Sewbussted's Material Witness, A Very Special Episode

I have enjoyed each and every person that I have had the opportunity to interview, but this one has deeply touched my heart. Rather than giving away the story, I will just ask that you watch. It is truly a story of how when you think you have hit rock bottom, there is still hope, and dreams can come true. 

  

Be sure to check out Motif Sneakers on Instagram.
If by chance you are in Chicago, and plan to attend the One of a Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart, December 6-9, 2018, go by booth 7117 and say to hello to Yohannes. I know he will love meeting you!  

Sewbussted's Material Witness/ Chicago School of Shoe Making and Leather Arts

This past summer, a friend of mine asked me if I would like to join her for a leather sneaker workshop. I'm not a huge sneaker wearing person, but this was rather special since the sneakers would be made out of leather, and then too, I've always wanted to make a pair of shoes. So, I said, "sure, count me in!" Well, I had the best time, and I absolutely love my sneakers. I've had quite a bit of experience with making leather garments, but never a pair of shoes. 

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Sara McIntosh, the owner of The Chicago School of Shoe Making and Leather Arts. She is absolutely lovely, and such an inspiration. I think you are going to truly enjoy this episode of Sewbussted's Material Witness.



Below are a few of the items that we showcased in the video. 

The boots are just amazing. 

There are so many classes that are offered at the school, everything from bags, to shoes, to clothing items. The school is truly a place to dream and then create. And too, I think Sara's story is an inspiration for anyone who would like to realize a creative dream.  

You can find the school HERE.

On Instagram HERE.

To my delight, and surprise, I had the opportunity to do another interview and video while I was visiting the school. That video will air next Tuesday. It is such a moving and inspirational story. It actually brought me to tears. So, be sure to tune in next week for this very special episode of Sewbussted's Material Witness. I think it will touch you as much as it did me. 

Sewbussted's Material Witness/Helen Haughey, Couture Dressmaker

In today's world of fast fashion, it's refreshing to know that there are those who still seek out garments of the finest details.

Helen Haughey, like many of us, began sewing as a child. She especially loved hand sewing and using the finest of fabrics. That early appreciation stayed with her and ultimately brought her to build her own couture dressmaking business.

Her garments are breathtaking, with lovely details and exquisite fabrics.

Each and every garment embodies elegance and refinement.

She also enjoys playing with the patterns and weaves of fabrics to create eye catching details.

Helen was recently in Chicago and I had the opportunity to sit down with her. In the video you will hear where her career began and how it ultimately evolved into her passion. I so enjoyed our conversation, and I think you will find it inspiring. 



You can find Helen's website HERE.
You can also find her on Instagram. 
And if you are looking for fine needles, pins and other couture embellishments, you can find all of these in her Etsy store. 

Sewbussted's Material Witness Is Back!

I am so happy! 

Last Friday, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with master sewist, Tchad Elliot(in the video, you'll learn how to pronounce his name). What an extraordinary talent he is! He has a fabulous studio where he offers classes, right in the heart of Chicago. In the video, you can hear a little about his passion. 

Just to inspire, here are a few of his students.

This young woman made both her shirt and skirt with Tchad. Talk about a perfect fit!

I have had the pleasure of meeting Ankit. He has a passion for design. This is his second project EVER!!! A tailored jacket that includes welt pockets.



A gown in progress. 

In this picture you see Tchad with the bride who created her wedding gown, which we talk about in the video. 

And with her husband. Dreamy beautiful :) In the video Tchad talks about the process and journey she went through to create this gown.

    
Tambour beading is one of the many classes that Tchad offers at his studio.

I hope that you enjoy meeting Tchad as much as I enjoyed getting to know him. And I hope too that he will inspire you to reach for your dreams :)



For more information, or to schedule a class or workshop, you can find Tchad here;

Blog: 

http://blog.classes.tchad.biz 

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/sewingclassestchad/

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/sewing_classes_at_tchad/

Website: 

www.tchad.biz/classes.html

Email: 

classes@tchad.biz

Sewbussted's Material Witness/The Roman Skirt

Happy Friday!!!

