The sample-a-thon continues. I just finished the Iris by Colette in denim and I am one invisible zipper shy of finishing a pair in white linen (with a lining) for remnants:fiber[culture] . I have to admit, the photo on the cover persuaded me to make these shorts. If I had any hint that these were more…
I finally got around to making Anna Maria Horner’s Socialite Dress. I made a sample for remnants:fiber[culture] out of her new Hand Drawn Garden Fabric. My biggest beef about this pattern is the sizing and fabric requirements. The back of the pattern has the FINISHED garment measurements (not something we are used to seeing on…
I just wrapped up my first round of Garments for Quilters: Wearable Muslin at A Quilter’s Folly this week. I had a total of five students split between the two sessions. Did all five students walk out with a finished garment? Nope, but all of them walked out with a better understanding on fit and a…
So, this time last year, Coco Coquette was putting together a new show, 12 Ways to End the World. I ended up signing on a wee bit late in the game. I was in the middle of a massive restoration project (which ended up in a museum (more on that later, hopefully not a year…
READ this book! Whether you are a creative or not, this book is on the list of life changing ones for me. I managed to get the ebook on Kindle from the Austin Public Library, but I plan to get a copy for my home library. I discovered the writer and heard about the book…
My favorite go-to reference guide for sewing stuff is the 1976 version of the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. I first spotted the book when I was working at FirstSamples. I taught myself how to sew with it. I’ve lectured from it. I’ve told all my students that if they have to buy one…
I happened to be thinking about Riley, my burlesque client, the other day. I have a lovely framed piece of her work in my studio. Low and behold, she called today asking if I had some time to stitch up some costumes. YES! Just when I thought my Summer would be void of rhinestones and…
As much as I would have liked to just cut up the suits, shirts and ties, I knew that my finished product wouldn’t be square. Garment parts are a lot like cuts of meat [says, the vegetarian]. Each piece has a designated use. Like this cow… Every part of a garment has a grain…
I always have more than one project going at a time. When I get “writer’s block” I can drop the project and move on to something else. I know some of you are waiting for me to finish my MJ mini quilt, but you will have to wait a little longer, I am saving up…
“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” ~Elbert Hubbard I keep running into people who won’t take on new projects because they are afraid of mistakes and failure. Letting fear hold you in captivity is only going to prevent you from becoming a better artist….