Fashion Sewing

09 Aug Making the Cut: Part 1

Many thanks to the readers who suggested I write a post about the clothes that made the cut when we moved. Her suggestion compelled me to study the good, the bad and the ugly of my sewing and style choices. I surprised myself after this exercise and recommend it! Who wants to give something away that you've spent hours making? Some of my makes were great learning experiences, while others remain wardrobe favorites. Maybe you've had similar sewing experiences! Before I start, I have a question...

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21 Jul 5 Favorite Pink Garments, A Tribute to Barbie

It's Barbie's big day!  Will you be going ? In Pink? 😊 One of the best and most memorable Christmas gifts I ever received was a box of Barbie clothes made by my Aunt Maggie. She must have made 50 garments including a wedding gown! I know this gift of love has influenced my interest in sewing and fashion.  My Barbie looked more like this...

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15 Jul Vogue Pattern 8833, White Linen Top

In March a color specialist spoke to a women's group I belong to. I haven’t thought about the Color Me Beautiful scene since the 80s, but this industry is going strong! Our speaker came from House of Colour and the business has expanded into makeup, accessories, hair color, and even balancing silhouettes and proportions….We were told that a pure red color looks good on everyone (leading me to buy the Red Tunic), but not so with black and white. I should wear beige, navy and chocolate brown….. I understand how blue and yellow undertones affect what colors look best on us, but...

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09 Jul Style Arc Andie & Shopping The Real Real

Dear Readers, Thank you so much for the warm welcome back! I didn't know if anyone was still here,  and I am honored that you are 😘😘😘 Birdie has been visiting for the last week, so no sewing for me but it was a great time to introduce Birdie to fashion sewing! I know many of you have taught your six-year old children and grandchildren to sew and I’m happy to finally get started. Style Arc “Andie” was our pattern - an A-Line dress with flutter sleeves. Birdie selected the embroidered pique from my surviving stash. There was ¾ yard of the 45” width fabric...

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27 Jun It’s Great to be Sewing Again!

It is impossible to pick up where I left off since I’ve been gone for so long, and there are no words to describe how happy I am to be back! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who checked in with me. 😘 My husband and I jumped on an opportunity to buy a smaller home in our neighborhood, and at last I’ve caught my breath.  Seizing the moment was the beginning of brutal purging, and cleaning out my sewing room was the most overwhelming of all. After the move I couldn’t face unpacking my...

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30 Jul Outfit of the Day Wrap Up

For those who are serious about sewing their own clothes, I highly recommend a 30 day (or longer) Outfit of the Day exercise. Greetings. I'm ending the summer Daily Mix in my Luau Maxi, perfect for sipping Skinny Piña Coladas by the pool. I made the dress for Hawaii 2018 and bring it out on hot summer days. The Burda 7110 pattern is featured in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing. My lightweight stretch cotton fabric is from Promenade Fine Fabrics. Let's talk Outfit of the Day...

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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...

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