May I introduce...'Elias'

The newest Broadfall Trousers on www.rachelsseamstressservices.com.


Elias Broadfall Trousers

'Elias' originated from a customer who needed replica broadfalls made. I liked very much the style he had and am now offering them for sale.

Some people have asked where do my names originate from, when naming a new item for sale.
I just 'tune myself into' the item being made and listen to names being 'whispered' to me, in a sense.

The name 'Elias' was perfect for these new broadfalls. A simple Biblical name for a very functional and simple in style broadfalls.


Top right side 'Watch Pocket'
Large enough for several keys, coins, etc...

'Elias' has several different features than the Traditional style Broadfalls. To begin with, the watch pocket is under the waistband, on the right side. The pockets have more inside coverage and the back has two small back darts. Additionally, the front 'fall' is one piece and has light lining underneath. Four buttonholes are sewn on the top of the 'fall'.

There is one more feature I have incorporated into these Broadfalls. The back center seam has at least two inches in available fabric in order to incease or decrease the back waistband sizing. I have made the construction of the back waistband so that one can easily access this feature. (A picture will be posted as soon as the next pair is made). I was told that this feature is done by U.S. Midwest Amish Communities, so that if a man/boy increases or decreases waist sizing, their existing broadfalls can be easily altered to accommodate them.)

Until January 15th, any size of 'Elias' is on sale for $28.00. On January 15th, pricing will then incease for the Traditional Broadfalls and 'Elias'.

Looking to purchase one or two pairs for this year? Buy now before the price increase.

Happy New Year,
Lisa

A Tin of Buttons

Found at my mother's house this past October.

Where have you been? Asked many of you. My summer, since July, had been a busy one. Mostly, my mother had emergency surgery which could have been life-threatening if not found as soon as it was. My mother has been in poor health for a number of years and since my father's sudden and most painful passing in 2008 (for all of us), she has had a broken heart. Actually, we all have. My mother is now permanently in an Assisted Living Facility and although she resisted for quite a while, she does appreciate the care she receives, good meals every day and people around her.

It was a most painful summer, but I also know God is in control. Thus, my lack of postings on this BLOG.

I needed to take a trip into South Florida to help 'clean-out' the family house, which has been sold. This also was an emotional time as many memories flooded my thoughts. One never thinks they will lose their parents, but eventually they will pass on. We tend to take our parents for granted.

While cleaning out my parent's home, I found this 'tin of buttons' that I remember from my childhood. When I opened the top, the aroma of years inside the tin flooded me and overwhelmed my senses. I immediately sat down and sorted through the tin. I remembered the red corduroy jacket buttons, I believe they once belonged to a jacket I once had as a girl. I saw other buttons that brought back memories. I know that a number of them belonged to my grandmother, who was also a seamstress.

There is another item I have longed to offer for some time. A 'Simple & Plain' shirt/blouse for teens and women. I am creating the pattern for this shirt from an old shirt of mine that I had fallen in love with. I think I will not describe it in detail as I want it to be a surprise when it is finished. Hoping to have it offered by the Springtime. Just in time for the summer months, as it is a lovely shirt for that time of year.

Yesterday I made some pies, sold a few this past week too. Called : Amish Vanilla Pie. A very yummy and unique pie that I enjoy making.



I make the Pie Crust first. Freeze overnight and before filling with the pie,
bake at 400 degrees for approx. eight minutes.

Yummy Amish Vanilla Pie.

 

Many have asked if I was Amish or Mennonite. No, I am not. But was raised near the Amish/Mennonites in Florida. The denomination I grew up in was a simple faith and my love of sewing (and cooking) was nurtured.

Lisa

Summer-2012 & European Theatrical Production

The Summer of 2012 is soon to be over. Finally...August has arrived! And I have seen more colorful birds hopping around and calling out. When I see that, I know cooler weather is just around the corner. Afer a long, hot Northern Florida summer, I am ready for cooler temperatures.

I wish to share some pictures of a theatrical production in Europe that I was thrilled to make the attire for.

Located in Avignon, France, the  production of 'The Four Seasons Restaurant' was performed by talented performers from Italy.

As I was mailing the box to Europe, a woman behind me in the FedEx line asked questions about the box travelling to France. When I told her it was for 14 beautiful girls to perform at the Festival d'Avignon, she mentioned I should also hop on the plane and enjoy myself for a while. I surely wish I could have!

