25 Jul Butterick 6816 – A for Effort
"What do you think?" said I...
Author: goodbyevalentino
18 Jul Papermaple Studio
When Leisa Stanton made her dreams come true, the sewing world took a giant step forward. Welcome to Papermaple Studio. Located on a quiet street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, the meticulously renovated 1900’s building sets the stage for a consummate sewing experience. When I met Leisa in 2013 at my first Susan Khalje class, she was constructing a Dior ball gown. At the next class it was a biker jacket with white Valentino lace. I immediately recognized Leisa's generous and creative spirit, her patience, skill, kindness and unquenchable quest for knowledge. I've been in awe of Leisa from the day...
11 Jul Vogue 1802 – Tyler Boe Inspired
When you don't need another party dress, but you're not ready to put away the pattern 😉 When I happened upon an image of the Tyler Boe top, I knew I could continue the fun. There it was - Vogue 1802 as a top with a ruffled collar! [show_lookbook_widget id="497442"] Even better, I knew just what to do with the expensive B and J Fabrics' silk charmeuse I bought in 2013 with no idea how to use. I was so gung ho that I broke my no UFO rule and immediately got down to business. I had 1 1/2 yards of 45" fabric, not ideal,...
06 Jul The Daily Mix
People often ask me if I really wear all of the clothes I sew. Believe it or not I still wear a few clothes from 2011-2012, the year I reacquainted myself with garment sewing. While I've experienced a few disappointments here and there, the short answer is Yes, I wear the clothes I sew. Last month I wore my six-year-old tunic for a family beach photo. I know, the wind...
03 Jul New Look Pattern 6500
I'm so happy to be celebrating the Fourth again, that I've made a new dress for the occasion! Another big bold print to express my big bold happiness to be with friends and family again 😊 After seeing the Jude Connally dress in the Charleston store made from this fabric, I soon discovered the fabric on the Emma One Sock website. Once it arrived I realized the fabric design on the dress was smaller than my fabric, but within 5 minutes of posting the dressform photo on Instagram, my daughter sent me this photo. How could I have forgotten her dress, especially since I...
27 Jun Vogue Pattern 1802
I'm swinging now in one of the most fun dresses I've ever made! One of the things I've sorely missed over the last year and a half was real in-person inspiration. Last week I visited a lovely boutique and tried on a swing dress with a tie back in four different colors, but it was the red one that jolted my memory. Yes...
20 Jun Vogue Pattern 1536
I guess you could say I took a Covid Sabbatical which was unplanned, but I discovered it was much needed. Many thanks to all of you who checked in on me, and I'm truly touched by your concern. ❤️ I'm delighted to be back, vaccinated and all just in time for summer sewing - my favorite! Had I known the design scale of this gorgeous pique from Farmhouse Fabrics, I might have passed it by. I bought the fabric last summer for the colors and envisioned a simple summer dress, but it remained folded and packaged until a few days ago. BAM! Hoping for...
10 Jan Countdown with Butterick 6388
I might be smiling but I'm not happy. I've got a book of excuses for gaining nearly 10 pounds, but I won't go there. I decided the best way to start the 10-pound countdown was by sewing a new dress...
07 Nov In House Patterns – Diana
I recently discovered dozens of unanswered messages on Messenger. This is an app I have downloaded but do not use and I apologize to anyone who wrote to me expecting a reply. The best way to contact me is through my blog or by Instagram DM. _______________________________________________ When I returned to sewing nine years ago I vowed to complete each project before starting another and the decision has served me well. This garment is a great example for me to remember, because it would have be trashed before I put the sleeves on...
08 Oct Updates – Van Gogh Inspired
Excuse me for reposting, but yesterday an Instagram friend said she made a wrap dress from this fabric, and do you know where she bought it? Fabric.com - Here it is. Honestly, the image slipped right by me 😉 The second update is based on a question I received. I was asked to elaborate on why sewing the jacket in the stretch jacquard & this knit were two different experiences. The stretch jacquard is a woven fabric with stretch and the result of the pattern is more like a jacket. Sewing the pattern in this knit results in a sweater type garment. I sewed...