Inspired by Judy

A Unique Privilege

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A Unique Privilege

In 2014, I had a unique privilege bestowed upon me when a charming older lady hired me to be her personal seamstress.  She wanted me to make her clothing, creating unique designs, and use the collection of materials she had.  This is where the challenge came into the job.  Her collection consisted of numerous vintage chenille bedspreads, pillow shams made of heavy brocades and upholstery fabrics, curtains (from sheer to velvet), lace and embroidered vintage handkerchiefs so delicate, buttons and other embellishments, and a pair of jeans!  She was in no rush and reminded me she wanted items that would “make a statement when she walked into a room and again when she walked out!” Oh, and chenille was to be used in everything!

A Unique Privilege with a Big Challenge

My creative brain was really going to get a workout! This was to become a challenge I would love.  I stacked her fabric collection on a huge table in my studio where I saw it throughout the day.  Often, I found myself just studying the array on the table until some ideas began to come together. 

Short Assignment and Lasting Memories

I was happy I was able to design and make two jackets, a vest, and a purse for Judy. She and her husband moved to an assisted living home.  Judy gave me her collection of all the fabrics and embellishments and much more. Then a sorrowful announcement she would no longer need my services since their new home had only one small closet and no room for new clothes.  Although my time working for Judy was short, I remember our visits and phone conversations like it was yesterday.   It was difficult to keep the boundary between client versus friend, but it was a decision I made for the health of the business.

Last Visit

I’ll never forget my last visit.  She had to model for her husband the white jacket and show off her purse.  Just before I left, her husband, who had walking difficulties, made his way to the door. He wanted to secretly tell me I had made his wife happier than he had seen her since their wedding day. He thanked me for all I had done, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.  I often think of Judy and her adoring husband. The journey with Judy was truly a unique privilege I am so glad I had!

Judy’s Bag made from a beautiful lavender fabric that may have been a bedspread in a color Judy loved!
Vest using vintage materials – chenille, curtain, and brocade shams. Made for Judy who hired me to be her seamstress with instruction to use her collection of chenille bedspreads, and other vintage things of interest, including hankies and vintage laces and trims. She insisted I keep in mind she wanted to make a statement entering a room, as well as when leaving! She is a delightful individual I was privileged to work for!
Back of vest displaying the center motif of a vintage chenille bedspread.
A simple lined jacket from a chenille vintage bedspread . The collar was made by attaching a collar once popular to be worn with pullover short sleeve sweaters, often accompanied with a matching button long sleeve sweater. I believe these were popular in the 1950s.

Now “Inspired by Judy” will be a Clothing Line

By Fall 2023 you will be able to find “Inspired by Judy” designs for sale on my Etsy shop https://stitchermadeshop.etsy.com/ and a new online store currently under construction.

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