Sometimes readers email me comments about what they’ve made from my book, but Meara took it a step further, emailing me pictures of all the glorious items she’s made! Many have custom details like rick rack trim, a casing waist with bow tie, gathered and banded hems, and trims. She did such an amazing job on all of them!

When I got the email, I really wanted to know more about her. So I asked her some questions, and here’s what she told me… She’s a 54 year old mother of 3 and Singer store manager from Calgary, Alberta, Canada and she came across my book at a local bookstore. She is self-taught, and has been sewing her own clothes since about the age of 13. She said that she loves restyling and altering vintage finds to create fresh takes on ageless classics and that this is what drew her to my book when she first picked it up — photo after photo of modern takes on chic classics, with a few simple style details, length etc. alterations, offer endless possibilities. (Oh please, I’m blushing!)

Her favorite dress she made is the sleeveless polka dot Retro Shift Dress with patch pockets that she customized with adorable rick rack trim and gathered hem band. The two dresses that she’s received the most compliments on are her versions of the Opera Dress, where she flipped the skirt upside down to create a more pegged silhouette (no way!) and the Sunday Dress, which she shortened, added a fuller hem ruffle and changed the shoulder and belt detailing. That Sunday Dress is one of my favorites of her creations as well. It’s absolutely adorable!

What I love about Meara (aside from her adorable poses in the photos below) is that it proves a few things wrong that I’ve been criticized for — this book is not just for beginners, as more experienced seamstresses also want quick and easy classic creations to make too; and that this is only for a young audience. Thank you Meara for contacting me and waiting patiently for me to get to this post! You’re so inspiring and I can’t wait to see what else you’ve made! Sometimes it blows my mind that people have closets full of items they made from my book. It’s such a compliment and I’m forever grateful.

And now… enjoy her creations!

As I was thinking about what classes I might teach this summer, it suddenly occurred to me… why don’t I ask you what you want to take? So, here’s your chance to give me your two cents!

What classes would you like to see this summer? Below you will find all the images from my book and beneath that is a poll for you to vote! Even if you’re not close enough to take a class, let me know what you’d take if you could. Pick as many as you like, and thanks for your input!

left to right - classic wrap dress :: baby doll top :: sunday dress

left to right - modern circle skirt :: tie shoulder shift dress :: trench

left to right - sundress :: retro shift dress :: a-line skirt

left to right - wrap top :: strapless dress :: date dress

left to right - indian summer dress :: baby doll dress :: LBD

left to right - tie front strapless dress :: wrap skirt :: jacket

left to right - opera dress :: back to school shift dress :: halter dress

left to right - nightie :: cape

You’ve asked for it… you got it! This March I’m offering a class for the Opera Dress from my book. Hands down this is everyone’s favorite project from the book and I’m excited to offer it at Home Ec. So, beginners, step right up and sign up today! This class is two Tuesday nights from 7-10pm, on March 2nd & 9th.

Also on tap for March is a new class for Tweens! Is your kid just longing to be like those designers on Project Runway? Well, here’s their chance to learn the basics and make a pillow to decorate their room with. Below is the adorable daughter of Kaari Meng, of French General fame, from our Tween class last year. The Tween class is from 11am-2pm on Sunday, March 28th.

And along with those, I have the popular Nightie Class returning to the Urban Craft Center on Saturday March 13th, Intro to Sewing on March 5th, 13th, 19th & 26th, and the oh so versatile A-Line Ruffle Skirt coming to Home Ec on Tuesday, March 16th. Check out some of the amazing projects from previous Nightie, Intro, and Skirt classes below!

To remind yourself of what’s coming, print out your own calendar at this link and hang it up on your fridge!

Sweet! And available 02/20/10!

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May you spend this day with the one you love…

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I’m at a loss for words.. but I can say that the world will never be the same without Alexander McQueen.

Tomorrow I will be teaching the Baby Doll Dress class at The Urban Craft Center! There are a few spots left (last I heard) so contact the UCC and sign up today!

Need some inspiration? Below is a gorgeous version by the amazing seamstress Karissa of the blog Kitty Kitty Crafts. I LOVE her use of fabric choices! Beneath her is a version made by Jane, who learned to make her dress in my last Baby Doll Dress class. And below Jane is the version that I made for the book. You can make your version to fit your style!

Are you new to sewing? Well, don’t fear. This is a perfect project for someone who has taken my Intro to Sewing class and is looking to branch into garments. You’ll learn gathering, elastic casing, pattern reading, and more. Hope to see you there!