I have finally realized a "notion" I’ve had for many years, ever since those appealing 9-to-5 salaries left fewer hours in the day for my first love: textiles. I've now been a full-time seamstress and weaver since 2008. I do custom sewing and weaving, as well as alterations and mending for both commercial and private clients.

At home in Richmond, VA working in alterations and mending has augmented a formal education in textiles. As Bygones Vintage Clothing’s exclusive seamstress, I work on a wonderful variety of vintage garments from wedding dresses to jeans. On the contemporary fashion side, I assist Frankie Slaughter in producing one-of-a-kind, ethnic-inspired coats. And I still keep a hand in conservation working with Costume & Textile Specialists. All provide new techniques and expertise I can employ producing my own work.

My retro/vintage jobs in particular provide inspiration for “Nene’s Designs.” I’ve posted some hand-sewn garments below along with some items from my loom. You can purchase many of the pieces shown here direct from me via PayPal, or from my shop at Etsy.

And if you’re in or near Richmond contact me by phone or email

for your mending, alterations and conservation needs.

Thank you for stopping by!

3421 Hanover Ave., Richmond, VA  23221  

Email: janene@charbeneau.net

Web: http://www.janenecharbeneau.com

For more about me, please click “BIO”:

Hand-Sewn Garments:

Gold polyester brocade jacket from an early-1960s vintage pattern:

Black polyester crepe front-draped cocktail dress, from another early 1960s pattern:

Black wool crepe swing jacket from a 1950s pattern; vintage Lucite button:

Crème silk crepe dress from a 1960s pattern:

Scarves and shawls from my loom:

Lavender and white silk scarf:

Lavender and yellow silk scarf:

Spring serape woven from silk and novelty yarns:

Hand-woven wool and silk pastel shawl:

Quilts:

Black and white 9-square quilt lap quilt; hand-pieced, hand-quilted; 100% cotton; 44 by 55 inches:

Maroon and blue 9-square lap quilt; hand-pieced, hand-quilted; 100% cotton; 49 by 55 inches:

Rag Rugs:

Brown and white rag rug; 100% cotton; 24 by 36 inches:

Multi-color rag rug; 100% cotton; 24 by 35 inches:

Commissioned work: tapestry, table runners, etc.

These are samples – your own commissioned piece will be individually priced.

Here are two of my "Wright Windows" tapestries with original designs inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's stained glass windows. On the left is "Tree of Life," in blues and pinks, 22 by 49 inches, linen and wool.

On the right, the black, purple and white "Wright Window 2," 25 by 36 inches, also linen and wool.

“January Days” is a small tapestry woven rug or wall hanging 18 X 18 inches

This was a custom commission designed with my client,

a 48-inch long warp-faced cotton table runner:

Your own commissions will price according to the design, size, materials, color schemes

and degree of difficulty.

If you would like to discuss a custom piece, please contact me and send a sketch of your idea.

We can go from there.

email: Janene Charbeneau