Marilyn's Share and Tell Creative Diary

Flashback Friday: Star Wars Cosplay

2012-01-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hello all! We're starting a new regular feature here at Marilyn's Share and Tell Creative Diary, called Flashback Friday, in which we discuss some of our favorite past projects.

Over the past several weeks, we have been working on a set of cosplay costumes for a fan of Mortal Kombat (images to come!), which made us think of another costume we created for a fan some time ago. This fan wanted a Zam Wesell costume (the bounty hunter in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones) for a convention, and she went above and beyond in her research for the role. She brought us a cardboard cutout from the theater so we could measure the stitch length on the costume, and even pictures of the actual Zam Wesell suit from the museum where it is displayed IN AUSTRALIA. Now that's dedication!

Our final product!

Cosplay is extremely specific, from the fabrics, to the overall look and movements of the character. When I was at ComiCon in San Diego this year, I saw some of the most amazing costumes of characters that some of the wearers had worked all year to create. For the Zam costume, it took three months to determine the thickness of the neoprene alone! Then there were all the stitching tests, with and without backing. Neoprene... now that is one difficult material to work with. Doesn't anyone believe in cotton anymore??

Sourcing the exact thickness and shade of neoprene

According to Wikipedia, "cosplay, short for "costume play", is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and science fiction." And let me tell you, cosplay is no joke. The intricate knowledge cosplayers have of the characters and dedication to every last detail of their costumes is fascinating, and inspiring! Most of the cosplay costumes we get requests for have been for characters that appear in American games, shows, or movies, but I look forward to the day someone walks in asking for a costume from Final Fantasy or Zelda: Twilight Princess... those will be interesting, to say the least!

Just as long as it doesn't involve neoprene... we've had enough of that for a lifetime!

Our cosplayer... and the original Zam, side by side!

If you could pick any character in the world, who would you be? Is it because of the costume, the powers, or the personality?

Our Town Reviews

2011-10-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

The reviews are in! We got some nice mentions from Larry Bangs of DC Theatre Scene, Tim Smith of The Baltimore Sun, Chris Siggins of Maryland Theatre Guide, and Patti Restivo on explorehoward.com.

There is still one more show today, 10/30, at 5pm! Don't miss it!

Hello, it's been awhile!

2011-10-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well 2011 has flown and we're making some major renovations online here at the Sewing Design Studio. My name is Brittany and I'm Marilyn's apprentice/#1 fan. I'll be talking a lot more on the blog, while Marilyn does her awesome thing in real life. She will still post every once in awhile, though, so look forward to that!

We've been pretty busy this fall, finishing up costumes for Chesapeake Shakespeare Comapany's production of Our Town (running through Oct. 30.) I loved working on the bright colors of the dresses for the ladies; I think they will look beautiful against the gorgeous Maryland fall foliage in The Ruins at PFI Historic Park. If you get a chance to see it, tell us all about it in the comments!

Costume Commission for Beauty and the Beast

2010-12-29T05:44:00.000-08:00

I just met with the costume designer for Mt. Hebron High School. They are doing Beauty and The Beast for their Spring musical. I’m making 2 costumes for Belle: the pink dress she wears at the castle and the show-stopper yellow gown for the final scene. I’m also creating 8 sets of silverware and a pie server. Maybe some more, it’s still early in the production and I usually get asked to fill in missing pieces here and there.

More Intern Adventures at the Sewing Design Studio

2010-12-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

My interns are hard at work on their pillows and are beginning to really understand the importance of a good pattern. I'm hosting a holiday par-tay for them tomorrow afternoon. I’ll bring in some home-made cookies and other goodies along with holiday cheer. We should have a good time before I send them off for holiday break.

Training Interns in Fashion Design

2010-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

My interns are learning the importance of accuracy and patience as they work on the design project I gave them. They are to design a 12 x 12 inch pillow but it has to have at least 4 pieces on the face side. From there they have to develop the pattern pieces adding seam allowances, matching notations, grainlines...all the minute but important parts of bringing a design from the page to 3-D reality. Once they've perfected their patterns, they're going to actually make the pillows...and they get to keep them!

Party Trunks!

2010-12-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about running a costume studio along side the bridal and fashion studio is that I have a huge closet to pull from. For your next kid's party, try renting a trunk full of costumes for the kids to play in. Give me a theme and I'll deliver a trunk full of fun costumes that will let imaginations take over!

For example, I recently got a call from a mom whose daughter is having a Royal Princesses themed party. I'll be filling the trunk with princess dresses, crinolines, and tiaras.

So much fun!

2010-12-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

The Indian costume for Peter Pan is finished and has been picked up! Julie, who will wear it in the show said she was going to be the best dressed Indian on stage! Just what I like to hear!

Show opens next weekend at Laurel Mill Playhouse, Main Street, Laurel and runs until December 19th.

Laurel Arts Extravaganza

2010-11-29T06:14:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I'll be one of the artists participating in the Laurel Arts Extravaganza - just in time for holiday shopping!

This is a juried event so everything is hand-crafted and the artists' products pre-approved. Best of all, the proceeds will benefit the Laurel Rescue Squad.

Come see me in the old PG Office Supply building at:
342 Main St, Laurel MD 20723 (next to Laurel Board of Trade)
on
December 10, 2010 (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
December 11, 2010 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)

For more info contact Gail Reinhardt at the Laurel Board of Trade at 301-483-0838. Or RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=165758556788297

Fashion ER

2010-11-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

Just got 2 calls for sewing ER services.

The first is a bride getting married on Friday. Her corset needs a last-minute alteration by Wednesday! My friends at Bra-La-La sent her here since I’ve done this type of alteration before. So glad to be able to relieve some stress for a bride.

The other call is for an Indian costume for Peter Pan. I'm letting my imagination go wild on this one! The Laurel Mill Playhouse is mounting this show and it opens next week!

Even under pressure, I love creating things and making other people's lives easier.

Halloween Babies and the Sound of Music

2010-11-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

I just got back from North Carolina where I spent the weekend being a grandma to my adorable new grandson, the Halloween baby! Of course he's the most adorable baby ever!!

I left my studio in the biggest mess ever as I literally finished the costumes at 7:30am last Friday after 2 all-nighters so I could deliver the Sound of Music costumes before leaving to visit my son's family for the weekend. The costumes weren't actually due for a few more days, but I so wanted to see the new baby I moved the deadline up and made it happen. Once finished, I ran home, packed, and hit the road.

What I'm not looking forward to is all the clean-up--piles of scrap fabric everywhere, patterns to sort out and file away, floors to vacuum.... Oh, well. Part of the job and it was totally worth it!

It's Not all Glamour in the Costume Business

2010-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

I had fun helping old and new clients pick out Halloween costumes. They're all back in the studio now and being laundered before being put away.

People always think of the glamorous parts of costuming—silks, sequins, sparkles, and sheens—and don't realize there's a lot of behind the scenes stuff. TONS of laundry and HOURS of stain removal, folding, ironing, and repairing. Proper cleaning and maintenance greatly extends the life and look of costumes and clothes alike.

Costumes come back to me with tares and even blood stains—both real and fake. Believe me, I've seen it all. So, if you have a stain removal issue, call me!

The Adventures of the Interns at the Sewing Design Studio

2010-11-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Things are moving along and picking up speed as my trusty interns, Brittany, and I pump out costumes for Sound of Music. We'll fit the principals' costumes on Thursday.

My interns learned the intricacies of pattern sizing and tracing this week as they prepped the uniform patterns for the Von Trapp girls' dresses. They learned to use a serger, too!

We reviewed and discussed their design projects this week. They're learning it's not so easy to bring a 2-D design from a sketch on paper to a 3-D reality. They have to show the front and back views of their designs and then come up with a materials list. The final step is to describe in detail how it will be constructed.

In all, a very interesting day! But then, nothing's ever dull at the Sewing Design Studio.

Sew with a Pro

2010-10-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

My next Sew with a Pro class is Saturday, October 30th, 10am-noon!

I wanted to take a moment and give some more detail about this series of classes. Sew with a Pro is open to both adults and teens.

It's hands-on, interactive program designed to either:

build a solid foundation of sewing skills and confidence for beginners or,

build on that foundation for more experienced sewers.

