done, at least the prototype is

This is a vest that was developed to help treat folks with cancer. Specifically it will hold sensort that will remotely transmit info to doctors.  It will be explained to bunch of doctors in Boston next week.

Product development and sewing all at the same time!

This is something I am making from a sketch, and conversations all at once!  It is a medical vest that will shown at an event in Boston in about 2 weeks.  So far, so good.  But it is a chore to find out what works as I am making it instead of in advance.
It will have 3 layers, all with different functions. 

pocket extension

My client had pants with really short pockets. You can see how her phone barely fit it in. I think some companies make women's pockets small since they think if women want to carry stuff they should be a "lady" and use a purse. Please!
I added additional length to them so her phone would fit. It was a little tough since the pockets go in first during construction so it is hard to change them later.  But I did it!

Before

after

new inside of pocket

Dresses done

Not easy since I was quickly "re-creating" a dress made from a heavy knit in 3 different fabrics.  Looking forward to next batch where I can have more time and not have to make pattern as I go but these will work great for my client's Hawaii trip.

Almost, almost done

I will finish these tonight.  They turned out really well, even though I used a heavy knit as a start to make woven and very supple knit dresses. 

facing I made for woven

hems for the supple knit and woven.

this is an extension cut on the cross grain. I had to do it and it looks good!

Almost done

This was harder than expected because the first dress I am making is from a dress my client had and wanted to use the fabric from. The fabric is beautiful but very "unstable" so even though I cut the neck the same, the opening drooped about 6"! So I put a band around the front and back. It will hold the neck in place.
It is important to remember that different types of fabric need different fabrics. But I was able to make it work here since I am the one knocking it off. All I have left is hems, a slit and pockets.  Phew!

before sleeves

with sleeves

my design notes

Dress that is getting duplicated

My client loves this dress but she can't find it in the stores anymore. She is going to Hawaii in a few weeks and wants this dress in some fun batik look cotton she has.  This is where I come in. I am going to make a pattern and then make it out of a combo of these fabrics. This will be good for her because there is a lot she can do with this pattern. I am looking forward to combining her fabrics in fun way.

the fabrics I will be using

the dress I am using for inspiration

Before and after

2 dresses, 3 jeans and 3 slacks. Before as a pile on my machine and after sorted and folded on my ironing board.

dress done. blob dead

The blobs are dead.  They were alterations done be her friend.  Well intentioned but they turned into blobs. Her dress is super cute now!

blob 1 before

blob 1 after

blob 2 before

blob 2 after

beautiful dress 8" shorter and no blobs

Check out my new sign!

Now instead of address only, I have a sign .....!  As you know, my studio is in my basement where I work on my business (when I am not working at my full time Apparel job).  100% confirmation you are at the right place to get your job done.

Sip and Sew

Not sure why it was called that but long story short .... supposed to be 10 ladies who wanted to learn how to sew easy bags.  It turned out to be about 50! and many of them had kids.  It was wild.  They were all really nice and eager to learn.  Almost everybody thought the harder they pressed on the sewing machine pedal the better.  100% WRONG!  But everybody got it figured out and made bags. With only 2 teachers it was crazy at times but all in all - awesome.

Wedding in one month

This will be less stress and easier to do because the waist, shoulder and bust alterations she needs are not due until one month from now.  I can do rush things but the more time I get, the better.  Bonus points to this client!

blob of fabric will be going to hawaii as dresses

My client has an old dress she likes and is going to Hawaii in a few weeks. I am going to make this fabric into 3 dresses that will be the same style.  I will get her approval on the choices I make but it will be fun to do some creativity for her.

Don't let friends alter your dress

This is an alteration for a client who is very short. She needed this dress shortened and originally had a friend try to to it. Notice the lump on the side and this blob.

Here it is now. I am going to professionally finish the hem after she tries it on again tomorrow. And remove the lump.

jeans hemming - not a problem

Jeans are pretty basic to hem.  Better than "self hemming" with tape, staples or glue!

Before

during

after

So far this year

I was organizing yesterday after I finished making pants for a client. Here are the work orders so far this year. Each contains several outfits. And this does not include the clown clothes (remember that) and the medical vest I am currently working on for the UW. 

A moment to reflect - now back to sewing.

before and after

getting there . . .