Archive for the 'fashion design' Category

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Library Loot

Published on February 24, 2008 in Iz, Library Loot, book review and fashion design. 1 Comment

We visit our local library almost every Saturday. Usually we stop in after ballet and run into friends, so it turns into a social event as well. The kids room has so many wonderful books, books on tape, magazines and toys, we can stay for many hours. Iz has reached the point where she’ll sit and read books (after taking all the furniture out of the doll house and lining up all the toy animals in pairs). I loved going to the library when I was little. We would go there for story hour, special events, and just to fill our bags with books. Pratt has a pretty incredible library. An amazing collection. When I was in college, I loved spending time there.

I want Iz to appreciate the library too. I think she already does. It’s special to go to the library. She already knows the stacks and heads to the right places each week.

This is what we brought home last week.

I loved this book. I’ve always admired Coco Chanel, so this book was really for me. I was able to share with Iz some fashion magic.

This was certainly the favorite this week. It’s excellent. Iz loved the animals, the story. We read it about 10 times every day. There’s a great web site for the book too : www.PunkFarm.com and check out Jarrett’s blog! Iz wants to go back to the library and get this book! Might have to become a permanent member of our own library! I love that she remembers her fave books.

And of course Stellaluna. I love this story. I think this is the second time I’ve checked it out of the library. Wasn’t big on Iz’s list, but maybe next time.

Working on More Slippers

Published on December 12, 2007 in Creating, HomeSchool Sewers, LuckyStitches, classes, design, fabric, fashion design, sewing, sewing series, sewing with kids and slippers. 2 Comments

Lots of fun and exploring today while I got the group started on making their own slippers. We traced our feet and soles to start our pattern. We talked about smoothing the lines to make pattern pieces that will sew together well and give each person the shape slipper they are looking for. Then…we made a muslin.

The feet dresses! Next – sew on the sole.

Probably the toughest part is fitting the sole onto the body of the slipper. Hard because we are making up our patterns from tracing our feet, and not measuring. So, lots of pins and slow and smooth sewing.

Then, once the muslin fits, moving on to the actual slippers.

Pictures next week of finished slippers, and hopefully pics too of our next project – Scrap Scarves!

Messenger Bags and The Bag Share

Published on November 18, 2007 in Creating, LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Jean Class, The Bag Sew, a-line skirt, bag sew, classes, design, fashion design, projects, sewing, totes and bags and workshops. 0 Comments

Ok, first – if you are a local yokel – than please visit me Monday night, 11/19 at LuckyStitches 6pm-8:30pm for a Sew-A-Bration. We’ll be sewing up more bags for the Florence Bag Share which launches the same day (celebration). So come on down! Bring a dish to share, a machine to sew and fabric will be available for bags. If you have questions: info(at)luckystitches.com or 413.695.3092 Hope to stitch it up!

On to regularly scheduled business. The latest round of newbie sewers finished their messenger bags this weekend. I know you’ve probably heard me say this before, but I just have to tell you again. Hearing these guys and gals tell me that there is no way this is going to work and be a bag, then watch as their faces light up when they turn their bags out (we sew linings into them). It’s just so freakin’ precious! I love it. I also really love that each person is able to make their bags their OWN individual bags. All the choices are their own, including what to appliqué, how many pockets, inside pockets, length of strap, closure. I really want people to leave knowing that they can really turn what they are working on into something original, even if it is from a pattern. fun right?

We practice a bunch of different things, just so people can become familiar with their machine. I encourage pressing all the buttons, levers, turning all the knobs, trying all the widths and lengths. Everyone brings different types of fabrics (above is a thick fleece – she’s using a cool fish print and a fun stitch on her new to her (but previously owned) machine and came up with something that looked like seaweed.

On the other, he used some pink satin to appliqué a one-eyed robot demon guy onto his black corduroy bag. It’s so cool! The thread he brought was a little thick, so experimenting with all these things were really fun, and what a cool surprise it was for these to become actual bags they can use.

and what lovely “LuckyStitches poses”!

