Monthly programs for garment sewers aspiring to sew at the couture level. See us also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CityWideCoutureAtlanta/
Mary Ray paid us a surprise visit in February, just ahead of her trunk show. Her topic was sewing with leather. The presentation was chocked full of inspiration and information.
Mary models a gorgeous belt she fashioned from leather.
What a delightful first of the year program we had at City-Wide Couture!
Ruta's granddaughter Alexandra model's the dress Ruta made for Alexandra's mother (Ruta's daughter)
Jenny interviewed Ruta with powerpoint slides containing special photos from Ruta's sewing journey, starting at age 14, samples of some of her extraordinary garments, and stories of some of her sewing adventures.
Ruta has demonstrated excellence in many forms of clothing construction, from theater wear to couture gowns. We got just a taste of her vision, skill, and enthusiasm for garment creation.
Iconic Beene jacket OOP Vogue
Jenny interviewing
Ruta answering questions
Sassoon gown
Sketches prepared for costume design
Ruta told us that she learned something from everything she made and something from every mistake. The original art you see here provided us with a glimpse into the organizational skills and artistic vision required to make costumes for live productions. Ruta interviewed the actors, researched the story and setting, and created garments that made the stories come alive. We also saw pictures of her half-scale creation as part of the Vionnet Identique exhibit for the 2009 Association of Sewing and Design Professionals conference. And we were able to touch the very tricky fabric used in its construction. These garments will be on display at a museum in LA later this year. We saw the gorgeous wedding gown she designed and made for her daughter 25 years ago. Her granddaughter was the lovely model for it today.
Ruta's advice to us:
Keep sewing.
Make muslins.
Mentally deconstruct interesting garments when you see them.
Jane made a thorough and delightful presentation on the creation of beautiful welt pockets. The same techniques apply to bound button holes. This process was taught to her by her mentor and teacher Nina Gleyzer.
Step One: Very precise thread-marking of 5 parallel lines on interfaced garment section
Step 1
Step Two: Baste lips in place on WS of garment, using the upper two and lower two thread-marked lines. Machine stitch in place.
Step 2
Step Three: use middle horziontal line of thread marking to cut pocket opening on fashion fabric, stopping 1.5 cm from each end to create a tiny triangle. Turn lips to RS but do NOT press yet.
Step Four: Baste lips together by hand on the RS of finished lips:
Step 4
Step Five: Press.
Step Six: Create pocket part. Attach pocket. Stitch down each triangle using a slightly arched stitching line.
Note that many details are omitted from this description. The purpose is to give a pretty good idea of the precision needed for this approach which, if followed, will produce absolutely beautiful welt pockets. Much practice is required. The original 5 parallel lines must be absolutely precisely sewn. I believe this to be true. Jane told me so.
Lorraine recommends that you buy patterns, but mostly for the details. For perfect fit, don't go back to the drawing board for each and every pattern. Rather, use these TNT patterns and add the new details.
In addition, Lorraine provided an excellent hand-out with numerous resources.
Last, but definitely not least, she demonstrated the concepts with her own beautifully sewn garments.
Many thanks to Lorraine!
And, as always, we had a great show n tell session.
Ruta told us that she learned something from everything she made and something from every mistake.
