flowers + stripes + dots

 'more less' tees from a recent shop update.

my two favorites:

shop update

new handmade clothing for women and kids is available in the shop!  also some really cute tees and (hand dyed) onesies.

the vintage fabric that this first tee is made out of is amazing, no?  too bad i only had enough for one shirt.  (i am so tempted to keep it).

more previews...

all the new garments will be available in the shop by the end of this month.    since most items are one of a kind, i'll be giving everyone on our mailing list a head start!

here are the tanks (made from vintage fabrics).

coming soon

we are packing our bags for a little trip to nashville this weekend.  excited to see this cute face.

next week i'll be adding some new (more less) women's clothing to the shop! 

to make room for these new tops i reduced the prices of some of last season's garments and added them to our shop's sale section.

pretty sweatshirts

a couple of comfortable shirts i made recently.  my own pattern...  boxy, but kind of slim with dropped shoulders and self-ribbing at the sleeves and hem.  i'm most proud of the neck binding since i took the time to finish it (on the inside) by hand...  always a good reminder:  if you take your time things will turn out better.

gathered roses

here's my new blouse.  i'm quite happy with how it turned out.  i like the cropped length a lot, especially after wearing long tunic-type tops for so long.  now i just have to find the right pair of high waisted trousers. 

i'd also like to introduce my new hat, which i found in a pile at the closing antique store.  it's in perfect condition and fits my big head!  i admit i feel a little like a clown who's trying to look cool when i wear it, but i like it anyway.  i wore blouse and hat to the park yesterday for some reading/crochet time.  david took a few pictures which i'll show you tomorrow.

this is pattern K from japanese pattern book: stylish dress book (the first one).  i passed this one by for a while, not really thinking i'd like it, but one day i was looking at this rose fabric trying to find the perfect pattern to use it with.  the fabric is just right for such a full top:  a very light, smooth, tightly-woven rayon.  the pattern calls for way more gathering  than i usually like to do (or wear).  i often get a little impatient with gathering and try to take short-cuts, ending up with lumpy uneven puckers...  but this time i made myself go slow, evening out the fabric, placing pins about evey half inch.  it was worth it!  the only change i made was to add one inch to the sleeves and body.  i give this pattern 5 stars. 

more less :: shop update

everything is available in the plastic foliage shop!

the other night i was having fun sketching some of the tops:

sort of made me want to make paper dolls again.

happy monday!

wild cats, wild flowers

one of my favorites.  this nature scene fabric, formerly two big pillowcases.  worn and faded in the most lovely way.  hemmed with a tiny fringe, just like those shaggy grasses.  one pleat in the front for a swing-y shape.  i would happily wear this all summer long. 

and the tank below was made from a house dress.  the fabric is so soft and the flowers are so crazy.  almost ugly, i think.  in a good way.

both available soon.

one dress = two tops

i probably should take pictures of second-hand garments before i cut them up to make new things.  i'm always so eager to get going, i wash up the stuff and start pinning and snipping.  i'll have to work on that.  anyway, i used the skirt part of a dress to make this tank.  i love the fabric.  it has a nice flow-y drape and the cutest little green splotches. 

i was about to put the rest of the dress into my scrap pile, when i realized i really liked the fit of it...  so, i changed the neckline and added the little flounce at the hem (complete with vintage lace) and re-attached the original big green button.  i think it's pretty fun!

both available soon.

a slow introduction

i was planning on waiting until i have all the new 'more less' pieces finished to have a wham-bang preview and shop update...  but now i'm thinking that a slow introduction will be better.  partly because i couldn't wait to show you these two tops.  i finished the pattern a couple days ago and i'm quite pleased with it.  french underarm darts and little back shoulder darts make for a slimmer silhouette while still being summery and loose-ish.  and even tuck-in-able (high waisted jeans?).  i can't wait to try this with some other modifications (buttons up the back, vintage lace trim...).  i actually couldn't fall asleep last night because my brain was whirring, considering the possibilities.  crazy brain.

the shop update is tentatively scheduled for april 15.  yay!

oh, and can you believe that i found these fabrics second hand?  i may never go into a real fabric store again.  well, maybe not never.

new fall tops

after making a few tops to sell, i felt the urge to whip up something for myself.  i ended up making three (!) tops.  altering the pattern slightly for each one...

the one made with the pretty red floral knit (clearance!) has a pocket and cuffs. 

the white one with the squiggly plant forms (from the beijing fabric market) is a bit longer, also with a little pocket.

and my new jammie shirt, made with the softest knit (with the weirdest dancing ladies print), is longer with no hemming, so it just kind of rolls up.