tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380598250319131062024-03-14T00:47:58.520-07:00September DazeSewing. Designing. Anything Fashion.September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-56245357658983375292012-01-17T22:34:00.000-08:002012-01-17T22:38:00.422-08:00PinterestingFollow me on Pinterest:<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/solsticefire/"><br />
http://pinterest.com/solsticefire/</a><br />
<br />
Mostly Wedding and Fashion with a little fun thrown in on the side :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4lF_InWfPM/TxZnlt8B4WI/AAAAAAAAASM/fPhb1dlb4m8/s1600/prettyinpink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4lF_InWfPM/TxZnlt8B4WI/AAAAAAAAASM/fPhb1dlb4m8/s640/prettyinpink.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image: Elizabeth Messina<br />
<a href="http://www.kissthegroom.com/">http://www.kissthegroom.com<br />
</a></span></div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-38429880446292035442011-08-07T20:29:00.000-07:002012-01-17T22:37:18.699-08:00Printed Chiffon Summer DressThree years ago, I wore a dress I made to the annual Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Ever since then I have made it into a sort of tradition to make a dress specifically to wear to the event. Last year, I made this strapless blue and white dress:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wThq9ymgdY/Tj4VgSzSnmI/AAAAAAAAARM/bpAA1WvALNA/s400/pofma-bluewhitedress.jpg" width="300" /></div><br />
This year I wanted to make something very feminine and soft. Since I did not have a lot of time to sew, let alone draft a pattern (and do a muslim mock up!) due to my schedule, I decided to try out another pattern from Burda magazine.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtMaHYAae6w/Tj4ULCgtm6I/AAAAAAAAARI/K5WSc_0rjZE/s1600/burdachiffondressmag.jpg" /> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from Burdastyle.de<br />
You can find the <a href="http://www.burdastyle.de/burda-style/damen/kleid-mit-rueschen-cocktailkleider_pid_209_4857.html">pattern here</a>!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chiffon and ruffles... can you get more girly and summery than that? :)<br />
This pattern is from the 7/2010 issue of Burda. This is my second time using a pattern from the magazine and I love it. I have not tried out many commercial patterns, but of the ones I have (Vogue, Simplicity, McCall) Burda has been my favorite to work it. I rarely have to do much alterations to the pattern itself and I love their straightforward instructions (if you are a beginning sewer, the magazine may be challenging as they only provide the absolute bare minimum when it comes to constructing the garment). I decided to pick out a printed chiffon for the dress, but keep with the same nude color scheme which is very trendy this year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNMlz7h19dg/Tj9nFKDiJiI/AAAAAAAAAR4/yNgQDQ-tSK4/s400/printchiffon2.jpg" width="270" /></div><br />
Some changes I made to the pattern:<br />
<ul><li>Omitted the last layer of chiffon. It seemed too long for me, but now when I look at the photos maybe I should have added it, lol.... but also a basic design rule is things look best in odd numbers!</li>
<li>I narrow-rolled hem each ruffle. You cannot see from the photo above, but they had left the edge of each ruffle raw and did a fray effect. I wasn't a big fan of the result.</li>
<li>Decreased the width of the neck ruffle slightly. Also made the first ruffle a bit wider. The length stated in the magazine gave me a very pregnant look from the side, lol. If I did it over again, I would drop the empire waistline to help even out the layers.</li>
<li>Instead of sewing two layers of chiffon together to act as a lining, I decided to line the dress with satin. I was afraid three layers of chiffon fabric wasn't opaque enough to wear the dress out in the sun :P</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">Other than that, I stayed pretty close to the pattern. Although a bit time consuming due to the layers, it is a rather simple and straightforward pattern! Out of the three dresses I have made for the Pageant, I received the most compliments on this one :)<br />
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</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGxu5ahROYY/Tj4xkn3RpoI/AAAAAAAAARo/3NCAIVDXEco/s400/printchiffon10.jpg" width="247" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9T4ZE1jUtk/Tj4vtLkr2KI/AAAAAAAAARk/Or2_4Ttcah0/s400/CIMG7350.jpg" width="300" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can't help but laugh sometimes at the seriousness of "modeling," lol :P</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>You can find more photos at my BurdaStyle page:<br />
<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/ruffle-printed-chiffon-summer-dress">http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/ruffle-printed-chiffon-summer-dress</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">So light and airy, perfect for the absolutely beautiful summer day we had. Actually, it was SO sunny that a lot of the photos came out hazy! :/<br />
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The day of I did my hair in a curly-style messy bun and paired the dress with pink crystal chandelier earrings, a diamond necklace my mom gave me ♥, brown oversized Gucci sunglasses and a vintage Gucci wristlet (we're in Laguna after all!), and nude wedged slingbacks from Naturalizer (I'm usually not a fan of Naturalizer other than work pumps, but these were cute and super comfy, win win since we did a lot of walking!)<br />
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By the way, this is my fifth year in a row to the <a href="http://www.foapom.com/">Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters</a>. If you live in Southern California and have never been to it, I highly recommend it. It is a truly unique art event... I look forward to it every year now! </div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-80932625610493878822011-07-18T22:54:00.000-07:002011-07-18T22:54:16.520-07:00Backstage<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Backstage at the Fall Winter 2011 2012<br />
Elie Saab Couture Fashion Show<br />
