portfolio
Since my first baby was born in 2016, I've been focusing on heirloom sewing for babies.
As I embark on 2024, I'm switching a lot of my focus towards making my own garments as I learn about the couture world of sewing.
my story
each photo is a gallery & titles are linked to videos as applicable
use the arrows to flip thru and click on the photo for an enlarged view of the details.
for better or worse, I've taken all these photos, usually while babywearing someone 😅
so please view things with a forgiving filter.
I'm one person without any professional training or adequate setup.
butttt, if I can make it work, then maybe that'll inspire other folks. small victories really do add up ♥️
shadow embroidery
inspired by an art challenge, this jacket has well over 200 hours of handwork and is layered with various fabrics to achieve a soft array of colors. it's supported by horsehair around the hemline and organdy throughout the layers.
my first time doing a project of this size and since I was still on my own with two little ones (Audrey a toddler and Henry about six months old), this project was either completed while watching the kiddos or in the middle of the night.
expanding on Audrey's version by adding more detail to the design and the theme evolved from daisy's sweet, spunky personality. there's about 135 hours of hand embroidery on this fun dress.
lace work
Since my first baby was born in 2016, I've been focusing on heirloom sewing for babies. As I embark on 2024, I'm switching a lot of my focus towards making my own garments as I learn about the couture world of sewing.
I found this gorgeous dress while scrolling through the pinterest, and next thing I knew, a gravitational pull had drawn me to attempt to create this, even if I was still living under baby Henry. We did our best to sew up this pretty lace number.
Some lace shaping including the traditional "wedding" collar for various events such as Easter as well as a few birthdays. Often I remove the fabric from behind the lace for an extra layer of sparkle. I think he's really sweet while sporting lace.
I learned to tat by reading through my late grandmother's supplies, and consequently, my hands don't follow the traditional motion, but alas, I've muscled my way through some projects through the years. It's a great option to work on out and about.
While I'm not naive enough to believe that anything is truly "original" in 2024,
I haven't seen a bishop created like this before. I'm sure it's been done, I just haven't come across it.
So what's different? There are no shoulder seams in either version, and the seamless
bishop has no seams/openings aside from one small placket. It's a labor of love and I'm obsessed!
no seams, no facing, just one small placket which can be placed on the shoulder or back of the garment. then the bishop has a full 360° circle skirt. this version must be pleated by hand, it's a bit of a labor of love.
no shoulder seams (and optional side seams), just one opening somewhere - a placket or a facing down the front or back of the garment.
this can be pleated with a smocking pleater.
honorary mentions
I have hundreds of garments at this point. Some only took a few hours while others have hundreds of hours
poured into them. Most of my garments have about 50 or so hours... not really sure, I'm too busy enjoying the creative process 😘
And while including all my garments seems excessive, here are some to
highlight... I hope they bring a smile to your face or some inspiration to your sewing space ♥️
the starting line
For me, it's never been about perfection. I strive for greatness, but really,
I'm grateful to be nurished by the creative process and take in the lessons along the way.
I'm a big fan of Maya Angelou's "when you know better, do better."
Everything I've ever made has a bit of my heart, is full of mistakes, and helps me grow.
While I'm humbled to have achieved some level of sewing (after many years of reps), here are my first few bishops.
my very first bishop
2nd bishop
3rd bishop
4th bishop
