Eleen Fashions

Beautiful New Organza from fabric.com

2012-02-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

fabric.com is having an excellent sale on organza. I just purchased 4 yards each of these beauties. Now to figure out what to do with them.

A Reseller???

2012-01-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

I was flagged as a reseller on Etsy. I'm not sure if I should be angry or complimented. It was very stressful though, the possibility of my shop being closed down on the basis of someones flag. I blog a lot of my projects here, but this has never been a place for me to promote my shop. It has been more of an online gallery for me to share with people that enjoy making and designing clothing. To share with other people that have a passion for vintage patterns or any pattern. Show my mistakes and what I learned from them. Best of all share my triumphs! I love that a lot of my customers follow to watch their dress in progress.

My blog was not enough proof that I actually make my own things. I had to take pictures and answer a lot of questions to prove that I did indeed create my designs. I understand this because they needed to make sure the pictures were recent. Lucky for me I had an unfinished dress that I could pose with.

I'm happy to say my shop will not be suspended! Here is my picture in case someone decides to flag me again and happens to look on my blog. I take a lot of pride in what I do and am actually baffled that I've had to deal with Etsy Integrity three times now. Hopefully this will be the last.

Vintage Pattern Substitute

2012-01-22T23:20:00.000-08:00

You know how I love vintage patterns. This on is on Ebay right now Vogue Couturier 101! So cute...but do I need it when I can substitute it with a newer pattern and use a vintage pattern on hand for the skirt. Instead of the midriff section lengthen the bodice. Or keep the midriff for a nice contrast color. McCall's 5382. It is out of print but you can still get if for under $5.00 if you shop around.

Dress 12 Aqua and White

2012-01-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

I love this dress! Most that order it want the black with cream, but this aqua (my pictures make it look blue) is simply darling!

Right now I have 3 green dresses with bolero, 1 fuchsia dress with bolero, 1 yellow and another 30's gown that are supposed to be done this month. The yellow one I'm going to have to push back to Feb. It is for the prom so it won't be an issue. I have one green dress almost done so four dresses in 9 days. Wish me luck!

Dress 11 a Chinese Wedding Dress

2012-01-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

This was fun color combination for me. I love red and white they compliment each other beautiful. The bride is getting married in China. How exciting. She wanted a dress that could be worn again and a breathable fabric. We went with sateen. She told me she would be sharing some pictures and hope to see them.

Can you say 3rd time is a charm?

2012-01-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

I'm so behind on schedule. Why do you ask, because I had to make a pretty elaborate dress three times. Yes three times!!!

The first one I made with a stretch satin. It draped so beautifully, but when I put it on the form it was too small and there was nothing I could do but redo the entire gown. The gown pictured is unfinished. The second dress I used a satin and the way I did the lining it did not drape as nicely as I wanted it to.

Another thing i was not impress with the second one is the zipper. It bunched and curled a bit, but on a person it did not. So why did this dress not work out? It was a fabric flaw that I did not notice. Tiny purple ink marks. Imagine my horrification when I was contacted by my customer that there were marks on the dress. I immediately apologized up and down and told her I would make her another and to sweeten the deal I would use a Radiance Silk that I love from fabric.com. I also asked her if she would prefer a button up back and she was thrilled with that idea. Here is the back of the two dresses.

Here is the final dress, I redesigned the lining so it kept the beautiful drape. She was very happy with the end results. I am happy that she is happy, but now have one unfinished dress and one dress I'm hoping a dry cleaner will be able to get the ink spots out. I'm not going to say where I received the fabric, but I'm not very happy about it. I looked over my remnants and found more purple ink spots on them. Very tiny and my lighting really sucks at my house.

New Pattern

2012-01-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

I just had to get this pattern. It is so beautiful! I can't wait to make it. I think it would be even better tea length with loads of tulle!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that another year has past us. It went by way to fast. I had a lot of wonderful experiences in 2011. 2011 was my most successful year and I'm hoping to surpass this in 2012.

I learned a lot about the dos and don'ts when selling online. I have always been a trusting person, I take people for their word. I actually shipped and some will be shocked about this, 9 dresses without payment. Out of these 9 dresses only one person did not live up to their word and pay. It was unfortunate for me that the order was 3 of the 9 dresses. A hard lesson learned, but I still value the good in people and if it is necessary to get a dress to someone in time I probably will do it again.

In 2011 I also got to me one of my clients in person. That was so much fun. I hope to get more local orders so I can do it again.

Being a part of so many people's special day has had it awards and discouragements. I don't regret any of it and hope to learn from successes and failures in this new year.

I have a lot of plans for 2012, new designs that I want to do. I've got a list of crafts that I want to share. It is a promising year for creating and I'm excited about it.

Happy New Year to all and I wish you all the happiness for 2012!

Dress 11 Brocade 50's Inspired

2011-12-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

This dress was my YOU Dress. I got the honor of meeting my customer in person. It was a lot of fun talking and picking out fabrics.

I'm almost done with dress 12 & 13. One is for a Chinese wedding so it will be a white gown with red accents. She wanted a less formal fabric so she could wear the dress again. I will be posting it in the near future. I love white and red! I'm still very behind in my schedule. The Holidays and having to do dress 10 over again... That is a totally different story and I will be sharing my bad luck very soon.

I hope by January to be completely caught up. We shall see. I apologize to my customers who are anxiously awaiting their orders.

DIY Wrapping

2011-12-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

I started to follow this great little blog. She does a lot of DIY gift wrapping, which we all know comes in handy all year long. I really loved her tissue pom pom flowers. Mine didn't turn out as nice as hers but I still love creating it and know my mom will appreciate it. Be sure to check out CoffeeBreakCorner. For instructions on these cute little flowers click here.

Dress 10 1930's Wedding Gown

2011-12-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

This dress is not complete but I had to share my progress and some frustrating times for me. All that needed to be done is the zipper, the hem and the lining....but unfortunately the dress is too small. I forgot to add more to the hips so it is about three inches too small. There is no give to this cut, it has to be exact. I will be starting the dress over tomorrow. I will eventually finish this dress and list it. It is going to be a stunner! Please excuse the mess I've been working overdrive trying desperately to catch up.

PS I Love Tartan Dress 9

2011-12-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

I love how this dress turned out. It is my version of the PS I Love You dress, but with tartan fabric. The fabric is 100% wool and I managed to line the wrap dress beautifully. For the petticoat I too the violet contrast color. I always love to add splashes of color when I can.

I'm waiting for final measurements for a wedding dress, working on the design still for the You Dress, I want it to be perfect. I also have a 1930's wedding gown. I honestly don't know what dress will be number 10!

My Sister is a Crafter

2011-12-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Or family joke is that there are seamstresses and crafters, though we all know we are usually both. When we go to Joanne's we always say those darn crafters always in our way. Darn crafter took my parking spot. This is only a joke so please no hate comments. I do some crafts myself.

Well my sister decided to sew up this little craft and it is so cute I had to share it here:

Dress 7 and 8

2011-11-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

This picture of my top and skirt do not do the outfit justice. It is so pretty. I couldn't wait to make it just to use the pretty overlay.

Number 8 is a 60's mod plaid dress, something I expected to be easy wasn't at all. I love the final outcome, but felt it took me too long to make.

Next up is my PS I Love You Dress, but with a tartan fabric. I am about done with it and hopefully it will ship tomorrow. Because of the wool, I had to fully line it. It is so much easier with facings when doing a wrap dress, but as Tim Gunn would say "make it work".

In Etsy Finds for a second time

2011-11-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to be in Etsy finds again! This was Fashion Holiday Fashion. You can see it here. I do have to share another dress though, I'm so in love with it! If I could afford it, it would be mine. The shop is Mackenzie Mode who was also featured. Click here to buy this fabulous dress and be sure to check out her entire shop you will be drooling!

Dress 6

2011-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Well not a dress but another circle skirt. This skirt was a HOOT. If you look closely the fabric is little owls. My customer supplied the fabric. It as a pretty heavy fabric, but I got it to work.

With such cute fabrics, I couldn't resist to make my customer an extra gift so I made this hobo bag to match. I sure hope she loves it.

