Thankfulness

There is so much to be thankful for.

We all face trials in our lives, challenges that make us want to give up at times, yet we also face opportunities to make choices that can make a difference.

I have been blessed with a husband who has been my best friend for over 30 years. Married for over 29 years and a friendship that started a few years prior. In addition I have three daughters who will always be a sweet treasure that I am so very grateful for.

Nine years ago my business started as something to do part-time to help support the family while I stayed home to care for and homeschool our daughters.

It was a challenging decision to stay home, homeschool and start my business, but it proved to be well worth it. There were many looking for what I had to offer, not only locally but also internationally.

This past spring I made the decision, with the full support of my husband, to take my business from the part-time level to full-time. It was a decision that I do not regret and find that the Lord has blessed.

I not only create doll clothing, as I did when I first started in 2000, but I also enjoy making the infant/toddler blankets, therapy bags, Christmas stockings, fleece wraps, and more for my web-site. In addition, I have been blessed to take care of other's needs, outside our family, with their alteration, mending, and custom sewing needs.

For some, it might seem like a tedious chore. For me, it's a gift of serving others.

May you encounter joy during this time where our nation celebrates Thanksgiving. May you find joy in your ability to serve others in the work that you do.
And thank you to the many men and women who serve our country, out of a personal desire to serve and protect.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura - seamstress

Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/
Twitter http://twitter.com/DavinaDawnSewin
Facebook http://bit.ly/3MNj8o

Replacing you Coat Lining

Replacing your Coat Lining

It is important to be sure when you decide to replace your coat lining, that you are getting a quality job done.

It is common for one to purchase a quality coat that later on needs the lining replaced. The outer shell is in great condition, but due to the consistent wear'n tear, the lining begins to thin.

You can price around to see who is the cheapest and go that route, but make sure you are getting not only quality workmanship, but also a quality lining fabric that will last more than one or two seasons.

There are many variables that go into replacing a coat lining. The cost to replace your lining might cause sticker shock, because in some cases it will seem as if you are re-purchasing your coat new again. What you are paying for is the time involved in taking out your old lining, replacing shoulder pads, creating new pattern pieces from old, worn and stretched out pieces that are being removed, etc. Then, the time involved in adding back in the new lining. This is not something that can be done in a quick hour or two.

When my clients come to me for their coat linings, I discuss with them their expectations. Do they want the inside lapel pocket still (some want to save costs so they remove it)? Do they need any pockets replaced? Do they want something different about your coat lining...some have hems sewn right into the coat, where other's hang loose, and the customer decides to have the new one hang loose. Do they have a kick pleat in the back? Are there other mending needs necessary for their coat? Do they want me to mend things if they are discovered once the replacement begins? Do buttons need to be replaced?

So, as you can see, there is more than just bringing it in and replacing the lining. If you have a coat that you really love, that you can't replace because you can't find that classic look anymore, then you might decide it is well worth the investment. If it was an expensive coat, that is still in great condition, except for the lining, it is well worth the investment. Leather coat owners have found it to be well worth the investment because they have worn their coat to the point where it is a part of them.

Whatever your choice, whether to reline or not, is something you need to decide after you weigh the cost of the work with the value of your coat, whether it can be replaced, or what it means to you.

To have this service done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties is generally done for local customers. But, this service is also provided for customers anywhere within the USA, for those who are willing to ship their coat and pay for return shipment.

Stay warm

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com

Large Christmas Stockings - Beautiful, Fun & Practical

Christmas Stockings can be so much fun! They are a tradition in our home that we all enjoy. We take our stockings that were created specifically for each child (and yes, David and I each have one ourselves), and fill them with things that have meaning for each person. Whether it be one's favorite candy, little items that show that we thought of them throughout the year or during the holiday season, favorite CD music, DVD's, etc.

We take every gift, regardless of the size, and wrap them individually from the prior years used wrapping paper. It has become a favorite part of our Christmas morning, as we each open little gift. That doesn't mean one has to wrap every little item, as this is just our family tradition.

