by Dave | Jun 26, 2015 | Blog, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Sew….I started wondering who came up with this Capsule wardrobe stuff? Surely it’s not new. Nothing really is in the fashion world. Capsule’s of all varieties came from England. Doesn’t everything come from there? America even came from England. lol Seams as though, a lady named Susie Faux was living in London in the 70’s and opened a new shop, London’s West End. The idea was that everything for a total look was in the same store. Kind of like our malls today. But not really, because it was all in the same store. That’s cool! No running from place to place, using up excess gas and time. The American Capsule was the brainchild of Donna Karan! One of my all time faves! Simplicity is key here, she is the creator of the simple American wardrobe.
In the 80’s, Donna Karan developed a clothing concept based on seven, only SEVEN pieces! I remember this so well. I believe this is where my love of BLACK originated. The woman always looks amazing, head to toe comfy black coordinates. I knew at that moment, I would dress like her. She opened up her portion of the fashion show with her models all dressed in black bodysuits and pants. They added pieces to create wearable wardrobes. She wanted wardrobes for women who hate shopping and don’t have time anyway.
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This brings us to the wardrobe capsule resurgence today. It seems to be a thing. Everyone is doing it, each for their own reason. I’m “studying” the concept. I’m checking it out, but have not followed the steps in order, or maybe not at all. It’s actually a method of self analysis. What do I look best wearing? What shape am I? What is my skin coloring? I really think this is a great concept. I think everyone should clean out their closets, but for me, It’s more important to wear what makes me feel good. If you are sincerely interested in following or learning more about the capsule, this is a great website and includes links to more websites.
I believe confidence is the most important accessory. If you follow a capsule’s recommendations on shape, coloring, and all the other aspects they may not reflect your personality. You may be uncomfortable wearing the suggested colors and shapes. The clothes don’t make the person, the personality makes the person. I like the basic concept here. But, you are dressing yourself so ENJOY!
by Dave | Jun 20, 2015 | Blog, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab
It’s pretty hard to define the difference between style or fashion. Of the cuff, I would say I am definitely more stylish than fashionable. I have a look I’ve developed over the years. I know what works and what doesn’t for me. Mostly I recycle the same style, season after season.
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Style emphasizes what you believe to be your best features and mitigates the less favored. Everything about your style shows even those who do not know you a little about you and your personality. My hair is naturally curly and I love it’s care free attitude, I’m a free spirit. Looking good and feeling good are so important and help you enjoy life more. Imagine the last time someone made you wear something you really didn’t like. Dress codes at work are a great example of this. For me, when someone tells me the clothes I can and cannot wear, I immediately find ways to walk the line between good and evil. It’s strange, but true: when enough people expect a certain behavior from you, there’s a strong subconscious pull for you to do what they expect. Call me crazy, but I would rather people like me for who they perceive me to be, in my own style. It’s a shame when people like you or are drawn to you simply because you seem to dress the part. Especially when the “part” is no where near who you are.
Consider actors in their acting role. Carrie Bradshaw, has style, crazy over the top, this is who I am, style. Jess, from New Girl, has style too. [envira-gallery id=”959″]
[envira-gallery slug=”carrie-bradshaw”] It’s not like Carrie’s at all, it’s more of the school girl, innocent look. Both women you notice them, and can base your opinion of them by what you see and be correct. Phoebe, from friends, has style, you know by looking at her she’s a free spirit.
When I think of fashion, I think of the Kardashians. [envira-gallery id=”956″]
[envira-gallery slug=”kardashians”] They change with the wind. You can find an article about it here. Lady Gaga is another person without style in my opinion. We are all wondering what will she look like next? It doesn’t really matter if you have style or are fashionable to anyone except you. Whoever you are, I hope you find enjoyment in what you wear.
ENJOY
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by Dave | May 13, 2015 | About, Beginner Tips, Blog, Experimentation, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab
This is a repost of an earlier blog. Actually one of my earliest blogs, a little rewriting and possibly this time people enjoy it!
I sewed with knit six months upon completing the striped skirt. What an accomplishment. For the first time ever, people liked my product and commented about how much they liked it. I felt FAMOUS! Let me tell you, this didn’t happen overnight. Lots of things can go wrong when sewing with knit fabric. Hopefully my mishaps will be a blessing in disguise and help you avoid those same issues.
1. Knit can be two way or four way stretch. This doesn’t really matter, it all stretches right? I thought that too. Then I spent about an hour or two making the ultimate tee shirt. It looked amazing! But, I sewed it with the stretch going vertical instead of horizontal. In case you’ve never made this mistake, it means I couldn’t fit into the shirt. It had no stretch at all in the areas that need to stretch. But, I could probably pull it down far enough to wear it as a dress. Funny, unless it’s your shirt. haha
2. Leggings wear best in a four way stretch. Yes, you can make pants to your heart’s delight in two way stretch fabric. But, chances are the knees will bag throughout the day. Unflattering? YES! A four way stretch ensures the fabric maintains a proper fit all over your legs. So professional, no one guesses you sewed the legings. Okay seriously, no one will consider you made it yourself unless you tell them.
3. Heming Isn’t really an issue, or so they say. Most people do not hem their knit garments. To me, this never really made sense. I don’t find clothing at the GAP that is not hemmed. So, I have always hemmed my garments. I’ve tried several ways.
UPDATE: If the knit is spandex and rayon blend, no hem is needed. Similar clothing sells in department stores and boutiques upwards of $4o!
- Rolled hem, created using a rolled hem or cording foot. This works well for some knits. I have found it works best with those containing a little rayon. I tried it recently with jersey. This did not work so well.
- Double hem, is primarily used in the ready to wear industry. Lots of articles and websites will tell you this cannot be done without a double needle. Simply not true! I have done them since day one with my normal sewing machine. When it’s time to hem use the standard 5/8″ seam, then go over it again using the 3/8″ seam. The same look is achieved. Now, when you tell people, because you will want them to know, you made this. They will not believe you! Added BONUS, no extra equipment required.
- Cut edge hem, again this is one I do not use because I’ve never seen it in ready to wear and it makes me self conscious. If you like it or need to put that just finished garment on and head out for the evening. By all means do it. It is a time saver for sure. This would probably be easiest to get away with when using tissue knits.
No matter what the hem, ENJOY!
