Thursday, December 31, 2009

Presents 2009

I was very happy that this year I made sure a few of my presents were specially handmade.

Since this was the first year my son was attending pre-school, I made three little christmas angels for each of his teachers.

An Angel

And I had to make at least on of my son's gifts! He loved it, a cute little stuffed owl that he calls, "Gufo", that's owl in Italian. He does not go to bed without him.

An Owl

And for my husband I made him a nice hat, with a lovely pinstriped lining!

A Hat

A Bouquet

And using remenants from my wedding dress I made a bouquet of flowers for my mother-in-law.

We had a wonderful Christmas, now back to making thing for my shop!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! And Happy 2010!!





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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Chanel- Spring/Summer 2010

I always love to see how the elements of the wonderful classic Chanel suit are present within every new collection!

Love the Black!

And of course the black and white!!


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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

That Darn Internet!

Our internet is acting up and at the moment I do not have time to sit down and figure out the problem. (I am the computer technician of the house.) It just has something to doing with uploading photos! So frustrating!!
Therefore I have not been able to post my two newest posts. But at the moment I am in the middle of several projects for clients, plus Christmas present making.
As soon as I figure it out I will post those two additional blog!
I hope everyone is having happy holidays!!!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Week.

Apart from having a cold and my son having the chicken-pox I continued to move along!

One to my list, now I have a dress ( which I am awaiting fabric) , a men's hat, and a blouse to complete. The list never seems to get shorter, and that's a good thing because it means I continue to work!!

Dress Project

So I sent off the package to the UK! It not only contained the desired dress, but a matching bolero and matching headpiece! I hope she enjoys!!

Hat

I completed the black woolen women's hat with black veil!

I love creating such classic lovliess! I am so glad people still request them and wear them!!

A Little Sweetness

And since we are now into December and all the Christmas decorations around town are now up I was in the holiday mood.

Candy Striped Fascinator

Using a buckram wire based disk, I constructed this lovely fascinator / headpiece!

I had the feathers, the fabric, and the veiling! It was completed yesterday morning! More photos and purchasing can be found in my Etsy shop.

I am off to the workroom!!



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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A Small Project!

A client who runs one of the two local grocery business once asked me to make her a hat for her new grand-daughter. At the time I was swamped with projects and I never got around to making in. This morning I decided to take a few hours from my morning to finally complete it for her.

I had been thinking about it for days. Now I finally got it done!

I loved the red wool, but I thought it needed a little something. So I hand stitch the felt flowers and center beads. What a cutie!

Now I don't have to try to avoid here everytime I see her! (That's bad!!)

I will deliver her cute little hat later this afternoon!

Her grand-daughter will now be styling in the cold weather that has already arrived.





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Friday, November 13, 2009

Moving Right Along!

Projects, projects, projects!

Recently I have been very blessed that I have had work coming my way! So little time, so many ideas!

I had to stop from my goal of two new items a week for my Etsy shop. But I am fighting against time to begin a couple of new ideas I have had!

Wristlets

The cold weather is here, I hate it when I am working and my hands are cold! Therefore I drafted a glove pattern. Varying that pattern I have started making Wristlets, gauntlet length.

All the current Italian Fashion Magazines contain variations of gloves, fingerless, gauntlet and opera length. I have been inspired! I am beginning to fill up my sketchbook with ideas!

I just wish I could sew faster!!

Inspiration for my Wristlet Collection.

Spats

I began making men's spats! Soon I will be able to post them in my shop!

Oh, I am also making this pair for a friend and client who is a performing artist.

Spats!

Using an orange and pink cotton fabric which I have cut 1 1/2 wide stripes, then stitched together, will be the top layer be very appealing and fit perfect with the rest of her costume and show! (I am also constructing a similar men's pair.)

The photo on the below that one, is the base made of canvas which the top layer is attached. They will contain a hidden lacing closure at the center-back. This closure will allow comfort for all types of movement which she requires as a performer. The closure will also allow her the ability for the spats to be worn with a variety of shoes.

Other

I am also working on a few custom orders including two dresses, one blouse, and a hat!

Dress Decor.

This photo is the decoration of the first dress which will be sent out on Monday!

Back to my workroom I go! I sure do love to create, I just wish I had more time!!!





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Friday, November 6, 2009

Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2010

In he eighties Detroit-born Anna Sui began designing, in 1991 she debuted on the runway.

Love the hat!

Her aesthetic is easily recognizable in her patchwork and aesthetics of boudoir. So of her clients consist of Nicole Kidman, Marilyn Manson, Drew Barrymore, Sofia Coppola, and Stevie Nicks.

