Testiomonial Tuesday Issue 1: The Reese McGillicuddy Dress Suit
A Threads Challenge Winner | “Selvage Salvage” 2021
The Reese McGillicuddy Dress Suit is a tailored yet comfortable office ensemble crafted from a richly textured green fabric—evocative of memory, resilience, and legacy.
Created for the 2021 Threads Challenge “Selvage Salvage,” the design criteria required the use of at least one yard of selvage and 25% of a ready-to-wear garment repurposed into workwear. My design fulfilled those requirements while honoring the spirit of someone who has inspired every thread I sew: my son, Reese.
Reese was endlessly creative and stylish in his own right, even at just ten years old. A few years ago, he gave me a drawing that read, “Good job! Your on fire” surrounded by red flames—his way of cheering me on. I carry that spark with me, letting it fuel my work as if he’s still here, encouraging me every step of the way.
This suit is both a tribute and a turning point.
Design Notes:
The jacket is lined in a repurposed houndstooth dress and features an interior pocket, two jetted front pockets, and braided trim.
The braid is made from three strands of green selvage and three strands of red knitting floss—a symbolic intertwining of our lives. Green was Reese’s favorite color. Red is mine.
The portrait collar features hand-quilted detailing inspired by Chanel, chosen simply because I love its timeless silhouette.
The dress features the same braided trim around the neckline, houndstooth cap sleeves, and a flounced ruffle hem made from a ready-to-wear houndstooth blouse.
Inside the dress: pockets made from printed fabric of a sewing machine drawing Reese sketched for me.
The jacket pocket bags are made from leftover fabric used in Reese’s green pocket square.
As a final touch, a single silver angel wing serves as the zipper pull—a quiet reminder of the unseen presence I carry with me always.
This is not just fashion.
This is legacy.
Every thread leaves a mark.
