Sew the Classics 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...

07 Nov In House Patterns – Diana

Posted at 06:28h in Fashion Sewing, Sewing Tops by goodbyevalentino 30 Comments

I recently discovered dozens of unanswered messages on Messenger. This is an app I have downloaded but do not use and I apologize to anyone who wrote to me expecting a reply. The best way to contact me is through my blog or by Instagram DM. _______________________________________________ When I returned to sewing nine years ago I vowed to complete each project before starting another and the decision has served me well. This garment is a great example for me to remember, because it would have be trashed before I put the sleeves on...

04 Oct Helen Haughey Designs – Guest Post

Posted at 07:12h in Fashion Sewing, Sewing Dresses by goodbyevalentino 23 Comments

Just how important is your neckline selection? One of my sewing mentors contacted me after reading my latest Sheath Post and offered a few helpful comments particularly about the design of my sheath. Helen Haughey, of Helen Haughey Designs is a Certified Master of Sewing and a true master of sewing couture sheaths. I met Helen in Tampa last year and again in Boston at the ASG Convention. In February 2020, I took a French Jacket Class with Helen and Mary Funt. It's one of those classes that forever changes the way you sew. (Read Posts Here, Here and Here.) After reading Helen's comments, I invited her...

06 Mar Shanel No. 3 – French Jacket Completed

Posted at 07:06h in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, Classic Clothing, Fashion Sewing, French Jacket by goodbyevalentino 44 Comments

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...

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...

25 Nov McCall’s 6930

Posted at 08:39h in Classic Clothing, McCall's Sewing Pattern by goodbyevalentino 21 Comments

" I like being a woman, even in a man's world. After all, men can't wear dresses, but we can wear the pants." Whitney Houston When I told my husband I needed a prop to enhance the stark white background, he suggested Lulu 😉 Greetings...

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...

02 Jun Butterick 6333

Posted at 18:24h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 58 Comments

We have a home at Edisto Beach 40 miles south of Charleston, SC. It is a simple and quaint beachfront house which is ideal for R&R or quality time with family and friends. We rent the house when we’re not there which requires us remove all personal items, so I must travel with sewing items if I plan to sew...

24 Feb Our New Book Reveal!

Posted at 07:14h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 59 Comments

Question: What never goes out of style? Answer: The Classics...