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!

Welcome to Katherine-sews. There is so much information out there about what you SHOULD wear, or shouldn't wear to be "in fashion". I am all about helping you to look your best no matter your age, gender, body type or style preferences. Clothing should flatter you so that people see YOU not your clothes. The first impression you make when you walk into a room is the total package. My part in all this is to construct clothing or alter your existing garments to makes you look fabulous.

KD&A Katherine's Designs & Alterations

Welcome to Katherine's place where you can be transformed from blah to wow, from frumpy to sexy, and from outdated to stylish. First impressions are made within the first 3 seconds, so you only have one chance to stand out from the crowd. How you present yourself with your clothes, shoes, hair, makeup and accessories can add or detract from that first impression. Last week a beautiful woman brought me two shirts with really short puffy sleeves. She didn't like how puffy they were and I thought they looked more like what a nine year old little girl would wear. So, I did my magic on them and took out most of the puffiness so she looked a little trendy, but most certainly more polished for the workplace. This is what I do. I am part problem solver, part magician! Welcome to my world.