tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56950345347404043652024-03-12T08:17:09.915-04:00Beau BabySave money, sew more!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-72736948445496776102014-10-26T21:40:00.002-04:002014-10-26T21:40:50.130-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway THIS SEASON? Finale recapFriends, readers: sorry for the much belated post. But I put off viewing the season finale until last night, so I could enjoy it with friends over a taco feast. And as much as I love them (and love watching Project Runway....and tacos), I missed many of the episode's finer points because I was too busy enjoying their company. So of course I had to watch it again today.<br />
<br />
Also, I just spent an hour creating this animated gif of Nina Garcia listening to Char make the longshot case for herself as winner of Project Runway:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAl3aQdih6EmSgW4s2UChvgJ7fxBderFPL2UQGkfg6CU8xQ-3XEEmwQih9LyBCaN4_sqzCWDE7F9IydQLgpC8gujYs2uARn2lVA20gxLQi2G_bP12mYq-dZVFkXFWBg7rUbyvNHkx026n/s1600/nina-eyes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAl3aQdih6EmSgW4s2UChvgJ7fxBderFPL2UQGkfg6CU8xQ-3XEEmwQih9LyBCaN4_sqzCWDE7F9IydQLgpC8gujYs2uARn2lVA20gxLQi2G_bP12mYq-dZVFkXFWBg7rUbyvNHkx026n/s1600/nina-eyes.gif" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That subtle widening of the eyes...what was she thinking? We may never know. But we can sure as heck speculate! (Mind control? "STOP GROVELING...STOP GROVELING...STOP GROVELING..."). Anyway, onward...<br />
<br />
If there's one thing we can learn from the final four's Fashion Week collections (and, truly, the entirety of the season) it's this: constraints beget creativity. Just like the restrictive 5-7-5 syllable structure of haiku forces beautiful brevity out of the writer, the most focused challenges in Project Runway are often the genesis of true genius. (Remember the rainway? Or the storage lockers?).<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, give the designers four weeks, $9,000 and free reign to do whatever they want...and the results can be disappointing. Like Kini. Sweet, crazy talented, speed-sewing Kini. What went wrong?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXUWCbIFD6KFs_FaPpg8mTbs-mwAKLWfN2LLJdDleAQesM0ANSPIoQzOZdVrBKIPPejYiKLX-Bt2UV_5QRDIRFyzCurNxZgLfvTFAq6HL0ajfDJvyzD8qvZmFCSfeVp8xnnw2z69M8uvB/s1600/kini-final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXUWCbIFD6KFs_FaPpg8mTbs-mwAKLWfN2LLJdDleAQesM0ANSPIoQzOZdVrBKIPPejYiKLX-Bt2UV_5QRDIRFyzCurNxZgLfvTFAq6HL0ajfDJvyzD8qvZmFCSfeVp8xnnw2z69M8uvB/s1600/kini-final.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I know. None of it is bad. Oh, except this. This was bad. Like, linebacker-in-a-thong bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai0KmKuAbQcvJrtfXwqaN4iMBVZCjZ5OaUAQ8JaMT7OVNdZPDvlziZacgocnWUFOK28iBAoJkTRs2J_smsGpCTe-oawoUjwN2bxl6iBgyB13ME7jlptX-Y5Nf7nPum4Im63Es0rytD3nT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-26+at+7.40.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai0KmKuAbQcvJrtfXwqaN4iMBVZCjZ5OaUAQ8JaMT7OVNdZPDvlziZacgocnWUFOK28iBAoJkTRs2J_smsGpCTe-oawoUjwN2bxl6iBgyB13ME7jlptX-Y5Nf7nPum4Im63Es0rytD3nT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-26+at+7.40.55+PM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
Char, meanwhile, was thrilled to be there. Making it to Fashion Week was her goal, so mission accomplished. Her collection was hip, sexy and wearable, though there were a couple snores and a few oddball fancy chic pieces that didn't fit with her overall vibe. I loved that all the models got Char's haircut:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1XQSiVGNZlFLx-b4jtHcCupvAVSS2WCQpJyNhc-2cMA3j1R20HsREW_B5nx02nSBG5rEwnPPgjuHQJfMmiTD8bqYNpLcGngovfVO_fx7__QPAEjQE4iNSyt9tGy9-W7bquhxAp7e-S7m/s1600/char-finale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1XQSiVGNZlFLx-b4jtHcCupvAVSS2WCQpJyNhc-2cMA3j1R20HsREW_B5nx02nSBG5rEwnPPgjuHQJfMmiTD8bqYNpLcGngovfVO_fx7__QPAEjQE4iNSyt9tGy9-W7bquhxAp7e-S7m/s1600/char-finale.jpg" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
(Note to self: email picture of Char's hair to stylist).<br />
<br />
Now, imagine if she had a mentor to help her shape her vision into a more cohesive, unique collection...oh wait. Hmm. Well, she will probably kick butt on All-Stars in 2015.<br />
<br />
Amanda's collection earned a lot of praise from the assembled ladies (and my husband and daughter), as well as the judges. I think she took that one amazing dress from episode 12 and then rehashed it 10 times (each time in a less-appealing color). If I sound like I didn't care for it...I'm just feeling a little defensive on Char's behalf. Looking again at the collections, I think Amanda had one good look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrn_MLLRTSoUzQS3UrC2KBhxXu4LKu7HYK2tb2oKWYApXGOqMqLmnYn0wD9eGdTSUCJyhR4hz8zlxd8rtTWmQeXranfAXY83YaVz2UYnfvnfFJGmNc2dl8WZL6yfPD8AbfiKxd4sZ_x3a/s1600/amanda-finale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrn_MLLRTSoUzQS3UrC2KBhxXu4LKu7HYK2tb2oKWYApXGOqMqLmnYn0wD9eGdTSUCJyhR4hz8zlxd8rtTWmQeXranfAXY83YaVz2UYnfvnfFJGmNc2dl8WZL6yfPD8AbfiKxd4sZ_x3a/s1600/amanda-finale.jpg" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fortunately, we all agreed, the worthiest designer took home the big prize — the opportunity to design an accessory for Red Robin (seriously, Lifetime?).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXfmec2IG6haYCiW83RH_HtwKHYuE-TMski3444aCoBw-9b5rpKoxOxZeWhF-5E1m5hbto5Qguv65MscPT3OTkbr8Sdj2O9X8psfRFhWfpNN_5fUAshgO2ACk5ndR1hlopmGj7oWNHHxV/s1600/sean-finale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXfmec2IG6haYCiW83RH_HtwKHYuE-TMski3444aCoBw-9b5rpKoxOxZeWhF-5E1m5hbto5Qguv65MscPT3OTkbr8Sdj2O9X8psfRFhWfpNN_5fUAshgO2ACk5ndR1hlopmGj7oWNHHxV/s1600/sean-finale.jpg" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oops. Sorry about that last one. Honest mistake.<br />
<br />
So what did you think about the season finale of Project Runway? Did the right designer win? What was your fave look?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-30262820573983519962014-10-18T07:49:00.000-04:002014-10-18T07:49:06.528-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 13The penultimate episode of each season of Project Runway is always a favorite of mine: you get a preview of the designers' collections, you get a glimpse at their lives back home, and you get to see their new haircuts. (I reckon if I saw myself on TV, my first response would be to book an appointment with my hairstylist too).<br />
<br />
Char is probably not going to win this season of Project Runway, but she should get a special award for this 'do, which I love:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl69zkgCJboj_lmaqhI9b0_E6ALcBV4kwPHqBzsA4aNSFJCmjJZ-HMroED_Mbg1c2SZKcPJa38IVa4770qzECOoK9pJ5hU3SQq12YVVIx9BexN74hNI7cAG6XZ1rYNHHXDfMtUsuOHuR-t/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.32.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl69zkgCJboj_lmaqhI9b0_E6ALcBV4kwPHqBzsA4aNSFJCmjJZ-HMroED_Mbg1c2SZKcPJa38IVa4770qzECOoK9pJ5hU3SQq12YVVIx9BexN74hNI7cAG6XZ1rYNHHXDfMtUsuOHuR-t/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.32.16+AM.png" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colder months are approaching in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Sean's winter coat is coming in nicely:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTkZ7wcgWhO2cxRACFD52N9eKQCAD-ERltLqahxsVChE_3FuT5Cgyz38FoR8IpiG8naKSMoiKvoedLQ-jARG70JzwF1lEeiZpT-QCUNoKpTon1UYf4djJ8MbXwcor8Dp1hmaARIFnlCjU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.14.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTkZ7wcgWhO2cxRACFD52N9eKQCAD-ERltLqahxsVChE_3FuT5Cgyz38FoR8IpiG8naKSMoiKvoedLQ-jARG70JzwF1lEeiZpT-QCUNoKpTon1UYf4djJ8MbXwcor8Dp1hmaARIFnlCjU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.14.14+AM.png" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And we should thank the producers for keeping Kini around; otherwise, we would never have had the chance to see Tim Gunn do the hula — the highlight of his trip to Hawaii:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowGHPVBzMbsX8JkcAtAX3PsB3lT6AOOnUHyTths23hyBqbXfDHkR2SsjwdNjaBuG9Mjs1InmLDB_QEyXvM4xJ0rxc_9NKieamA3Pf4U-jMBPIveleFOyz64tHjJHJJb3jVrLuScknqTYN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.34.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowGHPVBzMbsX8JkcAtAX3PsB3lT6AOOnUHyTths23hyBqbXfDHkR2SsjwdNjaBuG9Mjs1InmLDB_QEyXvM4xJ0rxc_9NKieamA3Pf4U-jMBPIveleFOyz64tHjJHJJb3jVrLuScknqTYN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.34.08+AM.png" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, the highlight for us. Maybe more awkward contractually-obligated humiliation for him:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDZYm4Ci-qilukqBvuCcAbFx_Xy2Isv53dj00JDjY1jdkR5jS6dK6Z1rwQIXoZft-PzEhuEcxWnrL_BZPohZw02T8zCObN1hz7Q9VTPacVwlrPgoYvfbKyPEup6BdoTQ57YL_X7Px_u9B/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.33.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDZYm4Ci-qilukqBvuCcAbFx_Xy2Isv53dj00JDjY1jdkR5jS6dK6Z1rwQIXoZft-PzEhuEcxWnrL_BZPohZw02T8zCObN1hz7Q9VTPacVwlrPgoYvfbKyPEup6BdoTQ57YL_X7Px_u9B/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.33.18+AM.png" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeD_C7rPbogqDsD8Nn2QTJdRr2-9f2wS-CC6yPRBvoZMH3-MjmbWoCRPXkL7Tkayv88UVyjvHncUsRI5MHVLmOPlLj_fsDdn8a28lUI4rNFm2mApB_yi6Tg-LoTLLQE_JwE3uO7kz3M8f/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.33.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeD_C7rPbogqDsD8Nn2QTJdRr2-9f2wS-CC6yPRBvoZMH3-MjmbWoCRPXkL7Tkayv88UVyjvHncUsRI5MHVLmOPlLj_fsDdn8a28lUI4rNFm2mApB_yi6Tg-LoTLLQE_JwE3uO7kz3M8f/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-18+at+7.33.33+AM.png" height="393" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Back to the designers: sure enough, in creating their final Fashion Week collections, they returned to this season's signatures:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M3UyTv9e5Qjy_HtlVnRUuK_-oFraSsMeNiJdhtTg5v9Hsyx_QJiwjie215uLmRy760nS3G81Zc7WKAJW7mg7Z1ZUedgO5uOofsHdH8lwmQh_EGb8Z8KjhwPbCoqi1fN5Q0OaPS1ENHFf/s1600/samesies-PR13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M3UyTv9e5Qjy_HtlVnRUuK_-oFraSsMeNiJdhtTg5v9Hsyx_QJiwjie215uLmRy760nS3G81Zc7WKAJW7mg7Z1ZUedgO5uOofsHdH8lwmQh_EGb8Z8KjhwPbCoqi1fN5Q0OaPS1ENHFf/s1600/samesies-PR13.jpg" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
