I can hear the groans from here: Show my sewing room, are you crazy?! Whether you’re lucky enough to have an actual room of your own or you can only sew on the kitchen counter at certain times of the night we should hold our creative spaces near and dear. This challenge is a safe place to show and tell the good, the bad and the ugly about … Continue reading Denver Sews Challenge – February 2015 – Show your sewing room!
Originally posted on The magical effects of thinking:
New pencil skirt Since I make a lot of skirts I’ve decided to up the ante and start adding in couture techniques or different elements to keep my skills moving forward. On this pencil skirt from Burda 8155 I used a couture waistband technique from Susan Khalje which is featured in the latest issue of Threads magazine (March 2013). The short… Continue reading Thread’s Magazine January Challenge – Easy couture technique for waistbands
I worked in theater and costumes BM (before marriage) and one of my favorite jobs was at the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company in Seattle, WA. I loved being back stage watching the ballerinas dance and hearing their shoes strike the stage. I was enthralled with the dancers during warm up and, completely entranced as I watch them dance en pointe. I worked up in the … Continue reading Making tutu’s for professional ballet companies and other behind the scene peeks
I love Anthropologie. I am a total sucker for their stylish content marketing, I fall hook line and sinker. Well, not exactly. I have gone to their brick and mortar stores to look at the quality of their garments and frankly, not impressed. On average an Anthropologie dress can cost from 120-348.00, basic Made In China ‘stuff’. So, what is an Anthropologie lovin’ woman to do? Hack it together herself.
In the 2014 fall/winter catalog there are many dresses I would love to have and so I shall by making them myself.
My first hack is this one. And, for some reason it is no longer on their website. It is made of rayon jersey, 3/4 sleeves, scoop neck in a soft grey with a black contrasting fabric and gathers at the waist. Full price was listed at 148.00. Fabric is listed as ‘imported’. Unless it’s from Italy or other more ‘luxurious’ places I’m thinking ‘imported’ generally means China.
Here is my hack and how I put it together. Continue reading “Anthropologie Hack – How to sew an Anthropologie dress using sewing patterns”
I love vintage sewing patterns! I was way too excited for this challenge. I had planned on finishing my vintage cape, but I’m a bit off on that one. I found this pattern at the ASG Denver Fabric sale back in September. I love the loose styles of the 70’s and that whole Studio 54 vibe that I never did experience but it sure did … Continue reading Vintage Sewing Challenge – Jill’s Vogue 9428 Skirt Pattern
I fell hard for the Eagle jacket from Vanessa Pouzet. I saw the photo on Instagram and knew I had to make it. I bought the pattern from vanessapouzet.com for around 6.00 US dollars. It is an e-Pattern. I know nothing about Vanessa Pouzet, her training etc, but she has some very lovely patterns available. Check her out and you’ll be downloading today.
Check out her photo spread of it. IT’S BELLE!
Copying the pattern Continue reading “Vanessa Pouzet – Eagle Veste – A Review”
I have had my machine for 11 years I have NEVER used one machine stitch other that the basic zig zag, straight, stretch and so on. I didn’t really have a project in mind for this challenge so I just stitched out a little sample of what these stitches actually looked like. Here they are. They are quite thin and the one design, it’s a … Continue reading Jill’s November Challenge – Built-in Machine Stitches
Well, this was unintentional, me posting a kimono right after Jamie. Plus, we’re having a Kimono night at the Denver Sewing Collective’s next meetup. I’ve got kimono on the brain. This was an super easy jacket to make. Basically a rectangle folded over and the side sewn where your arms go through. I like the drapey band that Butterick has here. I bought the fabric from … Continue reading Butterfly Kimono from Butterick 6065
I was quite excited about the first sewing challenge and knew straight away what I was going to make. But, then I became paralyzed with fear in actually cutting it. I thought I should have a few options as back up in case my fears got the best of me.
First off I have an apron that I made from fabric that my mom recently gave me from the 70’s or 60’s. I remember this fabric well. My mom made my older sister a dress with a Humpty Dumpty appliqué on it as well as a matching purse. I remember getting the purse later (most likely I just took it). I didn’t have much left and I thought an apron was perfect. This apron I will use, and every time I’ll think of my mom and sister in her Humpty Dumpty dress.
