Product Review

Hello Everyone,

It's not often that I will post a product review on this blog. However, I would like you to check out www.firmoo.com. This company offers stylish glasses for affordable prices. Sometimes when you are sewing a garment, it can be hard to thread the sewing machine needle. A good pair of glasses just may be the answer to your problem.

Firmoo has a great selection of the latest styles glasses. Best of all, you can receive your first pair of glasses for free. You would only have to pay the  shipping cost for your first order. Check out Firmoo's  First Pair Free Program.  Visit  http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html Let me know what you think.


Until Next Time,
D.Gulley

Happy New Years

Hello Everyone,


It's a new year. Can you believe it is 2013? It seems like it was just summer. I am so excited for this new year. I can't wait to see what amazing things unfold for each one of us.

I spent the past two weeks sewing wonderful Christmas gifts for my family members, and purchasing some gifts for some relatives, because I ran out of time.  Now it's time for me to get busy. It's time for me to get back to work. I am so ready to share some amazing diy videos, projects and new stylish handbags with you.


Let's have some fun in 2013.

 

Handbags

Hello Everyone,

The handbags are here. They are ready for you to purchase. After many test fits, several fabric changes, and some other unforeseen setbacks, I am happy to share with you ,"  The On-The-Go Shoulder Bag.

 

 

The On-The-Go Shoulder Bag is the perfect everyday bag. It is chic and functional. It has 2 front pockets, one back pocket, and 1 inside pocket. All pockets are lined with grey satin fabric. The inside of the bag is fully lined with a  grey satin fabric. This hanbag also comes with adjustable straps. You can wear the straps across your shoulders or across your chest.

The On-The-Go Shoulder Bag comes in many different colors. If you are interested in purchasing this amazing bags, contact D.Gulley at dgulleydesigns@gmail.com

Yellow Print

Tribal

 

 Black & White

 

Sun-Moon

Sun

Colors

Green

Grey Print

 

Dots

I Am Almost There

Hello Everyone,

For the last three weeks, I have been drafting patterns, sewing samples, and evaluating each design. I would repeat the above steps at least three times before I would be satisfied with the idea. I have sewn up at least 15 test bags, 25 mini-samples, and have drafted at least 25 rough patterns. I am so excited to say, I have finally finalize my first shoulder bag. I am tentatively calling it " The On-The-Go Shoulder Bag. 

As you can see from the pictures I have included in this post. I have really been working hard on this bag. Now that all the preliminary work is done, I am now ready to go from muslin to my actual fabric. I am almost ready to present D.Gulley Designs first handbag.

Look What Came In The Mail Yesterday

Hello: Everyone,


I am so excited to be launching my new handbag line soon. Yesterday, I received my sew-in labels. Take a look at them. What do you think?

I am still waiting on my business cards and some presser foots I ordered. Each day, I am getting closer to making this dream a reality. Thank you so much for all your support.



Yours Truly,

D. Gulley

 Hello Everyone,

Are you looking for a fun project to help you improve your patternmaking and sewing skills? Are you looking for a stylish shirt to make that will be versatile to wear to work and social events? The DG 101 Self-Draft E-Pattern is perfect for you.

The DG101 Tunic Self-Draft E-Pattern is a great way to learn or improve your patternmaking and garment construction techniques. This pattern is designed for beginner sewers who would like to learn how to make their own clothes and fashion patterns.

In this 20-page instructional pdf pattern, you will learn how to:


1. Take your own body measurements and used them
2. Draft 4 pattern pieces.
3. Label patterns correctly.
4. Add grainlines to each pattern
5. Create curve shape necklines
6. Draft the front neckline lower then the back neckline
7. Clip notches correctly.
8. Prepare fabric
9. Cut out fabric and pattens correctly
10. Sew tunic shirt and finish all raw edges.


The DG101: PDF Tunic Pattern Includes:

1. A supply list
2. Definition to terms used in the pattern
3. Detailed, color pictures of each step including how to take your own body measurements.

This pattern was created by D.Gulley from D.Gulley Designs (www.dgulleydesigns.com).

The PDF-Pattern is $8.99.

A print copy can be shipped to your own for $11.99 plus $2.99 for shipping and handling.

All Sales Are Final.

Special Note: Thank you so much for supporting D. Gulley Designs. I created this pattern to serve as a starting point for inspiring, upcoming designers. It is a simple garment that can easily fit into any wardrobe. You can wear the tunic loosely, for a nice casual look or you can belt it for a professional outfit. You can make the shirt in solid and printed fabric to create versatile styles. It is my hope that you will enjoy this project. Feel free to put you own spin on it. If you have any questions, please email me at dgulleydesigns @ gmail.com

Tim Gunn

Last week I had the pleasure of hearing Tim Gunn speak at the University of Central Arkansas. When my friend Cher purchased my ticket to the event, I was so elated. At the time, I did not know why he was in town. I just knew I wanted to hear this fashion aficionado. Like many of you, I became a fan of this extraordinary man from his appearance on Project Runway. 

 I found him to be so entertaining. His demeanor was upbeat and pleasant. Truthfully, I expected him to be a snob but he was far from it. He seemed like a true Southerner. It’s hard to believe that he lives in New York City. 

