Fringe Eco Fair Wednesday June 20th

   For all the Eco lovers, this is the kind of event you have to be at :
 I'll be playing host to my upcycling "Jeans to accessories" workshop as well as answering any burning  questions about your love of sewing & fashion.
I will be joined by other eco/sustainable people & organizations promoting their dedication to the environment & green living practices.
Where? at Parc des Ameriques (corner of St.Laurent & Rachel) at the Fringe Fest.

The Love of Skirts (and dresses too!)

Years ago I decided that skirts & dresses suited me & my body and this began my love of anything skirt/dress- like.
One of the easiest and non-fussy pieces to sew and create is a Circle Skirt, I believe it fits everywhere but more importantly in my daily life & business. It adds that little extra swish to my walk and compliments my array of accessories and tops.
So I found this amazing tutorial when I was doing my usual digging one day and I wanted to share it. I really wanted to inspire you to start your first project or at least your absolute favourite piece of the summer. The best thing about skirts is that as soon as you change the top and any detail around it, it becomes a whole new look. So nobody will find out that you actually have only one! (that's a trick of mine!).
* you can try this in jersey or woven fabric, play with fun prints & textures.
If you are really struggling with it, don't hesitate to ask me questions (see above on the right!).
I will be sure to answer it!
~Nicole Picard
www.fairyesque.ca


via http://makingthings.andreatung.com

In honour of my friend Amanda's Orange Peplum dress

With the love of the flirty peplums this season, my dear friend Amanda sported one for her bachelorette girly party.
I have the perfect DIY tutorial to add a little flip to your walk~
A pair & a spare blog : PEPLUM

Have a Couture inspired week and sew a stitch!
~Nicole

My student, Jessica's stunning skirt

Thanks to Ian Woo, I have these magical & alluring photos of my student Jessica. 
This was an impromptu shoot at the SWAP HQ/living quarters (Aleece Germano) with the famous library & vintage furniture...dare I say velvety royal-like loveseats...Let's not forget the camel coloured skirt creation by Jessica herself! Such a strong collaboration between the model/student & photographer!
I'd also like to add that Jessica, by day works for McGill & in the past was a journalist. She took these classes to try to make her own wardrobe.Being a first timer at sewing & design she was determined to see this project through and picked up the techniques with such a calmness & ease.

My Student, Carol Ribeiro's Pin Up Style Dress!

She is a talented seamstress & musician! (she also is the master mind behind my workshop video!)...She whipped this out in my 12 hour sewing course...I was so impressed how quickly she assembled & sewed everything. Her skills are impeccable! 
Found out more about her here at the Quartier Mode Blog

Remembering the Holiday Workshop at Quartier Mode

Getting started 

Flora intently working on her floral brooch

Floral brooch making!

Orla 

Nadia

Flora

In the midst of the winter cold, I convinced 2 groups of eager seamstresses ( & seamsters -for men!) to come & visit me at my Mentee's Tiffany's Store, the brand new local boutique Quartier Mode.
For 2 days, I patiently taught each person to create 2 different accessories which I knew would compliment their wardrobe. The excitement was incredible, in the first evening I had a large group of diverse characters from Musicians to Math teachers, Jewellery designers,Journalists,Fashion Historians, Radio Hosts & more. I even had 2 men in the mix who created a joint gift for their mother. The 2nd day I decided to go easy & had a smaller more compact group of ladies, they were so focused & determined. The result of their work showed it, in lucious leopard prints,soft greys, black & white flowers, ruffly greens & plaids.
I was so excited to share my knowledge of tailoring & couture to those who are new to it!

Time to make a little fancy something..

I now have some spots available for new Sewing or Design students on Thursday & Friday evenings around 6pm or Tuesday & Wednesday 3-5pm.
Msg me for more details....
FYI : I teach Sewing, basic patternmaking, Fashion Designing and Fashion Illustration/Tech. sketches.