Studio Deborah

Bridal fascinators

2012-01-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

russian veiling fascinator with pearl drop detail

There is a lovely trend going on right now in bridal fashion. For those brides who are not sure about wearing a veil, they can opt for an elegant but more simple head piece which is called a "fascinator". This smaller adornment is often attached with bobby pins or a small comb and are a stylish and sassy alternative to the traditional veil.

russian veil fascinator embellished with vintage feathers

New Wheel!

2011-10-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband bought me this wheel for our 10 year anniversary!

Here it is alongside my antique saxony.

The Shapely Form

2011-07-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

My Gothic Queen gown was included in a beautiful Etsy treasury which celebrates the shapely form us women are fortunate enough to posess. Check out the link below for some lovely inspiration.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzU5NDc2Mnw0NzIxMDg2NjI/the-shapely-form

Deborah Villanueva Designs 2010

2011-06-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Royal Wedding was indeed an exciting break from the usual depressing news that surrounds us every day. Needless to say Kate Middleton was beautiful and I was very happy with her choice of a gown. It had lovely traditional elements that were perfect for the occasion. We will of course be seeing copies of her gown in the bridal market but I am happy to post my little prediction here. Sleeve are back! I always knew they could find their way back into our idea of the perfect bridal gown. Thanks Kate!

A beautiful and inspiring treasury

2011-05-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

My Gothic Queen gown was included in one of the best Etsy treasuries I've seen. If you want to be truly inspired by some rockin' gowns check out the link below.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dc136ae71f96d91cc8a1b2f/gothic-evening-dresses-of-frills-and#4dc1bb5175dd8eefe446125b

A Hat Treasury

2011-04-27T15:30:00.001-07:00

My vintage veiled hat was featured in an Esy treasury! Check it out and let the hats live on!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4db0bb770fe88eef63a9cc9d/a-hat-for-every-occasion#4db897eda39a8eef995a409c

Shades or Gray Treasury

2011-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a beautiful Etsy treasury featuring my Tumpeter Swan gown!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d9bbde539398eef69af3655/all-shades-of-gray#4da850d0c0108eef8dc1e930

2011-04-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Lily knitting her first stitches

Forever -and- Always Treasury

2011-02-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

My Trumpeter Swan gown can be seen in this latest Etsy treasury entitled Forever and Always. Check it out using the link below!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d5fbe4e34df8eef8b5e52f5/forever-and-always#4d6038ca10768eef3c313ac6

A Hat Treasury

2011-02-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

I am honored to have one of my vintage hats included in this very cool Etsy treasury which sings the praises of the hat. It's time to bring them back!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d5c63e6f44d6d91c012561e/crowning-the-prince-and-his-princess#4d5d399555c26d91c3e6f8cc

Strapless???

2011-02-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

When I first started as a consultant in bridal sales about 10 years ago, there was a lovely array of styles available for a bride to choose between. The dresses were arranged from strapless to spaghetti straps, to tank, short sleeved, off-the-shoulder, and full sleeved styles. The trend in today's briday market is definitely in favor of the strapless gown. In fact, if you are looking for anything other than strapless, you will be hard pressed to find what you are looking for. I have had brides come to me for a custom gown simply because a strapless gown was not the style for them and the market left them little alternative. I've made so many spaghetti straps for gowns where none were provided it does make you wonder why this demand is not supplied?

It seems quite unfair that this is the case, since when did sleeves become so passe? There are many reasons to choose a sleeved design. Lets take into consideration the weight of a bridal gown. Depending on the syle you choose, there could be 3 to 4 to 5+ layers of fabric in the bodice alone, not to mention the skirt which will undoubtably have atleast that many. If the dress is made in satin or heavy lace, this adds to the weight. A beaded design will add even a little more. Without straps to support the dress on your shoulders, the requirement is heavily boned underpinnings sewn into the dress, commonly referred to as boning. The dress will need to be anchored to your waist and kept upright by these underpinnings. The dress also needs to be fitted to you precisely and quite snug, so there is no gapping or slipping of the bodice.

I adore a strapless dress as much as anyone, but with these considerations in mind, it is not a style for everyone. If you would like the modesty of covered shoulders, or a little more comfort while wearing your gown or even a style that defies the norm of the industry, consider these alternatives.