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Breathtakingly beautiful...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iptw31i2how/TiUbfb-OajI/AAAAAAAAARE/j3oq0FaIQvs/s1600/elisaab-backstagecouture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iptw31i2how/TiUbfb-OajI/AAAAAAAAARE/j3oq0FaIQvs/s1600/elisaab-backstagecouture.jpg" /></a></div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-29613304772407750922011-07-14T23:18:00.000-07:002011-07-14T23:18:16.590-07:00Opening Day, Hats GaloreIf you live in San Diego, you know next week is opening day at the Del Mar Racetracks... which means hats hats and more hats! Opening Day is known for all the ladies wearing hats-- there is even a hat contest. Some people choose simple hats while most dress to impress. I've been fortunate to have been able to take millinery classes from the most well-known milliner in San Diego, the owner of <a href="http://www.aheadproductions.com/">Designer Millinery</a>! Diana has made hats for Oprah, Alicia Keys, etc as well as a lot of the tv news people here in San Diego.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJip7txeHBk/Th_beOAlVSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/Fyp8fMbFmpg/s1600/13318_361500632451_325457252451_4018767_3216953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJip7txeHBk/Th_beOAlVSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/Fyp8fMbFmpg/s400/13318_361500632451_325457252451_4018767_3216953_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsmv3-fnN-E/Th_Y7g0ZplI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/x60CxPQwuLg/s1600/278761_10150218328612452_325457252451_7391866_2638487_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsmv3-fnN-E/Th_Y7g0ZplI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/x60CxPQwuLg/s400/278761_10150218328612452_325457252451_7391866_2638487_o.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K02BQTGRMQ0/Th_Y1qDfpII/AAAAAAAAAQ0/wRIZkOouBO4/s1600/270236_10150199120107452_325457252451_7284319_5173423_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K02BQTGRMQ0/Th_Y1qDfpII/AAAAAAAAAQ0/wRIZkOouBO4/s640/270236_10150199120107452_325457252451_7284319_5173423_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(images property of Diana Cavagnaro of Designer Millinery)</span></div><br />
Again, I feel very fortunate to learn the trait from Diana herself. Everything from start to finish on all her hats are made by hand. She is an amazing milliner. It's great to see that hats are making a huge comeback mainly thanks to fascinators. Hope you have your hat ready for opening day at the races!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-15368201864519782592011-07-12T23:57:00.000-07:002011-07-13T00:11:37.369-07:00A Royal WardrobeI usually don't follow "celebrity" styles, but ever since Prince William and Kate (Catherine) Middleton came to visit LA it seems like everyone has been talking about what she's been wearing! I think every girl would love to have her royal budget. While I think she tends to dress a bit old for her age, she always seems to stay classy and sophisticated (albeit a bit simple). It would be great to see her wear something more fashion forward... especially since it seems like she's continuing to wear pieces from Alexander McQueen. And no one knows drama like McQueen!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">All images found through google search :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNSQUKn6hto/Th097cbtFrI/AAAAAAAAAQU/a-C1Pi8cxiA/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNSQUKn6hto/Th097cbtFrI/AAAAAAAAAQU/a-C1Pi8cxiA/s1600/100.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Love this white McQueen coat. Ever since I took a tailoring class, I have grown to love and appreciate a good tailored garment, especially coats... which makes me sad that it's never cold enough in Southern California to wear one :/</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cEChgoAIcA/Th09_yIDAPI/AAAAAAAAAQY/XK1xxhxmWLY/s1600/500katemilitarynavy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cEChgoAIcA/Th09_yIDAPI/AAAAAAAAAQY/XK1xxhxmWLY/s1600/500katemilitarynavy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzcLHWiMgC8/Th0-5XT7iJI/AAAAAAAAAQc/a6LudS6TKqg/s1600/Kate%2525252BMiddleton%2525252BPrince%2525252BWilliam%2525252BKate%2525252BMiddleton%2525252B20kCI73kyV5l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA46YL3OIAA/Th0_I6mf54I/AAAAAAAAAQg/X8wxKl1bRFc/s1600/3511333_katemiddletonprincewilliamcanadabye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA46YL3OIAA/Th0_I6mf54I/AAAAAAAAAQg/X8wxKl1bRFc/s1600/3511333_katemiddletonprincewilliamcanadabye.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I love that she added some color in her wardrobe. Her usual dark colors and creams age her, in my opinion! Yellow is one of my favorite colors to wear during the Spring and Summer months. So bright and sunny :) This dress is so cute!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--j9S4IDF5PA/Th0_ViKAajI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZPpWiNyysrA/s1600/500katewillscalgary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--j9S4IDF5PA/Th0_ViKAajI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZPpWiNyysrA/s1600/500katewillscalgary.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This gray dress I love mainly because of its retro tailored look and the plunge collared back (minus the odd ripples at the waist). The back neckline is something I would love to include in a future design!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwXRAOCfi5w/Th1AEqYwomI/AAAAAAAAAQo/BSWG4YAulcc/s1600/416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwXRAOCfi5w/Th1AEqYwomI/AAAAAAAAAQo/BSWG4YAulcc/s1600/416.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI5-6szB9bY/Th1ANwVIK0I/AAAAAAAAAQs/bY4hGl8BCd0/s1600/1274489_katemiddletontreeplanting5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI5-6szB9bY/Th1ANwVIK0I/AAAAAAAAAQs/bY4hGl8BCd0/s640/1274489_katemiddletontreeplanting5.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And as someone who LOVES print, this hand-painted silk dress is perfect for a summer day in California :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o074Y_tOmxw/Th1A11Ac5qI/AAAAAAAAAQw/VKHj7Nna5cw/s1600/katekisswillsatpolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o074Y_tOmxw/Th1A11Ac5qI/AAAAAAAAAQw/VKHj7Nna5cw/s400/katekisswillsatpolo.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />
