Debora Coelho

2017 - Audrey Hepburn Inspired Hat  Three years later, I finally had the chance and inspiration to make this hat from the left over material from this off-white faux fur coat. Oh what fun! Happy Holidays everyone! I can’t believe this week with everything going on, I finished making this coat. This coat comes with an interesting story. It was originally bought at a thrift shop about a year ago. The fabric was all beaten up. I bought it for the beautiful faux fur. I had the coat cleaned and took it all apart. I used the old coat as a pattern to make this new coat and used the original faux fur collar as is. The fabric is high end fleece that I purchased in bulk many years ago. I always wanted an off-white coat and never really got around to making it. This coat wasn't all that hard to make. What gave me some trouble was sewing down to fur to the coat. It required some tough hand sewing. Even so, I’m really excited how this project ...

Official City of New Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting Hello everyone! This week I made this coat from  fleece material from Joann’s Fabrics. I used vogue pattern V8164. It’s a fairly easy pattern to use. It’s a fun coat which I hope to make at least one more of. The lining of the coat is actually dress material. I wanted a fabric that would slide easy with the fleece’s outer layer. I thought the dress material was a good choice and I really like the print. The fur collar I've had for several years now. I collect fur from thrift. I don’t purchase any new fur, however I believe in restoration projects. I think old restored furs are worth the time and effort to re-use and bring new life to them. I  enjoy wearing the old glamour look. They are very warm and add incredible texture to coats. The hat is my original design. I love making hats and decorating them with whatever excites me. I like having fun with sewing. I’m not afraid of experimenting with different ideas.  I wor...

Hello everyone! This evening I attended the Festival of Lights Celebration at Clasky Common Park in New Bedford. Each year out city fills this beautiful park with Christmas displays and thousands of dazzling lights. This is our tradition. The kids just go crazy over it. Tonight was the official countdown for all the lights to turn on at once. It was actually very cold. But everyone was just as excited to be there. I just love it. Really fills you up with the holiday spirit. I made and designed the coat and hat I‘m wearing. It’s the first time I wear it in public. It’s warm, cozy and light. I worked the coat with a Vogue pattern of which I can’t remember right now. The hat is totally my original design. I made a few of them actually. I love warm hats, especially those that cover the ears. I’m all about covering the ears. Well It’s a great time of year to wear fun things. I hope your inspired to create some fun hats and coats of your own. Enjoy! Debora ...

Good evening everyone! The Holiday season has officially begun. There’s so much excitement going on in our city of New Bedford. The New Bedford Art Museum had their annual Under The Stars Holiday Party last night. It was just spectacular. local artist displayed their work for Christmas gifts. Our city is a great growing hub for so many artists. I meet the nicest people at these parties. In case your wondering what I wore…I wore a sequin dress probably from the 1980’s, art deco style dress. I bought it at flee market and completely restored it back to life. First of all, it was full of dust, stains and attic damage. The sequins were coming apart and needed some serious restoration. I cleaned it all up and sewed missing sequins and torn seams back together. I was very pleased with the way it came out. I thought it was a perfect dress to wear to the under the stars anything. I only got one picture of myself with my beautiful friend Daniela. Even so, I thought it would make a nice holiday ...

  Hello everyone! It’s been a few weeks since my last sewing post. It’s such a busy time of the year. Even so, I’m happy to have beautiful dresses to wear to all the holiday seasons events. Last night I attended the New Bedford 125 th Annual Policeman’s Ball. I made the gown earlier this year. Some of you may remember it. It’s a restoration project from an old beaded dress with a whole new skirt. I’ve added the original post for those of you who are interested in the details. This gown is really special. I love making old things new again. In the upcoming weeks as the holiday season continues I’ll be posting some restoration projects from years past. Stay tuned. Have a great week everyone and thank you for sharing in my sewing journey.   Original Post   When I had my bridal shop, I did a lot of alterations on sequin, beaded and pearled gowns. Some of these sequins or beaded gowns were mass produced. Some others were delicately sewn by hand. The zippers ...

  Simple Wrap Skirt - New Bedford Lifestyle Post Hello everyone! Hope you had a good week. I spent some time de-cluttering and organizing my sewing room. Not only does it provide for better utilization of space but also allows for more  creativity. It feels great!   Last night I wore my new “Simple Wrap Skirt” that I made last week. I wore it to one of my colleagues event at this incredible restored old mill, Howland Place. New Bedford is famous for it’s old mills restoration re-developments. Some are used for luxurious lofts, artist space, antiques dealing, elderly assistant living and of course different types of businesses. I took a few pictures of the building and the event itself.       This picture is from their actual site. It gives a nice overview of what the building offers. It’s a great gem in our community. Howland Place was originally constructed as a 20th century textile mill. In the 1980s it was converte...

Hello sewing friends. Here’s my latest project. Just another simple wrap skirt that I just finished today. I had fun making the matching clutch bag. I used the left over zipper for a designer strip along the middle flab. I thought it would add a nice golden touch and add a richer texture to the bag. Overall, I used the same pattern from last week. The fabric is wool from Bedford Fabrics in Fall River. I love the color of the lining too. Bright and cheery for the long cold winter ahead. The turtle neck sweater is store bought. No big deal. Just something I picked up this week. Well, that’s it for now. I hope all of you have a great weekend. See you all soon! Debora    

Hello everyone! I hope your having a wonderful weekend. I have a couple of things I’d like to share with you today. First, I’m excited to share with you the “Southwestern style skirt.” I wore it today to a special brunch to support my friends from the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Inc. There’re such an amazing organization that provides a great service to our community. It was held at the Wamsutta Club, one of New Bedford’s many beautiful landmarks. And speaking of New Bedford, I’ve decided to add some lifestyle features of our city to my sewing blog. I figured you should have the opportunity to see the many events, fundraisers and beautiful places and wonderful people I share my life with. I’ve edited my introduction on the Google account to include my public service life and introduce you to the beautiful city of New Bedford that I so proudly serve. Here is my official introduction: Hello everyone! I’m Debora Coelho from New Bedford, Massachusetts. I serve in our loca...