influence from friend : Sara Bareilles

shared by my friend's blog. so spreading her interest even further. it reminds that she and i shared the snoop of music when we were back in school. beyond that, i am drawn to all the music videos's set designs. the animation--song>>Winter Storm<<>>Gravity<<. They are simple and dramatic. Singer: Sara Bareilles
http://www.vevo.com/watch/sara-bareilles/winter-song/USSM20803828




http://www.vevo.com/watch/sara-bareilles/gravity/USSM20900234

knitted urchin

Knitted installation by Patricia Brown. I really admire her technique and all her beautiful creations.

more drape:: tuck & drape dress

this pattern is also from the japanese's 'drape drape book.
Pattern:: Tuck Drape #10.

materials:
black wool/poly blended
grey stretch poly blended w/ a hint of orange glitter thread. (will post fabric detail)
interface (used at the sleeve opening)
length:
2.5 yd of grey
less than 1 yd of black
the clinks: it took a while to figure the folded pleat at the front of the dress. so i simplified to a double pleat.
the instead: my selected black fabric is pretty lightweight so the underside is also the grey fabric.



(i like it, how it hangs and it is super comfortable because of its oversized sleeve. great winter/ fall/ spring piece to my wardrobe.)

drape&gather #3 dress from 'drape drape' book

(Front Views)(Image from 'drape drape' book)
Materials:
Light Weight Cotton blended Knit Jersey
~ 1.5 yd (45" wide)
the Instead:
I didnt used a zipper that called in the pattern. The knitted jersey is stretchy enough.
I am quite satisfactory with the dress. YET!! next time, I will make it longer to be above the knee, then it can be wear alone without tight. My friend has also suggested that a trim to be added to make it a bit longer.... ?
(Back View)


(Should with gathers @ shoulder)- I like it very much. Pretty easy to do. Yet, sewing knit fabric for the first time is tricky. The edges at the sleeve and neckline have been folded 3 times to have a nice finish edge. Damn precision.

tie instruction

Tie instruction found in Reykjavik, Iceland this summer. Useful!

Button trick

(love this created button for a knitting pouch; founded in etsy.com)

(inspiration, vintage buttons found in an antique shop in Zurich)

FELT-ing

This book, "FeltFORWARD" has some really good projects for home accessories and everyday personal items. I came across this in the local library while looked for other things. Good accidental founding. I like the table mat and the flower pedal add-ons on the christmas lights. (Maybe I can save it for next year.)

I was very ambition when I started. Maybe too much. Now, it is finally finished. (Hoop Purse- not Bag.) Next time, I ought to pick something easier. Instead of knitting a lining layer (double layer on each faces of the bag as the pattern calls), I made adjustment to knit only 1 layer and the yarn from Lopi felted thick enough. Otherwise, I would assume that its too heavy for a bag.

Material choices ::
(Red Yarn for the front) (Blue Navy for the embroidery and the back/side)


Before/ After ::
Side by Side comparison before felting and after felting. The diameter from the "before" is ~20" and the " after" is about 14" to fit into the pre-made brass hoops. I did about 5 cycled washes in the washing machine with temperature set in HOT water mode, using a front loaded washing machine and added jeans to enhance the agitation process suggested. Just wish that it shrink a bit more.

Finish ::
Waiting for a perfect day to use this. ~~