sugardale

My Friends Need Help

2011-12-04T20:37:00.001-08:00

My boyfriend, Michael James Armstrong, and our friends, Joseph Huppert, Lee Lavy, and Thomas DeMello, have an artist run exhibition space in San Diego, called ICE Gallery, and well it is falling apart. They are trying to get some funds to fix the very leaky roof, and to gut the inside of the space to make it bigger and better. So I am am spreading word to try to help them reach their goal.

So check our their site to see what they do.

And then please donate if you can.

Also, if you know anyone that might be interested in helping out these artists, please pass it on. Thanks from me and the boys behind ICE Gallery.

Sofa and Surgery

2011-08-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I came really close to finishing that sofa. I still have to sew the buttons on. My needle isn't long enough to fit through the bottom cushions but this is what it will kind of look like:

The back cushion is no good. It it just stuffed right now, but I think I'll change that to foam so it will be rigid like the bottom cushions. Maybe it will look better with more stuffing and buttons but I am not sure. If I have time this morning I'll sew a few on to see. This is what it looks like now without buttons all lumpy and saggy:

Unfortunately finishing this will have to wait for a little while because I am having surgery today! At least I can still sit in it though.

For the next couple months my post are going to be quite infrequent if not at all because I will be recovering and not doing a lot of sewing. I do have a bunch of pictures to edit for this re-upholstery project with a few tips on what I learned so I will be posting about that. I will be posting quite frequently on my other blog dedicated to my bunion surgery recovery: MY ACHING KNOBS. I will have nothing but time for the next two months so any emails or questions are welcome. I still get so many from my petticoat tutorial with pictures of the petticoats that everyone made and I love seeing them.

See you later!

Just Me and DPC

2011-06-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

DPC probably means nothing to most people, but those three initials should be just as important to the home sewer as YSL is to the fashion world. D. P. C. David. Page. Coffin. He wrote a little book called Shirtmaking: Developing Skills for Fine Sewing, another called Making Trousers for Men and Women, and a booklet called Custom Making Neckties at Home (which is only available in PDF). I used all three to complete all of the garments for my fashion show, and I recommend all of them. Yes, it was me and DPC night after lonely night at my studio for two whole months so I could present this:

Sometimes, when doing this type of thing where the amount of time spent making the work is exponential compared to the amount of time the work is displayed can be anticlimactic. Which is how I felt costuming those plays, but this fashion show wasn't like that. I was completely satisfied in the end. In fact, I've decided to do another one. The next one is going to be just my stuff, in a place of my choosing, with twice the work . . . I can't wait, but I am getting way ahead of myself. I'll try to stick to this fashion show I just finished. Here are my favorite shots of each outfit:

I love this dress, and I am probably going to have a tough time thinking that stripes should be done any other way.

I am modeling this for the photos because my model for this outfit had surgery on her foot soon after the fashion show, and was in a lovely medical boot. I of course can empathize with that since I will be wearing two of them soon! This outfit was the very first idea that I had for the fashion show, and I was going to do a whole collection that focused more on this idea of pouffy skirts paired with aspects of menswear. But after thinking about it, and asking Mikey's opinion, he steered me into the direction that I eventually took with the collection.

I am a fan of (nicely done) peplums. They can make a women's suit really feminine.

I was originally going to do different ties for all of these, and with this one I had planned on using a mint green flannel to make it look more militaristic, but when I got the mint flannel and put it with the outfit it was so drab. The red polka dots ended up looking the best with all the outfits that had ties.

I love this outfit too. I think it is unfortunate that this ensemble has been commonly identified as "nerdy", when suspenders and bow ties used to be everyday wear.

When I was making this suit I was a little worried that it was going to be really unflattering and too manly. But when it all got put on together, pff, I loved it. There is nothing about it that is feminine (except maybe the cropped pants) but it works on her. And I think a suit just like this one could work on any woman, if they have the balls to wear it.

I really like all the in between stuff, but my favorites are the first dress and the last suit. Designing these two different things is a lot fun for me. On one end of the spectrum you have a feminine dress, where there really are no rules and the design possibilities are endless: fabric choice, color, length, sleeves, no sleeves, different necklines, buttons, gathers, pockets. Then on the other end there is the tailored suit. Still many possibilities, but there are certain rules to follow when designing and wearing a suit: the vest should just cover the pants waistband, the shirt cuff should fall 1/2 to 3/4 inches beyond the jacket sleeve. (Mine doesn't here because I messed up with the pattern making.) Then there are all these other sets of rules for matching the shirt to the suit, and the tie to the shirt, and then finding the right pocket square to tie it all together; what buttons to button when the jacket has two or three buttons, or when it is double breasted. All of these rules can really identify the amateur dresser from the practiced one.

Plus, I prefer men's accessories to women's. I don't wear necklaces, (except for a string of pearls with the right dress) rings, bracelets, earrings, anklets, or jesus god definitely not toe rings. I think that is reflected in my designs. There is usually no where to fit a necklace with my dresses. When I worked in clothing retail-for about three miserable months-every time I dressed a mannequin I had to accessorize it. Pair a necklace with the dress. Throw a purse on the shoulder. Are there some earrings we can display with that outfit? Bleck! Now these men though, they got all the good stuff: ties, bow ties, pocket squares, cuff links, tie bars, tie pins, collar bars, even a pocket watch would be cool.

So I guess what I am saying here, is that I am onto something good: manly suits and feminine dresses. What more do we need really?

Sartorial feminism

2011-05-28T18:58:00.001-07:00

Well, a bout of laziness struck me the day after the fashion show which was on May 13th, and ended about a week later when I started undertaking this beast:

I took a bunch of staples out, then caught a nasty cold, then took some more staples out, then got all the models together again to take some photos. And last night I finally removed the very last god damned staple from this thing. (I will be posting about this project since I will actually have the time to do so.) Meanwhile, Mikey started editing some of the photos he took. He still has a bunch of individuals to edit, and he still has to upload the video of the fashion show, but here are a couple group shots just to let you guys know that I did finish.

More to come.

My bike is so cool.

2011-04-24T21:31:00.001-07:00

See more here.

Get your stripes right

2011-03-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

When I have a design in mind and the fabric picked out, I usually have a pretty damn good idea of what I am going to do right down to the very buttons. But sometimes I am wrong and the design details need to be tweaked a bit. Such it is with this dress.

I had the bodice done and the skirt done but not attached and I was a little worried about these stripes being too bold, especially with red buttons down the center, so I put this thing on the mannequin to have a look see.

And I do think the the stripes are a bit too bold, so I was hoping once I got the sleeves on with pointed cuffs it would tone them down a bit, but well that didn't work. The cuffs and the center front now both seemed out of place:

The solution: repeat the same stripe pattern on the cuff, and there you have it:

This also gave me a better spot to place the button on the cuff. I didn't know where to put it on the cuff on the right, but on the left, it fits right in that little gap between the green.

And here is it almost completed. I still need to sew the buttons on, but that will have to wait till the end because I've got to move on to the wool skirts and vests this week.

I think I am moving right along. I've also completed all the shirts, they just need buttons and button holes.

This week I shall finish three skirts and two vests, leaving me two jackets, a pair of shorts, a pair of pants, three ties, two belts, and one bow tie to finish in 5 weeks. Right now I am not too stressed about finishing on time, I just have to keep up my current pace.

Pattern making all day long. . .

2011-03-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

. . . For almost a whole week.

Monday I finalized all of my designs: I've got a full skirted cotton dress; a short full wool skirt, with button up shirt, vest, and tie; a pencil skirt with a peplum jacket; a high waisted pencil skirt with a button up shirt and tie; shorts with a button up shirt, suspenders, and bow tie; and a 3 piece pants suit complete with button up shirt and tie.

From Tuesday till this evening, with the exception of the ties and suspenders, I made all of those patterns, sewed them into sample garments, and fitted all but one of my models. Man, I'm pooped. But overall, the fittings went pretty well. I did have some adjusting to do, and now I have to do a few more fittings based on those adjustments. All of these adjustments were made possible with this book:

And I must say it is pretty dang good. It helped me a lot, especially with two of my models who had narrow backs.

Gentlemen beware this book is primarily for women's clothing, although I am sure some of the same techniques could be applied to the man's pattern, just maybe not how to eliminate the bust dart.

My one problem with this book is that it skates by a few complicated situations by choosing some fairly simple patterns, but I only found that in one case so far.

And it is inexpensive. Only 9 bucks over there at amazon.

Well tomorrow is my last pattern making/adjusting day (I hope) and then I'll start sewing these shirts.

Fabric Shopping in LA

2011-03-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

So what is up with the Fashion District in LA? It kind of sucks. I went there last week to search for some wool for this fashion show coming up, and man the trip was almost not worth it. . .

Well, I had gone to all two of the fabric stores in San Diego, exhausted all of my online resources (at least within my budget), and decided that it was necessary to make a trip to LA to find some more stuff. Before the trip I had bought 1 piece of wool online from Black and Sons, and some shirting cottons from fabric.com.

Our first stop was International Silks and Woolens. We got there a bit late after a couple of wrong turns, but we made it, and I found 1 piece of wool that I liked that went with the color palette, and was in my price range. I was a little bummed because I was expecting to find almost everything I needed there. But, they have a ton of great wools there so that is worth going to just to look and dream up some suits.

When we were driving a few miles in the wrong direction looking for IS&W, we happened to see Mood Fabrics on the corner. So after IS&W we stopped there. I had heard so much about Mood, and for some reason I was not expecting much, but man they had some really nice stuff. I only bought one cotton there (the wider red pin stripe) but man I was impressed. They had a great selection of wool, just not the colors I was looking for. Oh, and there coating section was great. I could have made about 17 coats from all those good fabrics, plus they had a really good cotton shirting section.

So there we were in LA, rented a car to drive up there (ours probably wouldn't have made it), it was getting a bit late in the day, and I only had 2 fabrics. As a last resort (because I had been there once before and was pretty disappointed) we headed to the Fashion District downtown where there are a ton of fabric stores lining the street. We put an hour's worth in the meter ($3) and stopped in a few of the stores. Everything there was all jersey knit, metallic spandex, glittery, shimmery, and synthetic, but there was no wool or cotton as far as I could see. I was about ready to give up and say lets go home when I remembered that Black and Sons was in LA, luckily it was also downtown so we didn't have too drive far to get there. We got there about 2o minutes before they closed, and boy I hit the jackpot. They had the best selection of wool, and it was all organized so well, easy to see, and there was some stuff on sale too. I cleaned up. Bought the rest of the wool that I needed, and all for less money than I had planned on spending. Shit yeah.

That was a couple weeks ago already, and I have since gotten all of my designs in order, measured all the models, made most of the patterns, and have fit a couple of them. If posts about this project are a little scarce is it because I literally have to spend every waking hour working on this fashion show, but I'll try.

Hold that Thought

2011-02-17T21:57:00.000-08:00

One of my former teachers from Mesa College asked me if I would like to be the alumni designer featured in this year's fashion show. I debated for a few minutes whether or not to say yes because I want to get these suits going (and I am off to a good start), and since I'd want to do all new pieces, which requires fabric, I would have to sacrifice some of my knobs money. But, what the hell, I said yes. Good thing too, because this may be my last chance to be featured since the teacher who asked me is going to be retiring this year.

The show is on May 13th, which gives me two solid months to work on at least 6 new pieces. This will be good for me as I haven't had a deadline for anything in a few months, and it has made me a bit lazy.

But what to show? I am in this transitional period in my designing: taking a break from pouffy dresses, and moving to menswear inspired suits. For this collection I've decided to marry these two ideas, my two loves, into one look. It will be feminine petticoatiness, combined with masculine sartorialness: Pouffy skirts, peak lapels, high heels, french cuffs, and bow ties.

I guess I will have to put this suit project on hold for the time being.

Love Letters

2011-02-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, I was featured on the fashion blog, Love Letters run by two very cute fashionable ladies. In the post, I am wearing a dress that I have not photographed or blogged about (because I need to fix the collar), but it will give you a taste. I am sure I will get around to fixing that collar and posting someday . . . probably not soon though, got other stuff to do.

So instead of waiting for me to post a blog about that dress, check out the rest of what Love Letters has to offer.

Pantaloons: Fitting

2011-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

I made a lot of changes to my first pants muslin (not pictured) so I decided to make another one just in case, and good thing I did because I had a few more adjustments to make. . .

First thing, the back pant legs were a little loose, but the front was fine. In the photographs below, my left pant leg is a little tighter than my right (I only adjusted one side.) It is subtle, but the adjustment was worth it.

Now since I wanted to adjust the back pattern piece and not the front, I couldn't just take in extra at both side seams, so I had to rip all the stitches out:

With the pants on, it is hard to pin out excess fabric that is behind me while trying to keep everything straight, and not poking my self, so I just pinched out what felt like about 1/2" inch, and took that amount out of the side seams. If it wasn't enough I would start the process over again.

This was my process:

I needed 1/2" total out of the back pattern piece, thus I took out 1/4" out of side seam and inseam. Instead of marking my fabric with a ruler and pencil, I just stitched a guide line 1/4" away from the edge down the inseam and the side seam and lined the front pattern piece edge to that guide line:

Here is the inside of that seam pressed open. You can see that the seam allowance on the bottom (the front pant leg) is still 1/2", and the top seam allowance (the back pant leg) is now 3/4":

This makes the back pant leg 1/4" tighter on that side. Do this to both sides and you have 1/2" taken out. Easy peasy.

Then I made the adjustment on the pattern:

Just marked 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric and cut it off.

I also took a horizontal pleat out of the pants at the top from the front to the back. The fabric there was a little saggy, and almost naturally folded that pleat, so I just pinned it (as best as I could) all the way around. Turns out the front needed 3/4" taken out, the side seams 1/2" and the back 1/4"

I went ahead and put on my sample vest just for fun. The only adjustment I need to make on that is move the hem down about 3/4" at the front. And I need to make the points at the front more gradual from the side seam.

Also notice that these pants are sans waistband. I would only fit a waistband if it is contoured. These pants fit at my natural waist (well almost, they are a little lower) and the waistband is going to be 1 1/2" so I can make a straight waistband, and I don't think any fitting will be necessary.

It is difficult to see these adjustments with this black fabric, so here is the pleat with the pants off:

To make this adjustment on the pattern I did this (I only pictured the back pattern piece, but it is the same idea for the front):

First, I measured where the pleat started on the front pattern piece, about 6" down from the waist. Then I drew a horizontal line from the center front to the side seam perpendicular to the grain line. Then from that same point on the side seam of the back pattern piece, to the center back seam, once again perpendicular to the grainline. Then I drew a line below that first one measuring the width of the pleat I took out of my sample, 1/2" at the side seam, and 1/4" at the back seam:

Then cut the bottom line:

Lined it up with the top one, and taped it:

I guess it is time to cut out my fabric now. Here it is:

I will be using David Page Coffin's book, Making Trousers for Men and Women as instructions for these pants. I am going to use his petersham waistband method, so I still have to buy some of that stuff, I also need some pocket lining, and think I'll be ready to start.

Crotch Problems

2011-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

The hardest part about making this pants pattern was the crotch. So I thought I'd share with you what I know I should have done in the first place.

First, whether you are making your own pattern, using a commercial pattern, or knocking off a pair of your pants, this is what the top of the patterns will look like:

Don't worry about all those seemingly meaningless lines, they helped me out when I was making a sample of these pants and aren't relevant just yet.

