Where are you from and where do you live? What do you do other than sewing?
I live in Maine. That’s where I was born, grew up and will probably stay for the rest of my life. I love it in Maine ; )
I’m an avid gardener. I love growing things, and have been collecting perennial flowers for over 10 years. I also love dabbling in watercolor painting and photography. I’m a stay-at-home-mom, wife, and mother to 3 fine boys.
If we were to come to your town, where would you take us?
I would bring you to Mardens (“I should have bought it, when I saw it, at Mar-dens”). They have great prices on tons of fabrics! There are many amazing flea markets and thrifts stores where you can find vintage clothes and accessories — so much fun. The ocean at Popham Beach would be a must see, and the Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor are lovely.
How did you start sewing? Why do you sew? Any great sewing achievements?
I started sewing because I was fed up with retail clothes and not finding what I wanted. My Mom taught me the basics when I was little but I hated sewing then. I just started sewing again 3 years ago, and now I love it! I’m learning how to draft my own patterns. It’s challenging and exciting. Sewing is a great creative outlet for me!
A young melody-shorey
Who is your style icon?
Olivia from The Waltons t.v. show. She has simple, flattering, graceful, dresses that are practical and comfortable.
melody-shorey’s inspirations.
What’s your sewing secret weapon?
I need my seam ripper. I almost always sew my sleeves on before I sew up the side seams on the bodice. It’s SO much easier to sew the sleeves on that way instead of trying to work in a circle. I just leave my sleeves flat, sew them onto the arm scythe, then sew up the side seam and sleeve all at the same time!
Tell us about your sewing experience.
I sew anytime I can. My machine and everything else is in the basement, but I have a portable machine too, so I can sew anywhere, anytime. With two little boys running around, I take whatever time I can get!
melody-shorey’s sewing space
melody-shorey’s sewing machine & pincushion.
What is your dream sewing project?
I don’t know yet. I’m still finding new things I like and what to try.
How long have you been a member of BurdaStyle, and what keeps you coming back?
Two years. My username is my name – not very creative, I know ; ) I enjoy sharing projects and getting input on them. I can gauge better if a pattern is good or needs more work. I visit at least every month, sometimes once a week or more.
What is the most frustrating thing about sewing for you? What is the most rewarding?
The trial and error, the stitching and ripping, stitching and ripping again. It’s so frustrating sometimes; then, to have it come out perfectly, just how you envisioned it is elating!
Jan 21, 2012, 04.42 PMby nouvellegamine
i’ve become totally addicted to your blog. you make the cutest dresses. i grew up with my grandmother & so i’m very dress oriented. they’re so easy! i can’t wait to see what you sew next :D
Jan 20, 2012, 12.01 AMby Pepper Toast
Such pretty creations. You exemplify beauty while being modest. How very lovely.
Jan 18, 2012, 05.28 AMby llobdell
Oh, I’ve seen the photo of you in the taupe dress (with large circles in front of great cabinetry) before, and admired what you’ve made and how you’re wearing it. I also am trying to wear skirts and dresses as every day wear, so refreshing to get out of the jeans uniform. I see someone else has commented on the shoes in this photo, and I wondered about them, too. Mind sharing the source? Thanks for the inspirational work!
Jan 18, 2012, 01.44 AMby cherryjane
I’m going to have to start watching the Waltons now! so I can Check out the dresses. Nice work on your dresses, well done.
Jan 17, 2012, 11.41 PMby corsets4me
I love your dresses, they’re so simple, yet so practical and so elegant and pretty :)
Jan 17, 2012, 11.10 PMby Robyn Smith
Randomness: My brother lives in Maine (I’m all the way in New Mexico). I only know of Mardens because my brother is a pain in the butt and a long time ago he bought their domain name to be a jerk. I guess he eventually gave it up after they got really pissed. I guess he saw that they had a “coming soon” website and hadn’t even secured the domain, so he snatched it up. What a butthole! LOL. I didn’t even know what Mardens was, but now that I know they have fabric, I might check it out if I ever make my way out for a visit.
1 Reply
Feb 7, 2012, 11.09 AMby buddingnaturalist
=D
Jan 17, 2012, 11.50 AMby wardrobe-cat
It’s always gratifying when you find the style that suits you and makes you feel good. You look lovely. Be proud of your exceptionaly nice work. Well done, and I look forward to seeing more of your work. ;)
Jan 17, 2012, 10.50 AMby pambox
Nice to read about you. I really want those shoes in the bottom photos – they’re gorgeous.
Jan 17, 2012, 01.05 AMby servareginae
Another word that comes to mind is …homespun. I mean that as a compliment. I love homespun.
Jan 16, 2012, 11.43 PMby ladykatza
I love your green dress! It was nice to meet you.
Jan 16, 2012, 09.22 PMby servareginae
Lovely and very practical.