Oh – on to the next…I’m working fast and furious to finish up the JanFebMar 2008 schedule. Fingers crossed, I can finish tonight! I’ll be repeating some classes, like Sewing Machine 101 (that will happen every month), Jeans and a few others, and there’s some cool stuff for the late winter and early spring. A coat class, a skirt class, a wrap dress class. Some pattern-making 101 classes, like Full Bust Adjustment and Sewing Patterns 101. I’m also introducing a Homeschooling Sewing Series. That actually starts in December. It’s starting to fill up, so if your are interested, please register sooner than later. I’m also thinking of running the winter hat class again. I so LOVE the pattern I made, it’s perfect for kids and adults. So many projects and only 3 months…

Busy As A Bee.

Published on November 14, 2007 in Creating, LuckyStitches, classes, design, fashion design, inspiration, projects, sewing, sewing for Iz, sewing patterns, stars, wardrobe and workshops. 2 Comments

Whew. Tons going on. LOTS of sewing too! (yippeee for me!) The machines have been humming at LuckyStitches. We’ve been making so much fun stuff over the last few weeks, I can hardly stand it (I had to lie down to type this…).

I’m super proud of all the projects and each and every LuckyStitcher, so note that these are all mentioned in no particular order.

Pajamas

I didn’t take pictures of the other pjs, but they are really cute, one pair of flannel lined pants (lined with flannel…oh SO warm!) and another sweet striped tunic and pants, also made from flannel. Now…this might seem selfish – but it really was unintentional, but I have pictures of what I’ve been working on:

Here’s my initial purchase:

I really LOVE the pattern. I fell in love with the illustration of the kids in PJs especially the one modeling the style (C) I’m making for Iz. I love it so much, I want to frame it. Nerdy? Dorky? Geeky? Perhaps…am I gushing?

and I love the buttons (more geekdom…). Stars make my heart pitter patter a bit faster than normal and I found these:

Here’s the first pair (I’m making three…) finished:

On Iz (ugh, I CAN’T stand that wood paneling. It made Elmo pass out..)

Iz LOVES her PJs. “Oh Mama, I love them, they are stupendous and so soft!” She’s been using the camera – and here’s her self portrait:

Sewing Machine 101

I know, where’s the sewing machine? Well I can’t wait to show you the messenger bags these LuckyStitchers are making. Here we put in a magnetic snap, but wait till it’s finished and you’ll see her appliqué, bag, zipper pouch…all practicing all the fun stuff we talked about the first class. Let me tell you, these guys and gals are getting LOTS of practice threading machines, making patterns, sewing seams, topstitching, and they have become best friends with Mademoiselle Seam Ripper. After this weekend, I’ll have proper pictures of finished messenger bags, proof that they have learned how to use their sewing machines!

Make A Pattern From Your Clothes

How many times have you found something wonderful that you can’t wear anymore because the fabric has fallen apart? Yoga pants, a favorite hoodie and a J Crew summer dress can now all be made again, out of favorite fabric, season after season. Everyone learned how to make patterns from their clothes (either leaving them whole or cutting them apart). Can’t wait to see what they want to make next…

Sewing With Fleece

I had actually intended this class to work with squares, circles and rectangles of fleece, embellish with appliqué, but it turned into SEW MUCH MORE. I quickly demonstrated how to draft a pattern of a hat, I always want people to leave learning every aspect of each project, so I always try to help them through the creative process of making something from conception (sketch and pattern) to completion (sewn article). So we drafted a pattern and worked with a few different types of fleece. I LOVE the hats:

My endangered species hat.

I made this one this morning. Hmmm. I might have to make a pattern available. It’s so easy and quick! I made this one in less than an hour.

I’ve been working on the LuckyStitches Messenger Bag Pattern. I took pictures explaining the whole process, and I can’t stand them. Except for a few…but it’s back to the drawing board (or cutting table) to pick some different fabrics that would photograph better.

Patterns

Published on October 24, 2007 in Creating, Download Patterns, Open Source Sewing, cool ideas, design, etsy love, fashion design, inspiration, projects, sewing, sewing patterns and tutorials. 1 Comment

I love it when creative people publish their own patterns. I think before you shop at Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, etc – look for something cool from an independent creative.

I am thrilled about Yvestown’s pattern for the Ikea Skruvsta Chair that she recovered. Makes me want to run to IKEA, again, and buy the chair, just so I can try out the pattern and make my own cover.

I’ve been making a few of Betsy Ross‘ One-For-All Bags. I love this pattern. Super versatile.

I’m thinking I’m going to make the Charmed Dress, in (plum?) velvet, for the holidays. Love the shape.