Dress 5

2011-11-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is tea length ball gown. Nice and puffy! I didn't think I would like the grey but I love it! I hope she did too!

Dress 4

2011-11-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

Well not a dress, but a 1950's circle skirt. I've been working on bettering my photos and love how this one turned out.

Dress 2 and 3

2011-11-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

This was such a sweet order. The lady initially ordered two dresses for herself, but decided to use the order for her 86 year old MIL. She picked out two vintage dresses from Etsy for me to try to recreate. I knew the 1900's one I would not be able to completely because of the fabric , but I do think I captured the vibe of the outfit from CoralVintage.

Her second choice came from another Etsy seller simplicityisbliss and it is a 1960's dress. She wanted a aqua blue, sleeves to the elbows with cuffs.

Now my dresses:

Dress 1

2011-11-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is the McCall's 4714. To fix the issues I had with it, I took up the godets and added horse hair braid to the skirt. It lifted it thank goodness. My customer loved her dress and said she would send some pictures in the future, since my pictures don't do it justice.

I made the front page of Etsy! Of course someone has to bring you down

2011-11-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

I made the front page of Etsy I think it was on Nov. 6th, I was so happy and excited about it since I've only been on the FB once back in 2009, for a computer mouse thing I made. Sure enough three days later I get an e-mail from Etsy telling me my items and tags are not within the rules of Etsy. Of course they don't let you know what listing they are talking about so you frantically try to figure out what is wrong. I had a feeling it would be the listing that just made the front page and I was right. It seems and this of course is a case by case basis but if you use an inspiration photo it is not supposed to be the first thumbnail. I had a picture of Grace Kelly you can see below as my inspiration photo next to it my version of the dress:

Without getting into all the details I was basically told this when I said I never seen anything in the TOU about the inspiration photo not being allowed as the first picture:

Since it isn't an example of your actual work in the first thumbnail, it violates this policy. Listing descriptions and photos must accurately describe the item for sale so buyers know what is included in the purchase. Technically, all photos are supposed to be of the item, but we allow some other photos in certain cases, within reason.

I don't mind taking off the picture of Grace Kelly, but it was a pretty sharp stab in the gut, unless I took it wrong that Etsy is basically saying my listing is not as described, that it does not look like the dress that it was "Inspired" from and not reasonable to compare the two dresses.

So heads up anyone that uses "Inspirational Photos", you may get flagged and you can count on getting flagged if you start showing any kind of success because that is just the way some users on Etsy are. Also to Etsy if I was against the TOU I should never have been allowed on the front page. You may also check out your Etsy Finds as I see a violation in it right now a picture of a pattern, never made...oh I forgot it is a case by case basis. BTW I am not flagging the user in the Finds, I hope the shop gets lots of views and a sale from it! Okay my vent over....

Hair Fascinator Netting and a Butterball Turkey

2011-11-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

So I have been having some fun making hair fascinators. I have purchased Russian Netting and French Netting, my next is English Netting. My sister came over the other day and said she didn't like the netting because it reminded her of what turkey's are wrapped in. She is so right. If I ever need a yellow fascinator do you think anyone would be offended if I used a butterball turkey net? I'm kidding of course :)

Eco Friendly 1950's Wedding Gown

2011-11-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my wonderful customer below for sharing your day with me. Photos were taken by Linda Wildemann. This was my Eco Friendly Hemp dress. The tie on the groom was made from the same fabric of the dress. What a wonderful picture. Thanks so much for allowing me to share them

I'm still putting my 21 dresses, 19 in perspective. As I say I love what I do. Then I think... Will I have some stressful times? Will I encounter more dishonest people? Will I have people not completely happy? Yes I will....that is life, but the ones that I've made happy are worth the small amount of negativity. I had a follower e-mail me with some great suggestions. The first being raise my prices and lessen my work load. This is some sound advice! I really appreciated her taking the time to contact me.

Can't fathom how this happened

2011-10-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm working on dress one! I have a lot of it assembled and am ready to put a zipper in. I put it on my form one last time to make sure of fit and the skirt and overlay don't match! I know a lot has to do with the weight of the beaded overlay, but 4" worth!

How to fix this? There are a total of 7 godets on this dress. 6 have been sewn. Is is possible to undo the bodice and take it up? No you lose all the curves of the skirt. If I trim the bottom I lose the effect of the godets. Here are a couple pictures so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. The second one I pinned up to line up to the skirt more. Yes it is time for Ms. Seam-Ripper. I will take out the godets and trim the overlay four inches, then reapply the godets, slitting more to fit. I am very nervous as this fabric is no longer available and I have none left to fix an error.

Any pointers so I don't do this again would be appreciated.

This dress is being made from McCall's 4714, what is amazing is the beaded overlay was purchased from Vogue fabrics and it is the fabric from the actual picture on the pattern! The godet fabric was out of stock, but I love what I found to substitute it. The dress is being made of silk and if I get over these little bumps it is going to be one gorgeous dress! With this picture you can really tell why I can't just cut the bottom of the dress.

21 Dress and it just maybe it....

2011-10-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough three months for me and I'm going to take the time it takes to make my 21 paid dresses to make a hard decision to stop designing for others. These last three months have put me over the edge. Of course I have had some happy wonderful customers, but sometimes the bad really out weighs the good.

Join me in my count down of 21 dresses and see what the future brings. I will never give up my designs, but maybe like a lot of other seamstresses out there I will have one heck of a wardrobe! These two dresses are not a part of the 21, but I thought I would share them anyways.

This is another dress I just finished last week or so.

New Holiday McCalls Patterns

2011-10-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

I'm in a pattern frenzy with the Holiday line from McCalls. These two are my favorite. 6463 & 6466. C'mon Joanne's give me that pattern sale already!

1950's Polka Dress and my first fascinator

2011-10-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

This is another version of my polka dot dress, cut is a little different, yes I learned from the first one. I was lucky to find the polka dot fabric, it is an organza. The first version had a deep back this one has a peek-a-bow back. I did not have to use horse tail on the skirt either. I'd love to keep making this, but only can offer it if I have the fabric on hand. If you know of a vendor please share.

I also made my first fascinator. They are pretty easy to make. The next one I make I will do a little tutorial. This not for the above dress. I made an actual veil for that, but did not have my sister's little mannequin to take a picture with, maybe next time.

A Beautiful Gown

2011-10-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Though ballgowns are a lot of work. I do love making them. This has two layers of tulle, white and ivory. A layer of organza, the skirt and the skirt lining. I'm shipping it on the 11th since the post office is closed on the 10th. I'm guessing it is going to weigh 5-6 pounds! The satin was extraordinary, soft and so nice to work with. With this order I will making my first fascinator. I will post it when I'm done. I had to special order Russian netting for it. Regular netting just will not do.

New to me patterns

2011-10-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

I should be staying off Ebay but who can resist. I just got this great pattern! Simplicity 3505. I think I will be using it partially for my next order. If I do I will have to modify the neck line to be round instead of square. Love the back a lot! You just don't see many modern patterns with this back and I usually have to modify them to achieve it. It is always nice to find a pattern, helps me stream line my orders without so much work aside from sizing.

My next purchase was a lot of patterns. My main reason for getting it was for the Vogue 2877 Victor Costa. There is a bridal one McCall's 7985 that I don't want! I now have three of them...it may just be time for another pattern give away.

Ewww What is this Frugly Dress?

2011-10-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

As you all know I can laugh at myself and my mistakes. This dress when I first started was frugly! I had to take pictures just to post them here. Sometimes I don't know what I'm thinking. It looks frumpy and dated! Needed some serious modifications.

First thing I did was shorten the bodice, then I modified the neckline and added some horse tail to the skirt so it would lay more flared. It went from frumpy dumpy to super cute and fun....if I do say so myself. I would love to offer polka dot dresses but the fabric is really tough to find. I'm doing another one, but I had the fabric in stock.

Bodice detail. So much better!

This is my first veil. I know you can't see it well, but I thought it would be really rude of me to try it on and take a picture. It has three layers, tulle, the polka dot fabric and tulle again that can be pulled over ther face. It is a shorter veil. I hope I get some pictures to see this dress on a person.

