New Project!

I know it's been a long time, but I haven't been wanting to sew for a while. But now, not only do I have a brand-new digital camera, but I am itching to sew.

One of my very good friends is getting married at the end of this year, and I wanted to make a gorgeous gown to wear to her wedding. I made the blue dress for her engagement party and everyone loved it (or at least claimed they did) so it gave me the courage to make something to wear to the big event as well. For some reason, I really want to make a purple plaid gown. I can see it in my head... it will have a heart-shaped neckline, fitted bodice, and full draped skirt. I think I'm going to challenge myself by draping the entire gown in one piece.

So today, I went shopping at the garment district in downtown LA with my sister. Oh, that reminds me... I'm making a 1930's kimono robe for her with this beautiful silk we found at Michael Levine's.

Anyway, I really wanted purple plaid so we went into at least a dozen shops and I would immediately ask, "Do you have purple plaid?" Half the time, they were confused by what "plaid" was, and the other half laughed at me and told me to settle on Christmas colors.

I had this image in my head of a rich, dark purple, with dark blue accents. Of course, there was no such thing and I wasn't willing to compromise. I was about to give up, but we decided to try Lucky Fabrics and I did get lucky. I found a plaid that wasn't what I had in mind, but it was close enough. It's not taffetta like I'd hoped to find either, but it's soft and falls beautifully. Plus, I got it for $3.50/yard. I think I could've talked it down lower, but the owner was really nice.

Here's a picture that I took of it with my new camera. The fabric is brighter in real life. The picture I took of it with the flash make it look too light and bright so this is closer to what it really looks like.

There should be a lot most postings now that I have a few projects and a new camera.

Upcoming projects include:

• Re-lining a child's dress
• Plaid gown
• 1930's kimono robe