How is this a practical gift to be used in gift giving?
1. This is a gift that can be recycled and either be used year after year for your child (consider having his/her name embroidered on it), or if it is an office gift item, it can be used again the following year by that recepient to fill and give to someone new the following year.
2. One doesn't have to spend a lot to fill a stocking, just some time and thoughtfulness. Some things we include are necessities, such as tissues, toothbrush & floss, stickers (for kids and scrapbookers), comb's, brushes, a new winter scarf, earrings (you can clip these on the side), match boxes, deck of cards, stationary, pens & pencils all of which could have their favorite team insignia on them or favorite Disney character, etc., books, word puzzle books, socks, stockings, gloves & mittens and so much more. Many items can be found at the dollar store, some can be hand made (such as cookies), and some can be picked up one at a time while picking up your groceries each week (their favorite candy, gum, etc).
3. It doesn't have to be used only for small items, but you can use it as the wrapping for your gift item, such as a special sweater, game, etc.

Who would enjoy these wonderful packages of love?
- College students can use food items, stamps, ink for printers, therapy rice bags (check them out at http://davinadawnsewing.com/therapeuticbags.htm ) etc.
- Military members can use toiletries, cards, etc.
- Grandparents - their favorite CD music, or old movies on DVD they enjoy watching
- Office Co-workers
- Nurses, Doctors & other medical staff personal
- Neighbor that has been especially kind to you
- Secretary at your church - hand lotion, Christian CD, and more
- Donated gifts to the needy that you might sponsor as you can fill it with the things they asked for (within reason of course)
- Secret Santa gift filled with lots of fun little things
- Yankee Swap Gift - this would be the type of gift that everyone would enjoy getting.

Size & Prices of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties Large Christmas Stockings
Approx. size: 20" length, 11" cuff width, 15" at widest part of stocking foot.
The price ranges from $30 - $40 depending on the type fabric used.

QUESTION: Can one provide the fabric and Laura create a custom Stocking? Most definately! Email your inquiry to laura@davinadawnsewing.com

As you can see, you can use a large stocking for a variety of people and purposes. It provides a special wrapping for all your thoughtfulness. Take a look at the options currently available at http://davinadawnsewing.com/christmasstockings.htm All custom made using quality fabric.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura - Custom Seamstress
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com

Preparing for Winter

It seems that once October & November arrives, we find ourselves in New England, raking, putting away the garden tools and summer furniture, and getting ready for the upcoming winter weather. Not only do we prepare the outdoors, we begin to prepare the inside as well. But, sometimes we wait until the last minute to realize that the cold is going to arrive, and find our gloves, coats, and scarves need to be cleaned, replaced, mended or altered.

New Englanders are made of two types of people: Those who Love winter, and those who could really live without it. I'm one of those that could live without it, except I do enjoy the cool weather up through Christmas, even through New Years. I love the first snowfall, the crystal glitter upon the trees, and the beauty that surrounds us. Even the driving isn't too bad. But after about two months, I'm ready for the spring.

Fortunately, I do enjoy the lovely cold weather clothing. The textures are beautiful, the colors are generally warm, allowing them to compliment many different complexions.

Winter is fast approaching. Now is a good time to check your fall/winter wardrobe, to make sure there are no buttons that need to be tighten, zippers replaced or mended, pockets repaired, and hems secure. I like to remind my customers to consider getting their alteration needs done before the weather actually changes.

Since my service not only provides alteration needs, one can bring other mending needs in addition to custom work done, so that you can have everything done all at once. Or, if you need to budget things to have them repaired, mended, altered or custom made, consider having the items you need to wear in the cold weather taken care of first.

In addition, a customer can shop online, at my site www.davinadawnsewing.com for some online products for Christmas gifts that they can pick up the same day of their alteration/mending pickup. Currently one can find doll clothing and accessories, rice therapy bags, infant/toddler blankets, and more. As I can, I continue to add items for a variety of options.

Enjoy the fall weather. We are blessed with such beautiful colors!

