Tag Archives: couture

August 2, 2021

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Good Day all my good people. I hope July was pleasant and ya’ll had a chance to get out and enjoy the weather…. 

Todays update is about my wardrobe…

1 year ago (last August 2020) I made the decision I was not going to purchase any new or used clothing for a whole year (that is 365 days or 12 months or 52 weeks). If I wanted new clothes I had to make them (undergarments and socks excluded). I succeeded in this endeavor for the most part. Last Summer, it was friggin hot… and I have like a humungous garden and I was in it ALL the time. I had one pair of shorts I could wear – so I bought another pair. I did not purchase any other clothes until we were getting close to going to Georgia. My jeans that I have been wearing for many years (another story coming – see below) well, they look like the ones you spend hundreds of dollars on to get the “worn” look. Well, I obtained that look without the hundreds of dollars. I also purchased a few tank tops to wear under my other shirts. 

So what clothes did I make? I made two dresses, one I have worn (its green and it’s a wrap dress), the other not yet – its white with beautiful flowers and very flowy (its made out of Rayon Challis). I made a 6-panel slate grey skirt (its beautiful – pattern I made too – fits me awesome). I made a button down shirt – its light blue with stripes. I made a custom couture (yes that is what I said – couture) black and while plaid skirt – living on a farm and not going far (you know CoVID and all…) rather difficult to wear – but I am starting to be out in the world again… I made a silk slip with beautiful lace accents around the top and the straps. I made a beautiful dress to wear for Christmas – but it needs some alterations – this is what happens when you do not make a muslin, toile, or rough draft to work out all the not going to fit construction issues. So it has been basted for the alterations – but it takes a second person to zip up the back – next time I am going to put the zipper somewhere else – being a dressmaker – this I can do. I also made a pair of skirt overalls/bibs/dungarees… 

My Jean Jacket and Sweater – I made last spring – early. I made this beautiful skirt – with butterflies … it is in stretch denim – and the way I am built – without suspenders I don’t think it will stay up for long – suspenders might actually be cool…. Hmmm…. I made a button down early last spring also… I wear it EVERYWHERE!

I made a rose colored kind of like a shift dress – but, the fabric (it is a jersey type knit) is too heavy and not very flattering for a shape like mine. 

I currently have a denim skirt on my table that is calling my name to be sewn – patch type pockets and front button up. I have the mock up of a Classic French Jacket for myself needing to be adjusted and tried again. The most important lesson for dressmakers – make a muslin, toile, mock up – this will save endless hours and a LOT of money!

I almost forgot – I did make a tailored blazer with the most beautiful light green linen and silk lining… I was hoping to have it completed for my trip to Georgia –  even worked on it while we travelled… but alas, it is on my mannequin awaiting the final top stitching. 

So… why such a crazy thing – only make my own. There are a handful of reasons, let me count them for you:

  1. I get to choose the fabric! Even denim from Denmark (that is what I said)
  2. I get to pick the colors, notions, etc… 
  3. I make a mock up once, and I can use the same pattern over and over in different fabrics and colors and etc…. 
  4. The garment is made to fit me, yes, me and only me and no one else but me! 
  5. It saves me money in the long run
  6. It keeps me from purchasing something because well, who doesn’t need like a gazillion something or other (insert what it is that you spend all your money on – garments).
  7. It allows me to be a little more cohesive in my wardrobe. 

I have been slowly removing clothes that do not fit and probably never will again from my 2 (yes I said 2) closets. Who doesn’t have two closets full of clothes (ok, well if they were all in the same room – might be one walk in full)? Anyway, … So I have been looking more at being cohesive – a capsule type wardrobe if you will… And adding more dresses and skirts – I want to be more feminine and treated like a lady… Doesn’t mean 100% skirts/dresses… but at least 2 or 3 times a week. 

To help me see what I do wear and what I do not (even though I can look at my closet and tell you pretty much) – I have decided to sketch every single day of August what I wear. For example, yesterday, I wore two different pair of jeans, (I had to go to town) put a sweater on later in the day and in the middle somewhere I think I might even have had shorts on. Farm life! 

As I get older, I want to simplify and minimalize where I can. And I do NOT need half the clothes that I have… it is so hard to donate some of them… they are so beautiful and well… I quit smoking in Dec 2017 and put weight on that I do not believe will ever ever go anywhere – therefore the beautiful clothes in my closet will be donated as I make new clothes that fit me, my shape, my comfort level etc… 

Follow the link to the images for this post…. https://jenniferaadams.com/#jp-carousel-638

Welcome to May…..