(C'mon Char! Can't you sew a slit, vent, or kick pleat into a fitted skirt?! I gave you a pass in the regular season because time was always of the essence. But here, in the finals....not cool.)<br />
<br />
There was one designer, however, who shocked us all: Kini. I'm hoping he'll redeem himself in the next episode (which inevitably will include a trip to Mood, a whole new look and the return of previously eliminated designers to help). But for now, his denim-heavy preview collection was a disappointment. It's like he took his least successful look of the season and built an entire collection around it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlnM-C54olkt45KgFhnf51vslXWx2y26btXF9Vu3iR363qIKKdj-6cbckbJbf23T5X_I1XPvOdc7LsxZnFsMjAOhxApgPgKoDu-63tPou87sfwiMoBJoj7oGn_gKg2AOU8fe3rOdTHxcn/s1600/kini-final-collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlnM-C54olkt45KgFhnf51vslXWx2y26btXF9Vu3iR363qIKKdj-6cbckbJbf23T5X_I1XPvOdc7LsxZnFsMjAOhxApgPgKoDu-63tPou87sfwiMoBJoj7oGn_gKg2AOU8fe3rOdTHxcn/s1600/kini-final-collection.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Amanda and Sean, meanwhile went the other route — taking their biggest successes and then flogging them to .....death? We'll see next week, I suppose. How many of you are stoked to see Amanda's patchwork maxi in shades of blue? And how many of you think Nina will drop dead upon discovering the fact that EVERY SINGLE PIECE IN SEAN'S COLLECTION HAS FRINGE?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-8778910400398650852014-10-11T07:42:00.000-04:002014-10-11T07:42:20.539-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 12<i>So many of you had kind, supportive words for me last week about my new gig and the struggle to balance work/family responsibilities/and a smidgen of personal time. I appreciated your empathy and wish I could invite you all over Thursday nights for the duration of this season! So much so, I woke up again too early for a Saturday — which means I have a few quiet moments to reflect on this week's episode of Project Runway! As always, have your say below.</i><br />
<br />
The most important lesson from this week's episode of Project Runway can be summed up in one succinct Ron Swanson quote (presented to you here in poster form, created by the Etsy genius <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112659519/never-half-ass-2-things-parks-and-rec">Creative Sobriety</a>):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH3vSmGLfzHjkIA4pufK6O-2GuDfdjeSpiD2MST7MfFdRoCzrOAJktHuEkA8iXaauyKRkTR_4BCkHPWmQG7p6aUnIGJPJs1XRElEEi84QxEtlHemlpqNzaWpqeSDMnLG00BqSGo-N3xY9/s1600/il_570xN.386743257_aigw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH3vSmGLfzHjkIA4pufK6O-2GuDfdjeSpiD2MST7MfFdRoCzrOAJktHuEkA8iXaauyKRkTR_4BCkHPWmQG7p6aUnIGJPJs1XRElEEi84QxEtlHemlpqNzaWpqeSDMnLG00BqSGo-N3xY9/s1600/il_570xN.386743257_aigw.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
This week the designers were first tasked with creating a new look from one of the previously eliminated designer's losing garments — while also assigned with that designer as a helper. This challenge was surely designed by devious producers determined to cause some fireworks between Korina and Char. Though Char put on a good front, Korina huffily asked to be relieved of her contractural duties. Tim let her go (thank you, Tim!) and Alexander instead returned to help Char sew her look.<br />
<br />
And as if that challenge wasn't enough, the designers were then asked to also create a look inspired by the streets of NYC — a perennial challenge that usually results in some of the funnest fashion on Project Runway.<br />
<br />
But their divided attention (even with the aid of a previously eliminated designer/sewing elf) was their downfall. You just can't half-ass two things (in the same vein: I am unfortunately half-assing this blog post right now; my family woke up early too and now they won't stop talking to me, sitting next to me, reading over my shoulder...it's so hard to whole-ass something when there's breakfast to be prepared).<br />
<br />
Amanda definitely whole-assed her street style maxi dress. I think we can all agree it was her best work so far this season (even though I shudder to think of actually walking the urine-stained streets of New York in a maxi that length):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl-TGBMPaheuoxOfbl6qTBMr7mu8TMjy_ayj8U4eFdr862zL9Q5euHiehpAoYq9lfGkeyqfiEGWXxL8L21ByfLLEjeo4D8TkDuXDWH3sEsXQFD5FOmFnQAtocIm7lakS6dXCqXUaqNOrO/s1600/amanda-2looks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl-TGBMPaheuoxOfbl6qTBMr7mu8TMjy_ayj8U4eFdr862zL9Q5euHiehpAoYq9lfGkeyqfiEGWXxL8L21ByfLLEjeo4D8TkDuXDWH3sEsXQFD5FOmFnQAtocIm7lakS6dXCqXUaqNOrO/s1600/amanda-2looks.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Her re-do of Fade's Samsung dress...obviously an afterthought.<br />
<br />
Char, meanwhile, paired a printed black and white bustier with a sculptural skirt in Radiant Orchid. I didn't really get the pocket either. But the ladies do love their pockets, don't they.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLttT2Q0mWWza8u_7El2Ab46b0cFvmf0qh-oYZjDl4gY-P4UDTmS1ahtA7_GbXa-DPeHc3eojLxEMCAo0cj9XeUsmDIsMi_4vj51nmNevroLC6sLSDMeHryRfDHXUL6_hbXCcVAqrvRn_M/s1600/char2looks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLttT2Q0mWWza8u_7El2Ab46b0cFvmf0qh-oYZjDl4gY-P4UDTmS1ahtA7_GbXa-DPeHc3eojLxEMCAo0cj9XeUsmDIsMi_4vj51nmNevroLC6sLSDMeHryRfDHXUL6_hbXCcVAqrvRn_M/s1600/char2looks.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From afar, her re-do was pretty. But up close it seemed to have maternity gathering/kangaroo pouch. <br />
<br />
Emily's street style look was so Emily. I think it was successful, even if Heidi and Nina would only deign to wear it as pajamas:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKiaPM7-s4m-fh6ueCwiFrLn8k1l53R6P01v0pAa19tRMH_eWy5SEOZQbzGlLKKnaePuwxiYtZgytvCwSvcu0ENdyFekSeQAauyorhxjAkLDOVhFwHCdcPxWnroYg1gxZ0TPAcTOoXrqz/s1600/emily2looks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKiaPM7-s4m-fh6ueCwiFrLn8k1l53R6P01v0pAa19tRMH_eWy5SEOZQbzGlLKKnaePuwxiYtZgytvCwSvcu0ENdyFekSeQAauyorhxjAkLDOVhFwHCdcPxWnroYg1gxZ0TPAcTOoXrqz/s1600/emily2looks.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Her re-do look....definitely half-assed. The judges said it looked like it wasn't even her...which I have to agree. That print is amazing though. I may have to stalk the aisles of Mood to secure some for next Spring's sewing projects...<br />
<br />
The judges loved Sean's street style look, this white structured blouse and skirt with cut-outs and shaping. I thought it was interesting how his inspiration — a man wearing an all-white tunic and loose pants outfit — translated into this unique look. I wouldn't wear it, but if I saw someone pass me by wearing this in Soho, I would assume she worked in fashion. That's usually the measure of a winning Project Runway look.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnHwy9DztJak_icSRejdL0jL0D0h0_RKk6Er5Y26cV41mHdnhq1emXrFMwbg7vAfQOz95Y8dYhoAPziBem4kYF36l0REKW3wg0ZBWFvmgmpSfg-XdPMbEMcPkPlVy7Y5_svAP_NR4z9Gb/s1600/sean2looks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnHwy9DztJak_icSRejdL0jL0D0h0_RKk6Er5Y26cV41mHdnhq1emXrFMwbg7vAfQOz95Y8dYhoAPziBem4kYF36l0REKW3wg0ZBWFvmgmpSfg-XdPMbEMcPkPlVy7Y5_svAP_NR4z9Gb/s1600/sean2looks.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Meanwhile his re-do....what could we expect when he had to refashion Sandhya's hideous kiddie jumpsuit? That color...more fringe. Ugh. Moving on.<br />
<br />
