...It's interview time again ya'll - guess orange juice should be our drink of choice this time. Melanie Wise of Orlando, Florida is another sewing blogger/business owner that has that certain Jenesaisquoi! I love the name of her blog and social media presence - "IT'S MELANIE DARLING", (Why can't I ever think of snazzy titles like that?). But I digress, "It's Faye Darling" just wouldn't have the same ring" lol. Melanie has so many wonderful things going on in Florida: her own business, partner in a couture apparel design company, family and full time JOB! - and I thought I was busy! Please read on to learn more about her. It's so much fun getting to know other people who love sewing as much as I do - maybe even more - if that's possible...
Melanie have you had any formal training; or are you self taught?
Melanie: Self taught mostly but both Maternal and
Paternal Grandmothers, and Great Aunt were seamstresses. My mom
also sews (not so much now that I sew regularly).
What has been the most challenging garment you
have made?
Melanie: A lined blazer, Collars always gives me angst.
You have the most amazing (I’m jealous of you)
vintage pattern collection. If you could keep only 5 of those which ones
would you keep?
Vogue 1663 (DVF)
Simplicity 6333
Vogue 8514
Vogue 8445
Vogue 1187
What garment to date would you call your
“Masterpiece”?
Melanie: I’m not sure if I have a
masterpiece. I literally love everything I make but I usually make
clients pieces I wish I had made for myself.
What are your favorite fabric sources?
Melanie: Fabric Mart,
Mood Fabrics, Fine Fabrics (Atlanta)
Do you shop online for fabrics?
Melanie: Almost
all my fabric comes from online shopping. Central Florida is not very
fashion sewing friendly so there is not many sewing shops to choose from.
Fabric Mart, Mood Fabric, Fashion Fabric
Club
Melanie: Basically,
just being asked by different people to make them garments. I never
wanted to sew for hire, I just enjoy sewing.
Would you please share your best tried and true sewing tip with us?
Melanie: When
making a waistband for any garment, interface over the fold line of the
waistband, it will make the waistband way sturdier. My waistbands would
be very wonky and rolled over before I learned this little nugget.
What are your favorite social media platforms?
Melanie: Instagram,
Twitter, Facebook
Do you use these platforms to promote or enhance your business?
Melanie: Yes I
use them basically to show what I make casually. I usually get a lot of
inquiries from Facebook.
You recently hosted an amazing fashion event showcasing
your designs. Can you tell us a little about the event?
Melanie: Besides
my itsmelaniedarling custom sewing business, I am also a partner in a business
called Custom House Designs, with my sewing partner Kay Davis (Polished
Bou). Custom House Designs was asked to showcase in a fashion show for the
Beta House, which is a school here in Orlando Florida for young girls who
become pregnant while in school. It’s an alternative to traditional school
which teaches young ladies how to be parents while continuing their education.
This was actually my first fashion show. The experience was awesome.
Kay who has done many fashion shows did an amazing job.
You can see more of Melanie Wise at:
Instagram
Facebook, and on
Twitter…
