Clothes For Self

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....

My Holiday Calendar

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.