She has 32 boutiques, international cult status, a successful beauty line, and the Anna Sui BoHo Barbie®.

Here are three pieces of her Spring /Summer 2010 collection.

Wonderful detail.

In this collection it is wonderful to see how she mixes prints with plaids and everything else! And there is wonderful mixes of color, color, color!!



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Friday, October 30, 2009

WONDERFUL ETSY SHOP

After a year of being active in the Etsy community, it is alway nice to encounter shops run by talented people. Recently while in the forum, I a wonderful shop located in Leeds. It was a lovely pleasure to meet and chat with Alison, who is the creator of all here beautiful pieces.

Alison Barrett Original Handmade Creations

Dusky Pink Imitation Suede Flower Corsage

When did you begin creating?

"I have always been very creative and trained at art school before specialising in theatre wardrobe which i studied for three years ." She was exposed to mask making, millinery, and construction of period underwear, theatrical costumes, and military uniforms.

"I then went on to get a job in a wardrobe department as a wardrobe assistant, then was promoted to a costume prop maker. My work involves many areas such as millinery, special effects on costumes,dyeing fabrics,making jewellry, mask making, pattern cutting and constructing costumes."

What or who inspires you?

"I'm inspired by so much but in particular I love costume and textiles, books, colour and nature. I also love the work of Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano.

I love looking through books and magazines and keep a box full of inspirational pictures. I have sketchbooks where i note down ideas. " Many of these elements are present in projects she is working on, such as fabric or colour.

Greeting Card- Bright Blue and Raspberry Large Bird

I noticed you have a theater background, do you miss working specifically in that field?

"I still work full time in theatre and i do get to make some interesting things! I am currently working on a stage version of 'The Secret Garden' so have quite a bit of millinery to do. I also teach millinery part time to degree students."

Gold Silk Wristlet Purse

When did you decide to open your Etsy shop? And why?

"I have been designing, making and selling handbags, purses, bag charms, jewellery and cards for the past three years. I have two display cabinets which Isell my work from and these are situated in the theatre foyer and have been very successful. I wanted to expand the business this year and so decided to join etsy. I love the idea of selling my work to someone across the world!"

It was a wonderful pleasure to me and chat with Alison! I really enjoyed exploring her shop! I love her attention to detail!

Her Flower Corsage, contains stitching along the edges of the petals in matching thread, numerous punched out holes on each petal, and stitched darts on each petal to give a 3D effect.

Her Gold Silk Wristlet Purse, contains hand embroidered gold sequins, and metallic gold machine stitching on the flower.

Wow, beautiful! Oh! Make sure you stop by Alison's shop to take a look at her, Sage Green Cotton Purse with Bright Blue Applique Leather Flower!






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Monday, October 26, 2009

Wow

I just realized that my spats were on the Front Page of Etsy, twice in one day! Wow! What a surprise, no wonder I almost hat 2000 views!

Thanks Administration!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

One Year On Etsy

This October marks my one year anniversary since I started my Etsy shop. And I just got some amazing news, I am finally featured on the front page!

Take a look at my "Plaid Spat"!!



Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tumblr

Tumblr Here I Come!

This past week I decided to start a Tumblr account. It is also a blogging platform to post text, images, video, links, quotes and audio to the tumblrlog- or short-form blog. I found it very easy to use.

My thought on it is that I will be using it as a journal. I can easily access and post photos, text, etc. I see it as a Twitter version of Blogspot. And I have already begun to meet so many people from all over the world!

If you would like to take a look at my Tumblr, or follow me click on my Texas Cowgirl Avatar!

Do you Tumblr? I would also love to follow you!





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Friday, October 9, 2009

Do you know One Red Robin???

Happy Chibi Girl To-Be-Named #3

Today I encountered this beautiful doll that just transported me back to my childhood!

Jhoanna Monte Arnez creates from her home in Melbourne, Australia. She is the mother of two girls.

What fortunate a child can be to have such a talented mother! I remember waking up to wonderful surprises my mother had stayed up the whole night working on.

I find Jhoanna's dolls so unique in her use of color and design. Her creations just have to bring a smile to your face!

Stop by an visit here blog! You must take a look at here "Babushka" doll!!

Or stop by just to find out more about the world of ' softies'.





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Friday, October 2, 2009

Spats, Spats, and More Spats!!

WHAT IS A SPAT?

