Finally Finished

The semester is over and as I look back on my apparel design class I think about the new people I've got to known and friends I've got closer too. I've learned a lot of little things from the class that will improve my sewing.
My dress is finished finally and I love it. At first I didn't think I would like it but with some work it turned out pretty great.

Still learning

I've been sewing for about 9 years and I can tell you I don't know everything about sewing, but one thing is clear though. I am willing to learn more about sewing. Last year I learned what tailor tacks were. Last week I put them to use in the construction of my apparel design outfit.

Not just fabric

Soon enough this fabric will be a constructed dress designed completely by me. Can you say excited?

Working Hard

Working on my pattern. I'm getting very close to being finished! I can't wait to see it finished.

Half Scale Design

As I set in class Tuesday night and watched my classmates work on half scale patterns and sew together a half scale of their design I got really excited. So, I just had to sew together my half scale just to see what it was going to look like. Although it doesn't exactly look like what I have sketched I still love it and I am excited to sew the real thing soon.

Make it with Wool

Make it with Wool is a contest to highlight the versatility and beauty of wool. Each state has a contest and the first place winner of the junior and senior category advances to nationals. Nationals are held each year at the American Sheep Industry Conference. The garment must be made out of wool fabric that is at least 60% wool. The person who constructed it must also model the outfit. Make it with Wool also has a contest for aspiring designers. To see if your state has a contest check out the Make it with Wool website. www.makeitwithwool.com
Recently I competed in the Kentucky Make it with Wool Contest. As I stood on stage as the winners were called out I though to myself have learned a lot of different techniques by constructing my coat and dress". Although my name was not called as a winner I still won. I gained a number of new skills and learned how to make an garment fit my figure better.

September is National Sewing Month

I know it is not exactly September anymore, but I thought I would share this anyway. September is national sewing month. Here is a link to the website http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org. President Ronald Reagan declared September as national sewing month in 1982. Sewing is a way to release stress, and also be creative. On the national sewing website you will find ideas and activities as well as contest you can enter.

Apparel Design Class

This semester I am taking another sewing class along with my other classes. I normally take one sewing class a semester, and this year it is apparel design. I am not good at drawing original sketches, but when it comes to making a half scale pattern I got it. Here is a picture of me practicing on my pattern making skills.

Peplum Perfect

The start of a new season brings with it new fashion trends. For fall 2012, the peplum will be the thing to have. A peplum is a flared, ruffled design at the waist of dresses, skirts, shirts, and jackets that accentuates a woman's curves. Most women are frightened to wear them, but they are very appealing if worn correctly.
When wearing a peplum shirt or jacket remember to pair it with a pencil skirt or tapered pants. The same goes for a skirt with a peplum - wear a more form fitting shirt with it that isn't long. You want the peplum to be the only thing that is flowing away from the body.  Worn correctly, it is sure to flatter your silhouette.

Sketch #2

If you can't tell, I am a country girl and I LOVE being one.

Fabric, fabric, and more fabric

Most people who sew have their favorite store to buy fabric and notions. Depending on where you live depends on the size of the store and how many fabric stores you have.
For me I drive almost 2.5 hours to go to my favorite one. Textiles has so many different kinds of fabrics. They have the best selection of wool I've seen. I can go in Textiles and look for hours before I even pick up anything to buy and yes I always buy fabric. Textiles has a friendly staff that is willing to help you with whatever you need. The only bad thing is you can't order off the website.
www.textilefabricstore.com is the website if you want to check it out.

Inspiration

Everyone has something that inspires them to do what they love. For me it's a good pair of cowboy boots. I've lived my entire life on a farm. It's the best thing ever to wake up to the sun rising over the barn and the birds singing.
Cowboy boots make me want to grab some fabric and make that cute little lace or floral dress that many people are wearing with boots.

First sketch

One of my first sketches for apparel design class . I'm not too good but I try.