A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing

16 Jun Bias Beauty, Kwik Sew Pattern 3308

I finished my last French Jacket in March just before our schools and businesses closed. Inspired by the cute bias halter tops Julie made from her French Jacket linings, (see page 117,  A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing)  I ordered extra lining fabric from B&J Fabrics to  make one to wear with my jacket. The plan was to photograph the halter in front of the blue waters of Aruba in April. Greetings from my back yard. The pattern is Kwik Sew 3308. Long since out of print, Julie was nice enough to make a copy for me. The beauty of the top lie in...

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06 Mar Shanel No. 3 – French Jacket Completed

My mission: to make a versatile French Jacket, one I could dress up or wear with jeans.  Mission Accomplished 😊. Helen Haughey and Mary Funt offered a superb six day French Jacket class, that challenged me both technically and creatively. I needed it and I loved it. MY FABRIC My original plan was to use the multicolored tweed on top. Mary and Helen knew I had made two previous jackets, and that my goal was to improve my skills. They told me I'd learn much more (such as ironwork shaping) using a different fabric such as one with a grid. I ordered the blue and white...

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24 Jan Shanel No. 2 – Completed French Jacket

“It's the not the Destination, It's the Journey.”   Ralph Waldo Emerson For three weeks I've embraced the French Jacket journey. My diligence was strong and I was not impatient…… but reaching the destination was pure ecstasy! In 2013 I traveled to Baltimore and made a French Jacket in a Susan Khalje class. Once I completed it at home, alone, after the class, I was shellshocked, and it never occurred to me to make another until writing A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing. We featured pages of my sewing friends & colleagues in stunning French Jackets. What was wrong with me? Why did...

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20 Oct Interview and Giveaway!

I am honored to be featured in the October issue of Sew News Magazine. Just in case you're interested, I'm sharing the interview below. Now in it's third decade of publication, the magazine's offerings have expanded to include a large online component featuring Sew Daily TV, eBooks, blogs and more in addition to its print issues. As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for your continued support of Goodbye Valentino, I'm hosting a one-year subscription giveaway  to Sew News. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below by Wednesday, October 23. The winner will be announced on Thursday, October 24. (The giveaway is...

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18 Oct Pink October – Closet Case Carolyn PJs

Thank you, Dear Readers for your warm, encouraging and thoughtful responses. Katie and I have read them all, and we felt your love in each message. We are sincere in our gratitude and please know how much your thoughts and prayers mean to our families through Katie's cancer journey. Tis the month for pink...

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23 Jun Petal Skirts

There's nothing better than a spontaneous afternoon of shopping and tea with friends. Several weeks ago I had the pleasure to do just that in Charleston with my dear friend and literary publicist Kathie, and my partner in crime, Julie. Kathie wanted to shop which gave Julie and me a legitimate reason to be in the retail stores on King Street. In our presentations, Julie and I often discuss the etiquette of  Snoop Shopping which in polite society should be referred to as Inspiration Shopping. I draw much of my sewing inspiration from Ready-to-Wear clothing and have become quite adept at sneaking...

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