Kini was the one designer who whole-assed the re-do challenge, turning Mitchell's failed red carpet look into this stunning gown:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gesm8QoVN26SBYI7DGl1bVj0ymQG3h93GIripzbuOzFyDCHo3-M8aiZOkDyPmCLyZhiIjE9Ql5m1XGeYcRWnyboXglnPVx-djDO6Ni0VWnaTA8EV6iRiIFF1r8YcAMn1BHI795XJnjid/s1600/kini2looks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gesm8QoVN26SBYI7DGl1bVj0ymQG3h93GIripzbuOzFyDCHo3-M8aiZOkDyPmCLyZhiIjE9Ql5m1XGeYcRWnyboXglnPVx-djDO6Ni0VWnaTA8EV6iRiIFF1r8YcAMn1BHI795XJnjid/s1600/kini2looks.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His street style look was an unfortunate mashup...a result of taking Tim Gunn's advice too much to heart. Maybe the coat looks like Michael Kors off-the-rack, but it was so well done, and in an unexpected fabric...the judges loved it. Something spare underneath could have helped him win. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what do you think? Which challenge was the more difficult one this week? What happens when you try to half-ass two things?</div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-14440335034853796182014-10-04T08:31:00.002-04:002014-10-04T08:32:39.170-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 11<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Friends, readers, others, I have a confession to make: I started a new job this week and though I feel like my first few days as a full-time, working-out-of-the-home-and-commuting-3-hours-daily parent was a success (I wasn't the last parent at after-school pickup even once and I managed to get a vegetable on my kid's plate each night for dinner! OK, it might have been a pickle, but the bar is low after an hour and a half on the subway, people!), I have to face the facts. I don't have as much time anymore to do things like write long, thoughtful posts on Project Runway. But (BUT!) luckily for you, I have early-morning insomnia today, so I am using this quiet time to keep up my committment to you. I may not have the spare minutes to spellcheck (Saturday mornings are now for housekeeping, chores, and laundry, ugh), but I will keep this conversation going to the bitter end. If I miss something (and I will) please add your thoughts as usual in the comments below. I read every one, even if I no longer have the time to comment in return.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Last week Tim Gunn declared Alexander's plaid amoeba disaster "the most hideous garment he has ever seen IN HIS ENTIRE EXISTENCE" (emphasis mine). I beg to differ (I can remember much worse from previous seasons of Project Runway) but I think we can all agree that the ugliest thing to grace the runway this week was Korina's horrible entitled attitude during panel. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If I wasn't already convinced she was a complete narcisscist...well, ugh. As the young people say, I just can't even with that girl. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We'll get back to her later, because it's instructive to watch someone devolve into childish defensiveness (I hear "it's not my fault!" daily from a school-age child, so when a grown woman does the same, I have to resist the urge to order a timeout). For now, some other lessons:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lesson 1: Trust your instincts and thou shalt be rewarded</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This week's challenge combined two of my favorite reality TV shows: Project Runway and Storage Wars — which my husband and I watch chiefly for the thrill of treasure-hunting. The designers (in teams of two) were each given 500 fictional dollars to bid on the contents of five storage lockers — which would then be used as their raw materials. Like Storage Wars, they couldn't examine the contents up close, and had to assess each locker's potential fabric value based on what they could see from outside the locker. And lest you think these lockers would be full of end bolts and vintage trimmings...they actually looked pretty much like the contents of an actual storage locker, bed bugs and all:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyId6kf48eRZ5W0B1EKYuCtkaq2Zn9AC8EW5U1ltL4IQ3Cy3h74W8aXxHfKeUEXjk9n78fdpAmFSwPPC3i8VH8K8fAX5BJlakruqJ16NpPI_YI-JL0yj73nQnkRj4dmo4pKF7lwrf9Mco/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-04+at+7.11.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyId6kf48eRZ5W0B1EKYuCtkaq2Zn9AC8EW5U1ltL4IQ3Cy3h74W8aXxHfKeUEXjk9n78fdpAmFSwPPC3i8VH8K8fAX5BJlakruqJ16NpPI_YI-JL0yj73nQnkRj4dmo4pKF7lwrf9Mco/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-04+at+7.11.46+AM.png" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">(I was just kidding about the bed bugs. Maybe. Who knows. Watch the interview segments carefully for scratching.)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Anyway, like the smartest Storage Wars cast members, the designers who looked past the big picture (plasticy kids toys? Yuck!) to the singular standout items were rewarded in kind. Amanda spotted a "psychedelic yeti" painting she thought could form the base of her and Kini's two-look collection (see it way in the back there?). And crazy as it seemed near the beginning of the episode, that split-second commitment (and a bag full of soccer balls) paid off for the pair:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQIrwUHi9WECGhtNJu9NmB8XU1yP_Ys3DZoqtjm058oXVK-FrVC1ofNQeaq-lZNhHloGMPPOfq3bG4q3sjHhPL9gHFPMj5oFxwazdKeRQMiHoO9mYwjeDDRats_p96SJrJvV5LiR2Nz5U/s1600/kini-amanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQIrwUHi9WECGhtNJu9NmB8XU1yP_Ys3DZoqtjm058oXVK-FrVC1ofNQeaq-lZNhHloGMPPOfq3bG4q3sjHhPL9gHFPMj5oFxwazdKeRQMiHoO9mYwjeDDRats_p96SJrJvV5LiR2Nz5U/s1600/kini-amanda.jpg" height="333" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I believe that model in the middle is actually being straddled by the psychedelic yeti, which is weird — but the graphic cropped top remains cool even on top of a hefty bag skirt. Meanwhile, Kini's soccer ball dress (at right) was the winning look (talk about painstaking work; only Kini could pull off such a feat in two days). The third look (far left) was created in the clutch after Tim Gunn dropped one of his "extra challenge" bombs on the designers and sent them to Mood to make a cohesive third look. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lesson 2: Everybody Loves a LBD (Little BLUE Dress)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If this season of Project Runway has a signature color, it's this:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6W5yWYn-YUnmajZO_xOZYeOn7FwymzgH11Ip22qNUnzQeMty5mps9a3RvnNb1Ug26bs3FyQgF8qF4PhI-e1QxjgBxQwaBLZHrBAFkrRySMbYQ48LZa1tdVkkHf_ju6yntI16ntGH_GNc/s1600/blue-dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6W5yWYn-YUnmajZO_xOZYeOn7FwymzgH11Ip22qNUnzQeMty5mps9a3RvnNb1Ug26bs3FyQgF8qF4PhI-e1QxjgBxQwaBLZHrBAFkrRySMbYQ48LZa1tdVkkHf_ju6yntI16ntGH_GNc/s1600/blue-dresses.jpg" height="332" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I love this blue. I really do. And I wonder how many of Sean's looks in his Fashion Week collection will be in this shade (because let's face it, that dude is going to Fashion Week). </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Above left: the judge's loved Sean's coat made from one of those quilted blankets used to wrap your furnishings so they don't get scratched when your methed-up movers overload the elevator. I love everything quilted and blue...I'm actually kind of inspired to file this one away in my "to make" folder. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Middle: Sean's winning look from the Emmy red carpet challenge. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Right: Char's dress she made in ONE HOUR with the help of Sean (smart girl; when in doubt, choose blue!). This dress ultimately defeated Korina in a balls-out challenge between the two, which brings us to our last lesson...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lesson 3: A gracious loser is better than 20 smug winners</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4GCP06npaaScwyRyo_QJ4bs-3hRYlN_3gub0k89QPJ5g_qo1pFIdgTsgLKFArpuvPdLRrY4mra0dsyz0kWqMySwRH81bOFChpd3B_PHDLE1y45z8lnLXgf_6T7ccfWPWHrZ5FgHtodFX/s1600/korina-emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4GCP06npaaScwyRyo_QJ4bs-3hRYlN_3gub0k89QPJ5g_qo1pFIdgTsgLKFArpuvPdLRrY4mra0dsyz0kWqMySwRH81bOFChpd3B_PHDLE1y45z8lnLXgf_6T7ccfWPWHrZ5FgHtodFX/s1600/korina-emily.jpg" height="332" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I liked Korina and Emily's three-look collection even though it did have an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink quality to it. I guess it's because I love layers, Fall colors and covering up while still looking sexy. But the judges were not into it — and they singled out Korina for her Navaho-inspired look (above left), which they complained she kept doing again and again. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">So they challenged Korina and Char (who was also in the bottom two) to a sudden-death fashion challenge: create a whole new look in an hour from the remaining materials they had on hand. It's not surprising that Korina lost; she spent much of that hour complaining. Bitterness, my friends, does not lend itself to creating beauty: </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRytIiVkro7y9-Roe71LF85GOTIDd9guUUb3K-0XKUAr6KeSjIWvyjTnjNMfv5s8G8jib8Zm7usXMcpxQqB3euRDCKfrgEquw4PklOdYcY05FxUMP7G6R93JHUVInjgmoMPoAj81gR5ij/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-04+at+7.01.