dRAWING tHE lINE

I present, everything that is excellent in a garment.
Bright colours, intriguing lines that couldn't possibly untangle themselves and knits that move with you.
This was a feat that I will probably love forever.

I need to stop working and start sewing. Yes.

mOULIN rOUGE

Once upon a time, through a series of events and knowing people, I was asked to do a couple costumes for the Moulin Rouge production at a nearby highschool.
I can't really say I designed these. My job was to copy the movie's costuming as much as possible. And make them high-school appropriate. They turned out good. And the highschool actors did a great job.

sATINE'S dIAMOND dANCING cOSTUME

sATINE'S wEDDING dRESS

On the eve of the eve of the eve of the eve of the day of sending in my portfolio to the school to which I am applying to continue my insanity at, I have a list of things in my sketchbook yet to be completed, and only one day off work. And here I sit, considering whether to draw or paint, or cut, or just sit, or maybe even sleep, and I find myself wanting to share another project.

pANSY pUFF

It was another Thursday at work, and I received a text from a friend inquiring as to whether I'd be going dancing that night, and whether I'd made a hat for the occasion. The answer to the first question was yes, and the answer to the second question was a "whut." Because of the Alice movie (don't get me started....), our favorite venue had established this particular night as Mad Hat night. So I came home from work with one idea, got sick of it, and instead started playing with netting and ribbon. And this is the puff that I wore on my head for the dance.

rOSETTE gARDEN

So whether you're into them or not, cloth neck pieces are just that cool. And it was my turn to make one. I love rosettes and sparkles, and yes, they do have a place in the fashion world other than on little girl's dresses. And I will prove that to you. Take a look.

A few things on my mind at this point in time. Firstly, that I enjoy sitting, looking fashionable as always, in whatever good top I was wearing for the day plus today my favorite scarf that looks vintage but is actually chinese, and since it`s after 9 p.m., lounge pants!, browsing on my laptop with a bowl of ice cream, listening to some Pomplamoose music online. I`m a sucker for ice cream (except soft, eww), and well, all of the above really. But secondly, that since I`m not being productive with those Moulin Rouge costumes tonight, I should do something acceptably productive in the crafty vein. I am brain-storming a few ideas tonight, but I thought I`d also share a rather large project I did this fall. For my random Artworks class this fall, a term assignment was making our individual bookworks. Mine would obviously be extensively cloth.

lEARNING tO dREAM

Made of fabrics from chenille to flannelet, silk to cotton, tweeds and sheers, embellished with sequins, jewels, silk threads and so on and so on, this is an abbreviated version of my trip through life so far. How I got to where I am, where I am, and where I`m going. I can share this with people, show them this. I`m proud of the outcome. But to this day, I cannot read it aloud.

sTRETCHY

There's just a few things about these pants that I so admire.
A. They're fantastic dancing pants. The ties twirl as you move, and there's no limitation of movement whatsoever!
B. They're great for relaxing, but stand out from the usual mundane style of lounge pants with their detail.
C. You know you're just that awesome when you wear them. :D

bRIGHT lIGHTS


I found the materials for this dress this spring during a fantastic trip to a fabric store I'd never gotten to go visit before. I immediately fell in love with this bright northern-lights mesh knit and a random lace fabric, and decided I must put them together. I made this dress one day to wear to a Jazz on the Rooftops event that night. While the composition is not the hardest, I am very happy with the outcome. I did some detail around the bottom with a rayon cording, to draw the bottom in for the desired shape and lined it with a black mixed fiber knit. If I can ever find the rest of the materials I bought, I will eventually add some crochet rayon applique.

The Theory
When you come up with a plan, a design, push yourself harder. Question all aspects. And take it one step further. And only then will you be happy with the outcome.

kITE sTRINGS

In a way this could be my first -reconstruction. The skirt on this dress is from a dress found at a thrift store in Calgary, AB, and the mid-section from a tank top found at another thrift store in Brandon, MB. The black is a poly-spandex knit pressed into a fantastic pleat style. The purple is crinkly and oddly thin, most likely a polyester but just thick enough to be opaque and sturdy.
I wanted a random design on the front. I made triangles and lines out of the lining inside the tank top which was the same type of fabric but in black, and made full, gathered shapes out of a black georgette to place behind the shapes. The smooth movement of the skirt when walking makes it a great experience to wear.

tHE vALENTINE

My vision of this dress is gracefulness. I envisioned a Valentine's swing dance. When wearing it I picture the face full of colour, blushing, sparkling and inviting as she twirls. It is constructed of creme and red silk noil, a textured silk that looks rough but is wonderfully soft, with a red crinoline peaking out from underneath. The skirt swirls with a direction in mind. I love the body and purpose the silk gives to this dress. The contrasting bow defies one-colourdness. Pink and red metallic embroidery with glass beading gives this dress the asymmetrical detail that I love to do.