First prom of the year!!!

I've been very busy sewing prom gowns.  Six in total.  This is the first, a junior prom!  My client, Amber said she wanted to be "elegant and classy."  My kind of girl!  So I drafted this little number in my Wildginger program.  A halter bodice and circle skirt.  I used a red stretch taffeta and a Joann fabric Casa brand poly organza for the overlay.   I love the stretch taffeta fabric.....it is so easy to sew, with just the right amount of stretch.  It holds its shape and does not wrinkle easily.  My source for this fabric is found here. :  https://www.onlinefabricstore.net/orange-stretch-taffeta-fabric-.htm

It comes in many colors!

When I print out the pdf pattern I don't cut the paper.  I trace onto medical exam paper and then use it for the pattern.  I make a mock-up out of muslin for the first fitting.  Wildginger teaches to make a sloper first.  I skip this step and make a mock up instead.  I mark my changes using a sharpie and the muslin becomes my pattern.  For the circle skirt, I decided not to waist my muslin fabric and taped the exam table paper together for the fitting.  I worked like a charm!

The waist looks a little high, that's because the dress is not sitting at the correct position at her neckline. 

Doesn't she look lovely!!!!!!

She was such a sweetie!!!!  I've known her since she was a baby. 

Back to the Sewing Center five more gowns to make!  One very special gown for my GD who is a senior this year!

Happy Sewing!!!!!

Sewing for others...pretty lady

The reason why I love sewing for others.   This is a text I received today:

"Hello!!

I couldn't remember if I had sent these to you or not! I am still recovering from the trip which was awesome!! Evvvvveryone loved the dress, literally almost stopped traffic!!!

I can't thank you enough!

I will call you about those alterations in a week or so."

Previously posted about here.

Projects, projects, many, many projects

Well the hot weather is here and I love it!!!  Being an August Baby I claim this as the reason why I love hot weather!!!   We have more thunderstorms than I can remember than last year though...that part I can do without!!!

I've been busy sewing away....I just finished altering a beautiful wedding gown.  The bride wanted some of the tulle underskirt removed and need the gown bustled.  However, when I tried to zip her gown it was extremely tight!!!!  I checked her seams and there was enough fabric to let them out just enough to accommodate her size.  The only thing that worried me was the lace overlay didn't have any side seams.  I feared that letting the seams out too much would cause the lace to stretch and possibly tear when she tried on her gown.  I gave her strict instructions to eat no "white" foods (starchy, sugar, flour); no fried foods; to drink only water, tea, and coffee' to eat only chicken, fish, and/or turkey.  She also said she would be increasing her walking exercise program.  I had my doubts as most people who say they are going to lose weight don't.  Two weeks went by and to my surprise I was able to zip her gown with a tad bit of room to spare!!  I cautioned her to stick to her routine until after the wedding...I also suggested that she maintain not lose any weight for fear I'd have to take it in at the last minute.  Here she is in her gown....beautiful. 

I convinced her that she needed to keep some of the tulle to maintain the mermaid look, whew!!!!

I added a French (under) and American (over) bustle to this gown...I wanted to be sure it would stay put during the reception.

Up next are my outfits for the American Sewing Guild Conference's fashion show in San Diego.  The theme is "On the Wild Side."  I'm making dress Vogue 1234 and a self-drafted maxi skirt ensemble.  I'll post pics after the show. 

Here's a sneak peak of the skirt!

My next client is attending a conference for "Bedroom Kandi" in Atlanta, GA, and wanted a sexy, yet classy outfit.  I found this outfit and thought it was a great staring point for her look!

I drafted her skirt in Wildginger and used Simplicity 1650 for the peplum. For the halter top I used OOP (OUT OF PRINT) Vogue 8191 View B. See this is why I never throw away my patterns!

At the fitting she decided she wanted her peplum a little more asymmetrical in the front.  I think this will look great too.  Here's a pic of her in her fitting muslin before the adjustments are made.  I will rotate those bust darts out as I don't want them in the final look.  I'll re-cut this and work on it when I return from conference.

Here's her fabric choice

The back view

This will be my last post until conference next week....happy sewing & thanks for stopping by!!!