7/20/10

I know it's been some time since I've written, but there have been so many other distractions. In between sewing for clients, I've been trying to sell some of my fabrics and trims to make room for new ones. This is much harder than I thought it would be. It's amazing how much I have accumulated over the years, and as I sort through them, I dream about all the things that could be made. A never ending battle.

6/28/10

OK, I know that I haven't been talking, but I've been busy sewing! I finished all the alterations for my Daughter, and I made her two more skirts and cut out another dress. But, withing the last week I realized that I myself have two weddings to go to within the next few months and I have to think about what I'm going to wear. I actually hate sewing for myself because I have to find a style that works for my body type, and I hate trying it on and off several times to alter. What a pain! It's so much easier to do it for someone else. Anyway, I tried this weekend to go out and try dresses on in the stores to see what style looks best. I might also add that the last time I wore a dress was somewhere in the 1980"s. Here in St. Augustine they just don't have the stores that I'm used to up north. No one dresses up fancy. Everyone lives in shorts and tank tops. The only large stores here are Dillard's, Belk, JC Penney and Bealle's (which is like sears, tropical style). Dillard's is in Jacksonville, so I started here locally and hit the small stores like Dress Barn. I actually found two dresses that the styles looked decent, but the fabric was nothing to write home about. Wouldn't you know that they both had ruffles and pleats that would be time consuming if I made it myself. But these styles are possibilities. Then I ventured out to Dillard's and I found a gown that looks really great on me. Again, it has ruffles and lace but not the quality that I would like to wear. I bought it and I'm planning on copying the design and producing it in better fabrics. I still plan to venture out again to Jacksonville and look in boutiques this week, before I attempt to do all this work. I would hate to wear this gown and find myself coming and going. That is what I hate about ready-to-wear. I guess I'm spoiled. But then again, the question remains, do any guests wear gowns to weddings today? Will it be appropriate to wear one? Let me know what you think?

6/7/10

Just to let you all know that the woman I made the dress for called to thank me and loved it! She said it only needed to be taken in slightly at the waist and everything else was perfect. I'm so pleased.
Well, on to my the next project of making my daughter another dress. I should be making something for myself, with all the fabric I bought a couple of weeks ago. But it's so much more fun making things for others. :)

6/5/10

This past week I decided to make a dress for someone as a surprise. I only met this person twice, and really did not know her measurements, but I have a pretty good eye when it comes to sizes. I designed a knee length strapless dress made from a beautiful white jacquard cotton. I had a vision that this design would look beautiful on her and I hope she likes it. It has white piping horizontally on the bodice top and vertically on the midriff section. And I added a tiny white passementrie rosette trim at the bodice top and along the waistline. The inside had all my couture details of a separate foundation, lining, straps for hanging, etc. I wrapped it up so neatly in pink tissue paper with a gold seal and placed it in the perfect size box for shipping. It was all ready to go, when all of a sudden I remembered the most important thing! I forgot to take a picture of it! Oh well, that wouldn't be the first time. Maybe if it fits her, she would be so kind as to take a picture of her in it for me. :)

5/26/10

I managed to take some time today to go to a fabric store in Jacksonville to get some notions that I needed to complete my projects and it was so nice to be surrounded by all the sewing things that I love. When I got home, the fabric that I ordered online arrived and it was exactly what I had hoped for. If you are looking for a reputable online fabric source with great prices and very good quality fabrics, try www.fashionfabricsclub.com. I highly recommend them!

5/21/10

I finished most of my daughter's alterations, but had a slight setback. My back went out and I basically couldn't move for a week. But, I'm better now and ready to continue my labor of love. Having so much time to think of all the wonderful creations, I don't know what to tackle first. LOL!

I definitely have a problem resisting beautiful fabrics. I just returned from a trip up north and yes, I bought more fabric. So, in addition to the tops and pants that I told you about last week, I am now going to make myself a couple of dresses too. That is, after I finish my Daughter's alterations and in between gowns and wedding party items that I promised others. It is a good thing that I love to sew! What are you working on?