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRytIiVkro7y9-Roe71LF85GOTIDd9guUUb3K-0XKUAr6KeSjIWvyjTnjNMfv5s8G8jib8Zm7usXMcpxQqB3euRDCKfrgEquw4PklOdYcY05FxUMP7G6R93JHUVInjgmoMPoAj81gR5ij/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-04+at+7.01.47+AM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">But the merits of this dress became secondary to the fact that Korina is an icky human being. After losing to Char she couldn't leave graciously — she had to have one last dig at a designer "who she didn't respect," pointing out that Char had already been eliminated once...and implying Char didn't deserve to be there. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">"That was five challenges ago, and I am still here," Char cooly replied (don't you LOVE this woman?).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">At this point Tim Gunn enters the room and Korina attempts to make herself the victim: "Don't make this about you," she says to Char. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ODS8_ChRXUMfg39MU9FnZDdIuPsm2Gf94yjrhKREqHD7u6yqSNMQ445Hrhyyaw6xrBgVHB0_LjlBxYUmTGE5_cwzL_YZn8dwDC4u9X_rAtTn5BvfiVynldHZp5UILNFaOv6jucJlYlpe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-04+at+8.18.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ODS8_ChRXUMfg39MU9FnZDdIuPsm2Gf94yjrhKREqHD7u6yqSNMQ445Hrhyyaw6xrBgVHB0_LjlBxYUmTGE5_cwzL_YZn8dwDC4u9X_rAtTn5BvfiVynldHZp5UILNFaOv6jucJlYlpe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-04+at+8.18.05+AM.png" height="283" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Girl, you lucky there's a camera on me right now because I could break you."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Tim Gunn's terse "It's time for you to clean up your workspace" made it clear he knew exactly what kind of loser Korina truly was (and the reason he brought back Char certainly had something to do with the fact that her character is the antithesis of Korina). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The preview for next week's episode reveals that the previously eliminated designers will be brought back and these two women will be paired up. I don't even know if I can handle watching that, I am so mad on Char's behalf. Less drama, more dresses, Project Runway producers. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So what did you think of this week's episode? Who made the best use of their storage locker contents? What did you think of Korina's sour grapes?</span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-63166526192000802242014-09-28T10:41:00.000-04:002014-09-28T10:41:06.668-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Episode 10, Season 13<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>My apologies for the much-delayed post, but if you knew how glorious the weather in NYC has been this week, you wouldn't blame me for choosing to spend the day yesterday romping around with my family instead of writing. Friday, which is usually when I write my Project Runway posts, was Rosh Hashanah and a public school holiday here, so that's the other half of my rock-solid excuse. Thanks for reading and let's get to it!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Near the beginning of this week's episode of Project Runway, my friend Lizzi texted me to comment on how crazy were all the people who turned down the designers seeking makeover models in Washington Square Park. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
But by the end of the episode we both agreed: we wouldn't say yes either. After all, would you want to be on national TV in a get-up like this:<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM95Xm0SV-w3BxXkW2ZboIf053sZRH4CGT1OWzCGPFT4s2gWgdwr9CGhwQ3gUsDTvkEuj9F8GqSmZK6HPZWaNE_gKOkYf5swgeGp0D2VzMPrUIdMT-j9xqRo7VuzghRasRpxmXz4TACo3r/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM95Xm0SV-w3BxXkW2ZboIf053sZRH4CGT1OWzCGPFT4s2gWgdwr9CGhwQ3gUsDTvkEuj9F8GqSmZK6HPZWaNE_gKOkYf5swgeGp0D2VzMPrUIdMT-j9xqRo7VuzghRasRpxmXz4TACo3r/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.18+AM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Or have your semi-private parts exposed when a zipper bursts open pre-runway:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4xXCp_ddsPFM0Lnetpu-r8lQ4R3GfZN8WTRWqv98imoWnU35vfYVNH8xlVSDsXNDccKm-EV_VSuf18g40F4x5S70mfo47YH0MRSgCOIrxrB3fSNLxf0l7ec_GZx4RuoBT1_58pllgFmK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-28+at+8.21.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4xXCp_ddsPFM0Lnetpu-r8lQ4R3GfZN8WTRWqv98imoWnU35vfYVNH8xlVSDsXNDccKm-EV_VSuf18g40F4x5S70mfo47YH0MRSgCOIrxrB3fSNLxf0l7ec_GZx4RuoBT1_58pllgFmK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-28+at+8.21.06+AM.png" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Also, if you're a Project Runway fan, then you know the winning designer of the "real person" challenge never has a short, stumpy model. And often (though it didn't happen this time) someone plus-size ends up in tears because there's a good reason why some of these designers are not yet a success: they can't fit clothes on non-model bodies — and their people skills suck. What if, I asked Lizzi via text, someone ignored my bottom-line and put me in a miniskirt and my cellulite was on national TV? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
"Oh damn," she replied. "What if they put me in COLOR?" (She only wears black, gray and blue, bless her heart).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Thankfully for the designers of Season 13, Washington Square Park is the kind of place where you can find tall, thin actress/ballerina/yoga teachers with time to spare and low expectations. Did the producers of Project Runway seed the park with the results of a "regular lady" casting call? Or are there truly that many attractive women with no prior obligations just lounging around the West Village on a sunny summer day? You and I will never know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Moving on to our lessons:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Lesson 1: Tough love from Tim Gunn will only get you so far</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One minute, Tim Gunn is holding your hand and telling you that you are the most talented person he's ever met — and in the next he's doing the gentleman's equivalent of smacking the stupid straight out of you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This week Alexander nearly sent this cropped-top-and-high-waisted skirt ensemble down the runway. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgGJ7CZ1UOqJaW8LmVse2OdcUij5umJI7BxAp8rWMLrOCTBR2y-TWhgUHIu-YHKFO8lwwPKp4Q8xo5CVA1zo2H61qFsF2POlj4oCW-Wc0BcV4RZ42VCKGjFZN_pfEbr-AhhIt8jMjaaQb/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+8.10.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgGJ7CZ1UOqJaW8LmVse2OdcUij5umJI7BxAp8rWMLrOCTBR2y-TWhgUHIu-YHKFO8lwwPKp4Q8xo5CVA1zo2H61qFsF2POlj4oCW-Wc0BcV4RZ42VCKGjFZN_pfEbr-AhhIt8jMjaaQb/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+8.10.05+AM.png" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Tim intervened, calling it the "most hideous garment he has ever seen IN HIS ENTIRE EXISTENCE." Those are strong words from a man who mentored Timothy from Season 12:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifduYgvHMqONKxZngaSRLWnfCWu6hze4hJhubwC2ChvMgK-iAs0tDBHmwNO0vmdXFxPoMtr-F2gXY7sB5tQfd7k-LIL8j6jNQ56NwVtzKPu2C_BUCH6PZxFyl9Xon5WIONOcVDg-2IExEf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-28+at+8.40.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifduYgvHMqONKxZngaSRLWnfCWu6hze4hJhubwC2ChvMgK-iAs0tDBHmwNO0vmdXFxPoMtr-F2gXY7sB5tQfd7k-LIL8j6jNQ56NwVtzKPu2C_BUCH6PZxFyl9Xon5WIONOcVDg-2IExEf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-28+at+8.40.18+AM.png" height="400" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ah, memories</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Sure, it may have resembled an oozing pizza monster costume, but "hideous"? Really? (I bet if Sandyha had designed it — and came up with a good justification, the judges would have eaten it up.) And did Alexander deserve to go home for his final toned-down cropped top and skirt look? How was that look (see the first picture above) any worse than Amanda's dress?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh514EHkA_LlOyQKb4QnVUzfOqdc-6GCnX94zrJfVKdBg6pUxYik2GpRIQsEJCFFRvbxlz2RM1n0fIyaGyGjUyHPYHUsx4hVMimR34xv-676v6mHSt5do1BT0KYDVE2zZTyznLcxDxcx4kB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh514EHkA_LlOyQKb4QnVUzfOqdc-6GCnX94zrJfVKdBg6pUxYik2GpRIQsEJCFFRvbxlz2RM1n0fIyaGyGjUyHPYHUsx4hVMimR34xv-676v6mHSt5do1BT0KYDVE2zZTyznLcxDxcx4kB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.27+AM.png" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
No lie, I saw a better version of this dress on an extra in a Payless Shoes commercial yesterday (but my phone was out of battery so I couldn't snap a pic). If you are going to do chevron stripes, you gotta match everywhere (even Forever 21 can manage that much)....though even if she had nailed that, I think this dress would have been a clunker. It's too short and chevron...well, it's kind of dated now, isn't it? This belongs on a Pinterest fail board. SO WHERE WAS TIM WITH THE TOUGH LOVE ON THIS ONE?<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson 2: Side zips and short shorts are not a match made in fashion heaven</b><br />