Spaghetti straps - These can easily be added to a strapless gown by your alteration specialist. Straps can also be a fun way to play with the style of your gown. You can cross them in the back, add beads or lace, even make them detachable.

Tank - This term refers to straps that are built in to the design of the dress. It is a very comfortable option.

Halter - The straps of the gown hug the neck of the wearer.

Short or long sleeves - Of course you can choose to be very traditional with full sleeves of any number of lengths and styles.

Off the shoulder - The sleeve reveals the shoulder.

You can also make a jacket to complement your gown. If you decide to go with a maufactured gown, see about ordering extra fabric when you place your gown order and have a jacket made for you.

Our next topic to discuss will be fabric choices.

A Swan Treasury

2011-02-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

My Trumpeter Swan bridal gown was included in a fabulous Etsy treasury! Click on the link to check out a very beautiful collection of items.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4dc6bdd51a8eefa92e4171/are-you-the-white-swan-or-black-swan

The making of a dress - getting started

2011-02-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to create a fabulous gown? You might be wondering, where do I start? Well, let's take this slow and explore all the options. I will center this project around the idea of creating a bridal gown, but really, this process applies to any sewing project and certainly any dress design.

Start by gathering pictures of gowns you like. Whether you are inspired by the sleeve of one dress and the hem detail of another, you should collect anything at all that interests you and make a clipping file. This means compiling all of your ideas in one central location whether that is a fancy scrap book style page or just a spare folder. It is so helpful to focus on what you like the most and to weed out any ideas that are lovely, but don't quite make the cut. Review this file as many times as you wish, feel free to add any other ideas that come along and eliminate what no longer is in the running.

A great determining factor is the silhouette of gowns you are attracted to. Silhouette refers to the shape the skirt takes in relation to how it falls on the body.

Here are the basic silhouettes :

Ballgown - A dress style with a very full skirt that flares out from the waist.

Aline - This style has a gradual flare that creates an "A" shape.

Straight - The skirt falls evenly around the body

Trumpet - The skirt flares from the upper thigh or the knee

Mermaid - The skirt flares at a lower point than the knee

These terms will come in helpful and are only guidelines as to dress silhouette styles. There are many variations of these styles but this is a good foundation and will help you better communicate to the sales staff who will be trying to narrow down your search for you.
Keep looking through those bridal magazines and have fun in the process! Next we will discuss the pros and cons of a strapless gown.

The making of a dress - overview

2011-01-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

When I was a young bride and planning my wedding, I wanted my dress to be really spectacular. I had big plans and even bigger dreams - but I had to do it all on a very tight budget. So I took inventory of what I had to work with. Sewing skills - check, money - some, imagination - check, determination - double check!

Here is the result:

I designed my own gown based off the skills I was learning while earning my fashion design degree. I took elements that were important to me in what I wanted in a gown and combined them. I used my pattern drafting skills to create the pattern but there are a number of patterns on the market that can be altered into the style that suits you. The biggest mistake I made was not giving myself enough time to feel calm in the process. I think that is important. You don't want any negative energy in the planning of your wedding.

So, am I recommending that a bride take on the extra job of creating her own bridal gown on top of everything else she has to do, well - yes! If you are even thinking that this is an option for you, and your wedding is well enough in the future, it is atleast worth the time to research this option. In these tutorials I will be encouraging you to go out into the bridal shops and try dresses on to see what fits and flatters you best. If, in the process you meet up with your dream dress - congratulations! There are beautiful dresses available to purchase out there - you may even want to buy an already made gown and change things up a bit. Whatever you choose, I hope my advice can be found helpful. You can save a lot of money and be extremely proud of the result.

As complicated as making a bridal gown seems and admittedly can be, the whole process can be broken down and completed in steps. Give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the journey. You are gauranteed that no one else will ever have a dress like yours!

Studio Deborah: A hat story

2011-01-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Studio Deborah: A hat story

A hat story

2011-01-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I was given a large box of old hats. These were very cool and spanned through the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Some were in good condition, others needed a little love, and what intrigued me the most was that many were in various stages of completion.

Whoever owned these hats previously not only loved to collect them but enjoyed making them as well. I felt quite sentimental going through it all, noticing where pins were still left in and fabric was draped, waiting to be finished at a later time and never was. This is the kind of thing that really pulls on my heart strings.

unfinished hats

I've enjoyed having the opportunity to examine these hats, but felt that they would be better served if they were shared with others. So, given the opportunity to have some fun with my millinery skills, I've been fixing them up, refinishing, and making them available to purchase through my Etsy store.