Laura - Custom Seamstress
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

Wedding Memories

Wedding Memories - one of the joys I have is in creating replica's of bridal party dresses. When the replica was requested to duplicate a young girls dress, it warmed my heart to know that there was a little girl who was going to be overjoyed with the love and thoughtfulness that the bride put into the gift.

This particular order started out with one dress in March, later to be commissioned to take on replicating three more once she saw my work. The additional dresses (including the one pictured here), all different, were made with Dupioni Silk fabric, satin ribbon, and this particular dress had two layers of tulle overlay.

This order was special, as it was a request for a gift for the young girls in the bridal party. Usually I get the request for just the bridal dress to be replicated. Although I take great joy in creating bridal replica's as it allows my creative skills to be used fully for something that can be simple through intricately elegant. It is another source of joy to create replica's for young girls. One knows that they will treasure their gift of love, bringing back many memories.

You can view more pictures, showing all three dresses at http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/specialorderspecialoccassioncurrent.htm
The pictures will be moved once I start a new custom order, or after a few months.

To Alter or Not to Alter

One of the things I enjoy providing my local clients are quality alterations. In doing so, I like to make sure they are getting what they want, as well as what they need.

I had the pleasure of meeting a new client today, who was looking for someone that had flexible hours to work around her work schedule, but also someone who would be honest with her. Recently, she lost 30 pounds, but also had some alterations already done to the garments she had. She brought a suit jacket and four pairs of slacks that she felt were not fitting her well. As she tried each item on, the jacket being the first, she realized that the jacket actually fit her quite well. I couldn't see anything that would warrant an alteration as a necessity.

What I thought was going to be a very expensive job for the client and timely one for myself, based on what she shared on the phone, turned out to be a less costly situation.

As she tried each item on, I listened to her and learned that she had started to do more exercises. So, even though she wasn't planning on anymore weight loss, the clothes could continue to change how they looked on her. Yet, with three pairs, I made some adjustments that made an obvious difference in how they would fit.

One of the things I won't do is provide alterations that are not necessary. It is not fair to the client to spend hard earned resources on something that will not make a difference for them. They are depending on me to provide a fit that will allow them to feel good about how they look in their clothes, and in the case of this clients clothing already being altered, whether more alterations can be done. I will educate them where I can, show the suggested changes and let them decide whether it provides them the look they are seeking, prior to them leaving.

My goal, is to help my client feel comfortable and confident when their garment is altered. This is why I take the time needed in the first fitting.

May we all strive to look our best, feel confident in who we are, while living our lives to the fullest.

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com

Sewing for Thumbelina

Sometimes I relish the time I acquire that allows me the freedom to work on things that I haven't had a chance to. One of the things I enjoy making are things for my website. I get to choose the fabric, the notions, the pattern, and the choice. There is something relaxing about making something for fun.

Thumbelina was a doll that I adored when I was a young girl. My mother made me give it away when she felt I was too old to hang onto it. So, who would have thought I would eventually be making doll clothing when my girls were young? Who would have thought that Thumbelina would have returned into my life.

I do have a Thumblina, that I acquired on Ebay a few years back. I search high and low for one that was in good shape and still movable when her knob was turned.

So, it was a pleasure to make a nightgown to include on my site that fit Thumbelina specifically. Thumbelina looks beautiful in this new gown. It doesn't have lace, as I wanted to provide a simple gown first. More outfits will be added to the site as I can make the time to create for her size.

This nightgown is made with 100% cotton flannel, has a two button hole closure, and a cute little pink bow button on the bodice. The flannel is a cute flannel that has baby toys throughout. The bodice is fully lined. All seams are finished preventing the opportunity for fraying. Elastic on the wrists of the sleeves, and folded-over hems for the sleeves and hem of skirt. As always, looking to provide a quality product for those seeking quality craftsmanship. Check out Thumbelina's page at http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/dollthumbelina.htm to see the different views.

Those who enjoy collecting dolls, or have a special girl in your life with a body size of Thumbelina, will enjoy this page.

Have a delightful and restful evening.

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties