it's all in the details
reverse applique and hand made flowers. a good day's work for a sunny afternoon...
July 12, 2008
July 11, 2008
refashion light
I found this soft, lightweight cotton sheet at the thrift store (although it looks new) and couldn't wait to start embellishing with it! it is a khaki background with huge pink flowers and long graceful gray vines. rather than do a whole refashion, I just used strips of the cotton to add flair to otherwise drab pieces. I added a pleated ruffle and applique to a khaki linen skirt, then a flower applique to another in pink. both of these skirts will be available for sale in my Etsy shop.
July 06, 2008
project alabama
I heard about Project Alabama a while ago but was stopped in my tracks yesterday when I learned there was a whole book about the evolution of the alabama stitch.
The photos are amazing and the project instructions are clear and easy to follow. It really exemplifies the simplicity of hand work. I grabbed a couple of plain linen skirts - one taupe and one chocolate and went about making a t.spoon version of a reverse applique skirt.
the projects in the alabama stitch book use recycled cotton jersey and I plan to pick up a few t-shirts at the thrift store today, but my medium is linen at the moment. a reverse applique is made from double layered fabric where the top layer is cut away to reveal the bottom fabric. I may just do this all day.
July 03, 2008
first refashion
Photos of my first refashion!
Although I do a lot of refashioning in my clothing business, this is still quite a challenge. I like the aspect of posting the "before" photos, which I've never thought to do. This is my first piece... it started life as a large boxy sarong, to which I felt compelled to bring shape and style. the result: a lightweight summer top. If the weather gets back to 90 I'll be living in this!
July 02, 2008
Wardrobe Refashion
I found this blog that is all about refashioning fashion, all the time... and they have a pledge you can take to get involved with the group. Starting today, I'm taking the pledge for 2 months. I'll be guest editing their blog with my refashions as well. Can't wait to get started!
The Pledge:
I,Tina Witherspoon, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing for the period of 2 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle pre-loved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings! Signed, glamspoon.
June 30, 2008
lazy daze of summer
it's unfortunate but true that the heat killed the June challenge finale. Somehow I managed to get two more done before midnight. a bit of white linen, scrap of vintage table cloth, lots of stitch details, a handmade flower and deconstructed ribbon embellishments. out with a bang anyway.
On to the next challenge - Wardrobe Refashion! - and five days of R&R.
June 28, 2008
summertime...
as the weather got warmer this week the June challenge inevitably took a back seat. it's not easy to keep yourself cooped up in a 2nd floor sewing room when the sun is shining. I do feel it's been a respectable effort and there's still tomorrow to try and catch up. but 25 skirts in 28 days is impressive, right?
Clarisse had an anthropology-style photo shoot in the sunny backyard today.
just like the thrift-store purse inspired the flower series, this
vintage lace has really inspired a few t.spoon couture skirts. I'm
going to list them on Etsy tomorrow after I take all the measurements.
June 23, 2008
More PR press!
Seattle Homes & Lifestyle magazine has a mention of our Product Runway win and a photo of the moment of truth in the July/August print issue! It is listed online under the Spring Happenings section as well.
June 21, 2008
summer solstice
I honestly don't know where the last 48 hours went. Friday's sun was intoxicating after such a long cold spring, and the time just flew by. today at least, I was able to catch up on the challenge. today's work can only be described as t.spoon couture. 100% silk with vintage lace in lavender, slate gray and mocha...
June 20, 2008
smash fashion
Marquez and I went to Smash Wine Bar & Bistro in Wallingford for drinks before the fashion show at the Fremont Abbey. Their menu is organized by "nibbles" or "a few nibbles" or "big bites" ... everything was awesome and at happy hour prices from 5:00 to 6:30, they made us very happy.
The fashion show, on the other hand, was under-organized and the designers seemed randomly selected. I am aware that Seattle is not a true fashion city, and I typically don't discriminate - I go to everything out there - but the venue was not suited for a runway show with washed out lighting and no backstage area, and I didn't find the designs particularly bohemian. No regrets, however, because good or bad, all contributions inspire in some way, right?
