Author: goodbyevalentino

13 Mar Creating Couture Embellishment Giveaway for All Readers!

While the last four weeks have been quite exciting and enjoyable, I've had little time to sew, or even blog. I've just returned from Nashville where I presented a talk+trunkshow, and a Tunic Bible workshop to the lovely ladies of the ASG Nashville Chapter, combined with a two-day visit and training session at the Pfaff Headquarters. The workshop was held in a Nashville Police Precinct and I couldn't resist having my photo made with a policeman who likes to sew! Prior to Nashville I had the pleasure of taping three episodes for the PBS sewing show, It's Sew Easy in Cleveland which I...

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27 Feb Oscar de la Renta Stretch Canvas Shirtdress

After making the white jacket (blogged here), McCall's 6520 turned out to be just the pattern I was looking for; a semi-structured dress with a classic fit and a little tailoring. I had a difficult time believing this whimsical Oscar de la Renta print is canvas, but now, not only am I believer - I'm practically a canvas convert. The fabric is from the Mood Fabrics  stretch-canvas collection. I knew I'd like any fabric designed by Oscar de la Renta, but I was surprised by its light weight and smooth texture. Mood offers a huge selection of canvas for both home decorating and apparel sewing but limited...

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18 Feb Promenade Fine Fabrics

Today I am profiling a fabric store that is supporting the 2018 RTW Fasters with a generous $100 giveaway. If Mood Fabrics is the King of fabrics stores, then Promenade Fine Fabrics, is surely the Queen. Located in the heart of New Orleans, this family owned business offers fine fabrics from around the world, including Irish linens, Italian and English wools, French, Swiss and Asian silks, French laces, brocades and much more. In addition, the store carries a large selection of buttons in diverse materials including horn, mother of pearl, glass, stones, wood, and vintage. Promenade also offers one of the nation’s largest selections of ribbon in...

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17 Feb Canvas Jacket for S P R I N G

No need to call me Dr. Gunn, but I suppose if I was a physician I'd look a little like this minus the buttons and sunglasses 😉 It takes me very little to get excited about Spring, and after returning from Cleveland's ice and snow to a few warm days of sunshine and blooming cherry trees,  I am keen to sew for the upcoming season. One of these days I might sew a capsule wardrobe, and if I do this is my first piece.  Based on my Capsule Wardrobe Pinterest board one might think I was a capsule wardrobe consultant. I'm obsessed, but...

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31 Jan McCall Pattern Company Interview & Giveaway

 The McCall Pattern Company founded in 1870 is a mainstay of the home sewing industry. Through the years, the pattern companies have undergone numerous business changes but they are still here! I had the privilege of touring the Manhattan company headquarters in 2013 which was very impressive.  I was guided through the conception to realization of its pattern process, and the company truly runs like a well oiled machine. Today the McCall Pattern Company is owned by CSS Industries, and sells sewing patterns under the McCall’s®, Butterick®, Kwik Sew® and Vogue Patterns® brand names. In support of the 2018 RTW Fasters, The McCall Pattern Company is serving...

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28 Jan Blackwood x2

Discovering a pattern that is just your style is pure gold. I have a few and have just added a new one to the collection. Winter just got a whole lot better 😉 After browsing through a stack of Christmas catalogs during the holidays, I was convinced I needed a pair of patterned leggings and ordered Mood Fabric's ultra soft black wool knit with orchid pink medallions. Opening the box of fabric long after the catalogs were thrown away brought me back to reality and I reassessed. The leggings would be cute if I was 10 or on a Scandinavian vacation...

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