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Tiffany Brooks Designs

Category Archives: Sewing

Ms. Hildy and Her Custom Couture Dog Dress with Pick Ups

22 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Pets, Sewing

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Tags

angel blue dog dress, couture dog dress, couture pet clothing, custom dog dress, custom made, dog couture dress, dog dress, dog dress with pick ups, dog wedding dress, formal pet apparel, Golden Doodle, pet apparel, special occasion dress, tiffany brooks designs

My most recent custom order was for a very cute Golden Doodle named Hildy. While Hildy’s owner was searching Etsy, she found my listing for an Angel Blue Peachskin Couture Dog Dress with pick ups. She instantly inquired about getting a similar couture dog dress custom made for Hildy.

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With the owner’s wedding coming up in June she wanted something very special for Hildy, who would also be attending the wedding. After receiving Hildy’s measurements and the desired color choice I was able to get started.

I love to use peachskin fabric on special occasion dress for pets as the micro fiber fabric is soft, smooth, and moderately wrinkle-resistant. It’s also great for any season and weather due to its light weight and texture.

I was able to find a red peachskin locally along with all of the accents needed for the waist and for the pick ups. I purchased red and off white rose accents for the pick ups and the waist and I was able to find off white pearls to utilize as additional accents around the dress waist.

Within a week I was able to complete Hildy’s custom dog dress for her owner’s very special occasion in June. Hildy Dress (2) TBD

If you would like to place a custom order for yourself, child, or pet feel free to contact us for more information. Terms and Conditions

Laurie and Hildy TBD

How to Make a Steampunk Costume on a Budget

07 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Halloween Costumes, Sewing, Tutorials

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Tags

steampunk, steampunk bustle, steampunk corset, steampunk costume, steampunk jacket, steampunk skirt

Utilizing as many supplies that I already had on hand was essential in keeping down the cost for my steampunk costume this year. I want to be able to create and entire costume with accessories for under $50.00 dollars. The main costume would be made by recycling this unused black formal dress. By cutting the dress at the waist line, I now have a corset top and a skirt.

 

I added a zipper and a waistband to the skirt. The length was perfect so there was no need to hem as I never cut the bottom of the skirt. I then added a sequin lace trim to the bottom of the skirt. My skirt is now complete.

The corset top took a little more time than the skirt as there were several things that had to be added. I first added a separating zipper to the back of the top. I then added a gathered brocade trim to the bottom of my top to add a little extra length. I added matching straps to ensure I would be comfortable in my costume throughout the entire festival. Finally, I added a sequin and beaded trim to the top of the corset to add just a little more height to the top.

Now its time to make my bustle using the same brocade fabric I purchased for the corset top trim. Since the bustle is detachable from the skirt it will have it’s own waist band. This will make it easier to use this costume for other festivals.

 

Now I am finished with my main steampunk costume but I need a jacket. So back to my closet for something else that can be recycled. As I had hoped, I found the perfect jacket that I haven’t worn in years. First I shortened the sleeves to 3/4 and added a pleated black polyester trim. Even with the shortened sleeves and black trim, the jacket was still a little too plain for the rest of my costume. By adding elastic bridal button tape down two seams on the back of the jacket, I was able to give the jacket a lace up corset look. Now this completes the jacket.

Now my costume is ready for opening day of The Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival.

I was able to make this entire costume: corset top, skirt, jacket, bustle, for only $ 14.08. My accessories for my purse, hat, and necklace cost $28.74, keeping my costume and accessory total under my $50.00 budget. Being able to recycle the dress, purse, necklace, and utilized items I already had on hand I saved a lot of money.

Total steampunk costume and accessory break down:

  • Costume $14.08
  • Steampunk hat $10.33
  • Gear and clock key necklace $3.61
  • Purse $14.80

For a total of $42.82 I have a complete 3 piece Victorian steampunk costume with matching accessories.

Check out my other blogs to learn how I made my hat and necklace.

