Making clothes

There have been a couple of really interesting blog posts lately about sewing garments. If you haven't seen them I direct you to Jen at Grainline Studio and  Morgan at Crab & Bee. I have been a garment sewist for way longer than the quilting, about as long as I've been knitting.  My impulse to create came from a definite desire to dress myself. I had an interest in clothes that outstripped my budget. What's a girl to do when she wants a cool new skirt but make it?

It's a tradition I have maintained pretty much throughout my life, to the point where everything I wear now is hand-made. Herewith two recent makes. Another (!?!) Colette Patterns Ginger in denim, this time with self drafted slash pockets, inspired by the pockets on the Grainline Studio Moss that I have made a few times.  The skirt is topped by a Hemlock Tee (Grainline) and a Boardwalk vest. This is my stock in trade for wardrobe. The dress on the right is a a flight of fancy. It's an Anna from By Hand London, with self-drafted long(er) sleeves made in an Amy Butler home dec fabric from her Alchemy line. The fabric is a linen rayon blend that has this sick drape and some real weight to it. While I am not crazy about the color, the feel of this dress is fabulous. I found a stash of Italian wool at the local Marden's for a ridiculous price and bought a crap-load of it. So my next version of Anna will be in that. Stay tuned.

The main reason for this post is to encourage those garment sewists here on the ground in Maine to not fear the hand-made wardrobe. If you are so inclined, let me help you!  I have Open Studio nights- Tues-Thurs and Sat- through the month of December. I think there is some confusion about what an Open Studio night is. It is a night when you can bring any sewing project you are working on to the studio and I can offer you help with any problems or issues you may have. If that zipper insertion is hazy, I can help. Need some moral support with the sleeves?  Want someone to help you with a hem?  I'm here for you.... This also applies to quilting, or any other sewing project you may be working on. 6:00-8:00pm weeknights, 11:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays. Check the calendar for details. Hope to see you here....