October 15, 2013

Fall 2013 Collection: Meet Ramona!


 Ramona Wrap Dress: ModKid Fabrics (available at JoAnn Fabrics)
 
Hey All!

It has been busy, busy here at Casa Serendipity. In addition to creating the new fall line, I went to Denver last week to tape with Ellen March for a spring 2014 show of Sew it All. This is a great sewing show that airs on PBS. I was asked to write an article about working with lace and specialty fabrics for Sew News, so I designed a great party dress using these fabrics and we show the construction and discuss helpful tips on the show. As we get closer to air date, I'll be sure to keep you all updated.

In addition to that, I'll be at the Original Sewing Expo show in Fort Worth this weekend, starting on Thursday. There will be two fashion shows highlighting my designs, one on Thursday at 2:30, and another on Saturday at 1:45. This is the WEEKEND BEFORE MARKET, people! I guess no one really looked at that part of the calendar of events...this is the craziest time of the year for me and lots of other designers! Having said that, I will be at the show ONLY on Thursday to emcee the fashion show, then I'll be in my friend Lorene's booth (Sew it Up Studio) to sign books and talk to folks. Please stop by if you will be at the show and say hello. I would love to see you!

The last weekend of the month will be market in Houston, as it always is. I think we are nearing our 20th market. It is hard to believe we have been doing these shows for so long. I still get so excited and energized at these shows! There is so much to see and so many good friends to visit with...lots to look forward to. Then, the holidays will be just around the corner. Where did the year go? I am sure many of you are asking the same question.

Well, enough of my nonsense, you came to see the new stuff, right? Well, there will be 4 new designs revealed, so this is part one. The new inventory is expected TODAY, so we'll be busy getting these listed on the website this week so you can get those orders rolling in. I am excited about this new collection and hope you will be as well.

We did the photos mid-September at my brother-in-law's lovely home in Southlake. He is quite the landscaper and does all the work himself. It is beautifu1! We feel very lucky that they gave us free run of the place to do the photography. We felt like we were at a resort! Now if we just hadn't had to work so darn hard!

The first design I want to share with you is the Ramona Wrap Dress. This is a super quick design to stitch up. There are only 5 pattern pieces and NO facings, zippers, or buttons! Can you believe it? The edge of the dress is finished off with a bias binding. I have also given you some options with the length of the skirt and sleeves as well as ideas for adding a contrasting fabric to the front of the skirt. I love this dress! It came out just as I intended. It is perfect for any time of year and I really love wearing my fall dresses with riding boots...the HOT fashion item of the season. I think the real reason I love those boots so much is that they are not high heeled! My feet have gotten so used to being bare that they simply refuse much of a heel.

Here are some images of the new dress....and the details on the fabrics I used.

Moda Half Moon Modern ZigZags
 
Westminster Philip Jacobs floral
 
Cloud 9 Organic Cotton, Dem Bones
 
Westminster Martha Negley floral
 
Free Spirit Anna Maria Horner Hand Drawn Garden
 
So there you have it! The first design for Fall 2013. The rest of the reveals will be coming this week. We will have these available for sale later on this week. Stay tuned!
 
Happy Sewing!