Here I am in Nashville!

Well, I've arrived in Nashville for the ASDP conference! Our hotel is the Inn at Opryland, right across the street from the the Opryland Resort with its amazingly beautiful atriums and conservatory gardens, and walking distance from the Grand Old Opry! Can't post any pictures, because even though I brought my camera, first of all I didn't have it on the walk we took late this afternoon (which is becoming a bad habit with me), and two, I neglected to bring the cord to upload the photos anyway. So, I'll just have to post an update when I get back home next week. The Threads Challenge finalists will be judged Friday, with the results announced at the conclusion of the members' fashion show that night. Wish me luck - although it's such an honor just for my garment to be among the entries chosen as finalists.

More later - stay tuned -

Leather trim - thought I'd be first, now it's everywhere!

Late last Fall I had a vision of a jacket I really wanted to make. One of the fabrics from Sawyer Brook's autumn collections spoke to me every day I worked in the cutting room, and by early November I had to bring some home.

Success in the midst of chaos

I know I've been pretty scarce around the blog community lately, but I really have been busy. After a medium-crazy early Spring prom season, I fell into the busiest bridal season I've ever worked through. This was primarily due to the local bridal consignment shop's gushing referrals, as it seemed every week I had an appointment with another bride for her alterations. From April until last week, I've had 6 or more gowns in the studio at once, working on hems, bustles, taking in bodices, and restyling.

Jackets and UFOs - Time to return to Unfinished Projects

I watch more tv than I should own up to, and often find myself mezmerized at the outfits worn by the women characters. Beyond the fashions from the 60's popularized by Mad Men, I adore the suit separates and coats Kerry Washington wears as Olivia Pope

Miracles in the basement

So, for a quick update - while I worked on the correcting the dress I screwed up made a tiny mistake on, the fix-it man came into the studio and quietly asked "So, don't you have an iron jigsaw puzzle for me to work on?" I handed him the baggie full of itty-bitty plastic pieces and the broken iron, and off to the workshop he went.

Who invited Murphy to sew with me?

Some days it simply doesn't pay to even walk into the studio to work. Thursday was one of those days. Thinking about it yesterday, all I could think of a book I read to my boys countless times when they were young - "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-good, Very Bad Day" (thanks to Judith Viorst).

Requiem for a faithful serger - or new life?

I finally wore out a machine. My serger has been misbehaving for about 6 months (or more, I haven't really been counting. Just wishing it would stop acting this way.) It would simply decide to stop running,