With her royal budget, it will be great to see how her style evolves. She's comes a long way since becoming a duchess!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-29780295472022810222011-04-14T23:21:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:21:31.400-07:00Making over a bedroomBeen super busy lately. Every time I walk into my sewing room, I have all these unfinished projects staring at me but after a long day at work it is hard to work up the energy and motivation to sit and sew :/ Hopefully I will have some time to get those projects completed so I can upload them!<br />
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In the meantime, I came across <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/">Grosgrain</a>'s <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-makeover-week.html">Bedroom Makeover</a> project.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XEphzc1cXU/TafiGQm26XI/AAAAAAAAAP8/Np0H5Jx7FCQ/s1600/molly+on+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XEphzc1cXU/TafiGQm26XI/AAAAAAAAAP8/Np0H5Jx7FCQ/s1600/molly+on+bed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
From what I can tell, she started with a blank canvas. Everything from the <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-makeover-week-day-1-mitered.html">shades</a>, <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-makeover-week-day-2-designer.html">curtains</a>, <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-makeover-week-day-3-fabric.html">headboard</a>, and <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-makeover-week-day-4-ruffled.html">duvet cover</a> was made by her! I really loved the end result. I know how expensive it can be to furnish and decorate a room. Hopefully I can undertake a similar project in the near future :DSeptember Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-14287301773777241282011-03-14T20:57:00.000-07:002011-03-14T20:57:26.842-07:00Vera Wang Spring 2011 BridalI always have respected Vera Wang as a designer, but until her<a href="http://www.verawang.com/wedding/spring-2011/"> Spring 2011 Bridal</a> collection I never have been blown away by her bridal line.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Structurally beautiful and ethereal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbkYiaKtOg0/TX7glfBLXBI/AAAAAAAAAPg/ZsO5yyp5-9E/s1600/vera_wang_spring_summer_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbkYiaKtOg0/TX7glfBLXBI/AAAAAAAAAPg/ZsO5yyp5-9E/s640/vera_wang_spring_summer_2011.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P0HhuU4Mao0/TX7goTfpjAI/AAAAAAAAAPo/vtxTsHlDNfQ/s1600/vera_wang_2011_bridal_gowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P0HhuU4Mao0/TX7goTfpjAI/AAAAAAAAAPo/vtxTsHlDNfQ/s640/vera_wang_2011_bridal_gowns.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uMimdH2XJ6U/TX7gqui4HAI/AAAAAAAAAPs/aRqXcDxhrt8/s1600/vera_wang_2011_wedding_gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uMimdH2XJ6U/TX7gqui4HAI/AAAAAAAAAPs/aRqXcDxhrt8/s640/vera_wang_2011_wedding_gown.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
One of my all time favorite is the Dora gown. Simple but beautifully elegant. Can you see the gossamer fabric roses at the bottom of the gown? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bInAeWlMPps/TX7hJX8twNI/AAAAAAAAAP4/WCwDFExjGUQ/s1600/170601_10150117579605309_563715308_8338365_2531678_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bInAeWlMPps/TX7hJX8twNI/AAAAAAAAAP4/WCwDFExjGUQ/s640/170601_10150117579605309_563715308_8338365_2531678_o.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div><br />
Gorgeous.September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-20536058190073409242011-03-12T20:28:00.000-08:002011-03-12T20:29:42.662-08:00Hair TutorialsI love the internet. You can find just about any tutorial you want floating around cyberspace. I recently came across a messy side ponytail courtesy of <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/02/messy-side-ponytail.html">A Cup of Jo</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/02/messy-side-ponytail.html"><img border="0" height="902" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_abGRa1b0BJc/TVGhtPd5ICI/AAAAAAAAcAU/gxTCs5r5Jk4/s902/teased-messy-side-ponytail-hair-how-to.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This would be perfect for a day at the beach or anytime I need a quick and stylish ponytail.<br />
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Casey from<a href="http://elegantmusings.com/"> Elegant Musings</a> has great vintage hairstyle tutorials (among great vintage clothing she sews herself!). A couple of my favorites are a <a href="http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2011/01/a-charming-40s-style/">40's style bohemian-ish headband braid</a> and a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPUyjJ7yPNo">60's chignon bun</a>!<br />
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All three of these hairstyles are worth trying out!</div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-39873415476604184692011-03-01T22:24:00.000-08:002011-03-03T21:23:58.404-08:00Hello March!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1CbvC29crT0/TW3dsmEBpyI/AAAAAAAAAOw/Zq7qANlichI/s1600/52285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1CbvC29crT0/TW3dsmEBpyI/AAAAAAAAAOw/Zq7qANlichI/s640/52285.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
The above photo is my inspiration dress. Sweetheart, A-line with a slight mermaid shape, fitted with a natural waistline, and lace detailing. This is the type of dress I seem to be drawn towards right now. No ballgowns, no yards and yards of fabric, no pick ups galore. Maybe some draping at the bust if I decide to go with a satin or chiffon. I am excited to try and make a muslim draft of something like this (which should be fairly easy to do!). I am planning on a silk satin or silk charmeuse for the lining. I just hope I can find the "right" lace fabric in LA somewhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0TWmINkDYHE/TW3e7tQcXmI/AAAAAAAAAO0/FgbaZw6aoLI/s1600/51635_1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0TWmINkDYHE/TW3e7tQcXmI/AAAAAAAAAO0/FgbaZw6aoLI/s400/51635_1_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Ignoring the top, I like the shirt part of this dress with the ombre chiffon fabric and the curly hem. I would drop the waistline and make it not so poufy!