<br />
It was an apparent Project Runway first when Char was given a few extra minutes to resew a busted zipper into the flaming red booty shorts she made for a preschool teacher. Everyone else conceded she should get a break lest her model be mortified on the runway with her hip hanging out. (But of course they complained behind her back after the fact.)<br />
<br />
I don't know. I hate wearing shorts and avoid them as much as possible, but a side zip? To me, that seems weird. I know an actual fly would take longer to sew...and a center back zip on shorts is tacky and gross (like the one sewn last week by Alexander, may he rest in peace). Maybe if they had more than a day for each challenge this season's designers could sew real-world closures for their real-world women.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7giWU8KJh6Z4W9jzT_8fKjxDonJ6-qE0FZ0YaDYUPDERcUeYMpriEHhObTlmg__5DJhN4JWYv5WcWraYNoPmgw6hxkXIyvK73Xa2jApEO27jgiWTgWFwbG1XdElPLAa4x8nTue2uvWKW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7giWU8KJh6Z4W9jzT_8fKjxDonJ6-qE0FZ0YaDYUPDERcUeYMpriEHhObTlmg__5DJhN4JWYv5WcWraYNoPmgw6hxkXIyvK73Xa2jApEO27jgiWTgWFwbG1XdElPLAa4x8nTue2uvWKW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.34+AM.png" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The lesson here: zippers are hard to sew and falliable too — even when you're a skilled seamstress like Char.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Lesson 3: Maybe Project Runway should be called "Project Would I Wear That?"</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Too often, the most important measure for Heidi, Nina and the guest judge is "Would I wear that?" — which shouldn't be the only test for fashion supremacy. Zac is the one judge who cares more for creativity and vision than whether something would show off enough of Heidi's legs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How else to explain the fact that Emily's interesting look...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsycvvY57HltlBPQssI2NaSdk2EW-WqDbX0o9tRb6W8NawBxhPVBwCNSdltx4yTX8zerv3xVcNmbe0gukZ13M2RuTKLYVG9c0Iy9L2JzWvafxPc_HW49Dq8CODqzfMekZAEtfzpW-3eXe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsycvvY57HltlBPQssI2NaSdk2EW-WqDbX0o9tRb6W8NawBxhPVBwCNSdltx4yTX8zerv3xVcNmbe0gukZ13M2RuTKLYVG9c0Iy9L2JzWvafxPc_HW49Dq8CODqzfMekZAEtfzpW-3eXe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.42+AM.png" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...lost to Korina's motorcycle jacket. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTK8ni4tHJxVY1cPfSoxGYk1sF_RwDJAfFSt-GZcuLUHJyMd1d6xoWC92wbOJTjezekI9gbhb2F-Np2qtudpkLxYWK_tMJbgz1kGObCp_d821h3_AKfe-CpCDcK4smUpgCwtK0UMikV9x/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.02.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTK8ni4tHJxVY1cPfSoxGYk1sF_RwDJAfFSt-GZcuLUHJyMd1d6xoWC92wbOJTjezekI9gbhb2F-Np2qtudpkLxYWK_tMJbgz1kGObCp_d821h3_AKfe-CpCDcK4smUpgCwtK0UMikV9x/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.02.00+AM.png" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Kini's look, meanwhile, did a great job of answering the challenge; he channelled his model's personal style into something cooler than she would have chosen on her own. Heidi would never wear this though, so sorry, Kini:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIpqTpJqu7evftq8tOibb3qOOzuVey0AcHA2fX4newoLS3cmhCDD1mxYlkMPGdtN5CyuYGlpar4LaoIymIN9ZnbkCeQTOHSqPfAJUKWSvjecjVlq-RGtmXlTk-9M79jPU7OjpFr1VkieS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIpqTpJqu7evftq8tOibb3qOOzuVey0AcHA2fX4newoLS3cmhCDD1mxYlkMPGdtN5CyuYGlpar4LaoIymIN9ZnbkCeQTOHSqPfAJUKWSvjecjVlq-RGtmXlTk-9M79jPU7OjpFr1VkieS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-26+at+7.01.50+AM.png" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile in real NYC this week I took my daughter to Mood in search of some Halloween costume fabrics. Guess what we spotted while we were there:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5ule_lcKN3JFB7Ei8PGdrb6mAHWNZzmHo6yG28YOfj0deUuVWY2XBTcWuuMHkdcY4gIZdXAziXBtTzOq08g44x-bKoFwHw6UPnZK7yEby09GRer1hSTNhQxs6IqFxUPzwIByZqatzYch/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-28+at+10.32.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5ule_lcKN3JFB7Ei8PGdrb6mAHWNZzmHo6yG28YOfj0deUuVWY2XBTcWuuMHkdcY4gIZdXAziXBtTzOq08g44x-bKoFwHw6UPnZK7yEby09GRer1hSTNhQxs6IqFxUPzwIByZqatzYch/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-28+at+10.32.46+AM.png" height="388" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's right! Char's fabric from last week. It's $18/yard and Oscar de la Renta. You can find it with the printed cottons. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Also: Did anyone see the commercial for "Project Runway Threads" — the kids Project Runway? After Master Chef Junior I knew it was only a matter of time before someone developed a Junior Project Runway. Anyway, can't wait to watch it with my kid!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What did you think of this week's episode? Were any of these outfits a game-changer for you?</div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-49602625566292580932014-09-19T09:57:00.000-04:002014-09-19T09:57:41.066-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 9I'm breaking with form this week but don't blame me — the onus is on the producers of Project Runway for creating a challenge that not only featured children, it revolved around dolls. <i>Dolls. </i>Ugh. Seriously? (If you guys are running out of ideas, call me! I'm sure I can get my readers to spitball a few challenges that don't involve period-costume-clad $100 dolls).<br />
<br />
This week's recap is not going to rehash lessons learned from the designers' struggles and successes (though let's get it out there: these people have <i>no idea</i> when it comes to adding closures to children's clothing, do they?). Instead we are going to do something fun, inspired by this recent <a href="http://rankings.gawker.com/michael-kors-project-runway-zings-ranked-1635794695">Gawker ranking of Michael Kors' </a>most biting bon mots over the many seasons in which he reigned as Project Runway's resident catty Cathy.<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c3Ez_bV_Lr8" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
I know many of us have grown fond of Kors' replacement, Zac Posen, who often offers the most informed critique of all the judges. What he doesn't do, however, is sling zingers. (His best comment during this episode: "It feels like it's stuck in the shtetl in Russia").<br />
<br />
So this week I'm inviting you to play a round of <b>What Would Michael Kors Say</b>? I'll start us off — with the help of my six-year-old daughter, because who better to judge clothes for children than a real, actual child? (Don't judge; she didn't stay up late to watch — we looked at the runway photos over a bowl of cereal this morning). Leave your suggestions in the comments below!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <b>Korina</b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LKSzBEwi3WLLT6v9OtfzvTR-3kDOmqF495jIDqhPt1naRQC-Rr47WpN-jaJdYiHl9qbvFi5p1lDVkomAqedCFmm9GdcLw4T6vlDYoi4Oc7vDB3xdGIqZflum4YbRO2s_411atgx1oA9M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LKSzBEwi3WLLT6v9OtfzvTR-3kDOmqF495jIDqhPt1naRQC-Rr47WpN-jaJdYiHl9qbvFi5p1lDVkomAqedCFmm9GdcLw4T6vlDYoi4Oc7vDB3xdGIqZflum4YbRO2s_411atgx1oA9M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.23+AM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: Esther, the Wild Western jester </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lucy: "That skirt looks like stuff you see at MoMath (the Museum of Mathmatics in Manhattan) — like, those tiles you arrange to make a pattern...I like it." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <b>Alexander</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYWdluoky2YNWju37Z9knuQ6fgQYod4so2Q3N73gda_2k9N62mejh27XBfjjzmu9GzIxg-x9PQfY8BSYV9MQSXdvrXImS50Uk3J-0CAp4rmKLSFIeOXfosXUOfuNEj7rZ5jEzq3TtLF3J/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+8.46.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYWdluoky2YNWju37Z9knuQ6fgQYod4so2Q3N73gda_2k9N62mejh27XBfjjzmu9GzIxg-x9PQfY8BSYV9MQSXdvrXImS50Uk3J-0CAp4rmKLSFIeOXfosXUOfuNEj7rZ5jEzq3TtLF3J/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+8.46.22+AM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFY16FbTxUVQdr98D3NwEGMGxwP4s9SZEuI13lip_m6nWVxWBCHggN9wXHd8d2O8uwJOtwT32POKlhkz3QEdbkjWiDYaTZmUWTih_Bb-rX9c3raHE-HtLjETT1dc1ju1TP6uRSOWG5qAs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFY16FbTxUVQdr98D3NwEGMGxwP4s9SZEuI13lip_m6nWVxWBCHggN9wXHd8d2O8uwJOtwT32POKlhkz3QEdbkjWiDYaTZmUWTih_Bb-rX9c3raHE-HtLjETT1dc1ju1TP6uRSOWG5qAs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.24+AM.png" height="400" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Zoomed in so you could see the <i>black</i> center back zipper)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lucy: "It looks like someone's buttcrack."<br />