I think you are going to especially enjoy the new Sewbussted video :) It features a fellow Haute Couture Club of Chicago member, Mary Kay Blaschke. Such a lovely, creative, and innovative lady. She designed a special outfit for our fashion show that was held last May, and when she walked out on to the runway, the audience absolutely went crazy. So I thought, why shouldn't you have the opportunity to see what she did and learn how to do it? 

Enjoy!



I thought that the play on stripes made for a fun and whimsical outfit. As we showed in the video, it's actually 3 pieces, a unitard, the skirt and a ruff at the neckline. The 3 pieces makes it especially versatile. The skirt can be worn on its own, the unitard paired with a short pencil skirt. Lots of possibilities and lots of fun:)
Mary Kay had the idea, but wasn't initially quite sure of how to execute her design. So she played around quite a bit, never gave up, and ultimately achieved her goal. The skirt is basically a 6-gore skirt with just a bit of a twist. Take note of how full it is at the hem.  

I see now that I didn't get the drawstrings quite right for this picture, but I think you get the idea. Take note of the little striped unitard legs peeking out from below. So, so cute!

And I just had to tell you a cute story about the little ruff. In the video she talks about how she used toilet paper to create the ruff. After we had finished, she said that she probably shouldn't have shared that on the video. I told her that I loved it because it shows how you can take everyday household items and use them in the design process.   

I thought I would just let you enjoy the video first and then do a separate post with the instructions on how to create this super fun skirt. Look for that in an upcoming post. So...stay tuned ;)

Hope you enjoyed the video.
Remember to follow me on YouTube to stay up to date on new videos. You can find my channel HERE.

Sewbussted's Closet

A surprise came to my inbox just recently... 
The message read;

I hope you don't mind but I named my puppy Little Bit. She is a 6 week old German Shepherd wolf dog and only weighs 4 pounds. The rest of the litter is twice to three times her size. Being tiny does not slow her down at all. When I first saw her, the name just slipped out...and stuck.

My message in return was that I and my Little Bit are both honored :)
My Little Bit  was not named by me. My friend who found her in the middle of the night, frightened and curled up against her garage door, gave her the name. When she first saw her she said, "Oh, she's just a little bit." And so the name came to be. My friend had told me to name her whatever I wanted, but it was so perfect, a little bit of a dog with a huge heart, and the mind of a giant. I'm so happy that another pup has been given the name.

I have a new video up today. I thought I would talk a bit about my closet and my wardrobe. A few month's back, I came across a TedTalk video that I found especially interesting. I talk about it in the video and I have also embedded it below. Not only was it interesting, I found it to be quite inspiring. As you see, the talk is entitled The Ten Item Wardrobe. I'm not advocating a ten item wardrobe, but sharing how it has inspired me, and I've also shared a couple of my garments that I love to wear, vintage and handmade.
   




You can find Jennifer's blog, The Daily Connoisseur, HERE. I think you will find her to be as inspiring as I have.

As I said in my video, I've read all 3 of her books. Of course all authors like to sell their books, but I think that checking books out from the library is a wonderful way to help keep our lives a little less cluttered, and less stressful. You can find descriptions about all 3 books on Jennifer's blog. Just check out the right sidebar.   

If you would like to see more of my closet, just let me know. I always enjoy sharing :) 
And something fun...
The airplane is back up, WOOHOO!!! Next week I will be flying to northern Michigan to do a brand new Sewbussted Material Witness interview. I can't wait. I'll be flying into an airport near the shore of Lake Huron. I'll take as many pictures as I can as I know it's going to be beautiful!

Have a wonderful day and I hope you too will be inspired to do a little cleaning ;)  

Publishing

Happy Friday!
I am so very happy to finally be back with an all new episode of Sewbussted's Material Witness!!!