Continue reading “October Sewing Challenge – Jill’s Results Burda 8155 and more”
Having a hard time fitting patterns? Learn more on how patterns are made, a history of pattern co. and more. Continue reading Off-Topic: An analysis of why commercial patterns fall short in fitting standards
Two big reasons I joined American Sewing Guild are Denise Woodson Ofria and Jan McMinn.
I met Denise and Jan through DSC and consequently learned a lot about the current leadership’s efforts to bring the Denver chapter back to its roots of promoting the art of sewing. Not just quilting, not just garments but the “Art of Sewing”.
Why did it take me so long?
My past experience with the ASG local neighborhood groups has been not so enthusiastic. I checked out my local neighborhood group and was told it was only a quilting group and there was no offer of help to point me in another direction, so I formed my own group. Continue reading “Why I joined American Sewing Guild”
As you may have heard I am sewing a core wardrobe. A core wardrobe is a set of pieces usually in one color (to start) and are timeless pieces that are suitable for your lifestyle and fit your needs. I’m using a basic set of pieces similar to what you see below.
Continue reading “Core Wardrobe: Patterns that made the cut”
Still moving forward on my core wardrobe. This is the tough part, editing the closet. Twice a year I change from a spring/summer wardrobe to the fall/winter. And, every year I put a few things in the ‘Donate’ pile. Well, it’s about to get a bit ugly this year. With my goal of sewing a core wardrobe it’s important to get rid of things that … Continue reading Operation: Core Wardrobe – No Pain No Gain – Editing the closet
If talcum powder was a fabric it would be a tissue knit. Good Lord, this stuff is so amazing against the skin. I want to be married, carried and buried in it. I bought this on a whim (no?) at Hancock’s discount bin. There is no manufacturer or fiber content information available. All it came in was white. And, I wish I would have bought the whole lot of it. The wonderful feel and absolute lightness of it more than makes up for the ginormous pain in the tuckus that befalls those who choose to work with it. Continue reading “Working with Tissue Knits and a Review of Vogue 8536”
The idea of sewing my core wardrobe has been growing for the past year. I’ve taken the last 6-9 months or so to plan for it. Not that it needs to take that long to plan for a wardrobe, it’s not like we’re climbing Everest here. Or is it? The first steps in sewing a Core Wardrobe that looks and feels smashing is to determine … Continue reading Operation: Core Wardrobe – What shape am I?
When I talk about sewing a core wardrobe I find that women are either really excited about it or find it too limiting for their particular creative journey.
For me, sewing and building a core wardrobe is the exact kind of injection I need to give my sewing a bit of discipline and structure. I sew a lot and I think I own only a handful of garments that I truly love wearing and that look good on me. Secondly, this summer alone I’ve sewn about a half dozen skirts but I have no tops that match, so I resort to wearing a tired looking t-shirt or worse I don’t wear them at all! Continue reading “Operation: Core Wardrobe – Sewing a core wardrobe”
I own a 1962 Airstream. We bought it on a whim, literally drove by it and stopped to inquire and wrote a check. I love the Airstream, but it really is a money pit and we’ve often thought about selling it. But, then when we take it out, we vow to hold on to it and keep working on it. And, it needs work. EVERY year something goes wrong. Like this trip the toilet didn’t work and we didn’t have hot water. We usually stay at RV parks surrounded by very upscale RV’s. As in $300,000 kind of upscale. And, there amid all the glitz and glamour sits our very old Silver Twinkie. But, I love it.
I’ve always wanted to sew in the Airstream and this year I did. Here are a few pointers for sewing on the road. I am no expert but if you decide to sew on the go these might be helpful. Continue reading “Sewing On The Road (In A 1962 #Airstream)”
Have you ever made something that whenever you put it on you feel like Audrey Hepburn or a ballerina, or whatever your feminine ideal is? Well, Vogue 8645 is it for me. I LOVE THIS DRESS. I love its simplicity, I love the fabric I picked, the way it looks everything. And, the funny thing is it’s riddle with sewing errors!