Me: What she said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3.<b> Amanda</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8zIK_gFEThq2YdqIasEtLpniLsYP43aq2iC7wjD4vxkPEfzzgEMWozWC0v7G89Y3JL3ExnA7EhZAnRjAPmVrS4wI3XTLA5YW0y7xoSl47vVSSP6TJNu9uKiTGh51ESUQUNERKLxVPxCp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8zIK_gFEThq2YdqIasEtLpniLsYP43aq2iC7wjD4vxkPEfzzgEMWozWC0v7G89Y3JL3ExnA7EhZAnRjAPmVrS4wI3XTLA5YW0y7xoSl47vVSSP6TJNu9uKiTGh51ESUQUNERKLxVPxCp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.39+AM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
Me: The cutest little girl at the couch factory<br />
Lucy: "This has a lot of bright colors — like something (<a href="http://www.oonabaloona.com/">Oonabaloona</a>) would wear."<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. <b>Char</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQHi3ligP0FUTRcgmA3AmdLTlSL_GYYRSC0yKF6Iy8O7XTmnxzBIMgV4S58jp0C50mDdujYvBV9cgiugvKdlM1VXYdvtnoNC1GV51JFGvUkvI04wGV9EVxTFUjN1fgJTu9YjKvjFXduGS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQHi3ligP0FUTRcgmA3AmdLTlSL_GYYRSC0yKF6Iy8O7XTmnxzBIMgV4S58jp0C50mDdujYvBV9cgiugvKdlM1VXYdvtnoNC1GV51JFGvUkvI04wGV9EVxTFUjN1fgJTu9YjKvjFXduGS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.48+AM.png" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
Me: Some reference to beheading that is totally innappropriate<br />
Lucy: "The tannish color makes her look like a very cool American cowgirl. The little strings would go up and down while she rode her horse!"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. <b>Emily</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8wpIFGBEwJACgFcTUPg1sg36G57okXM6teAc-AxciCnDUdjspUCtRLC1QV3DjoxHzjnO_oGgBu_WNxv1uco8Qk4shoNOe-joeItCithiGiLIfqxBGJWEtOyvf_3P9W_PIGN6BRE2M0IT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8wpIFGBEwJACgFcTUPg1sg36G57okXM6teAc-AxciCnDUdjspUCtRLC1QV3DjoxHzjnO_oGgBu_WNxv1uco8Qk4shoNOe-joeItCithiGiLIfqxBGJWEtOyvf_3P9W_PIGN6BRE2M0IT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.23.57+AM.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFGUlYkmmEhp3yg9x0iIYWQP_g36CJPZlaNKfbmo1QyUMaOgUug42Jli0aL8FU-bkTpnWddImQ0BUeB83xZw_DSL_SVf20n5nh9OF_VzdGg1fBi4YMhmzcX8H0uY4VzasdJJEaH-Tetid/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.25.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFGUlYkmmEhp3yg9x0iIYWQP_g36CJPZlaNKfbmo1QyUMaOgUug42Jli0aL8FU-bkTpnWddImQ0BUeB83xZw_DSL_SVf20n5nh9OF_VzdGg1fBi4YMhmzcX8H0uY4VzasdJJEaH-Tetid/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.25.30+AM.png" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
Me: Frumpy goth lolita<br />
Lucy: "She looks like a princess. I love it." (It should be noted that Emily actually has a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DevonRose?ref=l2-shop-info-name">children's line available on Etsy</a> and it's very cute.)<br />
<br />
The judges didn't care for Emily's look, but her model wins the keepin'-it-real award for these two runway moments:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IBMQqGG6kS-dc3kLshLqhBoa7EZNF6a9wVia5LBxbCfDxLlke_mNF2LZ5Uu2sDdpjl54KkR3t2WkFmEfwbGOWmea4sSTOSkZHxCanR_mqOejPVzUESOQQRK1p0HiaYU-KEg4czR3PcEp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+9.26.02+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IBMQqGG6kS-dc3kLshLqhBoa7EZNF6a9wVia5LBxbCfDxLlke_mNF2LZ5Uu2sDdpjl54KkR3t2WkFmEfwbGOWmea4sSTOSkZHxCanR_mqOejPVzUESOQQRK1p0HiaYU-KEg4czR3PcEp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+9.26.02+AM.png" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYAxBUvLDIdtxlXz5CHUdIndezJVKV8tbCcOI7IxrFTqODjY0FgIqh1PunNeTBodmXYQBn9U2jIhhmqApieSiSUAVx5M8ZPbirwMNBi0DN5zuMlDB5mxIlwxmTC9fpD49453d35yw0CXZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+9.26.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYAxBUvLDIdtxlXz5CHUdIndezJVKV8tbCcOI7IxrFTqODjY0FgIqh1PunNeTBodmXYQBn9U2jIhhmqApieSiSUAVx5M8ZPbirwMNBi0DN5zuMlDB5mxIlwxmTC9fpD49453d35yw0CXZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+9.26.42+AM.png" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>6. Kini</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7WOGqFVtBClZIlHmPWvu9S8dS0nLM_iKnUOLy8EAgbaDjmp02thGURwYDOGkc_qPYnlr-jxXdrVIchC1kpcYkj_SnhybeC4ZBRtcsF96DgIZYDqbv_B-SmU5rdwe7KPTiL95aQAvKPl9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7WOGqFVtBClZIlHmPWvu9S8dS0nLM_iKnUOLy8EAgbaDjmp02thGURwYDOGkc_qPYnlr-jxXdrVIchC1kpcYkj_SnhybeC4ZBRtcsF96DgIZYDqbv_B-SmU5rdwe7KPTiL95aQAvKPl9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.11+AM.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Me: Eloise attending a "Yes vote" rally for Scottish independence<br />
Lucy: "I want to be her. <i>She</i> looks like an American Girl. I want that jacket....(notices which designer it is) oh, it's Kini. Good. I was worried it was Sandhya."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. <b>Sandhya<br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsLvYllZ89YXUH8x4H661kHmwFi5Kn2kEzFoxq6JBM_naDsx8e4tgvmsSHw_C_No5wFCgcTMfoJCU6DRz-vbtcUv_IFo8tpzh7kpNg0WSMlNpx8cH-lSBbSOTECEu2KqEj9bQfPfwMb2O/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsLvYllZ89YXUH8x4H661kHmwFi5Kn2kEzFoxq6JBM_naDsx8e4tgvmsSHw_C_No5wFCgcTMfoJCU6DRz-vbtcUv_IFo8tpzh7kpNg0WSMlNpx8cH-lSBbSOTECEu2KqEj9bQfPfwMb2O/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.32+AM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: From the Shirley Temple toddler line "Lewdship Gollipop"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lucy: "It's like a jumpsuit with a nice little tutu. (Pauses) It's a <i>little</i> kooky. (Sees that it's Sandhya's look) "It's hers? I hope she goes home." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Sandhya from the back:</b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHed8fuCyT_EiNWF_KQilDCMf6cq9Y5aYNpMkjrZopb8A-UYvHsLHQjyd45fzhHTnnKU1l8Ci-Tnpk940uYKoN9M_pKj-2RpR2SWXfgZnGeu0zxyylfpfszmXFlZYWBff8yGvsk7kYjhhg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.25.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHed8fuCyT_EiNWF_KQilDCMf6cq9Y5aYNpMkjrZopb8A-UYvHsLHQjyd45fzhHTnnKU1l8Ci-Tnpk940uYKoN9M_pKj-2RpR2SWXfgZnGeu0zxyylfpfszmXFlZYWBff8yGvsk7kYjhhg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.25.14+AM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: "Snaps up the center back? How would you put this thing back on after going to the bathroom?"</div>
Lucy: "It would take a long time....and your teacher would probably yell at you."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
8. <b>Sean<br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMWXBybqJSzpOYVGqbzV7zJcJNUP0v7U3QXFcABYOiYi7r2zbatGUrv8BA3HVPzPVo8Nu2HtHv9b6K9cIlOPbJKgY5SeBKZ-v9XNmSsMNNga3VFaBRdY4uIN-ZHFHWjKMFzjx-1gWrP0P/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMWXBybqJSzpOYVGqbzV7zJcJNUP0v7U3QXFcABYOiYi7r2zbatGUrv8BA3HVPzPVo8Nu2HtHv9b6K9cIlOPbJKgY5SeBKZ-v9XNmSsMNNga3VFaBRdY4uIN-ZHFHWjKMFzjx-1gWrP0P/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+7.24.45+AM.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lucy: "Ehhhh...it's...nice. But that face looks like someone who is trying to be happy but it really uncomfortable." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: "OK, but it's not Project <i>Faceway</i>."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lucy: "Yeah... but I don't think she likes it." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: "And it looks like you can probably see her underpants through that lightweight cotton."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lucy: "Not good."</div>
<br />
Did anyone take it personally when Heidi's critique of this look included a dig at homesewers? She said Sean's '70s San Francisco-inspired outfit looked like it was from a "McCall's Pattern Book...a sew-it-yourself kind of thing." Minus the vest (with its incomplete peace sign — which is actually the Mercedes logo, duh), I thought it did look like something many of us might want to make for the little girls in our lives, so maybe Heidi was right. BUT: how much would this jumpsuit have benefitted from a bright print, drapier fabric, pockets and a gathered cuff?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoFLZ57IlpLC_fJtkXLbY5WIhkZrDG1g8mzWSOPAiFjQ85fOTo65OVR9LcAQ9ZGKugYYi8vy9jZaomb1QnJ9ClLBSedKNCjl6LXYfPKLw3QxdQ13tq9YBjB3jQAxIo6Mk2l5L-3otBOR5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+9.34.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoFLZ57IlpLC_fJtkXLbY5WIhkZrDG1g8mzWSOPAiFjQ85fOTo65OVR9LcAQ9ZGKugYYi8vy9jZaomb1QnJ9ClLBSedKNCjl6LXYfPKLw3QxdQ13tq9YBjB3jQAxIo6Mk2l5L-3otBOR5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-19+at+9.34.15+AM.png" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
Got any zingers to sling? Think like Michael Kors and leave your suggestions in the comments below!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-31873299333611449342014-09-13T08:33:00.003-04:002014-09-13T08:33:51.883-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 8Sponsorships have always driven some of the challenges on Project Runway (think of the perennial HP design challenge, in which the designers use touchable tablets to create their own textile design; I always look forward to that challenge and covet the opportunity to easily make a tessellated print with a few finger swipes).<br />
<br />
