Project Runway: Designing for the Birds

I really enjoyed this weeks challenge on project runway. Possibly because I have been working on my daughters halloween costume that may just be a certain bird... (that will be shared next week :) I just really loved the birds as inspiration. Now lucky for me I am making a costume so I should be literal with my inspiration, the designers on the other hand, they are making wearable fashion not a costume, however some were a little too literal for the judges I actually think they all did a great job, except for Bert... His dress was just so very ho hum to me. So this week there were a couple twists, they were paired up again... (I know groan over another blasted team challenge....) Only this time it was because they were battling against their "teammate". One would be in the top and one would be in the bottom. Then they were also told that they had to make 2 looks and it was only in the final few hours that they were then told that only one look would go down the runway. Ironically the top three used their second look to go down the runway and the bottom three stuck it out with their first look... So let's get down into it. 

 Anya was the winner this week. It's becoming pretty clear that she will likely win the competition. I love Anya and I love her designs, I just kind of agree with Joshua who was fuming about his loss to Anya, since she didn't design a way in and out of the garment so the model had to be sewn in and cut out at the end of the runway show. That is how you can tell she has been sewing for 4 months (which frankly I think she has proved herself enough and people should stop brining it up) She should however design a way in and out of clothing since women buying the clothes are not going to sew themselves in and cut themselves out of clothing. Still though, I love her work, and apparently so do the judges.

 Laura was the one that went up head to head with Anya, the raven was the bird they were to be inspired by. I really liked this look and thought Laura really stepped it up, but the judges pretty much hated it. They through the collar was too literal, the pants were too tight and that it looked like the actual bird. Funny thing is I don't think it looks like a costume but it looks like she was, oh I don't know, inspired by a bird? I mean come on why give these challenges and then knit pick because someone added fringe looked too bird like? Forget that it looks bird like it looks cool. (in my opinion)

 Bert was the one sent home. His dress was just boring to me, and I didn't care much for the colors. He admitted to struggling this week since he hated his bird and found nothing inspiring about the color (which he hid) Funny thing is that I don't think he had to use the birds colors to be inspired by the bird, but snake skin bodice? Did the snake eat the bird? Is that the bird hiding in it's stomach? The one thing I have to say is I am impressed with the judges abilities to let go of Bert, even if they did talk about how he did so many "amazing" things before, ummm, I don't recall amazing work.... However Bert was actually really pleasant, he made nice with all the designers before he left, and he was not a sore loser at all, like I figured he would be. So good on you Bert.

 Joshua went up against bert. The parrot was their inspiration. Joshua did not use the colors of the bird but came up with this tropical looking dress. I have to say draped dresses like this are not always my favorite, but this one did have some interesting drape on the side. He didn't win even though he though he should, he is kind of a baby and a brat, and I am overall sick of him, but I fear that he will somehow make it to fashion week...

 Kimberly pulled this lovely gown out in 3 hours. She was really struggling this week her designs were just not that great, and then the dress got burnt by a glue gun... (which sounded like she tried to blame Victor for on the runway... that was weird) So after breaking down and crying, having the wonderful Tim Gunn come rescue her with a great big hug. (it's hard not to love Tim) I loved the cut of the dress, and the color was soft and beautiful and there was great flow. I think she could have won.

Victor went up against Kimberly this round. Now I like Victor, I love his designs and I think he will likely end up in the top, however, his accusations that "everyone" is copying him need to end. He claimed that Kimberly stole his design because her final gown was also one shoulder. I am sorry Victor did you create the one shoulder look? Because I was fairly certain that one has been around for a long time. Now the judges were not terribly fond of the feathery look Victor made but I think it is soft and lovely. Also he made each of those "feathers" out of chiffon which is pretty cool. SO overall I liked his look I just want him to drop this attitude.

So what were your thoughts?