Spats are a type of shoe accessory covering the instep and ankle. They were primarily worn in the late 19th and early 20 th centuries. Originally they were made of leather. Those for horseback riding continue to be made of leather. They can be made of any and all materials, a few examples are wool, polyester, and canvas.

Traditionally they are used as an accessory in marching band uniforms, pipe bands, in various militaries, and in everyday clerical clothing. They are also used for safety reasons in certain industries such as, in foundries, by welders, and even chainsaw operators.

WHY DO I MAKE THEM?

I am inspired by that lovely feeling of completing a three piece men's tailored suit! Or even the completion of a corset. I refer to my spats as, " little mini corset's for ones ankles. " I love to incorporate various classic tailoring and corseting techniques !

A pair of nicely tailored spats can add so much more to one's shoe collection! You can completely change the look and feel of your overall outfit! And when the cold weather comes around you can continue to use your summer shoes year round! I continue to get inspired by glancing though Italian fashion magazines!

MY 15TH PAIR!

This morning I completed and posted my fifteenth pair in my Etsy shop! Eighty percent of their construction is using hand-stitching. The lining and outer wool's, center back and front seams are machine stitched.

Navy Blue & Black Spats- Monjio

I have used a beautiful black Italian wool. Individually I have hand-stitched fourteen silver metal loops for the lacing closure. I love incorporating the lacing closure into various pairs because it allows them to be more versatile. They can be used over a variety of shoes and boots!

Inner side of foot view.

I have a great passion for traditional military uniforms with elaborate amazing decoration!

Of course I will continue to make more! I have an ongoing research and sketchbook with many other designs and styles ready to go!

Each pair is amazingly unique, and I never make the same pair twice! The assortment of styles allow for wear of shoes with heels, or without. To see the other fourteen pair, please stop by and take a look at my shop!

P.S. I always enjoy working one on one with a client for the creation of a one of a kind personalized pair of spats!





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Monday, September 28, 2009

Galliano for Kids!

John Galliano is joining with Diesel to create a children's collection!

The collection contains 100 pieces from clothing to acessories, for girls and boys ages 4 to 14. The line, is expected to launch January in Italy, France, the U.K., Russia, the U.S., Japan, and Eastern Europe.

As Diesel chief Renzo Rosso told WWD, "Galliano likes to play and create fairy-tale worlds even for adults. Imagine what he can do for kids."

Wow! I wait in excitement!!



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Monday, September 21, 2009

50 Years of Pantyhose!

In the 50's women's dress meant you had to wear intimate pieces of clothing such as nylons. The only way to keep one's nylons up was with a garter belt and sometimes squeezing into a girdle.

In 1959, at the request of his wife, Allen Grant Sr. invented the first pair of pantyhose. Being a proper lady, Ethel Boone Gant would not be seen in public not wearing her hosiery. She was pregnant at the time and traveling on an overnight train. With her expanding belly it was uncomfortable for her to keep her garter belt over her belly for her stockings.

It was first called, "Panti-Legs", when Mr. Gant and a colleague of his developed a pair of panties fastened to a pair of stockings. Commercial sales began in various department stores, but sales they didn't really grab the attention of many women, until the rise of the miniskirt in the mid- 1960's. Also at this time the cost of pantyhose were more affordable with new sewing techniques and fabrics such as spandex.

Later in the 1970's and 80's more women were prominent in the workplace, sales grew. Today you can definitely find customers of pantyhose in conservative work environments, and of course on the fashion runways!

I love the assortment of colors and texture that are now vastly available!




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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

United Bamboo- Summer/Spring 2010

Glancing through the Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-to-Wear shows I stumbled upon United Bamboo. I thought the designs and construction of the garments to be unique.


So reading up on I found out that United Bamboo is made up of a team of two. Thuy Pham- Vietnamese-born and Miho Aoki- Japanese-born and F.I.T alum. Their New York runway debut was in 1998.

Asymmetrical shapes, innovative fabrics and patterns, and origami type pleating are some of the elements present in their collections.

It was interesting to see their headwear made of black sinamay!

When time permits I always enjoy learning about talented active designers in the wonderful world of fashion!!



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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Sewing Technique- Flat-lining

An active stitcher or costume technician can spend so much money on interfacing, they certainly are costly. I have have found over the years that I rarely us them. Of course they are some things in which only interfacing will do. For collars, waistbands, and cuffs are a few examples. But mostly for my creating I only use flat-lining.

I was slightly surprised that not everyone uses this technique. As I found out through private sewing classes that I teach, many had not even heard of it!