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-23607103217239745692011-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:002011-03-03T14:52:19.853-08:00Academy Awards FavoriteI LOVED Mila Kunis's dress for the Oscars last night. Elie Saab is one of my favorite designers. I always love his flowy, ethereal designs!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjdnEnKMBB0/TWvvt_LM3cI/AAAAAAAAAOg/r3BW-exq_-w/s1600/Mila_Kunis_Oscar_2011C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjdnEnKMBB0/TWvvt_LM3cI/AAAAAAAAAOg/r3BW-exq_-w/s640/Mila_Kunis_Oscar_2011C.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--rRmJ8DmyLk/TXAbdRzGilI/AAAAAAAAAPY/Oqld9ZAPb6w/s1600/188836_311707939998_5913929998_1262573_5950923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--rRmJ8DmyLk/TXAbdRzGilI/AAAAAAAAAPY/Oqld9ZAPb6w/s640/188836_311707939998_5913929998_1262573_5950923_n.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>I really loved the lace details. Beautiful!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-2791270892094316212011-02-23T20:54:00.000-08:002011-02-24T00:16:17.792-08:00Tara Keely and Rivini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>More wedding dress designs. As you can see, I am a fan of the sweetheart neckline (one with a prominent v-shape). And yes, lace is making a comeback!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8P6AMqXwn8/TWXiYDRj8DI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/YvWkG5bQOJw/s1600/collection_summary_image-tara-keelyl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8P6AMqXwn8/TWXiYDRj8DI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/YvWkG5bQOJw/s400/collection_summary_image-tara-keelyl.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGn5FaH0MVQ/TWXiXO03bcI/AAAAAAAAAOM/dVPkra3snTE/s1600/collection_summary_image-tara-keely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGn5FaH0MVQ/TWXiXO03bcI/AAAAAAAAAOM/dVPkra3snTE/s400/collection_summary_image-tara-keely.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDQmHw7GIO0/TWXiZlreLxI/AAAAAAAAAOY/CO4AlXF2oO4/s1600/Serena-rivini.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDQmHw7GIO0/TWXiZlreLxI/AAAAAAAAAOY/CO4AlXF2oO4/s400/Serena-rivini.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MM3Ndwq5Cn8/TWXiYzoGbiI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Oypv6sURrhg/s1600/Dari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MM3Ndwq5Cn8/TWXiYzoGbiI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Oypv6sURrhg/s400/Dari.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlVQqy80tNw/TWXiUshilNI/AAAAAAAAAOI/7WHh9qmW8DM/s1600/Claudia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlVQqy80tNw/TWXiUshilNI/AAAAAAAAAOI/7WHh9qmW8DM/s400/Claudia.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(images from their respective owners</span>)</div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-49072535112274689052011-02-17T21:41:00.000-08:002011-02-18T22:12:05.048-08:00Wedding InspirationsSince I plan to sew my wedding dress and *hope* to sew the bridesmaid dresses too, I have been looking online (a lot ;) for inspiration. I discovered Anthropologie's bridal line <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/">BHLDN</a> and instantly fell in love with the vintage-inspired dresses!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The following photos were taken from the site)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dw5kzHYGh6s/TV4AZ7hMpjI/AAAAAAAAANA/lVz_menE1TI/s1600/2011-02-14_homepage-off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dw5kzHYGh6s/TV4AZ7hMpjI/AAAAAAAAANA/lVz_menE1TI/s640/2011-02-14_homepage-off.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKzPt3ICtO8/TV4Cw61lOsI/AAAAAAAAANI/mr2s1ZwqIz0/s1600/2011-02-14_homepage-off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJGHTM_Ztxo/TV4CxSA8SpI/AAAAAAAAANM/m4TY741-0yU/s1600/19594118_011_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJGHTM_Ztxo/TV4CxSA8SpI/AAAAAAAAANM/m4TY741-0yU/s320/19594118_011_b.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsmZaS2kU0s/TV4C23O-W-I/AAAAAAAAANs/_RBGUbTBb9U/s1600/20316915_011_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsmZaS2kU0s/TV4C23O-W-I/AAAAAAAAANs/_RBGUbTBb9U/s320/20316915_011_d.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcLEJSyQhLo/TV4C1ldpfwI/AAAAAAAAANg/aUZ8-uCEYXA/s1600/19630367_011_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcLEJSyQhLo/TV4C1ldpfwI/AAAAAAAAANg/aUZ8-uCEYXA/s1600/19630367_011_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcLEJSyQhLo/TV4C1ldpfwI/AAAAAAAAANg/aUZ8-uCEYXA/s320/19630367_011_b.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dowazpu02qA/TV4C17xY-zI/AAAAAAAAANk/8B9C_KYLoZg/s1600/19630367_011_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dowazpu02qA/TV4C17xY-zI/AAAAAAAAANk/8B9C_KYLoZg/s320/19630367_011_c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYIeq0DdWTw/TV4CyL0KcdI/AAAAAAAAANQ/gsxEKsplqrQ/s1600/19594811_004_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYIeq0DdWTw/TV4CyL0KcdI/AAAAAAAAANQ/gsxEKsplqrQ/s320/19594811_004_d.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TfD0WN4t5I/TV4C2V2cv1I/AAAAAAAAANo/VqOL2-t0yto/s1600/19866599_011_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TfD0WN4t5I/TV4C2V2cv1I/AAAAAAAAANo/VqOL2-t0yto/s320/19866599_011_a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So pretty! I love the idea of red (or any color but white) shoes! I don't think I would choose a print for my wedding gown, but I have been throwing around the idea of using a brushstroke design or ombre fabric for the bridesmaid dresses. BHLDN has cute and unique bridesmaid dress options too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNEHNgI0LhI/TV4C3Ccb-MI/AAAAAAAAANw/r26Q0OYNOm4/s1600/20605903_045_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_245148245"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNEHNgI0LhI/TV4C3Ccb-MI/AAAAAAAAANw/r26Q0OYNOm4/s320/20605903_045_b.jpg" width="213" /><span id="goog_245148246"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOYSOiOH44g/TV4CzyB1_hI/AAAAAAAAANU/AqVwaY3cUsY/s1600/19610450_004_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOYSOiOH44g/TV4CzyB1_hI/AAAAAAAAANU/AqVwaY3cUsY/s320/19610450_004_a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxr1Ee4K2R0/TV8rO6yBFjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/e3sr_MUDdZ8/s1600/2011-02-14_pb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxr1Ee4K2R0/TV8rO6yBFjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/e3sr_MUDdZ8/s320/2011-02-14_pb.