And in this episode of Project Runway the designers were tasked with creating a look to walk the "rainway" — a runway topped by a movie set-style rainmaking machine that soaks the models as they stomp the catwalk. The looks had to be avant-garde — which was somehow inspired by Samsung's new curved TV — a demand that matched the unusual runway experience they were about to create.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GUeGT8vdimBXJDjQTQkc1FWV7CPj80iMXtANzBZ3FZZhRfexhBYQVtm8vWmMolMNl_t73ZIKzcF6PW_HohtAyCh1whLJWFf78zRW9RGMWxYsKZX7amymJUxA36lenNs9AIDTQUMMQ2Cn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-13+at+7.07.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GUeGT8vdimBXJDjQTQkc1FWV7CPj80iMXtANzBZ3FZZhRfexhBYQVtm8vWmMolMNl_t73ZIKzcF6PW_HohtAyCh1whLJWFf78zRW9RGMWxYsKZX7amymJUxA36lenNs9AIDTQUMMQ2Cn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-13+at+7.07.54+AM.png" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You want me to do WHAT?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, the avant garde challenge is always a toughie for Project Runway designers. Very few people seem to have a good idea of what "avant garde" actually means. It's artistic, not really wearable, forward-thinking, larger-than-life...<br />
<br />
There are usually a number of stick-a-bunch-of-crap-on-it looks, like Char's:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXWbyFRzpKraUyGuAs88D1JSGsDmLWkJSOyplDwNFE8YBuNsII0XASWe39yxFctp2lEaOKb443pfdvfogBp7DOBC_dcN9UKUaZuTL2B2yanEKMD9QrZUwFqDa24cQG0BbwRn7O9GL_FIq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-13+at+7.34.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXWbyFRzpKraUyGuAs88D1JSGsDmLWkJSOyplDwNFE8YBuNsII0XASWe39yxFctp2lEaOKb443pfdvfogBp7DOBC_dcN9UKUaZuTL2B2yanEKMD9QrZUwFqDa24cQG0BbwRn7O9GL_FIq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-13+at+7.34.50+AM.png" height="640" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And usually a number of designers interpret "forward thinking" as futuristic, such as Emily and Korina's not-very-successful looks:<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWRsxtSGjkB_Wa_jg_mQVDLZTDXOqOAZKufwwpbndf3Le_oYpTtZmCj4CrfnHlRl6SwaKBLv3djVECYebQItTiSEyzMM8B-oi-FsbJue48f41yVtRbkJ_F_y2UnMgJIUw9z7qfuoQdCbU/s1600/futuristic-epi8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWRsxtSGjkB_Wa_jg_mQVDLZTDXOqOAZKufwwpbndf3Le_oYpTtZmCj4CrfnHlRl6SwaKBLv3djVECYebQItTiSEyzMM8B-oi-FsbJue48f41yVtRbkJ_F_y2UnMgJIUw9z7qfuoQdCbU/s1600/futuristic-epi8.jpg" height="481" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the planet Xanadu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Very few designers can actually create something truly exciting and wholly new, and I guess it's no surprise that Sean and Kini were the only designers not to get soaked by this two-day challenge (the Project Runway Fashion Week show took place this past week, and I kept myself off the Internet so I wouldn't ruin the surprise of seeing the collections. I think it's safe to say those two are in the top 3).<br />
<br />
In his critique, Tim Gunn said Kini's look was "like Schiaparelli" — high praise that foreshadowed runway success:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcnEwA9YlFtvXni9Y3E-znO0oHwXuleMXrMihlzEtCg_teqTBw9p1PrzjnSacTVAQmiyQkl1JgXsSd1QTWbwisFfrN753sOCAdQeNl_inse0TdCTm8M3z3pHI4ygG8-1bNNJwUekOAx8w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+8.52.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcnEwA9YlFtvXni9Y3E-znO0oHwXuleMXrMihlzEtCg_teqTBw9p1PrzjnSacTVAQmiyQkl1JgXsSd1QTWbwisFfrN753sOCAdQeNl_inse0TdCTm8M3z3pHI4ygG8-1bNNJwUekOAx8w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+8.52.00+PM.png" height="640" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ma'am, your umbrella is dripping on the floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kini's look was perfection. Inspired (obviously) by an umbrella, it was also perfectly executed — those folds perfectly draping across the hip and tapering down into a point. Yes, it's literal, which the judges normally HATE. But in an avant-garde challenge, it worked. Plus, the dude made gloves. Gloves! Is there anything this guy can't do?<br />
<br />
Sean, meanwhile, created a look that didn't just reference the rainway — it made use of the new medium in a specific, necessary way. It was, as my husband said, "some next-level shit."<br />
<br />
Painstakingly sewing RIT dye into the seams of his white dress, he gambled on the rain activating the color as the model walked the runway. The judges were suitably blown away as his dress quickly changed from all-white to an ombre-effect pink and yellow (how did that model keep herself from looking down to check it out as she walked the runway?).<br />
<br />
Sean didn't just sew a lovely dress. He created a theatrical experience — one that could only happen in this very specific environment. That's avant garde. Somebody better save this dress, because the Met is going to want it for their Sean Kelly retrospective in 2034:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx-DZfltI9wBXHzikAFmhhlWZwIH1Js5R7CUeit0qqx8MRUepdEuvoHWIsVkHHFdlcUAdiVdO1QRgMt5-RtQ1cbUzgG6jAZB1PqgQaxdmyNI5jjmgznpKMceR6OscnztHv0W4K8ulzmnI/s1600/sean-rainway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx-DZfltI9wBXHzikAFmhhlWZwIH1Js5R7CUeit0qqx8MRUepdEuvoHWIsVkHHFdlcUAdiVdO1QRgMt5-RtQ1cbUzgG6jAZB1PqgQaxdmyNI5jjmgznpKMceR6OscnztHv0W4K8ulzmnI/s1600/sean-rainway.jpg" height="318" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It reminded me of this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnA3XR5apQg">Alexander McQueen dress/runway experience</a>, in which model Shalom Harlow spun on a turntable as two robot arms equipped with paint sprayers doused her dress:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPT_jSF-KHoADKIYKjrJfGPcjbaq6f989-JZ3hT5mNAu-LzsTMC-He8aMR0mowPz5Juo4_dPHQEoNmNnuaWdJkDFxcca-3UQ5_ugI6qEGk7uLHs4N8Xo8AlPKwzG5IpEVI4d5KWwaTfBR/s1600/MCQU-SS99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPT_jSF-KHoADKIYKjrJfGPcjbaq6f989-JZ3hT5mNAu-LzsTMC-He8aMR0mowPz5Juo4_dPHQEoNmNnuaWdJkDFxcca-3UQ5_ugI6qEGk7uLHs4N8Xo8AlPKwzG5IpEVI4d5KWwaTfBR/s1600/MCQU-SS99.jpg" height="411" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Like Sean's rainway experiment, this McQueen moment was exceptional in its singularity and the "what the F$%^ is happening?" factor. Sean's look was perhaps even more interesting for the fact that no extra technology was needed to make it happen; the element of water provided the catalyst to transform his simple white dress into a work of art.<br />
<br />
Kini and Sean shared the win, which was only fair considering how superlative both designers' work was. Can you tell I was excited by this week's episode?<br />
<br />
Here's what I was not excited by:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwKDDl1TIXnjkNIGCe3tKWfpwJoQAcSQgGbUZ8jPlswhTiT6NEUxAhsZ1fZwPW9-iMAWgmCAUwDFLCF-eTpKFEdhdSwNLWuc41DTkdCIzoM5J6hxL_U4MqpY74m1H-t2czIymfEalaVHw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+8.52.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwKDDl1TIXnjkNIGCe3tKWfpwJoQAcSQgGbUZ8jPlswhTiT6NEUxAhsZ1fZwPW9-iMAWgmCAUwDFLCF-eTpKFEdhdSwNLWuc41DTkdCIzoM5J6hxL_U4MqpY74m1H-t2czIymfEalaVHw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+8.52.20+PM.png" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
Sandyha's big top jumpsuit topped by a pinwheel vest. Not only are her designs childlike, she's also unbelievably immature. After the judges' critique, in which a number of designers' work was compared to McQueen, she told them all she should win because she's the only true original in the group. She's lucky this is a particularly restrained bunch of Project Runway competitors. Nobody said a thing, though you can see their "bitch, please" looks on their faces:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7lZPzN32koRB6-mG9SPh7gIMXg4OuRmuj9RtpT2GYdF3CQ9Fl5xCm-EHW5_pNzwZcnH5XvuJBDxGQJYQ67NeV-VXe5H5LPAFbKVyvDOsno0_61o00rrCjq0zpvsbHVAfAjMM41Oi05Ki/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-13+at+8.27.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7lZPzN32koRB6-mG9SPh7gIMXg4OuRmuj9RtpT2GYdF3CQ9Fl5xCm-EHW5_pNzwZcnH5XvuJBDxGQJYQ67NeV-VXe5H5LPAFbKVyvDOsno0_61o00rrCjq0zpvsbHVAfAjMM41Oi05Ki/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-13+at+8.27.56+AM.png" height="376" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl, you better sleep with one eye open tonight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Poor Fade. He seemed to get a little lost in this challenge. It was confusing: they <i>were</i> told to be inspired by the TV's technology. Everyone else knew to let that one slide. He put an actual play button on his bodice:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXz8h9KO2vF-t1v1In2ASF7V6u6U22ZGAgs_DQsB75E9SFjsYZ574ui2n0oek3J1Axnrem9q4EZiVC36SOJe6XcISKf71RRmiJE7U0vGD9hBPuyhEJkaoCt-lmSqTC_i3was06AZNgj_r/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+8.51.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXz8h9KO2vF-t1v1In2ASF7V6u6U22ZGAgs_DQsB75E9SFjsYZ574ui2n0oek3J1Axnrem9q4EZiVC36SOJe6XcISKf71RRmiJE7U0vGD9hBPuyhEJkaoCt-lmSqTC_i3was06AZNgj_r/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+8.51.49+PM.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
