Sewbussted's Material Witness/Helen Haughey, Couture Dressmaker

In today's world of fast fashion, it's refreshing to know that there are those who still seek out garments of the finest details.

Helen Haughey, like many of us, began sewing as a child. She especially loved hand sewing and using the finest of fabrics. That early appreciation stayed with her and ultimately brought her to build her own couture dressmaking business.

Her garments are breathtaking, with lovely details and exquisite fabrics.

Each and every garment embodies elegance and refinement.

She also enjoys playing with the patterns and weaves of fabrics to create eye catching details.

Helen was recently in Chicago and I had the opportunity to sit down with her. In the video you will hear where her career began and how it ultimately evolved into her passion. I so enjoyed our conversation, and I think you will find it inspiring. 



You can find Helen's website HERE.
You can also find her on Instagram. 
And if you are looking for fine needles, pins and other couture embellishments, you can find all of these in her Etsy store. 

Adventure Awaits!/Rocky Mountain Sewing Adventure

For me, there is nothing better than combining my love for the outdoors, and...well, just about anything creative! 

Although I live in the city, I'm most at home in the mountains. I love the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the ease of the everyday pace. I am especially excited about offering what I think will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, relax, and rejuvenate at our very first....

Date:

June 10-16, 2017

Cost:

$1385.00

*The trip includes transportation from Denver International Airport as well as return transportation. You MUST make arrangements to arrive no later than 1:00 p.m.  

*6 nights accommodations at the Indian Peaks Resort. The condos have 2 private bedrooms, with 2 private baths, and each condo comes with a beautifully maintained hot tub. The kitchens are well stocked, so you may cook as you wish.

*1 relaxing massage.

*A 1-day class at the Tandy Leather Outlet in Denver, with transportation. We will be learning the art of leather tooling. Time to shop will also be included.

*A guided, daily morning hike, with a longer hike on Wednesday afternoon for anyone interested.

*3 days of instruction with Helen Haughey. The workshop will give you the opportunity to make a couture sheath dress.

*1 day leather workshop with Rhonda Buss. We will be making a bag, using zippers, and learning how to properly work with leather.

*A welcoming dinner on Saturday evening. Rhonda will have homemade soups to choose from, a salad, fresh bread, and dessert.

The sheath workshop will take place at the Historic Fraser Church. The room is lovely, with a large stone fireplace on one wall. So if it's chilly, we can light a fire! The sheath workshop will take place on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

The leather workshop will take place at the Fraser Public Library on Thursday. 

Transportation to both venues will be provided. 

An optional workshop will be taught on Tuesday night at The Fabric Nook in Granby, Colorado. You will have the opportunity to create the Row By Row Design. A design that is unique to The Fabric Nook. Transportation to and from Granby will be provided. The cost of the workshop is $50.00 and includes the kit. 

Not included in the cost of the adventure:

*Airfare to and from Denver, Colorado

*Daily meals 

If all of this sounds exciting, and you would like to participate, please download the registration form HERE.

Once your registration has been received, you will receive a supply list.

Remember, the adventure is only open to 10 participants.

I hope to see you in Colorado!

 

A Sewing Adventure!

I have some very exciting news!

Have you ever dreamed of getting away to a place where you can sew, learn, and rejuvenate? 

Well, today I have a little sneak peek at what I have been working on.

Helen Haughey and I have paired up to offer a unique escape to Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado. 

All who attend will need to arrive in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, June 10, 2017. From there, we will drive up to the mountains, about a 2 hour drive. 

We'll be staying at the Indian Peaks Resort. The condos are 2 bedroom/2 bath condos, with fully equipped kitchens. Each condo includes a private hot tub that is beautifully maintained.

For those who would like to join me, we will do invigorating morning hikes along the Fraser River. This is a flat trail, so quite easy to do, but a great way to start the day.

Beginning on Sunday, Helen will be teaching her class on making the Perfect Shift Dress. Class will be held at the historic Fraser Church. Transportation to and from the church will be provided.

On Monday, we'll take a break and head into Denver where we will visit the Tandy Leather outlet and have a private class on leather tooling. Tuesday and Wednesday, we'll be back in WinterPark/Fraser where we will continue the class with Helen Haughey.

If you are up for it, we'll take a break from sewing on Wednesday afternoon and head to the Bonfils-Staton Outdoor Center where I will lead a hike along the Jim Creek Trail.

   

If a less rigorous hike is desired, we can do the circuit that just touches on the Jim Creek Trail. Both are beautiful, especially in June.

On Thursday, I will be teaching a full day class on leather.

Included in the experience will be a relaxing massage for each participant.

We will also be offering an extra activity for those who would like to participate and do a piecing project. Tina from The Fabric Nook in Granby, Colorado will be teaching a class on doing her Row By Row Design. This is an optional class, and will most likely take place on Tuesday evening. 

The adventure will end on Friday when we will return to Denver and say goodbye.

Later this week, I will have the pricing together along with info on how to sign up. We will be keeping the adventure to no more than 10 participants. 

Doesn't this sound fun?!! I know I'm excited :)