Sometimes the fabric tells you the kind of garment it wants to be. When I purchased this ice-dyed linen from the artist behind Saint Atma I just knew it wanted to be a dress. I found her stall and the fabric at Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg, NYC at the tail end of summer and brought it back to … More Finished: A Summertime Linen Dress
To reCAP, (get it…cuz sleeve cap…eh?) I signed up for a series of draping classes this spring through the Seattle-based New York Fashion Academy. I have been sewing clothes and costumes for seven years, and all the while draping remained a mystery. Sure I could pin fabrics to my dress form and approximate a garment, … More Draping III – New Skills Up My Sleeves
You may have heard some news recently about a movie called “Wonder Woman”. I have seen it twice now and each time I leave the theater filled with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and strength. It was the most fun I have had at a movie since possibly Mad Max: Fury Road. I am more familiar with … More The Costumes and Sisterhood of Wonder Woman
We all experience creative blocks for different reasons. A couple years ago I was too exhausted from costumes to find motivation to sew for my everyday-self. Sometimes I drag my feet because I’m scared to make mistakes. Other times, the number of tasks that lead up to actually working seem insurmountable. Over time, I’ve learned … More 6 Ways to Overcome Your Creative Blocks
Do you rebel? Do you want to give hope to others? Do you love Star Wars? If so, you might be considering a Jyn Erso costume. I hope this post will be useful to you. … More Becoming Jyn Erso – Costume Notes
Draping II was all about collars and lapels. I felt more at ease in front of the dress form. Here are some photos from my recent class. Having done this, I know have an idea for how I could have better draped my collar for Jyn Erso’s shirt. After the notched lapel and collar, I … More Draping II – Pop your collar
In the second draping course at New York Fashion Academy we are draping a 6-gore skirt, tracing it onto a flat pattern, and then sewing it up to confirm that we have transferred all of the seam lines correctly. Gored skirts are not something I usually make. I think I tend to wear A-line or … More Draping II – the saga continues
I’m looking to craft delicate, breathable garments inspired by the slow emergence of spring. … More Spring 2017 – Sewing Plans and Mood Board
Tuesday is fast becoming my favorite day of the week. Not only is is not-Monday, but it is draping day! The skills I am learning are basic but they open new creative doors every week. Draping Week 2 – Yoke and Gathers I am that student that always shows up early to class. But last … More Draping at New York Fashion Academy (continued)
‘There is nothing like first-hand evidence.’ – Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet Some sewing projects include so many unknown factors that I don’t feel comfortable starting until I have conducted a little background research. In the case of the Watson Jacket by Papercut Patterns, I was faced with a new garment type (outerwear), a new-to-me pattern … More Waston Coat Investigation
The Fabric Alchemist 