The Good, The Bad, and The Sewing Groups

By |2026-04-06T19:07:27-04:00April 6th, 2026|1970s Style Fashion|

It happens. You make something awesome, and you’re dying to share it online with your community. Maybe you were inspired by something someone else posted and made your own version. That happened to me, and it got me thinking about our creative online spaces; why we share, why we hesitate, and the emotional weight it […]

Sewing Machine Basics at Rosewood Arts Center, Kettering

By |2026-04-30T07:56:58-04:00March 1st, 2026||

Ages: 16 – 999 Use your sewing machine or borrow one of Rosewood’s in a fun setting. Students review threading, stitches, tension, bobbins, bobbin winding, machine parts, accessories, and troubleshooting. Students have 2 easy practice projects to learn seam allowance, precision, stitch lengths, and widths. Students should bring, a small sewing kit, thread, and machine (optional). 04-41342-B Saturday, May, 9th 10am -12:45pm Fee: $35/resident; $40/non-resident Location: Rosewood Arts Center Instructor: Tracy McElfresh Call Rosewood to sign up 937-296-0294

Spring Meet Saturday Breakfast Sewing Chat

By |2026-04-30T07:55:10-04:00March 1st, 2026|, |

Mark your calendars for our next meet up, a cozy Saturday morning breakfast chat. We’ll be gathering at Panera Bread, right behind Town and Country Mall. It’s a relaxed spot to connect, share ideas, and spend time with other creative people. Feel free to bring a small bag of craft supplies or materials you’d like to pass along. If no one takes your items, just plan to bring them back home with you. This group is open to anyone who loves or wants to explore sewing and crafting. Whether you are brand new or have been doing this for years, you will feel welcome. We always have a mix of familiar faces and new people at every meet up. If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is a great time to join us. It’s an easy way to meet new friends and get inspired. Let me know if you have any questions. I would love to see you there.

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2025 Year in Review

By |2025-12-12T16:39:11-05:00December 12th, 2025|Art made by Tracy McElfresh, Dressmakers Year in Review, Fashion Dress Replicas|

As I look back on the year, that isn’t even fully over with, it’s very apparent how loved and privileged I am. I have tons of free fabric, endless sewing friends, good health and the spare time to enjoy it all.

Awards

My biggest accomplishment was right here, this blog! I won two separate awards. Best Seamstress […]

Let’s get 1950s Witchy in a Skater Dress

By |2025-09-25T17:16:22-04:00September 25th, 2025|1950s Style Fashion|

15 years ago, I made this 1950s skater dress. The “skater dress” is named for its A-line silhouette, narrower at the top and flaring out at the bottom, like the dresses worn by figure skaters. While modern skater dresses don’t typically involve figure skating, according to a Google search, the connection began with figure skating […]

Alien Twinning Dress

By |2025-09-10T17:54:14-04:00September 10th, 2025|1950s Style Fashion, Art made by Tracy McElfresh, Tracy Designs Dresses, Uncategorized|

I started drafting flat pattern blocks so I wouldn’t have to fiddle with the fit on commercial garments. With this, I have truly been challenged and had the opportunity to make one garment, including muslins, up to seven times before I got the fitting right. I have learned even more about my body shape and […]

Lengthening a T-Shirt

By |2025-08-08T14:04:20-04:00August 8th, 2025|refashion, Today's Fashion|

There are hundreds of Pinterest ideas for lengthening T-shirts online. One method is stretching the t-shirt when it’s wet. It is said to add fabric softener or conditioner to the water first. If you don’t sew, you can add fabric or trim to the bottom using fabric glue or fusible tape. Watch out, though; this […]

Walk With Me Free-Motion Embroidery Dress

By |2025-05-12T15:10:22-04:00May 12th, 2025|1950s Style Fashion, Art made by Tracy McElfresh, Arts and Crafts, Costume Fashion Art Exhibits, Sewing Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized|

I use a regular sewing machine to do free-motion embroidery. Most people don’t realize this and when they hear “embroidery,” their immediate ask is what kind of embroidery machine do I have. “I don’t,” I say excitedly, “I am painting with thread on my sewing machine!”

I was gifted a half-finished wrap skirt with beautiful artwork […]

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