Beginners will be assigned projects appropriate to their skill level after practicing some basics. Experienced sewers are encouraged to bring their own current apparel or home decor project. They're also welcome to work on a class assigned project.

Each lesson begins with a short informative demo on a single technique or topic and handouts reinforce each concept. Creativity is encouraged at every step as a way to personalize each garment.

With an ongoing registration process, students can join the class at any time and choose which 4 weeks work for their schedules, so the 4 weeks don’t have to be consecutive. If a class is missed the student will pick up where they left off. Students have the option of purchasing as many 4 week blocks of class time as they need.

Adults: Saturdays 10am - noon
Teens (13-18) Saturdays 1- 3 pm
Tuition: $275 for each 4 week block and includes all materials except garment projects

Bring a friend to register with you and get a 10% discount on your tuition!

For those of you who are new to the studio, all machines and equipment, as well as most materials needed for the projects, are provided to students. The only additional expense is purchasing your garment project pattern and fabric. You will be informed as to what pattern and type of fabric will be needed for your class when you register. It is suggested that each student bring a notebook and pencil.

All classes include discussions and demonstrations on appropriate fabrics, stitching techniques, proper measurements, and creative options to add personality to the garment. Pattern adjustments are made as needed for each student to insure a well fitting garment.

Advanced registration is required for all classes.
301-604-4139
marilynjohnson@sewingdesignstudio.com

Costumes for Two Stage Plays Progress on Schedule

2010-10-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

The "Sound of Music" at Seton Keogh HS progresses. Met with Pam who’s helping with costumes so now I have the complete run-down of what they need from me. Musicals always have larger casts so there’s a lot more costume work, especially in multiples. Dramas have different types of challenges.

Speaking of dramas, I'm also deep into costume selection, fittings, and alterations for the "Miracle Worker" with Synapse Theater. Show opens October 22nd and runs thru October 31st at Slayton House in Columbia. The challenge here has been that I was called in so last minute on the costumes. Thanks to my trusty Interns and Brittany by my side I think we can pull this off and have costumes ready to go by the beginning of Tech Week on October 17th. After all, what's drama without a little drama?

Synapse Theater Presents The Miracle Worker and I Learn About the Cult of Rapture

2010-10-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Synapse Theater’s production of the Miracle Worker opens October 22nd! I love this show so I’m excited to be the costume designer for it. For the past 4 days I’ve been fitting actors into costumes borrowed from Port Tobacco and from my business’s costume closet. This is going to be a well dressed cast!

As much as I enjoy playing in aubergine silk, I love costumes too.

That makes my recent commission for a Cult of Rapture costume all the more interesting. It’s not in silk, but the adult sized costume for this little girl will be aubergine! Remember what I said about aubergine being the new black? Anyway, I’d never heard of the Cult of Rapture before this week, but the project should be fun!

Things are Never Boring at the Sewing Design Studio

2010-10-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

During the first week of school I took on three student interns, one each from Reservoir High School, Springbrook High School, and Pallotti High School. My fourth, from Oakland Mills High School, joined our little club this week. These girls are all seniors looking forward to colleges and careers in fashion design. I have big plans to teach them sewing, designing, and how to run a business as we work together this year.

I ran them ragged day before yesterday removing trims, sorting costumes, laundry, prepping alterations, putting costumes back in storage. But, it's all done and proves many hands make light work. Bet they never considered this as a part of a design career!

A Return From Reality

2010-10-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

These last few months have been both “character building” and a wake-up call for the inevitable realities of life for me. Family issues have kept me traveling and unfocused. For better or for worse, things have calmed down now and I’m ready to dig back in to my business and my passion.

The timing couldn’t be better, either. With Halloween less than a month away and several shows nearing completion, I’m happily playing in fabric again! This fall, that fabric’s color is auburgine. I have two custom dresses in that color, so if anyone asks, auburgine (eggplant) is the new black.

Details to come. It’s so good to be back.

'Julius Ceasar' at PFI!

2009-10-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

_________________________________________________________________________

"S'up?" from Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's
The Shakespeare Dude

Q: S'up with this production of Julius Caesar anyway?

Shakespeare Dude: Let the Dude explain: it's a different kind of theater experience. Instead of sitting in one place while the scenery changes, you move with the action - and move from space to space. The Dude saw last year's CSC production of Macbeth done this way and liked it. He liked it a lot. The audience dug it too. A lot. The whole run sold out . Even the critics liked it! This year, we've got Frank B. Moorman's production of Julius Caesar. With CSCers Scott Alan Small and Michael P. Sullivan, it's gonna to add a little somethin' somethin' to the show.

Q: Cool beans?

Shakespeare Dude: Cool beans.

Q: I read this play in tenth grade. Ms. Lindquist, my tenth grade English Teacher made me memorize an entire speech from it. I hated it! Julius Caesar sucks.

Shakespeare Dude: The Dude can see that's not really a question, but he'll try to answer it anyway. The Dude had to read it in high school, too--totally went over his head. There might be a million reasons for that, but whatever. Now The Dude declares it a cool play and this "movable" production is gonna prove that.

Q: Oh. So, it'll be good, right?

Shakespeare Dude: Yes it will. Frank (the director) promised The Dude.

Q: S'up with the ghost? Isn't there supposed to be a ghost there at the performance site?

Shakespeare Dude: I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts.

Q: My attention span has been ruined by easily accessible digital entertainment . . . ummm . . . how do I put this? How long is it?

Shakespeare Dude: Just 90 minutes and that includes an intermission. Word of The Shakespeare Dude.

Dress warmly--like you're going to a football game.
It's autumn, it takes place in the evening, it's outdoors, you walk up a big hill.
And bring a flashlight and comfortable shoes.

Julius Caesar
Outdoors at the PFI Historic Park, Ellicott City
October 8 - November 1
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00
Sundays at 6:00
Tickets:
Adults: $25 - $30
Seniors: $22
Students under 22: $10

www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com
or call 866.811.4111
click here for questions about the event
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
8510 High Ridge Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-8874

Tweet, Tweet!

2009-09-27T11:11:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to send out another reminder that you can follow me on Twitter! The title of this blog will take you to my Twitter page so you can 'follow away'. I'm hoping to do some Tweevents in the future, but can't think of what to do.... real time alterations? Tweeted costume fittings? Twitter sewing classes? Sewing Lounge Across America? Hmmmmmm.... Well, in the meantime, be sure to sign up to follow me and I'll follow you as well.

Hooray for social media!

2009-09-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

So far today I have been fabric shopping (a favorite activity) for some client materials, then rushed back to the studio to discover the bees who have been building a nest in wall of my office have broken thru!!! A frantic call to my landlord got him over here asap. One look and he was on the phone locating a "bee guy" who is supposed to be here shortly to deal with the bees. Hopefully by tomorrow my studio will be a "Bee Free" zone.
In between discussions with my hottie landlord Joe (he likes to be called that) about the bees and politics I met with Cindi Carter of the Cancer Support Foundation to select hats to wear for her upcoming videos to promote some fundraisers. There will be 4 videos, each highlighting a different event/location so the hats we selected reflect each location. I hope you're on her mailing list so you get to see them. I made a black velvet drape for her, too, so the focus is all on the hats.
Armando left a few minutes ago; it only took a little while to nail down all the details for the angel costume. It's gonna be FAB!!! A strong yet sensuous cross between Athena and a Christmas angel. After the shoot in November, it will be on his website for the film producton company he runs, Xterminating Angels.
Now I have to finish getting ready for my monthly Mastermind meeting!
Ciao!

