This is one of my favorite TED Talks.

I think socks, shoes, and underwear are the only things I buy new. The rest is thrifted, gifted or made from scratch (most of it with fabric that I’ve had or was gifted).

This week I am helping out at Savannahred‘s Studio.  It has been a blast.  As an untrained seamstress, I took on the extra work to work with fabrics I don’t normally use and to brush up on technique. I also got to work on plus sized clothing and work with awesome designers,

For those of you who haven’t worked on plus-sized clothes, especially tailored plus-sized clothes, there are A LOT of curves. My advice to you is ease your seams.  Most of the time you end up pinning two pieces together and one will be longer than the other.  Start pinning from the straightaway and ease around the curve like you would for an inset sleeve.   Savannahred’s curves weren’t that dangerous.  Check out what Threads Magazine had to say on princess seams.

Now for the tricky fabrics.  Somehow I was tasked with finishing the edges on some beaded lace.  Don’t try this with a serger boys and girls.  It won’t work.  The best way to finish the seams would be to do a french seam.  The second best way would be a double stitched seam.  This way you won’t have excess visible threads.  Check out what Sew Stylish Magazine has to say on finishing sheer fabrics.

One last tip.  Mind your threads.  If you unpick seams, use a lint roller to clean up before you stitch.  It will save you time later.  Clip threads as you go to avoid missing them when the garment is finished.

Frock On Vintage that is…

I am stitching for a new store kids.  It goes live on  Oct. 15 and they are throwing a party to celebrate.

Frock On Vintage will be teaming up with Slacker magazine, Arr Squeeze and KVRX to bring you food, drinks and music!

Complimentary alcoholic beverages will be provided for the 21 and up crowd compliments of Treaty Oak Rum. There will also be tasty bites, a photo booth and discounts and giveaways to boot! You will also have a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards from yours truly just for “liking” the event on Do512.

The party will go from 11am-7pm with music starting at two. Grab a drink and look through some clothes while rocking out to Guache, Starma, Young Girls, She Sir or The Ugly Beats with DJ Czech One on the 1s and 2s between sets. How fun does that sound? Don’t forget to “like” Frock On Vintage on Facebook for updates and discounts.

You can check out the stuff I am working on for the store on my Flickr.  I know you are dying to see what I did with this dress.