Southwest Tunic

 I LOVE fall! It is my absolute favorite season! I love the fall colors the crisp cool air, the smell of cinnamon, apples, nutmeg, ginger and pumpkin goodies baking away in the kitchen. Oh and snow is coming! Maybe its from growing up in MN but I LOVE snow! (just not driving in it) Although I am quite certain that my shwin counterpart who also grew up in MN much prefers her desert climate. So in building my daughter's fall and winter wardrobe I knew I had to make a super comfy tunic.

 While browsing fabrics at Jo-ann's I came across this super comfy southwest print. The best news? It's a super stretchy and ultra soft knit! Well I just new I had to get it and that it would make the most comfortable square tunic ever. I think I may just make one for myself in the coming weeks. I used some knit I had around for the tap part just to mix it up a bit. So if you want to make one as well its really easy. (and you can mix any fabrics you want)

 I have made this same tunic shape several times I just love it. It's super easy to make and there is really no need for a pattern just a few measurements.
It is made a lot like this one and this one but incase you are still unsure on the instructions, I made a really (hopefully) simple diagram. (let's all take a moment to laugh at my "drawing" ability) Ok so there are 3 measurements you will need.
1.With the arms stretched out wide measure from one arm where you want the sleeve to land across to the same place on the other arm. Add length for hemming the sleeve and this is your width for the top.
2.Next you will want to measure the widest part of the chest then I usually add about 2-3 inches so it is a little loose.
3. Next measure from the top of the shoulder to where you want the tunic to end, add length for hemming.
Ok so those are the 3 measurement you will need, now you are going to make a large rectangle with a fold up at the top (where the neck is) the width should be measurement #1 and the length will be measurement #3 Then determine how wide you want the sleeves to be. I usually make them nice and wide, just remember the front is only half the width of the sleeve. Then once you determined the sleeve width you will cut in the sides so the lower part of the rectangle is the width of measurement #2. You will have what looks like a big square shirt.
For this one I cut the top part out of one kind of fabric (with the fold on top) and the lower part out of another fabric. (no fold)

 Now with the top part folded on the top and folded width wise. You want to cut the neck opening.

 Then when you unfold it width wise and you will see the neckline.

 Here is the top and bottom pieces together (folded width wise)

 Then with right sides together sew the bottom pieces to the top piece.

 Next I cut a strip from the same grey I used for the top part and made a ribbing. Sew a strip together to make a tube that will stretch over the head.

 Then fold it in half and sew it right sides together to the neckline. If you need help with this technique go here

 Then with the tunic turned inside out so the right sides are together sew the sleeve to the armpit and down the side.

 Next I made a cuff for the sleeves. You see I love a nice wide sleeve but for my little girl the sleeve can get in the way of everything and really messy when she eats. (you know kids) So to solve this problem while adding a little detail to the top I made a cuff by sewing a strip that makes it around her wrist and sewing it together and then folding it in half. (just like you did with the neck ribbing only smaller)

 Then I added two pleats to the sleeve so that is fit the width of the cuff. With right sides together sew the cuff to the sleeve.

 Then you have a nice little sleeve with pleats in it.

 Next I added some flower petals cut out of felt with a button in the middle just for something extra. I also added some stitching along the neckline.

 And there you have it a super comfy square tunic.

 Perfect for all of your fall lounging needs.

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 Lofty Lou is a sweet little treasure with adorable hair accessories, and some adorable wooden hangers. She has plain ones and ones that have an added design. Cute hangers make me smile when I am putting clothes away, which I am pretty sure I other wise wouldn't be smiling :)

Lastly is Sky Reeve fabric. I may have a slight fabric obsession, but I love looking at fabric in stores and online. Sky reeve has an amazing selection, like an array of Amy Butler which I love and these three will likely be fining there way into my sewing area because they make me happy.

So that's the shops! You should go through and check them out, you won't be sorry.
See you tomorrow with some more fall clothing tutorials!