I will continue to post pictures as more hats are finished.

Satin

2011-01-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

I've decided to share a picture of a gown I did as a custom piece for a beautiful bride. This was a ballgown done in silk satin with a removeable train. I created a custom embroidery and beadwork design for this gown. It is truly one-of-a-kind.

Clown Hair and Sour Apples get married!

2011-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a wedding to cheer up a gloomy time of year. Ok, so I'm talking about plying up 2 already bright singles into one very fun and exciting yarn - but whatever! I've had so much fun with it over the last couple of days. Here is the progression...

Here are some of my batts waiting to be spun. Clockwise from top left they are
Sour Apples, Clown Hair, Koolaid Blue, and Blue Lagoon.

Clown hair being spun on my Lendrum
single treadle on the largest whorl.

The plying in action. My daughter made a sign that says
"two spinny friends"

The final result! A lumpy bumpy yarn with lots of color and texture. I love it!

2011-01-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

Oh yummy, yummy batts... how I love you!

Here is a fun little bunch of batts that I processed in 2010. I am currently working on spinning them all in an attempt to destash my wool and have more lovely yarn to make more lovely garments. The addiction keeps growing........

A new year to be inspired

2011-01-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

I have big plans for 2011... A new year is always very exciting and full of possibilities. But, for those times when the creativity starts to muddle, here are some ideas to get the ideas flowing once again.

For anyone who wants to be inspired on a totally new level, I strongly encourage you to check out the Montana World of Wearable Art website. If you are feeling in a design slump, the creations presented in this show will certainly perk you right up. http://www.worldofwearableart.com/

I am working on a project for this year's show but since it is still bubbling in my brain, I will keep the details hush hush for now.

In my lace research I have come across a great website, not only for lace but a great deal of textiles. Be sure to check this one out, if only for the color combinations.

http://www.marlamallett.com/lace.htm

Here's hoping that 2011 is inspiring and productive for us all!

Making Sense of Pattern Grading - Threads

2010-11-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

As I pondered my designs this morning, I decided to see what info I could find online concerning pattern grading. Here are a couple of great links that simplify the concept, making it much less scary.

http://newvintage.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/how-to-grade-patterns/

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading

2010-10-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

As I continue on in making bobbin lace, I am encouraged at all the online resources I have found on the subject. With the boom in knitting, spinning, and needlework in recent years, it still seems that bobbin lace is not well known and it's history even less so. I will be including links that I have found helpful in my bobbin lace journey and many of these links can lead you to even more places for supplies, patterns, and inspiration.

http://lace.lacefairy.com/Lace/BeginGuide.html

2010-10-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

A study in diamonds and connecting it to grounds

A simple tape lace

My first attempt at grounds

These are the most recent additions to my bobbin lace portfolio. It's starting to click how the elements begin working together. As a beginner it seems a mystery how everything is connected. As the lightbulb goes on - AhHa!!!!

Start the week with a smile

2010-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Daisy, the spooky cat

Sewing tutorial 2

2010-10-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

To continue last months sewing tutorial, we will pick up with the cutting of the sweat shirt.

Position the old shirt on the new one to be cut and be sure to leave room for seam allowance. 1/2 inch is usually good but do what works for you, just remember to add it to every edge to be sewn. If you are adding length or width to the original make sure to do the same for each piece of the pattern. The front and back of the sweatshirt can be folded in half and cut on the fold as well.

When cutting out the sleeves, position the new sleeve pieces both right sides together and cut both sleeves at the same time. Again, don't forget your seam allowances and any adjustments you might wish to make. Here I have left ample cuff length.

Now we are ready to start sewing! This method for upcycling clothing is not just for childrens wear. It is an option for anyone who finds an article of clothing with enough space to cut a new garment out of.

Unintentional blog break

2010-10-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

My apologies for a week or so off. I had some emergency sewing to do for an event that my family was to attend and my daughter and I needed formal dresses. So, I dove into my stash and cozied up to my sewing machine for a while.

Here are the results...

This is myself and my cutie daughter, Lily, in our new gowns.

Lily's dress was made out of royal purple satin. It had a criss cross back and a circular skirt with black crinoline underskirt.

