Sewing Skirts

23 Jun Petal Skirts

Posted at 07:52h in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, Sewing Skirts by goodbyevalentino 33 Comments

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...

28 Oct Nettie Bodysuit and Silk Jacquard Skirt

Posted at 09:03h in New Look Sewing Patterns, Sewing Skirts, Sewing Tops, Sewing with Lace, silk, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 75 Comments

Pardon the cliche, but it's true...

16 Aug Sewing For a Postulant

Posted at 06:22h in sewing clothes, Sewing Skirts, Sewing Tops by goodbyevalentino 67 Comments

At the request of many readers, I am writing a post about my recent sewing project. My neighbors' 30-year old daughter, the oldest of seven children, is an Air Force Academy graduate. She completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan while on active duty before settling in Columbia, SC as an engineer. In March she made the decision to pursue the religious life and is joining the Dominican Sisters of Mary in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her parents paid me a visit shortly after her decision to ask if I would sew the official clothes Katie would wear during her postulant year. The clothes include 2 white aprons, 2 blue aprons,...

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...

17 Jan McCall’s 4710 Silk Skirt and a Ruffle Neckline Top

Posted at 07:32h in Mood Fabrics, Ruffles, Sewing Skirts, The Tunic Bible, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 54 Comments

We've just returned from Miami and while there we anticipated limitless photo possibilities for my latest make, but the stars didn't align for us...

20 Aug Oprah Magazine’s 13 Top Fit Tips

Posted at 17:30h in Butterick Patterns, Sewing Skirts, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 64 Comments

In the current issue of The Oprah Magazine, Adam Glassman, O's creative director shares his guidelines for looking your best, no matter the trends. 1. Start with a Good Foundation - Check 2. Wear Your Actual Size ...

06 Apr The St. John Suit by Julie Starr (guest post)

Posted at 04:00h in Sewing Jackets, Sewing Skirts, Simplicity Patterns, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 125 Comments

A big welcome to my friend and co-author, Julie Starr, a lovely woman who models the example of excellence through her exemplary sewing, in addition to being a sewist who illustrates my motto with verve! Enjoy ;) _________________________________________________________________________ from Julie ~ Have you ever clipped an inspiration image that practically haunted you until you challenged yourself to give it a go? Taking cues from high end ready to wear designers is the fuel that feeds my sewing passion and this $2000 St. John suit is an especially gratifying example. I found myself lingering over the photo each time I visited my Pinterest sewing inspiration...

10 Nov The Shanel SUIT

Posted at 11:49h in Mood Fabrics, sewing clothes, Sewing Skirts, Simplicity Patterns, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 165 Comments

I always thought I wanted to be cremated, but now I’m not so sure. I mean, now that I’ve got something to wear………. At last, I have completed the coordinating skirt to my Shanel Jacket, which means I have a brand new suit! Goodness, I never wear suits, but I’m going to start, and pray I am lucky enough to wear this one out before it’s time to go. ;) ________________ Over the last 26 months I’ve sewn many skirt patterns and deemed Simplicity 3648 worthy of sewing the last yard of the lofty Chanel tweed. I so wish the camera could capture the beautiful metallic thread...

26 Jul Sultry or Sunshine?

Posted at 08:11h in Mood Fabrics, sewing blogs, Sewing Skirts, silk, Yellow by goodbyevalentino 104 Comments

“Well if it isn’t Sultry and Sunshine!” blurted the drunk man upon seeing my friend and me. The year was 1984. My friend resembled Angelina Jolie and well, I just looked like myself, only 29 years younger. It’s not hard to know who was Sultry and who was Sunshine. I’m not sure what little Miss Sunshine was wearing that evening but I doubt it was yellow. There is no yellow in my home and I did not own any yellow clothes until two years ago after a Medium told me I needed more yellow in my life. (Blogged HERE and HERE) Now the color...

15 Jul Ribbon Skirt Conclusion!

Posted at 14:33h in Ribbon Skirt, sewing blog, Sewing Skirts, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 68 Comments

I originally planned a three part Sew-a-Long for the Ribbon Skirt, but I discovered after sewing the ribbons in place the rest is simple enough to complete in a single post, thanks to Julie Starr. For newcomers to the Sew-a-Long, everything you need to know is located HERE. PART TWO: If you have marked and attached all rows carefully, the side seams should match at each ribbon row. 12. Press each completed section and with right sides facing, pin and sew the front to the back at the right side seam. 13. Finish the seam allowances as desired. Julie serged her seam allowances and pressed...