|
I was a bit of a klutzy kid—rough and tumble, moving quickly through life and collecting nicks and bruises along the way. I was hard on my clothes, especially my shoes. My hair was fine, with no body, and I battled a large, persistent cowlick. I rarely felt pretty or cute—until my mother made me a beautiful suit when I was 10 years old.  The jacket and skirt were crafted from a lavender linen-like fabric, and the sleeveless blouse was sprinkled with tiny purple and lavender blossoms. I still remember the feeling when I slipped that outfit on—I felt pretty. It was an odd sensation, but I liked it. It wasn’t just that I felt pretty; there was something more, something that made me feel special. When I wore that suit, I felt different—not exactly powerful, but confident. At the very least, it gave me the sense that there was more to me than I had thought. My mom played a big part in encouraging my sewing and design. She tried to teach me some hand sewing and enrolled me in a 4-H sewing group. I wasn't naturally a good seamstress and Mom's help with projects along the way really encouraged me to keep trying.  One year for Christmas after my kids were all raised Mom sacrificed part of her very limited income to buy me a dress form. I was overwhelmed—it felt like validation of what I was trying to do. Sometimes, all you need is one person who truly believes in you. I think I’ve been chasing that same “lavender suit” feeling my whole life—that sense of being pretty and special. And yet, there’s resistance to embracing “pretty.” Every culture has its definition of beauty. Today, ours seems tied to attracting a sexual partner, with rigid standards that have nothing to do with our soul, our gifts, or our natural loveliness. On the other end of the spectrum, some dismiss the pursuit of “pretty” as vanity. “Good girls” are taught to be compliant, and to not to call attention to themselves through dress or manner. But what if “pretty” is what we are meant to be? What if it isn’t vanity at all? What if it isn’t just about our bodies but about expressing our souls? Pretty might just be the doorway to discovering who we really are—daughters of Divinity? A way we embrace being angels of Light? Beauty is a visible reflection of loftier ideals, an expression of goodness and virtue. Beauty is connection with the divine. I am drawn to beauty and long to create it because I am my Father’s daughter, and that is what He has done and continues to do. I want to be more like Him. That is why I love creating beautiful clothing—not just for myself, but for other women. I want them to experience that same lavender suit feeling. Because just as that lavender suit did for me, a dress with the right fit, a flattering silhouette, and a fabulous fabric can absolutely change the way a woman feels about herself. 
0 Comments
 First of all—I love dresses. There’s something so effortlessly feminine and powerful about wearing a dress that fits just right. A well-made dress makes a beautiful statement all on its own. It highlights your shape, reflects your personality, and gives you that extra boost of confidence. In my opinion, a great dress shouldn’t be hidden under layers like a bulky jacket or sweater—it deserves to be seen and celebrated! That’s why I spend most of my time designing and making dresses for women. Every dress I create is thoughtfully made to highlight each woman’s unique expression of beauty. Care is given to fabrication, style and especially fit.  But of course—sometimes, practicality wins. When the weather turns chilly, warmth is a must, and a jacket becomes essential. And honestly? There are times when a well-chosen jacket doesn't just keep you cozy—it elevates your entire look. (Above is denim version of Lenora)  A tailored blazer or jacket can add structure, style, and even a little flair to your outfit. (Cotton twill version of Casey) So while my heart will always belong to dresses, I’ve come to appreciate the role a great jacket can play. The key is choosing pieces that complement your dress rather than cover it up.  (Linen version of Kelly)  (Linen version of Eugenie) Think of your jacket as a frame for the artwork—you!  At the end of the day, what matters most is that your clothes make you feel amazing. Whether it’s a statement-making dress or the perfect jacket to finish the look, I’m here to create pieces that feel just right for you. (Above is Linen version of Katrina)  (Pleather version of Jessica)  (Linen version of Brooke)
I don't handle them well. I immediately think about quitting. I have the heart for what I do, but sometimes my skills just aren't enough. This time, I just didn't see it.  I knew early on that something wasn't right, but I thought maybe it would look better after I got the sleeves in. Then, I thought maybe it would look better once the lining was in. I finished it. The lining looked great, the covered buttons were wonderful, the princess line was perfect, and the double welt pockets were well done. The pick stitching on the collar and lapel looked great. But the jacket itself didn’t look good.  I asked myself—was it the fabric? It was 100% linen, but maybe it wasn't high-quality linen. I knew my workmanship in the construction was solid. And then I saw it—the pockets were about two inches too low. The jacket was also a bit too long. These were issues created during my patternmaking.  I am so frustrated. I can't believe I didn’t see it earlier. This isn’t the first blazer I’ve made. Oh my goodness—what a waste of time, energy, and material. If I didn’t love what I do and feel compelled to do it, I would just give up.
I will spend some time being frustrated, then give myself a little therapy and realize that in creating a piece of clothing from concept to finish product requires paying attention to a lot of details and sometimes I miss a simple but important one. And that is just the way it its for me. I will move on and make another blazer soon to ease the sting of failure. Wish me luck.  She said she wanted an asymmetrical jacket, and I think I nailed it! She wasn’t sure about linen at first, but I convinced her to go with this medium-weight, 100% linen from Fabric-Stores. My customer was worried about wrinkling, but I believe a few wrinkles are a small price to pay for the luxury of linen. Plus, the lining will help minimize them. The linen was perfect for all the tucks and flaps. And the best part? You can’t see the buttons or buttonholes—I hid them!  The jacket is darted in both the front and back for a flattering shape. The asymmetrical flaps in the front are echoed in the sleeves, creating a cohesive design. I especially love how the flaps form a perfect ‘V’ in the back—it really accentuates the owner’s cute figure.   Of course, there has to be pockets!
