Research, Research, Research...

Well, has is now been 30 days since my epiphany moment that has flung me into the path of pattern making.  Little did I know this would be a big undertaking, but I ain't scared. 

I found someone here in Atlanta who teaches pattern making, but the classes won't begin until late February.  I don't mind waiting, but it's hard to get the woman to call me back or answer the phone, so....I'm a little leery. Nevertheless, I've moved on for now and besides, I recently found an old book that my dear friend Marian gave me a while ago.  I almost forgot I had it.  Just too much on my mind lately I guess.  Anyway, the book is titled "Design Your Own Dress Patterns" by Adele P Margolis.  It's kind of dated (1971), but it has most everything I need to know about making my own patterns.  It's funny, although I've been sewing for years, there's so much I don't know about patterns.  Well that won't be the case for long because even-though I was a little intimidated initially, to my surprise, I understood it.  The illustrations were a big help. I'm a visual person, ya know.  

As I write this entry, I've just purchased another book,  How to Make Sewing Patterns by Donald McCunn.  The Margolis book doesn't teach you how to draft your own slopers, but McCunn's book does.  I need all the help I can get. (ha, ha)

I'm now deciding on which look I want to debut.  I've looked through hundred's of vintage styles I've collected and I'm thinking about making a cute Spring/Summer dress for my Etsy sewers.  I'll let you know how that develops.

Oh, I almost forgot, I've also been practicing drawing on Inkscape and using GIMP as well to make my patterns look as professional as possible until I can afford a CAD program for pattern making. I recommend them, for beginners like me who are computer savvy.  
I've got a lot of work to do, but I truly feel alive and blessed to be inspired again. 
Stay tuned, there's more to see...
Susan

Georgia History photo shoot: Part 2

On Sunday morning, after four 1/2 days plus 1 full day of sewing (day job cuts my time), I finally finished three dresses for the GA History shoot scheduled for Sunday, January 3rd at Stone Mountain Park.  I had to burn the midnight oil though and ended up missing church.  This was the last shoot I'll do on a Sunday. But it was not in vain.....The shoot was amazing!!!! Myself, the three lovely models, Jessica, Sarah and Rachel along with Nai (the photographer) were in the bitter cold 32 degrees working as if it was 70 degrees outside.  We froze our backsides off!  But it was soooo worth it. The girls were troopers and stuck it out.  Of course their parents were there too to lend their support.

I can't tell you everything about the purpose of this shoot yet, so you'll have to wait.  I'll be on edge until I see the photos, but I'll be sure to share it with you. I did get a peek of a few of them though and all I can say is "AMAZING".  Nai is a genius.   

Stay tuned there's more to see....

Susan

Metropolitan Frock's Magazine debut - Shooterfoto Magazine January 2010 Issue

Come go with me..........I'm checking my email and see that Nai ( the photographer) has sent me a message. I eagerly open it, thinking he's sent a few pics from yesterday's shoot (will tell you about that later).  Well.......to my surprise, I find that its a magazine page with photos of Lauren in two of my dresses (Rockin it I might add)!!!!  Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattt!!! Metropolitan Frock has made the pages of a fashion/model magazine.  Yes you read it right!!  Nai's photos taken back in November have finally been published and I couldn't be more proud. Like a new momma, I saw two of my babies on display for the world to see (dramatic right..lol) and they looked fabulous!  I can hardly catch my breath. I feel so humbled and blessed.


Stay tuned....there's more to see. 
Peace, 
Susan

Aha! Patternmaking!

Good morning and Happy New Year! I'm continuing the journey of self discovery with being a clothing designer.

As I was browsing my usual sites this morning I peeped in on Burdastyle and had an epiphany moment. Here's what I found: The Pistachio Green Dress by Colette Patterns Shop so creatively put together by Burdastyle member, elegantmusings.  The dress has very nice elements of the classic looks that I love.  Elegantmusings  put it best, "it’s the right balance of lady-like charm and classic style".

Well.....I then checked out the pattern shop and there I saw a lovely collection of vintage inspired patterns.  Right up my alley right?

Here's the epiphany, I like to dabble in morphing patterns to create my own looks and they have been well received by my clients and friends.  Also, I've collaborated on a summer dress pattern with my friend Marian of MC Collections and it was a hit at this past spring's Inman Park Festival.  I think it's time to put it into production and explore the pattern making process again.  I will need help of course, because I've never taken a pattern making class, but I think that I can handle creating a sample look and have someone else do the actual pattern drafting.

I can't wait to get started on this. I have so many Ideas to try. 

Stay tuned, there's more to see!

Peace,

S