My gown was done in purple tissue taffeta. It has a sweetheart neckline and was embellished with vintage black chantilly lace.
I am most proud of the fact that I did not purchase anything to make these dresses except for 1 zipper. All the other materials I had left over from previous projects. Yay for upcycling!

My First Sewing Tutorial

2010-09-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

With the school year in full swing, it is quite obvious that it seems you can never have enough clothes for your child. They rip them, stain them, color on them. I've sent my young one to school in brand new pants only to have them stained the very same day. With money being tight for everyone these days, I decided to put my sewing skills to work and see what I had in our home to create some economical, and very cute, wardrobe options.

I started with a sweatshirt project. It is turning quite chilly here is northern IL and she was down to only one that was in reasonably good condition. I turned to my own closet and realized I had a few sweatshirts that were plain, almost never worn, and in awesome condition. These would be just the thing to repurpose.

Over the next few days I will recount my process of transforming an adult sweatshirt into a childs size. Here's what you will need:

* an adult sweatshirt in good shape and preferably without any large ornamentations that will not translate well into a smaller size

* a childs sweatshirt that you don't mind cutting up to use as a pattern

* a sewing machine, hand sewing won't work very well here, with the appropriate stretch needle for your machine

* a serger, this is optional if you don't mind using other seam finishes on the inside of the garment but it will make the process much faster and your life much easier

* matching thread

Start with the preparations. Here are some tips -

*Make use of everything you have at hand so you need as little as possible at the fabric store

It's a great idea to reuse the ribbing on the original sweatshirt. With a seam ripper or small scissors, carefully pick out the original stitching and remove the ribbing from the desired locations; neck, sleeves, or bottom of sweater

* Next lay out the shirt to be cut as a pattern and label the front and back of the sleeve before cutting

* Now, carefully cut the shirt apart working as closely as you can to the original seam. Don't try to pick all these seams apart. They are serged to begin with and will take a very long time to remove.

* Press all the pieces, and as you do so, check for warping in the pieces. Knit clothing is very easily stretched and you wouldn't want this translated into the new garment. To check for warping, fold the front and the back in half and press them, matching their shaping on the edge of the garment. If you were making these pieces into a paper pattern, you would be trueing up lines at this point.

* Prepare the adult size in the same way and don't forget to save anthing that may be used later on or in a different project.

You are now prepped and ready for the next step. Tomorrow - cutting the new sweatshirt!

A treasury

2010-09-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9a8b5288108eefc06edd2f/autumnal-wedding#4ca23af70d0c6d9106bbf99a

Check out this link to see one of my gowns featured in an etsy treasury. I am honored to be included in this lovely treasury. Thank you!

The Birdcage Veil

2010-09-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here is my take on the very popular bridcage veil. This design can be worn any way you choose and has tear drop pearls that give it that little something extra.

2010-09-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Another day in bobbin lace class has produced this lovely swan done in cloth stitch and whole stitch. It is also the first project to introduce sewings. I can't wait to get started on some cool stuff like Valenciennes, or Whitof........

The Cha-Cha dress

2010-09-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these shots! This was included in the summer photo shoot and I am very happy with the results! This dress was made from repurposed satin from a forgotten bridesmaids gown and repurposed crinoline.

My fabulous brides

2010-09-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my gorgeous clients, Channing, in her custom designed bridal gown. Channings' gown was an aline style with a chapel train and empire waist. Her bodice featured a modified sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder 3/4 length sleeves. The dress was created in matte ivory satin and was embellished with hand stitched alencon lace with pearl beading. A custom veil of ivory tulle trimmed in satin ribbon completed her bridal look.

Bobbin Lace Class

2010-09-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today in class I worked on a sampler of stitches.

I worked ahead a little before the class and made a little sampler first.
We worked on the cloth stitch, half stitch, and whole stitch.

More Lovely Locks

2010-09-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

As a continuation of yesterday's post, here are the BFL locks that were washed up and finally looking their best.

Here are the locks after another washing.

After teasing the locks, I started making a fluffy batt on my Ashford Wild drum carder.

And here is the completed batt weighing in at about 1 oz. The colors are lovely, ranging from pale silver to fawn, much like my cat Punkin. This batt will be like butter to spin and will make a soft yarn.

Lovely Locks

2010-09-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I find that I need to take a little break from the concentrated efforts I strive for daily and just enjoy my stuff. More specifically, wool. Those of you who are spinners will understand what I mean, sometimes you just want to get you hands on some and create a little yarn.