I was quite confident in my pattern making skills, so I just used this exact pattern and sewed my first sample pants. The problem I had with them was that the crotch was way too low. Almost 1 1/2". To fix a low sitting crotch, you have to actually add fabric. I didn't have enough, because my seam allowance was only 1/2" . I wanted these things to almost fit like jeans in the crotch, really snug. What I should have done before I cut out my sample fabric was this:

Taped on some extra paper around the curve of both front and back crotch seams:

Then add 1" from the edge of the pattern to the curves to give me a lot of room to take the crotch up:

You don't have to go all the way up to the waistline seam, just high enough to have some extra fabric to work with around the crotch.

Then use this pattern to cut out your sample pants. Since I didn't do this, I had to go back and add this extra seam allowance to my pattern, then cut another pair of sample pants. Pants take up a lot of fabric, so I actually just made shorts for my second sample (I didn't need to fit the legs again), hence those extra lines below the crotch seam.

When I finally got the crotch where I wanted it to fit, it had required several trials to do so, but with all that extra fabric to work with, it was easy. I would just stitch around the crotch, try them on, make adjustments, remark a new stitch line in the seam allowances, resew on the new stitch line, and try them on again until I got them where I wanted them. Then I just transferred the final stitch line on my pants back to my pattern pieces.

This is how the my first and last patterns compared. The old patterns are laid on top of the new ones:

You don't have to make a whole new pattern for that little adjustment, just use the one you taped up. I made a new pattern because I had made several other adjustments in other places, and I didn't want to be pinning through a bunch of tape.

So before you sew, learn from my mistake, and add that little extra fabric just in case. It might just save you some time and fabric.

Nice Feet. Very Bunionesque

2011-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned my knobs in a few previous posts, but come August, I won't mention them again. At least not in the present tense, because I am getting them chopped off! I got back on my parents' insurance for one year, and thought I should go see a podiatrist about these bunions before the year is out, so I had an appointment on Friday. And well, I've got knobs. Four of them. Bad ones. I've always been really self-conscious about my feet, but here they are:

They are 4" from knob to knob. On my left foot, the angle between 5th metatarsal and the 4th is about 18º. Normal is about 7º. My podiatrist said that was exceptionally large, and that these are some of the worst he has seen. Aw man. (I can't remember what the angle is between the 1st and 2nd.)

My main reason for going were my tailor bunions, which are bunions that form on the pinkie toe joint. They were named "tailor" bunions centuries ago, because tailors sat cross-legged all day with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This constant rubbing led to a painful bump at the base of the little toe. They are much less common than bunions on the big toe joint, but it is only fitting that I got the tailor bunions huh? Well anyway, went to the podiatrist for my little knobs, and found out that I have big toe knobs too. Only they aren't as bad, but of course bad enough to need surgery.

When I go in for surgery in August, I will be getting a bunionectomy on all four knobs, which is just shaving down that big bump that has formed on the joint. And I am also going to get an osteotomy on all four of them as well, which is where they cut the metatarsal bone to re-align it. I will have be off my feet completely for a few days, then I can do minimal walking. But I won't be fully healed for about 2 months. Yikes. I'm gonna miss a lot of work, so I am saving up starting now.

I realize that I'm gonna have to change my shoe wearing habits. Well I have changed them already because my feet will only fit into my crappy dirty work shoes. But back when my knobs were just wee little things, I would stuff them into my cute red pumps, not really thinking I would regret it later on. But after this surgery I will have to keep my heel wearing to a minimum. So I've prepared a new, more casual look for myself post-surgery:

First I bought these, the Bass Enfield:

I bought them a couple months ago in wide, thinking that extra space in the toe box would accommodate my knobs, but alas I was wrong. They are still too narrow. Post surgery I hope they will be just fine.

And it would be really cool if I could fit into these, the Bass Breck:

Which are the shoes I really wanted, but weren't offered in wide. If they are still available in my size after my surgery maybe I'll buy them and see if they fit.

I also bought another pair of my old stand by: PF Flyers. Although not my usual red ones because these were just too cool:

Second, I've started on some clothes that will go with these shoes quite nicely: Suits. Man. I've always loved suits. Three piece suits in bold plaids, with polka dot bow ties, and striped shirts. . .

So far I have most of the pattern making done. I still have to tweak the pants pattern a bit, but I'm almost there. The pants were the hardest thing to fit, so when I get back to the studio, I'll take a few pictures of the pattern making/fitting process I went through.

I admit I have been a bit lazy about going to the studio lately, mostly because I have been trying to cook. I've tried few meals, and either I really suck at picking recipes, or pairing foods together, or just the actual cooking process in general, because I have not been happy with them. I have made a few good bean soups though, so I will keep that up, but other than that I've adopted a mostly raw diet: all chopping and no cooking, that's more my style.

Riding in Style

2011-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

If style means a big white helmet (à la Jerry Seinfeld as a penis), and a boy's shirt from Target, then yeah sure, I feel pretty cool. Especially since with my new bike, I can get to the studio in just a few minutes, as opposed to about 25 minutes. And at night, I feel a lot less vulnerable going fast on a pair of wheels than walking slowly on a pair of legs on the desolate streets from my house to the studio.

I've had the bike for about 2 weeks, and I am still not liking the drop handle bars, so they are going to be replaced with some risers. And eventually I am going to repaint the frame, get a new saddle, and an internal hub instead of the derailleur (which makes the chain system look a lot cleaner). I do like the red and white scheme, but I like the idea of a blue bike with white tires, a brown saddle, and brown handle bars. For now though, this is working just fine.

Since I had been using pockets to carry all my stuff, I needed a bag to carry on my bike, so I bought this leather bag on etsy. Unfortunately it is about 1/2'' too small in all directions to fit more than just a few (skinny) things, so I am just going to make one, which is what I should have done in the first place.

I'll post some process pictures of the bag in the coming days.

Halloween!

2010-11-01T16:41:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I'll start a post with no real idea about organization in mind, and it ends up being about 14 paragraphs long, is constantly repeating itself, and has no good place to insert pictures, so I save it to be edited later. Then something else happens and I want to blog about that, and the previous post gets pushed back. So it happens with this very post. I started one the other day about the costuming for two plays I just finished, but then Halloween came along, and now I want to blog about that, and the costumes I put together for it.

Yes costumes, plural. I was more than one thing this year, perhaps because I haven't had a Halloween costume in about 6 years. I've always wanted to be Max Fischer from Rushmore for Halloween, but by the time it rolls around I don't have the time to make the suit I want to, so I just end up being nothing. So I decided to make up for it with two costumes this year.

I am a Lost fan, and in particular a John Locke fan, and that is who I was for Halloween. For those of you who aren't Lost fans, this is what John Locke looks like:

He's handsome, wears cargo pants, boots, and various drab colored T-shirts, and always has his knife for hunting boar, cutting fish, or just throwing it at trees. He has a faint scar above and below his right eye, and he is most obviously bald. I have a need for authenticity when it comes to costumes, so:

I thrifted the clothes, got the knife at an army surplus, Mikey did the scar with scar wax, and I shaved my head bald. I wore the costume to my friend's where we go every year to eat some food and carve pumpkins.

I also had to work on Halloween, and I wanted to dress up for that as well, but I knew that nobody would get my John Locke costume, especially since most of my friends from the party, who are also Lost fans, didn't guess who I was on the first try. Instead of being asked if I was G.I. Jane all day at work, I went as THX 1138, so either people would get it or wouldn't.

THX 1138 is a character from George Lucas's first feature film titled THX 1138. Watch the trailer here. Then check out my costume (I made this one):

Mikey made the badge:

About 30% of customers knew who I was, which was more than I had expected, so I think my costume was a success.

You can see all the photos we took on my Flickr page.

Breathless and Blue

2010-09-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

The last couple of dresses that I have made, something about them just didn't work out. The dress that I just finished started off as one of those (eek!):

but was fixed before I got all the way with it. I bought this fabric and instantly thought of Jean Seberg in Breathless, and decided to make a dress similar--big collar, little sleeves, buttons down front. . .

Well when I got the top semi-done (it wasn't attached to the skirt, didn't have buttons, or lining) it was just eh. When I looked at the dress from the bottom up, by the time I got all they way to that cute collar, I was bored with the stripes. I scratched that idea and made the strapless design instead.

Now, the problem with strapless designs, is they have to contour to your body, so I used princess seams, but the problem with princess seams and stripes is that they won't match up all the way across the bodice. Example:

The top two stripes line up, but the next two don't, and that really bothers me. The solution:

Add a sash! This sash is sewn into the side seams and wraps around front and ties in the back.

Another challenge with strapless designs is boning. This was my first time ever using the stuff, and it was a lot easier that I had imagined. If you want some good advice on boning, talk to Gertie, she's got it all figured out.

Oh and a look at the back:

Cute!

Things Past, Things Present, and Things to Come

2010-08-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Past:

I made a cute striped dress for the Glashaus show that will be on Saturday 9/4. I don't know how I managed to finish this thing, but I did. A little glimpse:

Present:

I am still working on those commissions. (One of the women lives in Irvine so we can only meet so often, and it was a tough time finding fabric for the suit for the other.)

I got an interning gig with a theatre company and I am currently costuming their next show. Even though the wardrobe is going to be entirely thrifted (due to budget and time), I have had a really fun time working on it. It gives me an inside look to the costume design world, and so far I like it.

Future:

Open studios at the Glashaus on Saturday:

I've got another tutorial coming. And I'll just say that it involves my favorite pockets.

After the tutorial, I will be giving up dresses. I have a bunch of wool laying around my studio and I am going to put it to use. Inspiration: Men's suits from the 1930's of course!

Each of these things deserves its own post, so I'll put that in the (near) future category.

See you guys at the Glashaus on Saturday, and if not, I'll show you more of that little dress I made next week. . .

She Never Buys a Dress, It's Always a Frock

2010-07-18T23:23:00.001-07:00

I think this should be the Sugardale theme song:

Oh that Johnny Mercer.

Cruella and Viola

2010-07-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I've got a Flickr account where I've put a few photos up. Such as this:

I've already reached my limit, so I've got to upgrade to the pro account, but I haven't the money at the moment as I just had an eye exam, bought new lenses for my frames, and splurged on a pair of prescription sunglasses, which totaled about $700. Yikes! Half of it is going on my credit card which I hate to do; I've got a goal to pay that thing off and have been pretty good about using it only in emergencies, you know like when your boyfriend needs a root canal. . .

Anyway, new glasses are necessary because it was getting a little difficult to read street signs, especially at night. The sunglasses (which I haven't received in the mail yet) may not be necessary, but hey, I've got some money from custom dresses coming my way in a little while, so I don't feel too bad about it.

I purchased the frames for my sunglasses online at Fabulous Fanny's, the same place I got my cateyes. These are the sunglasses frames I have chosen. I would lurve to have some cateye (the Cruella frames) sunglasses in white, but since they don't come in white, hopefully the Viola frames will look good on me. And hopefully, they'll come tomorrow.

Smells Like a Hole bunch of Garbage

2010-06-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

I am sure all you bloggers and blog readers out there are aware that the 90's are now in. And quite frankly I am a little disappointed, but not the least bit surprised.

I do have a theory as to why:

I think that all of the junior high and high schoolers got wind that the 80's were in amongst the hipsters. Having found this out by means of facebook, twitter, and super-fast thumb text messaging, they all went out to the thrift stores and loaded up everything 80's they could find, leaving all of the 90's bull crap behind. So when the hipsters went back to the thrift stores last week looking for more 80's junk to sell on Ebay, and finding nothing, they instead picked up an ugly, black, orange, and pink floral dress, a dingy vest, a pair of black tights, and some boots. Mind you, not cowboy (too 80's), but rather something more along the lines of ropers (which growing up in a small Kansas town, I saw way too much of). Then, they slammed it all together, downloaded some Fiona Apple, Hole, and Garbage, and mourned (once again) Kurt Cobain's tragic death.

What are your theories? Do you all hate the nineties as much as I do? Or am I the only one that will still be wearing my petticoat, and patent leather pumps?

Freddy is tired of spam.

2010-06-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

Due to the amount of spam I receive (about 1 spam comment a day) I will now be moderating comments. Don't you just hate those jerks that ruin it for the rest of us? Pff.

This photo is part of the new series of photos we are taking of all my clothes. More to come. . . I am not promising any dates this time, though, because these photos just keep getting pushed back as there are some other deadlines I have to hit right now.

A Playful Little Peek

2010-06-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to show you at least a little bit of the playsuit I just finished. It is so cute!

Getting sunny blue skies, my time, and my boyfriend's time to all line up has proven a bit difficult. More photos to come.

Etsy Update

2010-06-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Some people rented the Glashaus for an art show/party on Saturday. We didn't stay long because drunkenness ensued and not a lot of people were coming upstairs to see our studio space anyway. But this is the best photo I got of the yellow dress I just finished. (The batteries in the camera died after about 10 photos.)

This dress will be for sale in my Sugardale Shop hopefully by the end of this week. I just have a little playsuit to make, and a crap load of new, cooler photos to take before my grand reopening.

Arrivals

2010-05-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

This cotton fabric

was on my doorstep when I arrived home today. I really like it, and there is also green and blue which I must have missed when I finalized my order from fabric.com. (There are a few other color combinations as well, but it was the simple pink and red that got me.)

Unfortunately, and as usual, this will not see my sewing machine for a little while because I have quite a few other projects to work on, and this has to wait it's turn.

I have finally started making some dresses to wear to the coffee shop that I work at, I am currently working on 2 commissions involving a wool skirt suit and a simple smock for some clients, and I've got some serious reupholstering to do.

My boyfriend and I have been looking for a sofa, particularly mid-century, for a couple of weeks on Craigslist with 400 bucks as the maximum amount we were willing to spend. We found a couple that were in the $200 range, but would definitely need some reupholstering. They weren't exactly what we wanted so we waited. And good thing too because Mikey went to a thrift store the other day and found this beaut:

Since it was missing a cushion and was disgusting and dirty, Mikey purchased it for $10. We are going to replace the back cushion(s) with one long one anyway, probably with only a single row of buttons instead of two, the 8" legs will be replaced with 6 inchers, and we are not sure about the fabric yet. But we are thinking blue and getting inspiration from these mid century wonderfuls:

Man, if we had $3,800 we would buy it now, because that is probably the coolest sofa I have ever seen.

The use of three different fabrics is pretty cool.

And this sad little chair that I have had for a couple of years needs a little boost.

And were are going to give it just that with black and white 1" houndstooth and red piping.

On top of all that, I am going to reopen my etsy shop in June with two new designs involving this yellow fabric and this red and white fabric.

Oh and Freddy already approves of the sofa (Sorry, I will never tire of pictures of my dog. Especially when he is laying there all cute.)

I will post progress pictures and maybe a few helpful tips on how to reupholster furniture when I get moving on this stuff. Stay tuned.

Movies on Christmas

2010-05-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

There's a little piece about Sugardale Clothing on a blog called Holiday Matinee. And since they're all about quality, I am honored to be mentioned on their site. Thank you Dave and Monique:)

Go check it out, please.

My men, I love them so. . .

2010-04-09T18:45:00.001-07:00

These little buttons are all it took . . .