2009-09-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

I finally got the estimate done for the Rainbow wedding the other day and am waiting for the bride to get back to me. I'm so hoping we come to agreement on it because I really want to create a Rainbow wedding gown!
I've been doing a lot of alterations for the past few weeks for a lot of people. One of my alteration customers came in yesterday to pick up her jacket and then asked about a 1980's costume for a dance party she and her husband are going to next week. We went thru the racks of costumes and tried on a bunch of stuff, finally settling on a 2 piece ensemble of black sequin knit. There's a high slit in the skirt and we agreed that for her the slit didn't work so I came up with the idea of filling the slit with a gusset and letting it fall handkerchief style at the hem. It will look fabulous on the dance floor and will give her all the space she needs for various dance moves. She will be back on Wednesday to pick it up.
With all the alterations going thru here, I've been seam ripping, pinning and stitching my fingers to the bone. Yesterday I had some of Maggie Sansone's music playing and sort of went into "the zone". I love it when that happens; I lose track of time, get really focused, everything just seems to flow.
As I write this, Click and Clack the Tappert Brothers just came on with Car Talk. They do NOT put me in "the zone" (or at least not the right one). I am about to get up and put Maggie back on since I HATE Car Talk. I think the brothers are too full of themselves. To me they are chalk on a blackboard.....there, done!! Now I'm surrounded by sweet dulcimer music of the Celtic variety.
And with that, I'll end this and go to my work table to "zone out!"

2009-09-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

The (now pink) Edwardian gown arrived in Maine today and my customer absolutely loved it. She gave me fabulous feedback about it on my Etsy site (www.multitalentedmama.etsy.com). If you click on feedback it will come up with a photo of the dress before it was dyed rosy pink.
I have a new client (who's also going on a cruise) and I will be making 5 pieces for her! Fortunately, we focused on mix and match pieces in non-wrinkling fabrics so I will be able to make the deadline for her. She's going to be wonderful to work with!
Kevin is home on leave so I'm trying to balance spending time with him and family with meeting deadlines at work. Not so easy!
The Dutch Country Market finally opened in its new location which is so conveniently across the street (sort of) from my Studio. I went to the Grand Opening this morning in my capacity as Vice-President of the Laurel Board of Trade. It was wonderful!!! I certainly plan to adjust my grocery shopping habits and go there. It's interesting, I just finished reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver describing her family's experience with eating local for a year. It reminded me so much of when I was a country wife in Chautauqua County, New York. I've long felt uncomfortable with buying stuff from around the world and in a half-hearted way have spent the past couple of years focusing on shopping more local, no big box stores, shopping at Mom and Pop stores, reading labels for where something was manufactured or grown and dreaming about gardening and canning. I've always felt there was more value in something that was hand made, especially if I knew the maker. After this book, I am firmly re-committed to the whole concept of the locavore lifestyle. We did get a garden going this year and next year will be better. I have put some stuff up, not as much as I would like, but enough to feel good. I buy produce from the farmers market as much as possible and shop along Main Streets throughout the area looking for the small sole proprietor, family owned shops for everything. I'm back at the thrift and consigment shops for things. I'm back where I used to be in life philosophy and this time I won't let myself be led astray. So, Dutch Market, expect to see me a lot! Local, organic, family farms (locovore radius 250 miles maximum).
Gotta go, alterations to finish and fabric to shop for!!!

Monday, Monday!

2009-09-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

So, today is Monday. Sometimes as hard as I try to think of it as the beginning of a brand new week and all that happy stuff, the Mondayness of Monday gets in the way.
I just couldn't seem to work up a lot of enthusiasm this morning. Usually when the sun pours in my kitchen window it makes me feel happy, the smell of fresh coffee brewing perks me up and plans and details of what needs to be accomplished this day swirl thru my mind. I keep my "frogs" binder open and jot them down as they occur. I whiz around the house doing all the "daily routine" stuff and then get ready to come to the Studio in a really good place mentally.
Today, that just didn't seem to work. The sun was there, the coffee, the routines. But I just couldn't seem to get excited. Maybe part of it was that I took yesterday off and altho I really enjoyed going to the Renaissance Festival, I was feeling guilty and behind in my work. And there was dealing with the residue of Sunday.
While I was at Renn Fest having a great time seeing all the shows, checking out the vendors, eating oysters at O'Shucks and just generally having fun; our dog literally locked himself in my room. To pass the time, he dumped out the laundry and the wastebasket. In attempts to free himself, he tried to open the door with his mouth but only succeeded in locking the doorknob and chewing the H*** out of it. He also decided to create bed for himself by emptying the storage bin of winter clothes I had gotten down to sort later this week. He apparently got hungry because he ate the plastic bin. I cleaned most of it up last night but at 9pm didn't feel like dragging out the vacuum. So, I did that this morning and packed up all the stuff that now had to go to the cleaners because they were covered with dog hair and drool.
On the plus side, I did bake off some muffins and bagged some sprouts to bring for my lunch.
When I got to the Studio, there sat all the stuff I didn't do yesterday just waiting for me...no elves came in to take care of it for me. Maybe I should switch from making clothes to making shoes? I had been feeling kinda fired up about creating some cool stuff and thinking of all the things I would like to make and there was that pile of paperwork that needed to be dealt with. It was like having a wet blanket tossed at me.
Thank goodness tomorrow is Tuesday!

Rosy Pink---Dress and Hands

2009-09-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

I've just finished dyeing the dress from the original cream to rosy pink. Fortunately I had some scraps of the main fabric in the dress so I could do some testing before putting the entire garment in the dye bath. When that came out the color I wanted, I wet the dress and gave it a dye bath! Everything went beautifully....meaning the color uptake was even, no dye spilled anywhere including on me (except my hands which are now pretty in pink). The difference in dye absorption by the different fabrics in the bodice created an interesting effect, very dimensional and textured looking, much more so than before it was dyed.
It's drying now and I'll ship it to Maine tomorrow where it will be packed to go on the virgin cruise of a new Royal Carribean liner. I must say, my creations do travel!
**PS: the fabrics in this dress are perfect for travel...no wrinkles!
***PPS: several suit alterations are on their way to Europe, a silk painting traveled to California, one gown went to a wedding in Paris another to Sweden and several more went on cruises, including one that I dyed blue and a skirt is now in London.

Etsy Sale = Dye Job

2009-09-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm all excited! One of the dresses in my Etsy store, the Edwardian one with over 600 views, has sold! But, the buyer asked if I would dye it for her...she also asked if that horrified me. It doesn't, I like the creamy colors of it as is, but after explaining the ins and outs and color absorbtion of dye to her, I'm sort of intrigued about how it will turn out. We're going for light pink to complement her fair blonde coloring. Since the fibers are all polyesters, cottons and blends thereof, the dye will sit mostly on the surface of the fibers and each of the several fabrics used to create the dress will take the dye differently, creating a monochromatic effect. But that also means I have to create a dye bath of a much deeper color to get the light pink.
I have to remember to take before pictures prior to dyeing it and then after pictures to show the results. It will make an intersting couple of pages in my portfolio.
I'll let you know how it goes!

Summer's Over!

2009-09-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well, Labor Day is now behind us and the tempo of life is picking up as kids go back to school, vacations are now memories and the march towards the end of the year is almost complete. Each year seems to go by faster than the one before, but this year has done triple time so far. I'm still not used to writing 09!
The pace of work at the studio is also picking up. There is one project from this summer that is still waiting for completion, but over the weekend 4 old and new clients brought in repairs, alterations and renovations. The answering machine this morning delivered a new sewing student and a dress by early October. Looks like I'll be busy!
I was really excited today to check my Etsy store and find a request for information about the Edwardian gown. It's had almost 700 people look at it and a few ask about bust measurements (36") and I hope it sells today. There are some new items up there as well and many are suited to the cold season coming up. Check it out at www.multitalentedmama.etsy.com.
I've spent much of my sewing time today working on extensive repairs on Poe. His poor bird suit is literally falling apart at the seams. Just for the record, it was made by a company in Canada that specializes in mascots. What I do for Poe is to maintain the costume and make all the clothes he wears over it. Since I first started working with Poe I've made him a closet full of clothes and hats. Right now, it's all repair work and all stitching by hand with doubled buttonhole thread. I think by the time I'm done, I'll have restitched the entire thing, and if you've ever seen Poe on TV or at an appearance, you know that's a lot of seam!