In my modest fiber stash, I have about a pound of BFL that was raw when I bought it and had been a bit difficult to degrease. I pulled it out yesterday when I should have been sewing and washed it again. After drying outside I pulled it out of its tulle pouches and the result is soft and shiny, yummy wool that will not tolerate being sent back to the closet. I will just have to add an extra project to my day now and card some up into an irresistable batt.

blushing veils

2010-09-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

I just love a traditional veil. So, I designed this one that is a little retro. It has 3 layers that cascade off each other and a built in blusher.

2010-09-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of my recently finished gowns.

Lyon lace detail on silk satin gown with tulle trumpet skirt

Bobbin Lace

2010-09-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

The bobbins were clicking today as I began my long awaited bobbin lace class. My first lace is a cloth stitch heart in red crochet cotton. The techniques of todays class were surprisingly easy to get the hang of, but I am glad that I did as much reading as I did on the subject.

A fresh start

2010-09-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is a very inspiring time of the year. Fall is just around the corner (my favorite time of year :)), and with the start of a new school year, it seems a good time to get a few things in order. Although I am no longer in school, this is the time that always seemed like the "new year" to me. And so, I am back to blogging and sharing with you all that I have been up to.

The summer was full of inspiration and I was able to bring some new ideas to life.
This picture is just one of the fantastic shots taken during a photo shoot featuring Gwen Haklin as the model and photographed by the very talented Channing Kari. This shoot showcased my new gowns and accessories. There are lots more to come.......

Love What You Do

2010-03-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I love what I do!

I mean it - I truly love the field I am working to master. It never fails to inspire me, tempt me, and drive me toward the next endeavor.

I design original pieces, I work with others to make their ideas come to life, and I alter treasured articles of clothing for those looking to celebrate a milestone in their life. I feel very blessed to be in the line of work I am in, and honored to be a part of someone's big day.

This week I hope to find the energy for all the ideas I have floating in my head to get to the next stage of their "being". I have new individuals and their gowns to meet, and I have the visions of my wonderful customers to bring to life.

Off to the studio!

Let it all soak in

2010-03-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Weekends are an especially important time for me. My husband, who works out of town during the week is home and we have some much needed family time. This usually includes day trips, eating great food, and mandatory relaxation for everyone. Because this has become our weekend priority, the sewing studio remains mostly closed during the weekends. But I take this down time to let the previous week set in and plan ahead for the next week's creativity.

I also get incredibly inspired during the weekend. We may visit a museum or art gallery, or even take a walk that will bring forth images of sweaters, yarn, and dress designs. These are the inspirations that feed the momentum in my creative brain space.

Thank God for the weekend.

Working from Stash

2010-03-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

The term "stash" in the knitting world refers to the yarn and fiber you have stored up to use for future projects, or maybe just for the beauty of having it. I have adopted this term for my sewing purposes as well. Not just fabric, but notions, beads, trims, muslin and pattern paper. I was quite a poor college student,as most of us are, and I hated to throw away good pieces of pattern paper - it could always be used for a collar, or pocket, or something... I envisioned every lovely piece of fabric as a trim, or being fashioned into a flower notion, at the very least it could be worked into a quilt. When cutting out a project, I saved all the pieces, and threw away only the most tiny of scraps. Now, I should mention that I have no tolerance for clutter, I am not a knick knack person, and I don't like to store things that will not be used. So, I decided some time ago to bring all the little plans I had for these items to life - or they will be disposed of. In my etsy shop I have designed veils and accessories from just such scraps. And, I have plenty of ideas to go. I will try to avoid the fabric store (and yarn store too) and use up all that I have.

My Domestic

2010-03-25T12:06:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness how I love my old machines! They are just so cool and inspiring every time I look at them. This is my oldest machine, an 1876 Domestic. It is also in really good shape with only the drive band missing as far as I can tell. This machine uses the old shuttle style bobbin which is so beautiful and shiny as new. I bought this machine at a local antique store and when I got it home was surprised to find the drawer full of the feet and attachments! I don't have a care for the resale value, it is a treasure for me as are my other machines.

I also love the picture of the bride and groom, given to me by a client. It is an advertisement for the Domestic brand and I keep it next to my machine.

