The cutest...

My GD and I attended, along with a bus load of sewing friends, the Sewing Expo in Fredericksburg, VA, this past weekend!  I spent most of my day greeting folks at the ASG booth.  Oh well I blinked! I was not sleeping on the job!  

I got to check out the vendors and displays a bit...

She was fascinated with the long arm. She sampled several brands!  LOL is she going to be a quilter????  

Here she is trying out a neat seam ripper!

The folks that were scheduled to do the fashion were a no show.  Yours truly helping out.  I'm modelled a few of Rae Cumbie's Tabla Rusa jackets.  She generously gave me her t-shirt pattern for helping out!  Sweet!

As you know, I had a fabric shopping spree last week in NY.  So no fabric for me this trip!  I did, however, find this beautiful plaid for a client at the Vogue Fabrics stand. You can't really see, but it has metallic threads running through it.  

I got to see one of my sewing sisters--Sharon from NY!  

I purchased the cutest pin cushion!!!

I love the name of this business "At my own pace creations"

All and all it was a fun day!!!  Thanks for dropping  by!

2015 ASG Conference Fashion Show

I participated in the ASG Conference Fashion Show in San Diego this year!!!   It was so much fun!  The theme was "On the Wild Side" because of the San Diego Zoo.  I started sewing early this year, so I modeled two looks.  The first is a pattern I've had in my stash for a while.  It reminded me of a jungle rainforest.  I purchased the fabric from Metro Textiles in NY last year.  I was very pleased with the outcome.  I shortened the torso about 1 1/2 inches.  Sandra Betzina patterns are more close to a normal/RTW sizing, so I didn't have to do a FBA (full bust adjustment). I used the cover stitch to top stitch around the neckline, sleeves, and hem.  I love how the dress falls around the hips---it's so comfortable.  I've already gotten two orders from clients!!!!  

My second look is a self-drafted maxi skirt.  The fabric is a cotton with beautiful brown and rust women with Afros!!!  I fell in love with this fabric ---- another NY Garment District find!!!!  I paired it with a RTW t-shirt from JCP and belt from TJ Maxx. 

The fashion show was lots of fun!!!!   Take a look at some of the other beautiful creations here.   Check out last years' fashion show here http://dressed2atee.blogspot.com/2014/07/and-winner-is.html

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!!!

And the winner is...

Well I was one of 47 models in the American Sewing Guild Annual Fashion Show!  I wore my ode' to DVF wrap dress!!!!   I used McCalls 6959.  The fabric is a waxed cotton print from Ghana.  The fashion show was lots of fun!!!!!!!  There were so many beautiful models and outfits!!!!

Guess what!!!  I came in third place!!!!!!!  Yeah me!!!!!  I won a table top revolving case full of Gutterman thread!   Only problem is, I cant carry it home on the plane----  it's like 14 lbs in the case!  Today is Sunday and I will be on a tour all day tomorrow, no time to ship.  My roommate and I brainstormed, and I decided to just take the thread home.  I gave the case to a local ASG member who drove to conference.