Using Embroidered Linen for a Wintery Cottage Core Dress

I’ve been perusing the websites of several cottage core linen clothing brands recently, looking for some inspiration. You see, I’m traveling into a bucolic but “comfortable” phase of life and my clothing needs to reflect that. I also really just love wearing with linen which just also happens to be a glorious fiber to work with - it wears beautifully with age and also happens to be quite sustainable, given it’s a natural fiber. So, when I was gifted a length of taupe embroidered linen from Fabric Wholesale Direct, I knew I needed to get cracking!

Sewing a Regency Petticoat

It’s almost time for the GBACG At home with Josephine at Malmaison event at the Bellvue Club. I actually purchased a costume to wear to this Regency event, a few weeks back at the GBACG Bazaar. Turns out the costume I purchased was worn in a BBC costume drama of some sort. More on that later.

But for my event, I needed a petticoat to wear under the dress, that would smooth out the bust area, because my stays made it look a bit lumpy. I think that’s also, ahem, in part because the costume is a tad bit small in that area. I’ve since moved a bunch of hooks and eyes and made it a bit bigger, but have yet to try them on together. I’m still somewhat undecided if I’ll wear it to the event or instead make a gown that is more of an evening gown. depends on time really and if there is enough of it before the event.

Creating a 1920's Style Velvet Evening Coat

Well, because you asked, here is a blog post about the Blue Velvet Coat I wore to Miss Fisher Con. In this photo shoot (Thanks Mom!) I paired the jacket with a true vintage 1920’s silk lace and chiffon dress, along with some rhinestone / crystal accessories and coordinating shoes and bag.I think it all works together quite nicely.

Sewing Wardrobe Basics - A Camisole & Wide Leg Pants

I've started working on my "Miss Fisher" wardrobe for the Miss Fisher Convention in June. Very exciting! The first step was determining some wardrobe basics. After analyzing her wardrobe in the show (Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries), over all the seasons, I have broken down her DAY outfits to include the following:

Bonjour Teaspoon Sewing Patterns - The Mia Dress for Tweens

For those of you who don't already know, along with teaching sewing and fashion at The Sewing Room, I've designed a collection of Sewing Patterns. It is comprised of 3 hats, 4 dresses, 1 pair of shorts, a blouse, a skirt, 2 tote bags, a vest, a set of aprons, a relaxation kit and 1 jacket - Am I forgetting anything? Most (but not all) of our patterns are made for the "TWEEN" girl, and some are sized for adults as well.

The Classic Breton T-Shirt - Learn to Make Your Own

Anyone who knows me, knows I LIVE in striped T's. I made the one pictured as a sample for some upcoming classes that I'll be teaching. It has long sleeves, a Bateau neck with a button shoulder/sleeve vents with grosgrain trim and side vents at the bottom opening. It's made from a beautiful navy blue and white synthetic yarn dyed striped (the stripe is knitted into the fabric as opposed to printing on top of the fabric) double knit, purchased from Piedmont Fabric. The gold nautical star buttons and vintage striped rayon grosgrain ribbon at the neck and sleeve vents were acquired from the ReCrafting Co. I made the pattern for this Breton Striped T-Shirt, using my body measurements. I'm fairly happy with the fit. I would only make the armhole and bicep a little smaller to match the slim fit of the body. I'll make those changes on the next one I make up.

A Year in Review - My best Sewing Projects of 2017

It's truly amazing how fast this year has gone and I when I look at this image it seems crazy that I made so many things. I've virtually created a brand new (but vintage inspired) wardrobe. It's been so fun making things for myself and a long time coming. I haven't really done anything like this since High School. Since then, sewing has meant mostly business - pattern making, fashion education and custom design work with a little bit of sewing for the home or for friends on the side.

Miss Fisher Wardrobe: The Basic Shell

In my recent post, December Red, I showed a red wool 1930's skirt and coat. This 1930's style skirt is a bit of an ode to skirts worn by the Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, in Miss Fisher's Murder Mystery series. Her character is quite fashion forward for the 1928-1929 timeline the series is set in and her clothing and style, in general, seem to echo both decades (1920's & 1930's). So, I needed a top to pair with this skirt in my quest for a Miss Fisher Wardrobe.

Modern & Vintage - Combine your patterns for a Retro Look

This Dress was a long time coming. I started working on it in November of last year. Originally, I intended to make it from a wool crepe and that the red rayon would be a wearable muslin. Using the Colette Patterns Oolong Dress pattern (purchased for 1/2 price, when they were discontinuing the pattern), I decided to make one modification - add godets to the skirt in the princess seams to give it a little flip and flare....

A 1920's Blouse Done 3 ways with One Vintage Dress Pattern - Miss Fisher Wardrobe or Bust!

As part of my quest to build a "Miss Fisher" wardrobe, I've sewed up three little blouses inspired by separates her character wears in different episodes. This post will show you 3 blouses I have made, starting with one pattern and explain how you can do it too!

Signature Fashion Collections 2017

The Annual College of Alameda ADAM (Apparel Design and Merchandising) Fashion Show.

The stage was set in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Oakland Airport. With a Runway & a DJ, the tables were set for friends, family and fashion professionals. A light lunch was provided. I even got a space at the front (with a VIP sign!). Perfect for viewing the show and seeing the garments up close...

Designing Vintage Gowns

Draping in Fashion Fabric - Progress on My Preservation Ball Gown

This blog post is about how I drape my gowns in the fashion fabric. This is only just the beginning. It will take me working on the dress in my spare time over the course of the next few weeks to get a final dress.

Designing my (Art Deco Preservation Ball) Gown

For me, it usually starts with Fabric. This time, I was lucky enough to be gifted two beautiful pieces of silk from my friend, assistant and fellow fabric-lover, Maria Chenut....

Working on my 1930's Foundation - Getting ready for the Art Deco Preservation Ball

I've embarked on creating a foundation for my dress that I'll wear to the Art Deco Preservation Ball at the End of April. I really want to create the right silhouette for my dress which will inspired by the late 1920's / Early 1930's. My figure, at age 47 doesn't quite fit naturally into that era, so I definitely want an undergarment that helps me re-create the look....

Foundation Garments + a Giveaway

As a special treat this week, I'm giving away a fantastic book from my collection - Vintage Lingerie - 30 Patterns based on period garments plus finishing techniques. I'll pick one lucky reader from our email list, so you have to be a subscriber to win!

Project Runway Designer back at THE SEWING ROOM

PROJECT RUNWAY designer Emily Payne Back in Alameda to Teach Draping Classes

Vintage Blog

The Annual College of Alameda ADAM (Apparel Design and Merchandising) Fashion Show.

Join our email list!

Services

Resources