project: party in the hamptons dress

I need to make friends with a sailor for this dress.

And purchase a big hat with Jackie O inspired sunglasses.



This is another Anthropologie inspired dress, but from Spring 2010. I clipped a picture of the dress from the catalog last season, and taped it into my artist book. It was an easy knock-off that will be super comfy for those warm summer days.


The top print was purchased in LA at International House of Silk and Woolens, and the swiss dot bottom was purchased at Joann's. The dress has no closure (it's a pullover), a self-faced top, and a lined skirt (I used a cotton/poly blend).



At the last minute I decided to add some navy blue cording to the seam line across the bust. It definitely helped separate the bodice from the skirt, where as before the bodice was getting lost in the skirt.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my navy Cole Haan's complete the look!

project: sunflower dress

You guys aren't going to believe this, but the fabric used for this dress, was purchased at Joann's.

Right?!

Way!

And, it was 30% off!

I know!!

I went to go pick up some notions to work one some of my other projects, and when I saw this fabric (which is also 100% cotton), I actually said, "Whoa!" out loud.

It definitely was the highlight of my Sunday, until the cashier forgot to put the white thread (that I needed to sew up the dress with) into my bag. The project was then delayed until Monday evening.

This dress was pretty simple. I used the same shift dress pattern that my Spring Bird dress was made from. The only adjustment made was putting fish eye darts under the bust on the front pieces. The dress is also fully lined (with a cotton/polyester blend so the fabrics wouldn't stick) with an invisible zipper down center back.

front view

back view

I added a narrow belt to the dress to cinch in the waist a bit. I wasn't sure if I liked the shift/trapeze look with this print and weight of fabric. I'm giving myself some options with this one.


I was also super excited about this print, because I am waiting for the arrival of my Spring wedges, and I know they are going to complete the look!

Where is the warm weather?!

project: common people tunic

How I forgot about this project, I'm not so sure. But last night, when "Common People" by Pulp came on my iTunes, it came to me, and how I never posted anything about it! So here it is: Tammie's Common People Tunic.

When I was visiting Tammie in LA, we went to the International House of Silk and Woolens. Tammie, who doesn't sew for herself all that often, found the fabric right away. It was a cotton print, with blurry black and white faces on a white background. She was like, "what could I make with this?!" and I was like, "girl, a rad tunic for 80's night!". And then I remembered how the socks I had knit for her birthday last year got lost in the mail, so she never really received a gift from me. And at the time, I was looking to get some more of my personal patternmaking started. So I took this as an opportunity to purchase the fabric, make a tunic pattern to fit Tammie, and stitch it up for her as a post-birthday gift.



The pattern is a pull-over, with no zipper or button closures. I gave it a little dolman-feeling sleeve, but didn't drop the armhole that much to leave some to the imagination. It's about to the high hip in length, and unlined.


I totally tried on the tunic before shipping it off, and it was pretty damn awesome. It is now on my list of Spring clothes to make for myself. I'm also in the works of getting a better picture of Tammie wearing it, because the one she texted me of her in the bathroom is a little late on a Friday night.

project: holly hobby shift dress

I knocked off another Anthropologie dress! I am super excited about this one; it has to be one of the most comfortable dresses ever. I'm definitely still in my moo-moo phase from last summer, where I like the extra room to move around in. Makes for a more comfortable wardrobe on those hot, humid summer days.

That same day that I visited the Needle Shop for the Spring Bird Dress fabric, I came across this beautiful, light weight sateen cotton. It has the tiniest of white polka dots and drapes perfect for this dress pattern.

front view

side view

I found the yoke fabric at a local Joann's; it's an embroidered cotton that has a pattern that compliments the polka dots perfectly. The lining I used for this dress is a cotton/poly blend, and almost a sheer weight.

back view

The dress has no closures (which is fantastic), pockets (of course), and ties in the back (to give a little shape). I'm a little concerned I made the length too short, but hopefully by the time I can actually wear it, I will have my bike legs back and won't be as concerned!

close up of yoke

playlist: holly hobby shift dress

1. "the last temptation of adam" - josh ritter
2. "sunrise/sunset" - the dutchess and the duke
3. "digging a hole" - the chapin sisters
4. "sadie" - joanna newsom
5. "thrown right at me" - the tallest man on earth
6. "all i want" - joni mitchell
7. "mama, you've been on my mind" - bob dylan
8. "leave me here" - hem
9. "jackson" - lucinda williams

project: spring birds shift dress

Okay, so here is my secret to these spring dresses. I'm not being totally original here (but, when it comes down to it, most of fashion today isn't). What I've been doing, as my main source of inspiration, is to go to the websites of stores I often shop at, look at their spring collections, and knock them off.

The joys of being a patternmaker.

It's true. That where this dress came from. Of course, it is a basic shift dress. But I had the idea in mind after seeing this Anthropologie dress. I then went to the Needle Shop (my new FAVORITE place to purchase all fantastic fabrics) on a sunny Friday afternoon. With the Anthropologie dress in mind, I saw this printed fabric by Kokka, and knew exactly what to do with it. A few days later, I had a pattern, a fitting, alterations, and a finished product.

Front view

Side view

The pattern I made only has two bust darts in the front, and I decided to add two fish-eye darts in the back (to give it some shape, and to also help the fullness swing to the front). There is a center back zipper, and for the first time in a long time, it is lapped and not invisible! It turned out awesome.

Once the spring flowers are in bloom, many pretty outdoor pictures will be taken! At least I'm ready...

up close photo of the print

playlist: spring bird shift dress

1. "georgia" - yuck
2. "bochicha" - DOM
3. "crash" - the primitives
4. "woe is me" - the walkmen
5. "should have" - cloud nothings
6. "bushwick blues" - delta spirit
7. "3rd planet" - modest mouse
8. "yea yeah" - matt & kim
9. "left this world" - la sera