By Design
: custom couture clothing and fiber art :

136 Front Street • Alton, Illinois 62002 • 618.433.1400

By Design School of Fashion

The 2012 Spring Schedule is now available with class offerings between March and June. Click to see it now.

The School of Fashion is new at By Design and is offering classes that teach all levels of clothing and accessory construction

from the beginner "never touched a sewing machine before" to the more experienced person who may be interested in sharpening their skills in the Master's class series. In addition to teaching clothing construction, we bring in teachers and artists skilled in their field.

We are also excited to be offering Design, Composition & Color Theory taught by Sun Smith-Foret. This formal series is the foundation for all technical means. A great opportunity with an excellent instructor.

Rework a look . . .

On a trip to Japan, Suzanne found this gorgeous fabric that had a former life as a Kimono.

She brought it to me to make into another life, a jacket that displays the beautiful fan and tassel thread work.

We decided to make the jack reversible since the "wrong" side is as beautiful as the correct side. I must say, at only 27 1/2" wide it was a bit of a challenge to make sure there was enough fabric before making a single cut, then making sure the design matched in the seams. There was a little piecing involved in the sleeve length but with flat felled seams, self-binding and a single bound button hole, the jacket turned out just lovely.

As I was working on the piece, I wondered who wore this as a Kimono? This seemed, to me, to be a special occasion silk. It obeyed my every direction and is very high quality. Why did she pass it on? I will never know the answers but the essence of the former wearer or wearers is in each fiber of this new jacket.

Happening Now!

~ Trunk Show

Featuring Lillian Bates on Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 3-6pm in University City. Click here for more information.

~ In the Gallery

Showing the passionate yet whimsical work of artist Vesna Delevska through March 9th.

Click poster to enlarge. Click to enlarge

~ Designs by Lillian

Discover the creativity that Lillian fashions from a few yards of cloth. She will work with you to create the perfect style for your evening, event or excursion. Click below to view some of her designs:

Delevaska Demo
The Gallery at By Design provides an intimate space for works by local artists. Stop by to see the latest show or to inquire about displaying your work.