A Busy Girl the Woes and Triumphs

2011-10-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I managed to do so many dresses last month and this month is just as crazy. Stay tuned as I update you on my woes and triumphs of last month and this coming month. I have learned some valuable lessons about people and business last month and I will be sharing them through out the month to try to catch up. It has been very disheartening and frustrating at times dealing with things and I think a lot of you will be shocked at some of the things I share, but I will get into later. Right now I want to start with Happy Sewing stuff!.

I recently shipped out a wedding dress inspired by Marylin Monroe in Gentle Men Prefer Blondes. My client wanted the neckline altered and the skirt she asked to be 25". I love how the sleeves turned out, though my pictures never do the dresses justice.

I'm super excited that all 5 of my dark purple dresses fit and worked out. Even the maternity one was a crowd pleaser. My customer has promised me pictures so I will share them as soon I receive them. She is going to let me use them for my shop and my blog. She is a professional photographer. You can check out her site here.

Congrats to Amy winner of Vogue 1094

2011-10-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

I bet you all thought I forgot about you. I've been so busy and missing my blog. I had a give away for Vogue 1094 and the winner is Amy! Congrats to Amy, I hope you enjoy the pattern.

My first maternity dress

2011-09-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

I'm finally done with the five dark purple bridesmaid dresses. We had to wait until the last minute for the maternity dress. This is the first maternity dress I've made. She was concerned about standing out too much, but I think the dress next to the others is going to look wonderful. Plus she is just going to shine as all mothers to be do.

The first pictures I posted of these dresses did not have the roses. They all do now. I still like the twisted detail though, but it will give brides options to the look they prefer.

It has been an up and down August and mid September. Happy customers, unhappy customers etc. I'm still very behind, but hope to meet my dates. I have four dresses to complete by the end of the month. I did put my shop in vacation mode, but the day I did I was in Etsy Finds! I was so happy! In the three years I've been on Etsy this was my first time in their finds. I had no choice but to open my shop back up. You can't beat promotion like that! I made it to the front page once, back in 2009. It was not a dress but a computer mouse cover. I didn't figure out that I even was until a year later :)

Vacation Mode...hard decision

2011-09-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

I put my two Etsy clothing shops in vacation mode tonight. It was such a hard decision to make. I'm overwhelmed with orders and deadlines.

For those that use Etsy it is going to be hard not to see myself in Treasuries or see that someone hearted my items or shops in my activity feed.

I need to concentrate on my current orders. I don't think I will be opening my shop up until January of 2012! I so wish I could hire a local seamstress to help me.

It may seem like I've been slacking but I've made a lot of dresses

2011-09-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Haven't had much time to post steps. Sorry about that. Here are some finished dresses though. Two are outside of my box. First up is a Gothic corset and skirt.

Then this is has a Renaissance vibe. At first she wanted the lace back without the modesty panel then decided to add the panel.

This is a new 1950's design for me. There are alot of piping details and contrast trims. I love piping and I'm pretty happy with how all these dresses turned out.

Happy sewing!!!

Pattern Giveaway! Vogue 1094

2011-09-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

As a pattern hoarder I sometimes forget what patterns I have and don't. Vogue was on sale and I didn't remember having this pattern so I purchased it. When I went to put it away whoops a double! So for my followers and others that stumble upon this giveaway here is your chance to get a way cute pattern for FREE.

It is a size 6-12. Just leave a comment below with your contact information and I will use a random number generator on September 30th. International and US are welcomed to participate.

We all have them....UNCUT PATTERNS

2011-08-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

For those that follow my blog you know I am addicted to patterns. I have what me and my sister refer to as "uncut patterns". You know the ones you buy just because you love the look of them, but sit in your pattern box uncut and almost forgotten.

Recently I got this from Butterick 5696. It is so pretty. How I would love to make it...

Those pleats scare me and if I ever do make it I honestly will probably gather the edges instead.

Plum Crazy

2011-08-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

I adore this little dress. It is almost done I just need to add three roses to the mid-section, though I think the twist is super cute:

I have two done aside from the roses and have three more to make. Two will be maternity dresses. I will post them as soon as I'm done. I have the perfect design in mind so they will look like the other bridesmaids but still be maternity.

A little break from green dresses

2011-08-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

I had to put the green dress aside. One I started early because I did not have my next order's measurements, but the main reason is when you are struggling with something it is best if you can to set it aside so you get a new light on the project.

This next dress is a new design. Here is a sneak peek at the bodice. I have to make three roses which will go in the middle. It will also have spaghetti straps (adjustable of course). The skirt is going to have pleats instead of gathering and the lining is going to have a netting ruffle for a little swish when they walk. I have 5 to make.

The dress is a deep plum. Gorgeous color selection and the ruffle netting is grey. I believe they are wearing red shoes with the dresses. I have a lot more done than the bodice. The lining is done and the skirt is attached to the bodice. I'm working on the straps right now and soon it will be flowers, zipper and hem!

Inspiration is a customer's pictures!

2011-08-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

I believe I made this dress early this year. I just now got some pictures of the wedding day! I am so in love with the overlay, but it not available anymore. She purchased the last bit of it!

On the form:

Not sure about this dress

2011-08-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

This dress has been a lot of work for me. I've been working on it for a week and I'm still not done. I'm at the point that I almost want to contact my customer and say I just can't do it! My sister is coming over for an outside view. It is so out of my normal element, so maybe I'm just being harsh on myself. I do love the back though. It needs to be pressed but that detail on the back bodice turned out really nice.

It needs the side zipper put in and a 2 inch hem. The front of the dress is supposed to have one side longer. Hopefully it will look better with the hem.

The fabric is not a joy to work with. I think it is a rayon satin. It unravens and slips. Soft though.

White Wedding Turned Black

2011-08-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here is my completed white gown. Unfortunately the bride to be was not happy with it and is returning it. I think it is beautiful, but it is her special day and she has to be happy with it.

Hopefully I can sell it to someone else. It is a bit disheartening, but part of making wedding gowns I supposed. This is the first time I've had a return for the reason of not liking the dress so that makes it a bit depressing.

A modern dress

2011-08-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well I'm on my second day of this dress or I should say attempt of a dress. I got half the bodice the way I think it should be. It has all kinds of shapes and lines. It can be a total success or a total failure. Shall we take a poll :) Skirt is entirely wrong and I have to start over!

I've only sewn the pleated section to the one side. I'm trying to get a good fit for the middle section. The back will have the same detail. I initially was going to make this a wrap dress, but I don't think it is going to work so plan B a side zipper.

I have two of these to make. I hope I can make them exacly the same.

Playing around with petticoats

2011-08-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest version of a petticoat. Not sure if I ever want to make it again. I think it looks really pretty and I added the blue ribbon for "Something Blue".

I will show you soon how it looks under a dress. Just waiting for my customer to see the dress first.

A Skydeck Wedding!

2011-08-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I get so much joy seeing pictures of weddings. This one though is WOW can you even imagine getting married here. I think I got dizzy just looking at the pictures! Thank you my wonderful customer for sharing your big day! It means a lot to me!!!

Got to love the shoes!

It always amazes me how pictures can capture the happiness and love in couples and families!

If you are in the Chicago area and looking for a photographer please check out Luzco Photography. All these fabulous pictures were taken by him!

If you want to see more great pictures of this wedding please visit Luzco Photography's blog here.

Can you say FAIL!

2011-08-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

It is 7 pm here. I've got a horrible cold and have been trying to get the white gown done. I was almost done, all that needed to be done was hand sewing the lining to the zipper (yes the zipper argggh), and hand sewing the beading under the bust line. I put the dress on the form so I could see if I liked how the ruffle on the skirt lining turned out. As I zipped up the dress the zipper decided to separate on me! I tried to zip it back down matching the grooves and the handle broke off! I don't mean that it just came off the actual metal broke!!! Now I have to take it apart and do it again. Of course the only white zippers I have on hand are 7"-10". My dear sister has one and will be bringing it to me in the morning.

Some don't mind zippers. I hate them! I've done enough of them, but I dread each one. I purchased an invisible zipper foot, which makes it a little easier. Today's issue was out of my control. I wonder if I can take it back as a defect. Honestly I'm glad it happened to me instead of the bride. Could you imagine that?

The dress looks bleh right now to me, but in the end I think I will be happy with it. Most important I hope the bride will be happy with it. I don't think I will make my goal of shipping it tomorrow!

Happy Sewing WITHOUT ZIPPERS PLEASE!!! I think I will start doing more knit dresses.

It's a nice day for a white wedding

2011-08-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

It amazes me with the amount of wedding gowns I have created that this is only my second white gown. The biggest hurdle to get over is the bodice. Especially when there is a lot of ruching. I never get the pieces right the first time and it is frustrating. They have to be perfect or it will bunch the base of the bodice and mess up the fit. It is only pinned to the form. I also pinned some beading that I'm going to hand sew at the lower edge of the bust line.

The skirt I'm going to experiment with. I want to do a circle skirt then us a vintage pattern overlay for the tulle. If it works like I think it is going to this gown is going to be stunning. I got feed back from my latest gown the Vogue Lace one and I cannot not tell you how much it meant to me. This is what she said:

"Oh Dawn its soooooo beautiful! Its like you plucked my dream out from my head and sewed it together with fabric made of angel wings! Thank you so so so much"

I hope when my client gets this dress she feels the same! I do have the most wonderful customers! I thank you everyone even when things go amiss they always seem to work out in the end except on very rare occasions.

Vogue Lace and a 1950's Style Wedding Gown

2011-08-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy that I haven't had time to post as much as I would like to. This gorgeous gown was shipped out this week. I mixed a modern pattern and used a vintage one for the skirt. I had to make sure the skirt was not round at the bottom so I could keep the scallop lace edge for the hem of the skirt. I supposed I could of had the dress part be a circle skirt and used a rectangle skirt for the overlay. I'm testing that on my next bridal gown. The dress has detachable beaded straps.

The lace was purchased at Vogue Fabrics. Here is a close up of the lace. It is truly beautiful and they have a nice selection. The only problem is you have to buy a minimum of 5 yards.

Another thing I learned by working with this beaded lace is once you cut it you need to make sure to find any loose threads attaching the beads and sequins. A little more work but this dress was worth every minute of it. Because of the weight of the dress 3 lbs 1 oz I added a netting ruffle to the lining of the skirt. It is pictured with a petticoat but is still full without one. I love the swish!

Some more great pictures of my wonderful customer

2011-08-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the dress that I messed up making a low back instead of low front. She was so understanding great to work with. She will be sending me the professional pictures at a later date but I had to share these. She is simply stunning! I love wedding pictures just to see the happy couple with all that love in their faces.

With the ups and downs this makes it worthwhile

2011-07-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

These blue dresses were such a frustration at times. From cutting 6 of these in a color the bride didn't like, to having to alter one. The stress gets to you, but in the end when you receive a great picture like this. 6 lovely ladies looking so happy and beautiful in the dresses it really makes it all worthwhile! Thanks so much for sharing the picture!

Thanks justkim for finding my error in my post lol!

OMG my night has been made! Thank you thank you

2011-07-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Out of all my dresses this is the one I wanted to see my customer in. My "Sketch Dress". She has allowed me to share her wonderful day and pictures. Such a fairy tale wedding that I'm so honored to have a small part in. The bride and groom outshine anything I could ever think to create.

Thank you again so much for sharing these pictures it means a lot to me!

Unique 50's inspired gown from my sketch with modifications

2011-07-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

I struggled and struggled getting my first design right only to have to redesign it some. For this version I added lace at the bottom, hidden pockets which changed my intial skirt. I also changed the back to a princess seam back. This is by far the hardest dress I have in my collection. I have never gotten the bodice right with one try. I will still blame it on the tape measure. I love off the shoulder dresses.

I do love the lace detail.

Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Wedding Gown Complete

2011-07-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

It is boxed up and ready to ship. I took everything in me not to try on the dress for a twirl! This was so much fun to create even with the little hiccups. I hate putting zippers on slitted skirts. I have a hard enough time with regular zippers.

I sure hope she shares some pictures! Here is Audrey in all her beauty I morphed my version of the dress in the picture. I should try making a veil sometime.

Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Gown

2011-07-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Made some progress today. I'm very scared of my next steps. For those that use vintage patterns it is the slit for the zipper! What if I cut too much? I purchased this beautiful fabric at fabric.com it was called Elegance Taffeta and it is no longer available. I used just about every bit of it. NO MISTAKES ALLOWED! Here is the bodice with the tulle. I know strange that the tulle is without the skirt. I don't know what it is but every time I cut tulle or sometimes chiffon it is never the exact same size as the fabric. Any suggestions on how to get pass this is appreciated. So to make sure everything is lined up perfectly I put the tulle on the bodice first and then I will gather the skirt attach it. Because I haven't been brave enough to cut the slit it is pinned on the form so it may look funny. Funny but not as in the Funny Face Gown. I just adore that low waist and can hardly wait to see how this turns out.

I don't have pictures but the skirt is attached. Tomorrow I will attach the skirt lining, brave the zipper and then work on the hem. She wants a 25" hem line so I will be cutting 6 inches off. Yeah I was off when I cut, but like I always say better to cut too big than too small. All visible seams have been Frenched seamed. The wedding date is the 17th of this month so it has to ship on Monday!

The Dodge Super Bee Mod Dress

2011-07-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

She wanted short and she is getting short! Here is my version of the Super Bee dress:

For those that have been anxiously waiting as much as me my next dress will be the Audrey Hepburn gown from Funny Face. Had a delay in getting the measurements and the wedding is on July 17th!

My Brother LS-2125 RIP my friend

2011-07-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yes it is a basic machine. A Walmart special under $100.00, but it has been my friend and has helped me make over 100 dresses since 2004. A couple of weeks ago it died. I was so heartbroken. You get use to your machine and now I'm getting use to a new machine. I dream of making a quilt so I purchase a Brother SQ-9000 FS. I've made 1 1/2 dresses with it so far. I do recommend the Brother LS-2125 for those who want to try sewing but don't want to spend a lot. The pink is the SQ-9000 FS and the blue is my long lasting friend.

It was refurbished but by the factory. The only thing I didn't receive with it was the CD instructions. I was lucky to get the optional feet with it. Most refurbished machines don't include these.

Honestly for my sewing machine I pretty much use it for straight stitching and zippers. So I never thought to purchase a high end machine. I have older sergers an Elna and RICCAR that if I lost those I think I would be more heartbroken than my cheap little brother machine.

The salesman was shocked that my LS-2125 lasted so long. I certainly put it to work.

Out of my element but had to make

2011-07-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

I love the 50's styles as everyone knows but I also love the 60's. This dress I would date about 1968 or 69 because of the Mopar Super Bee. I love classic cars especially Mopars. My brother sent me this picture from a old magazine and he thought I should make it. Look at that hair! Love it and wish I could get that bump. Don't laugh but I actually own the "As seen on TV Bump It". It actually works. My hair is fine so I can't keep the bumps in my hair but I use them to shape my hair to get that sexy bump. Lots of hairspray. OK back to sewing...

I've been working some bugs out and still not complete but here is what I have so far. It will look better when it is done I promise! She wants it really short. I will be taking off at least 2 inches off the dress. I used a stretch sateen for the fabric.

I got the reproduction patch on Ebay. Not exact but pretty close.

A dress in action

2011-07-01T08:05:00.001-07:00

One of my customers graciously allowed me to use her picture. I wanted to share it with everyone. Va voom is all I have to say!

Barefoot Sewing

2011-06-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you seamstresses out there but I hate sewing with my shoes on. I prefer barefooted, socks or special crochet or knitted slippers. I recently purchased these adorable bunny slippers from CUTEurecreations. Here they are, now I can have happpy sewing feet!:

If you have little ones you need to check out her shop. She has the cutest hats, slippers and headbands. Here are a couple darling little numbers. Makes me want to learn to crochet! I admire the art of crochet and knitting. For those that know how to crochet she does offer patterns too!

1950's Wedding Gown Set Right

2011-06-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is the redesign of my backwards dress. With the lower neckline in the front it would not of worked well with the empire I initially did. I think this one is fuller and it will work better with that obnoxious aqua sash. That is obviously not pictured here.

