Silk blouse
Cynthia chose this designer silk crepe for it's brilliant colors and flamenco dancer-esque floral print. French seams ensure the interior looks as tidy as the outside, and the enclosed edges will not fray. A contrast yoke facing adds a secret surprise, and the bias cut neck tie was hand sewn to the neckline.
Bias cut skirt
This cotton skirt was made from a vintage pattern. The eight panels are placed on the bias to create the chevron design with the colorful pinstripes. The zipper is pick stitched and the hem is blind stitched; both were done by hand. It is fully lined and includes in seam pockets. It was awarded First Place in the General Sewing category at the 2018 Red River Valley Fair.
Eagle costume
This costume was commissioned by the North Dakota State University Extension Service. It is being used as part of their educational programming. The costume is covered with hundreds of dyed goose feathers and took over 50 hours to create.
Eyelet dress
Two commercial patterns were used to achieve the desired look of this brilliant emerald dress - one for the bodice, and another for the skirt. The pattern pieces were carefully placed to incorporate two unique stitch designs of the fabric. The border detail along the fabric selvedge is seen at the pleated skirt waist and sleeve hems. The skirt hem has been trimmed rather than sewn to take advantage of the lace's circular stitching. The dress is fully lined in green cotton, and vintage press snaps are used for fasteners. The dress was featured in the Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists 2018 Art Educators’ Show.
Embroidered Record: "Try It On"
This piece was created in collaboration with The Arts Partnership and Vinyl Taco. The vinyl record was covered with dozens of varieties of hand stitched embroidery. Holes were predrilled to plot the stitch patterns that follow the record grooves. Vintage sewing notion labels are decoupaged to form the label in the center. Black aida cloth and the designer’s label cover the back. The record was then stitched onto a wooden embroidery hoop for display.
Floral shirt
This men's shirt is sewn from Liberty London Tana Lawn, which is a lightweight woven cotton with a silky feel. Despite it's delicate appearance, it is incredibly durable and a dream to work with and wear. The undercollar, cuffs, and button placket are coordinating madras plaid. Bias bound seams are used to enclose any raw edges inside the shirt.
Guayabera shirt
Guayabera shirts are a traditional Cuban design sewn from linen, with elaborate pin tucks, embroidery, multiple pockets, and decorative buttons. This shirt was sewn from linen using a vintage pattern for the base. The pointed yoke, hem facings, and plackets were self drafted. It is embellished with coordinating machine embroidery and coconut shell buttons. It was awarded Grand Champion in Sewing at the 2018 Red River Valley Fair.
Lace dress
This plaid and floral dress was inspired by designers Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen. The red floral lace has been manipulated to appear seamless and then hand-stitched to the skirt and bodice. Bias cut sleeves add subtle geometric interest and flexibility for the wearer. The dress is fully lined with burgundy kimono silk. It was displayed in the 2018 Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists Big Show. It was also awarded First Place in the Dress category at the 2018 Red River Valley Fair.
NDSU Tartan vests
Three vests were custom made for a client using NDSU’s official tartan plaid. The tartan is woven from dark green, teal, and gold wool yarns. The plaid has been carefully placed to showcase its symmetry and allow for continuous pattern matching across the front closure, lapels, and pockets.
Tweed skirt (upcycled)
An "upcycled" garment is one that was made from existing clothing. This skirt's life began as two tweed jackets, a silk dress, and a vintage brocade necktie. Each piece of tweed was hand stitched to silk underlining for stability. Brocade piping was incorporated to emphasize the seam shaping. The skirt is fully lined with Bemberg rayon.
Wool dress (upcycled)
"Upcycling" simply means using materials from existing clothing to create a new garment. This dress was made from secondhand wool suits. Three different dress patterns were used to achieve the multicolored piecing seen throughout the garment.
Victorian dressing gown
This opulent dressing gown is made from modern fabrics in a Victorian style. The brocade, quilted velvet, piping, and fringe are polyester, but the interior lining is vintage silk.
Studio
Sewist Cynthia McGuire Thiel’s sewing studio in Fargo, ND