This outfit all began after a short trip around the corner to my local crafting consignment shop, where I found the amazing fabric for the blouse featured in this post. The print (Asian Art Deco?) was irresistible and there was just enough of it to scrape out a blouse. Next up was a search for the perfect 1930's blouse pattern. That proved to be a little easier said than done, as I had trouble finding a blouse pattern that suited the fabric. I did settle on a gorgeous 1930's dress pattern with a fabulous neck bow, that could be converted into a blouse and skirt.
Read moreMy French Couture Jacket - It's Done!!!!!
Well, it's done and I have to say, I'm very pleased/relieved. This jacket was an enormous amount of work and so easy to become distracted away from because of it. It's been a serious commitment to get it finished this month before staring any new projects. AND, has definitely been a practice in patience for sure. I must have done at least 20 hours of hand work, last week alone, in the push to get it finished. My hands are a little broken, but they can rest for a little while while I do some decision making about future projects....
Read moreFrench Jacket Progress - Ces Maudites Poches (those damned pockets)!
One of the things that has been so daunting about completing my French Couture Jacket are all the buttonholes. There are 14 total - 4 on the front, 3 on each sleeve and one on each of the 4 pockets. Each buttonhole requires multiple steps. First you stitch a little rectangle (with your machine) using really tiny stitches, then you cut a slit and then proceed to hand finish this with lots of tiny blanket stitches around the entire hole. If this weren't enough....
Read moreMy Couture French Jacket - Progress Report no. 1
Progress has begun on the re-start of my Chanel-Style jacket. It's been in the works for several years now. I don't even remember when I started but I do remember buying fabric at the Mill Ends store in Portland, OR in November many years ago, and giving myself the fabric + trims for Christmas that year. Maybe my friend Angie remembers....???
Read moreThe Couture French (Chanel) Jacket - An Interview with Susan Khalje
I've been looking to finish my own "French (Chanel inspired) Jacket" this year so I turned to an expert for some inspiration and encouragement in doing so. Susan Khalje is THE expert and has been making, teaching how to make and writing about making these Iconic pieces for many years. She is also my own Couture instructor
Read moreHere at Last - The Art Deco Preservation Ball
Well, the day of the ball arrived and I was prepared! This year's theme was Death on The Nile (the Agatha Christie Murder Mystery) with a focus on Egyptian Revival of the Art Deco era.
Read moreThe Making of a Hat - How I achieved my 1920's Miss Fisher Look
Having acquired all the materials - wool hat (a la Old Navy), millinery wire, ribbon aplenty and a beautiful feather rose, I was ready to make my hat for the Girl's Inc. Hat's off to Women Who Dare event. Yay! I love decorating hats and making them very special.....
Read moreDraping in Fashion Fabric - Progress on My Preservation Ball Gown
This blog post is about how I drape my gowns in the fashion fabric. This is only just the beginning. It will take me working on the dress in my spare time over the course of the next few weeks to get a final dress.
Read moreDesigning my (Art Deco Preservation Ball) Gown
For me, it usually starts with Fabric. This time, I was lucky enough to be gifted two beautiful pieces of silk from my friend, assistant and fellow fabric-lover, Maria Chenut....
Read more1920's Straight Coat and the Art Deco Member Party
Looking Dapper at the Flora Bar
Every year the Art Deco Society of California celebrates it's members with a cocktail party in January. This year, the party was held at Flora in downtown Oakland. It was a lovely event in a wonderful Art Deco building, gloriously restored to it's original beauty. There was a grand crowd all dressed up in cocktail attire from the era. Some are serious vintage collectors and some, like me, enjoy making their own creations from vintage inspiration...
Read moreClarifying my Vision - What the heck am I going to sew?
The Vision Board class with Heidi last weekend was highly informative for me. I made two vision boards - 1 overall VISION for my life and 1 VISION BOARD for my business. Plus, I ended up making two "Mood Boards" for things I want....
Read more2015 Art Deco Preservation Ball
FUN TIMES AT THE ART DECO PRESERVATION BALL!
Read moreFinishing my 1920's Art Deco Dress for the preservation ball
The Gown is almost finished. just need to add a little sequined detail at the shoulder and Waist.
Finishing the 1920's ensemble
Read more1920's Lingerie
1920's Lingerie!
Read moreStarting my dress for the Art Deco Preservation Ball 2015
Starting the Drape of the Gown
Every year in May the Art Deco Society of California puts on an amazing Soiree in an authentic Art Deco Setting. This year the Preservation Ball was at the Scottish Rite Center in Downtown Oakland, right across the street from Lake Merit.
One of my favorite things to do when creating something like this, is to use materials i have on hand. Luckily, I had some lovely silk hanging around. I did NOT however, have large pieces of anything in particular.
This incredible gold color peacock pattern silk jacquard was the only fancy fabric I had enough yardage to start with. It also coordinates very well with my gold art deco t-strap shoes, so it was an obvious pick. A friend had given me an amazing piece of green and gold lace. There was only about a yard of it, but combined with the gold peacock silk and a lighter green washed silk, the assortment of fabrics really worked.
Here are some photos of my dress in progress.
