Sewing is becoming easier than ever as technology gives us machines with disk drives, microprocessors, color touch-screens, memory cards, stitch counters and color changers. So it should be no surprise that the same technology is being applied to streamlining commercial patterns to fit individuals.

        The Scan, Sew, Success Body Scanner, a 3-D laser scan that produces custom-tailored patterns, will be demonstrated Aug. 14-17 at the Stitching Post, 101 E. Alex Bell Road, Dayton. You step in a dressing room and about 90 seconds later a complete, 360-degree image is scanned giving dimensions accurate to 1/16th of an inch.

        Measurements are transfered to a database, and with your password you can order from more than 600 patterns on the Unique Web site (including McCall's and Butterick) that will be customized and sent to you. You can even “try on” patterns on your virtual body for testing via the Internet.

        For $99, you get a scan, one free pattern, a newsletter, a lifetime membership and Web site password for selection and fitting and a videotape with instructions on making adjustments for weight gain or loss. And if you send them a photo of your face, they can add it to the computer image for your virtual fittings in the future. To register: (937) 436-9200 or www.scansewsuccess.com.

        Back-to-school night: High school and college-bound teens should circle Sunday, Aug. 18 on their calendars and head for Florence Mall's back-to-school night from 6-9 p.m. The first 1000 (14-21-year-olds) to arrive will get goodie bags with retailer coupons and giveaways. Events include a design-your-own jeans contest, rock & roll Jeopardy with KISS-107, KISS-107 DJ music, fashion shows, free hairstyling from Regis, Mastercuts, JCPenney, free makeovers at Origins, free food samples and Pepsi and caricatures. (859) 371-1231.

        Stride Rite outlet: Prime Outlets I at Jeffersonville, off I-71 (at exit 65), has added a Stride Rite store with shoes for all ages from babies to adults including Keds, Sperry and Tommy Hilfiger brands. An additional 15 stores of outlet shopping are at exit 69. www.primeoutlets.com.

        Long-lasting lips: There are a lot of lip colors out there claiming to last all-day. But finding one that's glossy and stays on after your morning OJ has been difficult. Sephora says it has the answer in Lip Lacquers, crediting a wax-lanolin-gel combo with a fruity scent.Lacquers come in pen-brush form and 12 shades. $15 at (877) 737-4672 or www.sephora.com.

        Bridal shows: Friday through Sunday shows at Bridal and Formal, 300 W. Benson St, Reading include designs from Amsale, Watters & Watters, W Too, V Collection and Fenaroli for Regalia. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 821-6622.

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