Clothes For Self

2009-09-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

As many of you know who have been in here for alterations or custom clothing....and as a heads up for those of you have not....fitting fabric around a body is an art, a skill and a science. It means taking a one dimensional (flat) object and doing "stuff" (seams, darts, pleats, gathers, etc) to form it into a 3-D object. To make it a bit more challenging, the designer is required to make it fit the 3-D object (a body) perfectly according to custom and preference. And deal with the 3-D object's (you/me) body issues. Drawing pretty pictures is so much easier and less challenging! Anyone can do that do some degree, but bringing that pretty picture to 3-D reality!!! Oh, that is so much more. (read the last 2 issues of my newsletter for info on RTW fit)

Okay, so I'm going on about that because the one person a designer can't fit for alterations or custom clothing is herself!!! Or at least, it's not easy. I can't stand back to see how it looks. I have difficulty trying to get the pins in along the back where I can't see or reach, only feel. As I try to pin or tuck, my body moves so the fabric moves and the marks may not be accurate. It's an exercise in frustration. One I just spent 2 hours on. But, I'm pleased with the results. I have a wrap skirt pattern that is darted just for my body, it's in muslin so the pattern will last a long time. And I will have a couple of new skirts for the coming season using some of the wonderful fabrics I got from Toronto.

Just to be clear, I didn't go to Toronto (altho I've been there and love it almost as much as NYC) but from a Toronto dealer who was vending a couple of years ago at an ASG conference in VA. I was talking to him as he was packing up at the end of the conference and he just didn't want to spend all the money for postage to ship it back and offered me a deal (and fabric) I couldn't refuse. Now there's an instance of being in the right place at the right time!

I'm back at the desk now finishing this and other paperwork, 2 new clients coming in late afternoon. When they leave, I will lock the door and make my new wrap skirt, maybe two, while I listen to Prairie Home Companion. Then I'll go home...sounds like a plan....

66 year old stains!!

2009-09-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

I mentioned somewhere that over the summer I created a World War II Navy Nurse uniform for a client from PA. Yup, she trucked down here numerous times for fittings all the way from Pennsylvania! Brenda's her name and re-enacting is her game. I really like her a lot.
Anyway, I made the 6 gore skirt and the jacket for the uniform and Brenda located the blouse, tie, shoes, hose and hat, much of it on the internet. The hat (or cover in military-speak) is a vintage piece from the '40's and had some staining on it. The way this particular cover is constructed, there's a heavy white cotton piece shaped to the frame that can be removed and washed. This is what was stained and by the location of the stain, it seemed it was probably rust from the (removable)emblem that is mounted on it.
Not sure about how fragile the fibers might be on something this old, my miracle dry cleaner was a little reluctant to use harsh cleaning fluids on it to remove the stains, but guess what! I got them out!
So, how did I get them out? I soaked the cover in cold water mixed with a generous scoop of an oxygen based cleaner. It soaked the first time for several hours and the stains were obviously moving, so I mixed up a new batch and soaked it overnight. When I came in the next morning and checked it, all that was left was a very faint discoloration of cream against white. Actually, all the fibers brightened so it looked a lot whiter overall. To see where the stains used to be, you'd have to know where they were.
The now stainless cover is on its way back to PA where it will be worn with the rest of the uniform at a Dwight D Eisenhower celebration this month in Gettysburg.
I have all sorts of stain removing tricks; it needs to be a bagful since different fibers and different staining materials require different solutions. If you have a stain removal question, please feel free to contact me...I'll be happy to share!

The Beginning of the "New" "Revived" "No Excuses" Blog

2009-09-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

One of the things I find causes writer's block is that I have so much to talk about and can't seem to settle on any one thing so I end up writing nothing. Since this is the beginning of my revived blog, let me tell you about my day today which was spent "reviving" me!
I started out by visiting my friend Rebecca Ellis who is a make-up artist. I met her last year when I started working on contract with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. She does wonderful make-up and I recommend her and provide her contact info in my "Helpful Information" packets that I give to clients. Rebecca refined my eyebrows and undid some of the damage done last year by someone else at my former hair salon.
That appt was timed so that I could run up the street to see Allison Weatherly at Looks, my new stylist. My hair had become so damaged from dryers and hot rollers that it had reached a crisis when I first saw her several months ago. She gave me a regimen of diet and products and a "no heat on hair" rule and an interum cut that kept my hair pretty much in a clip all summer. Today, we refreshed my color, cut in a new style that takes advantage of my weird hair curl and doesn't require heat. I am one happy girl right now.
I went home in the middle of the day!!!! and had a healthy bowl of home made chicken soup and brown rice and then pit-stopped at the Studio to check phones and emails before going to the Pearl Spa where I finally used the very generous gift certificate I received in March as a thank you from the Business Women's Network of Howard County for all the work I did to organize the Girl's Night Out - Redfined scholarship fundraiser. I experienced the ultimate in pampering as I went thru the 7 steps of the Hammam treatment. Right now as I write this, I feel so relaxed and energized at the same time! I'm not sure if I should go home and eat dinner while vegging with NCIS and Mark Harmon or do the silk painting I promised myself I'd do today.
To prove that I did do something productive today in addition to pampering myself for the first time in years, the silk I ordered for a client's window treatments came in, I did some email business, returned some phone calls....have an interesting project coming up.....an October bride is planning a Masquerade Ball wedding. She ordered a costume over the internet and wanted some changes made to personalize it but the volunteer work that was done is not acceptable so she's coming to see me for miracles.
I've got some other interesting things on the horizon but I'll save those for tomorrow; going home to curl up with Mark Harmon is winning....is it just me or is that Tony character on NCIS just the most obnoxious egotistical jerk on TV right now?

Time Flies!!!

2009-05-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

I just checked the date of my last post and can't believe it's almost a month! Here at the Studio we finished Prom season by creating 3 gowns designed with the clients and performing alterations on another 4 gowns. If I were more adept at scanning and plugging in photos, I could put the pictures in here, but unfortunately I haven't learned that yet.
In addition to everything else that's going on, I really want to share an upcoming event with you. My friend and colleague Natalie Jobity is an Image Consultant and she has organized what promises to be a fabulous and fun event on June 7th called Tweak Your She(ic). I'll be there as the fitting expert along with lots of other experts on lots of other "girly" subjects.
So, I hope you'll come to the Hotel George from 1 to 5 and get yourself tweaked into she(ic). For information or tickets, Natalie set up a really great website that I just love! The web address is www.tweakyoursheic.com
Hotel George is one block from Union Station and there's a parking garage across the street. Wish me luck! With all the stuff I have to haul down there I'm going to have to drive and I have religiously avoided driving in DC since I moved here 21 years ago! Oh! Boy! You should come just to see if I survived the adventure!

What a Week!

2009-05-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a week of back to back to back appointments, tons of phone calls, lots of paperwork, a dental emergency and more. In between all of this, I helped out at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's Donor Reception, did costume fittings for the Cyrano cast, celebrated my granddaughter's first birthday, was guest speaker for the Sigma Beta Phi Annual Dinner and picked up my mother from BWI to spend the weekend with us.
Thank goodness for Rebekah and Shakia who are working hard on gowns and costumes as I deal with all the administrative stuff and plan and coordinate each of our projects.
There's an interesting costume project coming up. I will be creating a replica of a WWII Navy Nurse uniform. My client has ordered fabric from the company that actually made those uniforms (and the company still has the Navy uniform contract) and our expectation is to re-create as exact a replica as possible based on photos and research information. I'll keep you posted on the progress!
Costumes for Cyrano are coming along well. So far I've been able to fit several cast members and only need minor tweaks on fit. I'm going to make all the Cadet uniforms so I'm about to purchase 100 yards of fabric for that. They are going to be soooo cool! Baldrics and all!
All the Prom dresses should be done this week, each is so different and each has it's own fitting challenges. But they should all be glorious!
Gotta run, my Mom's visiting this weekend to celebrate Samantha's first birthday and we have lots to do to get ready for the party....and I still have a class and a fitting before I leave. Yikes!