2010-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

. . . For me to conceive this dress:

It all started a while ago, when I thought I don't want to wear jeans and t-shirts to work anymore, especially since when I wear my jumper to work, people always ask where I got it. I've gotten a few customers that way. So if I wear dresses every day, maybe I can just quit one of my jobs.

Instead of going to the fabric store to buy all new materials for work dresses, I checked my current inventory: I had some red polka dot fabric, some brown fabric with small black dot clusters, and some plain black cotton. Hm. I also had these buttons that I bought with no particular use for them in mind, I just had to have them. I also happened to have some red piping. Nice. Red and white buttons, red piping, and black cotton? Yes. That was precisely the combination that would work.

Piping looks really good on Peter Pan collars, so that is what I went with. I didn't really want to make a belt, so a thick waistband was my second choice, which also gave me another place to apply the piping. And of course semi-full skirt because I am not going to wear a full one to work. It was missing something though. Ahh, white top stitching to go with the white in the buttons. Brilliant. So there I had my design, made the pattern, and started sewing this thing. I got almost finished and realized that the waist band was too high, and I put in a side zipper as well as the button front, but that was hardly enough room to get in and out of this thing. So I threw it out.

My second attempt was much better. I fixed the pattern so that a zipper could go right up the back, and therefore the buttons on the front aren't functional. The only thing I really changed was the skirt. Instead of patch pockets in my original design:

I did something a little different. I broke the skirt up into 6 panels. Three in the front and three in the back. The pockets were inserted into the seams on the front side panels. And the dress had so much detail on the bodice that the skirt needed something. So I top stitched all of the vertical seams of the skirt, and the pocket of course was top stitched, piped, and buttoned as well. By the time I had the second bodice done, I already knew I wasn't going to wear this to work, so I made the skirt full enough to fit a petticoat.

And it is what I wore to the Glashaus opening.

Studio Revamp Complete

2010-03-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is what the studio looked like for the opening.

As you can see, the layout changed a bit. When I got everything in where I had originally planned, it was too cramped. But I think it works better this way. On normal days the table will be centered in the room, we just took it out for the opening.

Before and After:

Now I feel like I actually have a Sugardale Shop.

Come See the New Studio and the Old Me

2010-02-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

The new studio?-fresh paint, new furniture. The old me?-one inch of hair instead of four. (Yes, the last time I shaved my head was sometime in July '09. It had grown a bit since then, and I have hated it.)

So be there Saturday night Feb. 27th

The Glashaus
1815 Main St. Suite B
San Diego, CA 92113

Open Studios from 6-9 o'clock. Bands and party to follow.

Given my aversion to alcohol and the behavior it induces, I won't be staying for the party. But please come to see the new studio and Mikey's new light pieces, stay for the party, listen to some bands, have a good time.

A Couple of Snags

2010-02-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

So the "Red Chestnut" stain didn't work out. I liked the color, but I didn't like it next to green walls, especially green patterned walls. Before I chose the chestnut stain I was debating about getting ebony instead. Which is what I ultimately had to go with anyway (because you can't stain wood a lighter color), and I am pleased with how it turned out. I will have photos of those when they are actually done. They need backs and legs.

And I got the rug today, and there is no other way to describe it other than drab. Or maybe, like the red chestnut, it just couldn't compete with those walls. I need something bright.

Harlequin

2010-02-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here they are:

Tomorrow I am going to stain the furniture with Minwax "Red Chestnut", and my rug should get here Saturday.

It's all coming together.

Hello Walls

2010-02-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

Man, Mikey got some serious work done. First, he applied two coats of light green paint. Then he drew the diamonds on in pencil. Then, he taped them off.

(Helpful Tip: Before applying your darker color, you have to repaint the lighter color on the edge of the tape. You can see what I mean if you click on the above picture. This creates a seal, preventing the darker color from getting under the tape.)

Then he painted two coats of the darker green.

Then we carefully peeled off the tape.

And that is when I left to go to work today. I didn't get another picture of the walls because they need a little touching up.

When I got off work, Mikey had my furniture almost all put together.

Sheesh. What a guy.

It sure is green.

2010-02-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

And I promised you some drawings. I did the first two drawings at home, and my memory of the studio space was a lot bigger than it actually is, so we eventually had to make some changes, but nevertheless, this was my original idea:

Here is the wardrobe that will hold all of my clothes and fabric. The design of this did not change, and it will still be positioned right under the window. The only problem is, the window is a lot closer to the corner than I had imagined. So, the three way mirror to the right of it does not fit in the space at all, and therefore was eliminated.

This next drawing is of a cabinet with an attached table, that would go on the next wall. This didn't work because, once again, there was not enough room. And it turns out I don't need that much space for all of my stuff anyway. So the table will not be attached, and all the storage above the table in this picture will be going in the cabinet.

Here are the improved to-scale drawings that Mikey did:

And here is the new diagram of the space (click image for readable captions):

(The diamond pattern will extend onto the next wall, I just didn't draw it in because the writing would be harder to read.)

So the wardrobe and table will be going on this wall:

And the cabinet will go on this wall:

Yeah man! Mikey is going to start building the furniture on Monday. I'm excited.

There are five major differences in these two photos. Can you spot them all?

2010-02-10T22:11:00.001-08:00

This is what my corner of the studio looked like for a year. (Although not always that tidy.)

And this is how we left it a few hours ago. It's a complete mess. But you can see that we got the closet built, I've got my cutting mat on my table, the shelves are gone, in place of that ugly chair is the red stool, and my mirror is off the wall.

This is what the wall looked like before the closet was built. The closet starts at the outlet, and ends about where that wood beam is at the top, and extends out about 2 feet.

That's it so far. In the next few days I'll post the drawings of my original idea.

A Word About my Absence

2010-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while, and I know I start a lot of blog posts out like that, but that is how it goes sometimes.

I am not the type to fish for stuff on the internet to post about. And I suppose I've been in a creative dry spell. And a little bit of laziness has taken over me, which I am going to blame on my two jobs. I work 6 days a week and one of those days is a double, so on my one day off I sleep in, play with the dog, clean my apartment, do laundry, watch 3 episodes of Dexter at a time. You know, stuff like that. I did make a few things for etsy buyers, so I don't feel like a complete loser. My boyfriend and I watched 4 seasons of Dexter in the span of about 2 weeks, but the next season doesn't start until September. And Lost just aired, but that will only take up 1 hour of my week, so my distractions are at bay, and they have to be because I've got shit to do.

Thanks to the new year--which always means.......tax money!--Mikey and I are redoing the studio. He had asked me a couple months ago what my ideal studio space would be. (Not fantasy ideal, but one based in reality, and within the space we already have.) So I sat at my desk one day, and drew up what I wanted: A wardrobe where my clothes could hang, and fabric could be displayed on bolts. A new table where the entire top is a self healing cutting mat with 1" square grid. A cabinet which could house all of my patterns, trims, buttons, scrap fabric, pencils, rulers, thread, or all the stuff that looks crappy just sitting out. A rug that could provide a place for people to put their bare feet when doing a fitting, and, as we all should know, a rug can really tie a room together. And some fresh paint on the walls, I am leaning towards green . . . We'll see.

So fast forward to now, and I already have the cutting mat with the 1" square grid. We just bought a bunch of wood, and Mikey is going to build the furniture that I designed. As I type this we are getting a little closet built in the studio for storage space, which is also providing a place for my space to stop and for Mikey's to start. And I have the rug picked out, but not ordered yet, because I am not sure about the size.

That's what is going on right now. The process has just started, so do you, dear readers, care about process pictures? If so, let me know, and February will be Sugardale Studio Revamp, rather than Sugardale Clothing.

Oh, and February 27th is the next opening at the Glashaus, and also the deadline for our studio revamp. Oh god, we gotta lotta work to do.

So I'll end this post as I have before: I'm back baby!

No body gives a shit about scarves.

2009-11-23T16:27:00.000-08:00

I participated in a fundraiser/craft show on Sunday (11/22) that was held at the Glashaus (where my studio is located). I had to have something to sell that day, and since all of my clothes are custom sized, they weren't really going to work out. So I decided to make silk scarves and pocket squares.

I had bought a narrow rolled hemming foot for my machine a while ago to make some pocket squares for my boyfriend and roommate, and after trying it out, I got really discouraged and frustrated with the thing, and decided to never use it again. This time around I thought I would try hand rolled hems, and my first scarf took me over 3 hours. I went back to the rolled hemming foot, and by the 3rd scarf I pretty much got the hang of it, and by the very last one, I had mastered that thing.

In about a week's time I made 10 large scarves, 7 smaller ones, 6 pocket squares and a new outfit. I was staying up till about 2 or 3 every night, and the very last night I didn't sleep at all. I definitely learned a lesson about procrastinating.

This was the set-up in my studio.

God, I was so tired. Look at my sleepy eyes. . .

Thanks to my friend Kate for letting me borrow the vintage luggage, and thanks to my boyfriend Mikey for staying up just as late as I did doing my whole portfolio, and printing and cutting all my business cards, since Overnight Prints didn't do such an overnight job. (I was supposed to receive them on Friday, but they came on Monday.)

After all that, I only sold one pocket square and one scarf which was a bit disappointing. But I did learn how to use that foot, I made a new dress*, gave away a lot of business cards, talked to a lot of people about my clothing, made a little money, and now I have some scarves to give away to friends and family, and my boyfriend finally has those pocket squares.

*The dress will be for sale in my Etsy Shop soon.

Yeah, I like degs.

2009-10-27T14:21:00.001-07:00

Man, has it really been over two months since my last post? Geez. Well I have been busy. I quit the job at the boutique and got another one, (I now have two jobs) I moved into a new place. . . I made two Sweet Loraine dresses for some etsy buyers. I made the Anita jumper for my little sister, some cushions for a fellow artist at the Glashaus, so I don't really have anything new to share, except for this guy:

That's my new dog, his name is Freddy. He likes to play fetch and sleep and sleep.

Coincidence

2009-08-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend just got back from a little New York trip with a few gifts for me:

He called me up when he was there, and asked, "blue and red or green and yellow?" I happened to be wearing this dress, so I said green and yellow. This fabric arrived when he did and I love it! The dots are about 2" in diameter. Cute.

You will also notice he got me some cool 1 1/2" buttons, and yes, a cover buckle kit!

Here it is up close:

You can order several shapes and sizes at Maxant Button & Supply.

You, and I, and everyone else out there can cover our own buckles easily. Yeah man! That was the option I was hoping for from my previous post.

Enjoy ladies, and tell everyone you know about this wonderful discovery.

Mail Order Belts

2009-08-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

I was making a belt today, as I so often do, and I was thinking . . . Anyone who sews with vintage patterns should have access to the self covered belt. Well, I've made about 16 belts total (these pictured are just the ones I own), so you can say that I am getting pretty good at them. The one I made today took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. Not bad considering the amount of hand stitching I had to do. So . . .

I thought about doing another tutorial, which would actually just be repeating this issue of Threads. I could shed some light on that tutorial, with about 10 more pictures and steps on how to do it, but I don't want to do another tutorial, and the back issue of that magazine is only $6.99. If you wanted to learn to cover your own belt, you could just buy it.

I was also thinking that there's got to be some notions company to write to suggesting that they sell a covered buckle kit like this one. Did Dritz ever make one? I can find a few on the internet, but they don't seem to have a brand. I know that the clothing company Stop Staring uses covered buckles, so they're out there, but where?!

Then I thought I could sell custom covered belts on etsy. So this is my proposal. Let me know if you think it would work, and if you would consider doing it:

Say you've got the perfect little vintage pattern that would look great with a self covered belt. You have the fabric, the thread, the notions, and you are ready to go, but you don't want to make the belt, you could:

1. You go to my etsy store, and purchase "custom covered belt" or whatever I might call it.

2. Choose from two different sizes: 1 1/8" or 1 5/8" wide. (These are the widths of the belt, the buckle would be a little wider.)

3. Send me the fabric you are working with. For the 1 1/8" size, I would need a strip of preferably lengthwise grain fabric 3" wide x your waist measurement plus 8" long (If you had a 30" waist I would need 38"). For the 1 5/8 size, the strip would have to be 4" wide. And I would also need a scrap of fabric big enough for me to cut out two 4" squares.

4. Wait patiently for 2-3 weeks (possibly less) for me to ship the finished belt back to you.

5. Put on the dress you just made and the belt I just made, and walk around town in your new, complete-with-self-belt dress.

What do you guys think? Would you purchase one? I think I would sell them for about $30. Would you pay that much for one? Is it a dumb idea? Any input would be helpful. I don't know if I'll even do it or not.

5 O'clock Shadow

2009-08-06T17:28:00.001-07:00

I was walking home from work today, and I thought my shadow was pretty cute.

It was hard to take this picture holding my little train case and my parasol, but I managed. I got a picture with more parasol, but in this one, the wind caught my dress just as it snapped, so it has a bit more character than the others I took.

And this is the dress I was wearing:

I didn't make this one. I found--or rather my friend found--this when we were in New York a couple years ago. It was from a place called Cheap Jack's. It was a little big on me, but when I got it home, I took the sides in a little. Which was more difficult than I had imagined it would be, because there was a side zipper. So I had to take the zipper out, take both sides in, then put a new zipper in. It was worth the trouble.

Oh, it's a cute one. I got a lot of compliments on it today.

Currently working

2009-08-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

I rarely talk about a project in progress. Mostly because I don't have the camera at the studio when I am working, or I just don't have the time to take the pictures anyway, but I've got something this time.

I have been commissioned to make a bridesmaid's dress. The bride originally wanted her maid to wear this:

But it was a bit out of her price range. Over $300.

She asked me if I could make something similar. And I am making it for roughly half the price. I am not directly knocking this off, but rather improving the design and functionality of the dress.

This the the sample bodice:

The improvements:
I widened the waistband so that the gathers stop right under the bust, which is more flattering than the gathers too the waist in the first photo.

And the skirt--which isn't sewn on this sample because it is going to fit loosely over the hips, so no fitting was necessary (and is a waste of time and fabric)--is going to match the fullness of the gathers on top, and will have 2 deep pockets that are actually able to store some stuff. It doesn't look like much can be stored in the pockets of the dress pictured, and I think a more serious pocket will come in handy at a wedding, or anyplace for that matter.

The fabric is the same silver color. Its a pretty dupioni silk, kind of crisp, which will hold those gathers quite nicely, and the back is going to be finished with covered buttons on the collar, and on the waistband.

More pictures to come quite soon since the wedding is on August 8th.

Green with Envy

2009-08-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

A while ago I made this little dress.

And its story is as cute as it is. So listen up . . .

I used to work at a coffee shop (the one that closed down) with a girl named Kati. We had both worked there for a couple of years, when her boyfriend Ben (needing some extra money) started to work there as well. I actually made a wedding dress for his sister almost two years ago, when he was just an acquaintance. He saw what a good job I did on his sister's dress, and knew that Kati liked my designs, so he asked me to make something for her, but he also wanted it to be a surprise.

How am I going to surprise this girl when I need to measure and fit her? So I came up with a plan that involved a couple other girls that worked at the coffee shop, and a little bit of trickery.

I told Kati that since I was going to start selling on Etsy, and that I was going to do everything custom sized, that I would need some practice fitting people. Well not really practice fitting, but more like reassurance that if I made something according to measurements that when the garment was tried on, it would fit. Anyway, one day at work, I measured her, and two other girls (to help with the lie), and then came up with some designs that I made muslin samples of, so they could try on.

Kati and one of the other girls I measured (Erica), came to my studio one day so I could "practice." These two girls were almost the same exact size, which actually worked to my advantage. I had two different bodices for them to try on. Kati's was a simple sleeveless top with a wide neck band. My idea for that was to make it out of gingham, with the neck band cut on the bias, with a fuller skirt, and a belt that would also be cut on the bias. The one I made for Erica to try on was a spaghetti strap top with a sweetheart neckline, that would fit at the waist, with the same type of full skirt and belt. Both fit each girl very well (which was, in fact, reassuring). Kati, seeing Erica's sweetheart neckline, mentioned that she loved that neckline. So Kati tried the bodice originally intended for Erica, which was originally intended to just help fool Kati, and it fit her so well, and looked so good on her, that I decided to scratch my original idea. Only now I had to come up with a different fabric choice. Which also worked out, because Ben said she already had so much gingham and that she liked green. I am not too fond of green gingham myself (I really only like yellow or black). So it was back to the drawing board.

I had the design of the dress figured out, it fit her perfectly, and I knew that Ben wanted the dress to be green. So I looked online and found all the green fabrics that I liked, emailed them to Ben, and from my choices, he picked the green apples. (Yes! That was my favorite.)

So I made the dress (just in time for their vacation), secretly met with Ben at an undisclosed place and time, and he surprised her with it. Yeah! She was happy, Ben was happy, I was happy, but a little jealous. I wanted an apple dress too. It is so cute! But it is more special since it is one of a kind. I'm sure I'll manage without.

Soon after that dress, I got busy making these shorts for and old friend of mine:

More green. The color was her choice, of course. But making these two things got me thinking that I needed something green. So I made this for me:

I found this fabric at Joann's. They also have red, blue, and black, so I was thinking that I could sell this design and offer it in those various colors. I am not sure about this fabric though. I didn't wash the fabric before I made the dress (tsk, tsk, you should always pre-treat your fabric), and now the green is rubbing off onto the belt. The fabric is kinda cheap, and I am worried about it fading easily. Before I decide to post this for sale, I'll have to wash the dress and see the amount of fading, and also see if it is still bleeding onto my belt. I would also add straps before posting this for sale. We'll see about this one.

Love for Sale

2009-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've got over 40 vintage patterns (40's-70's) that I am going to sell in my Etsy shop.

The medium sized bundle contains the factory folded patterns, that I am about 1/3 of the way through posting. These cost $5.

The small bundle contains the patterns that are pre-cut, and are only labeled with tiny hole punches. I've made one of these patterns before, and they are pretty hard. Their instructions are usually only about a paragraph total. They are for the more advanced commercial pattern sewer. I think these will go for $5 as well.

And the largest bundle contains all of the patterns that have been cut. I didn't want to go through all of them to make sure that all the pieces were there, so I am going to sell these for just $2. If you are missing a piece, I'm sorry.

So check out what I got so far. More to come. . .

An Odd Ending to an Odd Month

2009-07-31T00:03:00.001-07:00

I can't sleep.

If there is a bed and dim lighting, I am out within minutes. Sometimes I don't even need a bed, just a pillow and carpet. (I've fallen asleep a few times at my friend's house with just that.) But I am lying in that bed over there and I am trying, but I'm getting nothing. My mind is just racing. I've just been thinking about this past month, and how it was turned upside down, and that hopefully tomorrow I will turn right again. . .

The 30th of June was the very last day I would work at the coffee shop where I had been for quite some time. But all the sudden on that day, POOF! the store closed, and I was jobless. When you literally live paycheck to paycheck, which is what I was doing, it is scary to lose your job. There are scarier situations, of course. You could lose your job and have kids. Luckily I only fend for myself, and don't want kids to fend for anyway. And lucky for me, I got a job a week later. But still an unplanned week without a job, without a paycheck, man, yikes. And now I'm at a new job with half the hours, and no tips. My rent isn't even covered by my new paychecks.

My previous job at the coffee shop, was good and bad. The hours were perfect. I went to work at 7 o'clock, earned my keep until I got off at 2 o'clock, and still had the whole day ahead of me. The work was easy and mostly enjoyable. I worked with my friends, I got to bring my food to work. I would usually eat cereal, or make my own fruit smoothies. It is nice working at a place with freezers, refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, blenders, coffee, and pastries, with a newspaper to read, or a crossword to do. I did have to put up with some annoying customers. Like the bitch that would say "I'm in a hurry, could you make my drink fast." Lady, we make everyone's drink as fast as we possibly can. The guy before you, his drink was made as fast as possible, and same with the guy's behind you. We aren't going to bump you up in line. In fact, because you asked, I'm gonna take a little extra time on your drink to make sure I get it just right. If you have ever asked for this rushed special treatment, trust me, it will come out slower.

That was the worst part of my job. Some days it would be only one or two of those types, and that is nothing, but other days I would also have to tell the homeless man outside to leave because he was honking a blow horn at the customers leaving the store. He left willingly, but he also left his satchel of bagels and pastries, his blow horn, huge pastry crumbs all of the patio, his other bag full of shit. . . And I had to clean it up.

But those were the good ol' days, because my new job is worse. Retail sales. I am a salesman. I work at a boutique that sells trendy clothes. That isn't necessarily a criticism, that's just what it is, and that is exactly what I am not. There is not one item in the store that I would purchase and wear. And I have to sell this shit. It is hard. I do it, because it is my job, it is what my boss asks me to do, so I do it. But I am lying through my teeth and hating every minute of it. And my shifts normally start at 3 o'clock and end at 9 o'clock. My day is gone; It didn't even start. I don't have any time anymore, even though I am working less than I used to. However, I am glad I took the job, or I would not be able to pay rent this month. Well, I am still a few dollars shy, but tomorrow I'm gonna try to sell my serger back to the place I bought it from (I hope they'll take it because its broken). So I took this job out of desperation, and now I have to get a second job, so I can eat and stuff.

I just secured that second job today. It's a coffee shop. Oh my god, yes! I didn't think I would ever be so happy to work at another coffee shop again. Man, if I can just get enough hours there, then so long retail sales, so long flowey shirts, flip flops, maxi dresses, and drawstring cropped pants. I can get back to normal life. Serving coffee and making dresses. And figuring out how to make a living just making dresses.

Because of that news, today was the first day I have felt stress-free in a month. I needed a fresh start, so I decided to clean my studio, and I mean really clean. I got as far as wiping off all the dust off of everything. It is so dusty in there! And I started to get rid of shit like rolled up paper patterns that I know I am never going to unroll again, tiny bits of fabric that I saved for who knows why, empty spools of thread lost in the corners of boxes, and all of my vintage patterns. Yep, that's right.

These patterns are just sitting in a bin, and I know I'll never use them. I have looked at them from time to time, but nothing more than that. For a while I fancied myself a collector, but that's not me, I don't collect, I am not a pack rat. If something is not directly useful then I have no need for it, and I have no remorse in parting with it. And I know that people would actually use these patterns, whereas I don't. So starting tomorrow (hopefully if I get around to them all) they will be for sale in my Etsy shop. I think I'll sell the factory folded ones for about $3 or $4, and all others for $1. So get them while they're hot ladies! And if they're not hot by tomorrow, then check back, and I should have them up by the end of the week.

Good night.

Oh, and P.S.

I want to thank my Mom for giving me some money this month, without which I could not have eaten the foodlings that I did.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

2009-07-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Goin to see these guys on Tuesday in LA.

Yeah.

Man, Stripes.

2009-06-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

I can't really tell what is going on with the bottom of the dress, but the top would be brilliant as a yoke with a more 50's silhouette on the bottom. And I mean something pouffy.

Pff, that is so cool. I'm inspired now, but I have quite a few unstriped fabrics at the moment, and few custom jobs to do, so experimenting with stripes will have to wait.

Flowers? or Balloons?

2009-06-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

I finished another dress that is also for sale, and I really really like it!

My first idea with this fabric was to make a boat neck top with short kimono sleeves, but it just didn't work out. The composition of the dress would have been off: the white would have had more weight than the blue. Plus this fabric isn't very wide, so toward the top of the dress the flower balloons would have been upside down.

When I had the top figured out, I knew immediately that there had to be buttons down the front. I was hoping to find heart shaped buttons in yellow or white (sewn on with yellow thread) to match the heart shapes in the print, but none could be found. I went with yellow round ones, which match the yellow in the dress quite well.

This dress has all the Sugardale trademarks: 100% cotton, 2 deep pockets, and a self covered belt. And it can be worn with my favorite red shoes.

There are more pictures in my etsy store or on my flickr page.

Mesa College Fashion Show 2009

2009-05-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is how I felt after the fashion show:

Hours before this event I had 2 custom items to complete--a pair of men's pants and a dress (both for which I am awaiting pictures)--and I barely finished. The day before, I finished the pants, but I still had a lot to do on the dress, so I stayed at the studio quite late. The next day (fashion show day) I had to do laundry, do the last finishing touches on the dress, and make it to the hotel for the show by 1:30. Well, I woke up at 5 to do laundry, got to the studio around 7:30, finished the dress and part of the belt by 11:30. At which time she came to pick it up, but I wasn't done with the belt. (Ah, crap!) So she took the dress, and I told her I would have the completed belt early the next morning. So I went home with about 1/3 of a belt done, and had just enough time to shower, get ready, and eat. I made it to the hotel at 1:45. (Thanks for the ride Kate)

I still had to sew the belt buckle for this girl's dress, so I brought a needle and some thread to the fashion show to sew while I was waiting in line with other models to get my makeup done. The show didn't start until 7:30 so I had enough time to finish.

I didn't need to get my hair done for obvious reasons. But makeup. I don't wear makeup so when the makeup artist asked me what I wanted I said, "Something natural, not too much, no foundation, and I am going to be wearing my glasses anyway." She replied, "Natural. So no eye shadow?" "No. . . well maybe very little." I think she put purple, of all colors, on my lids. "Do you have to wear your glasses?" "Yeah, I'm pretty blind." "You sure you can't go without them?" "Jesus Christ! Yes I am sure!" Then she threw on some blush, then some more powder, some eyeliner, mascara. Geez, did I really need all of this? "How about red lips?" Hm, red lips would go with the 50's style dresses I would model, "Ok, sure." For the next 2o minutes it was red pencil, red lipstick, more pencil, wiping some off, more lipstick . . . All the while, there is a mirror in front of me, but all I could see was messy blurs of color. So when I was finished, I put my glasses on and took a good look at myself. Eh, I wasn't into it.

I just can't pull off those red lips, and there was too much eyeliner. And all that mascara just weighing down my already sleepy eyes. Whatever. This is the last time I model. (I had vowed that once before, but this time I meant it.)

Other than the makeup, and being tired, it was a good night. I won some awards. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards are given in each category. I had 4 outfits in 4 different categories.

This got 1st place:

This got 2nd:

and this got 3rd:

This one didn't make the cut. Oh well.

And here's a video of me on the runway. Enjoy it, because this is the last time I do any more runway modeling.

My mom, aunts, and little sister were there to see me, as well as a few friends, and my boyfriend. So that was cool. I think that my family and friends enjoyed seeing me on the runway, so in that case, I am glad I modeled. Everything fit me perfectly anyway.

After the show, I went home to change and get rid of that terrible makeup. I don't have makeup remover, so it took me three tries with body wash. Then, back to the studio because I still had to finish the belt. The buckle was done, but I still had to cover the belt backing, and attach the buckle to it. About an hour later, I was done. Then Mikey and I went to eat some burritos at Santana's. A few friends happened to be there, so we sat and talked with them. Got home late, then woke up at 6:30 to be to work at 7. Got off at 2 and finally, sleep.

Border Prints!

2009-05-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to make some dresses out of this stuff:

They will definitely be full skirted, 50's inspired dresses. And when I have them made, they will be for sale in my etsy store.

I have some custom stuff to finish for a few people first, though. But be ready.

The Summer of '67

2009-05-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

My friend and I get together every Sunday and watch old movies. Last week we watched Rosemary's Baby, and I got inspired. I had to have a 60's shift dress! So I made one, and I might just wear it every day this summer.

You can have one, too, if you want one. It is for sale! Custom sized to fit only you (or a bunch of other people your size).

And after getting fabric, returning it, and then getting some more. This is finally for sale, too:

I know I still have to post about my fashion show, but I was too excited about this stuff, so I'm gonna put that off for a little while. Soon though.

I'm back baby!

Stop Your Complaining

2009-04-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to get going on etsy. My first order of business was to buy a lot of black cotton sateen for the jumper that I want to make and sell. So I have been navigating the swatches of fashion fabrics club, fabric.com, trim fabric, and J&O fabrics. I found some black cotton sateen at fashion fabrics club, ordered and paid for 25 yards, only to receive an email a few days later saying they were out of it. So when I get my money refunded I am going to order some from fabric.com, but only after I receive my sample swatch in the mail. (It is impossible to purchase fabric online without feeling a swatch of it first).

For example, I ordered a sample swatch of poly/cotton gingham from trim fabric, which wasn't too hot. To be honest, I haven't been too impressed with trim fabric anyway. Today, I just received my sample swatch of poly/cotton gingham from J&O, and it is a lot better. So I am going here for my gingham, there for my sateen, and somewhere else for my buttons, basically I am waiting very impatiently for a bunch of sample swatches to come in the mail. When they do come and if I am impressed by them, I can really only order one thing, make one design, hope to sell it, and then order some more stuff with the money I make on that. Unfortunately, I don't have hundreds of dollars to drop on yards and yards of different fabrics. I really only have one hundred dollars to spend right now on one bolt of fabric.

Another difficult thing is having a clothing business based in San Diego, because there aren't that many fabric stores here. It isn't like LA or New York where they have entire districts dedicated to fabric, so I am stuck with purchasing online. I think in the future I might drive up to LA from time to time. Which presents another huge problem: I don't have a car anymore.

Yeah, my car died. It was too much money to fix, so I donated it to NPR. I wasn't sad to see it go, I didn't really like it, and it was always giving me trouble anyway. But not having a car is pretty hard to do in San Diego, where things are so spread out.

So here I am with 3 dress designs in my head, but no fabric yet to make them with, no car to drive to any fabric stores, no fabric stores to even go to anyway, nothing to post about, and I've got a cold. Bleh.

Oh, and I think I am growing another knob, next to my big toe. God, my feet suck.

The Mesa College Fashion Show

2009-04-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Click image for a larger, readable view.

I will be showing 4 outfits in this show. The striped suit, and those three pouffy dresses.

If you would like to come, I have tickets to sell. Let me know.
Email: sugardaleclothing@gmail.com

Petticoat Tutorial: The Really Fast Version . . .

2009-04-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

( . . . And by fast, I mean the tutorial itself, not the making of the petticoat.)

So this is the petticoat I made to sell on etsy, (which I will have up for purchasing in a few days):

I am going to make this one to sell instead of the other one, because it is faster to make, and a little easier too.

Anyway, I thought I would show you how I made this one, just in case you would rather use this method.

Step 1: Follow steps 1-7 on my previous tutorial, using tulle, and skipping all the ribbon stuff. Basically make the petticoat, you just don't have to do any finishing. (Yeaah Man!)

