Read Up Before The Year's Up!

Missed any of my articles?

Click on the link below for sewing stories as well as lots of tips and tricks:
http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?cat=173


If you're into DIYs, follow these links for sewing projects you can attempt at home:

Sewing Reconstruction: http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?cat=158

Style Lab (up to pg.3): http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?cat=18



All good stuff, I promise.

Instructor Spotlight

Check out the Instructor Spotlight featuring yours truly (published in The Sewing Studio Newsletter):

Strange Fashion

Found some weird/awesome pics and videos in my archives. Thought I'd share 'em. Enjoy!

Tokyo fashion
Hope those balloons don't pop :O

Neon: "handy"

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Miss MJ? Now you can wear him!

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

No peeps, they're not Halloween costumes.

LED lab coat

Not so high fashion, but the coat has a TV built onto it!

watch video below

Henry Holland Autumn/Winter 2011-12

cool ad

Hussein Chalayan Spring/Summer 2007

oldie but a goodie

DIY: Cozy Slippers

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3704

Make it Yourself: Dress Shirt Into A Vest

Follow this link for step-by-step instructions: http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3699

Sewing Instructor Article: December

For all the self-taught sewers: http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3694

Immortals: Costume Design

I recently watched Immortals and what I was impressed with the most was the use of stunning visuals and costumes (!), of course. 

Freida Pinto with a gorgeous head piece

I noticed all the small details in the wardrobe such as the use of a variety of leathers for the men's boots, tiny chains holding up capes and barb wire wrapped around wrists. The majority of the outfits were made out of leather rags and steel torso shields, but they were different in most scenes. It worked perfectly for the feel of the film. 

The face masks and warrior helmets were super creative.

The costumes of the gods were elegant. The garments they wore represented their qualities and provided an insight into their personalities.  

Check out a snippet of the design process with costume designer Eiko Ishioka:

DIY Video: Stretchy Knit Necklace

Sewing Instructor Article: November

Do you need a dressform?

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3605

Make It Yourself: Infinity Scarf

Winter is slowly creeping up. Brrrr! Bundle up with a cozy scarf. 

Click on the link below the picture for step-by-step instructions.

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3600

Who's the fairest one of all?

The final product of my Evil Queen costume:

Make It Yourself: Spa Robe

Have an old towel kickin' around? Then you can make this spa robe!

Follow this link for step-by-step instructions:

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3595

Halloween

This is the day I wait for all year long. I make my own costumes and it's always a challenge to try to outdo Halloween costumes from year to year.

From a bumblebee:

to Cruella DeVil:

to what I'm making right now:

   

Stay tuned for pics, ghouls!

And vote for your favourite one in the comments box below. 

Everyday Wear

Dressing up is always fun, so why not dress up every day? And I'm not talking about getting all decked out for work, but I'm guessing your workplace is where you spend most of your day, so try to make your wardrobe exciting. Not only will it allow for a personalized look, but you will also feel more comfortable.

Depending on your occupation, do your best to add new colours to your everyday outfits. Substitute your plain black skirt for a fuschia printed one, or if you're not ready to go that big yet, throw on an accessory, like an eye-catching bracelet or a fashion scarf. Even a small pop of colour makes your outfit stand out and shows off your flair. Try it. You'll be surprised at how much it works. And how much you like it!

My usual day-to-day look consists of lots of colour and a mix of different styles. I can look girly one day and be a total tomboy the next day. Just depends on how I feel.

Check out these two everyday looks that I put together:

Hat: Sourcing Map

Shirt: Wrangler

Necklace: Good Wood

Leggings: Lookbook.nu

Ring: Tatty Divine

Loafers: Ted Baker

Sweater: Debenhams
Scarf: Gap
Skirt: Vivienne Westwood
Shoes: Oh Deer!

Vintage Patterns

Wish patterns illustrations still looked like this.

Some of my picks:

This girl looks like #misskeribaby, eh?

Have any fav vintage patterns? Post your links below.

Toodles.

DIY: Beanie Hat

Cold out there? Make this beanie hat out of your old sweater!

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3504

Sewing Instructor Article: October

Make your sewing space one of your favourite places to be.

