Bryce Black, Becky Ross to show on Project Runway

Becky Ross (back row left) and Bryce Black (back row right) are competing on Project Runway, Season 9. Both studied with Sharon Blair.

Yes, it's true. I can now spill the beans and tell you that two of my students, Bryce Black and Becky Ross, are appearing on Season 9 of Project Runway.Bryce you know because he studied at Portland Sewing and designed for my line, StudioSKB, this year. He was featured in our April 16 Garden Party Fashion show where people applauded his modern, multiple use designs. You'll soon be able to buy his garments at Radish Underground, 414 SW 10th, and Physical Element, 1124 NW Lovejoy. Both in Portland.

Becky was in my Principles of Fit and Activewear classes at Art Institute.

Congratulations and good luck to both of them. Season 9 starts July 28.

And if you see Project Runway in your future, or you just want to launch your own apparel line, consider applying for our Fashion Forward Program. Applications are due August 17. Winners start mid-September.

Small wrapped top and varsity skirt designed by Bryce Black for StudioSKB. Modeled by Keely DiPietro at Portland Sewing's Garden Party Fashion Event April 16.

Song of the day: Back in Black

Some facts about industrial machines

Q. What is the difference between my [home sewing] machine and an industrial sewing machine?

A. Let's compare your home sewing machine to an industrial lockstitch machine such as the Juki DDL-8700:

-- The Juki is much faster. Your machine sews 250-1000 stitches per minute. The Juki: 5500 spm. What makes it so fast? Industrial machines come with a 21"x47" power table with a heavy motor. The base of the machine sits in machine oil to keep it cool and lubricated as you sew.

-- The needle doesn't disengage when you fill a bobbin. It flies up and down furiously as you press the foot pedal. So make sure there's no thread in the needle.

-- The shank of the Juki needle is round. The shank of your machine's needle is flat in the back. Every industrial machine has its own style of needle while your machine's needles can be used in every home sewing machine. You can't use home sewing needles in an industrial machine.

-- Your machine threads typically from front to back. The Juki's threads from left to right.

-- The best part: You have a knee lift to raise the presser foot. Your hands need never leave the fabric. This is an option only in the more expensive home sewing machines.

Sign up for our Industrial Machine Sewing class to learn more about these machines. Prerequisite: Beginning or Intermediate Sewing.

Unraveling thread confusion

Q. I'm so confused! What kind of thread should I use for sewing a skirt?

A. Here are four of the most common kinds of threads you'll see and where to use them:

All-purpose = Use for general sewing.

Best – Polyester. Use this for your skirt. Since it’s made from long, staple fibers, polyester is strong, durable and colorfast. Brands: Mettler, Gutermann.

Okay – Cotton-covered polyester. Because it is wrapped, it can shred and break. But it's less expensive and has more color choices. Brand: Coats and Clark. Don’t buy "bargains." Throw away old spools.

Cotton – Use for quilting. Not pre-shrunk so if it’s used in clothing, the seams will pucker in the first wash.

Rayon – Use for decorative stitching such as embroidery and serging. Not strong enough for general sewing.

Silk– High sheen and high-priced. Use for couture sewing.