Pandemic Patchwork Project in Praia da Luz

Faced with many weeks of potentially lazy lockdown in Portugal (where I've been living since last June), I've invested in a sewing machine and overlocker again and been sourcing fabrics. Although I've found one local shop where I've been able to buy several stretch fabrics - Retrosaria Joaninha in Lagos in the Algarve - I have not been able to get hold of the variety of materials that were easily available when I was living in the USA, Canada or the UK. 

Undeterred by this setback, I have been turning to my own wardrobe for inspiration. Clothes that I no longer wear much are fair game and I've been cutting them up and making my 'pandemic patchwork' collection. Here are a few designs and there are sure to be many more pics posted in the near future. 

For more information, email: louise.hudson2011@gmail.com

Here are some more....

Bootleg flares and tank top

For more information, email: louise.hudson2011@gmail.com

Cold shoulder anyone?

Here's my Fall 2017 top and tunic range....Call me on 803 638 4657 or Email on louise.hudson2011@gmail.com if you like anything you see. Remember, I can make any design in any colour combo, any size, any custom changes to suit your specific needs.  

And, if you have some great tops already, but wish they were 'cold shoulder' I can convert them! Call or email me if you want to 'upcycle' your wardrobe.

Fashion Camp 2017 and the return of Hanky Hems

I'm thinking of running Fashion Camp again this summer:

Any ages from 10 upwards - including adults this year! The weeklong course (9-5 each day) will be $550 per person which includes every fabric, notions, etc. You will make a new wardrobe and have the skills to make clothing and accessories for the rest of your life. Email me on: louise.hudson2011@gmail.com.

Not sure of dates yet but either July 17-21 or Aug 7-11 - only 6 students per course, so make sure to register soon. You will need to make a down payment of $300 and the remainder would be due the week before camp starts.

Big trend for the summer is handkerchief hems: 

If you would rather learn how to make them than splash out on bought items, I can teach you how to make a hanky hem skirt in 30 mins (class costs $30 per person - you provide the fabric)! Interested? Classes running mid April - mid May. Email me on: louise.hudson2011@gmail.com. Small classes, project focussed, flexible dates, adults and kids from 10 upwards. 

I have countless styles to teach in the hanky hem trend - particularly since I have specialized in this since 1984 when they were first re-invented from the 1920s!! 

I can teach you to make skirts in half an hour - and I even have one style which only takes 15 minutes! Although dresses with hanky hems take a bit longer to make, they should only be an hour or two (depending on the complexity of the top part). 

If you come to me to learn these skills you could decide to make a dress or a skirt an hour or two before a social event, and have it made in time to show it off at the party! I often do that when I can't think of anything to wear. The bonus: you can guarantee that no-one else will be wearing the same outfit as you!

Send me an email on: louise.hudson2011@gmail.com if you and any of your friends or family would like to attend a Hanky Hem Lesson!