Dive into Sewing: Design Hub

Bubble Wrap skirt with straps!

Oct. 25 2015

Bubbles galore! It's a stress relief to pop them, and also to create with!

The back of this dress makes a "Y", and connects to the center back.

(This design is only pinned to the mannequin, not sewn)

The front has two straps that are continuous to the back, and the front of the skirt is somewhat of a peplum.

Here is the Red Dress

Oct. 12 2015

Sad news.........I didn't win the 50 shades of red hosted by the ASE 2015, but the sewing journey of this dress was educational and rewarding, here is my little masterpiece:

This skirt is made out of two fabrics, a camouflage stretch chiffon with a curly hem at the bottom (made with fishing wire) and a thicker red stretch knit underneath as the lining.

I drafted all the patterns for this ensemble, and included two darts for the bodice for a fitted look.

The bodice is made with vinyl, which is a stiff fabric, and tricky to sew. It's thickness makes it difficult to feed through the machine, but I used leather presser foot and that seemed to solve the problem, plus I also decreased the tension. The neck is a separate piece that attaches to the bodice with snaps and it's sewn on the waistline where the twisty tie meets with the skirt.

Back is open, and has an invisible red zipper. Can't wait to get my mannequin back to start designing at half scale, perhaps I will design a look that Lady Gaga could wear for her concerts. It would have to include an Avant-garden vibe to it, because she is an exotic and fashion forward thinker ! I hope you like it :)

Conditioning for a sewing competition

The 2015 American Sewing Expo has a competition called "50 Shades of Red", in which the contestants are required to design a garment in half scale. I've decided to prepare for it by practicing a couple of techniques (fabric manipulation, fitted bodice) on my miniature dress form. I will reveal the final garment after it is judged..........keep your eyes peeled for it :)