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April showers bring May flowers… If this is so… what does May snow bring?

We missed the snow here at Lucky 7 Studios – as we were travelling to Georgia and back. However, we did find a hail storm on the way down through West Virginia and 80 degrees on the way back. 

Today as I write this the sky is blue and sun is shining bright! Many of our trees have leafed out and the strawberries and blueberries have bloomed to bring us fresh fruit soon. 

So what is happening at Lucky 7 Studios. 

  • The website will be under construction one page at a time beginning Monday May 17. 
  • 4 blog posts – two are continuing the Costume Era Timeline (Greek and Roman), the other two, you will have to stick around and find out.
  • 2 podcasts – catch them here
  • A handful of “short posts” on our regular social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • The F/W collection will be released but not as a ready to wear – more of a one of a kind. Each garment will be available for custom sizing and a handful of fabric options. 
  • There will be 1 live Q & A on May 20th at 2pm on our YouTube.
  • Finally, there will be a handful of video recordings from a Zoom weekly “Paint with Us” on a group Facebook page – Sneak a Peek Artists. 

Earth Day…. 2021

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One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Although this is a reference to the first man on the moon, it is relevant today in many ways. 

Earth Day began in 1970 by an environmentalist that wanted to help our planet. It has been celebrated on April 22 every year since. 

We (collectively) have become a consumeristic society and a wasteful one too. We demand that everything and anything be available at any given second, even posting this blog! We expect that even though we continue to be one of the most wasteful, that as long as something isn’t affecting us directly, it is not happening. However, it is affecting each and every one that is reading this and the other billions of people on this planet. We are our own worst enemy. We continue to deplete or contaminate our natural resources and destroy the homes of millions of animals and other living organisms in the name of consumerism. Our use of plastic continues our reliance on oil and the oil itself causes habitat loss and pollution that affects the land and water and in turn affects every other living organism on this planet we call home. 

The fashion industry is not immune to this phenomenon or maybe disease would be a better adjective. Fast fashion is a huge strain on the environment. The pollution, poor labor practices and poor quality garments are so the least of concerns. The waste produced when this years fashion is no longer fashionable or the clothes were so poorly made – these have to go somewhere, usually in the garbage to the landfills. 

Every single year, the average cost of clothing per month is $161 per person. Yes, that is what I just said, $161 a month average. In two years that is $3864! That can buy you a custom, tailor made capsule wardrobe – that will last for years to come, as these garments will never go out of style. If you want something new or a new signature piece, you have now saved $161 a month to have a new garment each year or even two. 

When working with small businesses and dressmakers that do this for a living, you are helping yourself (save money year after year), you are supporting small business and a local community. You are helping the environment by taking one small step toward the future (one giant leap for mankind) and looking stylish and beautiful all at the same time.  

Costume History Series: Ancient World: Minoan (#6)

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The Minoans lived on the Island of Crete at the beginning of the Bronze Age, most prominently 1900 – 1750sh BC. The name of the people and culture is from the mythical King Minos. This was a fairly advanced society, they were the first in Europe to have paved roads, running water: elaborate indoor pipe systems and “facilities” in their 3 and 4 story palaces. These palaces were a place for concentrated political and economic power, artistic activity, and possibly the center for redistribution of agriculture commodities. These were a large trades people, not only export but import. Exported items include timber, foodstuffs, cloth, olive oil, and fine handcrafted luxury items. They imported such things as tin, copper, silver, emery, fine stones, ivory, and manufactured objects.

Sheep wool was the main fabric in textiles. Linen from flax was less common but could be imported from Egypt and potentially grown locally. There has not been any evidence of silk (it could have been used, but highly unlikely).

Like many cultures there is a difference in the costume men and women wore. This is evidenced in the recovered archeological items that depict people. Men and women were often both seen wearing a belt or garter to provide what we would call the “wasp” waist, a very small waist. Men wore loincloths, long robes or kilts.