Step 2: Get some eyelet fabric with a scalloped edge. (I used 3 yards, which I think is a pretty good amount.) The scalloped edge will be your hem, so cut the length of this the same length as your petticoat. Sew the one seam, leaving the top (6-9 inches) open. This amount should equal the length of your top tier of the tulle petticoat, that should also be left open like this (but without the ribbon, of course):

(this photo taken from my previous tutorial)

Step 3: You should have some eyelet fabric left over (my petticoat is 21" long, and the eyelet fabric I used was 45" wide), so take that and cut another layer that is your hip measurement plus 10". Make this layer 1" shorter than the tulle. For the hem, you can just use the selvage of the other end of eyelet fabric. (Yes, I don't have to finish any hems!) Sew one seam, leaving the top of this open as well.

Step 4: Make a waist band. I chose to do a simple 1" waistband, that is about 3" longer than my waist measurement (the same idea as the previous tutorial.)

Step 5: Gather all three layers into the waistband. The skinny one on the bottom, the tulle in the middle, and the pretty scalloped one on the top. And finish it with your preference of closing devices. I chose buttons.

Step 6: Sew all three layers together at the opening, or you could put a zipper in it, or some snaps. I just left it open, because it is going to go under a skirt anyway.

So that's it. Putting a layer of cotton between your legs and the tulle will prevent you from getting itchy, and putting the eyelet fabric on top finishes the petticoat and makes it look quite nice.

I hope that gets the point across. I don't have the time to go into detail like I did with the first tutorial. I think that was a one time deal.

Sewing and Dancing

2009-04-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

I may have mentioned a while ago, that I have taken some swing dancing classes, but I haven't been going for quite some time. Well, when I was dancing more regularly, I invited my friend Kate, who invited her sister, Liz to take some classes. Kate and I don't really dance much anymore, but Liz is dancing all the time, entering contests, and even teaching some classes herself. Pff. . . Well, Liz, knowing I can sew, asked me to make her and a group of girls some skirts for a dance performance on the eve of '09. I did, and one of the ladies I made a skirt for, wanted a dress for her 5th anniversary party, and asked me to make it for her. She had a vintage pattern, and the fabric, so I just had to do a few fittings and sew it up for her.

She also asked me to work the door of her party and to ask a friend (I asked Kate) to help. The party was held at the Air and Space Museum, which I thought appropriate, because one of the exhibits there involved Charles Lindbergh, who "hopped" over the Atlantic, and thus named the dance that most people were doing at the party: The Lindy Hop. The many swing dancers that were invited, were encouraged to dress up in vintage, so I got to see some pretty cool outfits, and do a bit of dancing myself. It was fun. I didn't get a lot of pictures because we were working the door most of the time, and dancing the rest.

So here is Susan and me. She is in the dress I made for her, and I am in my most recent design, which is coming to etsy soon. I am just waiting on some sample swatches I ordered online, because I can't rely on the few fabric stores here to have enough of it.

Take THAT, tote!

2009-04-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed to say that this is the tote that I have been carrying around for far too long:

You can tell that this thing is on its way out. The bottom is fading badly, and so are the straps. When I made this, I thought it would be cool to have a little bit of brown showing at the top. And I decided this after a I had the whole thing sewn together, so I had to pull the brown lining out a little, and then sew around the top again. This resulted in the lining being shorter than the dot fabric, which caused it to fold, and basically look like crap. But I kept carrying it, and I don't know why.

Before this, was another tote that I got from Strand in New York. Why do I always resort to the tote? I hate totes. I even hate that word. So why did I ever carry one? Well, I also hate purses. Floppy leather things with studs and rhinestones, or worse: expensive logos, that are a distraction more than anything. I would feel more uncomfortable holding one of those than this ugly thing.

There are some vintage purses I like. Something sleek and simple, perhaps black patent leather? But can I really carry that around when I am wearing jeans and some sneakers? Or even a casual cotton dress? No.

So today I threw it out, and am now tote free. Yes.

I am down to a card holder, a phone, and keys, which other than a little notebook were the only contents of this tote anyway. I just have to pocket everything; my jeans have pockets, so do all the dresses I have made, so I think I'll manage just fine.

Three dresses. One petticoat. All black and white.

2009-03-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

So here they are ladies and gentlemen. Some of the designs may look familiar (I had to modify some old patterns, because I didn't have a lot of time to make these before the fashion show.)

When I set out to make these, I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I went to the swap meet in National City because most fabric there is $1-$2 a yard. I got lucky and found the polka dot chiffon, and all the satin fabric there. I did have to go to a fabric store for the lace, though.

I think these are some of the best things I have made so far. It makes me want to design only really pouffy dresses. (Like maybe a white dress with big red polka dots, and a huge, fluffy red petticoat, or something blue with a matching petticoat, or yellow stripes with a yellow petticoat and cherry red shoes . . . oh the possibilities.)

Anyway, all of these photos were taken, cropped, and shopped by my man, at the warehouse that our studio space is in. These are just a few that I really liked, and thought best represented the dresses. If you want to see all (about 50) of them Mikey has put them on his flickr page.

Enjoy.

On the one above, you can kind of see this dark splotch above my left wrist. That was where I burned myself with some piping hot water (ouch!), and the reason these took so long to get done.

This photo (above) is one of my most favorites.

If you look at this one (above) but only focus on the bow and up, it starts to look like the front of my body without a head, but with neck hole and everything. It's a little creepy, which is the main reason I chose to put this one up.

So that is it on here. You guys should really see the rest of them, because there are a lot more that are just as good, or better.

I think all these dresses just make it in the practical, wearable category of clothing. They are not "wearable art" which is almost unwearable anyplace but a runway, but they are not quite every day items. I think they can work for just the right occasion, and I will certainly wear them on any such occasion that arises.

And my teacher said that I could put them in the school's fashion show, that is coming up on May 15. Yeah!

I keep thinking that the satin sashed one is my favorite, but then I look at the other two and change my mind. I know that the construction of the lace one is the best (and you can only tell by looking on the inside), so that puts it higher on the list for me, but then the polka dot one is just so cute. God, I don't know. Which is your favorite -dress? -photo? -pose?

Excuses

2009-03-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

A few of my previous posts have been promising more pictures of those pouffy dresses I made, and some designs for etsy, but well I got off to a rocky start.

I was hoping to get some photos last Friday or Saturday, but the Monday previous, I burned my arm pretty badly. And by photo shoot Friday, it was really gross, and blistery, and juicy, and now it is really crusty, and bumpy, and brown. So I think I will hold off for one more weekend and spare all of you. I think by next weekend it will be a pink scar with minor flaking, and will hopefully be somewhat presentable.

As for etsy, well. . . A while ago I went to school to copy all of the slopers that they had. I copied sizes 6-20, and with each size, the difference between the bust and waist measurements is 10 inches. That, to me, seemed like a lot. I myself have only about 7 inches difference between the two, as well as a few of my coworkers whom I've measured, and a lady that I am currently making a dress for. So I decided to throw those slopers out (well I just haven't copied them to manilla paper yet), and went on a quest to find some new ones. I found a pattern, which has a bodice and a skirt both with one dart at the waist and one bust dart on the bodice, which is exactly the type of sloper I need to start with. So I bought three of these patterns, each containing three different sizes, with measurements that I think are more suited to the current female body than the ones at school, which I believe to be a little out dated.

I am curious if I have made the right move, though. I was wondering if all you ladies could measure your bust and waist (you can throw your hips in too, if you want) and post them in the comments of this post. That way I can do a little sample to see which slopers I should actually use. I might even find that I need both. I'll see with your help. Thanks.

Pouffy Peek

2009-03-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, my teacher asked me if I would take part in a little fashion show (which happened on Wednesday). The show was for a women's group that usually donates to my school's fashion show at the end of the year. I, of course, said yes. She said I could show past school projects or anything else that I had made. But why show old stuff? I think that with any opportunity, you should always be producing something new, because it will usually be better than your last, and new work will keep you moving forward to the next project and the next. So I made three new dresses. I did use one old thing. This 10 layered petticoat. Remember it?

I changed all that silver ribbon to white, and made three black and white dresses to go with it. Here is a little peek of one. All these dresses deserve cute poses, in a cool place, not my apartment. I haven't taken those yet, so this is all you get for now. Be expecting photos soon.

2009-02-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

Alright, I finished this dress:

This plaid fabric dictated the pattern I decided to make. I chose small pleats instead of gathers because they were very easy to fold with all of the plaid guidelines. And I chose to do a dirndl skirt instead of an A-line skirt*, that way the hem would end on one line. I added a little interest to the plaid by cutting the pockets and the straps on the bias so the lines run diagonally.

I crossed the straps, because well, it's cuter that way. I had originally planned to make a belt, but the three buttons up the back were all this really needed.

When I go to vintage clothing stores, I often look at the way garments are constructed, and I saw a dress that had buttons and snaps similar to this:

I really like this dress. It's simplicity reminds me of Claire McCardell. Although, I don't know if she would actually put buttons in the back of a dress, because they might need some assistance to button. I can get in and out of this thing by myself, so maybe she would approve.

I am ready to wear this thing, but it isn't quite warm enough yet. (I was freezing when I took these photos.)

*For those of you who don't know, the pattern of a dirndl skirt is a rectangle where one end is gathered to the waist, and an A-line skirt pattern is shaped like an 'A'.

Studio and some other stuff

2009-02-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

When I first started sewing I was in my Mom's room on a little machine, on a little table, in a little corner. When I moved out, I upgraded to a new (but crappy) machine on a little desk, in a little room. Then I moved in with my boyfriend and bought a Bernina Activa 210 (which I love) and sewed on the kitchen counter. Remember this? That's me in on the kitchen counter, with books at my feet, no place to put patterns, probably some pasta or something not far away, it sucked.

Ahh, but that is no more. I now have a great sewing machine, on a big table, in a big corner. I have shelves, a little rack to hang my patterns on, a mirror, a mannequin.

It is great! However, it does cost money. So I am going to start selling some custom sized skirts and dresses on Etsy. Hopefully that will be going by March 1st.

On the left in the photo is my latest design. I wanted a dress that I could wear sneakers with, and I had this fabric left over from a draping project so this is what I have come up with. It's not done yet.

I am liking it so far, and I was hoping this would be one of my designs to sell on etsy, but I went back to the fabric store and there was only about 1 yard of it left. If they can't order more, then I have this idea to use some really cool fabric from Ikea. I'll have to see if it will work as a dress though because it is upholstery fabric. So we'll see. . .

This fabric on the other hand,

will work great as a dress or skirt. This is the only stuff I bought in New York. I could have bought a few more things, and trust me there was sooo much there that I wanted to buy, but I didn't have a lot of money. I bought 10 yards of this with the intention of making several dresses out of it for selling. So what do you guys think? Might you see a dress made of this, and think I want it? If so check sugardale.etsy.com in the near future, I'll have a design soon.

That Wool Dress

2009-02-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting more about the dress I made to wear in New York because I have been busy moving all of my sewing stuff to a studio. Yeah, that's right, I have a studio to sew in! Oh my god! More on that later, though. . .

Here it is:

Since I didn't have any dresses that were appropriate for the weather, I decided to make this wool dress. I basically had the pattern made, I just modified this dress, adding lapels, and changing the sleeves, which I also had a pattern for, so the pattern making part was fast and easy.

The most difficult part was sewing the lapels. This was my 4th time sewing notched lapels, and I think the process is finally etched into my brain, and I don't think I'll need the book next time.

The book I am talking about is called Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket. While it is for tailoring, there are some really good pointers for sewing, fusing, lining, vents, pockets. . . I highly recommend buying it.

Anyway, the lapels:

Oh and this belt buckle was the easiest one I've ever sewn. Before I would hand stitch the entire thing, starting at at one side and stitching all the way around. This time I stitched all the straight sides first, then went back and stitched the corners last. If any of you sew belt buckles, this is the way to do it, unless you already did it this way, then you were ahead of me. But man, it was so much faster and easier.

And if you don't know how to cover your own belt buckles, and would like to, this issue of Threads taught me how.

And the sleeves:

I've made this same sleeve before (on this dress-which is almost the same design, but wasn't my size), but here it is easier to see the inverted pleat. To get that sharp point on the cuff, I just ironed the seam allowance down, and top stitched the whole thing on.

This dress, unlike all my others doesn't have pockets. I had every intention of including pockets, but when I went to cut the pieces out, I didn't have enough fabric. It is an easy fix though. I just have to open up the side seams, and sew a couple in. I'll get around to that one day.

Lookin Good

2009-01-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

So here is a little photo of my man and me at Robert Irwin's opening at Pace in New York.

I made the dress, and found the hat at a vintage store the day before. I'll post more about the dress when I take a couple more photos for better viewing purposes.

Really Tiny Sweaters

2009-01-27T15:32:00.001-08:00

So, I don't knit, but I know a few readers of this blog do, so this is for you guys.

Pretty cool.
Here's the trailer for Coraline:

Janvier

2009-01-05T15:16:00.001-08:00

Oh man, I am pretty excited that January is here, but not because of the new year and all that crap. But because I am going to New York for a few days. YES! I think I've made all the necessary preparations for the cold weather. For example:

I feel pretty cool in this. I also got some other cool wintery things: combat boots lined with gore-tex, that coat I pictured previously, some leather gloves, and I guess that's it actually.

My main goals on this trip, are to eat some good food, see some good art, maybe throw a few snowballs, and buy fabric, fabric, fabric. Yeaaaah man!

Oh and another good thing about January: the season premier of Lost. Holy shit, I am ready for some questions to be answered. If you haven't gotten into Lost, I suggest you do (you can watch them all online). Start from the beginning, and try to avoid all spoilers.

Fun with Stripes

2008-12-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

As you all know I have been in school. My last day was the 17th, and I am just now getting around to posting. (Sorry.) My problem was, when I was done with my draping final, I didn't get a chance to take a picture of my outfit on the dress form at school. I was hoping to get a hold of a friend who I think might fit into it, but alas, she could not be reached. So I did the ol' retail trick and pinned this thing onto my mannequin which is far smaller than the dress form I was working with all semester. So here it is:

I will say that stripes are very fun to play with. And I enjoy the challenge of matching them all up, which I think I did a pretty good job of.

Check out the button closure in the back. Yeah, that's right, even the buttons match the direction of the stripes.

I wanted the buttons to fall exactly on center back, but I also wanted the stripes to meet at a perfect matching angle at center back. That won't happen if you just extend the button hole side and overlap the other. So I created a separate button extension that matched the stripes of the opposite side, and I kept parts of the seam open for the button to go in. My teacher told me this little trick, so thank you Mrs. Marx!

And I like to make the inside of my creations as pretty as the outside, so I took some time and used Hong Kong finishes on the seams of the skirt, and I used some lace hem tape.

There are of course, some imperfections that I must fix before the school's fashion show, which will be sometime in June 2009. First of all the lining is a little tight on the peplum and it is causing the striped fabric to lay weird, and I will cover the belt buckle, I just didn't have time to so before the project was due.

So that's it. Too bad it doesn't fit me. Maybe someone will like it enough to buy it at the fashion show. Well see in a few months.

I am going to be starting a lot of projects soon, like 6 skirts for 6 girls who are doing a swing dance performance on New Year's Eve, some simple dresses for work, so I can get rid of my jeans, reupholstering a chair, and finally a couple of suits for my friend and boyfriend. That should give me enough posting material until summer.

Hooves Part I

2008-11-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

I've been noticing a lot of women wearing really really long pants. Too long. I see them everywhere, the grocery store, school, art shows. I don't know whose fault is is, but there must be someone to blame for this disgusting look. I'll put partial blame on J-Lo. Although, I am sure she isn't the only celebrity sporting hooves, she was just in the first page of google images, so I went with it.

I am guessing that under those hems she has some--possibly cute, and definitely expensive--shoes, so why hide them? She's gotta have a full length mirror and a tailor, right? Because J, you look like a two-legged centaur.

Get your pants fixed. You're encouraging other ladies to wear this, and then I have to see it, and it makes we want to puke all over the place.

New Coat, New Shoes, New Apartment

2008-11-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

I went to Burlington Coat Factory yesterday in search of some slippers, and I found this. Well, Mikey found it. It was missing that button when I bought it, a simple fix, and 10% off.

I also found these:

And we moved into a new apartment. More space, free street parking, a little farther from downtown. Ahh, it is nice, but we still have some unpacking to do, as you can see. . .

Oh yeah

2008-10-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

I mentioned last week that I was going to make an easy skirt for Mikey's
art show, and well, I did. Here it is:

And here is the fabric up-close:

It looks vintage, but it's not. I happened upon this at Joann's, in their red tag section, meaning there was only about a yard left. The pattern was so great that I had to buy it. Luckily, there was just enough for a skirt, and I still have a little left over so I am going to make a white shirt with the collar and cuffs in this fabric for a more complete outfit (someday).

Making was fun, but now back to school work. . .

Cute

2008-09-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Plums

2008-09-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been into peplums. They can be done really wrong though, but when they are done right, they look very nice. My favorite part about them is they look really good with a belt, and I love belts. Simple belts of course, no more than 1 1/2" wide, no huge designer buckles, and no studs or rhinestones. That can be another post altogether, but you get the idea.

Some good ones:

I don't like this one:

I hate this entire blouse. Too many ruffles! And I don't like that little bit of visible belly either. I don't like the midriff, or even a little snapshot of it. I don't mind a little skin--short skirts, short shorts, décolletage, backless dresses--sure, but the midriff, it just isn't classy.

I have a design idea for a peplum suit. Actually, I have a really ambitious goal involving two men's suits, one for each of my roommates, and two women's suits, one I described here, and the peplum, and possibly presenting them as a line in the fashion show at Mesa College, but we'll see.

I'm not currently working on any projects; too much homework. If I have time, I might make an easy skirt for Mikey's art show coming up on Saturday:

The Perfect Shoe

2008-09-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't exercised for quite some time. I think its been about 6 months, maybe more. So lately I've been feeling like a turd. I've been debating for about a week if I should get a gym membership, because there is no exercise I like more than swimming, and a gym membership is my only way of gaining regular access to a pool. All this debating was done whilst I waited to get paid, but now that I've got my paycheck, I'm thinking I don't want to pay a start up fee, the first and last month fees. Half my paycheck would be gone. (Ok, half is an exaggeration, but, still its a lot of money.) Then I would have to make the inconvenient drive to the nearest 24hour fitness with a pool, drive back home smelling of chlorine--I'd rather not shower there, because then I would have to bring soap, and another towel, and clothes to change into, so I gave it up.

Instead, I've decided to take advantage of the free ground just sitting around outside, and be a man and just run. But I don't even have running shoes, so a I gotta buy a pair of those. The idea of buying some ugly puffy shoes makes me sad, so in addition I am buying these.

I already own this exact pair, and have for about 2 years, but I just damaged the right heel. I wore these to the Thread Show, and when I am talking to people I don't really know I have a tendency to put my weight on one heel and rock a little. I'm fidgety when I have to small talk. Anyway, either I put to much weight on the heel or I was rocking too hard, and I knocked the heel loose. I could just take it to a cobbler, and I eventually will, but someday these things will become unwearable, and when they do I'll have a backup.

Fortunately for me I don't care about trends, so in 5 years I can wear this same pair of shoes and think "This is the perfect shoe!" They're red, round toed, cute, comfortable, they accommodate my knobs, and they go with just about anything.

This style is about 2 years old, so there aren't that many sizes left, but if you are a lucky size 7.5 or 8, you can purchase them here, or in black in a few more sizes here.

Learning Music and Fashion

2008-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

This sums up what my mind is occupied on:

(Music and fashion, not dancing)

So I am in school again. This will be my last year. Oh god YES! This semester I am taking six classes. Designing through draping. Designing on a dress form makes me feel like a real designer. It's fun. I am also taking a fashion sketching class, which isn't as fun for me. It's just going to take a lot of practice to get good, and I am not getting any enjoyment out of it yet. Maybe I will when I am more practiced, we'll see.

I am also taking three classes I have to take to get my AA. Business Math is one, and I dread that class. The other two I am taking online: World History from 1500 to the present. I like history, so it isn't bad. And the worst one: Intro to Business. Good thing I am taking this online because I am going to try and bullshit the entire course. I didn't buy the book because there is one on reserve in the library. But I checked it out and flipped through it the other day, and I was bombarded with pictographs and flowcharts with shadow effects and marginal tidbits that read "Low carbs and diet drinks can equal fat profits." PUKE. I am going to try my hardest to pass this class without opening the book again.

Aaaaaand, I am taking Basic Musicianship. Which is a class about learning how to read music, and really learning how. I love this class. My professor's name is Igor, which is a good music teacher name. He is great. The class is a lot of work, though. In just two weeks, I have memorized notes on the treble clef, bass clef, and I've almost got the alto and tenor clefs down (which I didn't even know existed). I can play the keyboard with both hands (really simple stuff, of course), and I am getting more and more familiar with the notes on the keyboard, I know all about enharmonic notes, the difference between diatonic and chromatic half steps, I can hear the difference between a half step and a whole step, and I am on my way to knowing major scales, minor scales, dominant seventh chords. . . It is like learning a new language. And the best part is, upon completion of this course I get to take a class next semester where I get to play my clarinet. Cool.

Someday, fashion will be my job, and music will be my hobby.

How to Make a Petticoat

2008-09-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

So a few days turned into over a week. Sorry. Last week was my last chance to be lazy until Thanksgiving break in November, so I watched a couple movies, read Watchmen, and took a few naps. So for those of you who have a sewing machine, some time, and a little patience here is the tutorial, finally:

HOW TO MAKE A PETTICOAT

A few notes to begin:

1. Petticoats should be made from bottom to top.

2. They can have 3 tiers, or 5 tiers, or 7, whatever; the one I am making has 3 tiers.

3. The bottom tier (on the one I am demonstrating) is a total of 8 yards, which is gathered into 4 yards, which is gathered into 2 yards, and that is gathered into my waist measurement.
5. This one can be adjusted for a longer skirt if needed.

6. You should read all of these directions through first, before starting on yours.

7. If you have any questions or suggestions, post them in comments, and I will answer them there as soon as I can.

STEP 1: Things you need

1. 4 yds of tulle or crinoline*

2. About 16 yds of 7/8" ribbon

3. 1/4" twill tape (equal to your waist measurement)

4. 1 hook and 3 eyes, or your preference of closing devices

5. Fray Check**
6. A regular pencil or a fabric pencil, not a marker. If you use a fabric marker and apply Fray Check to it, it will smear and get all over.

*Tulle gets really itchy to sit on, crinoline does not, so I prefer crinoline.

**If you use crinoline you will need to get Fray Check; if you use tulle, none is needed.

STEP 2: Math

How long should your petticoat be?

-It should be 1" shorter than the shortest skirt you plan on wearing it with. Most of my skirts from waist to hem are about 23", so my petticoat will be 22". This way, if I wear a skirt/dress that is 24" from my waist to the hem, I can just wear the petticoat a little lower. And I won't risk it being seen.

How long (vertically) should each tier be?

-So this gets a little tricky. The hem of the bottom tier does not need a seam allowance, as the ribbon is just folded around the bottom. The top of it (the bottom tier that is) will have 1/2" seam allowance (I am used to working with 1/2", if you like 5/8", just use 1/2" it will be a lot easier to do the math). The middle tier will have have 1/2" s.a. on the bottom, and 1/2" s.a. on the top. The top tier will have 1/2" s.a. on the bottom, but no s.a. on the top, that will be finished just like the hem of the petticoat, with ribbon folded over the edge.

Ok, so I want my petticoat to be 22", but I have to take the seam allowances into account. As you can see above I will have a total of 2" in seam allowance (four 1/2" s.a.'s) so that makes 24" total, which is easy 24"/3tiers=8"tiers

Another example: If you want your petticoat to be 24", take 24+2(s.a.'s)=26. 26/3= 8.6666667. I would just round to 8 1/2". In the end your petticoat will be 1/2" shorter, and it won't really make a difference, trust me. Or if that bothers you, you can just add 1/2 to one of the tiers, when you mark them.

So back to my 8" tiers. Keeping all the tiers the same length makes it a lot easier to draw and cut the pieces. But I will end up with a petticoat whose tiers are not equal in length. The bottom tier will end up being 7 1/2'', the middle one will be 7'' and the top will be 7 1/2'' a total of 22". Does that make sense? If it doesn't now, read on and it will.

STEP 3: Drawing, gluing, and cutting

First, I will draw four 8in x 4yd strips. (I will be using my measurements for instructing purposes, so 8" might not be your measurement)

Once those are drawn, go back and put Fray Check on them. Every place there is a pencil mark, Fray Check needs to go.

Then cut them out. Cut two 4 yd strips, cut one 4 yd strip in half so you are left with two 2 yd strips, and then cut a 2 yd strip in half so you have two 1 yd strips.

STEP 4: Sewing and Finishing the seams

Take your two 4 yd strips and sew them together to make your 8 yd bottom tier. Do this using French seams. Here is how to do it (it's kind of hard to see with white thread on white fabric that has no "wrong" side, so this tutorial might be helpful as well):

1. Sew raw edges together using a 1/4" seam allowance, and then trim the s.a. close to the stitch

2. Finger press the seam (you don't have to use an iron because you might melt your fabric; mine is 100% nylon).

3. Fold the pieces of fabric in the other direction. The raw edge is now between the two layers of fabric. Now sew another stitch to the left of the raw edge (that is sandwiched between the two layers).

This is what it should look like:

4. Now edge stitch that little flap down. This is not technically a flat felled seam (like the ones on the inseam of a pair of jeans) but it looks like one. So if this looks kind of like your jeans, then you did it right. Also sewing this down is not part of a French seam, a French seam is left at step 3.

Here is what the final thing should look like:

Do this again to the middle tier (which consists of two 2 yd strips).

Do this to ONLY ONE seam on the top tier. Leave the other seam open, for it will be finished differently.

To finish the open seams of the top tier, fold a 7/8" piece of ribbon around it and sew.

STEP 5: Basting stitches for gathering

Start basting stitches here:

And end them here:

Then start them again here:

And end here:

Each seam, on every tier, should look like this with the basting stitches starting at either side:

Then leave them, do not do any gathering yet.
*Starting and ending the basting stitches at each seam, gives you more places to gather from, which makes it easier, you'll see.

STEP 6: Finishing the hem

Cut a piece of 7/8" ribbon a couple inches over 8 yds long. Fold it over the hem of the bottom tier and pin.

When you get to the end, cut the corners off and fold the last part of the ribbon under to finish it.

Then sew.

STEP 7: Gathering each tier to the next

1. First notch the center point with a little pencil mark between the two seams on all tiers for matching purposes.

2. Pin the top tier to the middle matching seams and pencil marks

3. Gather the bottom tier to the middle, and pin as you go along.

4. Sew with 1/2" seam allowance

5. Finish by sewing a piece of ribbon over the raw edge. (Do this BEFORE gathering the middle tier to the top tier.) Place your fabric in the sewing machine with the bottom gathered tier on the left and the ungathered middle tier on the right of the presser foot.

Place the left ribbon edge just over the seam you just sewed, and edge stitch all the way around.

Then stitch the right side of the ribbon down. Fold the ribbon under to finish the end.

6. Repeat 1-5 to add the middle tier to the top tier. This is what the top tier at the ribboned seams should look like:

STEP 8: Finishing the top

1. Cut a piece of 1/4" twill tape equal to your waist measurement. Gather the top to this.

2. Sew. Make sure the twill tape edge does not go past 3/8". That way when you finish the top with a folded ribbon none of it will show.

3. Cut a piece of 7/8 ribbon about 3'' longer than your waist measurement. Fold this over the top, and sew. Leave the 3" extra hanging passed one ribboned edge.

Finish the ribbon edges by folding them under as you sew.

Almost done. . .

STEP 9: Closures

Sew the hook and the eyes here:

STEP 10: Look it over

Cut all hanging threads, and remove all visible basting stitches.

Now, if you have skirt such as this:

Add the lovely petticoat you just made:

And you get something like this:

YESH!

Also, when you are done with yours, I would love to see it. Send me a picture to sugardaleclothing@gmail.com. And if you want I will post it on my blog (with a link to yours), so you can show it off, because unfortunately all this hard work is just going under something else.

I made another petticoat with tulle and eyelet fabric. Here's a mini tutorial for that one.

Coming Soon

2008-08-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

That's right, my friends. I am making another petticoat. (This is my 4th one.)

This time I am going to photograph every step and show you how to make one of your own.
I am about half way done right now, so be expecting the tutorial in a few days.

Just letting you know.

A Lesson In Runway Music

2008-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now, this is some good music to present fashion by: Sidney Bechet's The Grabtown Grapple

I took a collections class at Mesa College in the Spring of 2007, and that is what I came up with. I am proud of these first designs, but I think that since then I have progressed in both design, and sewing, and have settled into a look that I really love working with.

I had one Fashion Show after this at the Museum of Contemporary Art's TNT, and having modeled for both this one and that, I have decided I don't want to model anymore. I hate wearing make-up, I would rather be the "behind the scenes" person, and I would like to see my stuff walk the runway.

I will have another fashion show coming up in the Spring of 2009 at Mesa College, that so far I will have two pieces in. I might take this same "collections class" independently and create another line again, but we'll see.

For One Night Only

2008-08-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Over a week ago, Mikey and I were asked by Adapta Project--who put on the art show, Dress Me In Paint at Thread--to combine our talents and tastes, and this was the final product:

Pff, good job Mikey. The design was his idea, and he made the backdrop, and the hat, which was some sort of ventilation device he got at The Home Depot, and was square in shape. He cut it and painted the arrow on (nice touch), and the trim around the brim, while I was sewing and resewing metal arrows on the skirt because the thread kept breaking, as it was rubbing against the metal.

Unfortunately, given this thing's size, and our lack of storage space, as well as the currently sagging hem, and busting threads desperately holding on to the arrows, it is doomed. The only thing I am salvaging is the petticoat, which I will eventually use for something else. Even if someone did want this for their own display, I couldn't let them have something that would gradually fall apart. Thus, she will only live in these few pictures.

The Thread Show was just ok. It's not really my style: I don't like current trends, so it is hard for me to judge the apparel there without being totally biased; there was a lot of jewelry there that looked like good quality, but I don't like jewelry (except a string of pearls paired with the right outfit); and there were plenty of t-shirts, but I don't wear t-shirts.

Even though I design and make clothes, I don't feel like I am a part of the "fashion world." And I am by no means a "fashionista" (partly because I hate that term). The fashionista there was swinging her hips, and bobbing her head to the runway music, while I wanted to slit my wrists on the corrugated backdrop Mikey built and let the blood pump out with the soulless beat blaring forth from the runway, and put an end to that music pounding at my ears.

