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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Copy Cat

Have you ever walked into a store
and said I wish I could copy that?
In the past month I have walked into my
favorite women's shop to just drool abit.
I love their stuff, but it is for skinny girls with 
plenty of pocket money.
I looked at this one top, which cost about
$70.  and I said I can do that.
Of course for some of you, you might not
know that for 25 years I worked as a professional
patternmaker in the apparel industry.
I came home and dug through my fabric stash
and there sat a piece of silk my husband bought
for me when he traveled to China many years ago.
He had been disappointed that I hadn't done anything with it.
So this week I finally took the time to make that top
I saw at the store.  It is simple, but so fun to finally
just do what I am always thinking - be a copy cat.
The rewards have been fun!

18 comments:

  1. What a wonderful talent - to be able to make a pattern and then sew the garment. Your red and white silk top is terrific and I bet it looks great on you.

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  2. WOW!! I had no idea about your former occupation, but I see those skills are still sharp! I have a niece in Seattle who would love to learn patternmaking. Any advice for her? (She has a theater/costume degree.)

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  3. Clever you! we expect this, though.

    Blessings,
    the Teapot Queen

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  4. Well, that's pretty cool. I can duplicate a lot of things, but nothing in the clothing line -- since I don't sew a stitch, much less design anything!

    That's wonderful! That silk is fabulous! glad you found a good spot for it!

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  5. Oh, Marilyn -- I do love hitting a good antique shop. And you're right -- something like that is a mini-vacation filled with beautiful. I love those yellows, too. They do look like spring and I am so ready!

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  6. Oh, Marilyn! Bravo. Let me be first in line -- I have your address and payday is soon! I can't think of any book I'd rather have on my shelf than one by you -- I love the cover and I know the illustrations are going to be be fabulous! Congratulations!

    (My verification is gluslump -- I think this is a ginormous lump of sugar -- one gluslump is like three lumps!)

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  7. You know, it has been a day. And as you probably already know, I have been catching up on blogs (when I should be listening to a webinar, but I stopped understanding it about 10 minutes ago.) Anyway, it's been a stressful day -- and I really needed to see this to help me find my center in this crazy day/week/month.

    Detaching myself from the world of activity isn't easy for me, but just looking at the wonderful and calm photo and thinking and breathing -- I already feel better.

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  8. I think that fabric was waiting for the right inspiration to come along, and this was it! Way to go! (and I'm in awe of your pattern-making skills).
    Hugs!

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  9. It is beautiful, Marilyn! I love it! You inspire me!

    The sewing bug has bit me this spring as well. It's been a long time. I discovered Sew, Mama, Sew, a company in Beaverton and I love their fabrics. I bought some online and they were in my mailbox within two days. I'm gathering up my supplies and will see how long this "bug" lasts.

    :)

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  10. lovely shirt, both the fabric and the pattern. So much in the stores today is way over priced (for how simple it is). I do sew, but cannot design my own patterns. But using commercial patterns I have knocked off a few garments.

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  11. WOW--beautiful and fun finish, Marilyn! I love that red & white silk! I didn't know you were in the pattern industry before. Somehow I image you always having been pouring tea. ;o) I wish I were more clever at sewing clothing. Most standard, commercial patterns don't fit me as I'm petite/short & sort of slender. I try to alter the patterns, and sometimes it works... sometimes... LOL! Seeing this inspires me to try again! :o) Happy Weekend ((HUGS))

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  12. I love your creations
    I love you
    Jeanne

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  13. Good for you! Isn't it a satisfing feeling of accomplishment to do something like this. And you're right. I think those of us who sew, have felt the same way about a garmet they've seen...but like myself, I think few have ventured the endever! I'm saddened by the number of people who have never learned how to sew. It's a very rewarding art form don't you agree?___=^..^=___Kittie

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  14. That is beautiful! And how very rewarding to know you made it yourself!

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  15. I have the coolest mom in the world! I wish I could work some of your magic.
    -Skinny Girl with No Pocket Money

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  16. OMG! You were a pattern maker? For 25 years? I'd love to hear more!

    Beautiful choice of fabric for this elegantly simple top.

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  17. It's wonderful! And even more special because of the fabric you chose!

    I love finding something and then making it my own. Just for me!
    ~Adrienne~

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