Women wore long dresses (sometimes a tunic) with short sleeves and layered, flounced skirts with a wide hem. They were often fitted bodices and open at the waist, sometimes strapless. Women’s breasts were covered unless it was a priestess or for ritualistic reasons. As, with today, women are clothes to emphasize their sexual characteristics. As the theme continues, in the beginning costume was worn for protection from the elements and as time moved on and civilization began to break into castes, costume became a symbol of class and status.

Women’s History Month

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I do apologize this is coming out a little later than I had wanted. I was hoping to have found a guest writer, but alas, everyone is busy.

March 2021 marked the 34th Annual Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month did not begin as a month, it began with a week-long celebration. “President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week.” In 1987, thanks to the activism of the National Women’s Project, it was expanded to a month-long celebration.

Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women to events, history, culture, and society. It is a time to reflect on the often overlooked contributions of women to the United States (and other countries) history.

Here are a few women that should be celebrated for all they did – not just for women but for well… everything they did!

  • Susan B Anthony
  • Abigail Adams
  • Rosa Parks
  • Sojourner Truth

The 2021 theme “Valiant Woman of the Vote: Refusing to be silenced” recognizes the battle for women’s suffrage. This battle was not carried out on Social Media or the Internet. It was boots on the ground: speeches, petitions, demonstrations – these were argued and argues again until, 1920 and the 19th Amendment.

The right of Citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on accord of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The United States Constitution

Thank you, women for all you do… day in and day out in the here and now, the mothers, the nurses, the doctors, the fire women, the police women, the military, the artists, the CEO’s… Thank you!!!

(I keep hearing a sing in my head… Forty Hour Week (for a Livin) by Alabama… Hello

America,
Let me thank you for your time.

https://www.history.com/topics/holiday/womens-history-month

https://womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month

https://womenshistory.org/womens-history/19th-amendment-1

Welcome to March 2021… it’s been a year…

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Welcome to March

Good day my dear friends. I must first apologize for lack of post, video, and newsletter last week. It was insanely busy. My studio is still not ready to move back in and I have been finishing a customer’s dress. (There will be a post all about that, after she receives it). When the studio is up and running – there will be a video about that. 

So welcome to March. How did we arrive here so quickly? It was just snowing and freezing and you couldn’t see the grass. This month is so filled with exciting things for Lucky 7 Studios and you as followers. 

  • 3 Periods of Costume Posts
  • 3 more Friday newsletters and posts
  • A quick post about Paris Fashion Week
  • 2 live Q & A  March 10 & 24 YouTube @ 2:00PM (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAJ5-WFNIL1vGqJKQELMN_Q) – be sure to subscribe to the channel so you know first when new videos have been uploaded and videos scheduled.
  • 2 videos (at least) (See live Q & A)

Let’s not forget this is Woman’s History month. I may seek out a guest writer. St. Patrick’s day (we are all Irish on the 17th), the first day of spring (something to definitely celebrate), and Palm Sunday, are all part of the month of March. And who could forget Daylight Savings Time? It begins for those of us where our government insists on confusing not only the humans but EVERY SINGLE animal out there! I have mine trained that they eat at a certain time. Well, when the time changes, they have to be trained all over again (or maybe it is I, that needs to be retrained?). 

I am taking custom orders for reenactments and weddings. Plus the new collection goes live in May. The website will also be getting a facelift this month – be on the lookout for changes coming your way. 

It has been a year since the news of COVID-19 spread across the globe and everything was shut down to slow the spread. Here we are a year later….. small and large businesses alike are struggling to keep their heads afloat. I have seen businesses that have been around for centuries, fall apart and shutter their doors forever. I challenge each and everyone of you to find a small business (mine would be great) and put your support there. Preferably in your own town. Shopping from the big box tops is overrated and the products are like everyone else. Look for something that is one of a kind!

A week in Review

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I sit here and watch the birds tease my cat as she sits in the chair by the window and advises me of their presence. Can you find the birds?

This past week went by faster than I had anticipated, and my planning was a little fleeting at best. My intentions on Friday mornings are to lay out my plan for the following week. Last week, well, I wanted to do anything but sit at the desk any more than was absolutely necessary. Fortunately for y’all I knew some of what I wanted to post this week. 

I have been working on a customers’ Historic Recreation shirt and dress. Here is the video from where I dyed the fabric to obtain the perfect color. (And even the swatches to get to the final). Kitters thought she was helping once or twice. Here are a few other photos.  

I have been writing the transcript for the video that will post next Friday – patternmaking. And it will provide a sneak peek into the Fall/Winter 2021 collection that will be virtually showing in May. 