There may be a few of you who have thought, "I have a great idea that I think should be published," and yet, you aren't sure just how to take the first step. And then there may be others that would just like to know what goes into the process.

I recently had the opportunity to meet published author Laura Farson. She is the author of 5 books, 3 on quilting, 

And 2 fabulous knitting books.

I had a wonderful time talking with Laura. She's very inspirational, and I think that if you've thought that this is something you can't do, Laura will prove otherwise!



Although Laura's quilting books are out of print, you can find them all HERE at AbeBooks. It's a wonderful website that I found where the prices are great, and the shipping is free!!! You can also find her knitting books there, but keep in mind that they are used. Of course you can purchase a brand new book HERE at Amazon. 

The book that Laura mentions reading before she began her publishing journey is How To Write a Non-Fiction Book Proposal. I suggest looking into your public library for this book. 

Laura talks about writing articles for magazines as a way to get your feet wet before jumping in to an entire book. You may remember that Ellen March, editor of Sew News invited anyone who would like to submit articles. You can find that video HERE.  
One thing that Laura wanted me to pass along to you is that if you do have an idea for a book, the entire book does not need to have been written when you submit your proposal, so keep that in mind :) 

I hope this has been helpful to some and enjoyable to others. I know I had a great time!

Be sure to stop back by next week as I have a fabulous surprise for our next episode of Sewbussted's Material Witness!!! 

Sewbussted's Material Witness and The Mahogany Stylist

Once I decided to go after my dream of doing video interviews, I quickly realized that there is a wealth of amazing talent right here in Chicago. 

If you don't know The Mahogany Stylist, and even if you do, I think you will enjoy getting to know her beyond the pictures. She's a wonderfully talented woman who loves to share her passion of sewing.

Her style ranges from classic and refined, 

 

To hip and fun!

My goal in doing the video was to give you a dual format, you actually get to experience the essence of who the person is by seeing them speak, but you may also just listen. After I did the interview, I played it back while I was driving home. Don't worry, I didn't watch!!!, I just listened. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed just listening. So, if you have time to watch, great, but if not, just put it on while you are sewing and enjoy the conversation.  

Cennetta has been blogging for quite some time so I thought you would enjoy hearing about her journey, and if you are contemplating a new blog, I also thought her story would be quite inspiring. Enjoy!



Be sure to check out Cennetta's blog, The Mahogany Stylist. I know you'll be inspired by all she does.

A little side note about our flight, it didn't happen. As I was checking the engine prior to take-off, I heard something that concerned me, and I saw that there was a slight negative charge on the amp meter. Since I've experienced an electrical failure in the past, I know the signs and I opted to cancel the flight. Disappointing, but as I told Cennetta, we live to see another day :)

Monday Morning Inspiration

It's Monday, and it's also the first day of the month. May 1st is my personal kickoff to spring, so this is a very happy day for me. We had SO much rain over the weekend. My garden is quite happy, weeds and flowers alike ;) The blooms have finished on my cherry tree, but the apple tree is bursting with blooms. The squirrels typically eat all of my apples, but who knows, maybe there will be enough this year for me too. I'm not counting on it. Those little buggers snatch the apples off the tree, take a bite or two and then leave the rest. I don't mind sharing, but at least eat what you take!!! 

Last Saturday I added a new interview to the Sewbussted Material Witness lineup. What a fun interview it was to do. In case you missed it, I've added it below,



I had not met Pamela Vanderlinde prior to our interview, but what a great time we had together. So for a little Monday Morning Inspiration, I thought I would showcase some of her custom work. 

The 2 pieces below are by far my favorite. 

If you watched, or listened to the interview, you heard her say that her passion is coats and jackets. Look closely and you'll see the asymmetrical collar on this jacket. 

 The velvet roses on this coat are just exquisite.

Pamela enjoys taking a basic design and doing something a little unexpected.