How to Make a Steampunk Hat

How to Make a Steampunk Necklace

 

Elephant Tutu, Tiger Tutu, Dinosaur Tutu, Animal Halloween Costume Tutus

03 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Halloween Costumes, Sewing, Tutus

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Tags

dino tutu, dinosaur Halloween costume, dinosaur tutu, elephant costume, elephant Halloween costume, elephant Halloween tutu, elephant tutu, elephant tutu costume, tiger halloween tutu, tiger tutu, tiger tutu costume

One of my favorite tutus to make are Halloween costumes. On an afternoon trip to Michaels Craft store one afternoon, I came across these cute animal ear and tail sets. The best part about these tutu costumes is that they make the sounds of the animal when you bush a button.

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Elephant tutu features yards and yards of grey tulle on an elastic waist band. Set includes elephant tail and head band that makes elephant sounds when you squeeze the ear. Tail is tied on to tutu with white satin ribbon for easy removal.  

 

 

 

Tiger tutu features yards and yards of golden yellow and black tulle on an elastic waist band. Set includes tiger tail and head band that makes tiger sounds when you squeeze the ear. Tail is tied on to tutu with yellow satin ribbon for easy removal.

 

 
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Tiger tutu features yards and yards of green tulle on an elastic waist band. Set includes dinosaur tail and head band that makes dinosaur sounds when you squeeze the ear. Tail is tied on to tutu with green satin ribbon for easy removal.

 

 

 

For complete item description, including size and availability please visit my Etsy shop.

Elephant tutu set Halloween costume

Tiger tutu set Halloween costume set

Dinosaur Tutu set Halloween costume

First Birthday Tutu, 1st Birthday Baby Tutu Sets

03 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Party Ideas, Sewing, Tutus

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Tags

1st birthday tutu, fairy tutu, first birthday tutu, Halloween tutu, little princess, princess birthday, princess tutu

Are you looking for a special outfit for your precious little one’s first birthday? Look no further than Tiffany Brooks Designs.

First Birthday Tutu TiffanyBrooksDesigns

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First birthday tutus are perfect for your little’s big day. Tutus are a great way to celebrate nearly any occasion. Select from assorted themes: fairy tutu, princess tutu, and various other themed tutus. Whatever your little one’s first birthday theme is, Tiffany Brooks Designs can help.

 

Our tutus are constructed with square knots to prevent tulle layers from coming apart after wearing. We use no roll elastic in all our tutus to ensure your little one can wear their tutu for years to come. Whether it’s a special occasion or for dress up fun, our tutus will make lasting memories for every little girl.

 

With proper storage and care, your little princess can wear her special first birthday tutu for years to come. For your convenience, we have a tutu care guide to ensure you get the most out of your tutu.

Izzy Tutu (14)b

Custom orders are always welcome. We also feature a wide variety of fairy tutus, princess tutus, and Halloween tutus in our shop.

Circus Ringmaster Bustle Tutu Set

12 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Halloween Costumes, Sewing, Tutus

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bustle tutu, circus ringmaster tutu, circus tutu, princess tutu, ringmaster tutu, top hat tutu set

I have to say out of all the costumes I have made over the years this is my absolute favorite.

Side TBD

After a quick trip to Wal-Mart the other day I saw this red spider mini top hat headband. I could not stop thinking of this hat. So naturally I get the idea for what I can make to go with it, a circus ringmaster bustle tutu.

Hat TBD

This costume took much longer to make than the average tutus I normally make but WOW so worth the extra time.

Front TBD Back TBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bustle style tutu features yards and yards of black tulle on a no roll elastic waist band. Red criss cross tulle lays atop the black tulle front and back. White tulle ties at each criss cross section. Like I mentioned above, the red spider top hat headband is an accessory I purchased especially for this costume. I simply added a white ribbon bow to match the tulle ties on tutu.

After Halloween tutu can be worn for dress up fun and other holidays throughout the year. I can also see this costume being a saloon girl tutu costume. Just aff a top, gloves, and feather fan and you have a whole new look.

If you would like to purchase or view the full details of the Circus Ringmaster Tutu and Top Hat set, check out my store. You will also get a chance to view my other one of a kind items available.