Inspiring Fabrics

2009-04-25T16:56:00.001-07:00

Between Group and Private lessons, I'm wiped out by teaching for 7 hours today! But what fun we all had. The kids in the afternoon class just didn't seem able to settle down to sew their various projects, so I gave each of them a piece of fabric (all different) and drawing paper and set out tons of colored pencils. They spent the rest of the class designing by the inspiration of the fabric. They moved from garments of all sorts into bedspreads and curtains to redecorating their rooms based on what they saw in the fabrics. The stuff they came up with was amazing. Sarah had a sapphire brocade and designed a dress with brass details going down the side in a very updated chemsong. Jenny did a dress and then her room while Jadah focused on combining fabrics to use the flowers in one fabric as 3-D appliques on another for a bedspread. Morgan was inspired to create a flowing top and then sketch out her plans for a sewing room at home.
Man, I love these girls! They are absolutely fearless in what they attempt to do and the results are always impressive. And I love the way these girls have bonded and encourage each other. Gives me hope for the world.
Caio!

Thursday night...

2009-04-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

So, here I am at the Studio taking a break from winding and labeling the yarn I plan to sell at the Main Street Festival which I'm doing as I run the printer to print out copies of the Studio's brochures to take with me when I go next Thursday to be the speaker for the Sigma Beta Phi Dinner and for Main Street Festival.
The day started with meeting Kristina and Tami at EZ Storage to pull costumes for Cyrano so I came back here with a ton of garment bags and bins of shoes and hats to sort thru and start arranging fittings for.
One of the prom dress girls came in for a fitting today and unfortunately didn't have the undergarments needed to really do a fitting. We scheduled another fitting for next week with strict instructions about going to see Mary at Bra-La-La for these necessities. Shoes, too!
After all that, I worked collecting the stuff I plan to sell. I've got so much yarn and fabric and I'm running out of space! So, I've been sorting, measuring, labeling and deciding what to sell.
And the bags and boxes I ordered for the Kids Craft Kits arrived today! I love it when my suppliers ship UPS because the guy on my truck is so nice.
Okay, I guess I need to declare this break over and finish the yarn project while another 100 sewing lounge brochures finish printing....then I'm going home to eat! I'm starving.

Spirit of Baltimore Cruise and Synergy

2009-04-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited! I signed the contract today with Sharon Harris to be one of the experts/vendors on the Women's Health and Beauty Cruise she is organizing. I've spoken with her on the phone a couple of times but today is the first time I've actually met her. She's a real dynamo and we hit it off right away.
So when's the Cruise? Saturday, May 16th! Tickets are $60 (group rates available) and there will be Speakers, Vendors, Fashion Show, Freebies and much more! We'll board the ship at 11:30 am from 561 Light Street in Baltimore and Cruise from Noon till 2 pm. Book now! Space is limited...call Sharon at 443-545-4901!
Hooking up with Sharon was one of those syngery things. I had a dentist appt and on the way out afterwards, I picked up a free copy of the Women's Journal. When I got back to the Studio I started flipping thru it, cut out her ad and called. She said she'd love to have me on the cruise as the fitting expert and wanted to see my Studio. She came today and loved the space, the peace, my designs and we brainstormed on some things. Just goes to show you never know which way a good thing will come to you. If I hadn't gone to the dentist I might never have met her and I see lots of good things coming from this for both of us.

Etsy Seller Showcase!

2009-04-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I was just at my on-line Etsy store ( www.multitalentedmama.etsy.com ) and was browsing around the site and realized that the golden denim pants I listed is part of the Seller's Showcase!! Here's hoping that someone loves them as much as I do and buys them!
I have great hopes for my Etsy store and my first sale was for a wrap skirt that I shipped to England! Learned a lot about customs shipping that one! And, best of all, a satisfied customer and a 100% positive feedback rating!
Gotta go, working on costumes for Cyrano!

Busy Days Tidbits...

2009-04-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of meetings! I've barely touched a sewing machine all week!! But, all the driving time has been productive with ideas springing up and some new design concepts and business possibilities coming to mind while I auto-pilot.
The Laurel Board of Trade had a Business Forum on Monday night and yesterday Tim Gelles from the PG Gazette called to interview me about it. Glen Garnes had done a presentation about a new program he is trying to start called ConsumersWin.com It has good possibilities if done right and could be a win-win for local consumers as well as the participating businesses.
Tuesday I met with Peg Silloway of Silloway Press about some ideas I have for sharing my skills and expertise with everyone and that was followed by a meeting with Chad at Ranazul about going into their art gallery. That looks really promising and I'm looking at a time frame of somewhere between September to November for mounting the show. I'm planning lots of goodies for that.
Someone at Business Women's Network thought it would be a nice change of pace to have a breakfast meeting! I am NOT a morning person so getting there at 7:30 am was a challenge but I'm glad that I met it. The meeting was great and informative. And from there I had to rush to the Laurel Board of Trade Ex. Bd meeting back in Laurel! Most of the discussion was about the upcoming Main Street Festival and the annual Farmer's Market that will begin in June.
And of course, if you do it once, you can do it again, so I went to the Business Seminar hosted by the Howard County Chamber of Commerce so I could learn more about Constant Contact. Much as I hate early morning meetings, it was well worth the effort. Gina gave a really informative presentation.
Altho it was only Thursday, I was feeling pretty TGIF by last night when I attended the Baltimore City Community College Fashion Design Advisory Board meeting. Sue Lenderking was there so we talked about the upcoming Dress Form workshop she's going to do here at the Studio and the possibility of adding a pants class early next year..maybe sooner. I'm happy to report that the ups and downs of the program seem to have steadied and the program is now thriving.
Today really is TGIF and I only had one meeting, sales reps came to the Studio to show me some of the most delicious embroidered silks. One of them triggered a design in my head and hopefully I'll be presenting it to you soon!

Taxes, Yuck!

2009-04-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

April 15th, taxes due! It's unbelieveable how much data entry, tracking, analysis, thought, worry, concern, angst and time goes into keeping books for a business. If I were a larger business and had a finance dept, maybe I'd feel different about it, but being the chief cook and bottle washer as well as CEO, CFO, Admin Asst., and boss lady, I burn a lot of midnight oil trying to not get too far behind on it. Needless to say, 4/15 is marked as a red letter day on my calendar but not in a good way.
For those of you starting out, here's a piece of advice I paid $150/hour for....get QuickBooks Pro in whatever the latest version is. Then, find an accountant or bookkeeper who doesn't trigger your gut reaction alarm and who is affordable/knowledgeable and a whiz with QB. Not all accountants are, so you really do have to ask them if they are truly competent with the program. If they are QB Certified, even better. It's worth the price to have them set up your Chart of Accounts so you can get off to a good start from the get-go and not have to go back and correct a year's worth of data. If you are opening a business like mine, it's considered a non-traditional business and there are special considerations that affect how the chart is set up. Feel free to ask me any questions....I've already paid to get the answers.
Whatever accounting program you use, even pencil and paper, will require a learning curve to get it set up and use effectively. I've been using QB since 2005 and finally was forced to upgrade to the 2008 version and I'm still learning how to do things. But, as frustrated as I get with having to do it at all, I do get good information from it and it does print out beautiful, informative reports. Which does make filling out the tax forms easier.
But it's still not on my list of favorite things to do!
As compensation for doing all this accounting stuff, I've promised myself I will do something FUN!!

Day Before Easter

2009-04-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

Just finished shopping for little doodads to put in an Easter basket for my little Samantha...her first Easter! Now to get it all together and pretty! I plan to wrap the handle in ribbons and then put a small spray of flowers in the center of the bow. And of course, artistically arrange everything in the basket.
Gone are the days when I made all the chocolates for the baskets and dyed and decorated dozens of eggs. I really miss those days, especially now when I'm so busy all the time running the Studio that everything seems to be a blur and I'll suddenly realize that someones birthday or a holiday is only a day or two away and I don't have time to do all the little special things I used to do. So, I seem to scramble a lot to come close to what I want to do and feel guilty that it's not exactly what I wanted to do, but all I had time for.
I emailed a friend the other day and said I was trying to be more focused in planning and doing for my business, no more pinball. She emailed back that I'll always be a pinball. Now I have to prove her wrong!