This coat is a piece that she did for a class that she taught on pattern insertion. Really amazing!

Her new book on designing coats and jackets just came out in January, so it's quite new. A fabulous book, and one that I think everyone who enjoys making coats and or jackets should have in their library. You can find it HERE on Amazon. 

I thought I would share this picture from her blog, a picture taken in Manchu Picchu. In the interview we talk about her philanthropic work with the Andean women. On the Amawaki website, you can find info on how you can actually go and learn the weaving technique. While you are there, you will stay with a family and experience their life first hand. I SO want to do this!  

Now here's an opportunity!!!

If by chance you are going to be in Chicago on Saturday June 3, 2017, Pamela will be speaking to the Haute Couture Club of Chicago at our annual June Banquet. You can find all of the information in our newsletter HERE. 

I hope that the month of May will bring loads of happiness and opportunity into your life! 
Rhonda

Pattern Making For Jacket and Coat Design

Earlier this past week, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and interview Pamela Vanderlinde. Not only is she an accomplished designer, she teaches at both the Illinois Institute of Art and the School of the Art Institute. 

She recently published a book on jacket and coat design. This is a book for the modern designer who would love to have the knowledge to create beautiful jackets and coats. Hear all about it in the interview below. 



Now that you've seen the video, you know that Pamela is not only making a difference in the fashion world, but reaching out and working with the Andean women of Peru. You can find their website HERE. 

Pamela's book, Pattern Making For Jacket and Coat Design is a must for anyone interested in developing and designing coats and jackets. You can find it HERE on Amazon. 

If by chance you can make it to Chicago the first Saturday of June, Pamela will be speaking to the Haute Couture Club at our June Banquet. Once the registration form is up on the website, I'll let you know. This is an opportunity that you will not want to miss!

Pamela hopes to get her blog updated soon. Be sure to pop over as there is more on her blog that we did not cover in the interview. You can find her blog HERE. You'll see that Pamela is truly a very deep well of inspiration. 

Sewbussted's Material Witness/Fishman's Fabrics, Chicago's Premier Fabric Store

Today is National Drink Tea Day! How perfect, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy a brand new episode of Sewbussted Material Witness! If you prefer coffee, that's okay too ;)

I found this interview to be especially interesting and inspiring. So many of us watch as fabric store after fabric store closes, and of course we fear the worse...where will we be able to find fabric? Many have turned to the internet, but it's just not the same as being able to go into a store and become intoxicated by everything we see. 

Fishman's has been a resource for couture fabrics for over 100 years. Here you will find 80 shades of Bemberg lining, always at $10.00 per yard. 

They also carry 38 shades of silk charmuese, a must lining in any couture garment.

A little over one half of the store is devoted to clothing fabrics,

With an entire wall of woolens for bespoke men's wear. 

In the video, you'll learn that they even offer more, a free swatch service, unique fabrics from Italian manufacturers, and re-orderable fabrics. 



As you enter the store, there is a wall devoted to the history of Fishman's, featuring the impact that the store has had on Chicago as well as the life of so many who have entered through the front door.

And finally, a tribute to Gregg's father, Jerry Fishman, a wonderful man who made everyone who entered the store feel as though they were the most important person in the world. In the video you'll learn why he is pictured in an airplane. 

I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Sewbussted Material Witness :)

Rhonda 

Sewbussted's Material Witness/Come Fly With Me!

A VERY HAPPY Sunday to all of you!

Well, I thought I would give something a try. I thought it would be fun for you to tag along with me and experience a takeoff and landing. So, with my I-phone taped above my compass, off I went. The problem is how the camera sees the propeller. At one point, it actually looks like the propeller stops and starts going in the opposite direction!!!!! Now, that would truly be an OMG moment!!! I am going to talk to a friend who does a lot of aerial photography and see if there is something that I can easily do so that the propeller doesn't look like a bent line running through the picture. 