Also, the word "thread" seems like a very loose idea for the event. While I was watching the fashion show, I happened to glance to my left, and I saw this lady whose lips were pealed back up to her gums and whose face was bathed in a bright blue light that was blasting coffee and cigarette stains away from her teeth. You know, just out in the open for everyone to see (trust me it wasn't a pretty sight). Didn't bother her at all though, she just leaned back and wiggled her dirty toes to that terrible music. Weird. "I went to Thread and got my teeth whitened." It just doesn't make any sense.

Nothing there resembled Mikey's and my piece, and since my tastes don't stray to far beyond the aesthetic of our instillation, nothing there really interested me. So aside from hating the music I was subjected to, I am afraid I have to remain opinionless about this one.

Despite all of that, I am glad I did the show, and want to thank Adapta Project for asking Mikey and me to contribute. Even though I wasn't that impressed with Thread, Adapta Project didn't disappoint. Click here for all the other Dress Me In Paint designs.

Ten Layers

2008-08-12T15:58:00.001-07:00

This is what I have so far for Thread:

Currently working on the dress pattern. Of course, this mannequin isn't my size, so had to do some fitting.

More pictures soon. . .

(very soon, this thing is due on the 16th)

I need to make me one of these:

2008-08-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

From one project to the next

2008-08-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am done with school (next semester starts on the 25th though, so I don't have much of a break) and I am done with the Iron Man costume, so what next?

Well my boyfriend and I were asked to combine our talents and tastes and design a "fashion art piece" for the upcoming Thread Show, which is in 9 days and counting.

So when you combine Mikey's art

with my style,

you get something like this:

The dress (my part) will be made of some sort of black material; I haven't found just the right stuff yet. The petticoat of black tulle and silver ribbon at the hem. And those arrows (my man's part) will be aluminum mesh. He is also going to do a sculptural background for the mannequin. Each new piece he does, blows my mind, so I think the finished project will be cool, so we'll see. . .

Anyway, once again, I am going to be quite busy. But I'll be back with a few progress pictures, and of course the final piece. So check back.

A Congregation of Cool People

2008-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Oh Man! ComicCon was fun. I got to see a lot of cool panels. The Lost panel was fun. Damon Lindelof (one of the writers) was wearing a t-shirt that said "TRUST SNAPE" and for those of you that have read the Harry Potter Series, you will understand why that is so cool. I want one. Even though it was nice to see Matthew Fox on the panel, I was really hoping for Michael Emerson. That guy is just great.

I also went to two Costume Design panels. Mary Vogt, who is a costume designer, and was on one of the panels took a picture of me in my Iron Man costume; that was cool. Anyway, all the designers on the Movie Costume Designers panel were very insightful and really excited to talk to everyone in the room. Michael Wilkinson, whom I didn't know much about before the panel had some great visuals for Watchmen. He showed this little video which got me excited about Watchmen and costume designing.

Aaaand my costume:

I thought that I was going to be really hot in it, but my skin was moist all day, and the air conditioning was on full blast, so I was more often cold (which is better than being hot). I got a million pictures taken, was molested by Robin, entered a costume contest with a fellow Avenger, and made it to the top 8, out of about 30 (I think), and met some cool people.

Here's me and Captain America

We are talking about some pretty important Super Hero stuff.

And us with Nick Fury.

Yeah man.

Done!

2008-07-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

I've come a long way since this.

If you were to take this thing apart, you would find 4 lids of 2 different sizes; 5 zippers; 2 covered buttons; some small bits of plastic-cut in 2 different shapes; a push-on light; probably some blood-besides all the main seams, almost everything was sewn by hand (including all 5 zippers, and all 4 lids) and I poked myself a few times; definitely some sweat; about 65 inches of elastic; yards of vinyl, muslin, and thread, of course; several inches of bias tape; enough batting to make a child-size blanket; enough pantyhose to cover both of my knobs; 2 pairs of leggings; some cardboard; and some scotch tape.

Making costumes is serious business.

Just a Little Peek...

2008-07-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Remember how I said I was going to make boots that covered my shoes for the Iron Man costume? Well I tried a pair of those out and they looked really bad, so I ordered a pair of boots with 4" platform heels, instead. Oh god, I hope I don't regret it. Anyway, I got them today, and I'm pretty excited.

To celebrate, I thought I would give you a little taste of the costume thus far.

And this is one of the panels at the Con on Saturday:
4:00-5:00 Costume Designers: Designing for Feature Films— Meet the women and men who are the costume designers on this year's blockbuster films. Panel moderator Mary Vogt (Men in Black, Batman Returns) will talk to fellow members of the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, Michael Wilkinson (Watchmen, 300), Michael Dennison (The Spirit, The Eye), Isis Mussenden (Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian), and Kym Barrett (Speed Racer). Room 3

Cool.

School Days

2008-07-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

So my classroom bears absolutely no resemblance to this:

Just pick out one of these girls (how about that one on the left wearing the black shirt and scarf) and call her me, then put pajamas on almost everyone else, and big sunglasses on a few of the lady's heads, those guys in the back, put them in some sleeveless T's, and that is what my classroom actually looks like.

They all look so respectful, and eager to learn. Well that is nothing like my classroom, that girl in the front on the right (who is now wearing last night's sweat pants, a wife beater with the bra straps showing,--but of course she's got her makeup on; she applied it at all the stoplights on the drive to campus) she is complaining that since Dr. Bond (my world history teacher) has just moved the test back, it now falls on a Monday: "Can we take the test on Wednesday instead? I hate tests on Monday's, now my whole weekend will be spent studying." I'm not kidding. This really happened. It pissed me off so much!

I would like to say I was completely taken by surprise by this remark, but this is the norm! I don't know how the professors put up with this shit. Dr. Bond was of course nice about it. Man, my French teacher from a few semesters ago, who wore a calf length dress to school every day, had this great French accent, and was old and strict looking would have said something like this: "This is not elementary school, we are college students and should act like it," in a condescending, rather mocking tone. God, she was great.

Pleased to Meet You

2008-07-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

On the 5th I was at work (the ol' coffee shop) just hanging out at the register waiting for my shift end, when in walk a group of ladies. The first one ordered a coffee, and for some reason I was studying the pleat in the front of the other lady's dress. And then the wearer of this pleated dress said "Trista?"

Would you believe it! It was Carla of Purly Victorious (who interviewed me a while ago, whose blog I read every day, whom I've exchanged emails and comments with. . .) My mind was blown! It was a pretty big coincidence; she lives in LA and was down here visiting a friend, but of all the coffee shops in San Diego to wander into, well it just happened to be the one I worked at.

It was pretty cool to meet her. Yeah.

Homework and Crap

2008-06-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

So I'm going back to school. I just finished my second week (6 more weeks to go for this summer). By this time next year, I will have an associates degree in fashion design, so that will be cool. Let's see what it will afford me. . .

I am taking two classes so I am pretty busy with school work. Already I have two papers due on the 9th. And I hope to have my Iron Man costume completed by then as well. I just wanted to let you, dear readers, know that I won't be posting as often, as it takes up a lot of my time, and just being on the internet can really distract me.

So I'll post when I can. . .

Just don't give up on me, ok?

Some Tips for Summer

2008-06-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

1. For the fair-skinned, like myself, get a parasol, and use it always.

I really hate the sun, and even more, I hate tans and tan lines. I also hate sunscreen. It is greasy, for best results you should apply it 1/2 hour before sun exposure (I don't have that kind of foresight), and it smells. So my preference is definitely a parasol.

The one I bought is nothing special. It is really just a black flowered umbrella with some lace around the bottom. There are some options out there:

THE REGULAR OL' UMBRELLA

Which is fine because it serves a dual purpose: protection from the rain and the sun. But it's kinda boring.

THE VICTORIAN PARASOL:

Which is just ok. The lace lets too much sunlight in for my pale skin.

THE ASIAN PARASOL

This papery parasol looks like it might not stand up to a gust of wind. Not my type.

THE GOTH PARASOL

Which is my favorite. Minus the shiny dress that probably squeaked when she sat down.

But if I can find this or something like it, I will purchase it immediately.

Walking around with your parasol will be quite fun, I assure you. I love the strange looks me and my parasol get from all the 40-year-old leather chests I pass by. I am the one that should be giving them and their freakishly burnt skin the strange looks. I wonder if they know they look disgusting, have accepted that it is just too late, and keep tanning anyway? Or if they really think that leather skin looks good?

2. Do not wear flip-flops unless you are heading to the beach.

3. Do not go to the beach unless you are wearing a suit like this:

My Baby Jo is a good place to find one like it.

I'm also a fan of the playsuit:

(those are some good pockets)

I think that the more conservative suits are sexier than bikinis. But what do I really know about beachwear? I'm afraid I share Woody Allen's dislike for the beach. I don't like the sand, the sun, the water, and particularly the waves. They scare me.

Parting

2008-06-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Three things I want to get rid of, but can't bring myself to do it:

1. My myspace page. First of all, I don't like the redundancy of "my-my-space page." But I can't just very well say "myspage page," can I? And, "My space page" (pausing between "my" and "space") sounds like I have a page about space (outer space, space in a closet, a parking space, personal space. . .) I've tried to quit myspace a few times, but every time I reach that CONFIRM ACCOUNT CANCELLATION page, I hit "Keep my Account." I tell myself that it is a good way to keep in contact with people. That's bullshit, though. The only contact I am really keeping is occasionally checking friends' pages, just to see that they haven't been on in months either. The only reason I do log on is if I receive an email notification that someone wants me to be their friend. This is either a spammer, or someone I knew from my hometown, that I never talked to when I lived there, and don't intend on talking to now, especially when I visit their page, and their layout is Budweiser-themed, and is accompanied by their repulsive beer drinking photos.

2. The one pair of jeans that I own. To be fair I do wear these to work, and I don't have anything to replace them. But even though they are my "work pants" I manage to wear them outside of work, a lot. I feel like a hypocrite because I hate jeans, yet I wear them almost every day. My problem is: I don't really have any other casual clothes to wear. All of the dresses I have made are pretty dressy, and I like wearing them with heels, but I can't wear heels that often because of my knobs*. And, I haven't found those perfect, comfortable, flats that will go nicely with them (the knobs and the dresses). So the solution would be to make some casual dresses that I can wear with my PF Flyers. But that takes time. So currently, still wearing the jeans, and searching for the right pair of flats.

*"Knobs" is the term I use to refer to my tailor's bunions. I don't like how the word "bunion" sounds. And when I think of what bunion sounds like it means, I picture a puss-filled protrusion of grotesque proportions on and old lady's sandaled foot. Gross. When in fact, it is really just a joint on the big or little toe that sticks out and when it rubs on the shoe, the skin gets irritated, and red, and hurts pretty bad. Basically I need an osteotomy to fix the bone structure of my pinky toe. And that surgery is expensive, even with the insurance I have through my parents as long as I am going to school full time.

My friend GUBBA drew this a while ago. It cheered me up because that was when my feet were hurting so badly that I didn't even want to put on a pair of shoes. For weeks I would go to work suffering in my shoes for 8 hours, then come home kick my shoes off, and not leave the house until I had to work the next day. It was a sad time. . .

What I think is the funniest part about this is how the doctor is touching the knob. And in the last panel I am watching Seinfeld. That's Kramer and Jerry on the TV there. Shelby's a dork. I did notice that she hasn't updated her blog in a while. She is probably too busy rocking out hard on her bass, flinging zombie guts and vampire blood all over the place in her band BRAAIINS!

3. My car. I drive a red, '98 Ford Escort, a hand-me-down from my sister. My car is a piece of shit: the air doesn't work, the breaks are squeaking, its got a tape player, when your in the back seat, you can hear some sort of rattling, there is a slow leak in the radiator, so I have to fill the coolant every once in a while. . . But the shittyness isn't what bothers me, I just hate driving, and I hate maintenance. I don't want to have to change the oil every 3000 miles. I hate washing it; I always count on San Diego's 9-inch average of rainfall per year to do the trick, which it doesn't. Gas prices, of course. Everyone is saying it, but really how am I going to afford gas for much longer? It just comes down to money, I hate spending money on something I don't even like. Oh how I would love to donate my car, not even deal with the hassle of selling it. . . just call NPR and make my contribution my favorite radio station. I wonder how much you get back in taxes for a donation like that?

There are options:

I could take the Trolley, whose tracks don't really take me to places I want/need to go. I guess I could take the trolley to the mall. Alright!! The Mall! I can't even remember the last time I went shopping at the mall.

I could take the bus and reach my destination in about 2 hours.

I could walk. Which I do. Fortunately I live downtown so I can walk the 1.3 miles to work, and a few other places. But most of the places I go are not within walking distance, places like: Trader Joe's, any fabric store, Mitsuwa for some good sushi, school, friends' houses. . .

I could get a bike for the longer distances. For curiosity, I looked into traveling to school by bike, which means no freeways. Google maps said it would take me 28 minutes to go 9.6 miles by car. There are those electric bikes that can go 20 mph, and last for about 18 miles, and recharge in about 4 hours, and of course a scooter, but either one is anywhere from $1000-4000. I don't have that kind of dough.

So I am stuck with my car, and I am stuck with my jeans, and my knobs, and my myspace page. Actually, I am going to visit that cancellation page one more time, just to see. . .

So besides burning my jeans and moving to New York, is there any hope?

Of Blogs and Moths

2008-06-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

For about three hours prior to now, I should have been working on my Iron Man costume, but I read almost all of Mrs. Beavers' blog posts, instead. She says almost everything I want to say, but reading it in her style sounds so much better than how it sounds in my own head. I look forward to her next post, to which I will probably say, "I hate all of these orange-skinned, white women, too!" Mrs. Beavers' commentaries are great. This is the one that sent me on a 3 hour blog binge.

Even though the night is still young, I do have to work at 5:30 in the morning, and I am in that I-have-enough-time-to-start-something-but-not-finish-it-so-it's-better-not-to-start mode. Which is actually just a excuse for being lazy.

I did manage to capture and free a moth that has been hanging around the light in my bathroom since last night. I did the ol' cup and paper trick. I didn't want to get my fingers on those wings, which would have perhaps rendered him flightless, and would have left my finger tips with that silver mothy wing dust. Why does that stuff just come off? Imagine if our skin was like that, you touch someone and you get flaky skin grit all over your palms. Man, it must suck to be a moth. . .

The Golden Compass

2008-06-08T15:24:00.001-07:00

I didn't see The Golden Compass in the theater, regretfully. It had nothing to do with all of the Christian warnings that it was out to destroy God in the hearts of children, but I think it was because a friend saw it and he said it wasn't very good (but I think he read the books).

You can't always rely on your friends' opinions, because I really liked it. I have not read the books, which I now intend to do, but the fans of the book series say that the movie fell short. So without having read the book(s), this is what I thought of the movie:

First of all I love the fantasy genre, I love losing myself in another world. (While I was reading the Harry Potter Series, I had numerous dreams that I was a witch flying around on a broomstick casting spells.) This fantasy is about parallel universes that house other life forms, ones that have souls living inside their bodies, and others that have souls that live next to them as animals, called daemons. And it's also about DUST. What is Dust? We don't know exactly what it is, but the Magisterium, the authority that rules Europe, is worried about it. In fact, the word "dust" is taboo. The story follows a girl called Lyra, who is curious, courageous, and special. She embarks on a quest to find and join her Uncle who is studying this Dust, and encounters many adventures along the way. . .

