Monday, June 16, 2014

TGBM Tally 16Jun14

I've been experimenting with upcycling men's dress shirts.
This purposely oversized blouse is one of my favorites.

The top part of the original shirt is intact. The lower half was split at center back and then moved towards the front and pleated. Bust darts were created at the same time.

The lower half of the front was hemmed up to create a straight-across hem vs. the dip center-front in a man's shirt.

The back section was then replaced with new fabric (irish linen) and the seam created by these adjustments was covered by the ribbon. The hemline is lower in the back than the front.

The cuffs were cut off and the sleeves turned up and hemmed.

Thrifted Gifted Bought Made Tally

Thrifted & Upcycled:

Blouse: made from a man's dress shirt purchased from Goodwill
Shoes: Painted with Lumiere paint. Instructions from Sassyfeet book

Gifted: Nothing

Bought retail:

Upcycled blouse parts: Fabric lower back panel and ribbon (both from Britex)
Necklace (2008?)

Bought from artist: Nothing

Made: Pants and earrings

Bonus - the original shirt (2am brand) already had a blue velvet ribbon

on the bottom half of the front placket.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Online thrifting - should have guessed!

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/

SearchFind items by title, category, or seller

Search for	Search title and description
Category
Seller
Status	Open Auctions Closed Auctions
Price Range	Between $ and $
Order By	ascending descending
Show Preview Images?

Item LookupFi

Holy smokes! I just found out that Goodwill has an online auction site that work like eBay.
Great news. for all thrifters and for serious upcyclers.

They sell lots, I saw a lot of cashmere sweaters, another of watches, which means if you are
specializing in upcycled cashmere throws or watch face jewelry your sourcing just got easier.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Jean Kimono Jacket - Boro inspired

I recently completed a garment for Canada College's upcycled denim contest.

I started with a thrifted foundation garment of a cotton waffle robe (Stanford logo) so I could build from scraps and parts of jeans.

Doing the work on my dress form allowed me to play with how I wanted to color block and the sizes of the pieces I wanted to use. I'll admit it would have been much easier to open the side seams and build the garment flat (next time maybe.)

My inspiration was the wonderful utilitarian mended japanese 'boro' garments I've been seeing on Pinterest.

Boro Kimono

I wanted a bit of drama as my garment is fairly plain so I took a man's leather belt and cut it into a closure and sewed it on. The sleeves are the bottoms of pant legs as-is. I can add some stitching for more character later. You can see I did a bit of machine quilting type stitches.

And on the back I added one reverse appliqué circle to replace an ugly grease stain, and a decorative center back section using a waistband bordered by belt loops. I like the way it turned out! I will wear this one.

Updated post available here

2017 update:

Since this original post I've created many upcycled garments and developed instructions/patterns so you can too! How does it work?

In the example below 3 dress shirts are transformed into a woman's blouse. The "Pattern" provides step-by-step illustrated instructions guiding you through the deconstruction and reconstruction process. No pattern pieces to pin and cut out and the tough bits are already sewn: collars, plackets, buttonholes, etc.

March 2018 update:
Upcycling sewing instructions are now available for this jacket!! Make your own version.

Start sewing your upcycled Jacket today!

More info about Paganoonoo instructions at: www.Paganoonoo.com
Upcycle Sewing Made Simple

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Discarded to Divine Entry - on display at the deYoung

Here I am with my completed garment. Much to my surprise the garment I made last year was on display as part of a retrospective - too cool!

My friend and classmate Tatiana won the people's choice award with this complex garment:

And the glove scarf (made by a friend of a friend) won People's Choice for accessories. : >

Add caption

Monday, February 3, 2014

Discarded to Divine 2014 Entry

I've just completed my entry for Discarded to Divine 2014!!

Here is an in-process teaser shot:

The free preview night at the DeYoung is on Friday April 4th, 2014, 5:30 - 8:30, please join me. The work of all the different artists is truly remarkable.

My garment from 2013

is seen briefly in a video about the event.
The video is located on this page: www.discardedtodivine.org

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Mens wool sweater into cardigan, TGBM Tally 03Dec13

Thrifted: Upcycled sweater 2013, petticoat 2012, shoes 2012

Gifted: Scarf ~2008

Bought Retail: Buttons (from a button vendor at a quilt show), skirt ~2005

Made: Upcycling on the sweater

I just finished converting a regular round necked men's lambswool sweater into a cardigan. Step 1) Wash the sweater in warm water and tumble dry. It shrinks and felts so it doesn't ravel when cut. Step 2) Cut off the waistband and cuffs. Sew them together to make one long band.

