A Betty Dress For Every Occasion
Vintage dresses, with their timeless design and classic charm, are always on my radar for potential projects. In recent years, there have been numerous independent sewing pattern companies that have sprouted forth with vintage-inspired designs. One of the earliest pioneers of this specialized category is Sew Over It Patterns, based in the UK.While I have…
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The King and I: Night to Shine 2025
The evening of February 9, 2024 was one I couldn’t forget. My first experience at Night to Shine made an impact so great that I almost liken the feeling to that of my first opera outing. Before the DJ’s equipment could be packed away and the thousands of twinkling lights unstrung, my attentions turned to…
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All I Want For Christmas is a Red Santa Dress
Ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having a “Santa” dress. The rich red velvet and white fur trim around the neck, cuffs, and hem would give me festive feelings of delight. Watching the classic film, “White Christmas”, would heighten this desire every year. Despite my intentions, the hectic holiday season…
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At the Hop
Although it may seem unfathomable, in all my years of costuming I have never dressed in the fashion of the poodle skirt from the 1950’s. The iconic getup has never been one of my Halloween costumes, nor worn as an outfit to an opera. Frankly, no opportunities had ever presented themselves !Last year when my…
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From Publix to Prom: Night to Shine 2024
Sometimes, the best things in life come when you least expect them. My life took a drastic detour in late 2022 when I made the decision to apply for a part-time job at Publix, a premier supermarket chain in the southeastern United States. I was scared to death. Having never worked outside the home, I…
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Mexican Folkwear Embroidery
Handmade garments are revered for their artisanal craftsmanship, intricacy, and devotion of time. While I’ve always admired the work of embroiderers and weavers, I never thought of myself as someone who could accomplish the same level of quality as these masters. However, that didn’t stop me from trying ! In one of the monthly newsletter…
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Glamour Girl
Folkwear Patterns is undisputedly my favorite pattern company. Their designs are well drafted, have just the right amount of ease, and I rarely have to make adjustments to my standard Medium size. Not only are the technical details solid, but the variety of vintage and folk styles make for a cultural experience. My latest foray…
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Pearls and a “Perfect Fit” Blouse
I love pearls the way a bear loves honey. They’re classic, a Southern staple, and compliment almost any outfit. When I came across a particular swatch of stretch poplin shirting, replete with strings of pearls across a pale sky blue background, I knew I had to have some. My intention with the pearl poplin was…
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Pretty in Pink For “Barbie”
Typically, I don’t dress up for movies. However, after accepting the invitation to go see the newest “Barbie” movie with a friend, I found myself creatively stimulated by an inundating wave of online images, ranging from 1950’s style dresses to more ostentatious disco getups in the prettiest shades of pink, my favorite color. Awash with…
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My Costumes Were Featured in the P.E.O. Record
You read that right: my largest sewing project to date was recently featured in P.E.O.’s magazine, The Record ! Take a look at the published article below… In a “behind the scenes” peek, I thought it would be interesting to share some parts of the process of how this gigantic endeavour came to life. How…
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Remembering Mina
Genealogy is a pastime that many people pursue with a gambler’s passion. Addictive, the sport can lead posterity into an endless funnel of personal discoveries and historical finds. But I’ve never been one those people… until recently. When my grandmother died in 2020, the castoffs of old family photos found their way inadvertently into my…
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Fringed Friends in Pamela’s Patterns
Scrolling through my daily e-mail from Fabric Mart Fabrics, I spotted something that grabbed my attention in addition to the day’s latest sales. A new class offering had been posted for Fringy Bias Skirts with Pamela Leggett using her favorite bias skirt pattern. So chic, so bohemian, so… unique ! I knew I had to…
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“The Sound of Music” Easter Dress
From the time I was a little girl, I have always loved “The Sound of Music.” Remembering my original encounter with the classic film in the first grade classroom conjures up the rapt attention I experienced as a wide-eyed seven-year-old. Understandably, there was a lot to adore─ the infectious sing-a-long tunes, the thrilling ending, those…
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The Gingham Girls
Cheery and checked, gingham is a timeless fabric that offers many delights. From summer picnic tablecloths to baby rompers, it has an enduring appeal. During the summer that my new niece, Ruby, was to be born, an idea of stitching matching dresses for Hope, Grace, and Ruby all in classic red gingham check came to…
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My Halloween Costumes From Years Past
Long before I ever started dressing up in costume for the operas, I spent much of my Septembers and Octobers surreptitiously slaving away in my small bedroom on my Halloween costume for the year. Unsurprisingly, Halloween is my favorite holiday ─ not because of witches and ghouls and black and orange décor, but simply because…
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Mathilde Wrap Dress: Two Ways
Made famous by Diane von Fürstenberg in the 1970’s, the wrap dress has always been a favorite of mine for its balance of polished professionalism and flattering femininity. Whether for a meeting or a casual luncheon with friends, the possibilities for wearing the classic silhouette are almost endless. Many patterns exist on the web. However,…
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Acoustic Eidolon
I was touched ─ I really was ─ when I was invited with a handful of others to a private concert being given at the clubhouse of a quaint little neighborhood community nearby. While different from my usual opera outings, I figured it would be a welcome change to expand my musical horizons. And for…
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Costume Closet Couture 