Okay, maybe not riddled, but there are a few things I would do different next time. Continue reading “Vogue 8645 Summer Dress – Completed”
One of the blogs I follow (recently found) is Infectious Stitches. Emmely, the owner of the blog, is a very handy lady she even made her own clapper, pretty cool. Emmely was having a giveaway and I put my name in the hat so to speak . It was the Knip Mode July magazine which I’ve always wanted to get and try some of their patterns. Knip Mode is much like Burda in that you need to copy off the patterns and add seam allowances. But, I like their designs, or at least I like the this issues very much. They look very uncomplicated, relaxed and perfect for me. Continue reading “I’m A Winner! Thanks Infectious Stitches!”
Charles James is getting a lot of recognition this year with a look at his legendary career with an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Charles James: Beyond Fashion. Considered to be a “master of the cut and fold” his creations are an architectural marvel. Hailed by his rivals like Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli as well as countless women from high society ( and not so high like Gypsy Rose Lee) as the best and only dressmaker, James considered himself first and foremost an artist. Take a look at some of his art.
Continue reading “Born On This Day: Charles James July 18, 1906”
On a Saturday while the kids were helping feed the homeless, (the homeless can wait, I’ve got pants to make) I made a plan to make pants. I made pants all day long. Here’s the result of my labors.
This is from a OOP Butterrick 4998 pattern that I getting to almost perfection. The fabric is a green something I got in a discount bin. Nice for muslin. Works better than muslin actually. See the wrinkles at the bottom, I can’t tell if that’s just the way I was standing, the fabric or what. Plus, the fabric IS kind of wrinkly.
The alterations I made: Continue reading “Making Pants That Fit”
Unfortunately, most of what you may have learned in school about Betsy Ross and the creation of the American flag is most likely myth. Here are a few facts about Betsy Ross one of American’s most honored seamstresses. (For more fascinating history check out the Wiki page “Betsy Ross Flag”) • Elizabeth “Betsy” Griscom was born on January 1, 1752, and lived in Philadelphia for … Continue reading Facts About Betsy Ross America’s 1st Lady of Sewing
Remember girls: If you don’t take Home Ec you won’t have the Know-How Look, you’ll hang your head in shame and won’t get a date for the Jr. Prom. Caution: High levels of hokey acting, but oh so charming. Plus, an interesting behind the scenes look at Simplicity sewing pattern drafting. Worth the time! Enjoy. Continue reading The Importance of Home Ec. with #Simplicity Sewing Patterns
My closet is void of summer tops. So, I put it upon myself to make a few this summer. This started out as a muslin, but it is a wearable muslin for sure, with mistakes minor and hidden. Here’s a down and dirty review of New Look 6871. Name: New Look 6871 View: D Modified Size: 10 Fabric: From stash, Project Runway silky – no longer available. Level … Continue reading New Look 6871 – Finished! Easy Summer Top
If you’re like me and love looking through vintage fashion illustration either on Pinterest, around the web or in (gasp!) a book you most likely have seen Paul Iribe. Paul Iribe was a fashion illustrator and collaborated with some of the top designers of his day. He worked with Paul Poiret, Coco Chanel (they were also lovers, he died rather suddenly and some alleged he … Continue reading Born on this day – Paul Iribe June 18, 1883
Slips. Why don’t we wear slips? And, really with Madame Liz has inspiration, you think every woman in the world would be slipping into a slip. That’s how you wear a slip! Here’s a little video from the ’40’s of the great slip. There is so much to love here. The music is perfect, the choreography is Balanchine worthy and, the camera work is amazing. Oh … Continue reading How to wear a slip
Linda Przybyszewski was in Denver at the Tattered Cover bookstore doing a reading and book signing of her book The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish. Linda is a wonderful speaker, has a doctoral degree from Nortre Dame with an emphasis on law, history, culture and dress. She teaches a class called We Are A Nation of Slobs: The Art, Ethics … Continue reading The Lost Art of Dress by Linda Przybyszewski
Here is Claire McCardell’s The Essential Eleven – Eleven rules every designer, either professional or individual should embrace. Learn to see Learn to sew Learn to drape Learn color Learn anatomy Learn to wear clothes well and appropriately Learn the difference between good taste and bad taste Learn what sells and what doesn’t Learn fashion history – trends-cycles Learn how to feel changes before they come Learn how … Continue reading Born on this Day Claire McCardell – May 24, 1905
