Debora Coelho

I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying experimenting with fabric manipulation. Last night, as I was searching for my next project, I decided to use this faux leather fabric that I purchased at Joann’s fabrics. As I was studying the fabric, as beautiful as it is, I thought I could still make it more exciting. I want all my dresses to be exciting. I did some additional research on fabric manipulation and got inspired to sew some pleats down on this fabric before I even cut out anything. I already started the pleating process this morning and I’m contemplating between both these patterns to use on my next dress. I used Butterick 5851 on last weeks dress as a reference. I’m sure once I’m done pleating the fabric, it will talk to me. It’s fascinating for me to develop and learn new sewing skills and techniques with every dress I create. Even while wearing these dresses, I learn from them. The way each wears, feels and moves. I love to learn new things and see ideas at work. I enjoy foll...

Well, here it is folks! After two weeks, here’s my piece of what I’m calling wearable art. Working with this dress was a real challenge. So much so, that I only worked on it for short periods at a time. I’m really pleased with the fit, especially on the neckline and the bodice itself. I’m excited with the texture and overall feel of it. It illuminates with body movement. The fabric fibers too, are visually interesting. It’s a perfect piece to wear this Fall season. It’s as vibrant as autumn’s changing leaves shining in the sun. Have a great weekend everyone. And as always, thank you for sharing in my sewing journey. 　

This time of year at the end of the summer, I usually go in search of the end of season  clearance sale on suits. I don’t even look at the size, because most of the time they need some sort of alterations anyway. I’m fortunate enough to tailor them myself and therefore save a great deal on alterations as well. To my surprise, this season, I didn’t find any suits that I liked. This was a first. Either, I’m spoiling myself with my me-made wardrobe or my taste is growing beyond ordinary looking suits. My husband recently suggested that I look into making my own suits, considering I wear them most of the time in my professional life. Even though I’ve made suits in the past, I still prefer to create dresses. They are just so much fun and exciting to see come together.   While strolling through the mall, I could not help myself but to take a look at some of the dresses for some sewing inspiration. All I found was skinny dresses for, well you know, skinny young women. N...

All torn up. Hello everyone! After finally finishing sewing all the torn fabric strips to the entire material, I realized that the dress pattern I initially chose for this fabric was not going to work out.   The new design on the fabric is not suited for pleats or gatherings. I had to work with the new lines and texture that were created by the strips. After some inspiration, I found this 1930’s dress sketch and thought, wow, that’s it. Of course, I’ll never find a pattern for the dress. So, I created my own version on the dress form. I have to admit that I fought back fear in cutting up this dress. Considering the amount of time I invested in the material, the last thing I want to do is ruin it. But, what the heck, I built up courage and just cut it all up. I actually felt a bit like Edward scissors hands. Well, here it is, cut and styled. The designing layout is always exciting for me. I can’t seem to stop myself. I just go, go, go. Then, I look at the dress form and ...

Half way into the week, and I’m still working with this fabric. I’m sewing 1¼ inches of strips all way through the orange lining. I’m blown away as to how vibrant it looks. The color just radiates with movement and light. It’s the first time I’ve ever attempted something like this. I’ve pleated fabric before, but never sewn this amount of strips. I have two more yards to finish before cutting the dress. If I finish the fabric this week, I’ll be in a good place to work on the dress next week. This project is very exciting, very fulfilling. I’m hoping to do some more research on fabric manipulation. Amazing stuff. Enjoy!

Hello everyone! Just a quick sewing update. It’s been a while since I’ve sewn for myself. I’ve been busy. However, I’m enjoying wearing all my dresses. I wore this dress last night to special event. You may remember, I made this dress in 2014. I’m attaching last night’s picture to the original post. It’s interesting to follow the life of a homemade dress. I can tell you that they last a lot longer than store bought dresses. They fit better too. I have an emotional attachment to them. After all, it’s something one makes and follows through a long process from idea to fabric to dress. The other interesting thing, I’m very cautious about maintaining my weight. I’d hate to not fit into them. It’s not something that is easily replaceable. In closing, I am working on another 1920’s style dress. I hope to have it ready soon. Give me a couple more weeks. Meanwhile, I hope your exploring new ideas and creating things only you can create… and as always, thank you for sharing in our sewing jou...

Hello everyone. Hope you had a good week. Like most of you, I’m sure, my week went by too quickly. I didn’t have as much time for sewing as I would have liked. Even so, I’m happy to have the chance to make this beautiful simple kimono. It’s called “Pitter Patter” by Waverly fabrics. I can see why they named it “Pitter Patter.” It takes you to that special place by the pond full of life and just enough soft rain to wake you up to see it‘s full glory. It’s easily wearable with an old pair of jeans. It’s cut at the waistline, which makes it an everyday versatile wardrobe piece. The fabric is from JoAnn’s fabric store. It came from the upholstery department. Great strong durable cotton. Can’t wait to wear it.   Also this week, my new cloth cutting machine came in. My old one broke on me and even after I had it repaired, I damaged it again. I can’t do without one of these. This cutting machine is the best investment for any serious sewist. I love having the best tools avaible w...

Here’s my very simple summer laid back dress. I feel like a true “home” girl in it. It rained all day today. I managed to get these photos taken just outside the backyard entry.   The pattern print is very old world. I’m starting to enjoy the cotton feel of my dresses now. At first, I wasn’t too crazy about using cotton to make dresses. But, if you stay away from anything too gathered, especially at the waistline, you’ll be just fine with the fit.   The other thing I’m loving, is experimenting with colorful linings. It’s a lot of fun to add color to your “underworld.”   And finally, the pockets! I’m very pleased with the outside pockets. They too are lined in vibrant green. I’m fixated on pockets now. I find comfort in them, especially walking along in public. It places my arms and hands at ease. Well, that's it for this week. Let's see what nexts week brings. Good night everyone and as always, thank you for sharing in my personal sewing ad...

Hello everyone. Yes, I finished this weeks dress. It’s a very simple summer laid back dress. I enjoyed making it. It went so fast, I did not even have time to take pictures of the sewing process. If you care for the details, just look back on the previous posts. The pattern is the same as last week. The skirt however is much more slimming. I hope that when I wear it, I can capture the details of the outside pockets. Just love them.   This fabric is really exciting me. I want to make something with it immediately. I’m just not sure what? At first I was thinking a Kimono, but I also envision a dress. It’s laying out on my cutting table calling out for me to breath life into it. How can I not? Let’s see what comes out of it. Fun!!!     This is Mara Pedro from Portugal, a very young promising Fado Singer. She is here in New Bedford performing at the Museum Café for the 100 th year celebration of the “Madeira Feast.” I met her last night while hosting for ...