I can only hope that 10 years or maybe it will take 20 years that the Bride & Groom will be able to laugh about the dumb girl that made their first dress backwards. Happy Sewing :)

After three years of making wedding gowns I ruined a wedding

2011-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm embarrassed to even post this. I don't know what I did or what I was thinking but I basically made a design backwards. This dress I was so proud of. Well that low back should of been a low front and the high front should of been a high back. Dyslexia perhaps? What do you say to this but you're terribly sorry and whatever they want they can have. A new dress? A full refund, plus keep the petticoat and sash. She graciously is allowing me to make her another dress. Here is my progress.

If all goes well I maybe able to ship this tomorrow. Tuesday at the latest. I sent her pictures to ease her mind. It had to have been devastating to open up my dress. She took in to see if it could get fixed they wanted to add 9 inches of fabric. Sorry the dress it not fixable it was made completely wrong. Not sure what they were planning to do? Panels on the back? That would of been really lovely. Maybe some color blocking. lol Sorry but it is a wedding dress and it is one thing to have panels on the side where they aren't going really be seen but not the back of the dress.

1940's Wiggle Dress Completed

2011-06-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

I dont' know why it is so hard to find round buttons in colors. I ended up using pearls. They are pretty but a simple button would of sufficed. The godets can be worn either inverted or sticking out. I usually do a round godet but the picture my customer sent me it didn't looked flared. Think of a cheerleader skirt.

The godets are also in the back of the dress. I have real issues trying to photograph black and my back pictures did not turn out at all. I should of paid more attention in photography class.

1940's Style Wiggle Dress

2011-06-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

I'm about to wrap this dress up. It should be done tomorrow, but here is the silhouette of it. Please excuse the mess I've been working in overtime!

I used a sateen fabric for this dress. It has bit of a stretch. I love sateen! There will be buttons on top of the godets. The godets are in the front and back. I will take better photos when it is competed.

Ta Da love how this turned out

2011-06-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here is my full gown with as my customer requested an obnoxious bow. It was a fun dress to make. The petticoat took longer than the dress to make.

In case you all think I'm slacking, I'm not. I just shipped out a PS I Love You dress and am working on my sketch inspired dress. I've posted these dresses before so I maybe a little slow in my blogging. Month is almost over and I'd like to finish four more dresses. The one I'm working on, Breakfast at Tiffany's and either a new design of a 1940's dress or my Back to the Future dress. I will be posting the new design in the near future.

Feature interview at the Daily Dot

2011-06-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by a reporter that use to still does not sure report for USA Today. She is now reporting stuff about Etsy at a upcoming website called the Daily Dot. You can read my interview here. Pretty exciting stuff for me!

Dupioni iridescent silk dress

2011-06-16T07:10:00.000-07:00

I love this iridescent silk from fabric.com. I've done this dress in a short version and here is the long version. The shape is so flattering for any size. Stunning fabric that changes colors in different lights.

I'm almost done with another great dress. Hopefully I will be posting pictures later today. I'm pretty excited about it.

Two more dresses to share

2011-06-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

In case you don't follow Sew Retro here is my vintage reproduction. This was a real joy to make! I'm kind of lazy so if you want to see the comparison shots and or more views of the dress visit my post at Sew Retro.

Here is the completed V2903. It looks so much better now that it is complete. Looks better in person and hopefully even more better on a person.

Remember my last post when I said the 7 bridesmaid dresses were a huge hit. Well they were but turns out one did not fit. A learning curve for me. For now on ask for a cup size. Patterns default to a "B" cup. I love that a lot of the newer ones have all cup sizes included. The dress fit perfect except in the bust.

The girl is close to my size and so I tried it on and it is slightly big for me for a strapless. So I had to contact her and ask her cup size. You see that 34" bust was perfect if you are have "A" cup or "B" cup but a "D" cup heck no lol. I can't fix the existing dress so I am making her a new one. I'm not upset about it because I love the dress and now I will have one for myself!

I'm going to put the halter straps on it instead of removable spaghetti straps. This customer has been so easy to work with and I want her day to be perfect. I received the dress on Saturday and will be shipping the new one tomorrow. I can't believe how fast I got it done. It would of been done today but I didn't have a gray zipper in stock. So all that will be left is the zipper, hems and tacking.

Vogue 2903

2011-06-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on Vogue 2903. What I thought would be a total breeze isn't. I just don't like the finishing they call for.

The fabric my customer picked out isn't ideal for it either. I'm going to add a sash for her to break it up. The flowers did were impossible to line up not like plaids. This is it just hanging on the form. The back hasn't been stitched. I don't understand why they don't call to see the yoke better. I will either slip stitch or top stitch the yoke for more security.

As of today it is almost done. Just have to put the zipper in, hem and fix the yoke. The pattern called for the zipper to be in the center of the back. I'm making it go all the way up. I find it is a pain to zip up dresses that are like that.

Good news all the bridesmaid dresses last month were a huge hit! They loved them. So happy! I hope they share some pictures.

Wow my first negative Etsy needs to fix the feedback system

2011-06-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

That purple dress just doesn't want to go away. She contacted me again after I offered her a full refund. You can read the details here.

She wanted the sash still at no cost. Yes my bad on the wrong color but I refunded her 25% of the dress because she said she loved the dress and didn't want the full refund. Figured that squared things up. Guess not. I received my first and probably won't be my last negative feedback.

Etsy really needs to fix the feedback system or get rid of it all together. My buyer has 86% feedback but I have no way of knowing what it is for because you cannot see a buyers feedback only the sellers. It is very one sided and unfair to Etsy sellers.

I'm waiting for a kiss & make up which allows the users to change the feedback. I can see her saying do this and that and I will remove the negative. I don't think so lol I would rather a red mark on my feedback than to deal with her anymore.

Too much gather equals broken needles

2011-05-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

There is a huge difference when using a vintage pattern to a modern pattern. The gathering on these skirts are so tight. Lighter fabrics are fine but when you are dealing with heavier fabrics watch out. I broke 3 needles on my serger to finish the edge. It wasn't pretty and I added a zig zag for extra reinforcement. The lining went just fine. I have this fear that if a dress has to be alter that the seamstress is going to point out every flaw. Kind of like computer technicians tend to do. I know crazy thoughts. Here is a small section of the mass gather. This dress is going to weigh 3-4 lbs I'm sure!

I still need to hem. Not looking forward to it well the chiffon part of it. I want the larger hem that the original vintage dress had so I cut the overlay a lot bigger. All I have to do is hem the dress and it is completed! I totally love it and thank you Jen for allowing me to make such a remarkable gown. It has been a true joy and hope it meets your expectations because it will be shipping this week! I still have that petticoat to make.

A pattern I really want but can't afford

2011-05-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

This has been on E-Bay for so long. I've seen the price go up and drop down. I give them my offers and they refuse each time lol. I would love it to be in my collection but for almost $200.00 I don't think so. It is Spadea Claire McCardell Dress.

C'mon already no one has bought it in a year take my offer!

Oh Happy Sewing Day a 1950's Dress

2011-05-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it is a relief and refreshing to get back to making my favorite era of dresses the 1950's! After making the same dress over and over again I'm thrilled to being doing something different.

I got so much done today. All this includes cutting! All I need to do for this dress is French seam the chiffon and attach it the skirt and bodice. Add a zipper and hem. I'm thinking the petticoat is going to take me longer than the dress!

I modified a vintage pattern McCall's 5817 to start the recreation. I had to modify the back to create the V Back. The cummerbund on the pattern is not attached to the dress. I modified it to fit the dress properly and added the seam to match the inspiration photo. Here is the color palette & photo of pattern. The olive greens are for the petticoat. The fabrics are chiffon, organza, lining and Duchess satin. The dress itself is champagne with an off white chiffon overlay. I'm going to try my sister's trick with the petticoat. Stayed tuned for that.

For those that missed the dress I'm recreating you can click here.

I tend to cut big and fit to my form. I'm not sure if it is the proper way or not but I've done pretty well doing it this way. I literally put the dress on the form to shape my pieces. Then cut one as a pattern for the rest. I really would love to take a class on proper techniques though honestly I probably would still do it my own way. Here is pinning it to fit.

