Mary Adams The Dress

Couture Camp

2011-09-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

For five weeks i ran couture camp at the Lower East Side Girls Club, something I started with Lyn Pentecost (executive director and founder of the Lower East Side Girls Club) back in the nineties. I have always been advocate of sewing as a means to boost self-esteem with young people, and enjoyed working with the 18 teenage girls (plus one boy) that partook in the program.

We wanted the girls to get an inside glimpse of the industry, and scheduled talks and activities with industry insiders like Tommy Hilfiger, Teen vogue, and Paper Magazine. The girls also went to the amazing Alexander McQueen show at the met, as well as museum shows at F.I.T.
(photo on left taken at Paper Magazine)

We of course shopped for fabric, and the girls learned to sew, starting with small bags and later moving on to more intense projects.

I invited independent entrepreneurs to come and speak to the girls on how they started their careers.

Heather Verran did a workshop on mood boards and stretch fabric.

A friend of the Girls Club invited us to her home for a performance by Tzipora Salamon. Tzipora performed in a boudoir setting and spoke about how the way she dresses has affected her life, changing into various amazing outfits.

Gretchen Hirsch gave a talk about her career and her popular blog Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing based on the vintage book "Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing." Gretchen brought her vintage 1950's book with her along with some vintage patterns to show the girls.

Shabd Alexander (the go to girl for tye dye) spoke and gave a demonstration, and all the girls got to Tye Dye something for themselves.

In between all these lovely activities, the girls learned to sew, a very tedious process but they all put their best foot forward and plowed through making purses, make-up bags, gathered skirts...

and a final project where they split up into groups of three and reconstructed unused 1950's wedding dresses that Lyn had bought on e-bay. The East Village Local Times did a piece on their final projects which you can view here East Village Local Times Video and Article!

The Girls cut them up, resewed them with their new skills and some inspiration for the McQueen show. The very talented Luna from the girls club helped the girls dye and spray paint parts of their dresses. to finish up we did an in house fashion show and a walk dressed up in their reconstructed wedding dresses through the streets of the lower eastside with ice cream and cookies upon our return.

All in all it was a great success and all the girls walked away with new skills plus purses, gathered skirts, and tye dye t-shirts that they could use and wear.

The Tumbling Blocks Apron Dress

2011-08-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

This tumbling block pattern was hand sown a decade down by my niece's great grandmother. It pained me to cut into this amazing piece of work, but now the fabric has a new life in my niece's 21st birthday dress.

The Winners of the Apron Dress Contest!

2011-08-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated!

The Winner Tina Setliff

Runner-up Tracy Crewson

Honorable Mention Erin Mckee

Apron Dress Contest

2011-06-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Oh, before I go on about what I've been doing for the last six months I want to let you know about the Apron Dress contest. Stephanie Richards of 365 Days of Sewing is hosting the contest inspired by The Party Dress Book. Here's some basic information but be sure to follow Stephanie's blog for step by step guidelines.

There are a million different ways you could make what I fondly call the apron dress and it certainly doesn't have to be done exactly like I have done it. You can use cotton or you can use fancy fabric's like silk organza's. You must use the pattern that comes with the book with either the full skirt or you can use the instructions in the Piecing section of my book pg.74-76. I will be dying to see what you come up with. The main thing is it has to have an apron or the illusion of an apron incorporated into the front of the dress. The other main thing is have fun doing it, there are lots of creative options for something fun and unique to play around with and that is what my book is all about!

*prize: For starters it's a gift box including a cotton apron made by me and a signed copy of The Party Dress Book, more surprizes will be added in the course of the contest.

Using gathered skirt

Using circle skirt

CREATIVE SEWING WORKSHOP

2011-03-10T15:39:00.001-08:00

april 10, 2011

Guess What? I'm going to be doing a creative sewing worshoop at Josephine's Dry Goods in Portland Oregon. This should be very exciting and I hope if your in the Portland area and a sewing enthusiast you should join us. I will be guiding you through making one of the samples in the Party Dress Book with the pattern that is included in the back envelope. Here is a fabulous example of a dress Angie who works at Josephine's made using the cotton dress example on pg. 111. Her choice of fabric and prints and trims all work well together don't you think? Of coarse there are lots of different combinations that can be put together and I can't wait to see what everyone will be coming up with! If you've made a dress inspired from The Party Dress Book please send me a photo and i will start posting them on my blog. Here is more information on the classes that i will be instructing in april. Hope to see you soon!

"THE PARTY DRESS BOOK"

CREATIVE SEWING WORKSHOP

• Thursdays, April 7-28, 2011 -- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

• OR
• Saturdays, April 9-30, 2011 -- 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Class Fee: $200 (does not include book or materials)

Instructor: designer and author Mary Adams

*All classes will be held at Josephine's Dry Goods, 521 SW 11th, in downtown Portland.

*for registration and more information cantact Josephine's @503-224-4202

Fashion Show & Book Signing: Fundraiser for the Katonah Museum

2010-12-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of the Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch. Amy's sporting her custom President Dress

On Monday, December 6th, Amy Sedaris and I were the featured authors at the fundraiser for the Katonah Museum. The event was titled: Crafts a Couture, a Fun and Fancy Luncheon.

The luncheon was really fun. Amy gave a presentation about her book, Simple Times, and did a crafty demonstration. I made her a special 'President Dress' for the occasion. The fashion show of my dresses went off without a hitch. The Kittle House was a perfect location -- with the windows and the light, packed with Ladies chattering away. Everyone had a great time!

Westchester Jazz Orchestra Executive Director Emily Tabin with KMA Executive Director Neil Watson. Photo courtesy of the Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch

The first section of the show was from my Archives from the 80's

Yippee! Rave reviews come in for THE PARTY DRESS BOOK

2010-12-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

Check out the reviews so far for my book! Thank you to everyone who took the time to write (or record) a review. I really appreciate it!

BeachBright's video review:

Gertie, from Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing, writes:

"I'll admit that I picked it up once at Borders, flipped through it, and decided it wasn't for me. Some of the embellishment techniques, like neckline ruffles, big rosettes, and crazy-quilted skirt appliques, just aren't really my cup o' tea. But I judged too quickly, readers. Because, on second look, there is a ton of inspiration to be found in here: silk organza petticoats, luscious color combinations, and my absolute favorite: a stunning use of bias strips to embellish an entire dress. Have you ever seen anything so lovely? I want to do this!"

The Party Dress Book was featured as a at Powell's City of Books.

Tracy writes:

"The Party Dress Book is the most knock-out book on pretty dresses that I've seen in awhile, and certainly the best guide on how to sew them ... If you like flirty and fun dresses, this book will make you very happy."

Karen, from Sewing By The Seat of My Pants, writes:

"The Party Dress is a fun book with luscious photography which I think will really strike a chord with younger sewists who are ready to venture beyond "safe" projects into something really special. The projects in this book give a lot of bang for your buck... As someone who's sewn for more years than I care to admit, Adams' attitude is a breath of fresh air and the dresses shown in the book were an inspiration "

Kelly Dunwell sends in the first example of a party dress made from the pattern in my book! She says it's easy!

Erica B.'s has a great section-by-section review on her blog Erica B's D.I.Y. Style

Also featured on the Mini Mini Market Blog!

More reviews on Amazon.com!

Preparing for the Katonah Museum Show...

2010-12-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

Today we've been finishing up details for the Katonah Museum Fashion Show on Monday, December 6th:

✓ Music
✓ Model sequence
✓ Business cards
✓ Buttons all sewn on
✓ Alterations

Still in progress: Presidents dress

Piecing the presidents together!

Great Adams think alike

I'D LIKE TO STRESS PRESS: pressing is very important before, during and after the creation of a dress. Here, Mary's using her steam iron.

Fitting tonight with Ms. Sedaris, and we're ready to go!

What I See On My Way To Work

2010-12-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

You never know what you'll find to inspire you in your day-to-day routine. And to think that I saw it on Madison Avenue....

Beautiful lights in Madison Square Park

Snow!!

Fake snow...

There's always a movie being filmed in this city...

Fashion Show - Crafts & Couture for the Katonah Museum

2010-11-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

Starting to organize the fashion show for the Katonah museum. Yikes! New dresses, new ideas, hair, make-up, models, music, pipe cleaners -- trying not to get anxious! Here's sneak peek at one of Mary's new pieces, the camouflage dress:

Besides going crazy over the fashion show, Mary whipped up a bits n pieces apron from her vintage fabric collection. The perfect present for a loved one!

The ruffle foot attachment, used to turn bias strips into fabulous ruffles!

For more on Bits n Pieces, check out THE PARTY DRESS BOOK, pages 24 and 25!

As well as our post on apron dresses

More updates later!

The Party Dress Book Launch Party

2010-11-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Looks like all of that busy-ness paid off! Angel from Selima put together this fabulous storefront display for the book party, as well as rearranging the store displays to feature Mary's dresses, skirts, and tops. On Thursday, November 11th, Mary Adams and friends came together to celebrate at Bond 07 by Selima Optique.

How darling is that?

Some cotton organdy pieces from the 80's on display


James and Kengo setting up, watched over by a giant wedding dress

The crowd at the party


Mary and Selima as the party winds down

It was a fantastic event: there was book signing, champagne, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres by James Hollander. And it was great to see people wearing their Mary Adams originals. Thank you everyone for all your help and support in making this event as success! It was wonderful to see all of my friends and the wonderful people who helped put the book together all in one room.

We also sold lots of books -- and, if you haven't already, be sure to pick one up at Bond 07 by Selima, or Amazon.com, or bookstores near you! (And if it's not there - request it!) If you have any sightings of the book around town, report back! It's the perfect gift for any sewing enthusiast, and the Holidays are just around the corner...

Next up is a fashion show at the Katonah Museum in Westchester - we'l keep you posted.
Thanks again!

More Busy-ness - and a launch party!

2010-11-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Boy have I been busy busy. First off, we've revamped the Mary Adams the Dress website -- now featuring more dresses from my portfolio, a section on the book, as well as a press section. Have a looksee. Many thanks to Lori Gomes at Mixit Productions.

Not to mention, we've had the Girls Club event, a press kit to assemble, press clippings to scan, a book launch party to plan, invitations to make, dresses to sew, flower crowns for interns, pies to eat, and a fashion show event to plan for!

In the meantime, be sure to come to the Party Dress Book Launch party if you're able. And if you have a Mary Adams dress, you should wear it!

Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and books!

Happy birthday Intern Kengo!

2010-11-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

In honor of my intern's 21st birthday, I made a custom Mary Adams crown of flowers!

LES Girls Club Gala

2010-11-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

In October I was lucky enough to attend the Lower Eastside Girls Club Gala at the Angel Orensanz Foundation. In the past, I've done work with the LES Girls Club -- teaching sewing in schools, as well as setting up "Couture Camp," where I taught the girls to sew.

LES flamenco girls

The table settings, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, coffee & dessert were enjoyed by all. It is always a great event honoring the work that the LES Girls Club does for the community. We were also celebrating their new building!

Advance Copies of the Book & Fun!

2010-11-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

We received advance copies of THE PARTY DRESS BOOK towards the end of the summer -- and everything is set to go! The Book is going to be released Tuesday, November 9th!


It's real! Mary holding her advance copy of The Party Dress Book

Intern Kengo!

Pregnant Kelly paid us a visit! Kelly is a really talented musician as well as an illustrator - she did the sewing illustrations in the book. Also, she started coming for sewing lessons. You should too!

Who says horizontal stripes aren't slimming?

As you know, we can't get enough of ruffles -- and here in the studio we've been contemplating a geurilla ruffle marketing campaign for the book.

Watch out, lower Manhattan!

The Party Dress Book!!

2010-07-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Party Dress Book is off to the printer!

I’ve finally put the finishing touches on the Party Dress Book and it's off to the printer (break out the veuve clicquot!)

It's my first book and As many of you know, I've been working on this project for the past couple of years. It was tons of work to say the least. the best part was I got to work with some great people, my editor Joy Aquilino was a real pleasure to work with. I wrote all about my creative inspiration tracing things back to the 50 onward. I loved doing the research on different eras and sewing techniques that I've used and redeveloped since starting to sew back in junior high school.

The book will be released on November 9th, 2010, and if you like ruffles, pin-tucks, bias, quilting and applique, check it out at amazon.com. And there’s an added bonus: a pattern for my signature party dress along with step-by-step instructions so that you can make one for yourself!

Mary Adams, Batsugar at Bond 07 by Selima!

2010-06-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

• Showroom & retail outlet at Bond 07 by Selima! •
Located at 07 Bond street in between Broadway & Lafayette in Manhattan.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm

2010-04-30T12:23:00.001-07:00

Check out Sara & Matt's wedding, featured on Brooklyn Bride & Rock 'n Roll Bride!

More Ruffles

2010-04-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know...
That a ruffle is also a low, continuous beating of a drum. Not as loud as a roll, though. In the military, a song called "Ruffles and Flourishes" is played to honor special folks. It involves a drum roll (the ruffle) and a trumpet fanfare (the flourish).

ruf·fle [ruhf-uhl] verb,-fled, -fling, noun, used as adj.

1. a state or cause of irritation
Lady Bracknell appeared notably ruffled when Sally burst from the birthday cake.
2. an unevenness or disturbance of surface
He flung her glass eye into the lake, ruffling its surface.

3. to annoy or irritate
I began to ruffle my father's feathers after my fourth mint julep.

4. strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
A dress without ruffles is like a tea party without cucumber sandwiches.

Photo credits:
White ruffle blouse & Blue ruffle dress by Pauline St. Dennis
Bustier by Patricia Sullivan

Ruffles -- how much do we love them...

2010-03-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

THE PARTY DRESS BOOK: Coming November 2010

Studio Shots

2010-02-26T15:09:00.000-08:00

Marcy in the studio preparing for a photoshoot for the book:

Updates later!

Apron Dresses!

2009-11-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

The first fabulous apron dress of fall 2009

Erika's apron dress

Sweet 16 Apron Dress