Sewing Technique: Underlining

Great video on underlining.
I love doing underlinings when my client can afford them.
They make a more quality garment.
Quality is more important than quantity. 

http://vimeo.com/113868571

December Sewing Classes & Service Hours

Hi Beautifull!
I have finally sat still long enough to make the December Class Schedule.
Next session starts December 7.
I also offer private lessons. Those never stop!
Private lessons can be schedule by clicking the "schedule appointment" tab and selecting "private sewing lessons" as your service.

Service Hours

Clients are seen at the HBB Design Lab 2910 E. Market St
Wednesday - Saturday from 9:00am-7:00pm By Appointment.
Walk ins are welcomed on most Fridays & Saturdays from 11:00am-4:00pm.
All appointments must be scheduled online. Walk ins will be seen between scheduled clients.

Select Retail Items can be purchased:

1.     The Honey Bun Boutique Online
2. Design Archives Emporium located at 342 S. Elm St, Downtown Greensboro, Open 7 Days a week
3. The Honey Bun Boutique Design Lab 2910 E. Market St, By Appt

I have big news coming! Stay tuned.....

~Rosalyn

1808 Greensboro

I had the pleasure of modeling for  1808 Greensboro Magazine. This was the holiday issue. I am no model. I normally prefer to stay behind the scenes, but this was fun and I am honored to be included. I did design and make my sequin skirt and top.
Here are a few pics. Review the slideshow on the link below.

http://www.news-record.com/1808greensboro/holiday-style-the-real-women-of-greensboro/article_818f7dd6-740e-11e4-ab89-d758a66b3d12.html

I also made this jacket, but it was a bit too much sparkle for me. I do love it though. I can see it with a pair of jeans. oooooo or a black catsuit!

Pattern Review McCalls 6559

I love a great maxi dress. I wear them year round. I can wear this on now with a jean jacket, cardigan or leather jacket.

Pattern Description: 

MISSES'UNLINED JACKETS AND DRESSES: Close-fitting, unlined jacket in 2 lengths has front extending into single-layer tie ends(wrong side shows). Very close-fitting, pullover dresses. E and F: front seam detail, bias upper/middle fronts, and lower front/back (cut on crosswise grain of fabric. All have narrow hems.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22, view E

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was quick and simple. I love maxi dresses

Fabric Used: Jersey Knit from Hancocks

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made the bottom flare out a little more. I used bias tape that I made for the neckline and armholes instead of doing a narrow hem as the pattern suggested.

Would you sew it again? Absolutely!

 Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I sewed it on my serger, but can easily be sewn on a regular sewing machine with a zigzag or stretch stitch. 

Conclusion: This was a super easy and cute maxi dress pattern that is big girl friendly. This would be easy to grade up for larger sizes.

Pattern Review Butterick 5463

Pattern Description:

MISSES' TOP, TUNIC AND SASH: Very loose-fitting, pullover tops A, B, tunics C, D have bateau neckline and stitched hems. A: armhole flounce. B: contrast appliques and ends of sash. C, D: side slits. D: contrast above wrist length sleeves. A, C, D: purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, with the changes that I made.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't really use the instructions, but I did read them for the review. Yes, They were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern was super simple to sew and a classic style to wear. Just a few pieces to sew.

Fabric Used: I used fabrics from my stash. They were all silky prints from Joanns.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut view C. I shortened the length of the top to view B. I wanted it long enough to cover my stomach, but not too long. I widened the neckline. I needed more room to breathe. I also made bias tape for the neckline instead of using the facings.

Would you sew it again? Yes! This was so quick and easy to make. I will definitely sew it again. This is a versatile style top that I will be a staple in my wardrobe.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I do recommend this pattern to others, especially my beginner sewing students.

Conclusion: This pattern has so many possibilities. With a beautiful fabric, you can sew up a great top in about an hour.

Plus Size Models

Interesting read on plus size models.

http://www.themilitantbaker.com/2014/11/why-hourglass-figure-is-only-version-of.html

How Professional Dress Forms Are Made

I stumbled upon this great video on how some dress forms are made.  

These are the really good dress forms, not the flimsy ones that we can buy at the local craft store. 

For nosy or inquisitive people like myself, this video should be nice to watch. 

I love learning and watching the process of how things are made. Enjoy!

How Its Made Dress Forms: 

New York City

Birthday Beauties

Mommy Dearest

Beauty Queen

African Obsession

"Fat Girl" Costumes, Really?

Walmart labels their plus size women's costumes as "Fat Girl Costumes".

https://www.yahoo.com/style/walmart-apologizes-for-labeling-plus-size-section-as-101108475113.html

Tailoring vs Dressmaking

Interesting blogpost/article on the difference between tailors, dressmakers and seamstresses.

http://thesewingspace.com/2012/01/03/tailoring-vs-dressmaking/

Short White Wedding Dress

Blushing Beauty

Crop top and maxi circle skirt

McCall's 6462

Rainbow Tiger Print Pencil Skirt

Mojo Dress

Bralettes

Sexy Black

Black bralette and high waisted pencil skirt 

Black and white high waisted control top panty 

New Hours

Service Walk in hours are now temporarily available on Fridays & Saturdays. 

The retail floor is open Tuesday - Saturday when the salon is open.

Schedule Appointments online by clicking the tab above.

~Rosalyn W.

Body Double

Most of the time when sewing for a client, I like to use a dress form.

 Dress forms usually come in limited sizes with perfect proportions.
The tummies are flat and smooth unlike real people. 

No matter what size client that I am sewing/designing for, I usually have to pad a dress form to match my client's measurements.

I own dress forms of just about every size available.
Dress forms come in different colors and price ranges.
You can even make custom dress forms out of duct tape. Those are great to see every lump, bump and curve. 

Most bodies are not equally proportionate or symmetrical.
It's very common to have one breast, foot, arm or thigh larger than the other. 

It is also common to one have one leg longer than the other. 

This doesn't mean that you are a freak. It means that you are normal.

Here is an example of a dress form that I padded to match a client's measurements. 

Even if you are sewing for yourself, having a dress form will be a huge asset.

 It's very difficult to pin and fit clothing on yourself.
Believe me, I have tried.  

I have the Fabulous Fit System. I also use a combination of batting, shoulder pads and scraps of fabric.

 I measure and pad until I get it right.
Then I put on a tight cover or tube top to smooth everything out and to hold all the pads in place while I work my magic.

This doesn't completely eliminate the need for client fittings, but it does, cut down on the number of fittings needed. No one wants to stand for hours and hours while I work. 

I do most of my creative work late at night/early morning.
 Most clients wouldn't want me to call them at 3:00am for a fitting.

 Having a dress form helps me and others that sew, to see how a garment hangs and determine if the design will work. 

Sewing Tip: I often have clients with a Bust/Waist/Hip measurement larger than 60 inches. I learned years ago to use a quilting tape measure to measure all clients. A standard measuring tape stops at 60 inches, but a quilting measuring tape stops at 120 inches. 
I have yet to meet a client that was larger than 120 inches, but I am always ready and open to whatever!


Until Next Time,
~Rosalyn W.