Crowns and Jessica

2009-04-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Jessica, invited me to go with her church group to see Crowns at the Lincoln Theater in DC this past Sunday. Wow!! what a show! The cast was fabulous and the music got your toes tapping; the energy flowing back and forth across the footlights was, well, energizing!
With all my involvement with theater over the years, I find when I go to a show I watch it on several levels and so sometimes miss things as a result. The set design for this show was simple and set pieces seamlessly flowed around the stage. The lighting was intriguing and created moods to suit each scene. Of course I spent a lot of time focused on the costumes and thought I recognized a few Butterick/Vogue vintage pieces. I loved the color choices and the style lines of each. Makes me wish we still dressed like that. I remember the elegance you felt when you put on a hat and gloves on a Sunday morning and truthfully, I miss it. The disposable clothing of today just proves that you get what you pay for and constantly replacing cheap clothes gets expensive over the long run. But I digress!
At times I watched how the lighting design changed the mood on stage, others I focused on the hats and costumes. Then I would watch how they moved the set pieces to change the scene. A couple of times I missed things in the plot because I was watching the lights.
The women in Crowns are based on black Church ladies and their hattitude as presented originally in a book of photographs and stories by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. If you are looking for a great show this should be on your list to see.

2009-04-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had the time to write on my blog. I guess that's a good thing, means I've been busy. So far the first 3 months of 2009 have been a blur of Inaugural gowns, costumes for the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company....Country Wife is eligible for a Helen Hayes Award and we're all crossing our fingers for a nomination! Lots of little and not so little jobs and now I'm into Prom season.
I'm working with several girls to create the prom gown of their dreams; and these girls can dream big! The gowns will be gorgeous when completed and I'll try to teach myself how to put photos up here for you to see.
I've been working on items to add to my Etsy store and with Jessica's help, a few of them are now up. Guess what!? My first Etsy sale was to a lovely girl in England! I learned all about customs shipping that one out. And now with my son in Iraq, I get to fill out custom forms a couple of times a month.
Since it's almost 3 in the morning, I guess I'd better go home and get some sleep. I promise not to take so long to write again.
Happy morning!

Join Us for a "Girls' Night Out -- Redefined!"

2009-01-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

COLUMBIA, MD – On Friday, March 6^th, Howard Community College will become the hippest place in town.

Salsa dancing lessons, massages, image consultations, cocktails, champagne, raffles, games, a silent auction, a fashion show and more await attendees of the The Business Women’s Network of Howard County’s “Girl’s Night Out – Redefined!” fundraiser. Being held in the Rouse Student Services Building at Howard Community College from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, all proceeds from this event will benefit BWN’s Life-Long Learning Scholarship Fund.

Every year the BWN awards scholarships to women currently in or re-entering the workforce, and any woman who lives, works or attends classes in Howard County is eligible to apply. Applicants may need to take classes or obtain certification to advance in their career, be planning a career change, or be re-entering the workforce after raising a family. “These women need to update skills in order to be attractive to employers,” says Marilyn Johnson, owner of the Laurel-based Marilyn Johnson Sewing and Design Studio and the main planner of the fundraiser. “Especially considering today’s economy, the importance of remaining competitive can’t be over-stressed.”

In May of 2008, BWN awarded three scholarships to local women in the amount of $1000 each, and hope to be able to award four scholarships in 2009. The scholarship funds are paid directly to the school or program awardees attend or plan to attend. Women interested in applying for scholarships can visit www.bwn-hoco.org.

Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members.

BWN began in 1979 as "The Women's Network" with the goal of providing an informal networking setting for women. In 1992, the group refocused to provide a more formal networking organization and incorporated in November of that year.

For more information, contact:

Marilyn Johnson

The Marilyn Johnson Sewing and Design Studio

154 Lafayette Avenue, Unit E

Laurel, MD 20723

(301) 604-4139

marilynjohnson@sewingdesignstudio.com

Next Sewing Lounge is December 21st! Hide from the Holidays for an Afternoon!

2008-12-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

Sunday, the 21st, from 1-4 PM, take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle to hang out, eat cookies, drink cocoa and make crafts. Bring your own projects or start a new one, sewing or not! Give some as gifts or keep them for yourself.

We'll see you there!

154 Lafayette Avenue, Unit E
Laurel, MD 20723

Holiday Sale!!!

2008-12-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

From now until New Year's, all items in the Etsy shop are 15-20% off!

Happy Holidays!

Just In Time for the Holidays! -- The Online Shop is Open!

2008-11-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! I hope this little check-in finds you happy and excited for the upcoming holidays! I'm getting excited myself, although sometimes it feels more anxious than joyous. Luckily, I have a solution for those who find themselves overwhelmed by holiday shopping -- my Etsy shop is now open!

Sure, online shopping is becoming all the rage these days, but I can offer you something those other big-box websites can't: I'm a person. I hand-make all of my items and I stand by them. I am reachable by phone, email and in person if you encounter a problem and I won't make you press '0' to speak to a customer service representative.

I am just beyond thrilled to be announcing the opening of my new Etsy shop, and I hope you'll take a moment to peruse through the retail items I've been working so hard on in between costuming shows. Below are some sample photos of the items for sale, and please take a moment to visit www.multitalentedmama.etsy.com

My Holiday Calendar

2008-11-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hello, again! Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner?! Wasn't it just Easter? Anyway, I wanted to share with everyone the important dates coming up at the studio, as well as performances where you can catch a bit of my work and enjoy some holiday cheer in the process. I'll try to keep this as organized and readable as possible! Also, don't you just love this "thread tree" from All Sorts'? What a great idea!

Sunday, 11/16 - Sewing Lounge! A fun, drop-in chance to use professional machines, work on random crafts (no sewing required!) and get expert advice for personal projects. 1-4 PM, $10/hour, wine and hors d'ouevres.

Thursday, 11/20 - A FREE Performance of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's Salon Show At the Howard County Arts Center in Ellicott City, MD. Visit http://www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com/ for more details.

November 14-16, 20-22 - MAD Theater's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" MAD is the Music and Drama Club at the NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, MD. Visit http://www.madtheater.org/ for more information.

Thursday, December 4th - New York City Fabric Tour Once a month I lead a small group around NYC's Fashion District to tour the shops and teach them the ins and outs of the industry from a professional's perspective. December's trip will undoubtedly be very festive, so join us! Call 301-604-4139 to reserve your spot!

Tuesday, December 9th -- On Purpose Network's Holiday Sale On Purpose Network for Women is holding their annual Christmas bazaar at the Hawthorne Community Center from5:30-9:00 PM. I'll be there selling my own designs and taking orders for custom work.

Saturday, December 20th -- Marriotts Ridge HS Madrigals Perfom at the National Gallery of Art I made the costumes for these amazing singers and am thrilled that they're going to perform at the National Gallery. I recommend getting your holiday shopping done early so you can avoid the mall and head down to... well, the Mall! The National Mall, of course! Performance is at 1 PM.

Sunday, December 21st -- Sewing Lounge! Take a break from holiday madness (trust me, my studio is a great place to hide!) and relax with other women. My daughter is making her famous (infamous?) mulled wine cider and there will be lots of fun holiday goodies, both to make and eat. Again, knowing how to sew is not a requirement. 1-4 PM, $10/hour, wine and hors d'ouevres.

Well, I hope that was decipherable and I hope to see you at one of these events! And, as always, you can visit www.sewingdesignstudio.com or call me at 301-604-4139 for more information.

Dates to Remember -- Sewing Lounge 10/19, NYC Trip 12/4

2008-10-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, again!

Just a quick reminder, the next Sewing Lounge is Sunday, October 19th from 1-4 PM. Drop on in to work on your favorite pet projects or start a new one with materials from the studio. Knowing how to sew is NOT a requirement! We offer all sorts of crafts, using materials from fabric to food, and we'd love for you to stop by.

Rates are $10/hour, which includes access to professional machines, materials, refreshments, and a chance to pick my brain -- I love it!

Also, the next NYC Fabric Tour is December 4th. For details, please visit my website.

I hope you're all enjoying this gorgeous fall weather and the stunning colors emerging outside. I always feel inspired around this time of year and wish the same for you.

URGENT -- BWN Fundraiser Postponed

2008-09-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Things are being postponed all over the place!

First the McCain campaign, then the debate, and now the Business Women's Network scholarship fundraiser that was -- until recently -- this Saturday at Lime Kiln Middle School. Due to unforseen circumstances, we have had to reschedule the fundraiser for the spring, with definite dates to be determined.

