Words of Wisdom

I just love this quote by Maya Angelou...enjoy!


"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

— Maya Angelou

Fit Specialists

What should you look for in an alteration specialist? Everyone wants to look their best, especially in a newly purchased garment. You bought it for a reason, and you want to wear it right away, but it has some fit issues. It may be too long, too wide, or too tight. Your alterations specialist can handle the first two with ease (most of the time), but a garment that is too tight or too short is a whole new can of worms. When you have those fit issues, call your fit specialist for an appointment so he/she can tell you first of all IF the garment is alterable and what it will look like on your body when it is finished. If you feel comfortable with the way it was pin fit to your body and with the estimate and turn around time, let them do their magic on your garment. But remember, we are fit and alteration specialists, not magicians! When you pick up your garment, feel free to ask to try it on. Make sure to look at the work that was done. Look at the finishing of the seams, inspect the hem...kick the tires, so to speak. The garment should look like nothing had been done to it...it should look like the original. If you are pleased with the fit and the alteration, make sure to let your specialist know that. We mostly do this because we're good at it, but we also have to earn an income as well. When we know that you are pleased, we will bend over backwards to continue to do a good job on other things you bring to us AND will help to get you the appointment and turn around time that is convenient for you. Look good, feel good in custom fit clothes.
.............Katherine

I want to be an Every Day Diva

I wrote a few days ago about Everyday Divas, the business of a dear friend. Well, her blog is listing twelve simple rules for getting dressed. This vintage brooch was #10. After cleaning and organizing my closet (rule #7 Think of your closet as art), I found two boxes I remember stashing in there after Great Aunt Lottie passed away. The boxes were full of wonderful, vintage costume jewelry like the brooch at left. Now I just have to figure out how to make clip on earrings into pierced style so I can wear them! There were wonderful bracelets with matching necklaces and earrings! After reading Kris' blog, cleaning out the closet felt so good, but to look at all that vintage jewelry with new eyes was like getting a wonderful gift. Designs for new garments are swirling in my head, and after fabricating for the custom designs I'm working on for clients, I can hardly wait for business to slow down enough so I can make some wonderful things for myself to go with all this beautiful new jewelry! Make St. Vincent DePaul & Goodwill part of your shopping experience...go to estate sales...beauty is everywhere...repurpose that wonderful jewelry and work it into your wardrobe for a fresh new look.

Designer vs Seamstress

What is the difference between a designer and a seamstress? I wonder if most people know the answer to that question. I consider myself to be both because I am able to take a client's needs and ideas and draw them into a sketchbook of ideas to present the client. I then will either drapefabric to make a pattern or use paper to make a pattern using a flat pattern method. A designer sees the project from conception to fruition. A seamstress can use fabric to make a garment using a commercial pattern. She is not necessarily proficient in customizing the fit of the pattern, where a designer should be able to make a garment not only fit perfectly, but know what will be flattering to her client.
A custom designed garment should be more costly than ready-to-wear clothing purchased from a mass marketing retail store. It is designed to be one-of-a-kind, unique just for you and perfectly fit and suited to your body. Attention to detail is the name of the game here. A custom garment is an investment in yourself. Take pride in how you look with beautiful clothes and people you come in contact with will respond to your new attitude of confidence and joy.