It was a very windy day, so in the first portion of the video the wind is a factor. The video is far from perfect, but you might enjoy going on a little virtual ride with me. 

Enjoy :)

Help Me Make A Final Decision

Well, Chicago is expecting 5 to 10 inches of snow today!!! Just goes to show, Mother Nature has a sense of humor :). A weird sense of humor, and maybe more of a "gotcha!" For any of you reading this, by all means, don't take any unnecessary risks. If at all possible, stay in, make a lovely cup of tea, and just try to enjoy the beauty. BTW, one of my favorite teas is Adagio Teas Chai Town. It's a lovely blend of flavors that warms the soul.  

I would like to thank all of you who took the time to share your ideas on the new logo for the new video series, Sew Bussted's Material Witness. I really appreciated your insight and thoughts.

The logo that came in second is below,

While I like the design, the plane was just a little too prominent...for me. 

Most of you chose this design, but wanted to see a few tweaks.

The tweaks have been made. The two designs below are my final choices. While I love the first, I think I am leaning toward the second. I like the stitched line that references sewing, but ties in the plane. I also like the plane being below the main logo. I would like for Material Witness to be a darker red as it is in the first, and I would like the shading in the needle to be a little darker. 

1.

2.

So, once again, I would love your help. Vote for one of the two designs. And if you have any final suggestions, let me know. 

Thanks so much!

Rhonda

Sew News and A Winner!

A BIG, BIG thank you to everyone who watched...or listened :) to the last episode of Sewbussted's Material Witness with Ellen March, editor of Sew News. I hope that many of you will take advantage of submitting article ideas. Remember, they are looking for ideas for both Sew News as well as Creative Machine Embroidery. You can find the info about submission HERE. 

Ellen very generously offered a FREE subscription to Sew News, so without further adieu...

The winner is;

Congratulations Carolyn F.!!!

Please email me at sewbussted@yahoo.com with your mailing info so I can pass it along to Ellen. 

The new April/May issue of Sew News is out and in it you'll find LOTS of great info.

There's a new Master Class series. This month, the featured article is all about set-in sleeves.  

For anyone who is a little timid about sewing with knits, you'll find a very informative article that should build your confidence.

Detailed instructions will help you draft this fun bag.

Having your own custom labels makes for a fun addition to any garment. Included in the article is a discount code for 15% off from Dutch Label Shop, so your subscription begins to pay for itself! 

If you enjoy sew alongs, beginning March 14th, you'll be able to join Kimberly Payne of Straight Stitch Designs as she walks you through her Ravenna Top. It will all be on the Sew News blog.

You may remember The Clara Dress sew along that I did for Sew News. You can find links to the sew alongs I did HERE.

Today, March 10, 2017, and today only, you may purchase the pattern for 20% off! Just click HERE.

It's an easy dress to make and wear. I've made 3, and they are a summer staple in my wardrobe.

During the sew along, I showed you how to customize the pattern by adding a gathered ruffle to the collar, sleeves, and hem. I also showed you how to easily line the dress.

If you would like to purchase a subscription to Sew News, just click HERE!

Happy Sewing!

Rhonda

I Would Love Your Input

The new video series that I have been working on is going so well, and so many have sent messages letting me know that you really enjoy them. It's a dream that I have had for some time, so I am very happy that you are enjoying the interviews. 

As I shared in my original video, rather than wait until everything was perfect(including me!), I decided to just get started. From the beginning, I knew that I would like to have an opening page/logo for the series. Below is the logo that you see on my Facebook page and on my YouTube page.  

I wanted the new logo to tie in with the original, but include the fact that an airplane would be involved. So here's where you can help me. Below are 7 to choose from. Let me know which one you like the best and why. If you like a logo, but feel that something should be changed, or an enhancement made, please let me know that as well.  

1.

2.

 3.

 4.

 5.

6.

7.

Thanks so much for your help!!!

Rhonda