Hey there Slow Southern Style readers! The weather in New Orleans has been crazy… “Hey, it’s nice outside.”
“OMG! When did it get so cold?”
“It’s raining now?”
“What? It’s only 3PM!”
I’m wishing for those sunny Saturday trips to City Park to run around like a kid again. So what if I’m a grown up without any kids. I’ll borrow my nieces for the day and play dress up! Don’t you remember the feelings of freedom and carefree joy when walking into the Storyland Village in City Park?
Threadbeat brings back those memories of a time where peter pan collars and ruffled slips where for every girl. She recreates the idea of Storyland dressing for the modern wardrobe. Great fitting garments and girlie charm in all the pieces she creates.
If you have a chance today go outside and smell the crisp fresh air, the nice breeze. Hey, why not go ahead and climb a tree or enjoy a picnic. If you’re stuck to a computer like “moi”self, read this interview with Rebecca from Threadbeat and check out her Etsy store for some Storyland dressing inspiration!
QnA with Rebecca at Threadbeat
What does Threadbeat do?
Threadbeat is a line of custom clothing that is made specific to an individual’s measurements. I try to take into consideration what areas of the body they feel most confident about, adjusting the design slightly to highlight that area, or to downplay another.
What’s your fashion/design philosophy?
Keep things simple, and wear something that fits you. If you dress the body that you have right now appropriately, versus dressing for the body that you would prefer or that you covet, you will ultimately feel the most confident, and project that confidence.
How did you develop your design skills and personal style?
I am basically self-taught as far as skills go, I grew up with my mom sewing quite a bit, but I don’t remember being taught. I must have just absorbed it somehow. Growing up, I was raised on a really tight budget- every year we were allotted 2 pairs of pants and maybe a few shirts. I started thrift shopping when I was in 6th grade at ‘Keenagers’, an elderly run volunteer thrift shop on my walk home from school- this blew my mind right open- I was able to have things that nobody else had, for next to nothing- when I really liked something, I would make it fit.
After I graduated college, I worked at a huge costume shop for a couple of years that mainly catered to theatrical productions, initially I worked the make up counter- then I moved on to costume rentals, alterations, and finally to pulling costumes for theater companies. This is where I really learned what sizes looked like- I became really adept at looking at a garment and generating the measurements within an inch- same goes with looking at a person.
When I moved to Savannah a little over 2 years ago, my friend taught me how to construct the basic pattern set, from there- I made it a point to make one thing per day- so I practiced a lot, now I can work really fast, without having to think about what I am doing- which helps.
What’s your go to outfit when you don’t know what else to wear?
I pretty much have 2 seasonal uniforms- this winter it has been straight cut jeans, red gingham cowboy shirt, with a light-weight wool Pendalton work shirt for warmth. I have worn a version of this all winter. As far as the lovely warm months, I have about 60 dresses all of a very similar cut that I will wear everyday. That is the beauty of having clothes that fit you; I never am at a loss for something to wear.
I read you live on a farm in Savannah, GA? Your sundresses seem perfect for the steamy summer days we have in the south. How does your style and clothing line reflect your life or your clients’ life?
I live on a small hobby farm about 10 minutes outside of downtown Savannah. My clothing is directly related to the steamy weather- I use a lot of classic cuts and styles that promote airflow, and breath-ability within garments. Natural fibers like cotton and linen help to wick away the sweat. I don’t think my clothing is weather specific, though- I am from Wisconsin originally, so if I have a client asking about a fall or winter dress, and they are from Maine- I will know to adjust things accordingly with a flannel lining and so forth.
Who or what do you draw your inspiration from when creating new patterns, picking fabrics, etc.?
I am still really inspired by my intensely beautiful, feminine surroundings; the wonder has not worn off yet.
What’s your hands down favorite thing you’ve ever made?
A really good sturdy beautiful wool backpack.
What’s your favorite dress cut or design features?
Well, as you can probably tell by my shop- I really like a scoop neck and a fitted waistline- pockets on a dress are always good, too.
What do customers love most about your garments?
Probably my willingness to heed requests and listen to the customers input, after all they are the one who will wear the clothes.
I see a bunch of vintage fabrics, eco-friendly cottons and floral prints. Can you describe your ideal client or whom you design for?
My ideal business situation would be a client base of 30 regular or bi-monthly customers that I am able to get to know, work with and exchange ideas with- if I have the confidence that I understand someone’s taste, my job and their shopping experience is so much easier. Right now I have a small group of regulars that I am getting to know, and if I see a fabric that one of my clients would love, I will buy it- usually my instinct is right, and they are happy to know that someone in the world that they only know through a computer was thinking about them.
These are just for fun…
What’s one item you owned as a kid you wish you could have now?
A yellow goggle flipper and snorkel set, just because I am not sure if I had dreamed that I owned it when I was little, or that I actually did. I just want to know the truth.
What movie would your wardrobe fit in best?
I immediately thought the ‘Sound of Music’, which is funny because I am positive that I have never seen it. I must have heard people say that somewhere down the line. I am going to put that on my Netflix queue right now.
Thanks Rebecca for showing us your inner workings and inspiration for your line Threadbeat! Hope you enjoy the Sound of Music!
All photos courtesy of Threadbeat. Words by Amber Guidry.
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