Many thanks to everyone who helped in planning and coordinating -- we will be re-creating all of the same details in just a few short months, so keep your eyes open for word on the new date!

Join Us for a "Fashion-Forward" Fundraiser to Benefit Women's Education!

2008-08-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I wanted to pass along some information on my latest upcoming event -- I'm planning a fundraiser as part of the Business Women's Network of Howard County. They are raising money for their annual scholarship fund, so it's been a lot of fun and a great challenge to plan this worthwhile event! I've copied and pasted the press release below -- if you're interested in learning about fashion, make-up, color, wardrobe AND helping women progress in education, please consider coming!

We'll see you there!

_________________________________________

Business Women’s Network of Howard County Holds Fashion-Foward Fundraiser For Annual Scholarship Fund

Non-Profit To Raise Money To Benefit Women In, Or Returning To, The Workforce

Laurel, MD (August, 2008) -- Raising money for a scholarship fund can actually be stylish!

The Business Women’s Network of Howard County invites women from the Baltimore/DC area to participate in a fundraiser to benefit its annual scholarship give-away, on Saturday, September 27^th, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Lime Kiln Middle School in Fulton. The morning will include a complimentary breakfast, fashion show, rotating workshops on color, wardrobe, clothing fit, lingerie fit and makeup, followed by a complimentary buffet lunch.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet past recipients and network with other local businesswomen, as well as learn from local experts how to look their best for their own career.

Each year, 3 life-long learning scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to women entering, returning to, or in need of help to progress in the workforce. Recipients are given the money to attend colleges, trade schools or certificate programs in order to advance their careers. Any woman who lives, works or attends school in Howard County is eligible.

The September 27^th fundraiser will use ticket sales to award these scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. Tickets are $55 for Business Women’s Network members and $60 for non-members. BWN looks forward to treating you to a fashion-forward morning and benefiting local women in need.

Sewing Lounge Returns!

2008-08-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Remember those old sewing cricles from yesterday? They're back!

The Sewing Lounge at the Studio will start up again in September! It's a really nice treat for me to spend a relaxing afternoon with old and new friends just working on our pet projects. Bring your sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery -- whatever you're working on! And feel free to make use of the Studio's equipment if need be. These are some of my favorite events at the Studio, and I hope you'll join us.

The next Sewing Lounge will be September 21st, from 1-4 PM. Sewing Lounges will continue after that on the third Sunday of each month -- just in time to work on a special gift for the holidays (maybe for yourself!). Treat yourself to an afternoon off, just being creative in a nuturing -- and well-stocked -- space. We hope to see you soon!

Theatre Troupes Everywhere Can Take a Lesson from Chesapeake Shakespeare Company...

2008-07-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight I have a meeting with the directors of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company to make some corsets for their next production, The Country Wife, and I just have to state for the record that working with this company has been a breath of fresh air. Too often in community- and regional-based theatre, the level of organization leaves much to be desired (and the level of drama leaves much less to be desired), but CSC is really breaking the mold. I had a script right away, no one changed their mind late in the game, and I felt like a respected member and friend of the company, not a slave girl to stage divas.

I really look forward to continuing a great working relationship with CSC, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we hope you'll plan on seeing The Country Wife! Check the CSC website (linked above) for details.

Design to Dollars Expo Tonight!

2008-07-22T05:22:00.001-07:00

Hello, again!

Well, with a small business the networking never stops! Tonight I'll be showcasing my business and the studio at the Business After Business Design to Dollars Expo at the Howard County Center for the Arts. My favorite son-in-law, Patrick (also my only son-in-law) had the great idea of bringing in a sewing machine as part of the display, just to draw attention to the main focus of the business.

Speaking of sewing machines, I have a new sewing student, Kemani. For a beginner, he's picking things up very quickly -- his goal is to begin designing menswear. I think that's a great idea and it's exciting to help, since for the most part there is a shortage of stylish local male designers making clothes and accesories specifically for men.

Have a stylish day!

Sourcing@MAGIC Show Is Coming Up!

2008-07-20T04:32:00.000-07:00

It seems no matter what I do or how hard I try, I cannot escape Las Vegas.

I know most people love the city, but to me it just seems more like an overgrown Chuck E. Cheese for adults -- just as loud and just as tacky. However, there's one thing I do like about Vegas and that is the amount of networking opportunities. I've been for a few conventions so far and was impressed at how professional and helpful they were.

Hopefully, the Sourcing@MAGIC show will be no exception. The fabulously-talented Anca will be accompanying me and together we're hoping to garner some national business. The show is August 25-27, and we couldn't be more excited!

Wish us luck!

Just a Reminder -- My Contact Info Has Changed!

2008-07-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to more than a little help from my fabulous web designer Jay Williams, I'm now operating under a new URL and email address.

www.sewingdesignstudio.com

marilynjohnson@sewingdesignstudio.com

Please be sure to update your records and keep in touch!

My Newest Student (sort of...)

2008-07-06T20:11:00.001-07:00

I'm so pleased and excited to announce the birth of my first grandchild, Samantha Isabel Sharp! She was born April 29th at 6:38 PM, to my daughter Jessica and her wonderful husband Patrick.

Both of these pictures were taken in the hospital a few hours after she was born. Since then she has visited my studio a number of times and, at 5 weeks old, even "helped" sew a pair of pants (by sitting on my lap and making sure I did it right.) I can't wait until she's old enough to start teaching her how to sew, knit, crotchet and whatever else her little heart desires! And I'd like to thank my daughter for reminding me that I may be a grandma, but at least I'm a damn cool grandma.

A Good Review from the Baltimore Sun!

2008-07-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

So, Mary Carole McCauley of the Baltimore Sun may have picked an awful day to take in the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's fantastic (in my opinion) production of "The Comedy of Errors", what with the 100+ degree heat and searing sun, but luckily costumes don't usually wilt in the summertime. She writes in her June 11th column:

"...Well, at least Marilyn Johnson's costumes are worth looking at. She adorns her characters in a fruit-flavored palette of banana, kiwi and tangerine; the fuchsia and lime wigs worn by the two leading ladies are particularly fetching. Johnson also makes clever use of hoop skirts, in particular, to indicate that a slender actress is supposed to be round."

To their credit, the actors were laboring in said 100+ heat, so it's no wonder they were a little flat. However, I'm very glad my costumes made such a good, stand-out impression on Ms. McCauley. Thank you, Baltimore Sun!

The Comedy of Errors

Performances: June 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, and July 6, 10 and 12 at Patapsco Female Institute, 3691 Sarahs Lane, Ellicott City. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays. Doubleheader on Saturday, June 28: The Comedy of Errors at 5 p.m., The Tempest at 8 p.m.

Parking: Free in the Howard County Courthouse lot on Court House Drive.

Tickets: 866-811-4111 or www.chesapeake shakespeare.com.

Information: 410-313-8874.

Budding Designers

2008-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of young students in my Saturday afternoon class and I must tell you, I am impressed with their dedication and talent.
Each week they bring their sketch books with the latest sketches and we sit for a while and review them together. So far, they have sketched everything from shorts and tanks to evening gowns and accessories. We've talked about the fabrics for each design, sewing techniques to use, sizing, pricing, custom vs. RTW, including back views and more.
A good part of each lesson focuses on sewing techniques so we work on lots of stitching samples, machine issues, edge finishes and pressing techniques. Each of them has produced something usable at this point. (they've only been coming for a few weeks) J has made a tote bag and is finishing her first dress and matching purse while K, who only joined 3 weeks ago, was so anxious to "make something" that she turned one of her stitching samples into a little clutch bag. She can't wait for her next lesson so she can add rhinestones to it.
In the course of creating these things the girls have learned to use sergers, embellish fabric, fuse interfacing, edge finish seam allowances and create or adapt a pattern.
And to think they are 11 and 13 years old! Watch out, Vogue, these girls are coming!