14 dresses and aprons were ordered in the most beautiful fabrics one has ever seen.

Blue plaid, Olive & Khaki Plaid, Navy Blue, beautiful Powder Blue and Charcoal Grey, and worn with Aprons of various solid colors.

During the last two weeks of making the dresses and aprons, I worked constantly, knowing that the end result of the labor would be beautiful. And as these pictures illustrate, it was.

I named the pictures when I viewed them, and I called this one above 'lying down'.

I will let you imagine a name for this picture, a vivid portrayal of emotions, well done.

'Reaching up to the Stars' was the only phrase I thought of for this lovely picture.

A huge THANK YOU to Societas Raffaelle in Italy for allowing Rachels' Seamstress Services to provide your theatrical attire for this special event. It is so special for a seamstress to see her garments, originating from a big bolt of fabric that was gently cut, sewn and completed with care, worn so lovely in a special theatrical production.

Paypal Service Discontinued

Update October 2014: I now accept Paypal again as their security has been greatly enhanced and improved.
______________________________________

Original Post:
Some of my customers have asked 'Why have you discontinued using Paypal as a payment processor?"

It was brought to my attention that the security of Paypal was not as good as I thought. That is not good for you, as a customer, and for Rachels' Seamstress Services, for fraud protection.

I now have a credit card merchant account and can take credit and debit cards directly from the Rachels' Site. And also, you can now pay directly with your credit/debit card on Etsy. All of your information is stored in a secured server that only is accessable by myself.

Peace to all,

Lisa

Summer of Dresses

After prayer and intense thought of what I REALLY would like to create this summer for ready-made items in my Etsy Shop...the answer kept coming back....dresses. A woman or girl wearing a feminine dress...becoming a rare sight. And yes, the men DO hold open the door for you, as I have noticed more of when wearing a dress. Just something about the flowing of the skirt fabric that catches the eye...in a delightful way. The feminine beauty of a dress with pleats or gathers is so lovely.

I believe that many are a bit tired of seeing the sloppy, too low and at times ripped jeans that hmmmm, expose too much. Did the designers do that on purpose...making the shirts too short and the pants too low?

Even in houses of worship, sad to say. A friend of mine commented once "Besides the Priest, I am the only one wearing a dress." And she is proud to wear a dress.

From Godey's Magazine, 1852.
Ladies taking tea.

So starting this summer, I have decided to sell the following ready-made:

Dresses for ladies and girls, some outerwear items, such as hoodies and girls coats if time permits, sun bonnets and also warm weather winter bonnets, in addition to the Laura Day and Caroline Everyday caps and also Mantilla's. The 'Ruth' Bonnet will re-appear, as it has been gone for a while off of the Rachels' site.

Ordering from the www.rachelsseamstressservices.com site will continue, so have no fear, that is always available, esp. for boys and mens broadfall trousers. I wish to have the best selling items available for you ready-made and ready to be shipped, with a few extra's to choose from.

Additionally, one can also pay directly by credit card through my Etsy Site, now named Rachels' Niche. You do not need to have an Etsy account! A fantastic added feature by Etsy.

One of my favorite pictures.
A young girl in a dress, with her 'dollie'
in a very pretty dress too!
(Source unknown)

1400's in
Northern Europe

Medieval mother & child

In the Middle Ages, and up to the 1800's, young children wore essentially the same style of clothing as adults. Additionally, boys also wore 'dresses' or 'frocks' until they were weaned.

A dashing young maiden in her white tunic (below left) is a style of a 'dress', from the Middle Ages, made for ease of movement. It appears this is when 'trousers' started to make an appearance in women's clothing.

                                                                                    


Actually, 'trousers' did not arrive in women's clothing until WWII and 'Rose the Rivoter'. Men were in 'short supply' and the women went into the factories to work on the supplies/airplanes, etc... needed for the war. Wearing a dress/skirt was a hazard and dangerous, so thus...pants for women became acceptable to a certain degree.
After the war, most women went back to their domestic occupations and/or traditional jobs and shortly later trousers on women were seen more and more. And, that is another story...

I believe that in the past decades, women have lost their sense of feminity and grace given to us by our creator. I choose to be different and not succumb to the worldly and many times immodest fashions of today.

Pax Christi!

Peace in Christ,
Lisa