hi dolls! My name is Ines and I’m from Lisbon, Portugal. I’m a beauty and vintage fashion blogger (you can check my blog here www.madameturbante.blogspot.com )
More recently I discovered the wonderful world of sewing! Both my grandmothers were seamstresses, and I always have been interested in this kind of art, but I was very busy learning and doing other stuff. Some months ago I decided to create a brand inspired by the vintage acessories (all decades) called Madame Turbante, and so my mother in law offered me a sewing machine! At the time I didn’t knew anything about sewing! I searched on google and a whole new world opened up for me 
I’m still very new to this, but with your help and inspiration I feel that I can do so much more!
My very first sewing project were my turbans, which I’m most known for! Turbans are very easy to sew. Have you tried?
I created Madame Turbante brand and I sell it all over my country in flea markets. Its funny, because I only own one of my turban designs! :p
The other thing I wanted to show you is my very first attempt to sew two pillow cases from a retro fabric available at IKEA (I love IKEA, don’t you?). I loved the result! I watched a video on youtube and I was able to sew them easily!
Now the fun projects: Clothes! I was afraid of making clothing, I confess. I can picture some patterns in my head, but taking the measurements is kinda hard for me. Well, in a week I lost all fear and tried to make a blouse inspired by the 20’s and art deco. I drew the pattern myself based on a simple blouse I own, and made the adjustments necessary. I have to say that the most difficult part was to hand sew the buttons holes! God, what a mess! The great thing is that they are kinda hidden from the actually buttons. The fabric ripped a lot. So, it was a challenge, but I loveeee the result! Also, the buttons are vintage, I bought them in a flea market a couple of years ago and I was starting to think that I’d never get to use them.
And finally, but not least, my 40’s skirt with removable suspenders! Another challenge. I drew the pattern from a skirt I already own, sew the suspenders et voila! I didn’t have the chance to use it outside because it is freakin’ hot here in Portugal. I need the winterrrr!
I feel like such a cheater by not using actually patterns. What do you think about that? Are you used to draw your own patterns?
xxx
12 comments… add one
I think you are brilliant to draw your own patterns! Just brilliant. That way you get exactly was your vision is
KB
thank you doll! I can’t wait to sew more and more
<3
First off, drafting your own patterns is not cheating! It’s definitely the more difficult option! And secondly, you are so cute! So in love with your hair.
thank you very much! I find it easy so far, but I want to buy some patterns too!
x
thank youuu! I’m getting used to my bob
I use patterns because I find it easier: if you can do without, go for it! That’s what I would want to do, if I could. I have managed to make a skirt and a top from old clothes, but it was a lot more time consuming and I had more difficulties than with a pattern. Definitely you’re not a cheater
And I love your skirt with suspenders!
thank you darling! I find it time consuming too, I want to have the experience of using commercial patterns too, to see if it is easier.
x
Welcome to the world of sewing! I use patterns, but I also design and draft my own patterns too. I enjoy both.
I especially love your skirt with straps, and agree with Stephanie, you have beautiful hair. x
thank you so much! I promise a better picture of the skirt next time I post
x
I love that Art Deco style top you made, really nice.
And if you can sew without patterns – good on you!
thank you
<3
What a great post! Drafting your own patterns is really jumping in at the deep end of sewing so well done, you’ve done a fantastic job.
Everything you’ve made dazzles me.