Gertie In Print

Readers, I have two articles out right now that I'm really excited about!

First, an article on Alfred Shaheen in the summer 2012 Stitch Magazine (of which I'm now a contributing editor--never thought I'd see my name on a masthead!).

This article was a dream come true to work on. Shaheen's work was the inspiration for my bombshell course, and he's one of my favorite designers of all time. To write a profile on him, I ended up getting in touch with his daughter and having several enlightening phone conversations about her father's work, their family history, and the surprising way Alfred was influenced by his mother's work as a seamstress. I also learned one of the sewing secrets behind the icornic "Shaheen Sheath" (see below)--clever elastic stays in the bodice! You can find this issue of Stitch in bookstores or you can order it online here.

You'll also find some of my design work in SewStylish magazine!

I was asked, along with fabulous sewing superstars Cal Patch and Christine Haynes, to design our own take on a new Simplicity pattern, number 1920.

I used the blouse and skirt patterns to come up with a glam 50s-inspired ensemble.

It has an illusion neckline (which you may remember me blogging about here and here!). I sewed crystals onto lace appliques to get the scattered floral effect on the shoulder.

Then there's a full skirt and a matching cummerbund belt. The tutorial for the belt is online here!

Here's the whole look in my (old) apartment before I sent it off to SewStylish.

I had envisioned lime green pumps, but they went with truly fabulous purple suede ones.

SewStylish is now in stores, or available online here. I hope you will read and enjoy!