BLOGLIKECRAZY 2016 DAY 19: Where Are They Now...

...it's Melanie Darling still has that "IT" factor!  You know, that certain something that you just can't quite put your finger on but you know that it's there.  That certain Jenesaisquoi!, is exactly what she has.   Now, please don't get it twisted, I don't down my sewing ability one little iota, but I have to give credit where credit is due - Melanie Wise - is in a sewing league all of her own!  Now Melanie, do you purposely dragggggg out the pronunciation of D-a-r-l-i-n-g? - cause that's the way I imagine it should sound!
 

Melanie, have you learned, or are you using any new techniques since we talked a year ago?

MELANIE:  Properly lining garments. I don’t line garments often, because I live in Florida and garments for myself I chose not to line, even if they call for a lining. Especially knits, because I use heavier knits most often for my garments, like Ponte and Double knits. Because I have been sewing more for clients I have had to line more. I like my clients to have well-made garments that look like they came from Nieman Marcus. Fully lined. 

I took the time to do some research and learn how to do the bag lining method for jackets and coats. Here is a link to one of the best illustrated methods form Grainline Studios: https://www.grainlinestudio.com/2012/01/09/sewing-tutorial-how-to-bag-a-jacket-lining/ and Threads: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4366/bag-your-jacket-lining/page/all. I studied and practiced both of these linksand I love the results.

  

What are your must have items to make for the Fall/Winter season?

  MELANIE:  
Comfortable T Shirt dresses with Kangaroo pockets and sweater Hoodies. For me they are so comfortable with jeans and tights. I love to be comfortable and cool. I do a lot of running around on the weekends, and I want to be able to be chic and quick. LOL.

Also, blazers, I love how blazers can be casual and dressy just by changing your accessories and coordinating garments.

What sewing patterns are you most excited about right now?

MELANIE:  The Pattern I am coveting now is Vogue 8865. The Jacket and Shorts View A & E. I have it cut and can’t wait to make it. I have so many patterns, I don’t know where to start. I am a Frankenpattern person so I will cut and mix and match to death. I really don’t have a favorite though, I am a lover of all things Vintage and I adore my vintage patterns.

 I follow closely for regular updates from Melanie because there is always something new going on with her.  You can find her at:

It's Melanie Darling - http://itsmelaniedarling.blogspot.com/

FaceBook

Instagram, and 

Twitter...

#BLOGLIKECRAZY DAY 21: THERE'S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME...

...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

How did your business originate?

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:

Itmelaniedarling.blogspot.com

Instagram

Facebook, and on

Twitter…