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Vxc3Jywx0U/TV4C0ld87jI/AAAAAAAAANY/Bjh6gC0GR6k/s1600/19624865_011_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Vxc3Jywx0U/TV4C0ld87jI/AAAAAAAAANY/Bjh6gC0GR6k/s320/19624865_011_a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxr1Ee4K2R0/TV8rO6yBFjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/e3sr_MUDdZ8/s1600/2011-02-14_pb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The first bridesmaid dress is more classic, but I love how fun the others are! I think I would choose to have a big bow in back like the bottom left-hand picture! Bellissima!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-12363999760814529612011-01-17T21:04:00.000-08:002011-02-18T22:11:38.044-08:00Draping in ManhattanSome draping I noticed while I was wondering around the Garment District in NYC. Even though I have been to NYC a few times before, this was the first time since I started sewing. Initially, I could not find the "garment district" without any specific addresses because the descriptions online and in books are very broad. Many of the shops are along the smaller streets that run horizontal in the city. I still don't think I found many of the stores, but I did find Mood (located on the 3rd floor of 225 West 37th; easily missed since it does not have a sign at ground level!) and bought some beautiful 100% silk burnout fabric at a store call Fabric House on West 39th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mood Fabrics</b><br />
The white dress really was amazing. I'm sure someone spent hours on the pleat work!<br />
Usually they will do this with a single piece of fabric (not in these cases though).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can click on the following photos to view them larger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUjYq6kkSI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Vu8iyQIBMqY/s1600/150206_1519966116872_1166122516_31222603_5969499_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUjYq6kkSI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Vu8iyQIBMqY/s400/150206_1519966116872_1166122516_31222603_5969499_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUiS8QwcnI/AAAAAAAAAM0/L4V8k1RsiZM/s1600/4468216280_bcfa32b2d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUiS8QwcnI/AAAAAAAAAM0/L4V8k1RsiZM/s400/4468216280_bcfa32b2d1_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUZrVoxTaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/aHcvk61JA1I/s1600/73407_1519966276876_1166122516_31222604_8007363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUZrVoxTaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/aHcvk61JA1I/s400/73407_1519966276876_1166122516_31222604_8007363_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Window displays from a random fabric store.<br />
I really loved the ruffle-y top in the first picture. The skirt was beautifully draped too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUZsRHXKKI/AAAAAAAAAMk/mfGBKzUBWqI/s1600/75625_1519966396879_1166122516_31222605_4654447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUZsRHXKKI/AAAAAAAAAMk/mfGBKzUBWqI/s400/75625_1519966396879_1166122516_31222605_4654447_n.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUZtdhlOsI/AAAAAAAAAMo/pIAFgBARXfQ/s1600/75653_1519966556883_1166122516_31222606_3733428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TTUZtdhlOsI/AAAAAAAAAMo/pIAFgBARXfQ/s400/75653_1519966556883_1166122516_31222606_3733428_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I dazingly was staring at the window displays when the owner (who was behind me, smoking a cigarette) asked me if I wanted to go inside and take a photo. I didn't, even though now I wish I did because the glare from the window hides the amazing drape work done on the mannequins!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-72195448409284212142010-12-14T17:19:00.000-08:002011-01-02T23:24:46.244-08:00Grosgrain siteI discovered <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/">Grosgrain</a> through Burdastyle a long while back when her amazing garments were featured frequently on the site. Every time I visit her site I am inspired to sew... sew more and sew often! This month I noticed she has been taking an old knit sweater and re-vamping it into something beyond a plain old boring knit sweater. I'm always blown away by her work. Her creativity is endless. Definitely worth checking out!<br />
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Embellish Knit Month:<br />
<a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2006/10/embellish-knit-month.html">http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2006/10/embellish-knit-month.html</a>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-41415548818713950082010-11-04T15:48:00.000-07:002010-11-04T15:48:12.160-07:00Halloween 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TNM1TMCSZhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ApOxJO9Qc5k/s1600/Halloween2010+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TNM1TMCSZhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ApOxJO9Qc5k/s400/Halloween2010+129.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TNM3jnit-xI/AAAAAAAAAMY/9JyD_D8cu1Y/s1600/Halloween2010+162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TNM3jnit-xI/AAAAAAAAAMY/9JyD_D8cu1Y/s400/Halloween2010+162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I got to see some AMAZING costumes while on my trip to NYC over Halloween. You can see some great costumes people made on <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects">BurdaStyle</a> right now! It is so amazing how creative people can be when given an excuse to be a kid again and play dress up! The sheer amount of creativity that comes alive for one single day is why I love Halloween so much (plus it is just so much fun to see everyone in costume!) I really wanted to sew Alice's dress from the movie this year:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TNM1JVUTqqI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/OW8xPh_0zcQ/s1600/Alice-in-Wonderland.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TNM1JVUTqqI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/OW8xPh_0zcQ/s400/Alice-in-Wonderland.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But like the past few years, I always run out of time!!! Perhaps next year I will start sewing my Halloween costume in July ;DSeptember Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-57070384779241891752010-10-24T22:03:00.000-07:002010-10-24T22:05:42.701-07:00T-shirt manipulation techniqueI had seen this technique while I was taking my textile design class. Really neat!<br />
