Item of the Week: Sweet Stitch

November 2, 2012November 2, 2012Leave a comment

My obsession with sweatshirts continues with this new and uber-comfortable pullover design!

Handmade from pre-loved men’s tops, my new “Sweet Stitch” ladies fit sweaters have the cozy goodness of fleece with a cute cut that flatters and smooths. Including a subtle hi-low bottom hem, 3/4 length sleeves and a loose fit, these sweatshirts are trendy while retaining a classic winter chic.

Embellished with a hand-cut, hand-stenciled design that boasts fun geometric shapes, each top is also embroidered with a contrasting stitch, giving them a detailed charm. Great for wearing with jeans or dressing up with a tunic, leggings and boots, these sweatshirts make a great gift for any green gal this holiday season!

DIY: Creative Mending

September 14, 2012September 12, 20121 Comment

One of my pet peeves is throwing on a pair of super soft, worn-in, cotton leggings only to find a tiny hole near my knee. The culprit: over-exuberant Boston Terrorizers who love to do nothing more than bounce all over my thighs when I come home from work each day.

But never fear “not-pants” attire! There’s help yet!

I found this adorable tutorial on Karen Barbe’s blog. This uber talented textile designer put together an easy how-to for patching up holes and tears in style. Using little more than a cereal box (and you know how much I love to use those!), a needle and colored thread, she shows us how to create folk inspired patches with which to stitch up our most beloved garments.

So next time you find a critter has torn a hole in your favorite pair of leggings – don’t toss ’em – bust out some serious stitching and you’ll be glad about your now happy accident.

Events: Renegade Sneak Peak

September 4, 2012October 7, 2012Leave a comment

I always promise myself to stick to what I know in the weeks leading up to big events like Renegade – but then inspiration hits – and I can’t stop myself from making something brand spanking new! This past week alone I’ve made at least four new creations that I’ll be debuting this Saturday.

One is the “Bow Peep” belt which I hand-crafted using fabric scraps, unbleached elastic and a hook clasp. I made something similar a month back using t-shirt remnants, but this morning I gave the design a twist by making the bow out of a different cotton fabric. The result is better than I anticipated! I love how the solid color of the belt brings out the geometric chevron print of the bow. A job well done (if I’m allowed to say so!).

I’ll be making a bunch more of these for this round of Renegade. If you’re in Chicago – be sure to swing by my booth (#48) to see them in person!

Item of the Week: Frills & Thrills

May 29, 2012Leave a comment

It feels like summer in Chicago – and I can’t bring myself to wear anything with length! That’s why the Frills & Thrills tank immediately came to mind when picking my “Item of the Week.” Made using ribbed cotton, these racer backs tops are embellished with a vintage button and lace, giving them a touch of whimsy while remaining simple enough to pair with almost anything in your closet! I use mine for layering with high-waisted skirts but they also look great with skinny jeans or layers. Welcome summer with me in this adorable design!

Item of the Week: Never Never Land

April 20, 2012April 21, 2012Leave a comment

Peter pan collars are uber popular these days – so it must have been a stroke of genius or ESP when I debuted the Never Never Land design last year. These tops take cotton t-shirts and transform them into cinched comfy tunics. I then screen print the shape of a vintage collar around the necklines for a flirty retro look. Easy to wear and wash – they’re one of my all-time favorite designs.