Asymmetrical Hoodie Pattern Test

28 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Sewing

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Tags

camo hoodie, camouflage hoodie, EYMM, pattern tester, PDF pattern

I love sewing and the greatest thing about my job is the chance to be a pattern tester for those who create PDF patterns. Most recently I was selected as a pattern tester for EYMM. The best part about this opportunity was that I have never sewn anything in all of my years of sewing with an asymmetrical zipper.

DSC04242 TBD

As many of you know I love learning something new. Zippers can be scary for many but asymmetrical I had to try.

M, Back Hood Up TBD M, Front Hood Up (1) TBD

 

 

As a seamstress, this is a wonderful opportunity to make something for myself and assist a PDF pattern creator.

 

 

This was a great pattern for nearly any skill level. As much as I thought it would be different to do an asymmetrical zipper it was no different from a regular zipper.

As long as you have basic sewing skills, a sewing machine, a computer, and a printer you are good to go.

DSC04244 TBD

If you like this His & Her’s Hoodie & Hooded Vest pattern testing has been completed and the pattern is ready for purchase.

 

The Charlotte Apron Dress, The Cottage Mama Sewing Contest

26 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Sewing

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charlotte apron dress, custom made clothing, the cottage mama, tiffany brooks designs

The Cottage Mama is having her first ever sewing contest next month! After browsing through the patterns that could be used for the contest I fell in love with the Charlotte Apron Dress pattern. You can either purchase this pattern as a PDF file for immediate download or purchase the paper pattern and wait for it to be shipped. I opted for the paper pattern as I have yet to figure out a good way to store and organize my PDF patterns after I print them.

1621836_10152647295850432_3392280278820620658_nCharlotteCoverFINAL-570x853

I really wanted a vintage feel for my dress so a trip to my local fabric store was much needed for just the right fabric.

Fabric Charlotte Apron Dress

 Much to my surprise the first fabric my daughter picked up was perfect. A floral Keepsake Calico with bluebirds, Birds of a Feather. Selecting the apron fabric was going to be a breeze. After a little searching we found a blue raspberry and natural look cotton for the apron. For a vintage feel, I trimmed the apron and dress bottom in a white eyelet trim. My dress is complete with turquoise Dritz Belle buttons. I just love the way these buttons make the blue raspberry color in the dress pop.

Buttons Charlotte Apron DressTrim Charlotte Apron Dress

The buttons really needed to pop on this printed fabric so I used a shade of blue to match the bluebirds as well as the blue in the apron. I wanted to do a lace trim instead of the contrasting fabric trim so I used a white eyelet since I had plenty on hand.20140824_150923aI could not be any happier with the way my dress turned out. I have a cute little model lined up for a photo shoot so I can submit my entry to the contest.

If you are interested in entering the contest you can find more information at The Cottage Mama Sewing Contest blog also be sure to check out her amazing patterns available from her website The Cottage Mama.

 Izzy Collage (4)

Update 9-12-14

Here is my final submission for The Cottage Mama sewing contest. I am deeply saddened by our recent monsoon weather that prevented us from doing our scheduled photo shoot outdoors. However, I am thrilled with what we did get with my beautiful model. There are so many wonderful and amazing contest submissions. I saw so many wonderful ideas I would have never thought about doing let alone trying. I am looking forward to doing another sewing contest in the future.

I am even more eager to sew another pattern from The Cottage Mama pattern collection very soon. So easy to follow and obviously by the picture above the end results are awesome. If you follow my blog you may have seen my post for The Cottage Mama book release last year. If you do not have this book yet it is a must have!

Smiles, Tears, and From This to That

23 Monday Jun 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Sewing

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Tags

fayetteville nc seamstress, prom dress fayetteville nc, prom horror story

This prom season was the first for my daughter and her junior prom. We knew we would want to start looking early for a dress, so in January that is just what we did. We made our list of local bridal shops in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area and worked our way down the list. At the second shop we entered and after trying on over twenty gowns we finally found just the right dress. Only needing a few alterations this was going to be a stunning dress once it fit just right.