Vintage lovely

2010-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is my newest addition to my vintage sewing machine collection. I love how I received this machine as much as the machine itself. It was lovingly gifted to me from a client of mine whom I was designing a bridal gown for. This machine is a 1940 White that is in perfect working condition. It is electric with the original wiring. The only component missing is a bobbin that fits properly. I love it!

1927 Singer

2010-03-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my beautiful 1927 Singer sewing machine. This machine is a real family heirloom that my Great Aunt Agnes saved especially for me at the time of her passing. I cannot tell you how honored I feel to have it with me. It is in great shape as far as I am concerned and only needs the drive band replaced. I plan on getting one for it one of these days.

Creative recycling

2010-03-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun recycling scraps from the sewing room. As I altered a gown last week, I needed to shorten the crinoline and I loved the even quality of the long scraps of net left over. So I started to play with the shape as is, no trimming or cutting. The result was a large and bunchy cabbage rose with a serged edge. I alternated with flat and gathered areas which gave the rose a less uniform and more realistic look. Best of all, there was no waste!

Tips for the buttonhole

2010-03-17T11:41:00.001-07:00

When planning the placement of the buttonhole for my almost finished garment, I follow these steps so my buttonhole is successful. I try the garment on and get a basic idea of where I want it to be. I then carefully measure the area keeping everything parallel and even. I mark the buttonhole with thread because I don't care for marking pencils. Thread can always be removed and will blend in with the fabric. It is great to follow the pattern's instructions and marking for buttonhole placement. Just keep in mind that those markings should be used as guidelines and customizing your garment to be your very own is what making your own clothing is all about.

I then machine stitch the buttonhole using the style I like best from the built in stitches my machine offers. After checking to see if I am happy with the result, I carefully cut the fabric in between with a seam ripper. There is usually some fabric and interfacing visible after doing this. I trim away what I can but then I prefer to add an extra step. I handstitch the buttonhole on top of the machine stitches using a buttonhole stitch.

1940's suit

2010-03-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here is another finished item! TADA!! I am very excited to have finished my 1940's suit from Simplicity pattern 4044. I made the pants a year ago and wore them happily. I cut the jacket out at that time, and shamefully it sat unsewn until now. I don't like any UFO's (unfinished objects), sewing or knitted so finishing this piece was very fulfilling. I wore it for the first time to work last friday and it was very comfy. The only change I made were to the pants which were very full so I tapered them in to suit me better. They are still loose and flowy but not overly so.

Finished Design

2010-03-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

My original design is completely done! This was my knitting olympics project, knit by the deadline but I took plenty of time to do the finishing. This sweater features my handspun yarn, soft and smooshy merino. This top is angled in the front with 3/4 length sleeves. The lace trim is knit seperately and applied to the body pieces. I finished this design with a simple crochet edge on the neckline and a vintage button.

The process continues......

2010-03-03T12:33:00.001-08:00

Here are the remaining pieces of my sweater, blocked, dry and ready to go. The bulky lace trim has very cool texture. The fronts look scarce but are improved by the trim. The sleeves differ slightly in size due to the irregularity of the handspun, but I think the blocking was forgiving.

designing with handspun

2010-03-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

As much as I love designing gowns, I am equally enamoured with knitting and have been venturing into the sweater design realm. In fact, my ideas far outway my time to make them all. Well, I can say the same for my gown designs too. There is only so much time in the day. I decided to join the knitting olympics for the first time this year. I was hoping the extra pressure would help accelerate the process for me, I can knit fast but I prefer not to. Well, I did get all the pieces finished on time, but unfortunately my sweater was not blocked or finished off. I really would have preferred that it be completely done, but, I do have an original design ready to seam up and I did it in my own handspun! I have to say, it's not half bad!

I spun 16 0z of buttery soft merino wool that was a gift from my husband for Christmas. It was my first time spinning merino and the result was a lumpy and bumpy aran weight yarn. I love the yarn, and the fabric it knit up as is very interesting. Here is the back, I will post more pictures of the sweater in progress.

2010-02-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

This is some free form embroidery I did on my machine using very basic curves. Adding different beads and crystals to the stitching can really change and enhance the look. It is so much fun to create different possibilities for a truly unique garment. Before computerized embroidery machines were in use, embroidery was either done by home machines, as I've done here, or by hand. Either way is more slow going than the speedy machines that can be purchased today but if you let your imagination get moving and have a little patience - you can create incredible results!