Peacock Tutu

A re-post of the Peacock tutu from Halloween

 Image sources: one two three

When I was struggling to come up with an idea for my daughter, my son suggested she be an animal. (he is so helpful) So I thought of my favorite animal and of course it has to be the beautiful, elegant and vibrant peacock.  I wanted something whimsical and fun that would still resemble the peacock. So for part of her costume I made a Peacock tutu. 

With fun bright colors and a scattering of "peacock feathers" going down the back. The tutu is nice and full in the back and bare in the front to mimic the look of a real peacock. So would you like to make one yourself?

I started by making a tutu. Which I am pretty sure everyone and their best friend has done a tutorial on how to make one, so we will skip that part. I used THIS tutorial for mine. I only put the tulle in the back of the band leaving the front empty. I did brown and tan on the sides and then it faded to blue and green in the middle. I did this to closely mimic the peacock feathers. 

Then I made some feathers for the back. 

 I started by cutting out the base of the feather in brown felt and then I cut out the shapes for the "eye" looking part of the feather. I used lime green, teal and royal blue felt for the pieces.

 Then I started by sewing the green piece to the brown piece by sewing around the edge, and then sewing lines outward for detail on the feather.

Then I just used my glue gun to glue the two blue pieces on to the feather. 

Then I tacked the feathers scattered on a ribbon. 

I added the ribbons to the back of the skirt. 

Then you are done with the peacock tutu!

It's ready for your little one to flounce around in all day for dress up fun, or for the perfect little halloween ensemble. 

Where she is sure to look like a darling little peacock.

Come stop by our blog anytime to see the rest of the peacock costume, my son's "Hawkeye the archer" costume or many other projects!

We would love to have you!

Knit Corsage Top

Dear Camera,
I love you dearly, you are worth every penny. I just wish you could warn me that I am deleting files I don't want deleted before I do so. You know like if you could read my mind and zap my finger as I select "yes" delete all of the pictures on this camera, the 500 I did upload and the 45 I did not. Fear not, I still love you dearly and forgive you for letting me be so dumb and take it out on you.
Sincerely,
A "Shwin" with half a post

 My intention today was to share how to make the shirt it's self, and some handy little tricks of working with knit. (one of my favorite fabrics to work with) However... some one (ahem myself) deleted pictures of the shirts construction so instead I will just share a half a post. You see I love/am seriously addicted to the circle blossom flower thing. I just love the texture. I especially love a mix of colors. Do you want to know a fun and easy way to get a perfect blend of colors?

 cut the circles out of tie dye. You see I hate tie dye. I may be alone on this hatred and I am ok with that. It's just not for me. Well my super nice mom likes to buy me tee shirts and other things she finds on clearance places when she thinks I could use the fabric. (she is always thinking of me that way it's swell) So she got this tank at target for dirt cheap and I have to admit when I saw it a cringed a little. However, I thought it would be a fun challenge to use tie dye somehow in a way that I would like it. So I started with the circle flowers.

 I cut out a nice pile of circles from the tank (plenty left over for another project someday) and I got to work. I made them just like I did HERE

 I made a nice little cluster up at the top shoulder for a little corsage effect.

 It added some great texture and a pop of color. You may also notice I cut two leaf shapes out of the green of the tie dye and stitched them on with some embroidery floss.

It's a great way to jazz up an old shirt or to embellish a new one.
(oh and I promise the cuff lesson for sewing 101 will come... even though the series is over)

Project Runway: Judges say what??

Alright, either I am off my "fashion" rocker,or the judges this week really were crazy. I just don't get the judging this week. We have another Gretchen (from last season) on our hands with Bert, and I tell you this right now if he somehow wins this season I may have to be done watching the show. I mean if you heard the critique from the judges and then had to match it with the designs I would bet you would get them all wrong. I said "what?!?" out loud several times while watching. Oh and how in the world Viktor didn't win or even get the pity win, is beyond me. Piperlime, you need a new buyer, cause your buyer (the guest judge this week) has no idea what looks good. So let's break it down shall we?

