I sew for a Living..May I help you?

[ProudMNDemocrat]

My profession is that of a Professional Seamstress. I do Custom Designed Period Clothing, Fantasy costuming, Genre, Cosplay for clients all over the USA. Alterations for my Local clients. The name of my Business is Custom Designs by Lady Kathleen. I have a Facebook page as well. Photos there too.

I also make Doll clothes. Prices range from $12.50 To $50.00 for various ensembles. The money gets spent back into my community and local small businesses. The Masks I sell for $5.00 each, those proceeds go to my Local Food Bank or they are FREE with the customer making the donations themselves.

My portfolio of work can be viewed at
www.flickr.com/photos/kathy0552/albums

Any questions ,I can be reached here for further information or my Facebook page via Private Message.

[tblue37]

1. Gorgeous work. I had a dress shop for a couple of years--ordinary clothes, mending, hemming,

alterations.

I never did anything as elaborate and impressive as what you do!

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. Thank you so much.

I learned to sew when I was 9, sewing by hand, doing embroidery.

Growing up in the 1960's, I latched on to the neighborhood ladies. What I learned from them shaped me in what I would do in my later years. I made my own clothes, sewed for some of my teachers when in High School. In my Senior year of H.S. my sewing teacher taught Tailoring and Pattern drafting. She had worked in Hollywood during the 1930's through the mid 1960's. She worked with Oscar winning costume designers of that time and knew all the tricks. That class stays with me to this day.

While I have a Bachelor's in Education with an Art Major, History Minor, I turned that into what I have been doing since the mid 1980's. I do not regret obtaining an education. It has increased the amount of reading and research I do to get a period right from the Undergarments outward.

I do love my job. Seeing joy on a client's face means more than what I charge. I am not so expensive my clients cannot afford me, but nor will I have a client look cheaply made. That is my promise to all my clients.

[handmade34]

2. good work!!

[PennyK]

4. Wowee wow!

Do you use Patternreview.com?

[ProudMNDemocrat]

6. I work with Historically cut patterns...

When doing Historical pieces. I also draft pattern pieces as well. My sewing teacher in H.S. also taught how to redraft commercial patterns as well.

At my age, I enjoy playing dress up. It is what keeps my weight down and young at heart. I look forward to Pirate festivals, Renaissance festivals and my annual SciFi convention in 2021.

[niyad]

5. Kicking and bookmarking so I can pass on your contact info.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

7. Feel free. I have clientele all over the USA..

I LOVE my job. I have made friends with my clients, which is why they come back for more, and recommend their friends who are serious about having Custom made pieces that last years.

After I lost my excess weight, I needed to make all new Renaissance garb. I altered a gown I made in 2006 that I still wear. My last new piece was 2016.

[Hekate]

8. Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us!

[rainin]

9. Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing! n/t

[MLAA]

10. Wonderful! Such talent 🙂

[KT2000]

11. Really beautiful!

[BobTheSubgenius]

12. Very impressive work!

My ex also sewed. I'm not sure she ever tackled anything as elaborate as those costumes, but she was damned good. I know my sister was gobsmacked with her ability.

[backtoblue]

13. Super!

Im keeping your info.

I sew a bit, but your creations are really nice.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

14. Thank you so much.

Creating with fabrics and frims, making a client's vision become reality, is what makes my line of work so enjoyable.

My next commission is for a repeat client in Mobile, Alabama. A Pirate coat in an Emerald Green medium wale corduroy, lined in green and gold cotton for an event in mid January called the Emerald Coast Pirate Fesrival. I have gorgeous Gold trim in a leaf scrolled pattern, buttons with gold rims and pearl centers. That is due by Christmas. The client trusts no one else but me for this.

I get many requests for Pirate ensembles.2021 is already looking busy as my sewing schedule has 4 commissions already from clients in Texas, Maryland, Minnesota. I keep plenty busy.

[AmyStrange]

15. KnR

[rwheeler31]

16. Beautiful work, my grand daughter just started trying to make a costume for the Renaissance Festival.

I will show her your page for inspiration.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

17. By all means may I be an inspiration to her.