Ode to Sew

Tag: special occasion sewing

  • Studio of Art Patterns: A Discovery of Greatness

    Studio of Art Patterns: A Discovery of Greatness

    I first discovered Studio of Art Patterns in early 2024 when I was asked to create 2 bridesmaids dresses with a quick turnaround through a referral from a wedding planner. I was delighted to have the gig and got started right away finding a pattern to create the 2 special occasion dresses having the same skirt style with different bodices using a lovely sage green silk charmeuse as the client requested.

    I love to spend time looking at all kinds of sewing patterns, especially patterns that have the potential to turn out a beautiful result that looks like it came from a fancy boutique or bespoke design house. I like to collect these type of patterns, even if I won’t use them right away, or ever, just so that I can learn about how to construct and sew the details that make them unique or create those hidden details of a garment that are not immediately apparent.

    After searching through my own pattern collection of formal dresses, as well as through the usual avenues of obtaining commercial patterns, searching on Etsy I came across this new-to-me pattern company, Studio of Art Patterns. They had a very good selection of formal dress designs to choose from with details and features not found in other commercial patterns for sale. The patterns didn’t have much detail to the Etsy description or the other pertinent information readily available, such as fabric yardage needed to create the design, unless, as I discovered, you purchase and download the pattern. They have, however, added a really cool feature to the pattern images of an AI generated video clip of the dress as it is worn on the runway. Amazing!

    AI generated clip of one of the gown designs. SOLD!!!!

    Once a pattern is purchased, they send you the PDF pattern and instructions to download and print at home or a copy shop. They include multiple size files and all of the information needed to construct the garment including a detailed size chart, suggested fabrics types including any interfacing, lining or stabilizing fabric yardage and notions needed, pattern cutting layout, and sewing instructions, and a few photos of a finished garment made from the pattern. The sewing instructions are quite sparse, somewhat confusing, and assume that you have a good amount of prior dressmaking experience and ability to construct a dress. In addition, the sewing terms and language are not always clear, there are no photos or illustrations of the construction process, just the step-by step words themselves, so you are somewhat on your own for figuring out the difficult parts, therefore these patterns are not for the beginner sewist by any means. However if you have any questions or need help with the sewing process, they are readily available to help and respond right away which is great.

    Studio of Art Patterns, found only on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioOfArtPatterns, is a small, woman-owned company that creates sewing patterns for the experienced sewist. As I’d love to support and promote this small, yet growing, business, and wanted to know more about them, I reached out to the shop owner, Anastasia, for more information about the company and she gladly replied with this to say:

    Studio of Art Patterns – Our Story

    Studio of Art Patterns has been creating and sharing sewing patterns on the Etsy platform since 2021, and our shop is only beginning to gain momentum. In this short time, we have published 281 modern patterns, including 125 wedding dress patterns, each offered in five sizes. Even an experienced professional sewist can appreciate the tremendous amount of work our small team has accomplished in such a limited period.
    Our team is made up of three passionate specialists:
    • Anastasia – graphic designer, assistant, and shop owner
    • Angelika – designer
    • Julia – customer service and marketing specialist
    Every day, we continue improving our products, but our main goal remains the same: to expand our collection with fresh, high-quality sewing patterns that have no analogues online. Our team carefully selects the most elegant and desirable garment designs and transforms them into detailed, professional patterns to help our customers create stylish and beautifully crafted pieces.
    At the moment, our patterns are available exclusively on Etsy. However, we are actively growing and working on launching our own website in the near future.

    Going back to the bridesmaid dresses, we decided on this pattern, mostly for the draped skirt, and I would make the bodice in two different styles to attach to the same skirt for the ladies:

    The dresses turned out satisfactory with the short time frame to complete and the fussy nature if the fabric, so I won’t go into much detail about it, but I wanted to share my moment of discovery of this amazing pattern company that led me here!

    After completing the silk bridesmaid dresses, I went on to purchase and make several more Studio of Art patterns from their Wedding Dress category of designs. I will share the patterns and the creations I made from them, mostly making them just because I wanted to make them and show off the new skills I learned from constructing them:

    Corset Bodice Slim Skirt Gown
    Made in ivory satin. Boned bodice with spaghetti straps and slim skirt
    I added a lace-up corset back to this dress pattern
    I added a trumpet to the bottom of this skirt to this pattern to make a new design out of a sleek black leather-like satin
    The lace up corset back allows for an easier fit
    Plunging neckline gown with skirt overlap opening.
    Made in a soft peach satin, I love how this gown turned out! The skirt side opening, the mesh side insets in the bodice, and it has pockets!
    74 self-fabric covered buttons adorn the center back seam into the train
    Corset bodice with off shoulder puffy sleeve
    I made my version eliminating the corset and bra cup seams to keep the integrity of the toile print of the fabric. I also eliminated the bottom part of the sleeve and lengthened the skirt.
    Draped halter neck bodice gown with shoulder drape and low draped back
    Made in a stunning green silk satin
    The open back with drape was difficult to do, but turned out really well
    Modeled here by the gorgeous Christine Lewy at my runway show at FashionXT 2025 in Portland, OR
    I added sleeves, lowered the back and added a little lower back bar to support the low back for this black wedding gown for a client.

    I have since went on to purchase several more Studio of Art patterns with the intention of studying the pattern details, mixing and matching the details, and making them up as I get the opportunity. Some I got for a certain detail or technique that I’d like to learn how to do, some I like the entire dress and would make it as is. I have a few already in the works as I get the chance to print out the HUGE pattern pieces and cut them out, purchase the fabrics (each one takes lots of fabric!) and decide on the pattern adjustments I would like to make in order to make them with somewhat of a unique twist, if I can.

    Here is my collection of Studio of Art patterns that I have become obsessed with, but have yet to make:

    Basque waist ballgown with off shoulder lace sleeves
    Draped evening gown
    Corset bodice gown with flounces
    One shoulder gown with draped bow
    Gown with overskirt
    lace overlay gown
    Cape dress
    Structured draped gown with train
    Seamed corset bodice gown with split skirt
    Scarf and rosette collar gown
    V-neck gown with train
    Evening gown with embroidery detail
    Strapless bodysuit and ruffled sheer overskirt
    Mermaid strapless gown and ruffled sheer overskirt
    Wrap dress with long bell sleeves

    These are just a few of the patterns that Studio of Art patterns offer in their gallery of designs. They also offer more casual looks, athletic and kids patterns, so if you are curious or looking for something different to sew, definitely check them out!

    Time to go sew a fabulous Studio of Art pattern and make another dream dress come true!

    Au Revoir!

  • Draped in a Dream Dress

    Draped in a Dream Dress

    This journey began with a bright eyed beauty, curious to know more about what I might be able to create for her and what the process of creating a custom dress looked like. Laura contacted me, looking for a custom dress to wear to her sister’s wedding event. She wanted a dress with a 1930’s feel, one that had fabric interest with unique design details.

    She had seen a dress in a movie that she loved and wanted to get a similar look. She sent me photos of screen shots from the movie, plus some inspiration shared on Pinterest

    She loved the rich tones of the fabric combination, and the soft ruffled neckline of this dress
    She also loves the straps of this dress

    I got to work and found a pattern that was designed in the 1930’s and had the basic shape of the dress style she liked including the sweetheart neckline, the low back and the long, softly shaped skirt

    I found this pattern and ordered it from Etsy

    We hit the fabric store shortly after I received the pattern, and I also made a mock up of the dress for her to try on

    It was my first time making a ruffle like this at the neckline of a dress. Although we like it, we decided it was a bit too much for her.
    The fit of the dress was great, but here we are playing with different strap placement and neckline shape

    Back to the drawing board!

    As the construction of the dress progressed, I kept Laura posted with details of what I was doing and got her input on any options she had.

    She loves the combination of the drapey lavender chiffon with the deep plus satin. I also thought the colors were beautiful together, just the placement was not as compelling as it could be.

    I brought up an idea of draping over the entire top of the dress, allowing both fabrics to have their moment. I presented her with this idea of draping and criss crossing the chiffon over the bodice.

    She really like that idea, approved it, so I got going on making it happen!

    I finished constructing the dress underneath by adding boning and bra cups to the lining of the dress.

    The lining turned out beautifully and was a pleasure to look at as she slipped into the dress. That kind of detail makes me happy, and hopefully also the case for the wearer!

    The bodice and skirt lining ready to be installed into the dress!
    Plenty of pining and hand sewing happening on my trusty dressform
    The bodice front, sides, and eventual side drape piece, all pleated and basted, ready to be sewn together, then sewn over the main dress bodice.

    So after quite a bit of trial and error, as this was my first time creating such a dress with the draping detail, I finally finished the gown!