Working on the Trunk Show

2008-04-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Anca and I met today to finalize some things for the Trunk Show next Sunday
(April 13th from 2 to 8 pm) and Sandra Bearden from Jahari's Spiritual Jewelry was also in today to drop off the jewelry she made for the Show to complement the garments that Anca and I have made. It promises to be a great show with clothing styles that are just not available in the stores. I hope all of you will be able to come! Trunk Shows are fun because you get to be the models and the designers are right there so you can ask questions and get advice.
I've got a number of skirts, some jackets (several have hand painted linings!) and a very unique dress I made for a design competition...it's actually 4 dresses and a skirt in one! You have to see it to believe it. There are the 2 capes I made that won prizes at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and I've decided to include some of the decorator pillows and home dec stuff. I hope to make some more things this coming week.
Anca showed me photos of some of the things she has made and I loved them and you're gonna love them, too! Lots of beautiful fabrics, prints and solids, formal to casual...I don't want to give away too much, so plan to come!
As working designers, Anca and I know that every body is unique so fit is always an issue. We have agreed that if you like something, but the fit or color doesn't suit you, most garments can be ordered as a custom garment. That lets you in on the design process!
I'm getting more excited just telling you about it. And guess what!!!! Our Trunk Show will be mentioned in the Washingtonian Magazine in the Roundup column! Thanks, Hannah!
And don't forget, your ticket price is refunded with your first purchase at the show, a real win-win for everyone!

Latest Costume Project

2008-04-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm working this Spring with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and I'm really excited! This is not only a talented group of people to work with, they pride themselves on also being professional and considerate and respectful to each and every person involved in the production from interns to "stars." Actually, at last night's meeting, no one acted "starry," even when I was measuring for their costumes.
CSC is entering their 6th season and performs at the Patapsco Female Institute. I've never had an opportunity (okay, I did have many, but always had to work to meet a deadline) to see one of their productions, but the word in the Green Room is "great!" This year they will be doing 2 shows in repertory (when 2 or more shows rotate appearing during the season) I'm doing costumes for Comedy of Errors and I met Kristina Lambdin last night who will be doing the same for The Tempest.
I'll keep you posted on the costume progess, show dates and ticket info as we move along on the production. And by the way, I highly recommend the Tiber River House, a restaurant in Ellicott City!

One Show - Two Designers Trunk Show and Sale

2008-03-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, Everyone! I'm getting excited and nervous as I plan with Anca of AncaDesigns for our first ever Trunk Show. The way we have it planned, you'll be able to come to the Trunk Show and try on our Designer Samples, purchase them on the spot or custom order from the samples.
We'll have Evening Gowns and Cocktail Dresses (shades of Austin Scarlett for you PR junkies) as well as Casual and Beach Wear, Accessories, Purses, Totes, Hats and much more! My friend Sandra Bearden of Jahari's Spiritual Jewelry is making some pieces just for this show and the garments in it! We are planning to have something for everyone and we will be right here to discuss each garment with you. Many of them have stories, so don't forget to ask!
The Summer Breeze Trunk Show and Sale will be on Sunday, April 13th beginning at 2 PM. Advance Tickets are $5 and At The Door Tickets are $10....but don't worry, your ticket price will be refunded with your first Trunk Show purchase.
If you'd like to reserve a ticket, please give me a call or leave a comment on this post. It promises to be a great show!

March 19, 2008

2008-03-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

My colleague Eva and I went to Marjorie Merriweather Post's estate and museum Hillwood today. We went to attend an interesting lecture about Callot Soeurs, a design house started by four sisters in Paris in 1895.
The lecture and tour was given by Mr. Kurtz who curates and maintains all of the clothing and textile collections at the estate/museum. The man is a walking textbook and very patient and eager to answer questions.
According to Mr. Kurtz, the sisters mother was a seamstress and their father dealt in antique fabrics and laces so they had a fabulous grounding for the venture. At the time they started their workroom Charles Worth was at the end of his career and due to their fantastic designs and the quality of their work, they were able to take his place as the premier design house.
The oldest sister, Marie did all of the design work, Margaret ran the workroom, Regina handled all of the finances and business details and Josephine handled the appointments and clients. By 1920, Regina and Josephine had left the business and Marie became the sole proprietor of the business with Margaret remaining to run the workroom.
At the time the sisters started Callot Soeurs, many of the design houses were beginning to bring in sewing machines to the workrooms. Callet Soeurs sewed every stitch of every garment by hand until 1933 when Marie passed away and her sons took over the house. By 1914, they employed 600 people in the workroom to bead, embroider and stitch and at their peak, they had 800 employees.
After the lecture we were led to Marjorie's dressing rooms (yes, plural!) where we were able to get up close and personal with the three extant gowns created for her by Callet Soeurs. The quality and workmanship was incredible and left me almost breathless thinking of the time and skill required to achieve those exquisite results.
If any of you ever have an opportunity to visit Hillwood Estate and Museum, do it! The grounds are fabulous, full of gardening ideas, the house is a treasure trove of Russian artwork, the house is a maze of rooms each more fantastic than the last and of course, there are the clothes, jewels, accessories, portraits and collections of everything under the sun.
I left feeling inspired by the designs and workmanship. I also felt a sense of responsibility to carry on the traditions of quality design and workmanship to share with all of you.

Introductions

2008-03-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone =]

I'm Stephanie and I am currently an intern with Mrs. Johnson at The Marilyn Johnson Sewing and Creative Fabric Studio. I am also interning with another student, Rachel, but we both have different purposes of being here. I'm mainly focused on the marketing aspect of this business, while Rachel is here actually learning how to sew first hand with Mrs. Johnson.

Now...I'm excited to introduce the innovative and creative designer/mother/wife/mentor...Mrs. Johnson!

She's a really great mentor and has extensive knowledge in so many different fields of interest. So far I've been able to meet a lot of interesting clients that Mrs. Johnson has, such as Poe the mascot from the Baltimore Ravens. Never thought I would ever meet him in person. I've seen Mrs. Johnson work on so many different projects since I've been here. Her most recent was designing and then creating costumes for the White House Historical Association, which Rachel and I both got to be a part of. She's a very active member of the community and is a member of several different organizations. Mrs. Johnson just recently received an award for Maryland's Top 100 MBE's for the year 2007. If she isn't making costumes for an upcoming production, receiving acknowledgements for her accomplishments, or designing clothes for clients, she's being a mom.
Her son Kevin, just joined the Marine Corp this past summer and her daughter, Jessica just recently got married this past November. But now that her children are all grown up and on their own her main focus has been running her studio and keeping up with the lastest episodes of Project Runway, her alltime favorite tv show. Her theatrical closet consists of over 1000 costumes, so if you're ever looking to put on a show or maybe go out for a theme day, she can satisfy your needs. And if she doesn't have what you're looking for, she's always willing to custom design and create it for you.

This blog was my idea and so I started out this blog for Mrs. Johnson, but from here on out, she will be taking over the blog. She will be checking and updating it regularly so please feel free to stop by and take a look at her latest entries. Also, if you have any questions or comments, she wants to hear your feedback and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you =)

Stephanie

My Very First Blog!!!

2007-12-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first blog post! I have high hopes for this blog....I see it as a way to pass on tips, tricks, hints and information to those of you who read it as well as (if I have this set up correctly) an opportunity for you to ask questions about your sewing and crafting projects and get good answers.
I would deeply appreciate your feedback on the topics I will cover so I know that I am giving you what you need and want. I also hope this will be a forum of encouragment for all of us....I love encouraging people to find their creativity, try a new craft, develop their personal sense of style. And you know, I need encouragement, too. Sometimes sitting at a sewing machine all day gets kinda lonely....which explains how I became an NPR junky! I can recite the line-up from Monday to Sunday and usually win at "Wait, Wait! Don't Tell Me" as a result.
If you're reading my blog, I assume you have been thru the other parts of my website. I've received many complements on the website and have to share those kudos with Jay Williams who is my webmaster....and extremely patient with me and my lack of computer sophistication. I get the ideas and he builds on them and then does magical things with it and you see the results. That's the way a partnership should work!
I've come to the conclusion that as friendly as a website can be, it's still rather formal and there's stuff that just doesn't work there. Stuff like.....I love natural fiber fabrics; I'm experimenting with bamboo fabrics; wool is one of my favorites; I love the drape of bias and so much more.
So, thanks for stopping in and checking this "first", come back soon and hear about the latest goings on here at the Studio. I've got to go work with my wonderful high school interns right now.