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:

parTea lady said...

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.

GardenOfDaisies said...

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.)

E. M. said...

Clever you! we expect this, though.

Blessings,
the Teapot Queen

Jeanie said...

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!

Jeanie said...

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!

Jeanie said...

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!)

Jeanie said...

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.

Joy said...

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!

La Tea Dah said...

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.

:)

Ginger said...

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.

Tracy said...

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))

Jeanne said...

I love your creations
I love you
Jeanne

Unknown said...

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

Angela McRae said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Dutchbaby said...

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

Beautiful choice of fabric for this elegantly simple top.

Adrienne said...

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~

Steph said...

It's fantastic!