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Monday, August 8, 2011

My favorite embroidered skirt - Monday Photo of the Week

Some time ago, I was asked what was my favorite item I've ever made. I had to think long and  hard about this. And then I decided I couldn't just lump all things together, I had to categorize. Today I'll show you my favorite "personal" item. Something I made just for myself with no thought as to what it would sell, how it best used a Bernina product, etc.. 

Here it is, my favorite skirt. Actually there is a silk underskirt with a purchased lace trim along the bottom (the long lace you see) and then an embroidered overskirt made of English cotton netting, embroidered with Madeira rayon thread (ooh such a favorite thread!!!) all stabilized with a "melt-away" stabilizer. It took forever to  complete the embroideries! I even had to find a second source for the stabilizer as I ran out during the process!

I spent 5 weeks in Chicago helping train Bernina dealers to use the Bernina embroidery software. So in the evenings, I put the embroidery machine to good use. Sue Box embroidery designs are some of my favorites!

The silk ribbon I used for the waistband and the English cotton netting both came from Martha Pullen Co.This garment along with an embroidered top was featured in a long ago edition of Sew Beautiful magazine. Darned I might have to unpack those!]

I was inspired by Jenny Haskins. She is a most talented Australian to whom I not only aspire to copy every thing she makes,, but she's also my friend. I am truly blessed. She had a lace skirt with a Victorian "skirt lifter". But at the time I couldn't find one so I created this sweet brooch to pull up part of the skirt.

 A photo taken long ago (Phoenix, AZ) when it was hot hot hot, just like now. I'll tell you about the top some other time. I still want that chair that sat outside the Bernina Connection Bernina store! I also remember bringing home a mesquite block with inlaid turquoise from the local cooking store.. Oh there were some great benefits to traveling!!

I hope you enjoyed this blast from the past! I am very appreciative of your visit and look forward to reading your kind comments. Stay tuned Wednesday for a Garden Party Tablescape!




9 comments:

  1. I remember that.... it is so beautiful....and looked wonderful on you...You have such a great talent and are missed in this industry...

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  2. So pretty Marlis with such lovely attention to detail. My sewing is so utilitarian I so admire your talent. Thanks for dropping by. Jane F

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  3. I'm speechless Marlis, this is just a beautiful piece.

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  4. Oh. My. Goodness. You are one talented lady! Absolutely beautiful!

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  5. Absolutely stunning. You are one talented lady!

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  6. Oh HOW PRETTY!!! Ooozing lace & sheer goodness & gorgeous attachments...I'm in Heaven!
    LOVE the photo of you in AZ & I agree, you should have stolen that chair. Really cool looking!

    I have some very similar long lace in my stash, just waiting for the perfect project. Someday. *sigh*

    Your embroideries are amazing & I also agree that Sue Box designs are awesome. Never ever had a problem with any of them.

    Thanks for sharing this treasure, Marlis.

    fondly,
    Rett

    p.s. I hope you will join Cherry Kay & I in a "Tables For Two" party in the fall.

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  7. It's simply gorgeous in every way, Marlis. I'm so envious of the ability to create such beautiful things.

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  8. Ooooh...now I want you to have a retreat in Lubbock (when the weather cools down) and invite some of us to come learn some sewing techniques. I have a Pfaff, and I've always wanted a Bernina...not to be disloyal to my Pfaff...it's a trusty little machine. I think that you could teach us about making neat table linens...right? Right! The skirt is a jewel. I hope that you still wear it! Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you'll join Rett and me for out Tables for Two Party in the Fall. I'll be eager to learn with whom you'll pair to create a design. Cherry Kay

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  9. You made that, Marlis? Wow! It is so adorable and you are so talented and you look so lovely in it....Christine

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Thank you for visiting and commenting. I love reading your thoughts. Blessings, Marlis