Portland--a mecca for fashion fabric enthusiasts!

October 2011


I just got home from Portland, OR where I was attending the annual Association of Sewing and Design Professionals conference. While I was there, I took a class in advanced draping techniques that was so fast-paced I wasn't sure I could keep up. It was great fun to see how the couture designers achieve the looks they produce with all the twists and turns off the cloth. I look forward to our Wisconsin chapter meeting where I will demonstrate what I learned to those members who did not get to the conference. You all know, you learn more when you teach than when you learn it initially, right? We also took a bus tour of the major fabric stores in Portland. What a mecca for fashion fabric enthusiasts! We all thought we had died and gone to heaven. The quality and variety of fabric at price points we thought HAD to have been a mistake sent us into heightened elation.
Another class I took was called "Sew Much Style" by Nancy Nix-Rice. Nancy is a professional colorist and wardrobe consultant who was teaching us to "see" how color in your clothing affects how others perceive you. I was fortunate to get an appointment with Nancy the next day to do a full color analysis so when I did my fabric shopping, I would make choices that flattered my coloring. It was interesting to find I had several pieces along on the trip that, when combined with some new jewelry and some really cool, thin shoulder pads, several acquaintances remarked at how nice I looked! I was amazed that such small changes could make such a profound difference! I get so enthused at learning so many new things that I can put to use on my client work...so give me a call...let's see what we can design for YOU!

What to look for in choosing a designer or alteration specialist

Choosing a Sewing and Design Professional

When you contact an Association of Sewing and Design Professionals member, he or she will ask you about your project, time line, and budget. Your sewing pro will probably ask to see you in person to talk about your project before quoting a price. Some sewing pros charge a consultation fee, which may later be applied toward the cost of your project.

At your first meeting, be sure to ask questions! Association members welcome your questions about the type of work they do, their education and training, and how long they've been in business. Ask to see photos or samples of their work, and ask for references. Many members also have websites where you can learn more about them and view photos of their work.

For custom garments, you'll want to bring your design ideas with you to the initial consultation. Photos, sketches, sample garments and fabric swatches are all helpful. Your sewing pro may also invite you to email links to websites with designs you like so he or she can take a look at them before you meet in person.

Design details, fabrics, trims, pattern development, fitting issues, and anticipated sewing time all affect the price of a custom garment. Your sewing pro will explain the options available to you and then quote pricing according to the choices you've made. Custom garments are usually more expensive than ready-to-wear, but there are no additional alterations charges to factor in. Your custom garment will be the style, color and fit that flatters you best.

For alterations, you'll need to bring or wear the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with the garment being altered. Pricing will depend on the work needed to improve the fit and the way the garment was originally constructed. Specialty alterations on garments such as wedding gowns may require more than one fitting.

from the website of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals

                                                           July 2011

How to choose clothing that looks good on you!

7/16/2011

OK, when I go to a store, I am always looking for a bargain, but I get discouraged because bargain items are generally not found in my size. So then I look for ANYthing in my size. I might find 5 or 6 items, take them into the dressing room and 3 actually fit. How do I know if they look good on me?
How do YOU know what looks good on YOU? Do you take a friend you can trust who will be brutally honest with you? I have clients who purchase garments and then make an appointment with me because they know that I WILL be honest with them. That doesn't mean that they will always listen to what I say, but they WILL take my advice into account as they decide what to keep and what to return.
One client in particular really takes buying clothes seriously and does not want to make a mistake by buying something that does NOT look good on her, or cannot be altered to fit her well. She actually has had her husband take photos of her in her undergarments. She then traced around her body shape, hair and face, and took this tracing to her copy machine and made it a convenient size to fit in a small notebook for her purse. When she finds something she is interested in buying, she draws the outfit on her body and looks for balance, proportion and style. She then evaluates how it will fit in with the rest of this season's wardrobe, and makes an intelligent decision. Wow! The garments she brings to me have really been scrutinized and she has a BEAUTIFUL wardrobe of clothes.

Aladdin Costumes for Miss Leah's Dance Studio, Watertown, WI

Miss Leah's Dance Studio   April 2011

What fun to see my original costumes perform on-stage! The girls danced like the wind and the reviews from the girls and their parents on the fit, style, and value of the costumes were wonderful to hear. There were 8 girls, and no two were sized alike, so alas, I had to draft 8 different patterns! The most fun part was sourcing for the fabric. The harem pants were made from a royal blue with silver sparkles, and I used the same fabric in gold for the belts. The vest was a beautiful purple brocade with colorful butterflies woven into it. To top it all off, were some shimmering hair ties. I'd say they were lots of work, but most certainly one of my most fun projects this year! YAY for the fabulous job Miss Leah did in teaching these girls jazz and ballet!


                                               

The Beginning of a very busy season

April 2011
In the alterations and custom sewing business, we have two seasons....busy, with Bridal, Prom and Homecoming, and the not so busy....Alterations and repairs come in both of our seasons. So if you need your pants hemmed, or your husband tore a hole in his jeans sliding into home plate, we really welcome the change of pace this gives us when we are up to our eyeballs in alligators with prom dresses. Here at Katherine's we all love what we do and really, really love the variety it gives us. If we had to do bridesmaid dresses every day all year, we'd get stagnant. What sparks our creative thinking is when you bring in a special challenge...a garment with a difficult fabric, hunting pants with zippers and ties at the hem that need shortening, holes in a beautiful suit you just don't want to give up. These things all make us work for a beautiful solution to a seemingly difficult problem for you. For instance, a young lady brought us a gorgeous silk sleeveless top she purchased online. She was so excited when her package came, she quickly opened the box with a razor blade, essentially cutting slits in her top. We were able to hem the top so

Fun Custom outfit

One of the most fun things we do here at Katherine's Design is to take a client's ideas and put them first to paper and then into fabric. This photo shows just that. The client needed an outfit to wear to her son's wedding, but she had some unique fitting issues. So I took some photos of her and drew some designs based on some patterns she had purchased. The fabric is what made this garment just pop with interest. The side drape not only camoflaged a fit issue, but its movement made everything sparkle. The base for the top and the pant were made from a beautiful stretch silk charmeuse...it feels so soft! The sparkly top layer of the top was a sequinned silk chiffon. The client was going to wear this to her son's beach wedding, so it had to be easy to care for, cool and comfortable. I think we were able to accomplish all that, and she looked wonderful. This is what makes us happy...fabulous fabric, great clients and a happy ending!
                            March 2011