First Prom Dress Choice

Since alteration’s with beading is not my cup of tea to say the least, we decided to take the dress to a lady referred to us by the bridal shop. Ironically the lady doing the alterations is the mother of one of the bridal shop employees. With her business cards displayed on the front glass showcase beside the register, I took the card with excitement. I would have her do the bodice alterations and I would complete the other alterations once we picked the gown up. How hard could that be?

Once I called the lady, who operates her business in Hope Mills, NC I learned she works out of her home. No big deal to me as my business is in my home. The only difference is I do not have customers coming to my home. I go to them. Without a second thought I make our appointment with her to get the dress altered.

On March 13, 2014 we took the prom dress in for alterations. Her home was not what I would have expected for a business but after all why worry, she was referred to us by the bridal shop. As we entered her front door we are standing in her living room straight ahead was a sheet hanging on an expandable curtain rod separating the rest of the house form this room. Clutter filled the room from one end to the other with personal items to a sewing machine sitting on an old fold up card table in front of the couch. Despite the looks of her home I could not pass judgment on her and her 40 plus years of experience in formal wear.

Once the fitting was complete we received our invoice and a date only four weeks away to come back April 10, 2014 for the final fitting once she completed the alterations. With prom not until May 10, this was perfect timing in between any orders I would have to get the final alterations completed. April 10th came without a phone call to confirm the dress was complete but I did not worry. We had an appointment the following day to take my daughters best friend in for her fitting and beaded bodice alterations.

Once we arrive she opens the door and very gruffly says “do you have an appointment?” I said “Yes at 3:30”. A little confused with her rudeness we entered her home. Another lady was there sitting in a chair working on some hand sewing to another garment and was obviously very ticked she had to get up and leave the room upon our entering. As she passed I said “I’m so sorry you have to get up”. Behind the sheet she disappeared without a hello, smile, or even a reply to my comment.

In my hand I held our invoice and she said to me with even more rudeness than she opened the door with “Don’t even ask me about that, it’s not done”. A little shocked I did not even know what to say to that comment. At this point I glance over to see my daughters dress still hanging in her coat closet door way. Lined up with other dresses that were not there on our first visit my daughter’s dress hung, untouched. A little confused at how she had not even began as I see the dress she was working on was one of the very dresses my daughters tried on but decided against. That dress was dropped of after my daughter’s dress but yet she was doing it first.

After doing the fitting for the second dress, she states that both dresses would be ready to pick up the following week on Thursday April 17. Of course the day arrives to pick up the dresses and I receive a call that since there was so much work to be done on the second dress it would be a few more days to finish. A few more days pass and she calls to tell me she is sick and it will be a few more days. Finally, I receive a call that the dresses will be ready for pick up April 24. With excitement from me and the girls we could not wait to get these dresses back.

Oh how our excitement quickly fell to sadness. When the girls put their dresses on it was quite obvious my daughters dress was now to small and her friends dress still did not fit her. The side seams on my daughters dress went in an S shape up to her back, back seams looked like an S shape, not one straight seam on the entire bodice except the front which she failed to take in. The bodice was taken in so much the stitching was showing in the back and you could see she did not use the right color of thread, smoke blue on turquoise. It was bad enough the zipper had to be forced closed but one cough or wrong move the seams would have ripped open.

The girls changed back in to their clothes and the lady returns to the room. My daughter is crying and just leaves the room to wait in the car with her friend. I explained the dress is ruined and we can no longer even use the dress and I would have to go and find her a new dress. Complete silence from her as she looked at her invoice book to confirm the total for the two dresses. Without a blink she gives me the total for the two dresses as if everything was just perfect. Stunned I nicely paid and left as I was speechless and still in shock. I was charged full price for both dresses: one that would still have to be altered and one that was ruined beyond repair.

