NEW YEAR - Taking no prisoners!

Boy, have I ever gotten behind with this blog.  Well, it's a new year, and I'm not going to take any prisoners in 2012.  I am currently working on two films - "Snitch" with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Susan Sarandon, and "The Iceman" with Michael Shannon and Winona Ryder.

I have my second photo shoot this weekend with my fabulous photographer, Steven Miramontz, and my two beautiful models - Audra Caitlyn Moss, and LaTonia Barto.  The new selection of hats and fascinators will include everyday, church, bridal, and festive.  Going to be creating the first of my Kentucky Derby "out there" creations also.

Looking into the viability of creating a huge "Tea Party" in Shreveport - not the political kind - and everyone who attends, must be wearing a hat.  Sounds like so much fun.

State Fair

I will be exhibiting my current line of hats and fascinators, as well as many new additions, at the opening day of the State Fair on October 27th.  I will be part of "Senior Day" at the Hirsch Coliseum.  Would love to see all of you.

New Website

Well folks, the new website is off and running.  If you Google www.janerydermillinery.com, the first entry that comes up, will be the "Blue Danube".  Search engines haven't quite gotten hold of the site yet, but clicking on the "Blue Danube" will take you straight into the site.

www.janerydermillinery.com

Date to Remember

Upcoming events that I will be attending with my Hats and Fascinators ~ #1. Saturday, October 15th in Shreveport, LA at CoHabitat on Commerce Street.  "High Heel Walk", 8 - 11am.   Thursday, October 27th.  #2. Senior Day at the State Fair in Shreveport, LA.  I will be in the Hirsch Coliseum from 10am until 3pm.

Please come and see me, and find out what all the excitement is about.  Would love to see you there.

Hats & Fascinators

On August 28th, I had my first trunk show for my new line of  Hats & Fascinators.  A resounding success.  Since then, I've had two photo shoots with my outstanding photographer - Steven Miramontz of SM Productions - and my two beautiful models, Audra Caitlyn Moss and Bunny Walker.  Currently building the new website - Jane Ryder Millinery - with a launch date planned for this weekend.

Last Saturday, September 17th, I attended the Feist-Weiller Cancer Fundraiser at Sam's Town.  I was dressed in plaid from head to tow - 1940s style hat and backless halter dress. I caused quite a stir, and received compliments all night.  The beautiful women at our table were also wearing my fascinators.  This is an exciting, new adventure for me.  Can't wait to share the new website with everyone, and my latest designs.

Plus Size Brides

Wedding Tips for Plus Size Brides from me:
#1. Do not bring along slim, opinionated friends/family to the fitting. Their comments can leave you in tears.
#2. The more fabric in the dress, generally means the bigger you will look. YES, you CAN wear something fitting and sexy.
#3. Brides sometimes bring their fiancé. I just don't think he should see the final dress. I'm old-fashioned about that.  Leave something up to surprise when he sees you walk down the aisle.

Under the Weather

Well, I had planned on really making an impact with my blog to start off the new year.  However, managed to pick up a particularly nasty bug, and have been knocked sideways for a few days.

A few good things have happened this week though.  I've been picked up to work on the Nu-Image/Millennium Studios movie "Playing the Field" which begins filming on February 28th here in Shreveport.  I've also been approached about teaching sewing skills to students.  It's Mardi Gras time, so orders are afoot for gowns, costumes, etc. I'm starting to create my Easter/Ascot/Kentucky Derby hats for the Springtime.  The first proms will be underway in another couple of months.  I will be creating dresses for prom, as well as corsages.  Watch this space for pics of some hats and corsages.

Hats, Fascinators, Accessories

With a Royal Wedding, Ascot, and the Kentucky Derby on the horizon, hats and fascinators are once again on the forefront - and the forehead - of ladies young and old.    A fascinator is a headpiece worn on the hair and commonly made with feathers, flowers, and/or beads. They attach to the hair by a comb, headband, or clip. They are an adornment for formal attire, and are an alternative to wearing a hat.

Happy New Year!

Well, a very Happy New Year to you all.  2009 wasn't good.  2010 was a little better.  Let's hope 3's the charm and 2011 will be very good for everyone.

Why not have a New Year and a New You.  Let me come to your home and do a wardrobe makeover.  Get rid of all the clothes you are never going to wear again.  I'll show you how to maximize the clothes you are keeping.  How the addition of just a few accessories, or changes, can revitalize your outfits.  I'll help you discover what styles, colours, shapes, etc. suit you the best.

Have a party or a wedding to attend? I'll come and help you get dressed and ready for the occasion.  From the partygoer to the mother of the bride to the bride herself - every member of the occasion including men, women, and children.

Dr. Kurt Howse

A sad day today.  Found out that my friend of many years - Dr. Kurt Howse - passed away.  He will be missed.

Ms. Lea Desmarteau

Here's the beautiful Ms. Lea Desmarteau in my original design for Christmas in the Sky - with a very hot date I might add!

Here's quick pics of one of the Christmas in the Sky gowns.  Forgive me on these.  I "drowned" out the vibrant colours with the digital and flash I used.  The greens, etc. were the brightest colours!  However, will soon have pics of my client - Lea Desmarteau - in the dress.  Also, by rotating the pics, the dress seems a little "fuller" than it actually was.  My client is over 6', and looks like a "tall drink of water" in this.  Anyhoo, you can get an idea of what I created for her in 100% retro inspired silk charmeuse.

Forgot!

Oh yes, forgot that I also have to attend John 's "Ornament" party, cook a quiche for same, and help with some costumes for the "A Very Naughty Christmas Gala" by Bon Temps Burlesque next Sunday, December 19th, 7:00pm at 516 Texas Avenue.

Whew!

Well, it's definitely been a rollercoaster few weeks.  The compressor in my car went kaput to the tune of $816! (Thank you parents.) Then my computer gave up the ghost.  (Thank you parents for my new Christmas present.) Then my Mother's toilet sprang a leak.  Jane to the rescue for a temporary fix 'til plumbers could get there.  Then the water faucet at the back of the fridge for the icemaker sprang a leak!  And that was just house and home stuff!  This week managed to get many alterations out the door.  Then did a re-vamp, alteration, and three original gown designs for "Christmas in the Sky" - the huge, two yearly fundraising event for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.  Next for today and this week - clean the carnage that is the sewing room and rest of the house, finish making some "kilt" skirts, put 600 grommets in a suede skirt, finish making green satin pants/black pantsuit/blue corset, alter wedding dress, and more alterations. So glad it's going to be a much quieter week!!!

WELCOME!

Well, welcome to my world.  People have been asking me for a long time to create a blog documenting my sewing and cooking skills, and just general odds and sods.  I resisted for the longest time, and then I thought, why not.  I tell everyone on Facebook anyway, so what's the difference, LOL!!!  You'll have to bear with me with regard updating my Blog.  My business is very "feast or famine" - a rather annoying state of affairs.  Up and down like a bloody yo-yo!  However, as I always tell everyone, I'm so laid back I'm almost horizontal, so I try not to worry too much about that aspect of things.  The way I look at it, I woke up this morning - always a bonus eh!!!  So you are welcome to join me in my world and experience the usually frenetic, crazy, stressful, fun, 10 balls in the air life that is mine!