I was thrilled when I found this beautiful lining—it adds a special touch to the jacket and absolutely delighted my customer. Now if I could just get a picture of my customer wearing the jacket. We women love skirts of all kinds—they’re timeless, versatile, and effortlessly feminine. Skirts add variety and personality to any wardrobe, easily shifting from casual to dressy depending on the fabric and how you style them. Lately, I’ve had the joy of creating several skirts for my clients, and each one reflects the unique beauty and confidence of the woman wearing it. 
 My daughter announced her engagement and we were off with the planning and preparation for this happy occasion. My daughter wanted the whole experience of shopping for a wedding gown which, thankfully, meant I wouldn’t be making her dress. My dressmaking work involved two dresses – mine, the mother of the bride and a daughter-in-law’s, who was to be one of the bridesmaids. Since my daughter-in-law is very voluptuous, she was struggling with finding a dress that would not only fit but be comfortable and flattering as well. Often, ready made dresses use extra layers and boning to squeeze the body into the shape. My daughter-in-law was very excited about getting a custom made dress.  Her dress was made from a beautiful sanded satin. The bodice front was surplice with diagonal darts originating from the waist. The sleeves are gathered and puffed at the shoulder with vertical darts from the hem. The beautiful skirt is a full circle. Nothing more feminine than a full circle skirt, so fun to wear, feels luscious and makes you want to twirl. This beautiful dress was extremely flattering on my daughter-in-law. She not only looked beautiful, but she also felt beautiful.  The mother of the bride dress is a navy stretch crepe with a beautiful lace overlay. It is two dresses in one.
The lace dress was a little longer at the hem and sleeve and sat a little higher at the neckline showing off the lace against the skin. The design was kept simple as the lace was more elaborate  The stretch crepe felt very luxurious against the skin and made the whole dress very comfortable.  A beautiful wedding and happy bride & groom.
It changes the way you feel in your clothes when they fit. I don't mean that the piece of clothing goes around you and meets in the front - I mean it fits your body. The princess line flatters your figure. The shoulders don't hang off your shoulders. The sleeve ends at the wrist or where dictated by the design. If the shoulders fit then it also fits around your middle. Etc. One of my first jackets that I fell in love with, is Eugenie. Here I am wearing it over a rayon blend version of Grace. The princess seaming and back belt are so flattering. This original version is a pink wool blend.   Eugenie does not have pockets to interrupt the line. I just could not do it. Maybe a later version will have pockets I love working with linen and I love the way it looks, especially in jackets.  This sky blue linen version of Eugenie has exaggerated the collar a bit. Same wonderful princess lines.  There is nothing quite as wonderful as a beautiful jacket, carefully made from a fabulous fabric which fits YOUR body!
 What I have been working on this week – well recently. I have a favorite client that lives in Arizona. She is wearing a dress I made for her in 2016 before I got distracted by running a painting business with my husband. Knowing I now had more time she talked to me about making her another dress. She wanted a dress that was midi length, easy to get in and out of and cute. I knew she liked collars, so I added that. She also did not want something that fit tight over her lower half. I sketched up an idea and sent it to her – she loved it. Since she is a repeat customer, I had her measurements, so I set to work on the design and patternmaking. I did research trying to find fabric she might light and sent her pictures from which she could choose. She selected two fabrics; I ordered the material and began work on the muslin or mockup. Knowing I now had more time she talked to me about making her another dress. She wanted a dress that was midi length, easy to get in and out of and cute. I knew she liked collars, so I added that. She also did not want something that fit tight over her lower half. I sketched up an idea and sent it to her – she loved it. Since she is a repeat customer, I had her measurements, so I set to work on the design and patternmaking. I did research trying to find fabric she might light and sent her pictures from which she could choose. She selected two fabrics; I ordered the material and began work on the muslin or mockup.  I mailed the muslin to her with a questionnaire. I try to ask lots of questions so I can give my client exactly what they want. She answered the questions and told me she wanted the dress and sleeves a little longer than she originally thought. I made the adjustments and made her two dresses. 
 I love this random print batik fabric. It feels alive and cheerful. It has a contrasting yoke, trim inset and cuffs. This is a dress for when you feel happy or want to. The unique style has a plunging yoke at the neck with gathers coming from the yoke to the bust.
 This version of Camille was extra fun. I got to climb into my sister's beautiful garden for a picture.  No contrasting fabric in this version, just piping to show the details.  Of course it always more fun to include two of my adorable grand daughters. This version of Camille has 3 coordinating colors.
 I love 2 pc dresses – they can be very flattering and fun to wear. This is Phoebe. She was a challenge to make with all the straps. Straps at the neckline, in both sleeves and on one side of the skirt. Asymmetry is fun.   I do love the asymmetry of the strap inset on one side only of the skirt.
|
DesignerMy name is Deborah Ewer—I'm a designer and dressmaker with a passion for creating beautiful clothing for women. I believe every woman deserves to feel beautiful! The right clothes don’t just cover us—they uplift us, express our spirit, and remind us of our worth. Helping women feel beautiful through thoughtfully made garments is not just my craft—it’s my calling. Archives
September 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed