Mary Ray Visits CWC!

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.

Gorgeous purse in supple quilted leather

Interior of quilted purse

Leather tote 

Unlined interior of tote

Possible pattern for a leather skirt

Skins versus pelts 

Tape for securing leather seams

Taped seams

Mary demonstrates sewing with leather.

Leather vest

January meeting Show and Tell

Sewing friends are the best: Pam, Shirley, Barbara

Our January meeting was wonderful - see pictures of our very special program here.

And, as usual, we were also treated to many inspired and inspiring creations from the members:

Barbara's lovely big collar sweater

Carole's great-for-dancing wool ensemble

Cathy is even more gorgeous in this red wool jacket

Ginny's hand-stitched wool robe means each day starts with grace.

Jane's silk taffeta circle skirt went to several parties

And Jeanine rocks her Coco jacket while showing us her gorgeous lace dress.

June is achieving perfect fit in black jeans

Karen is wearing her pretty Liberty shirt in soft knit.

Daché' is wearing a smart jacket and showed a cozy cheerful robe.

Martha shows Marcy Tilton's latest jacket pattern, sleeveless in fleece

Martina models an elegant single layer coat with perfect fringe.

Nancy makes the most detailed perfect jewelry in tatting.

Sandie's mother-of-the-groom jacket made her the 2nd most gorgeous lady at the wedding.

Sue shows her pretty knit version of the newest Marcy Tilton jacket.

Gift from Ruta and Jenny

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.

2013 Holiday Party

Many thanks to Jane for hosting again this year! What a wonderful gathering of creative women.

Couture Cookies

Couture Ladies

More Couture Ladies
Yes, they made those lovely jackets!

Katherine Tilton's Butterick jacket, Sewing Workshop Vest, Mani's Blouse

Love these pieces, Ladies!

Many, many thanks to Ginny for four wonderful years of CWC leadership!

Seasonal Color in Lovely Garments

Chic Jackets, Ladies!

So glad to be together!

Oh, yeah, she made it. Gorgeous lace work!

Great conversation

And, always, terrific ideas!

Pretty, too.

Wishing all a happy new year!