Darn I should of taken pictures prior to cutting the back & adding the rouched waistline. Now that I have an idea of how much I either needed to cut or take in I can sew it up. I cut quite a bit off the back not including the V section. Here it is attached to the lining.

Now I'm pretty sure the girl I'm making this for follows my blog so there is only so much I can post so I don't spoil the final results which I prefer to be in person. So for her and your viewing pleasure here is the lining (inside) of the dress! Love how full it is even without the petticoat!

Butterick 9635 in my sweet possession

2011-05-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

I keep saying no more patterns...but then this little number came along. It is so beautiful!

Don't ask when I will be able to make it lol

The end of bridesmaid dresses

2011-05-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

They are boxed and being picked up tomorrow. I have 5 more of these to go but they are at a later date. Fun fabric for those. Here is the Coal and the Green. I should of ironed before taking the pictures. I iron so much then box them up just to arrive wrinkled.

The green in person is not so bright it is actually a forest green. It is Kaufman Ultra Sateen and simply stunning. I had to buy a bolt of it. Lucky for me I can use it for my Green dress with bolero.

Had some fabric woes. I received my order from fabric.com and was missing 3 yards of Black Duchess satin! I e-mail them and they are now out of stock. I've been having some problems with them. It is because they are under staffed right now. That is too bad for me and them. I ended up getting the satin from Vogue fabrics. I may have to find another source. I run too tight of a schedule to mess around with fabrics.

Learn from my mistakes don't make a dress for free!

2011-05-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

So you've seen my troubles with alterations, unpleased customers so here is an update and hopefully my mistakes will help you out.

Blue dresses although I made it to her measurements I took in to her new measurements at no charge. I did tell her that I should charge her and I even went as far as to offer to make another for $50.00 to cover the costs of fabric, because I was afraid I would not be able to take it in enough. Good news she was happy with the new fit :)

This is the one is a huge mess. The purple dress straps too long and wrong color sash. She wanted the petticoat fuller too. I'm so trying to be flexible. I offered to alter it and of course get her the right colored sash. She takes the dress to a alteration shop who says that the petticoat needs more 20 yards. I charged a mere $120.00 for this dress and petticoat. Sorry but a petticoat like she is thinking I would charge $120.00 just for that. Not that there is anything wrong with my petticoat.

She isn't offering to pay anymore either, but is asking for a partial refund of $30.00, a fixed petticoat and the sash. I tell her if she is sending the petticoat back then she should just send the dress back to for me to alter it myself. Oh no she wants to be there. My policies say that I refund minus 25% of the list price. Which would be $30.00. Previous I told her she can either return it (being nice) or she could keep it and I would send her a partial refund of the 25% to help pay for the costs of taking the straps up. I'm sure it isn't $30.00 but whatever.

Finally after all this I just told her I don't think I can make her happy and for her just to send the dress back for full refund. She says she wants dress and asked for me to send the partial refund as I previously said I would.

A price break down:
$120.00 for the dress and petticoat
$65.00 for the materials
Wow smart that is $55.00 to make a dress and petticoat. I'm changing my name to Eleen's Sweat shop
$30.00 for the partial return
Total: $25.00!

I can take that down a bit more if I calculate the Pay Pal fees and Etsy fess.

I do strive to make my customers happy, but feel this time I really feel I let myself get taken advantage of. Don't sell yourself short. Charge for your time, add all fees and materials do a little math so you don't get short changed.

I always use quality fabrics and I'm charging for muslin lol

Is it June Yet?

2011-05-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

So I'm anxiously awaiting June. I have four elaborate dresses to make. The Funny Face Gown, the dress from my sketch and these two little dresses. This will be fun month for me for sure

This one will be the same except as she described it an obnoxious teal for the bow. I love teal!

I adore this dress. It will be a champagne with a off white overlay and a olive petticoat.

How many more until I can start these four dresses? Back to work!

5 more to go...I'm getting a bit tired of gray

2011-05-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have two more of the light colored gray then I can move to the coal and give my eyes a break. Here is the completed halter version. When I make myself one I'm going to have these straps.

I think I've posted enough on the light gray dresses. I will post a coal one when I'm completed with it. My blog doesn't have much of a variety this month, but next month just you wait!

Do I really have to do a zipper?

2011-05-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is for the seamstress without the invisible zipper foot and a basic machine. I personally hate putting in zippers. Me & my sister joke that we will take $20.00 off your order if you put in your own zipper. I've changed up the way I do them and wanted to share to help a customer who is on the road to becoming an seamstress. I've seen her projects and am quite impressed with her natural abilities.

Look at the zipper lurking at me saying I'm not going to line up...but I'm going to wait until you finish sewing me so you have to take me apart. I've been doing pretty good with this method. I pinned the zipper rights together.

Now I sew close to the edge of the jagged edge of the zipper. I take the pins out as I sew and keep the edge of the zipper lined up to fabric.

Tough part at the end. You want to lift your pressure foot and zip up the zipper to be able to go all the way to the end. These are sometimes my throw a fit moments as I can't zip the zippper and bang my fingers.

This is what it looks like when it is sewn and zipped. Seams and piping detail look lined up! This dress is fully lined so now I must attach the zipper to the lining. I've seen dressmakers using an invisible foot and zipper leave the zipper as pictured and then slip stitch the lining. Standard zippers don't look so nice so we better hide it more. Nor did I use a invisible zipper foot.

I've pressed my finished edges of the lining all the way to where the zipper ends. Now it's time for some good old fashion hand basting. If you are better at pinning than I am I'm sure you can pin it. I prefer to hand baste it to make sure I have it perfect.

We are now ready to stitch our zipper. When completed just take out the basting threads.

Here is the finished zipper. No need for hook & eye because the zipper goes all the way to the top. Beautiful on the outside and inside! Just needs a little pressing

Just in case anyone thinks I actually did this on one try I didn't. My goof you ask? I forgot that I had black lining so I sewed the entire zipper with grey thread instead of changing my bobbin thread to black. Not the end of the world but it would be so nice to do something once. Well it has happened once in a while.

Happy Sewing!

The gray with halter

2011-05-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm sold on this version. Almost done, skirt lining, zipper, hem and a good ironing. I love the halter straps on the dress though. I added a pleat not sure if you can see that clear in the pictures. We'll see how the spaghetti straps look next.

Although the dress has halter straps I still treated it as a strapless dress. Fully lined, underlined and boned. When these dresses are done...I just may give them a hug. I really do like them!

I will be posting a small how to on the zippers, which I hate and it is extra hard when you have line up so many sections in the back. One of my customers told me she was inspired by my work and went out a purchased a sewing machine. She sends me pictures of her projects. She is truly gifted and will be surpassing me in no time :) She struggled with her first zipper. Hopefully the way I do them will make it easier for her.

Battle of the grey or is it gray?

2011-05-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am in love with Kaufman Kona Cottons! Easy to work with. Excellent quality and it even has a slight stretch to it. I had to special order it and had to buy by the bolt. I'm sure I will have some of this fabric left.

I have seven of these dresses to make. I've done one. Should of been done yesterday but I had my usually goofs. Four of these are going to be this grey. The other three are going to be the coal same color as my piping detail. For the coal dresses I will use the lighter grey for the piping. I think it gives them dimension. The next dress will be the lighter grey but I'm going to add some halter straps to it. We'll see how that turns out. Three of the others will have the spaghetti straps (one removable).

I love this dress! Which is good because I think I have a total of 17 of these dress that I have to make in the coming months. Well 12 this month 5 in the near future. Wait until you see the fabric for those. LOVE IT!!!

Three dresses to ship tomorrow

2011-05-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

I have another floral dress, Breakfast at Tiffany's and this cute little number shipping tomorrow. Mine is different of course :)

It is pale pink and will have removable spaghetti straps. I'm a bit disappointed with the fabric. It was supposed to be a light weight denim & it seems just like a regular cotton to me. It is so light weight I had to line the skirt or my customer would be showing all her glory. I think it will be OK though because where she is having her wedding it is super hot. I will post pictures of it later because I know she follows my blog. Here is the inspiration photo.

