Fashion

[murphus]

In lieu of a detailed life update (Christmas dinner at ours worked well, I had a week off work and a healthy start to 2009, and life is pretty good) I am writing about fashion/clothing/style/dress/whatever, inspired by Project Runway.

I watched some of the first Australian series given to me by qamar. I love it, and what I've seen of the American

Comments

[frou_frou]

What a lovely post! I love sewing and look forward to being more creative soon (as opposed to the large amounts of mending and restoration/reconstruction that I do).

Pattern cutting is a skill like any others, and can be learnt through all sorts of community courses. You have a very practical mind so you're sure to find it rewarding, and be very good at it. Once you can pattern cut, it opens up all the doors to sewing creativity.

[murphus]

Your piles of mending do sound daunting. Hope you get the chance to start on another project this year (post-book maybe?).

I would be keen on a pattern making course. Something I need to find time for - though the thought of designing clothing rather than just applying fabric ideas to existing patterns is a big motivator to make that time.

[kerberos_3]

I really miss sewing. I can't wait to buy a machine when I get home.
Do you remember making your green dress from the retro pattern. That look in the front was complicated, but fun.
:D

[murphus]

We can have stitch and bitch afternoons! And sorting through all that fabric again. Did you keep all your remnants together somewhere?

I do remember making that dress. Your mum's assistance saved me from freaking out about that front!

[kewpie_doll]

Ahh! great post!
I actually saw Project runway for the first time last night, just a glimpse but I definitely want to see more...

Yes indeed, I loved those pants! I did begrudgingly give them back to mister maiki though.. haha, so he should have them somwhere :)

I have always always envied those who can sew, I've been designing things in my head and altering everything in my head that I see since I cannot remember when... but when it comes to sewing, patience just leaves me :(

I was great at applique back in year 7 but that was as far as it went, haha!

My sister did pattern making and design at Melb College of Textiles years back when I lived with her, and I did help her with fittings, being a model and when she made my other sister's wedding dress... I was always spun out (funny pun) by the bobbin and how it all worked on the machine!

I still draw ideas all the time too for different stuff..

It's great you've found your love for it again as I too remember your lovely green dress at that wedding we went to moons ago!
:)

[murphus]

Yeah, there are something like 5 US seasons, so I'm not sure if I can catch up, although I'd love to! Check out http://www.projectrungay.blogspot.com/ (again courtesy of qamar) for fluffy summaries of it all.

Heh, will see if the pants turn up sometime..

I think your skills and visions with design are super enviable. Creating an outfit from already made items is part of my motivation to sew - so that I have the items I want! But with clothes you already have and accessories/makeup all so well put together like yours, you are doing pretty damn well.

Applique! I remember having to do that at school too! 'Twas fun.

[kitling]

I've recently found myself frustrated by the inability to find anything nice I like to wear in shops. Shops don't like anyone above a size 12 or standard body shape. I need to start sewing my own clothes again. Its something I did a lot of when I had more free time (ie unemployed) but I need to start doing it again.

[murphus]

Do! Making skirts really adds to my wardrobe when I feel it's a bit drab. They are simple enough and even if they are not perfectly made, I feel like it's something new and it's inevitably cheaper than something from a shop. When it gets a bit colder it's easier to sew - a long afternoon indoors with tea, strewing fabric everywhere :)

I don't find shopping easy either. I love *looking* at what's out there, but actually feeling like 'me' in clothes in shops is less common. When I have to buy something new I end up with standards like black singlets and jeans and hope for something more exciting to come along, then I wear it till it's threadbare.

What would you sew? I would like to explore some of the fabric shops around Rathdowne/Lygon Sts and Sydney Rd again..

[kitling]

I used to sew lots of stuff. I guess I had trouble shopping when I was a size 8 as well - so probably I just like my own style of clothes.

I made lots of my gothy stuff, skirts, frocks, jackets, made a frock coat once. I'm not clever enough to make corsetry.

But these days I want interesting skirts and tops really.

I've got 10metres of wonderful red and black chinese brocade silk from Beijing that I need to make something with, but it has to be worthy of the fabric.

I'm thinking a waist coat for bear and fishtail skirt for me, I am uncertain as to whether or not my sewing skills are up to it. I'm not good at using patterns.

[murphus]

Wow! Would love to see your frock coat.

I think matching pieces out of the brocade sounds divine - maybe do a calico and see if it works? I know the feeling though - you don't want to hack into pretty material unless it's going to work out!