Step 3) Cut up the center of the sweater and cut out the shape of the neckline you want. Step 4) Place your long band on top of the right side of the sweater opening, raw edges on the raw edge of the garment. Sew a narrow seam. Press in place and then turn band towards opening and press pushing the seam toward the sweater body.Step 5) Choose your fastener for the front. In this case I chose to use oversized buttons because I plan to wear the sweater primarily with this skirt and I thought they went well together. I did not put in buttonholes (cheating!). I sewed the band closed so this is really a mock cardigan as it cannot be opened. I could do this as the neck opening is large so I can pull it on over my head.Step 6) I put the garment on inside out and pinned myself in on the outside seams, under the arms and on the sides. I took the garment in at the pinning. Because it will be paired with a full skirt I wanted it fitted.

Bonus - I put on a lined cotton skirt on underneath to create volume (like a petticoat)Now I'm ready for our cold snap. It is going to freeze overnight, brrrrrr, happens very infrequently in San Jose, CA.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

stylish lady in orange

I was at a seminar this weekend and one of the guests immediately caught my eye. She looks like someone who knows how to have fun and she has a very strong personal sense of style.

She agreed to be a guest on my blog!

Doesn't all that color just make you want to smile?

Friday, October 18, 2013

Winter is coming - scarfs as accessories

I just watched a great video that demonstrates 26 ways to wear a scarf. Watching this I think my whole winter wardrobe could be black T's and a variety of scarves.
25 ways to tie a scarf on youtube

Monday, October 7, 2013

Susan Khalje, fabulous instructor

I took a hand sewing class from Susan Khalje several years ago through the

Peninnsula Wearable Art Guild and have been a devoted hand sewer ever since.

Susan is not only a master teacher, she is one of the most gracious and poised people I've ever met. She is an instructor on Craftsy and has a lengthy and marvelous class on making a couture dress. It has to be one of the best online sewing classes available and very reasonably priced.

So... I've decided to register for a 2014 class Susan is giving in person at

The Sewing Workshop in San Francisco. Yahoo!!!!

There is nothing like having something wonderful to look forward to in the future. I can now officially start day dreaming about what I want to make under Susan's tutelage. : >

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

update - modeling at 11:00 Saturday

I'll be modeling in the Saturday event mentioned in the past post at 11:00. It is the stylist show where they pull garments from the designer's booths and students model (that will be me.) Hope to see you there!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Canada college designer sale Saturday 9/28 and South Valley Quilt Association Show 9/28 &9/29 - join me!

This coming weekend I will be attending two amazing events. I invite you to join me if you can.

Event #1 -

Canada College in Redwood City, CA, USA (my fashion design school for the last 4 years) is hosting an annual local designer sale as a fundraiser, SATURDAY SEPT 28TH only, 10:00 - 4:00, details below:

WELCOME TO ARTISTRY IN FASHION

Since 1991, the Cañada College Fashion Department has hosted Artistry in Fashion, bringing together fashion lovers, students, faculty, and premier local designers and fabric artists for an exciting day of fashion and creativity, all for the benefit of student scholarships and materials.

Location: Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA
Cost: $10 admission. Print this coupon for $1 off.

Food: Featuring foods available for purchase from Sancho’s Taqueria, Slider Shack, Skylite Snowballs, and Pony Espresso

There will be about 50, yes 50, local bay area/CA fashion designers selling their goods.

One of my favorites is ANYASF who sells one-of-a-kind upcycled t-shirt garments like the dress below.

1:30 Fashion show - hosted by SANDRA ERICSON

Sandra Ericson is a leading educator in the Clothing and Textile field, having taught fashion design, fashion history, pattern cutting, draping, textile and clothing construction at City College of San Francisco for over 30 years. She holds both a BA and an MA Degree in Clothing and Textiles from San Jose State and San Francisco State Universities. Currently, she directs the Center for Pattern Design (CFPD), an online headquarters for the professional pattern designers in the US and abroad. Sandra’s personal research has lead her to become one of the few experts on the innovative work of Madeleine Vionnet, enabling her to apply the draping principles of Vionnet to create her own pattern designs for CFPD. She also continues to teach for universities and industry groups in the US and Canada and has written many articles forThreads Magazine about pattern design.

Join us as Sandra presents a fashion show featuring designs from her CFPD patterns, which feature pattern recreations of classic couture designs from Balenciaga and Vionnet.

P.S. - I've been told I'll be modeling - Michelle

Event #2 - This is the group that awarded me a scholarship this year that allowed me to get a dressform. I just completed my first fully draped dress which I plan to wear when I visit on Sunday.

South Valley Quilt Association

2013 Harvest Quilt & Fiber Arts Show:

Dates: September 28 & 29, 2013
Hours: Saturday 10:00-5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm
Where: Downtown Morgan Hill, Community & Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road at E. Dunne

Cost: Free Admission and Parking, however donations are always appreciated to support the show and scholarship funds.