With a few calls to the bridal shop I was able to obtain the number for the owner of the bridal shop. He wanted me to return to the bridal shop and show the shop manager what had been done to the dresses. I did not want to do this but I knew I had to. This bridal shop has already referred me to someone who has an alteration skill level of zero why even return? Upon entering the bridal shop the daughter of the alterations business says to me “How did my Momma mutilate your dress”? I could not even believe the shop manager did not tell her to go elsewhere while she handled the situation. It was not until later I said to the manager “she does not even need to be involved in this” and she shook her head as if to agree with me but had no clue what to even say. We spent nearly two hours tearfully trying on dress after dress trying to find another. The entire time the daughter of the seamstress bounced passed us joyfully singing as if she was getting some kind of thrill out of the pain my daughter was feeling due to the actions of her mother.

In the end we found a dress but it was going to require a lot of work to get it to the dress my daughter wanted it to be. This time no middle man was going to touch my daughters dress. I would do any alterations that would need to be done. With only a few weeks until prom I had I big job ahead of me.

10256493_735003066530939_1476397393276964257_n

Now came the hard part. Making this dress match all of the accessories already purchased to make. This would include her boyfriend’s tuxedo and accessories as well as the corsage and boutonniere already ordered. With a little time and skills I was able to give this plain white dress a whole new look to suit any girls junior prom and able to keep everything we had already purchased.

20140428_174901

 

In the end I was out a total of $300 between the two prom dresses for my daughter and the alterations to both dresses. This does not include my time and supplies  needed to remake the second dress. This includes the purchase of two dresses, one of which is now trash and the alterations. My daughter’s friend is out $90 for her incomplete alterations. Thankfully I was able to salvage her dress since she did not take hers in too much.

IMG_20140428_203516

 

 

Baby Butterfly Tutu’s

26 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Halloween Costumes, Sewing, Tutus

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Tags

baby tutu, butterfly tutu, tiffany brooks designs

One of my favorite things to make is tutu’s. I enjoy the variety of colors and the many ways the colors can be combined. The accessories to go with the tutu’s are so much fun. A simple tutu can be transformed into an amazing costume or dress for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings.

Angel Izzy TBD

Here is the precious Isabelle in her first Tiffany Brooks Designs butterfly tutu.

Here are baby butterfly tutu sets available in four colors: blue, pink, purple, and red. Each set is one of a kind. Link to view the full item description and to purchase (while quantities last) are included below each picture.

Blue Butterfly Tutu Collage

Blue Butterfly Tutu

Pink Butterfly Tutu Collage

Pink Butterfly Tutu

Purple Butterfly Set Collage

Purple Butterfly Tutu

Red Butterfly Tutu Set Collage

Red Butterfly Tutu

Colorful Butterfly Tutus Collage

Enter My Etsy Shop Here

 

 

Thankful Thursday

07 Thursday Nov 2013

Posted by Tiffany Brooks in Sewing

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custom dog dress, custom made clothing, dressmaker, Sewing, sewing experience, tiffany brooks designs

With nearly twenty five years of sewing experience I am so thankful to still have the ability to do what I love today. In 1989 I started sewing as a young girl and knew instantly this was the job for me. I can do what I enjoy and yet it never feels like work.  What could be better?

 

Porcelain Doll

Often times I am asked how did I start sewing. The answer is once I made the first thing I was hooked. The first doll dress I made by hand was cut from scratch and hand sewn. You can see that dress in my blog “Through the Years“.
Growing up my mother made things for us just as her mother did for her children. My great grandmother made porcelain dolls and each doll always had the most fantastic dresses. I will never forget the first doll I received as a young child on Christmas morning. When I was in high school my great grandmother shared her dress pattern with me and I was able to make my own dress for a finished doll. I still have that doll along with the other dolls today. I will always cherish the dolls not only because my great grandmother made them but because the inspiration they have given to me to pursue my passion for sewing.

 

Porcelain Doll (1)
Porcelain Doll (2)
Today I still enjoy creating one of a kind items just as I enjoyed making this one of a kind dress from my great grandmother’s pattern. You can learn more about me and my accomplishments here. 
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I am so excited to share my love for sewing, decorating, organizing, gardening, and cooking with you. I am a SAHM of a beautiful seventeen year old. Ah... teenagers. I love to do just about anything craft and sewing related. There's nothing better than doing what I love everyday and the best part it never feels like work

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