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3499

Make it Yourself: Soft & Stylish Headband

Follow this link for step-by-step instructions:
http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3494

Style Lab: Belt with a Bow - DIY Video

HOW TO: Buy a Sewing Machine

If you are thinking of purchasing a sewing machine, new or used, but have no idea where to get started, there are a few important details you should keep in mind while shopping for your ideal machine.

Machine model
Think about what kind of projects you will be using your machine for the most. Will you be making clothes for yourself or other people? Do you need a machine for basics, such as hemming or minor alterations? Maybe you require a specialty machine for cover stitching or embroidery, or one that is equipped with a buttonhole function. There are tonnes of different kinds of machines and this brainstorming process will help you pinpoint the type of machine you need.
Your budget
Sewing machine prices can range anywhere from $60 to $9000. Once you have determined what kind of machine you need, come up with a spending limit. This will clearly keep more of your pennies in the bank, but it will also narrow down your search. If you happen to come across a bargain, do not let the impulse purchase feeling take over you. A bargain does not always end up being a good deal. Do your research, which brings me to the next point...um...research!
Research
Shop around and compare sewing machine companies, machine functions, prices, as well as warranty. You want a machine that will give you the most bang for your buck, and one that does not lack anything you need when making projects. Research locally or online. Read machine reviews. Ask for tips from friends who sew. Find a great sewing machine store that has a good reputation. And while you're at it, make sure you locate a machine repair shop (preferably close to your home).
Testing out the goods
Make a list of all the things you want to try out on an machine before making a purchase. Go to a few stores and check out different machine models. Bring someone who sews with you and bring your own scrap fabric. Try threading the machine, changing the needle, removing and inserting the bobbin, adjusting the tension and sewing with a variety of fabrics. Keep testing out functions until you are fully convinced you have found "the one."

I often compare sewing machines to cars. Finding a machine that is just right for you is like picking the perfect car off the lot. All you need to do is know exactly what you are looking for. And that can definitely be a challenge. Follow the tips above, and you will be on your way to a smooth sewing ride. Yeehaw!


Send me your sewing machine questions below.

Dear Summer, Please Come Back

I already miss the summer heat. So, as I am contemplating my next vacation to faraway (is)lands, I automatically think of bathing suits and bikinis, what else? Then, I think vintage.
The box that sits on my desk, which is the home of my pens, has these uber stylish ladies from the 50s printed on the cover:

I'm inspired immediately. I love these suits, and they look pretty easy to make. The third one from the left is calling my name as I type.

Some more:

Pretty swanky, if I do say so myself.

The cut is so flattering to women's curves that it makes them look sophisticated and trendy at the same time.

Take a gander at this video:

I'll take one Wing Ding with a side of a Triple Threat.
Make that to-go, please.

my tumblr link

http://mssew.tumblr.com/

The Little Things

I received an email three weeks ago from a lady (let's call her Jada Pinkett Smith) who said that her sister-in-law is one of my past students (J-Lo). It turns out that J-Lo recommended my services after she had completed the cutest baby skirt for her niece with my guidance. Nothing better than a referral, right?

Jada asked if I would be available to alter a dress that she needed for an upcoming wedding. She is a bridesmaid, so you know she's gotta look extra spiffy. 

After a few emails back and forth, we agreed on a meeting time so I could scope out the dress. It was a beautiful emerald green strapless dress, pleated in the front, with an optional tie-up belt.

But Jada hated it. She didn't like the colour or the belt and definitely despised the way the dress fit on her body. She's a brand new mom and is still trying to get used to her body after giving birth. The dress was a few sizes too big and needed some serious shaping in the bodice. 

Needless to say, I got to work.

We met up again for a fitting. Jada slipped into the dress to check out the freshly tailored product. When she glanced in the mirror, a totally different dress looked back at her. She couldn't believe it. The dress accentuated her curves and brought out her confidence at the same time. I showed her how to wear the belt (tied up into a bow on the side) and I also gave her some tips on accessories. She was set.

Jada proceeded to tell me that she almost didn't want to attend the wedding because she didn't feel comfortable wearing the "old" dress. Now that she was 100% secure in her outfit, her whole mood lifted. She was ecstatic. 

I hung up the dress, zipped it up in a garment bag and handed it over to Jada. She expressed her gratitude and off she went. 

Then she came back. 

She gave me a big hug and thanked me again.   

Make it Yourself: Blouse With Denim Flowers

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3398

New Article

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=3393

Let me know how you like this one!