Goodbye Valentino

19 Jun Vogue 9053 and a Pattern Giveaway!

Posted at 11:41h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 32 Comments

A little late for the trip to Charlotte, but just in time for the sweltering heat! My plan was to make a new dress for the Charlotte Girls' Weekend, Julie and I hosted over the weekend, but too much to do and too little time left me short. While this pattern is not my typical silhouette, Vogue 9053 is loaded with summertime possibilities. After sewing the brocade party dress last October (blogged here), I was ready to expand my wardrobe to include more full skirts. I believe the secret to making this pattern work for me is the fitted upper bodice, and a gently draping...

07 Jun Not Just For Children!

Posted at 08:25h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 68 Comments

A two-week beach vacation happens rarely, but I enjoyed every day and my sewing machine barely made an appearance. I missed you, Dear Readers! ____________________ The season of love is upon us and my first post vacation garment is a Rehearsal Dinner dress for a wedding this weekend in Atlanta. Visiting fabric stores is so rare for me these days, that when I do have the pleasure to touch and feel the real thing, I am like a child in a candy store. In March, I visited the Children's Corner Store in Nashville for all of 25 minutes. I was caught off guard...

17 May My New Jacket & The Art of Flexibility

Posted at 05:00h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 106 Comments

I've always thought one of my greatest strengths is flexibility. It's a nebulous term for sure, but for me staying flexible includes the ability to change directions mid-course without becoming rattled. My flexible nature was put to the test during the past several days while constructing the latest - Last year I ordered an interesting and cheerful stretch cotton sateen from Promenade Fabrics. The store sent me a little extra due to the fabric design and my yardage request. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the fabric when it arrived but I loved it and made a simple skirt with the extra fabric (blogged...