Features: Beautiful Door Prize/Opportunity Quilt, Boutique Sales/Quilts and Handcrafted Items, Vendors selling Fabric, Patterns, Books and Machines.

I've heard there is a car show practically next door so you bring a car loving buddy along for the drive. This event is the fundraiser for next year's scholarship and I plan to apply again. : >

Hope to see you at one or both!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Goodbye Valentino blog

I just finished a marathon reading of the first year of this blog started in 2011: http://goodbyevalentino.com/

The blogger made a committment to forgo buying ready to wear for one year and instead sew any clothes she wanted. She made a large collection of garments that first year and is quite tasteful in her choices. The blog has clear beautiful pictures and is easy reading, well done all around. I highly recommend it.

I've grown increasingly weary of most things in my closet. I'm also (shockingly) not in much of a thrifting mood. I just hired a friend to help me move my sewing room into a larger room and organize it. I now know where everything is, fabrics, notions, tools, and patterns. I too think it would be amazing to sew, sew, sew a new wardrobe.

So, I sew, I sew, it's down the hall I go,..

Friday, August 9, 2013

MEN OF THE CLOTH - humble men who make exalted clothing

I ran across this great Kickstarter project to capture master tailors on film . I made a pledge and will get a copy when the film is done!

Quoting directly from the kickstarter site:

"THE STORY OF THE FILM

I first conceived of MEN OF THE CLOTH when I was Senior Fashion Editor at DNR, a menswear magazine that is now part of the fashion bible Women's Wear Daily. I became fascinated by Italy's artisan tradition and the incredible pride and passion that's part of the cultural DNA of Italy's master tailors.

I truly admire these artisans who live a life of meaning and purpose – and create clothing that’s as beautiful inside as it is outside. They’re unsung heroes – with skills that have been honed over the course of a lifetime -- and my film honors their legacy for a younger generation.

MEN OF THE CLOTH unravels the mystery of their artistry as they confront the decline of the apprentice system and navigate their challenging roles in the twilight of their career.

In this fast-paced world, the art of making handcrafted custom (or bespoke) clothing -- with a pattern created for each individual – has been declining for years. There are few remaining Italian master tailors, and this turn of events inspired me to share the story of Nino, Joe and Checchino with the world. But while their personal stories are quite distinct, they also give us an insight into the current state of their craft as a whole. So as much as it’s a character-driven film, MEN OF THE CLOTH is also a meditation on the value of craftsmanship and handmade clothing.

In the film’s visual through-line, we show a process that takes several weeks in real time: we follow the making of one bespoke suit from start to finish – from a bolt of cloth to a beautifully constructed garment."

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Tip for sergers

I ran across this brilliant idea on a blog. If you serge it is a must read.

How to use one spool of serger thread to make multiple spools

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Homework from Introduction to Theatrical Costuming summer 2013 class

This is a report from one of my Canada College summer classes, Introduction to Theatrical Costuming, taught by Judy Jackson.

The assignment was to make up or pick a character, describe them, set the context, and then costume them. Fun assignment!

My sketch.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Draping on my new dress form

I spent the long weekend draping on my new dress form - it is a HUGE help.

I've started in on a dress in fashion fabric and am running a bit short so may need to get creative. The fabric is a beautiful red lightweight, drapeable cotton I bought from Britex about 4 years ago.

I'm lining the bodice with another batiste weight cotton so I was able to transfer all of the markings to the liner and not the fashion fabric. The fashion fabric is so lightweight I thought marks would show through. I ironed the two layers together and then thread traced all the seams.

Everything I've done so far is pinned to the dress form.

Also - I stored my pattern pieces (self drafted) by rolling them up and placing them in a toilet paper roll with a drawing of the design taped on the outside. Clever if I do say so myself. : >

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Lynda Maynard, my famous teacher

I started another summer class tonight, Copying Ready To Wear, with Lynda Maynard at Canada College in Redwood City, CA.

Lynda is a fun teacher with a laid back style.

Lynda is also becoming famous! She is featured in her own new Crafty Class, sew-the-perfect-fit and was also published last year:

The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques: Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Professional Results

How lucky am I to be in this program? Seriously lucky. : >

The garment I am copying is a thrift store find from Pleasanton, a sleeveless dress fitted at the top, with a scoop neckline and then very full flaring out starting half way down the bust.

The color on the one I am copying is not good on me but I embroidered red trim on so it looks better. I want to make this style in another color (Red!) as it is a very comfortable sumer dress. People seem to like the cut on me and I do as well. I think I could easily make multiples and live in them all summer.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Surfing fodder!

"Check It Out" resource list from Sandy Ericson owner of the Center for Pattern Design

one example: A New York Times article on online consignment risks reduced.

Too cool. Have fun!