    Here are some photos of the versions I sent over to her before finishing up on her final version:

    She looks so pretty and elegant, even unfinished!
    The drape happening in the back would also look so gorgeous! I might need to make this dress again just for fun!

    And the finale!

    The final gown!

    Meanwhile, Portland was hit with a big snowstorm that essentially shut down the city and trapped many people at home. Well, that didn’t stop me! My sweet husband offered to drive me and the finished gown over to Laura’s house and deliver it in person in his SUV that is great in the snow. What a nice guy!

    Laura was radiant in her dress as she tried it on in her bedroom! I brought along a small sewing kit and supplies to do any last minute fixes as needed.

    Well, it turned out that the dress needed a little more than just a few stitches to make it perfect. So, unfortunately I had to take the dress back home and make some fitting changes to the bodice and straps to make it just right. No problem! OK, one major problem: the dress was meant for her to take along to wear at her sister’s wedding event in California the next day and it wasn’t ready. UGH!!! I was hoping to be able to make the changes that same day and drive the dress back over so she could pack it for her trip. I ran out of time and wasn’t able to make it happen. You have no idea how SO disappointing this was for me, not to mention for her as well. So she left early the next morning for California, all without the dress we worked so hard to make in time for the event. GRR, I was SO upset with myself!

    Well, now the dress is complete and altered and ready to go for the next occasion she may have to wear it. All in all, Laura was such a wonderful client to work with and I hope that she’s willing to work with me again on another gorgeous creation, and possibly even teach her some sewing lessons so that she can learn to make her own beautiful and unique clothes!

    Lesson learned: time management is KEY to making deadlines and leaving room for error.

    The gown turned out so elegant and eye catching!
    Every angle of the dress has interest
    We love the low back!
    And the drape! So pretty and elegant!

    Thank you so much Laura for choosing me to create such a beautiful gown for you! I enjoyed every moment of the process, mishaps and all. Enjoy wearing your dress and may you glow and shine in it as you do so naturally! Love, Stephanie

  • Red is The Color of Love

    Red is The Color of Love

    It’s been far too long since I have posted anything here on my beloved blog, so I thought it was time to update and refresh with a quick post. What better way to do that with a bright and exciting project that I made for myself for our first wedding anniversary!

    So, here she is:

    Red maxi dress with flutter sleeve and sash

    I cut out and sewed this dress in three days during time after work hours and the weekend before our dinner date, so it was a bit of a rush job. Due to lack of time and general dressmaking laziness, I didn’t make a mock-up, I just went by my body measurements, comparing to the pattern measurements, and a mini tissue fitting (essentially holding the pattern tissue up to myself and eyeballing what I needed to adjust). I added 4 inches to the skirt length knowing I wanted it to be long enough to wear with heels and for it to be floor length. I may add more length next time so it really touches the ground. I also fully lined it (the pattern instructs to just line the bodice) and made French seams for the skirt side seams.

    I just love how this dress turned out! It was so comfortable to just slip into, strap on some heels, a pretty necklace and earrings, a dab of Miss Dior perfume at my neck, and DONE!

    Yes, I realize that I match my front door.

    I used this Simplicity 8832 sewing pattern, view C, for this dress. I just love the simplicity of this pattern (ha, haa, meant to do that) and the lines of the dress design:

    Line drawings of Simplicity 8832 pattern

    What I am NOT so crazy about is how they styled the pattern cover. I think they could have chose a different fabric, or had multiple versions made up in different fabrics, to show off the designs of this pattern:

    Simplicity 8832 Sewing Pattern Cover

    I hope that I am not coming off as a snob. My apologies if I am offending anyone, but I just looks a tad, I don’t know, “old lady shower curtain” to me in this particular fabric:

    Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful floral fabric for a light and airy dress such as this, but I was going for a look more like this:

    Dark green floral dress

    Or even this:

    Gorgeous burgundy velvet dress

    I suppose I can chalk this one up as a wearable test dress and can plan to make it again in a more luxe fabric for the next time. That is part of the beauty of knowing how to sew and make your own clothes. You get to be the designer and create your own vision! I just love that about sewing and it brings me a great deal of joy and satisfaction.

    Meanwhile, happy first anniversary to my loving, cutie-pie husband! It’s been a wonderful first year and I look forward to many, many more!

    Back to the drawing board and up to the sewing room as I have a few exciting new client projects that I am working on. Yay!!!