The story is inventive and has some great ideas, ones that I would like to explore more. Even not having read the book, I could tell that the story moved too quickly in the movie, which isn't surprising given that almost all movies based on books leave little pieces out. Which I can understand; it is hard to pack 300-500 pages worth of story into 2 hours.

The movie is very visually pleasing. It's the kind of movie that is worth seeing on the big screen. And I especially loved the costume design, of course. Everything that Nicole Kidman's character Mrs. Coulter wears is great.

I especially love this suit:

The whole time I am watching this I am thinking what a fun job. Especially with a movie such as this. It is a fantasy set in no specific time: it's not the present, it's not really the future, and it's not necessarily the past. So what do you do when when you need to capture a timeless look? Make it classic. Which is exactly what was done. The clothing looks mostly 20's-40's, decades that I love. So when the movie was over the first thing I did was Googled Ruth Myers. (Here she talks about designing for Compass.) It was no surprise to me that she designed the costumes for the HBO show Carnivale, and film Infamous , both of which I really liked. Carnivale was a great show set in the 30's. Unfortunately it only lasted 2 seasons. Infamous was the story of Truman Capote and his book In Cold Blood. Which I thought was better than the previous year's film about the same story simply titled Capote.

It is unfortunate that Compass didn't get seen by many people--American people that is-- because of the bad press it got about being atheistic and anti-Christian. (Overseas it did well.) I just think that people need to put a little faith in their own Faith. Did Christians really feel that if their children saw this, they weren't going to believe in God anymore? Maybe they did, I guess. I don't know because I am not Christian, so I didn't feel threatened. So who knows? But still, put faiths aside and enjoy a good movie for what it is: a Fantasy.

Also this is interesting:

I saw Prince Caspian in the theater. Eehh. . . the acting was bad, the dialogue sucked, and in contrast to Compass, the costumes were completely boring and unimaginative. But I read a review of this movie on the Christian site crosswalk.com. It is a Christian story, and this was at the end of a review on the site:

CAUTIONS:

Drugs/Alcohol: None.
Language/Profanity: None.
Sexual Content/Nudity: Innocent romantic chemistry between Prince Caspian and Susan. One brief kiss.
Violence/Other: Medieval combat violence (swordplay, kills, etc.) with visual allusions to decapitations (but doesn’t actually visualize it), all set in a fantasy world.

The decapitation is visualized, there's just no blood. I don't mind violent movies, I was just surprised that it got a PG rating because it was pretty violent.

And I read a review of Compass on the same site and these were the cautions:

CAUTIONS:

Drugs/Alcohol: A bear drinks whiskey.
Language: Mild name-calling.
Sex: None.
Violence: Woman choking a child with magic, slapping a monkey, men dying of arrows, gunfire, explosions. A bear fight with the antagonist bear having it’s jaw ripped off.
Worldview: Mystical. Magic is “normal.” The church is an evil threat. “Daemons” are helpful.

The violence in Caspian is downplayed, while in Compass, they mention slapping a monkey. It's a bit skewed.

I'm just saying. . .

Cutting

2008-06-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

So I have most* of my pattern pieces cut out. YES! Cutting is my least favorite part of the process, so now that it's done I feel some relief.

*I still need to cut out the gloves, the arm bands, the light band, and the helmet (which is still in the brainstorming phase).

Each piece has three layers: vinyl, batting, and muslin, so it took a while to cut out. I have 14 main pieces. So 3layers x 14pieces + cutting on the floor = my back hurts.
But now the really fun stuff starts. . .

Stick around. I'll be back.

Gloves are not that fun to make.

2008-05-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

When I first set out to make some gloves, I went to a few on-line tutorials that explained how to do so. Well they were no good, not enough pictures or descriptions. So I turned to this pattern:

I chose view G (the blue ones in the upper left corner) because I will have to make the least amount of Iron Man modifications to those. Which include extending the cuff the length of my forearm, adding a zipper, and stitching horizontal lines that will run around the forearm cuff.

The instructions were intimidating, but once I cut all the pattern pieces out and started sewing, everything fell into place. (Although, they weren't hard to make, they were frustrating.) So I finished all the sewing, turned them right-side-in and:

Notice how the circulation in my index finger is completely cut off? I feel like it's in one of those Chinese finger traps. And the next two fingers? How did they get so bubbly? Either there are some inconsistencies in the pattern, my fingers are abnormal, or I made a mistake. Whatever the reason, I've got some adjusting to do . . .

CHALLAAANGE!!

2008-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

The content of this post has nothing to do with this video except for the fact that when I hear or think the word "challenge" I think, "CHALLAAANGE" and think of this funny video with Bill Cosby and Sandman Simms and his badass dancing! So enjoy this little video first, then read on.

I was in the middle of Tales of Suspense #46, and the Crimson Dynamo was just about to electrocute Iron Man when my boyfriend interrupted me and proposed a little challenge, "You should make an Iron Man costume and wear it to Comic-Con. I'd like to see what you could do using fabric."

"CHALLAAANGE!" I thought. As I continued to read,--Iron Man, of course, uses his transistor power to create a force field and therefore shields himself from the Crimson Dynamo's electrical onslaught--I started to think about what the costume should look like, and how I am going to pull of an iron suit without any iron at all. . .

My interest in Iron Man and comics is quite recent: After seeing Iron Man in the theater I really got into the story. So I ordered Essential Iron Man Vol. 1, and a few days later my boyfriend bought Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 for me. YES!

Comic-Con is less than two months away, and I think I have a pretty good start already:

I've drafted the patterns, made a test sample of muslin, and perfected it. I haven't figured out the helmet yet, but I have some ideas. Currently I am working on the gloves, and soon the boots. I was going to purchase some red go-go boots for a sexier Iron Man look, but common sense set in. There is no way I will be able to walk around this huge convention center dodging thousands of other people while wearing heels, and not get pissed off by mid-day. So my idea for those is to make boots that I can put on over a nice comfortable pair of shoes.

So this is what I want the final product to look like:

With a few adjustments of course, the obvious being the material. My costume won't be made of metal. Quite the opposite, for I am going to line red vinyl with some batting so I will actually be quite soft. (Hopefully I won't have to fight any enemies, or I'm doomed.) The bottom is going to be a skirt rather than iron-undies. I am going to have to pee more than a few times at the Con and I don't want to have to take off the whole suit to do so. The belt--which is not going to be functional--is going to sit at my hips and not my waist to make fitting and pattern making easier. And I am going to buy gold leggings from American Apparel, and another pair for my arms as well.

And this is what I've got so far (my muslin sample):

Side pods for spare radio parts (peanut butter lids):

Close-up:
That light* is a high intensity chest beacon that can penetrate walls of blackness! And can be purchased at Ikea for about $5.

*In the movie Tony Stark has to wear the light (can't remember what it is called in the movie) to keep shrapnel from moving to his heart and killing him. In the comics (so far as I am into them, at least) Tony has to wear a chest plate that covers his entire torso keep the heart working. It also has an outlet that he plugs in to recharge. Kind of silly, I know, but 1960's Iron Man isn't aware of all the technological advances of the 21st century.

Now just imagine this all shiny red with gold leggings. With gloves, boots, and a helmet. Oh man! I think it is going to be pretty cool. It's just too bad I won't be able to fly in real life.

And this is how dorky I am:

If you haven't seen the movie or read the comics, then I'll tell you that in the beginning Tony Stark, millionaire playboy, and munitions manufacturer, is taken prisoner by our nation's enemies and forced to make weapons for them, but instead he actually designs an iron suit which protects his life as he makes his escape.

So, while I was working, I pretended that I was Tony Stark making an iron suit. He had to draft some plans; I had to draft patterns. He had to make his iron suit prototype; I had to make a muslin sample. He eventually makes a better Iron Man suit; I will eventually make the final costume. So you can see the similarities. . .

Next ish: Sugardale meets her greatest foes yet . . . A pair of gloves that join forces with some boots to form an unstoppable duo. Don't miss it!

Interviews

2008-05-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Carla of Purly Victorius asked me to do a little email interview, and I complied. The interview is currently up on her page if anyone is interested. And while you're there, check out some of her other posts, they are quite enjoyable to read.

Not only does this interview provide some insight to my mind for all of those unknowing out there, but it also gave me some insight to my own mind. While we all ask ourselves questions and form opinions for ourselves, we don't always get questions that an outsider would like to know. With this interview, I was posed some questions that I hadn't really thought about, and least not consciously, and I really enjoyed being put on the spot to answer them.

So I hope you enjoy it.

The only thing worth saving

2008-04-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

I did some cleaning (and minimizing) not long ago, and among my collection of books I had two fashion magazines. One Vogue of some month of some recent year. The other one, having already tossed it. . . I can't remember, I think it was Vanity Fair. There had to be a reason that I bought them (some cut-out project for school, perhaps?) because I don't care to have a magazine full of shitty clothing ads that suck bad. Well, Vanity Fair did had some cool pictures of Kate Moss made up like Marlene Dietrich, but I have a vintage magazine with the real Marlene. Sorry, Kate. So I leafed through Vogue, and found this:

The only thing in the entire magazine that I ripped out and saved. Ralph did a good job: double breasted, the peak lapels, the plaid, even the scarf and broach. It reminds me of my old lost love: the suit, and my even older lost love: yards of brown and tan wool houndstooth neatly folded in a bin under my bed.

This wool will be something someday, I just need a little more time. I have a few dress ideas I need to get out of my head first. I do have a rough idea of the suit I want, though. It will be a three piece pants suit, with peak lapels, covered buttons, bound buttonholes, functional vents, a breast pocket, (that will hold a red silk pocket square, that will match a red silk tie--both of which I will make myself) cream silk lining with red trim, and the whole thing will be custom tailored. So, I am looking at easily over 100 hours of work, and that's just the jacket. Oh and I want to make a crisp, white, high-collared shirt with French cuffs.

Basically, this will be the suit of a lifetime. And if I do a perfect job, it should last a lifetime.

In the meantime, however, be expecting more dresses from me. Soon.

A new favorite?

2008-04-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

I just finished this one yesterday, and I think it might be my new favorite.

This dress, like all my other poufs, features an invisible side seam pocket, gathered waist, covered belt, and 100% cotton (my specialty). These cute cotton dots were bought online at J&O Fabrics.

(I like the desaturated look of these photos.)

And in true-color:

Matching up all the dots was easier than I had expected. It just required a bit more time; I had to actually pencil in a few dots on the pattern and then line them up with the fabric.

Man, its pretty cute! And I finished it just in time for the Leon Redbone show next weekend.

Maddox Rules. This is why:

2008-03-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Fashion tips for women from a guy
who knows dick about fashion.

Read it. And I suggest checking out some of his other posts.

Jazz

2008-03-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

So this has nothing to do with fashion, but I just bought a clarinet, and I am pretty excited.

You can only listen to Jazz for so long before you want to pick up an instrument and try to play those soulful sounds. I used to play the clarinet in band from 5th-9th grade, so it's been about a 7-year hiatus (which is a long time).

I can still read music, but I don't remember all the fingerings on the ol' clarinet, so I basically have to relearn everything. Plus, back then I wasn't playing Jazz, which is pretty hard to learn because is all about improvising. So, this summer I am going to take a college class for some instruction, which I desperately need. I can't wait to enroll though, oh man!

This is what I want to sound like (which well never happen in my lifetime, but it's something to strive for):

So if I practice every day, 10 years from now, I might be good enough to say, "I can play Jazz." Hopefully, by then I will be able to afford a wooden clarinet. Mine is a student clarinet made out of some kind of plastic. All the pros play on a wooden one.

My Favorite Fashion Designer:

2008-03-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Jitterbug

2008-03-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Oh man! I wish I could go back in time and dance with that handsome man!

Well, after reading the post on Shorpy, I learned they are at some St. Patrick's day celebration (you can see their stupid, little, cut-out, paper clovers pinned to their chests). I don't know what St. Patrick's Day was like back then, but if it was anything like it is now, I probably wouldn't have gone to the dance, and I especially wouldn't have worn one of those clovers. I try not to even acknowledge the "holiday" (even though I am right now) because I hate it!

About two weeks ago I was walking to the post office, minding my own business, and some guy ahead of me waiting to cross the street says, "What is it, like St. Patrick's day or something?" Well, I just happened to be wearing a bright green pair of cropped pants (yes, the ones with the non-functional pockets) and the guy walking near me happened to be wearing a green shirt. I, of course, ignored him, but the other guy fell for it. "Heh, yeah," is about all he said.

What I wanted to say was: "Oh it MUST be St. Patrick's day! Of course, why else would I possibly wear green pants? Yes, I plan all of my outfits according to the holidays. A few weeks ago, on Valentine's Day (another "holiday" I loathe) I wore a bright red dress with pink hearts all over it. No you idiot! It isn't even St. Patrick's day, and you won't see me wearing any green on that day, so keep your stupid comments to yourself!"

I don't even celebrate St. Patrick's day because: I am not Irish, I am not Catholic, and I do not drink! Which, of those three, drinking is actually the only one needed to celebrate this monstrosity. If you drink, then all the sudden on this given day you're a green-wearing, beer-drinking, Irish-kissing leprechaun, out to high-five, and "Whhooo" everybody to death. Tonight, I think I'll stay home with my sewing machine, and put Count Basie on the record player, and avoid all humans if it's possible.

Sorry for the rant. All because some loser commented on my green pants. Actually come to think of it, I was wearing some red shoes. He had his holidays all wrong; he should have asked if it was Christmas! What an idiot.

I Don't Just Design Dresses

2008-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Another outfit I made a while ago, but just now posting.

The shorts are what I am mainly focusing on here, I did make the shirt too, but it's just a shirt, so. . . the shorts:

What I like about these are the pockets; they are deep and functional. Functional pockets are big thing for me, again my hatred for the purse. I bought a pair of bright green cropped Dickies pants the other day, and the back welt pocket is only about an inch deep. What is the point of that? Either spend the extra two cents and make a full pocket, or just get rid of the pocket all together. I must admit, even if there were deep enough pockets to store something in, I wouldn't use them, because the pants are pretty tight. (Ok, maybe I'd put some money in one, but I can't even do that with these one-inchers!) But still save me the annoyance of closing them up and cutting out that useless flap of fabric that is just bunching up on my butt.

Anyway, another thing I like: the hidden zipper. It is in the pocket, you can't see it. I tried to take a picture of it, but it was just a dark mess. Sorry. But trust me, it's a wonderful feature: no fly fronts, no side, or back zipper.

Also the thick waistband and buttons are cool.

And some things I will do differently the next time I make these:
1. I would make them just a little bit shorter. These could actually pass a school dress code, as the tips of my fingers are just above the hem. And I don't need to pass any dress codes.

2. I wouldn't use such thick material. This cotton that I used was just something that I had. It would make a much better skirt (which I am going to use on my next dress design, that, believe it or not, isn't pouffy!)

3. And, I would make a whole outfit out of it. This outfit is good with the matching red polka dot shoes and scarf, but it wasn't my intention when I first set out to make the shorts. Next time I think I'll put buttons on the other side of the waistband as well, and make a matching shirt. I am thinking a lighter color for the shorts, a white shirt with a sailor collar, and using the same shorts material for the cuffs and collar of the shirt. Yeah that's good.

Not long after I made these, my boyfriend found this picture on Shorpy.
"Hey Ladies, nice tap shorts. Yeah, I've got a pair too."