Photo Shoot

It's not every day I get to feel as though my vision is truly coming to life quite like it did yesterday during this photo shoot with the fantastic Marjorie of Peer Canvas.  This shoot featured some of my original designs, this one pictured being from my senior year of design school.  This collection was inspired by the late 19teens and Erte illustrations.  I loved the sumptuous fabrics being used during this time period, the mixing of textures, and the slinky, sexy sense of fashion that was so luxurious.

The red charmeuse slip dress is paired with an over piece of black chiffon which is hand beaded and belted at the hip in a brocade fabric.  Other items in the collection included a faux surplice slip dress, a charmeuse pants suit, and three kimono style jackets made from black satin, red brocade, and trimmed in recycled fur.

A big thank you goes out to Marjorie for her professionalism and enthusiasm.  I'd also like to thank Jessica Timmons for doing such a great job with my make up and hair.I felt like a model for just a little while.  It was a fun day and very inspiring shoot!

The Shapely Form

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

A hat story

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.

Bobbin Lace

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.

My Domestic

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

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

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.