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: Flirty Flounce

July 25, 2012July 22, 2012Leave a comment

I’m really looking to infuse more prints and patterns into my handmade garments. Not only does it require me to develop this portion of my skills as a designer, it’s also a real challenge as it stretches the aesthetic combinations of my pieces. By adding these re-occurring elements I’m hoping to bring more of a folksy look to my otherwise retro and urban inspired style. The Flirty Flounce is my first in many upcoming ventures to combine a feminine shape, casual cotton and whimsical pattern into one piece.

What I love about this design in particular is the soft peplum flare along the bottom and how it combines with the look of the assymetrical print. The image along the top is hand-stenciled using two different shapes – one which I created myself. I alternated the colors to enhance the ‘textural’ appeal of the garment.

The clothing sample in the photograph above also brings together some of my favorite colors for the upcoming season: teal, silver and grey. Seeing that this piece hits on all my interests and goals for upcoming looks – how could I not have chosen it as the “Item of the Week?”

Inspiration: DIY Decor

July 20, 2012July 20, 20121 Comment

With my brain consumed with Renegade prep, I have started a board on Pinterest with fun decor ideas for my booth. There are so many ways to liven up a tiny space – that I’m somewhat overwhelmed by the possibilities!

Take a peek at my board here and let me know which of the pins catch your eye the most. You can play a part in sculpting my space while pulling me out of this indecisive rut!

Trends: Color Report Fall 2012

July 18, 2012July 12, 2012Leave a comment

Every few months Pantone puts together a color report to summarize hue trends for the upcoming season. In a surprising twist – the palette for fall has a unique smattering of shades – many that would normally be found in a spring collection. I picked my four favorites hues and compiled a series of eye-catching looks from Etsy to get you thinking about Autumn.