Fashion Sewing

15 Jun Lilly P Knockoff Shorts

Posted at 05:00h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 42 Comments

Six glorious beach days with Birdie - life gets no better! I was determined to perfect a pair of scalloped hem shorts before returning to the beach, and my inspiration came from many of the Lilly Pulitzer beach shorts. Many thanks to Margo Bergman from Creating in the Gap for introducing me to McCall's 6930, a flat front short with a scalloped hem option (View B). For optimal results I added a lining to the shorts for comfort and wrinkle reduction, and inserted an invisible zipper - eliminating the need for a hook & eye at the waistband. Rather than sewing the 3-piece waistband...

29 May Seersucker Beach Pants – Vogue 7912

Posted at 06:33h in Mood Fabrics, Mood Sewing Network, sewing blogs, Uncategorized, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 48 Comments

For some reason, my husband and I have not been to the beach together in almost one year! Greetings from Edisto and Happy Memorial Day! I didn't know I wanted a pair of wide-leg beach pants until the Blue and White Bengal Cotton Seersucker arrived from Mood Fabrics. Seriously, I was planning a dress with a ruffle collar, but a new vision appeared once I opened the package. This is no pinstripe seersucker, but a lovely light and airy fabric featuring 1/4" stripes. It is slightly puckered with a wonderful drape making it suitable for several garments. As one who almost always prefers a slim silhouette, I was...

28 Apr Sip & See

Posted at 08:32h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 15 Comments

Dear Readers, Since I started sewing again in 2011 I've made hundreds of garments whose total sum equals a complete wardrobe minus a bathing suit and lingerie. My inspiration to sew initially came from high end ready-to-wear, but I quickly learned those garments were only the beginning of my inspiration. Through the years I've met many sewists with enviable skills, style and creativity who draw inspiration far beyond the ready-to-wear scene. From a single blade of grass to exotic travels, creative inspiration abounds for those ready to receive, anywhere and anytime. I have learned so much from so many willing to share their skills,...

26 Apr Carolina Herrera Stretch Silk

Posted at 07:00h in Mood Fabrics, Mood Sewing Network, Sewing Dresses, silk, Uncategorized, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 73 Comments

I scored big time finding this beautiful Carolina Herrera Leopard Printed Stretch Silk Twill from Mood Fabrics. I ordered the fabric with a wrap dress in mind, but after the fabric arrived I came across a photograph of the Carolina Herrera original and decided to follow the style of the designer with a close fitting dress. I reached for a favorite pattern I have made twice before - Vogue 9047. (Version one is here and version two is here.) The pattern is now out of print but still available on the website, Etsy and other online sources.While the 'original' dress is a sheath with...

09 Apr Almost Cocktail Attire

Posted at 18:48h in New Look Sewing Patterns, Refashioning Clothes, sewing blogs, Sewing Skirts, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 54 Comments

In my next life I'd like to live in a historic house in Charleston with a decorative gate and creeping fig wall. Perhaps you follow Teggy French, one of my favorite fashion bloggers. Last fall her social media led me to Shein, a website of inexpensive clothing where I purchased a ruffled bell sleeve top. When it arrived I hated everything about it...

03 Apr Saint James Dress

Posted at 10:02h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 120 Comments

Knowing I can sew a garment for a tiny fraction of the retail price of a simply thrills me, and is one of the reasons I continue to sew. I knew I could make the $200 Saint James Toledo striped dress I saw in a boutique in Charlotte,but I didn't know that Mood Fabrics stocked Saint James knits ~ the very same fabrics! Upon finding Burda 6722, I knew it was meant to be. Described as a ponte, Mood offers the Saint James knits in several colors, and I chose the white background with black stripes. I rarely sew Burda patterns (no reason in...

10 Mar The French Jacket Experience (guest post) Julie Starr

Posted at 09:13h in Fashion Sewing, French Jacket, Sewing Jackets by goodbyevalentino 78 Comments

My friend and co-author, Julie Starr dedicates each January (+) to sewing a couture garment. She's hooked on French Jackets and generously shares her experience below. Enjoy :) The allure of the classic French jacket - its mystique has captivated for years. Long before rediscovering garment sewing several years ago I admired this garment for its timeless elegance on the outside, never understanding that the magic on the inside is the real story. Quilting lofty boucle to silk lining with rows of stitches that are all but invisible from the outside produces a sumptuous quality double layer that hugs the body...

20 Feb Mood Fabrics Giveaway Winner

Posted at 07:29h in Goodbye Valentino Giveaway, Mood Fabrics, Mood Sewing Network by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

Happy Monday, especially to Jean Humphries, winner of the Mood Fabrics giveaway :) Jean, please confirm your email with me no later than Wednesday, February 22 or a new winner will be selected. Congratulations! Many thanks to all who participated in the giveaway and again to whomever voted in the African Print Challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughtful and very kind comments and will be responding now that the giveaway is completed. My next post will feature a beautiful make by my friend and co-author, Julie Starr ( not a tunic!) Best wishes to all for a lovely week....

17 Feb Mood Fabrics Giveaway!

Posted at 06:27h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 299 Comments

Goodness ~ I won the Mood Fabrics African Print Facebook Challenge. Many thanks to all who voted in the contest, not just for me, but for any of the seven MSN bloggers. I'm truly flattered to have won amid such talent. For winning, I received two $50.00 Mood Fabrics gift certificates. Mood automatically loaded one to my account but the second one is for you! To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment below. The winner will be announced Monday, February 20th. ________________________________ If you plan to visit Quilt Con in Savannah, please stop by one of our Tunic Bible book signings and say hello!...

14 Feb Floral Explosion and Giveaway Winner

Posted at 06:26h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 40 Comments

Happy Valentine's Day, Dear Readers! My hometown of Spartanburg, SC has gone all out putting hearts on the lampposts and red dye in the fountain :) I finished my new shirt just in time for the big day. This lightweight cotton from Five Eighth Seams caught my eye with its floral explosion, and I was smitten after seeing the Monet quote printed along the selvage. ;) As I've mentioned before, I thought button down shirts were not for me until I returned to sewing and became dedicated to fitting myself. Now I love them. I cannot think of a single place where I can buy a...