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You can read the whole post about it here:<br />
<a href="http://blogs.starbulletin.com/fashiontribe/tired-of-an-old-t-shirt-change-it-up/"> http://blogs.starbulletin.com/fashiontribe/tired-of-an-old-t-shirt-change-it-up/</a>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-4593734880511531032010-08-16T23:49:00.000-07:002010-08-17T20:27:37.514-07:00Texture Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TGoqRn3z6ZI/AAAAAAAAALw/tpfkdzq2qps/s1600/CIMG5652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TGoqRn3z6ZI/AAAAAAAAALw/tpfkdzq2qps/s400/CIMG5652.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
I found this fabric in the remnants bin of Joann's one day. I was waiting in line to get my fabrics cut and it just caught my eye... this is how I usually pick my prints. I love prints that jump out at me from afar. Then I know it will have the same effect when worn.<br />
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Originally I had planned to use this fabric for pillow covers, but I thought maybe the texture would be interesting for a dress (even though the whole time I was sewing the dress, I kept thinking maybe I should have used it for pillows, lol.) Initially I wasn't sure on the print, but I think it grew on me.<br />
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Ever since I made a dress from a pattern out of Burda last year, I've been a fan when I don't have time (or too lazy :P) to construct my own pattern. I find the sizing is more accurate than other pattern companies (though I've tried only a couple from Vogue and Simplicity). I like how Burda simply gives you the basic instructions, so it still takes some thinking on the sewer's part. Since I only started sewing in early 2008, I am still very much learning how to <i>properly</i> construct a garment. I find commercial patterns are helpful in that area. Initially, I bought the magazine because I thought it would be nice to have some backup patterns (and a deal at $6+ an issue versus buying individual patterns). But I also found it was helpful just to look at the pattern pieces for each garment in order to visualize how a certain garment is constructed. You may not have the actual pattern piece, but if you know how it looks like in general, it is much easier to create your own pattern. They also have cute patterns for children and craft stuff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TGoqsQpTy5I/AAAAAAAAAL4/de_pRkOSmFU/s1600/CIMG5579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TGoqsQpTy5I/AAAAAAAAAL4/de_pRkOSmFU/s320/CIMG5579.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TGouXmGL6CI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_b1DcauPMFo/s1600/dresscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TGouXmGL6CI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_b1DcauPMFo/s320/dresscollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wind transforms the dress into a romper, lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I used the cover dress from the March 2010 issue of Burda (you can see it <a href="http://www.burdastyle.de/chameleon/mediapool/thumbs/57a0b0da-6f76-c28f-8210-c22f60a81aad_492x600.jpg">here</a> and <a href="http://www.burdastyle.de/trends/news/burda-style-03-2010-perfect-day_aid_2682.html">here</a>). In the end, I think I like the print for the dress. I love how prints can take a classic design and make it refreshing. When worn, it turns the garment into a walking piece of art. I’ve definitely gotten more courageous with wearing prints ever since I’ve started sewing. Fittingly, I wore this dress to the <a href="http://foapom.com/">Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters</a>. The Pageant is Laguna’s annual production of “living pictures.” It is where famous paintings (and sculptures, etc) are reproduced on stage with real people. The makeup and costumes alone are amazing. This is my fourth year in a row, I highly recommend it!<br />
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You can see more photos of the dress on <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/blue-and-white-strapless-garden-dress">Burdastyle</a>!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-72082710530899390662010-07-21T22:33:00.000-07:002010-08-16T23:50:43.521-07:00Millinery - blockingToday was opening day at <a href="http://www.delmarscene.com/events/opening_day_hats_contest.htm">Del Mar</a>! Of course that means everyone wearing their hats at the racetrack! Now that I know how to make hats, I truly appreciate all the hats even more. With the last hat I made, I wanted to photograph some of the stages of hat making:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTxyQGRDI/AAAAAAAAALY/92OiXwBiKdM/s1600/CIMG4833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTxyQGRDI/AAAAAAAAALY/92OiXwBiKdM/s320/CIMG4833.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a head block to make the crown.</div>For the brim, I patterned a 2-inch wide brim and cut it out in the buckram.<br />
Wire goes around the outer edge of the brim and then covered with a bias stripe of crinoline.<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTwtKy-dI/AAAAAAAAALQ/RR2HsfYoh-4/s1600/CIMG4776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTwtKy-dI/AAAAAAAAALQ/RR2HsfYoh-4/s320/CIMG4776.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have a 100% all natural fabric, you can block the fabric too for the crown.</div>This eliminates having to pleat, gather, or have those seams in your crown.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Lots of handsewing at this point!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTvG4IiaI/AAAAAAAAALI/_wUjjdt91h4/s1600/CIMG4767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTvG4IiaI/AAAAAAAAALI/_wUjjdt91h4/s320/CIMG4767.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The black crown is for another hat I am in the middle of making<br />
(just waiting for the right trims).<br />
I made the brim asymmetrical, so I am excited for the finished product!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTzdDpB0I/AAAAAAAAALg/qpOQb3vh3o8/s1600/brim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfTzdDpB0I/AAAAAAAAALg/qpOQb3vh3o8/s320/brim.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut out two pieces of brim in fabric... one for the top and one for the underside.<br />