Next Wednesday, February 24, I will be live on my YouTube channel for anyone with questions.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAJ5-WFNIL1vGqJKQELMN_Q If you won’t be able to attend, email your questions to Jennifer.adams@lucky-7-studios.com prior to Feb 24 and I will answer them live. 

The renovations of the studio continue. I have to wait till its finished before I can add more photos.

This was the last week of the Introduction to Mantua-making: An 18th Century English Gown in Miniature by Burnley and Trowbridge  https://burnleyandtrowbridge.com. There is much I have learned and hopefully have made a few friends.  

I am looking forward for the weather to break. I need to get outside on the trail again. Here are a few photos from last year. 

Be sure to follow us on all our socials. You may find a surprise, as we post throughout the week. 

Dropping Our First Video Today

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Hello lovelies, 

Today’s post includes the first video for Lucky 7 Studios. We are extremely excited that you are here and look forward to many more videos to come. 

This video is my working studio before. It is a little messy even after I have cleaned it up. I seem to work well in chaos. Ok, that isn’t quite so true. I am not sure it is quite chaos… or maybe it is. Depends on your perspective. However, everything does not have a home and the sewing table is a little smaller than I need. You can see my design wall of sorts. This is where my ideas go when they leave my head. [lightbulb with finger pointing image]. The shelves on the wall above my sewing and serger machine are where much of my notions and haberdashery live. There is a corner (you can see I hang my patterns and muslins) but the fuse box for the power is hidden there and, well… living in a rural area, sometimes, things sort of trip for no reason. (ok, I probably overloaded something somewhere). The big white hutch is a catchall for all things, sewing related or not.  Patterns, fabric, notions, books, instructions, vintage cameras…. You get the point, I think we all have one of these somewhere. The black dresser is full of muslin, fashion fabric, lining, organza, quilting fabric, interfacing and more…. The sewing machine in the table is on the list of priorities to be cleaned up and useable before “farm season” starts around here. 

Thank you for visiting. We look forward to showing you the “after” video when the facelift is complete. For now, stay tuned for Februarys video – we will be making patterns for the forthcoming fall/winter 2021 collection and a preview of the pattern for the Victorian Dress. We may have some special fur guests also. 

The End of One…. Is the beginning of Another

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Just as one door closed, ok more like slammed in my face, there was a slightly cracked, very brightly colored door down the hall…. it beckoned to me from a distance, as it had for some time… This time, it seemed to shout …. “Hey You!” …. I ran down the hall – hoping the door didn’t close before I arrived…. and I bust it open! What to my surprise did I see? My Lucky 7 Studios business waiting for me! It had been beckoning, pulling me to come in from the hall…. I stood there in awe and wonder… I finally walked through the doorway and the lights came on so bright and enlightened the entire space! Oh, how beautiful…

This was the beginning of a new journey, a new adventure! A freedom to be as creative as I choose and to build this business on a foundation that will stand the test of time! It will be seeped in personality with carefully created and crafted garments.

2021 is full of hope and dreams, not only for Lucky 7 Studios, but for all those who wish to dream! Take the leap and allow Lucky 7 Studios to create a custom made garment tailored just for you! If you want a capsule wardrobe, that can be done too! Oh, you want a special wedding dress that you cannot find anywhere – well, we can help that become a reality!

The goals for 2021 may seem lofty this year, but it is time to stand up and be heard!

  1. 2 historically accurate garments, 1 from there Victorian Era, 1 from the Edwardian Era
  2. 2, yes 2, Fashion shows.
    1. the fall/winter 2021 show will be presented in the late spring digitally (you are not going to want to miss this)
    2. the spring/summer 2022 show will be presented Live in Salem, OH on August 14th – you definitely do not want to miss this one!
  3. A monthly video (on YouTube) showcasing some of the current work, techniques we use, or maybe something crazy!
  4. Weekly Blog posts and newsletters.

Throughout the year, there may be an opportunity for a percentage off a custom design or gift give-a-way, so you might want to follow along!

We will be taking client custom orders – so do not fear, we are here to help you achieve the look you so desire!

Follow us on any of our social medias…. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Business, Facebook group, YouTube, and of course here on the blog and the website. There are changes coming to the sight, you won’t want to miss! 2021 will be the BEST year yet!