BOOK A SEWING CLASS – SUMMER 2026 Open Studio
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The SELVAGE – Issue 1 Newsletter – June 2026
I Caught A Clipper
On the last day of January, an alarm reminds me that it’s five o’clock in the morning. I check the weather forecast because what started as a cold rainy Georgia morning was forecasted to be a cold snowy North Carolina morning. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I was excited about the unknown. So, at six o’clock I headed out to Granite, North Carolina, after weeks of failed attempts and shady sellers, the plan is to travel five hours across three states to catch a “clipper”.
Half way through the uneventful five hour drive and a pit stop in South Carolina, I arrive in the snow dusted mountains of Granite, North Carolina. I jumped out of the truck to inspect the exterior and complete a walkthrough before finalizing the deal. With the title in hand and filled with excitement of finally purchasing a 2017 Coachmen Clipper 806LS Tent Camper, I was left feeling relief and excitement. A quick celebration of another mission accomplished.
After packing the tent camper for transport, I backed up the truck for the ceremonial first tow for the hitch and my beloved Ford Explorer. The lights, tow hitch, and tire pressure were inspected. A kind neighbor used the last bit of his compressed air to inflate the tires. While descending from the mountains, I quickly learned the value of the manual transmission paddles on my steering column. Down shifting while braking or traveling down hill or up shifting when climbing uphill released my anxiety of driving while towing a load. Nonetheless, after arriving in the town at the foot of the mountain, the tire pressure on the camper required a bit of adjustment to meet specification.
Georgia bound and thirteen hours later (seven o’clock in the evening), I arrived to a fog filled Georgia night and decided that I had enough adventure for a day. So, I pulled the into the driveway with the relief of making back to the bungalow safely but filled with excitement about the unknowns yet to be revealed in the days to come. The high I felt from the bliss of being a novice added to the reality of this being the first step of another exciting journey.
I Got Hitched
After almost a year of quarantine behind me, I decided to take the plunge and get hitched. I realized that only way to satisfy my yearning to explore, elevate my self-care regimen and avoid the restrictions of quarantine was to figure out a way to submerge myself in healing with a nurturer.
On January 15, 2021, Mike and I met in an automotive shop. The moment I walked through the door, I knew he was the one. He pulled up to my bumper and installed a new harness for my lights that would guide our journey of endless twists and turns.
After three and one half hours together and four hundred sixty four dollars later, I was officially hitched. We are excited about our journey of nurturing exploration.
The Gospel According to Andre’
The documentary about Andre’ Leon Talley was riveting. The depth of fashion history and insight into the fashion industry he posses is unprecedented. It was inspiring to discover his story as a young boy in the rural south growing to discover his passion for fashion.
His unapologetic approach and determination to be a pillar in the fashion industry is nothing less than amazing.
(Photo: The Gospel According to Andre’)
One thing I found most admirable of his undeniable unique approach to fashion is the fact that he did not appear interested in trends of the moment. Instead he appeared more interested in the lasting emotional connection and visual stimulation resulting from an impeccable ensemble.
Andre’ Leon Talley’s unapologetic authenticity and dedication to his passion injected me with an infusion of motivation and inspiration to continue to on my journey to bring my first capsule collection to fruition.
The vulnerability he displayed reminded us that amongst the glory, persona, the grandiose stature of a man draped in the finest threads that fashion has to offer is a human being that sacrificed his personal pursuits, in the midst of his dream to ensure that his voice was heard around the world.
This film is not only a film about fashion, but about the life of a man that forged forward through barriers to claim his stake in the world.
The film is a must see for those interested in an aspiring story about living your passion and finding your place in the world.
BRAVO, Mr. Andre’ Leon Talley!
Thank you kindly for sharing.
This is all about the Invisible Zipper
Zippers serve various purposes and applications, but it is the invisible zipper that is my favorite.
