn't pass it up.  I actually went into Joann Fabrics to buy some muslin.  I keep my visits to Joanns limited to basics like muslin and stabilizer since I don't find their fabric selection to be very good for apparel fabric and the quality of their jersey fabrics is usually poor.  On my way to the muslins I had to walk through the Jacquard fabrics and this just popped out!  It's exactly what I've been looking for.  I bought all of it which was really only six yards but it's just what I need.

April is going to be a busy month

I spent all of March working on wholesale orders, etsy orders and preparing for shows.  I have two shows lined up this month.  I'll be doing Odd Duck Indie Craft Bazaar on Saturday April 9th and Indie Craft Bazaar on Sunday April 17th.  I'm also doing some  major fabric shopping in Miami,  I'm shooting my summer line sometime between April 22-26 and finally I get to go Camping at the end of the month!!!
I'm not 100% sure yet but I'm pretty sure I'm going to Asheville, NC and then Nashville, TN.  I really love that area - especially around this time of year.  I'm just trying to find a place that's dog friendly since my dog is coming on vacation with me.
I actually haven't been able to take any kind of vacation for two years when I went to see my grandmother in Argentina so I'm really looking forward to getting a few days off. 

If you're in Davie or Fort Lauderdale stop by and see me this month!