Heather Rama learned to sew against her will. “My mom taught me to sew in 7th grade because I was going to fail home ec. She spent a very frustrating evening teaching me how to sew.” Out of failure springs success. High school brought about an interest in vintage. “I liked vintage clothing because it was made so differently from modern throw away clothes and it was so unique. Vintage was still relatively cheap then, so I would buy it and redesign it or cut it up and use the fabric.”

After years of refashioning vintage into modern for herself, and armed with a BFA in theatre and costume design, Heather began to sell her creations.

“These pieces are from a line I did in the fall, inspired by turn of the century French women’s wear. It was a perfect theme for fall, with all the layers and colors involved. I was really lucky to have gathered enough vintage fabric and patterns to make that line entirely from scratch, without reworking any actual pieces.”

The handcrafted pieces are so well made, you would never guess that Heather went into sewing kicking and screaming. The skirt is incredibly comfortable – look, I can even spin in it! “The black skirt is meant to look like there is a petticoat underneath, but without all the bulk. I was drawn to the idea that women’s underthings could still be showing in a slightly naughty, but really classy way.” I actually have a similar skirt that I bought at Nordstrom’s years ago – a black skirt with tulle sewn beneath the hem, peeking out seductively. Heather’s skirt is Jimmy Choo to my skirt’s Steve Madden.

And I’ve got to admit, being a “recovering goth,” I still hold a special place in my heart for capes. “Capes have been coming back for years, and I was excited to be able to incorporate them into a line. There is a mysterious kind of sexy that comes from wearing a cape. And they are also really warm and comfortable.” There certainly is something irresistible about capes – a male friend insisted on trying it on. He was impressed with the cape, too. With an ample hood and an interior lining for added warmth, he should be impressed.

“Currently I am working on some fun spring dresses made from 30’s evening dress patterns,” Heather says of her upcoming collection. “I am using colorful, patterned vintage fabric to lighten up the mood of evening wear, while still using those beautiful, tailored patterns.”

To view and purchase more of Heather’s creations, visit CastOffs1977.com. Heather is also currently looking for a storefront for her pieces, so look for a brick and mortar CastOffs soon!