Lycralady’s Weblog

THE NEW SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL CHART IS NOW READY!!Now you can have your very own clear transparency with actual SWAROVSKI crystals!   You can lay your transparency on your fabric and decide which crystal looks the best with your fabric!  

The pricing is RETAIL – all Sample Club members recieve 20% off!

 The chart is $15 and with your first $100 order you recieve a $10 discount!!

At Your Designs, we carry genuine Swarovski crystals—creme de la creme of crystals.  The reflection of these crystals is SO beautiful.

Betty’sfavorite glue is E6000 – it is washable and flexible and has great holding power on fabrics of all kinds.
-Betty learned a great tip from a client who is a nurse to use a medicine syringe!  They are inexpensive and give GREAT control on applying the glue dot to your costume and then setting the crystal in with a tweezers or toothpick (put alittle glue at the point of the toothpick).  And, of course, we  have these syringes in stock at .25 cent each . 
-At Your Designs, we are constantly on the look out for embellishing ideas–bridal and fashion magazines are a great source for endless possibilities.

 -HOTFIX crystals are another option for embellishment: they have a special glue on the back that is activated with a special hotfix tool.  There are many who prefer this over applying your own glue.     We  would be interested to hear from you in which method you prefer and why.
-We are currently working on a new rhinestone chart on a clear plastic page to make ‘matching’ colors so much easier …will let you know when it is ready.  Stay tuned for pricing as well. 

Please let us know about your experiences with working with crystals.  We’d love to hear from you at lycralady@702com.net. 

Have a great weekend!

Kelli and Betty

Zoe and her new leggings!

I just received word that our own Betty, of Your Designs, was able to spend time with her Granddaughter Zoe for the past few days.  And they decided to create some fabulous leggings!  I think they are so much fun and a very simple project to do with a blossoming 10 year-old with the desire to sew.  

Betty says “The leggings were a fun project to make with the stretch lace.  Leggings are a 1 piece pattern and take about 1 yard of fabric and are a neat project for the moderate level sewer–and in about 15 minutes, you could have a pair of your own!”  Betty and Zoe have made plans for their future sleepovers:  leggings in EVERY COLOR! 

As a result of all the fun they have had together over the past few days, Betty and Your Designs is offering 25% off ALL LACE through the end of July.  You’ll want to mentions the “LACE SALE” when you place your order via email or phone.  

We would like to know if you’ve made any fun memories sewing or creating with the ones you love.  Send in your short “memory” story by the end of July and have your name put into a drawing to win $20 in FREE fabrics and have your business recognized on our blog! 

Summer is the perfect time to spend time with the people we love–and fill up our “happy memory bank.”

Thank YOU for checking up on the happenings each week with the Lycralady blog.  I would love to get to know you.  If you’d like, please send me an email introducing yourself at lycralady@gmail.com.  I’ll look forward to hearing from YOU!

Blessings,

Kelli

Have you ever gone to the movies and enjoyed it so much, you couldn’t wait to tell your friends?  Well, this month, when you tell your friends about the great service, fabulous finds, and helpful tips you’ve received as a client of Your Designs, we’d like to reward you.  For every person or business that you refer to (and that signs up for)  Sample Club at Your Designs, we’ll give you a $20 credit towards your next purchase.   This offer is unlimited—if you refer five people, you’ll receive a $100 credit and so on.  

One thing I pride myself on is finding the best products and services available—and I’m always referring my clients to those “bests” available.  I can’t tell you how many times I am thanked as a result of saving someone the time of finding a great cleaning lady or mechanic, babysitter or dentist.  It’s an added value service that I offer my clients.  Won’t you consider adding this valuable service to your clients and friends?  

We’re looking forward to extending the same great service you’ve always received to the contacts you share with us.  In your area, who do you know who owns a dance studio, skating club, or fitness facility?  We’d love to meet them!  

Thanks so much!  We look forward to rewarding YOU with $20 towards your next order!

JULY SEWING TIPS:

Sewing on Swimwear -

It is important to have the right equipment and tools to work on your lycra sewing projects.

1.Cotton swimwear elastic - a nice soft elastic that stands up well to chlorine and repeated washings. I carry 1/4″ and 3/8″

2.Wooly nylon thread – this is a MUST for sewing with lycra. On your serger use it in the upper and/or lower loopers. I know some use it in ALL the needles for superior stretchability (such as a one piece unitard)

3.I found a WONDERFUL way to sew down the elastics (legs, waist, necklines) is to wind wooly nylon thread in your bobbin on your standard sewing machine. It works beautifully with a double needle stitch and a broken zig zag stitch.

4. Be sure to use a lightweight lining in the crotch of your swimwear for comfort and wear ability.

5. Make a fun wrap skirt with coordinating mesh fabric. – the edges don’t even have to be finished as it will not ravel!!

6. I carry an excellent line of plastic and metal swimwear hooks – plus decorative snap closures (plastic) and barrel closures.

Each and every time I have the privilege of visiting the Lycralady’s incredible fabric shop, I am in awe  of the possibilities.  The little girl in me comes out to play…full of wonder, dreaming of what I’ll create next, and mesmerized by the rich colors.  And the grown-up girl in me wishes that the swimwear at the department stores were made from the highest quality goods you find here.  I’m thinking to myself “so this is the suck-you-in, hold-it’s-shape, fade-less fabric I WISH my swimsuit were made of.”  

All because of my little excursion yesterday afternoon, we’d like to extend a special price on all–yes ALL of our swimwear fabrics to you this week.  All solid and printed swimwear fabrics are 25% off this week.  So–go ahead, choose your favorite fabrics, and create the swimsuit of your dreams…or your daughter, neighbor, favorite client, grandchild or best friend.  Trust me, they’ll thank you!

And to the first 5 orders, we’ll reward you with a complimentary yard of swimwear lining.

P.S.  I happen to be in love with the Aquamarine Swirl (M011)

As we’re off to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends, we just wanted to thank you all for reading this week and to remind you that this is your last opportunity to capitalize on the Red, White and Blue specials.

Red/White/Blue Fabrics:

Velvet–12.99
Lycra–10.99
Sheers–9.99

Also, all Red, White, and Blue remnants are 2.99/yard

I’m off to enjoy time at the lake with my family..looking forward to simple summer pleasures: bonfires, watermelon, sunsets, and a good round of frisbee in the lake. And of course, celebrating freedom and independence. Have a fabulous weekend! Blessings to each of you!

I looked in our treasure chest of remnants today and noticed there was lots of beautiful RED, WHITE and BLUE fabrics!  Today all R, W, and B remnants:  velvets, prints, solids, sheers, and lycra are just 2.99/yard.  This is a grab-bag special — no choice, however, Betty is sure to send you a fabulous mix and match batch of her most favorite Red, White, and Blue fabrics!  Take advantage of this special TODAY and when you opt for 10 yards or more. you’ll receive an extra yard of R, W, B remnant at no charge.