This Hustle Bustle Skirt is cute. The pattern is available on Etsy, as well as finished garments all by Miss Twiss.

And who needs a skirt pattern when you have a pillowcase and this tutorial?

I love this Apron Halter Dress pattern from Melimade.

I think I might just have to make one of these Pockets Full of Cash Aprons from LuluKnits.

Muse has some cute patterns. I like this reversible apron, it’s such a pretty shape.

I’m always on the lookout for patterns like these – have you found any? I’d love to add them to my list.

Making a Wardrobe

Published on October 22, 2007 in Flickr, about me, color, cool ideas, couture, fashion design, favorites, inspiration, note to self, photos and wardrobe. 2 Comments

It’s been a strange switch going from the 10-12 hour days at the office to staying home and raising our Iz. I remember when Iz was just 8 weeks old, and I had to go back to work. Ugh. I remember crying as I would leave the house, and once I got to the subway, I felt this unbelievable relief. This crazy lightness. I’d get to work and was so sad about missing Iz, I’d throw myself into the day (stopping to pump in the closet twice a day, and crying again, in the closet, while the rest of the office was outside joking about the pump…sigh..). I remember thinking what’s wrong with me, this going to work thing is SO EASY compared to the 24/7 momhood, why would I want to give that up?

But I did. It was important to me to be with Iz. To spend our days together. I planned on doing freelance or something, but it had to be from home, so I had the flexibility I need for playgroups and adventures. It sure isn’t easy, and some days, it’s just not fun, but all the good times make up for it. We have tons of fun together.

But other things have changed too. My wardrobe. I know, trivial in comparison to everything else, but important none the less. My changed body would certainly benefit from regular visits to the gym, less carbs (hell, eliminate them all together…) and a much better bra (maybe 10 of them…at once). I wear jeans all the time (I’m grateful I don’t have sweats, while they would be perfect for bending down and running around, and oh so comfy, I just can’t bring myself to do it, I would surely then be the girl in the don’t picture with the black tape across my eyes), I have a handful of knit shirts (v-neck is so much more flattering on me), some lovely sweaters. You know…all the basics. But I’m really ready to expand my wardrobe.

I regulary check wardrobe_remix for inspiration. The outfits are spectacular. The colors are really amazing. As I sit looking this morning, I find myself wanting more color in my closet. I have a lot of black. A lot of black. And I love it, but I’d love to throw together some blue and orange, or aqua and red, or pink and green. Red and Purple.

Click on the photo to learn more about each photo.
Click here to visit the wardrobe_remix
Click here to read more about wardrobe_remix.

Favorites – Sophie Digard

Published on September 30, 2007 in Creating, Flickr, art, color, craft, crochet, design, fashion design, favorites and inspiration. 11 Comments

I’ve been trying to find out more about the bed linens in Nanny McPhee. (I think the overall art direction of the movie is quite spectacular…candy for the eyes in my book.) So every once in a while I google, lots of good articles to read but don’t really come up with anything telling me about those beds!

I did get my most recent issue of Selvedge, and noticed the amazing crocheted scarves and necklaces by Sophie Digard. Beautiful little gems of scarves, crocheted with really amazing color combinations, and they really remind me of those precious blankets on the kids’ beds in Nanny Mcphee.

Below scarves available at Ped Shoes

More scarf images on Flickr.

Her necklaces are really, really precious. I love these little star flowers.

Jeans, Jeans and Jeans, oh to have a pair of Perfect Jeans

Published on September 28, 2007 in Creating, LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Jean Class, Perfect Jeans, classes, design, fashion design, projects and sewing. 1 Comment

I am so in search of the perfect pair of jeans. It’s been over 2 years since the birth of Iz, and well, I just can’t wear those lo-rise thingys. For really 2 reasons.

First – My middle hangs out over the waist band. I hate that. I hate it so much it makes my skin crawl. If I could join the gym, I would, but there isn’t one close by. I’m working on that middle, but in the mean time, I’d like to feel good about my bod, so I’d like a pair of jeans that don’t cut into me, yet support my mama middle belly.

Second – I bend over, squat, get on the floor what seems like every minute of my day. I don’t need people looking at my underwear, butt..ahem, or down my pants. Plus, my underwear just isn’t that fabulous these days (maybe that will change this Christmas dear husband..hint hint).