 Anya walked away the winner this week. She did a pretty good job. I feel a little like she is a one hit wonder, even though I like her stuff and I think she has some great style (except the moo-moo she wore during judging) I just feel like she makes the same thing over and over again so I would love to see what she would do with a whole collection. Oh and loosing her money and having to make the first outfit with 11 dollars... Impressive, it does make me curious what she planned to make or would have made if she had all of her money. (incase you are wondering the second look is a jumper,and those are pant legs not a skirt)

 The pity win this week or second win went to Bert. Now if you didn't see the show you are probably looking at this train wreck that is Bert's design and wondering how the heck did that win? Don't worry, even if you saw the show you would likely be thinking the same thing. I am starting to feel like Bert is buying his way to the top with the judges. Heidi said about the first look "I do love the fabric" Nina said "I would buy that top and I would wear it" Nina, I would like you to eat your words. Your taste is far to classy to ever be caught dead in the mess of that top. Not to mention the lack of even a hint of modern style. Those shorts?? That, what is is a tie wrap skirt??? Come on, this whole thing is hideous and there is no way (no way) a hip modern woman would be caught dead in that. Also the popular question from the judges is "where is this woman going" Why didn't they ask that? I would love to know where this woman is going. (besides a roller derby) The second look? Yes that would be the one that you can buy at piperlime. Why? All I can figure is that Bert put some metal aglets (or we assume he did it) on the end of the rope that is the belt, the judges got distracted by something shiny and didn't notice that the dress is poorly sewn and ugly.Ok I am done.

 Anthony Ryan is the one that went home this week. This actually makes me sad. I like Anthony Ryan he is sweet and kind and I think he is a really good designer. I wasn't crazy about the vest he made this week or the skirt that was too tight and too short, but I like that shirt a lot, I like the print and the stripe down the back, and no Heidi and Nina I don't think they look like boring girls. I don't know why they kept saying that his maxi dress looked like a tent, but Anya's jumper was not a tent and in fact the winner. I don't think he should have been the one to go this week.

 Viktor was robbed this week. His looks are amazing, I would wear everything, especially that jacket and I LOVED the tee he made under it. His looks are so clean and refined and different from what everyone else did (enough with the jumpers people) The judges loved his outfits. The only negative thing they had to say is that the tee and jacket should have not been together. They loved both pieces but not together they thought the sex was missing. I think they are wrong. AN outfit doesn't always have to show all the goods to be sexy, the cut of the jacket and fit of the pants and the snake skin pattern on the tee is all the "sex" this outfit needs (in my opinion) He reminds me of Mondo, which means he will likely be robbed in the end as well and make all the fans upset.

 Laura was in trouble this week besides the fact that Tim told her that Nina doesn't like her and somewhat has it out for her, the prints didn't really go together. They look weird and I really don't love the skirt. I do love the top though, I like the chevron print that she did herself and I like the back a lot, it's interesting and cool. The second look I like a lot. It's a jumper which I am a little tired of, but it doesn't look like a jumper which I like. I like the top with the burnout chevron print and the shear layer to the pants. The judges? Well they hate everything. They kept saying it wouldn't photograph well for online shopping... um shouldn't it look good on a person? Who cares about a photo, it looks fine in the picture above. And again how will Anya's jumper photograph better than Laura's?

Then there is Joshua. The first look is the worst thing I may have ever seen, that shirt is so ugly and those pants make that poor girl look so weird, I agree a wide leg may have helped save the look a little, but that shirt is still horrible. Now the judges also hated the dress, I actually like the dress, I like the print, I like the design, the fit is great and it looks good on the model. I still think that he should have been the one to go home since he made what I feel is the ugliest thing this week and he does seem to copy other people's designs rather than making his own.

SO what were your thoughts this week? Did you think the judges were crazy or spot on?