Humble Heart’s LBD
Cap Sleeve Princess Style Clergy Dress
The Initial Inspiration
Over the years I’ve made and worn many versions of this style of dress. I love it because it’s so comfortable and flattering.
I have loved it so much that I decided you should have one too!
Mood Board
Sometime during the design process I create a mood board. It really should be the first thing I do . . . but that isn’t always the case.
My mood boards are a collection of pictures, colors, fabrics, words and drawings.
Sampling Fabrics
(Samples or mock-ups are sometimes rough and experimental.)
It took me awhile to find the right fabric. I wanted a linen-like fabric without all the wrinkling; a fabric that feels summery and looks great (even after sitting).
I chose two different fabrics for sampling. One was too stiff and the other was too slinky and hard to work with. Both samples led me to make some design adjustments, specifically in the sleeve design (sleeveless to → petal sleeves to → cap sleeves) and length. Although every step takes time and money the sampling stage is so critical and important not to rush through (though sometimes I have to remind myself of this 😉).
Cap Sleeve Clergy Dress in Production
I eventually found a fabric blend that was everything I had hoped for. It’s a soft, slightly textured woven fabric that resists wrinkles. Perfect!
My stitcher then created a ”sew-by” sample. A sample of the garment that is sewn exactly as specified using all the fabrics, trims and finishes chosen. This “sew-by” sample hangs in the workroom during production for reference.
What I ❤️: My stitcher’s studio is within walking distance of my home. It makes communication and collaboration so easy!
The production run took three weeks.
Summery Clergy Dress Inventory
The dresses are everything I’d hoped they would be; stylish, flattering, comfortable, practical (pockets), and easy to care for (wash and wear/no ironing needed).
The Dressing Room
While traveling from Winnipeg, Canada to Madison, Wisconsin The Rev. Deacon Linda Stokes stopped by my home for a closer look at Humble Hearts Clergy Apparel. I cobbled together some mirrors in our guest room so she could get a full length view.
Humble Heart’s LBT
Early on I had requests for a top in this style. And because I was so happy with the results of the LBD I decided go ahead and create a top following the same design.
Black is the most popular color for clergy garments but I’ve also had requests for green clergy garments. This seemed to be the time to introduce green into the line. There are so many beautiful greens to chose from. Ultimately, the decision was made by what was available in invisible zippers. An invisible zipper has to be invisible -🤐- it has to match the fabric. Everyone has experienced shortages, delays and increased costs since COVID but this is the first time I didn’t have all the zipper color options available to order. Clearly a minor, inconsequential, issue. Anyway, olive green was the obvious (and available) choice.
Coming Soon!
Cap Sleeve Clergy Tops in Both Black and Olive
Hold everything! ☺️
We’re celebrating a new baby 👼 in the production studio and taking a little time off.
It’s OK - these tops can be worn year-round and for years to come.
