A Day at the Market

Farmer’s Market season is in its full glory this time of year in Chicago – and I’m reaping the benefits! Supporting local farmers and food artisans is just the start. Market shoppers find the best quality produce while building relationships with the people who grow it. Forging this link between the food, the maker and the consumer creates a connection that’s been lost over the years with the advent of the one-stop shopping grocery store chains.

So if you’re looking for great food, people and a welcome atmosphere – find a farmer’s market near you. You’ll be glad you did!

Item of the Week: Urban Folk Tunic

It really doesn’t matter how tall, small, curvy or lean you are – tunics are a girl’s best friend! They elongate our torsos while covering our bums. What more could you ask for? Whether with tight jeans, a skirt or cutesy shorts, you can do no wrong with a lengthy tunic.

The Urban Folk design brings together this flattering shape with one of my favorite natural images: bare tree branches. I use a deconstructed t-shirt and hand-pull the print across the soft cotton. I then sew the shape and seams, creating an external gathered hem which gives just enough volume to bring an edge to an otherwise soft shape. The concept also gives the wearer a cinch at the waist without making them feel constricted anywhere else.

So when looking for a flattering, edgy, yet comfortable (yes – it’s possible!) piece, the Urban Folk Tunic is a three-in-one dream come true!

Item of the Week: Grunge Plunge

I’ve been noticing a lot more plaid in the Midwest than I’m used to these days. And I’m liking the trend! What seems to be a classic pattern in the Northwest – this cross hatch of colors is a staple to any American’s wardrobe  and it seems hotter than ever. Just this past weekend I enjoyed Vietnamese sandwiches with friends – and three of the six of ’em were wearing plaid!

So when deciding on the “Item of the Week” the choice seemed easy: the Grunge Plunge dress. What I refer to as a Pierogi Picnic classic, this adorable design fuses the charm of a vintage camisole with the rough and tumble tough of a men’s shirt, giving a softness to an otherwise beard and brawn look. It’s a piece I have been making now for over 3 years and the look of the opposing fabrics is something I never grow tired of! And seemingly – neither do you – as I continue to sell out of these dresses in shows season after season.

My Designs: The Birth of a Bathing Suit

One of my all-time favorite things to do is roll out of bed early in the morning on any given weekend and hit the studio for some sewing. It’s when my brain is freshest, my eyes sharpest, and the light is just right.

With a steaming homemade latte in one hand, and a sharp pair of fabric scissors in the other, I indulge in the stillness of a morning by cut cut cutting through textiles. The photo above documents one such dawn as I hand craft a custom order bathing suit. A delicate endeavor, each curve must be done with absolute precision to ensure a perfect fit for the wearer. And what better time to embark on such a project as a crisp cool Sunday morn.

Day 2 of Nesting

This past Saturday we moved into our new apartment. The move was super smooth thanks to the help of my amazing brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law. David’s brawn and brain helped to coordinate things nicely too! My mom helped me paint most of the rooms last week with my favorite Yolo shades and we were able to install some organizers and curtains last night. Below are some before and afters of our current progress in unpacking and arranging. More updates to come later this week!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Continue reading

Item of the Week: Gradients of Grey

This adorable blazer was handmade using an upcycled grey sweatshirt. I slimmed down the seams, shortened and reshaped the sleeves and transformed the front to have an adjustable collar.

The reason why I love it is two fold: The fabric is incredibly soft and feels great against the skin. I also love it’s versatility! Leave it buttoned for a classic blazer shape, or undue both of the top ones for more of a cardigan feel.

This unique piece is currently discounted as part of this week’s “Moving Sale.” Take an additional 30% off at checkout with the coupon code “movingsale2012.”