Next I have to take in that one blue bridesmaid dress and I will be starting 7 bridesmaids dresses. Same as the floral dress but light gray & coal. I will be glad when this month is over. I only have 9 booked for June so I can take it down a pace.

Opinions please

2011-05-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

I've posted this dress before and now I have another version of it without the piping but strips instead. It would be one less step and the both look great. Which version do you think is better?

Here is the bodice detail. No piping to the left piping to the right. I should stick to taking pictures outside. Well I can't all the time because I live in the rain State!

I think I may have enough of this fabric to make one more. Maybe. I threw a tissy fit with one of the bodices from the three and had to redo it. Temper temper!

A New Craft Pattern Mouse Pot Holder

2011-05-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

I don't post many crafty stuff here but I do enjoy dabbling with crafts. I have been stashing some fabrics for a quilt I want to make some day. I've never made one. I admire the quilt makers out there, it seems so tedious with all those squares.

I love mice and thought it would be cute to do a little mouse pot holder. I used an old Joanne's paper for the pattern. For the tail/handle I just cut a strip. As you can tell I changed my mind with the size of the body, nothing a little tape won't put back together.

I wanted kind of a shabby chic to it so I have button eyes and nose. No whiskers because I was afraid something thin and dangling could catch fire. Two of my brothers laughed at the idea because who wants a mouse in the kitchen. I also have a plan to do a hen and....oh you will just have to wait.

It is super cute but not functional as a pot holder. I used quilting batting but when I tested it at 350 degrees I felt the heat. It didn't burn me but if I'm going to sell these in the future they need to be made right. I'm going to buy the heat resistant batting and do another. They have it right here at fabric.com. This one is going to my mom as a decoration piece. The nice thing about this little project is I was able to use two fabric squares to complete the project!

I seriously think I will be cutting back on my dress making when I catch up so I have some time to do things for myself.

Not much work but it is okay

2011-05-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

I took a rare day off today because it was my mom's birthday. It was sooo nice. We all went to the fabric store for supplies and just kicked back with my family. My sister is going to be making a man's suit. I will post it when it is done. It is for her friend's son 8th grade graduation.

Tomorrow of course is Mother's Day. My plan is to get up early and get a little something done then go to my mom's in the afternoon....or better yet just in time for dinner lol

I have all my fabric in for my 7 bridesmaid dresses, got the zippers, boning and strap slides & rings. I purchased the rattail for the piping at fabric.com. I just could not see paying 79 cents a yard. I got 33 yards. I think that will last me a long time.

I need to get better organized and start having a bigger supply of notions so I don't have to spend so much time shopping for them.

Tomorrow I will be complete with the green dress with bolero. The dress is basically done but not the bolero. The bolero takes less than a hour. It will ship on Monday and hopefullly a pink strapless dress will ship then too but more Tuesday seems more probable. I'm just not whipping them out as fast as I use too. With today's day off I do feel refreshed!

Happy Birthday Audrey Hepburn

2011-05-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today would of been Audrey Hepburn's 82nd Birthday. This post is in honor of her and my Aunt who also shares her birthday who is no longer with us. Both have influenced my life and the person I want to be. Of course my biggest influence is my mom! Hi Mom!!!

Two of my favorite pictures of Audrey. That smile just makes me smile. Genuine beauty. She shines!

She is a timeless beauty both inside and out. Happy Birthday to two of the greatest women that ever lived!

Three Floral Dresses for Bridesmaids

2011-05-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

So here are the three floral dresses! I love them. Some of you may recognize the pattern.

I especially like the piping detail. I have twelve more of these dresses to make this month. For five I will be using Kaufman dark green sateen. For the seven bridesmaids there will be four coal and three a lighter gray. I may have that the opposite. Yes I will double check prior to cutting. I will be using Kaufman Kona cotton for those. I just contacted her about using the piping & for the coal dresses using the lighter gray & for the lighter gray the coal. I think it would add more contrast and a little drama. If not she won't hurt my feelings if she says no. They also want to have removable adjustable spaghetti straps. I think that will be really cute.

These dresses are fully lined and underlined/boned in the bodice. They also have two front pockets if you can't tell from the picture. Super adorable. Now all I have to do is wait and hope they all fit :) I'm really surprised I don't have an ulcer from the stress.

Now I better get back to my cutting. Making the green dress with black bolero again. I probably wont post it because how many times do you all want to look at it lol.

To alter or to start over

2011-05-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

So I received the blue dress today and she wants a lot taken in. These pictures are the dress with the measurements provided dialed in. Fits like a glove. From what she pinned it could be three or more inches too big. I've asked her to remeasure herself. She said she was professionally measured, but I'm a little worried that maybe whoever measured her added some ease. I don't know, I do know it fits perfectly on the form.

I took it apart but thought before taking it totally apart I should put it back on the form. Now my question is would it be easier for me to make an entirely new dress or to take this one in. Here is a picture of the inside. Boned and serged.

Again being nice. I made this dress per the measurements, but really what can I do? She is one of six and if I don't fix this the bride will have to find 6 new dresses. This isn't a money issue because the other girls are fine with their dresses. So even if I said sorry nothing I can do the dress was made perfectly to size, I am not required to refund the five. It is way over my time line for refunds.

If her measurements are quite a bit smaller, you know what I will be doing...making another dress and you know that I won't be getting any extra payment for it, but I won't be ruining a wedding and hopefully everyone will be happy! If her measurements are still about the same then I will just use the existing dress and take it in at the sides and a little in the back. Hard telling with safety pins :)

Happy Sewing!

Poking a little fun at myself with an old unfinished project

2011-05-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ever look at some of your old projects and just want to laugh are amaze in my case slightly embarrassed of what you did?

I have this crinkled satin mauve little dress that I never finished from years ago. I looked in the inside a just couldn't help but laugh. What was I thinking back then. Yes folks I sewed the zipper on top of the bodice lining. Just look how carefully I tucked it in at the top though!

This dress does have potential and I think I will finish it. Not a huge amount of work. Except for the fact that I expertly serged the bodice and the bodice lining to the skirt. I don't know why I didn't do a skirt lining. Probably just lazy or no fabric.

Do you have any old projects out there? Do you feel you improve with every dress? I would love to see some posts at your blogs. Just post and leave a comment to where I can find it. Or feel free to comment your stories here.

Uplifting Post...the rounds and other fun stuff

2011-04-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

Round 1...

Round 2...

Round 3...Sahara pwned Pepper!

Speaking of three. Here is Morpheus (Mastiff), Pepper (Boxer) and we all know and love Sahara the Pug.

I'm feeling bad because I haven't posted any pictures of my girl Sadie my Chocolate Lab....

Do you understand why now...okay just to get the vision out of your head here are so more cute puppy pictures. Seriously I love my girl Sadie and my Black lab Shadow.

Last Day....goal not set upset customers and alterations woes

2011-04-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Wow. I'm tired more like exhausted maybe even a little burnt out. I love to sew but right now I would love NOT to sew. I am two dresses short. I didn't make my goal. I have 19 dresses for May including the two that didn't get done. I am also supposed to get two skirts and a couple of dresses done for some professional photos. I think that will have to wait.

On a good and bad note, I don't have to alter the purple dress. She is just going to return it. She had offered to keep it if I gave her a partical refund of $50.00 to cover the expenses of alterations, but I would still have to add more tulle to the petticoat. I only charged $120.00 for the dress and petticoat. The fabric was $16.00 a yard! Times that by 3 1/2 yards. Not to mention the lining for the petticoat and tulle. I stood my ground on this. I told her there was no way I could do that, and she could return the dress per my polices. I do offer refunds minus 25% to at least cover some of the fabric I purchased. Of course the flaws come out the skirt is uneven, even though when she puts it on it doesn't look uneven. They took out a measuring stick. I told if I measure it and the side seams are uneven I will refund her and not take the 25% or I could send her $30.00 (the 25%) and she could keep the dress and petticoat. She didn't reply so I'm assuming it is being returned. Honestly I'm just happy not to have to alter it. Read on....