More sewing and add your details.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfT00NeI-I/AAAAAAAAALo/YGm7X3Xua9Y/s1600/purphat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TEfT00NeI-I/AAAAAAAAALo/YGm7X3Xua9Y/s320/purphat3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Put it all together, and you'll get something like this!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are lots of intermediate details, but I just wanted to show some of the steps in making a hat (plus, I forgot to take more photos as I went along :) </div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-72255399211571295832010-06-28T23:14:00.000-07:002010-07-26T22:30:32.383-07:00Summertime, SummertimeI love summer! Summer means warmer water temperatures (yay for swimming in just your bikini!). It also means concerts, outdoor plays, sailing, camping, traveling and so much more. I also love just bike riding along the boardwalk in PB or the bike bath around Mission Bay. Everything seems brighter and more beautiful during summer!<br />
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Another favorite of mine is visiting the Farmers' Market -- I am a big supporter of organic, locally grown food. My favorite is the one in Hillcrest or the one in OB (you can find a lot of great characters in OB :) When I was living in DC, I loved walking to the Dupont Circle Farmers Market every Sunday morning. When I would go visit NYC, I always would try to stop at Greenmarket. I think it is amazing, just in terms of sheer variety (I hope to visit Pike Place sometime in the future!). Sometimes I wish San Diego had the "walkability" like the other big cities. But spending the summer in San Diego is my favorite.<br />
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One of my goals for the summer was to sew more often... I was able to finish <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/purple-knit-sundress">this knit dress</a> in a couple of days!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/purple-knit-sundress" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TCmOo3C82zI/AAAAAAAAALA/a4b94OzX9Cs/s320/purpdress.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Blue as the eye can see! This is why I love San Diego :)September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-8977441812462379442010-06-21T22:22:00.000-07:002010-06-22T23:07:02.262-07:00My Couture Wool Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TCBCm9dQqII/AAAAAAAAAKI/vh10lYdIrkg/s1600/pleatskirt8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TCBCm9dQqII/AAAAAAAAAKI/vh10lYdIrkg/s400/pleatskirt8.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
I finally took photos of the couture skirt I made for Apparel Construction II. I know many people do not like hand sewing because it takes forever, but I love it. Maybe because I can take my sewing anywhere and call me crazy, but I think hand sewing is rather therapeutic! LOL. I wished I had more time to include even more couture techniques, but I was lucky enough to finish this. The initial project I wanted to do was to make a multi-layered ballgown I designed :P... but I just didn't have the time with the amount of hours I was working.<br />
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You can read and see more photos of the skirt here:<br />
<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/couture-wool-skirt-with-inverted-box-pleat?all_images=1#project-shot-all">http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/couture-wool-skirt-with-inverted-box-pleat?all_images=1#project-shot-all</a><br />
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If you are interested in learning more about couture techniques, these were a couple of books I used and liked:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Couture-Sewing-Techniques-Claire-Shaeffer/dp/1561584975/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277183471&sr=8-1">Couture Sewing Techniques</a> by Claire Schaeffer</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Manipulating-Fabric-Colette-Wolff/dp/0801984963/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b">The Art of Manipulating Fabric </a>by Colette Wolff</li>
</ul>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-19927378570812340362010-06-14T23:24:00.000-07:002010-06-14T23:02:03.281-07:00Nursing coverMy sister just had a baby! I am so excited to be an aunt! I keep thinking of all these things I can make for my new nephew (except, really, it is much cheaper to just buy the clothes nowadays... but that won't stop me :P) The one thing my sister did ask me was if I could make her a nursing cover, which I had to google since I didn't know what a nursing cover looked like! She mentioned the one she wanted to buy had an opening which you can peek down to see the baby. <br />
<p>After looking through some pictures, I realized the cover was only a rectangle with a neck strap. And most didn't include a lining. Even better, I saw a lady who had posted a <a href="http://photojulia.com/2007/09/nursing-covers-or-better-known-as-hooter-hiders">tutorial</a> on how to make one (the internet is great). Since I didn't know how wide or long it should be, I decided to try out the tutorial... besides I didn't want to make my sister a trial one, nor did I want her to have an accident while using it in public!<br />
