Tag Archives: salem oh

Welcome to 2022

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Currently my cat is sitting on top of my notes. I am not sure what she is doing – other than sitting there looking pretty.

Jilly Sitting here reading my notes and looking pretty.

I am so grateful to have come out of our second year of Covid and the other side of 2021 relatively unscathed. But here we are rolling into our third year. When this all started I thought we would have it under control by now. Cases are rising faster than any other time since this began. This is alarming to me.

Because Covid has tore up small businesses like mine the world over; here at the shop I am taking every precaution to protect customers and clients as well as myself.

I was hoping to run into 2022 Screaming, “Take that 2021” but alas 2021 wasn’t done with me yet. A week before New Years, I decided to miss a step going down to studio (we all get in a hurry sometimes and distracted) and I sprained my ankle where it is going to take 5 – 6 weeks to fully recover. So, I limped quietly into the New Year – saying “just you wait”!

I have begun to implement some “minimalistic” standards into my life and my business. I will only check my mail 3 times a day – 9:00am. Noon, around 300/330. Email is rather distracting and once my rhythm is off – I may not be able to get back to it. I have also turned off almost every notification on my phone. 90% are irrelevant but I see them and must quickly reply or look or anything else that takes my focus away. I will let you know how this this plays itself out.

Looking back at 2021, I had a number of ideas that either got moved, changed, or left on the sidelines. Now, it is time to pick them up and make them a reality.

  • Complete the 1st Annual Edition of the L7S clothing line for home sewers
  • Decide on which Civil War dress I want to make and lay out the plan to make it happen.
  • Complete my 18th Century “costume” with all the appropriate pieces.
  • The website you are reading this on, will be receiving a “facelift” to provide customers accurate descriptions and what Lucky 7 Does
  • I plan to start on the 2nd edition of L7S clothing line for home sewers and finish that in the spring of 2023.

Other thoughts – I may record some videos while I work on things, those will post to the YouTube page. More photos while I am working on garments, may they be customer alterations, one of a kind garments, or well a sample for someone.

Keep an eye here and on Facebook and Instagram too!

Winter Solstice

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Good day, 


This is a letter of gratitude. I want to thank all of you that continue to follow Lucky 7 Studios and stay engaged. You are what keeps me moving forward. 2021 was a heck of a year. ( Keep an eye our for L7S a year in review). Here we are on the Winter Solstice and I am amazed at how fast that appeared. There were a lot more things I had wanted to accomplish by now, but life happens. 


The first day of winter reminds me that spring is around the corner. For many the next 3 months are some of the coldest, darkest, and gloomiest days ahead. This is when here at L7S and on the farm know there is a time of rest forthcoming. During our resting time, L7S will be looking at 2021 and then forward to 2022 and begin planning for what is to come. 


Be on the look out for more newsletters, social media posts, and preparations for 2022. If you have a comment or idea, feel free to throw it out. 


Once again, thank you all for your continued support,

Jennifer A Adams, Owner L7S

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

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!

Historic Bonnet Recreation

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A client came to me from the Salem Historical Society and needed a replica of a bonnet. The one they were using was falling apart and needed it replicated without removing a stitch. 

Historic Bonnet from Salem Historical Society.

Once I received the bonnet, I set to work on a plan to recreate such a delicate piece of history. 

The first step was to determine how many pieces there were to the bonnet and how they went together. 

Next, was to begin preliminary measurements, then check and double check. 

This is my assistant Jilly Bean!

Next, create a pattern for each and every piece. Checking and double checking as I go. 

Finally, cut the fabric and put the bonnet together. I do not have any final photos of the bonnet, as I returned it to the Historical Society before, I thought about it. 

Once, she got it home I had made an error, it does happen, the side pieces were too far forward and blocked her vision, so she took part of it apart and “fixed” it. 

This particular recreation was an amazing learning experience in my sewing career, it allowed me access to an original historic garment to see their process of garment construction. There were many hand stitches. If I were to make another as such, I would feel better using the original method of construction, even if it took a little longer, this way it would be more authentic. 

If you have an item you would like recreated, I am available for a consultation, and would look forward to the opportunity.