Out of the six blue bridesmaid dresses I've only heard from one lady. First she said it didn't fit...said it stayed on but it was still too big. I told her to pin it and send it back and I would take it in. Then I get another message from her and it seems that it isn't really the fit but that she just doesn't like the style of the dress on her. The skirt is too full, it makes her hips look big. Needs to be taken in because it makes her belly look big. I used a universal skirt, meaning except for the length they are all identical. Not a huge amount of fabric or gathering. If you missed out on these dresses click here. They were close enough in size to do this. If it were a issue of too full of skirt the smallest of the girls would of have had the problem of the skirt being too full or too much fabric as she put it. At first I was worried that the larger girls would not have enough gather, but in the end they all looked the same. I guess not with one. I mixed and matched patterns and the pattern itself did not have different sizes. All pieces were the same for all sizes. None of the girls were over a size 14 in pattern sizes.

When I offer to alter a garment it is to size it does not mean to change my design. My brother says I need to watch a show called "Say Yes to That Dress" and I should be more like the designers on there. He says I'm too nice. I'm going to watch it and see what is up. As my fellow seamstresses know there is a lot of work to alter even if it is your own work. Lots to take apart especially if everything is serged. For the blue dresses all visible seams were Frenched seamed. The bodice though...boning, serged and straight stitch. All I can do is take it in for her. I can't change the design...there are 5 others out there. Plus this is the order that I purchased and cut six dresses with a lighter blue fabric and had to redo because the bride said it was a shade too light. How much do I give here?

I think I'm just overwelmed and tired. I love my customers and want to do right by everyone but where do you set your limits?

Day 8, 7, 6, 5 & 4

2011-04-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Wow how the days seem to fly by. I'm not going to make it. I will be two dresses short this month. The dress I thought would end up not working turned out okay. I haven't heard anything so I will assume it was all good. The bow and flower are pendants so she can decide what look she prefers. I like the bow!

I wasn't sure what to do for the back. I knew a zipper would be a pain with organza so I did a key hole and topped it off with a vintage button. I think Sahara approved.

I always say I want to hear from my customers, but sometimes it is better not too. I received a call about this purple dress and the straps are too long for her. I messed up the sash should of been green. She didn't like the bows :( I liked them. She doesn't like the look of the dress being at the natural waistline. I don't think I can fix that. .

She wasn't happy with the petticoat and I tried to make it so fun! She is sending it back. I really hate disappointing my customers! I feel so horrible

Does anyone recognize the pattern I used for this little dress? I have three to make. This one is almost done, another is almost done so one more to go. I will be shipping these out by April 30th! I have another of this same dress and the green dress with bolero. I won't be ruining any weddings with those not meeting my goals. The green dress she needs by the end of May...Oh May stay tuned. I thought April was bad!

Three days left...maybe I will suprise myself and get one extra one done!

Day 9

2011-04-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'm basically done with this dress! Yeah I knew day nine would be a good day. I'm letting it hang overnight prior to hemming. I want to add a couple extras accents to the dress but other than that it is completed. The petticoat under it is not the proper one for the dress...still have to make that.

I am totally in love with the fabric though! I'm also totally in love with my sister's puppy. Here is a picture she sent me. I didn't get to babysit today because my sister knew that I would get nothing done if I had her here. She probably is right.

Day 10 time is ticking

2011-04-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my color palette. I have the dress cut ready to be sewn tomorrow. I have to do a petticoat with this and not sure if the 4 yards of each color is going to enough. It is tulle not netting. Sometimes I don't think.

I ordered more almost a week ago but because fabric.com had some weird cut of one of my items it delayed my shipping :( They have been bad about this lately and refunds too. It has been over a month and I have not been refunded for a cancelled order and a out of stock item. Now there are three! I've e-mailed and called! Get it together fabric.com! Sorry I'm stressing here! As all that read my blog know they are my primary source of fabric and they are bringing me down in my time of need.

I've been dying to use this fabric. It is from fabric.com and it is call Radiance Cotton/Silk Poplin Violet 55% cotton 45% silk. Gorgeous! $15.98 a yard gorgeous! I also purchased the matching tulle there. The fun stuff I found at Joanne's.

I also got the honor of babysitting Sahara. Such a little doll! Look at that little tum tum!

I have a feeling day 9 is going to be a good day...the count down continues!

Day 12 & 11

2011-04-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

I didn't get a chance to to put up anything for day 14. Here it is and today day 15 is complete. I'm shipping it tomorrow. I will post the final pictures after she receives it. It looks like a mess but it actually turned out!

I lost a follower today. Am I that boring :)

Day 13

2011-04-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

It is 8:35 pm here. No I didn't finish. I did 3/4 of the lining. The picture shows the ugly side. I underlined the bodice with muslin but the lining itself is posh for the skirt and shantung for the bodice. I'm struggling with the overlay. I still have to add sleeves but it just isn't laying right on the form. I've taken it in some but now I'm afraid too much. I may have to start over because I did French seams and cut it. Just the side seams aren't working right. I have a little give in the bust area hopefully a tighter seam will work.

I'm really exhausted and really just want to cry.

Day 14

2011-04-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you Empress Nina! She saved me a trip to the fabric store for a zipper. I shortened the 20"-22" I had in stock for the dress. Dress is complete and shipping to Australia tomorrow.

So for Day 14 I am almost done cutting my next dress. I just need to cut the lining for the skirt, a bow and flower. I told the bride to be I would make two pendants one of a bow and one of a flower because she couldn't decide what she wanted for the accent.

It amazes me that that little pile is going to be a dress! It sure would be nice to get it completed tomorrow but I seriously doubt it. I have another one of these green dress to make this month! The dress is a champagne color and for the life of me I could not find a champagne colored chiffon. I'm going to use organza because that is what matched the fabric the best. Joanne's Casa collection had some but it looked to brown to me. The organza will give it some shimmer with the swish of the taffeta.

Day 15

2011-04-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

I should of been done with this dress, but NO I don't have a zipper. I have a 14" one and a 20"-22" one. I need either a 16" or a 18". I hate zippers. I thought a 14" would work but it is just too short. You'd think with amount of times I made this dress I would remember what size zipper to use. So tomorrow I have to waste an hour of my day going to the fabric store!

I need to put the zipper in, add the velvet bow, sew the back and hem. The bolero needs to be serged in the inside, add the button and hem the sleeves. I will meet my goal of shipping this on Monday. Hopefully I will at least cut my next dress on Day 14. The little black dress from this post. Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 14. One almost done 7 more to go!

Another for my Pattern Hoarding I mean collection

2011-04-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

I keep saying no more patterns...then I go on E-Bay. How could I resist this? It is Vogue Original Design Dessin Original DE 1960.

I love the drape on the skirt. I found this beautiful fabric at my local quilt shop that I want to use. This is for myself...yeah right. How many have a I purchased to make for myself. Or maybe should I say how many have I made for myself.

Pug Alert! My sister's new puppy!

2011-04-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm going to torment you with pictures! My sister got a puppy for her birthday. Her name is Sahara. So freaking cute! She is 9 weeks old! I want a little puppy. I have labs and the bigger they are the cuter they ain't. Just kidding love my dogs and also Pepper and Morpheus. Pepper is the boxer in one of the pictures below. Yeah I got her the statue...my mom and one of my brothers got her the real thing.

It's sleepy time

Still sleeping. Oh oh Pepper will take care of that!

Some play time. Sure glad that isn't my hair!

Ok enough pictures already...No really enough!

Meet Audrey, Marilyn and Jayne my three dress forms

2011-04-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

My sister found me a great deal on a plus size dress form. It is Twin Fit by Dritz. I purchased it for about $160.00 including shipping. I had a $5.00 off coupon from Sew Vac Direct

Some specs on my largest form:

Bust: 48" - 54"
Waist: 41" - 47"
Hips: 51" - 57"
Back Waist Length: 17" - 19"
Neck: 16"+

Honestly I am not happy with Marilyn (the red one) I use it a lot and sometimes the plastic on the top pops out if I make it to it's fullest size. It always slides down on me too. I like to keep my forms about my height so it's easier to work with the garments. I'm am so happy to make this investment. No more stuffing Marilyn! I do recommend the Dritz though!