I have vastly used this technique in the construction of theater and opera. In classic tailoring it is a must- only it is done by hand. What is Flat-lining? Basically it is a technique used to stiffen or to give a different feel or body to a fabric which does not. I usually use fabrics that are firm and stiff but not heavy, fabrics such as denium, or canvas. Therefore you can go shopping at Joann's or Wal-mart in their bin fabrics! It can be any color or fabric as long as it has the right body.

Note- The most important thing to remember is that you must wash and press the fabric before you use it. You definitely do not want it to shrink!

It can be difficult to explain so I decided to write a tutorial of sorts, with step-by-step photos. Here goes:

1. Chose your fabrics

My Fabrics:

I am using a white canvas fabric and a almost sheer silk I will be making one of my cuffs with lacing. After washing and pressing I am ready to go.

2. Draw pattern pieces on to canvas

These are my three pattern pieces which I have drawn onto the canvas.

Take note of the third piece containing stitching! You will see it again in step 4, I got a little ahead of myself.

3. Place canvas on to fabric. This is the fabric you are wanting to show.

The Pins:

I placed my canvas piece on to the wrong side of my silk. Then I begin pinning - first the center, then the corners, and the sides. Note that my pins are placed perpendicular to my stitching line with the points towards the seam-allowance. Placing the pins in this manner allows you to easily pull out the pins as you stitch.

As you pin, make sure your fabric is smoothed so your fabrics are completely flat.

4. Using a basting stitch, stitch the two fabrics together.

I find it best to stitch along the sides first, lengthwise, then the tops and bottoms. Removing the pins as you stitch. Make sure you stitch 1/8 of an inch outside the stitching line towards the seam allowance.

After stitching all the pieces, press them. Make sure they are nice and flat.

5. Stitch the pieces together.

Just stitch normally right on the stitching line.

Final step

After stitching the pieces together, press. Then finish off your seam allowances as your normally would.

Here you can see the silk has a stiffness which is needed for my cuff. It now has it's own body and form.

This technique can be used with any two fabrics. It just depends what your project is. It is certainly nice not to have to shell out all those bucks for something you can do for less! I find it also works better for me.

Hope this was compressible. Please make sure to contact me if you have questions!




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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

September is National Fall Hat Month!!

What is National Fall Hat Month?

It is a point of the year where everyone should know to stop wearing summer hats, the straw stops here! It is time to start wearing some fabric , some felt , and fall hats in general !!

Even though I found information regarding this "National" holiday I was not able to locate the origins of it. In various sites, you can send in E-greeting celebrating Hat Month. Or if you prefer to shop, you can find fall and winter hats available for purchase.

"Jubilee" by Stephen Jones

In honor of National Fall Hat Month I chose some of my favorite Stephen Jones creations from his Autumn/Winter 2005 "Jubilee" collection.

In this collection Master Jones celebrated a quarter of a century of millinery madness.

Speed

Blithe Spirit

Mockba

Four design essentials were present in his collection- Innovation, Individuality, Romance, and Frivolity.

And what else would we need for the wonderful fall in come!!

Photos courtesy of stephenjonesmillinery.com






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Friday, August 28, 2009

Cycles of Fashion

Featured Artist-

Oblivion Clothing

Welcome back!! This week we are stopping by a shop in Kansas City, U.S.A! For as long as she can remember, Nataliya of Oblivion Clothing has been creating. 

In her Etsy shop you will find an assortment of corsetry, dresses, and costumes. 

Inspiration

Generally Nataliya is a happy person so she is inspired by everything she sees.  She is inspired by everything she see everyday. 

Creative Process

"When creating much attention is always given to detail.  At any point in my process, I demand perfection."  This is the creative process of Oblivion Clothing. 

As on can see when visiting the shop, Their is an attraction to corsetry.  Also to the wonderful amount of work given to the construction  of clothing in the past. 

Corsetry

Under bust corset- 1880

Pink and Black Under bust Corset- Oblivion Clothing

Crinoline Silhoute

Evening Dress- 1855

Black and White rock'n'roll- Oblivion Clothing

Black Tulle

Dolce & Gabbana- 2003

 

Black Lolita- Oblivion Clothing

Military

Military Vest/Spencer- 1818



Black Military Steampunk Jacket- Oblivion Clothing

Etsy Shop
She was drawn to the creations and artists who are a part of Etsy.  It is a wonderful place to showcase and sell her wonderful designs and creations.

Stop by her shop, you will find over sixty items to take a look at!  Including, goth, steampunk,  girls dresses, and other costumes. 

Oh!  You must also take a look at these lovely bridal bracelets!




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