 For most of the lecture, he described his 23-plus years at Parsons The New School For Design, and how his previous position led to him becoming a mentor on Project Runway. The real “juicy” stuff came out during the Q & A portion of the event. He allowed the audience to ask him questions about anything and everything. Boy, did people want to know the real Tim Gunn. Some of the questions were personal ones like: where did he like to shop, eat, and what are some of his favorite countries to visit. He revealed that he is a budget conscious shopper. For a long time, he would shop at stores like J Crew. He was not introduced to wearing $3,000 suits and $400 shirts until he worked on the movie The Smurfs. He admitted that he love the way the expensive clothes fit him. However, since his short-lived show Revolutions has been cancelled, he is back to budget shopping. He now spends around $500 for a suit. 

Most of the audience asked questions related to Project Runway. Tim was so blunt with his answers. I was a little shocked that he didn’t sensor his responses. Someone in the audience asked how he felt about the other judges. He stated that he really only talks to Heidi Klum. He rarely sees Michael Kors or Nina Garcia. After ten years of being on the show, he still has not been invited to any of Michael Kors’ fashion shows. Based on his tone while answering this question, I would say that the two of them do not care for each other. This is just my opinion but Tim did make additional comments to make me believe my above statement is true. I guess there is only room for one chief on Project Runway. lol

Tim said that several Project Runway designers are doing well considering the state of the economy. The designers who succeed past the show are the ones that have determination and financial resources. When asked to specific name names, he is most proud of Christian Siriano. This Project Alumni has fashion lines in high-end stores as well as affordable lines for companies like Payless Shoes. He also shared that Gretchen Jones from season 8 was one of his least favorite contestants. She really knew how to get under his skin. He also had no shame in admitting that he was very happy to see Ven Budhu get kicked off this season of Project Runway.

The fashion tips that he shared were very helpful. When it comes to buying or making your own clothes, he suggested that no matter your size, you must always consider the fit, silhouette, and proportions of the garment. He declared that it is very important to make sure you are wearing the proper under garments. For example, wearing the right bra and/or body shaper can dramatically improve the fit of your clothes. He gives examples of this information in his new book” Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascination History Of Everything In Your Closet.”

He said right now is not a good time to start a new clothing label. If you are an upcoming designer, he suggested that you first develop your signature point of view. The retail industry according to him do not need more wasted clothing, clothes that are similar to what’s currently in the market place. Each designer must find a way to stand out from the successful lines that are already available in retail stores. Right now, he encourages new designers to start their labels on a small scale. Develop a fan based in your hometown or current city. Try selling your items on Etsy and other online stores. He also stressed that you do not have to live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles to become a successful fashion designer. He stated opportunities are everywhere. It is up to each designer to seek them out.

 Overall, I really enjoyed the event. I found Tim Gunn to be an adorable, articulate, funny man. I plan to eventually get his new book. If he comes to a city near you, I encourage you to check out his lecture.

DIY Home Decor Project: How To Make A Bow Pillow

Hello: Everyone,

In this d.i.y post,  I will show you how to make a bow pillow. This is a great project to add a touch of flair to your bedroom or living space. I am also giving out some free gifts for your home that I am sure you are going to love. Let me know what you think.


The supplies you will need for this project are:

1. Fabric Scissors
2. A pre-made pillow
3. Sewing machine
4. A hand needle
5.Fabric (1/2 yard of woven fabric )
6. Thread
7. Tape Measure
8 PolyFil (Optional)

1. Measure the width of your pre-made pillow. Add 1 1/4 inches to the total for ease and seam allowance. For example, my pillow's width is 19 inches + 1 1/4 inches = 20 1/4 inches.

2. Measure the length of your pre-made pillow.  Add 3/4 inch to the total for ease and seam allowance. For example, my pillow length is 19 inches + 3/4inche = 19 3/4 inches

3. To save fabric, you are going to use the cross grain. Lay you fabric on a flat surface. Next following the crossgrain, measure down 25 inches, and measure up 7 inches. Cut two pieces of fabric to equal these measurements.

 4. Measure along the cross grain of your fabric 39.5 inches ( my 19 1/4 Length x 2). Measure up 20 1/4 inches or the width of your pillow from step 1. Cut one piece of fabric to equal these measurements.

 5.  Press the two smaller pieces of fabric from step 3 in half.

 6. Sew the side seams and one end of each piece of fabric with a 1/2 seam allowance. Leave the opposite end of the fabric unstitched. 

 7. Turn both pieces of fabric to the right side.

8. Press fabric so that it will lay flat

9. Fold the large piece of fabric in half. The right side of the fabric is face up. Measure down from the top of the fabric (opposite side of the fold) 9 3/4 inches or half way. Place a cross mark at this position on both sides of the fabric.

 10. At each cross mark, pin one piece of the smaller fabric in place.

11. Sew 1/4 inch basting stitch to secure fabric pieces in place.

12. Fold fabric face to face (wrong side is faced up). Sew each side seam with 1/2 seam allowance.

13. Turn fabric to right side.  Press seams flat.

 14. Place pillow inside fabric or stuff fabric with polyfil.

14. Fold the top of the fabric edges down. Pin in place.

 15. Hand stitch the top edge of the fabric closed.

16. Tie the two side pieces of fabric in a bow.

You have just completed the DIY Home Decor Bow Pillow. 

Check out the video for more information. This video was sponsored by http://www.hingeheads.com