Learning how to install an invisible zipper so it is truly invisible is a skill. When I first attempted to install an invisible zipper on a linen skirt, it was a long and tedious process that involved the dreaded seam ripper.
The most challenge part is learning how to align up the zipper in the seam allowance while ensuring an even seam on the garment when fastened. A properly installed invisible zipper will result in a truly invisible seam.
I recall breaking out into a sweat when the time arrived to install an invisible zipper. After several failed attempts, I realized it is all about the technique and process.
Each package has recommended steps and presser foot to install the zipper. But, I developed my own process that ensures I have a beautiful zipper installation each time.
Invisible zippers are one of the sleekest fasteners, in my opinion. With the proper presser foot and practice, anyone can master the installation of the invisible zipper resulting in a beautifully fastened garment.
NYAM Studio Renovation Plans are Underway
The space will include a retail showroom and a workroom to make the NYAM collection on site.
The beautiful floor, ceiling and posts are amazing structural features to incorporate in the design.
The design process includes creative collaborations with the design consultant, mood boards, sketches, layout designs, revisions, revisions and more revisions.
The workspace plans will be vital to a productive and streamlined design and construction process.
The showroom/retail space will capture a streamlined modern aesthetic creating a unique and interactive shopping experience.
This is the link to the NYAM STUDIO Panoramic View video of the current studio.
We would love for you to subscribe to the blog NYAM Modern Vintage Blog for instant updates on the progress of the renovations or read all the details of the journey thus far.
How to Organize Fashion Design Details
The design and sample making processes are underway at NYAM Studio. It’s an exciting time because I enjoy the process of compiling fabric swatches and constructing the garments. Each fabric choice and garment presents its own unique challenges or tweaks that will be required to make a beautiful garment.
Due to the level of detail involved during the design and sample making processes, I decided to use a magnetic/pin board to keep all elements on visual display. The design board includes the design sketches, sewing machine tension, serger tension, needles, thread, swatches, sources, and all other design notes incorporated into the creation of the sample.
This is an example of the “design board” for a sample that is currently on the cutting table. Although some of the samples created may not be selected for the final collection, the creative processes involved definitely makes them worth documenting. In the event the concepts are revisited, all of the details will be catalogued and archived for future reference.
NYAM Studio has a NEW LOCATION.
NYAM Studio relocated to a beautiful textile mill in Downtown area of Griffin, GA.
The layout of the new studio will be designed to include a work space for garment construction and a showroom/retail space for scheduled pop-up shops and fashion show/presentation events.
NYAM Studio is now located inside of the Broad Street Mill NYAM Studio – 324 E. Broad Street Suite 234, Griffin, GA 30223
New and exciting ideas and designs are in the works for the launch of NYAM Modern Vintage so, feel free to join us along the way!
Parsons School of Design – Fashion Industry Essentials
Launching a clothing line inspired and motivated me to learn more about the fashion industry. The desire to learn and test the limits of my creativity and abilities led me to enroll in the Parsons School of Design – Fashion Industry Essentials certificate program.
The program focused on five aspects of the fashion industry.
- Unlocking Visual Style
- Thinking Like a Designer
- Understanding Fashion Production
- Working in Fashion Media
- Developing Fashion and Marketing PR Skills
Each class involved a series of video lessons and projects that were to be completed to successfully complete the program. The projects included the design of accessories, clothing, photography, styling, production, media and final portfolio project.
The details for the projects can be found in previous blog posts listed below.
Creating Marketing Style Photos with a Model
The HARPER Collection – 1 Yard Design
NYAM Signature Bag – Retail: $98.00
Clothing Sizes & Production Standards
Would you pay $25.75 for a pair glasses? – “Assembled Dopeness”
Retail Marketing. The Retail Magic.
Hello Audience. It’s Nice to Meet You.
2017 Summer Collection- 1980’s GRAFFITI ART Inspiration…
The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided me with the confirmation and a new thought process of how to approach the development of my first collection.
NYAM MODERN VINTAGE 