Beadwork and Embroidery

2010-02-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

Here's another option for embroidery, beadwork, and embellishment. This design could be used for a gown's bodice, or an allover design, or the trim on a hem...... maybe on velvet, or done with black thread and red crystals?

2010-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

http://nicodesigns.etsy.com/
I had the pleasure of checking out a etsy blogger teamate today. Well, a little late, but I'm still figuring it all out. Anyway, for some very sweet little items, check out Nicodesigns.

2010-01-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

This is an example of lace done my own way. I purchased this lace in the yard, removed the sequins and pearls that I didn't care for, cut out each motif individually, and placed them on this gown as I saw fit. Then, I added some lovely vintage beads that were in my collection and made this gown truly one of a kind.

portfolio

2010-01-25T12:15:00.001-08:00

2010-01-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

This veil is full and sassy. The blusher just covers the face and is very playful. I love creating veils that are different and I have fun playing with the fullness. This one is 3 layers with curved edges to give it softness.

A fabulous week!

2010-01-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

This week had me busy with preparations for a mini photo shoot. So much fun, with great pictures to follow! Here's a preview.......

Flounce veil

2010-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by the flirty veils of the 1960's for this veil. The 2 layers are trimmed with soutache and stitched in a curling fashion.

Upcycling!

2010-01-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

How great it is that there is a term for what I've been doing for years. I am not a shopper - never retail. I've always tried to use what skills I have to make my clothes my own. Not just for style but also neccessity. Sewing and knitting, applique and embroidery all play a part in taking "old" clothes and making them new. Let's have fun with what is already in our wardrobe and let our own style come through!

Circular Veil

2010-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

I love this veil. It is a personal favorite of mine. Soft and romantic, it is long enough to inspire a little drama and simple enough to perfectly enhance the bride's ensemble.

2010-01-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

A brand new week! Such a promising thought. I hope I can accomplish what I've set out for this week. The ideas keep coming - will time allow me to bring them into reality? So many lovely gowns..........

2010-01-06T17:06:00.001-08:00

The skirt on the new gown went well today. I underlined the satin and assembled the lining. All seams are finished. Now comes the business of redesigning the bodice. My original bodice plan was unsuccessful. Well, that is not unusual. I like to change things as I go along. I'm sketching a few bodice options now and I think I've settled on something that will utilize a lovely silver lace I've had waiting.

2010-01-05T12:37:00.001-08:00

I'm in the process of working on a new gown today. This is one that has been redesigned a couple of times. I am never quite satisfied with the bodice. The skirt is being assembled. Pictures to follow.

Bugle bead leaves

2010-01-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

Swans A Swimming

2010-01-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

Seed beads on silk chiffon

Beadwork options and hem detail

2010-01-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

2010-01-04T16:17:00.001-08:00

Beadwork options. Top left, handstitched edging with sequin and pearl accents. Top right, scattered pearls and seed beads. Right, scrolling design with tear drop and oat pearls.

2010-01-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

Scrolling leaf design, machine embroidered with pearl accents.

Floral beadwork

2010-01-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

This floral motif measures approximately 10" long and was machine embroidered on silk satin with hand stitched beading of seed beads and rhinestones.

Cutwork

2010-01-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

This embroidery was done using a cutwork technique. Silk satin was used instead of the traditional cotton fabric. The gold metallic stitching is hand done and accented by pearls and seed beads.

Embroidery and beadwork

2010-01-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

Scattered pearl "buds" with metallic centers

Machine embroidered floral motif on net

2009-12-30T11:28:00.001-08:00

A Growing Collection of Bridal Gowns

2009-12-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

Brides - what are you looking for in your dream gown?

New Gowns to come

2009-12-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

2010 will be the year filled with many new designs and lots of inspirations. I've been very inspired by architecture and lacemaking recently - my gowns will reflect this in the beadwork and embellishments.

Sweet 16 gowns

2009-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Satin and Lace gown

2009-12-19T16:34:00.000-08:00

Velvet Mermaid gown

2009-12-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

A lovely bridal gown

2009-12-17T09:25:00.001-08:00

A formal bridal gown

2009-12-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

A-line Gown with vintage beading

2009-12-17T08:30:00.001-08:00

Chantilly lace

2009-12-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

Beaded cocktail length bridal gown

2009-12-17T08:13:00.000-08:00