Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – All About Ombre

August 24, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

This ombre trend is contagious! I have been wanting to experiment with fabric dye for a long time and the melted color look has given me the perfect excuse to do just that!

Using a technique that calls for a slow dip and release process, I created the new “All About Ombre” dress that gives each frock a deep gradient toward the lower hem. An elegant way to revive pre-loved cotton fabric, this design forced me to keep the remainder of the piece simple so as to not distract from the color flow. Continue reading →

Events: Renegade – Creation Station

August 17, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

I have started a tradition at my in-person events to always have some kind of earth-friendly craft ready and waiting for fans to make. And this September’s Renegade will be no different!

Since I’m not sharing a booth this year I’ll have a bit more space to stretch out – so I’m planning to insert what I’m calling the “creation station.” This little nook of my tent will feature supplies and instructions on how to make your very own green-it-yourself bracelets. Created from the remnants of my cotton-based designs, these accessories will be a fun way to get fair-goers to try their own hand at crafting. I’ll be hand-dying each strip in advance too – so that the finished bracelets have a lovely ombre effect.

So if you’re planning on coming by the fair on September 8th or 9th, be sure to set some time aside to make your very own fabric bracelets. There’s nothing better than a free, green and trendy souvenir!

Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – Easy Breezy

August 16, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

This is one of my all-time favorite creations – the new Easy Breezy top! Handmade using pre-loved t-shirt cotton and a vintage slip, this lightweight piece has all the elements I’m looking for in a shirt. A flirty cut, scalloped edge, light as air fabric and handmade aesthetic – I predict that it will be a quick fan favorite.

Swing by Renegade to check out these new shirts in person or swing by my Etsy shop after September 9th for their internet debut.

An Indie Biz: Small Batches

August 15, 2012August 14, 20122 Comments

“The year of our Ford.” Doesn’t that bring back memories of reading Brave New World in high school? There was an ongoing reference to Ford, as in Ford Motors, throughout the book that told of a disturbing future dystopia where the auto giant was worshiped as a God. Why? It was Ford who invented the assembly line that would create the ability to create goods on a massive scale. “Fordism,” as it was known in the early 1900s, would become the basis for the creation of all kinds of products, from cars and clothes, to food and livestock processing. Thanks to the pervasive influence of this highly efficient means of creation we have sweatshops and planned obsolescence goods (can you hear my sarcasm?).

So how do we go back? How can we resurrect the quality and longevity of items? Continue reading →

Item of the Week: Catch the Wind

June 28, 2012June 28, 2012Leave a comment

We’re in the midst of another heat wave and I can’t bear to think of wearing anything thick, long or tight when the temps are this high. So when picking the “Item of the Week” the choice seemed obvious: my Catch the Wind blouses.

These tops are revamped from vintage lightweight tops and are transformed to give each one a unique and modern twist. Some have reconstructed hemlines while others have chunky zippers sewn in. And then there’s a slew with my hand pulled screen-prints.

No matter which style or color catches your eye – one thing’s for certain: The billowy fabric and loose fit will keep you from swooning in the sun.

An Indie Biz: Inside My Studio

June 20, 2012June 16, 2012Leave a comment

There’s nothing more intriguing to me than catching a glimpse into the studios of artists and crafters. Seeing the creative space of fellow makers always sets me into a flurry of inspiration. Which made me realize that I have not shared my own studio space.

And so I snapped a bunch of quick pictures of the nook that is my sewing studio. Below is a sneak peek into my own lil’ world of fabric, chaos and color. Continue reading →

Press: Handmake My Life

June 18, 2012June 16, 2012Leave a comment

The super duper fantastic craft woman, bargain hunter, blogger extroadinaire, Hillery Sawyer, has featured me on her website Handmake My Life! Check out my long-winded interview in the article here.