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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Wednesday Showcase/Creating Couture Embellishments

As I began my early morning writing today, I wanted to write about all of the things that I am feeling down about. Do you ever have those days when just EVERYTHING seems like a burden and more than you can bear? I think we all do. So rather than sit and complain, I decided, NO, NO!, I am going to focus on the good, and regardless of the bad, there is always lots of good :) 

I have been especially upset over my dog. The surgery was last Thursday. We were back at the vet's office on Monday and again yesterday to drain blood from her ear. I had been told to keep the cone on her neck for the next 3 weeks, but the poor dog has been shaking her head so much that it causes the blood to form and keep the ear from healing. So yesterday I decided to take the cone off and see what would happen. Ironically, she is not scratching at her ear, and is shaking her head less, so fingers crossed that we are on the road to recovery. Sometimes ya just gotta go with your gut instinct! 

Now for something truly happy! 

If you have never met Ellen Miller of Creating Couture Embellishment, you are in for a great big treat! She is a wife, mother of 2, a sewist, teacher and an author. Sewing is truly a passion. Ellen loves the entire process, from taking a piece of paper or muslin, creating a pattern, and then moving on to the fabric. She loves the magic of giving voice to the wearer's inner vision, be it a client's, or her own. 



Ellen taught at Boston's School of Fashion Design for quite a few years. While there, she amassed a huge collection of notes which became the outline for her new book, Creating Couture Embellishments.  



Creating the book was a 7 year labor of love. Below is a small sample of the sleeves that were created to demonstrate each lesson she shares.  


There's an entire chapter devoted to creating exquisite flowers, as well as pleats, ruching, lace, grommets, and so much more. 


I was honored to have the opportunity to review the book. Needless to say, I loved it! It is a beautiful book with very detailed examples of each lesson. It is not a how to design book, but a guide to adding details that give a garment that special touch that so many of us love. She recommends the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing for those who are just beginning their sewing journey. In the video, I share my favorite book, The Vogue Sewing Book. I thought that a video would give you a better look inside rather than just taking a few pictures. 



In the video, I talk about how much I love cartridge pleating. You can find some fabulous inspiration HERE on this Monday Morning Inspiration post I did a while back. 

As I said, I loved the book, and I can't wait to start trying out a few of the projects. And what great timing!, the holidays are just around the corner. It would make a wonderful gift for any sewist on your list, and that might include you as well!!!

You can find the book at various sites;
Target
Barnes and Noble
Amazon


At the very least, check out Ellen's blog. I think you'll enjoy getting to know her :) And a little secret...she will be coming to Chicago the first of March to speak at the Haute Couture meeting!!! If you are anywhere near Chicago, by all means, come!!! We would love to have you :) 



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8 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about your dog. Having a sick doggie would get me down too. Yes, I think you are right. Sometimes you have to follow your gut. I have done likewise with my dog at times and am glad I did. That book is beautiful and in fact, I did get it as a gift for someone.

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    1. Thanks Tomasa. I will be so very happy when this is all over.
      Now I’m wondering, was the book a gift to you, or did you purchase it as a gift for someone else. Either way, someone is really lucky 😊

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  2. No one knows Gracie better than you. I would have done the same thing. Always hated when they were to wear cones. Sometimes it just was not necessary! Thanks for the info on the book! May have to add it to the sewing room bookcase!

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    1. We were all miserable, but especially Gracie. Just broke my heart.
      If you do get the book, it’s one that won’t sit on the shelf collecting dust! It really is such a lovely and useful book.

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  3. Hi Rhonda, sorry to hear about your dog and you are right, sometimes you just need to follow your instinct. About the book, your video was lovely and a video is nicer than only pictures. I have the book ( pre order it at the time), I was surpised how heavy it is hahah, but really it is a gem , such an inspiration so many ideas and such beautiful details.

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    1. Thanks Camelia. I too was surprised with how big and heavy the book is!!

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  4. I hope things are improving with your dog! I often wish mine could talk so I'd know what's working and what isn't. The finer points of dogspeak elude me.

    Thank you for the book review. I've looked at this book before, but I couldn't judge the quality of the content. Now, it's on my wish list!

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  5. Thanks Brenda 😊
    The book is so lovely. I think you’ll enjoy it!

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