I've sewn a bunch of garments since returning from my Paris trip--three dresses, a few tops, a skirt, prototype pants for my class--but I just haven't had a chance to document most of them. So, this bodysuit here isn't a rare finished project, it's just one of the few I've actually taken photos of! Actually,… Continue reading Nettie bodysuit for the Fall
The temps have dipped a teeny bit and school starts on Monday; for the moment the Bay Area feels like Fall! This amazing sea green and black fabric, a medium-weight stretch rayon, felt like a gorgeous choice for a new cooler-weather dress. Since the style is always flattering and effortless, I chose a vintage Diane… Continue reading Reversible wrap dress in stretch rayon
Today marks exactly two months since I arrived in Paris and one month since I departed. I guess it's about time I wrote about the dress!The primary objective of this couture techniques workshop was to sew a custom-fit dress in the style of Madame Grès. Our dresses were based on one of her designs from… Continue reading A month in Paris: the couture dress!
About half our time during our month at the Paris American Academy was spent doing something other than sewing our couture dresses: the fashion shows, attending museum tours and special exhibits, and taking special topic workshops. The workshops were a nice break from all-day hand sewing, and we were able to learn new skills and… Continue reading A month in Paris: Hats, dyeing, felting, and feathers
As many of you know, I traveled to Paris for the month of July to participate in a Couture Techniques Workshop through the Paris American Academy. Clearly, I didn't blog about it while I was there and now it feels almost impossible to sum up what a amazing experience it was! So I'm going to… Continue reading A month in Paris: Behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week
Again, I couldn't help but make two of the same pattern! This time the pattern is the Bronx dress from SBCC, with some fit alterations (armhole redo, back width increase, sleeve redraft). As I'm sure I've mentioned on this blog before, I just love the fit and flare shape. What I especially love about this dress,… Continue reading Two fit + flare dresses
Here it is; the culmination of my draping class at WVC! When I say draping class, the assumption is that there are going to be, like, a drape of fabric somewhere on the garment, but really draping is just another way to draft a pattern. Many of the styles we did as exercises were not… Continue reading Draped denim day dress
I've been hoarding this piece of Liberty lawn for ages. Since I didn't have a set plan when I purchased it, the ideas of what I could sew with it have run the gamut: pajama bottoms, dirndl skirt, button down shirt... However, browsing through the J. Crew website the other day, I found a blouse… Continue reading Liberty blouse knock-off
After three and a half years of very part-time classes at West Valley College, I finally graduated a week ago with my A.S. in Apparel Production! Since I made a new dress for my very first day of class at WVC, it was only fitting that I drape, draft, and sew the dress in which… Continue reading Graduation dress in summery eyelet
Quilting really isn't my thing; I've made a handful of quilts over the years and while I have been really proud of the resulting blankets, it's not something I enjoy very much. So, clearly, making a new dress or blouse has taken priority over a long-term quilting project! On the spare bed for a momentTruthfully,… Continue reading Quilt finished!
Bea & Lucille 