I love scarves. Love wearing ’em and making ’em. Here are a couple of scarves that I made on a Sunday afternoon. This first one is fabric from Lynne that she scored while she was in Japan. It’s from an old kimono that must have been a beautiful kimono in its prime. Lynne, during her trip to Japan stopped at a place that sells kimono … Continue reading Out of scraps a beauty is born – Making scarves from scraps
Jane awhile back talked about her handpicked zipper that she did on Butterick 5917. I tend to avoid any hand sewing like the plague. My Sewing OCD comes out like crazy because I want all the stitches to be nice and even. Plus, I’m a horrific hand-sewer to begin with, OCD aside. So it was with great reluctance that I decided to put in a … Continue reading Handpicked Zipper Application – Tutorial
Running my first Maker Faire was a grand experiment. I went in with a ton of clothing and fabric and a thread bare plan. Fortunately, Jamie was there on Friday’s load-in to help plan something a little better than “Oh, just make stuff, I guess”. On her suggestion we went to the Last-stop-before-Africa-store, aka Goodwill Outlet where you buy stuff by the pound. We got 33 … Continue reading Denver Mini Maker Faire – Recap
Just two short days to Denver Mini Maker Faire! For me this is not mini. AT ALL. I’m getting a little nervous with crowds expected at 20,000-30,000. Sure, they’re not all coming to see the Denver Sewing Collective but, still. When Karen asked if I could/would do this I didn’t hesitant and said yes straight away. I’m kind of jump-in-the deep end kind of person. … Continue reading 2 Days to Denver Mini Maker Faire!
Fashion Revolution is an organization created to build awareness for how and where our clothes are made as well as awareness as to who makes these clothes. Read their mission statement HERE. The date of April 24 is significant for this is the day one year ago where 1133 people died making clothing at the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh. It was a horrific event, which left over 2000 people injured and … Continue reading Who Made Your Clothes? – #insideout @fashion_rev
Many would-be great seamstresses get cold feet right after looking at the back of a sewing pattern. There is a lot going on on such a small piece of paper. A foreign language, metric, diagrams, and good grief body measurements most women would rather not think about! Let’s have a look at the back of a sewing pattern envelope. In the end, not such a … Continue reading How To Read A Sewing Pattern Envelope
Have you ever been to a Maker Faire? Maker Faire’s are held through out the world and they’re all about creating, inventing, learning and leaving inspired and full of ideas to take home. These faires are multi-generational and encourage kids and adults to get outside (or inside) and build something, anything! From robots, to cat armor, better prosthesis’ to crazy cars there really is no limit to … Continue reading Denver Mini Maker Faire
Jim Howard’s Paper Doll Illustrations and Collections. It was a last minute invite from Tish Gance of HISS Studio, but I’m so glad I went. Fashion Illustrator Jim Howard spoke at the Brush Strokes Gallery on South Broadway and charmed and entertained a standing room crowd of his adventures in fashion and art. Getting his start doing grocery store adverts in his native Texas he quickly … Continue reading Jim Howard Fashion Illustrator
If you haven’t heard Kim Kardashian made it on to the cover of Vogue magazine April issue (with Kanye right behind her). The cover has generated more negative comments then one can shake a tube of lipstick at. (Full disclosure, I’m not a fan of any of the Kardashians, nor of reality television. ) The photo spread was done by Annie Leibovitz but her signature … Continue reading Vogue Covers – Then & Now: It’s not about art anymore
William Travilla, known simply Travilla was born on March 22, 1920. Multiple Oscar and Emmy nominee and one time Academy Award winner for the Adventures of Don Juan. Travilla is probably best known for dressing Marilyn Monroe. He designed the iconic white dress in Seven Year Itch as well as the costumes for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How To Marry A Millionaire.(For a fascinating look … Continue reading Born on this day – William Travilla Costume Designer
At the Denver Sewing Collective’s March Meetup I announced a Cape Sew-Along. There were 3 of us who started to make capes, Karin, Jane and myself. There were a few others who couldn’t make it but we can sew-along for as long as needed. A few notes so far. I got my pattern from Etsy seller Spindesign and really loved the look of it. I … Continue reading March Cape Sew-Along
I am working on the perfect t-shirt. One that fits like a glove. Ultimately I want to use a cotton blend fabric with modal that is somewhat sustain-ably made if possible. My goal is to make all my t-shirts from here on out and build on this must have Wardrobe Basic. Continue reading “Sewing the perfect T-shirt = A surprising amount of work”
March has so many notable fashion and design related birthdays. I could write a blog post for every day of the month showcasing one stellar fashion icon or grand designer. Let’s just look at a few notable births this month. Plus links for you to explore more.
