A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing Tag

09 Aug Making the Cut: Part 1

Posted at 06:52h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 36 Comments

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...

28 Jun McCall’s Pattern 6885

Posted at 07:39h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 86 Comments

As crazy as it sounds, I'm trying to spiff up my summer stay-at-home wardrobe. I'm set for going-out clothes, but workout pants and t-shirts don't cut it anymore. This means I have one of those loaded closets with nothing to wear unless I want to be all dressed up with nowhere to go. I even turned to eBay for a few things, but Ready-to-Wear clothing no matter how expensive or cheap has its pitfalls. Everything needed an alteration of some sort, and it didn't take long to hop back on the sewing train. I simply LOVE sewing with stripes! Instant embellishment and...

17 Feb Shanel No. 3 – French Jacket Sewing with Helen Haughey & Mary Funt

Posted at 08:12h in Fashion Sewing, French Jacket by goodbyevalentino 26 Comments

I was in the right place for the entire week, processing new information for six days straight. While working on Shanel No.2, my desire to learn more was insatiable. I was very pleased with the black and white jacket, but I wanted to learn more about fit, technique, trim, style, fabrics…… Mary Funt and Helen Haughey bring a fresh perspective to French Jacket Sewing. As documented in my last post our first day was dedicated to fitting, and at the request of readers, I begin this post with a quick follow up to the armscye. ___________________________________ After comparing the armscyes of multiple jacket patterns our...

11 Feb French Jacket Sewing in Palm Beach

Posted at 07:07h in Fashion Sewing, French Jacket by goodbyevalentino 51 Comments

Greetings from Palm Beach, an ideal location to "winter" 😊 I'm thrilled to be one of twelve students participating in Helen Haughey and Mary Funt's debut French Jacket Class. Both Helen and Mary are experienced couture teachers, but this is the first class they have offered together. While working on my second French Jacket in January, I became smitten with the project, but knew I had much to learn, so here I am, and am I fortunate. In Day 1 of this very cordial and relaxed atmosphere, our objective was fitting. I know the importance of a good fit and it's one of the...

24 Jan Shanel No. 2 – Completed French Jacket

Posted at 06:50h in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, Classic Clothing, Fashion Sewing, Sewing Jackets by goodbyevalentino 84 Comments

“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...

30 Dec G O O D B Y E 2 0 1 9

Posted at 07:12h in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, Butterick Patterns, Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 57 Comments

Hello Readers, It’s been a year ...

13 Nov Pattern and Book Giveaway Winner!

Posted at 17:51h in Sewing Books by goodbyevalentino 8 Comments

Thank you, Dear Readers for making my b i r t h d a y so wonderful! The shirtdress stories were delightful gifts and made my day! From touching and warm to funny, I was fascinated to read how this garment evoked such vivid memories from ages past to present. Try to read the comments if you can! Also, a very Happy Birthday to readers Cathy Larson, Ruta Edel and Anne Maresh who share my birthday! It was Grace Kelly's birthday too ;) ___________________________________________________ Book Supply Update You might expect us to have boxes of our books. We do not - but we've learned our advance copies...

10 Nov Year of the Shirtdress and Giveaway!

Posted at 09:01h in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, Fashion Sewing, Sewing Dresses by goodbyevalentino 175 Comments

Thanks to Christian Dior's genius, the revolutionary Edwardian shirtdress was redesigned, found its way to the runway and established itself as a classic garment...

07 Nov The Revolutionary Shirtdress! McCall’s Pattern 6885

Posted at 10:29h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 53 Comments

So much to celebrate! First up - our book is now available - 3 weeks ahead of schedule :) While we were surprised, we are delighted it was released before holiday madness takes over! With the upcoming year being the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, I'm celebrating the debut of A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing with a once revolutionary garment which is now a classic: The Shirtdress. Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. So why is a shirtdress revolutionary? The Edwardian Shirtdress was one of...

18 Oct Pink October – Closet Case Carolyn PJs

Posted at 07:40h in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, Classic Clothing, Fashion Sewing, Sewing Books by goodbyevalentino 39 Comments

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...