</p><p>The nursing cover is very, <i>very</i> easy to make. I think it only took me an hour from cutting the fabric out to sewing it up. I added the terry cloth pocket in the corner, which doubles as a wipe or pacifier holder, and also added a clip like you see <a href="http://nursingcovershop.com/imgs/small/TanPolkaDotsNursingCover.JPG">here</a> for an easy on/off. Boning is used to keep the top opening away from the body. I decided to not line the cover I made for my sister since I wanted to keep it lightweight and airy for the summertime.</p><p>In total, I think this cost me only about $10 to make... the fabric being the most expensive item. (The fabric I chose was $8.99/yd at Beverly's, so if you can get your hands on super cheap fabric, this would be a steal!)</p><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBR5FEokZ0I/AAAAAAAAAGY/5R3uG28Itvw/s1600/CIMG4992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBR5FEokZ0I/AAAAAAAAAGY/5R3uG28Itvw/s320/CIMG4992.jpg" /></p><p></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBabG6czk0I/AAAAAAAAAHI/_mbvYyzQPMA/s1600/CIMG5004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBabG6czk0I/AAAAAAAAAHI/_mbvYyzQPMA/s320/CIMG5004.jpg" /></a></div></p><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBabQLidUdI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/oZVV8WO_YwA/s1600/CIMG4989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBabQLidUdI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/oZVV8WO_YwA/s320/CIMG4989.jpg" /></a></div></p><p>Please excuse the pj bottoms :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-64347337572277840752010-06-09T21:44:00.000-07:002010-06-14T16:14:59.248-07:00DrapingIt's been a while since I've last touched my dressform. It can be a bit daunting when I think of all the formal steps to draping: prepping the muslin, draping the muslin, truing the muslin... sometimes I just want to forget about the muslin! lol, so unless I have a lot of free time to devote to designing (which rarely happens now), I usually stick with pattern paper. However, I've always thought you can be so much more creative when using a dressform, especially because you can see the final results as it comes.<br />
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It is definitely more fun to go straight to the actual fabric! Here is some freestyle draping I did with a vintage fabric I found. And it only took me a few minutes to drape :) The fabric is all one piece.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBRo7Yz6MSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/KWYA1zBHcBE/s1600/purpledotdrape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/TBRo7Yz6MSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/KWYA1zBHcBE/s320/purpledotdrape.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have a lot of things I want to write about: how I made my cloche hat, how I draped my <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/purple-print-gown">evening gown</a>, a wrap up of Mesa's annual fashion show (you can see some of the garments from the show on <a href="http://susanlazear.blogspot.com/2010/06/runway-san-diego-mesa-college-golden.html">Susan's blog</a>), and I also have some quick side projects I am doing... but I forgot how demanding blogging can be!!September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-33595073074240640882010-05-18T22:30:00.000-07:002010-06-14T23:04:38.717-07:00Cool by Gwen StefaniI love this video by Gwen Stefani. I want to make all of the clothes you see in her flashback scenes, especially her red polka dot dress and her blue hotshorts.<br />
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<object height="345" width="600"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TGwZ7MNtBFU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TGwZ7MNtBFU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="600" height="345"></embed></object>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-85070399004711861432010-05-10T22:38:00.000-07:002010-06-12T22:42:28.589-07:00Itty Bitty Dress<div style="text-align: left;">Last year, my friend Mirelle was expecting her first child! So as a baby shower gift, I wanted to sew her up something that her daughter could wear. Since I've never made clothes for an infant, I looked online for a pattern. Made by Rae has this really cute <a href="http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-itty-bitty-baby-dress-pattern.html">Itty Bitty Baby Dress</a> pattern, which you can download for free. The pattern is very simple and easy to sew up. I added some couture touches by doing a blindstitch by hand on the hem and a blind catchstitch to attach the lining to the skirt. Pick a cute cotton print and you're all set!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/4597931552_0229ecec40_o.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On my cute recipient. Can you believe she is even more adorable in person?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/4597316155_9873bd6405_o.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This pattern is great for all levels of sewers!</div><br />
*The photographs you see here were taken by Mirelle. She does amazing photography. You can see her work at:<br />
<a href="http://www.mirellecarmichael.com/">http://www.mirellecarmichael.com</a>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338059825031913106.post-44036252854411934102010-05-06T21:12:00.000-07:002010-05-07T00:14:16.995-07:00Textile DesignLast month, I transformed a white t-shirt using some techniques I learned in my Textile Design class. The class was interesting, but I wished it was longer... it only was for four weeks! But I did get to try my hands on tie-dying (it's making a comeback), silk screening, and sublimination. You might have seen a lot of sublimination tops these past couple of years. They look like <a href="http://www.pinkice.com/Embroidered-Chiffon-Top-11325-12,164,165,170.aspx" target="_blank">this</a>, where an image printed on the fabric is broken up with folds, creating these white lines. If you have a subliminated top, it is most likely made out of polyester.<br />
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Since I picked a 100% cotton tee, I decided to dye it "Bahama Blue" and silk screen an image I exacto-knifed out of contact paper. Here's the end result:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSvLqSBaI/AAAAAAAAAEI/m6yARb3_h68/s1600/shirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSvLqSBaI/AAAAAAAAAEI/m6yARb3_h68/s400/shirt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSypn72WI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Y1Q5DHTBTXo/s1600/shirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSpdaVfMI/AAAAAAAAAEA/KBNkcABNcHg/s1600/shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSpdaVfMI/AAAAAAAAAEA/KBNkcABNcHg/s320/shirt.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSypn72WI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Y1Q5DHTBTXo/s1600/shirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dCNkLhiEBe0/S-OSypn72WI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Y1Q5DHTBTXo/s320/shirt3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amazing how this started out as a regular plain white t-shirt!</div>September Dazehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05252615417268859171noreply@blogger.com0