So, you see, I need a pair of jeans that fits me PERFECTLY. But perfect is a tough thing to come by. I’ve tried on so many pairs of jeans, inexpensive, moderate, better, bridge. I can’t really afford anything above inexpensive these days (and Old Navy seems to be catering to the lo-rise fan club), so I’m stuck. But not really anymore. I decided to do something about it. I’m going to make a pair of jeans that actually fit and look good. And, I’m going to do it with a few other stitchers…

I’ve been doing a bunch of research. I found this old article in Glamour Magazine. Click here to see pictures from the article.

Of course, after trying on all these jeans, I can tell you what I want in my jeans:

I want them to fit, my butt, waist, thighs and look flattering, make me taller and slimmer looking.

I want them to be comfortable, yet provide a bit of tummy control.

I want cool pockets on the back, placed just so, so my butt looks smaller than it is.

Here are some other info links:

Susannah and Trinny on Oprah – They are my FAVE!

2007 Jeans Guide at StyleBakery.com

Tyra Banks Show

WikiHow.com

NZGirl.com

True Jeans via Erica B’s- DIY Style!

Zafu.com

Denimology

Click for more information on the class at LuckyStitches.

Up Next…T-shirt and coat

Published on September 25, 2007 in LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches T-shirt Class, WIP, classes, design, fabric, fabric shopping, fashion design, projects, sewing and t-shirt. 1 Comment

I ordered these from SewingPatterns.com the other day.

After reading this pattern review on SewingPatternReview, I decided I must try this coat. Looks like it is pretty versatile, good for spring, good for fall and winter. I’m thinking a faux persian lambs velvet in a hot color (umm, like GARNET!) with a contrast lining. And, because I live in New England, I want to use Thinsulate.

Then for my T-shirt class, I thought I’d try the t-shirt pattern from Jalie. I’ve read many a blog on stitchers working with Jalie patterns, and I’m pretty excited to try it. I have a favorite t-shirt, I love the neck drop and length, so I’ll be adjusting the pattern to match that T. I do love that the pattern is all sizes, so I’ll be tracing my pattern to pattern paper, so I can use the pattern again for my daughter (when she’s a bit older). Plus it’s a nice heavy paper, much less delicate than the normal tissue paper. I’ve got a few lightweight jerseys to try for this pattern, but I really want to find a cozy wool jersey. Can anybody share a good place on-line for light weight wool jersey? I might try this one. Or this. Perhaps this one.

T-shirt Class info at LuckyStitches:

Skill Level – Advanced Beginner (must know how to sew)
$125

Saturday Oct 13, 20 2PM-5PM

Working from a commercial pattern, we’ll fit and stitch up your best fitting t-shirt yet! All of this while learning / practicing how to sew a knit! FUN! Seriously, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to work with knits. For fun – since it’s winter, pick a wool jersey to make your t-shirt, nice an cozy!)

Supplies Needed: Your Sewing Machine, Your Sewing Kit, a commercial pattern, fabric and notions as noted on your pattern envelope. Pattern Paper will be available during class.

Download a Dress

Published on September 23, 2007 in Creating, Download Patterns, Open Source Sewing, art, contests, cool ideas, couture, design, exhibit, fashion design, inspiration, museum, projects, sewing and vintage. 0 Comments

The Victoria & Albert Museum exhibit, The Golden Age of Couture, Paris and London, 1947-1957 opened yesterday. (Makes you just want to jet off to London, doesn’t it?)

The exhibit looks spectacular, with wonderful selections from innovative designers.

There are more reasons I love the exhibition. Open Source Sewing! You can download the pattern for the couture dress below and MAKE YOUR OWN couture inspired dress. Can it be any more fun than that?

It does get a bit more fun…you can enter the Design a Shoe Contest, which will be judged by Professor Jimmy Choo. And you can always pick up the book for the exhibit.

via Gorgeous Things

While you’re visiting V&A (whether on-line or in person), be sure to check out New York Fashion Now.

Archive for the 'fashion design' Category

Page 2 of 3

Library Loot

Working on More Slippers

Messenger Bags and The Bag Share

Busy As A Bee.

Patterns

Making a Wardrobe

Favorites – Sophie Digard

Jeans, Jeans and Jeans, oh to have a pair of Perfect Jeans

Up Next…T-shirt and coat

Download a Dress

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