I started sewing at the age of 9, mostly Barbie clothes and fabric dolls. Growing up in Chicago, we had many fabric shops mostly run by tailors. My mother would take me out fabric shopping, wandering around these antique shops I had the opportunity to learn by touch what fabrics felt like. When I was old enough to go into the city, I would head to Marshall Fields, up in the designer department, most of the clothing back then was sewn in designer workrooms. Checking out how garments were made was fascinating. This is how I learned to sew, never taking a class, I learned by years of practice. Now a days so much of the clothing is considered disposable, mass produced the department stores smell of polyester. Long gone are most of the fabric shops. Thank goodness for online shopping, but it will never be the same as touching fabrics. Which brings my story to Tina Givens designs. Not only can you get patterns of her clothing, but you can buy her designs online. Over the years I have bought a few of her original garments, the fabrics are always lovely, and because her designs are made in a studio workroom the clothing has couture appeal. I have found a wealth of sewing techniques, and have learned a lot from one of her dresses. If you ever have the chance to purchase one of her garments I suggest you do, beautifully made and so much information. Now a days it is rare to find a designer who doesn't mass produce, the clothing have a hand touched quality that reminds me of the old days. I love clothing that I can wear forever, and that is what Tina Givens is all about for me. From the left of the picture Tina's design and my interpretation. Serena, Tala, Medina.