March is the month that Barbie was born. Love her or hate her the girl’s got staying power. Barbie is actually German by birth. If you look at the German dolls and then the US Barbie it’s not so much that Ruth Handler invented Barbie but rather she saw the potential in the German Bild Lilli dolls and ran with it. Just say ‘in. Bild Lilli dolls in good to great condition can fetch upwards of 4000 dollars or more. Continue reading “Born in this month – March”
If you are new to sewing or are learning sewing on your own you might be wondering what exactly all those arrows, notches and symbols mean on the sewing pattern. Let’s walk through all the symbols and markings you might find on today’s sewing patterns.
The pattern instructions will take you step-by-step through the sewing process. The symbols and markings on the pattern will aid in layout, specify whether it’s the front or back side of the garment, where decorative elements like darts, pleats, etc go and more. Knowing what these symbols mean will aid your garment sewing and improve your final garment. Continue reading “How To Read A Sewing Pattern”
Growing up I would watch reruns of Gilligan’s Island before my mom would come home from work. I loved the show for one thing only and that was Ginger. She was, as most know the beautiful red headed movie star stranded on the island with 6 others. I fell for Ginger more so than Mary Ann I think largely because she was so beautiful and … Continue reading Born On This Day – Tina Louise
Denver Sewing Collective had their first Saturday Sew-In on January 25th. And, boy was it a glowing success. Lynne was able to score her housing development’s club house that had lots of tables, natural light a kitchen and even a fire place and couch. At one point there were 16 of us sewing away like so many mad seamstresses. Lynne’s husband Frank even brought his … Continue reading The luxury of sewing all day
Christian Dior, always a favorite among the sewing and fashion set, was born January 21, 1905 in Normandy, France. For fashion historians and lovers of vintage style Dior is best known for his “New Look” which emerged right after World War Two. The “New Look” was presented in 1947 and was seen as a fashion revolution that brought women out of the boxy, rationed designs from the war years into voluptuous, excessive glamour. Dior is cited as being the designer who brought fashion back to Paris with his “New Look”. Continue reading “Born on this day – Christian Dior”
“The Wardrobe Wake Up” by Lois Joy Johnson.
I love books on wardrobe building so I loved “The Wardrobe Wake Up” by Lois Joy Johnson. I thought it brought forth a lot of sound and moderate advice. For anyone who sews, this information will work as a guide to help you find the right patterns to build your wardrobe from scratch. I did think the book could have used more detailed photos – like on how to tie scarves. I also think many readers would have loved to see some of Johnson’s ideas in plus sizes, i.e. the cropped pants. Continue reading “Wardrobe Wakeup by Lois Joy Johnson – A Review”
Tish Gance will be teaching members of Denver Sewing Collective how to obtain perfect fit with sewing patterns at the Fit Fest. Tish owns the sewing studio HISS Studios – in Denver, Colorado and we are so lucky to have her present this class. Tish has been sewing for over 30 years and started sewing about the same time she started working on cars as a teen. … Continue reading Tish Gance of HISS Studio – A modern sewing studio
Denver Sewing Collective 