Refining.

Noticing nuance and details improves my making and my choosing. Connecting who I am with what I make, where I do and what I do enriches my memory, my connection, my story, creating an ocean of detail.

Making clothes, travel itineraries and food.

Here, I write about that.

Reflections on The Lost Art of Dress, by Linda Przybyszewski
Style, Thought Frances Lawrence Style, Thought Frances Lawrence

Reflections on The Lost Art of Dress, by Linda Przybyszewski

A book about The Dress Doctors, a troop of women operating during the early-to-mid 20th century who advised American women on style and clothing throughout the Great Depression, World Wars and social upheaval. Teachers, writers, designers, and retailers, they were dismissed as backward in the late 60s but much of their theories and teachings still ring true for anyone looking to dress, budget and express themselves authentically, and with grace and personality.

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Princess seamed dress with short puff-sleeves and collar
Dressmaking, Summer, Style, Sewing with vintage patterns, Spring Frances Lawrence Dressmaking, Summer, Style, Sewing with vintage patterns, Spring Frances Lawrence

Princess seamed dress with short puff-sleeves and collar

First time sewing princess seams, first time sewing with proper shirting fabric. Starting from a 1980’s Style pattern, how long I took, adjustments made and lessons learn from my sky blue button-up midi dress with contrasting white collar and pearl buttons.

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Spring coat in moss Green cotton linen twill from 1960’s pattern
Dressmaking, Spring, Style, Sewing with vintage patterns Frances Lawrence Dressmaking, Spring, Style, Sewing with vintage patterns Frances Lawrence

Spring coat in moss Green cotton linen twill from 1960’s pattern

Inspired by the absense of outerwear for spring that actually offers warmth but isn’t made from wool, my journal on making my first fully lined spring coat, working from a 1960’s Simplicity pattern, complete with back vent and gorgeous topstitching throughout, made up in moss green and blush pink twill, cotton flannel interlining for warmth, and rayon-acetete lining.

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