What was your favorite look this week? We're getting close to the end: any predictions?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-54521783763445167102014-09-06T20:01:00.001-04:002014-09-06T20:01:31.305-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 7<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Sometimes I love Project Runway so much I would probably let it put a baby in me.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">And this week’s episode, with its Met Museum Charles James exhibit visit and Tim Gunn feelings, underlined all the reasons I adore this show: fashion, craft and heart.</span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The challenge was to create a gala look inspired by Chopard jewels. </span>But before the designers could even get their pencils out to sketch, Tim Gunn made a surprising announcement: he would be using the Tim Gunn Save (TM) on Char —the last eliminated designer.<br />
<br />
Tears were shed — at least as many by Tim as by Char. (He's more of a softie every season, isn't he?) I, for one, was very happy to see her return. Char is one awesome lady.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFr7NY6_BCgQIhcv4bJWk7bGTxl0f5ta0o-z3oHu1S1JddX7BuAO-BPLjKwEHLBtxnz6VRsV9kSxm1JQBKPpxzeE15UomhilbQsvX9MrWViuDSJ5_qJuwoMwogfMXoFdhAz8vpxRVsTuD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.34.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFr7NY6_BCgQIhcv4bJWk7bGTxl0f5ta0o-z3oHu1S1JddX7BuAO-BPLjKwEHLBtxnz6VRsV9kSxm1JQBKPpxzeE15UomhilbQsvX9MrWViuDSJ5_qJuwoMwogfMXoFdhAz8vpxRVsTuD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.34.06+PM.png" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After that emotional moment, Tim took the designers to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they visited this summer's Costume Institute Exhibit on Charles James for inspiration (sorry friends; it has since closed). It's so cute how excited the designers were — like they couldn't just pay the donation/admission and see it themselves any time.<br />
<br />
It really was an incredible exhibit though, particularly if you are interested in patternmaking and clothing construction. I took my six-year-old daughter in July. We took some photos of our favorite looks:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RR87sd4_VsgQxeeS2NWtgVI6XBuilJW-_kZP7rPJsDVv2aOq2RpL5fF0ujJ_y6YfHCV2MmOPHT-s-HsRqqydFLGa0rW7_9E5cRYhFKOZwfTlhQSwiAixy2fleyhj3t1wfXITU0CNszEr/s1600/20140724_113011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RR87sd4_VsgQxeeS2NWtgVI6XBuilJW-_kZP7rPJsDVv2aOq2RpL5fF0ujJ_y6YfHCV2MmOPHT-s-HsRqqydFLGa0rW7_9E5cRYhFKOZwfTlhQSwiAixy2fleyhj3t1wfXITU0CNszEr/s1600/20140724_113011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujZ1syj1zQJ0F1eoj26Tvt9D8fpV3PqmRPd6H11Q_YrnLet4CSPjA82paM-sdKoNO8yDiWZCuXEP_qjXWkfAbST4WCul0d8-7AsvvH8f8RDmMUwtGYqyurArh-XHp-Ekg2JadldVl4SDA/s1600/20140724_121018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujZ1syj1zQJ0F1eoj26Tvt9D8fpV3PqmRPd6H11Q_YrnLet4CSPjA82paM-sdKoNO8yDiWZCuXEP_qjXWkfAbST4WCul0d8-7AsvvH8f8RDmMUwtGYqyurArh-XHp-Ekg2JadldVl4SDA/s1600/20140724_121018.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv4loJ_WjGoIdXbJCTJ3QH1dUwna-6tGDdzkCNcB7t_Zm5sNmsg3GEVvLINkFCVBHbwTSxgJ3Go2ZwYy8NhS9t9kqV5RZVT3tGL4-fli0I4wfC44EOdq0RC3Kx2NClWxyqP6KrddLkdkF/s1600/20140724_121851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv4loJ_WjGoIdXbJCTJ3QH1dUwna-6tGDdzkCNcB7t_Zm5sNmsg3GEVvLINkFCVBHbwTSxgJ3Go2ZwYy8NhS9t9kqV5RZVT3tGL4-fli0I4wfC44EOdq0RC3Kx2NClWxyqP6KrddLkdkF/s1600/20140724_121851.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this IS meant to look like a vagina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And though their time was as constrained as it's been in recent weeks, nearly all of the designers created a look worthy of the jewels that inspired it. Even the worst looks of the week weren't terrible for a change, though there was one that caused me some confusion. Sean too: </div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4oPS77T6IxmNgnldiTm94DMtI3VkgybUminJZtb3gMPax0GlSKjQ7-sdSNfnVyN-NV__9F1WS4DjMm6X5XMxT2fa-MiBtdWKA9xQaLMLc8zmI69XenqZZq6PzPqVXZjVTbBK1i9FPLYe/s1600/amanda_huh_sean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4oPS77T6IxmNgnldiTm94DMtI3VkgybUminJZtb3gMPax0GlSKjQ7-sdSNfnVyN-NV__9F1WS4DjMm6X5XMxT2fa-MiBtdWKA9xQaLMLc8zmI69XenqZZq6PzPqVXZjVTbBK1i9FPLYe/s1600/amanda_huh_sean.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p2">
<br />
And that is Amanda's look, a strappy black jumpsuit topped with Betty Draper's organza bathrobe. The judges loved it, apparently, even though it was shockingly (or boringly?) similar to the Hot-For-Yoga-Teacher look she designed in Episode 3 (see below left):<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrTKYm8-6m4_9XJFFZxfUNqYr6bbbBy2fu7KeMA8_6ZycXbmqXn3vE1GrVuBv8_cPLUChV9CDUoX8jlQUCERo7EGs0KAjZSBjrDjd42HM6bj8IcNGDBH9cNqsADNTMGqOeNcIpOrIiwqe/s1600/amanda-huh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrTKYm8-6m4_9XJFFZxfUNqYr6bbbBy2fu7KeMA8_6ZycXbmqXn3vE1GrVuBv8_cPLUChV9CDUoX8jlQUCERo7EGs0KAjZSBjrDjd42HM6bj8IcNGDBH9cNqsADNTMGqOeNcIpOrIiwqe/s1600/amanda-huh.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just....sigh...don't even. What? Are they all on crazy pills?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moving on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lesson 1: Upholstery fabric — It ain't just for couches</b> </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I don't know if this tie-in was intentional, but Mood NYC has a new upholstery store — which was perfectly highlighted in this challenge by the fact that Korina successfully used couch-weight furnishing fabric to create a beautiful structured coat. I'm not a huge fan of Korina the Person, but this week Korina the Designer did a pretty amazing job:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2a_Ct0VEo5NY5MqPLGRIwBlnlJ4EKI_3OhLg3BKQY-15ZBtSBeBCsw9Xj6AC0qN8VttvxGuCOyky_Y-LOw9rxC4kKN0nBE2lyUShAlW8_g5nbWOqH-I8J_KQwW36xvKSyNiRdhvQDUfm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.25.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2a_Ct0VEo5NY5MqPLGRIwBlnlJ4EKI_3OhLg3BKQY-15ZBtSBeBCsw9Xj6AC0qN8VttvxGuCOyky_Y-LOw9rxC4kKN0nBE2lyUShAlW8_g5nbWOqH-I8J_KQwW36xvKSyNiRdhvQDUfm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.25.35+PM.png" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
Quoth Korina’s model: “It’s so different..it’s you.”<br />
<br />
Cut to... Korina wearing a very similar coat:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvYnEXvIJiDlYv7T302TJZXLT1mNFN-wcnTtLZvqLD9slFunmdxCYDXkvemHiXPCbdNGuIP0k63kSMPnX0cXhAGdYG8qgJFBeLrw8CvgoPLm4FC0Vya3iqS7xOdRamhes1O8dst0rKtNW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+9.56.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvYnEXvIJiDlYv7T302TJZXLT1mNFN-wcnTtLZvqLD9slFunmdxCYDXkvemHiXPCbdNGuIP0k63kSMPnX0cXhAGdYG8qgJFBeLrw8CvgoPLm4FC0Vya3iqS7xOdRamhes1O8dst0rKtNW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+9.56.59+AM.png" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
She struggled with pattern-matching — as we all do. Tim Gunn had to ride her a little to take the front apart so that everything lined up properly. It was obviously a pain to do, but worth it in the end. Coincidentally, earlier this week I found a copy of a "Sewing With Nancy" tips book on my building's free table (one of the big benefits of apartment living — since we've lived here we have taken in numerous books, a dollhouse, and even a wafflemaker from the free table). Skimming it, I found a great tip on pattern-matching: Cut one side at a time, and while you pin the first take a moment to trace the print onto the paper pattern piece. That way you can use it as a guide to perfectly line up the second piece you cut. A large-scale print like Korina's would have been easy to match with that method. (If she was using the flat-pattern method, of course).<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson # 2: Be judicious with the neoprene, people</b><br />
<br />
One thing I've been loving this season of project Runway is the designers' use of neoprene as a fashion fabric. Here are two great examples from previous episodes that demonstrate how wetsuit fabric can be used for great effect:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnlc8LVNaJmUrwpsF6qspicqhWNIL0GYuQ6FyjEoPcOHnXW8oUirEz9vGSpJkaKE1IsAZL4yoHyUWc8_jMOEJMi501N-7ge2IX6xE3khRu1BiZGIVr6H_vahunwqCkvMxmVb1w7HmN-YS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+11.56.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnlc8LVNaJmUrwpsF6qspicqhWNIL0GYuQ6FyjEoPcOHnXW8oUirEz9vGSpJkaKE1IsAZL4yoHyUWc8_jMOEJMi501N-7ge2IX6xE3khRu1BiZGIVr6H_vahunwqCkvMxmVb1w7HmN-YS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+11.56.26+AM.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a structured shoulder detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyY5fEdbiTs52ZDN_i5WrB0foc0Cddexf8rCbMUXFrgRiCDRdPyRYDi7DXzSTRuLG_CXpQjAJV7NFb2Ok4I3GGx_4c-TQCE8ITKYWKOVZPrJO8CUoI8NjIUJpWjJUJif8_gLmoy4Xi7ij/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+9.46.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyY5fEdbiTs52ZDN_i5WrB0foc0Cddexf8rCbMUXFrgRiCDRdPyRYDi7DXzSTRuLG_CXpQjAJV7NFb2Ok4I3GGx_4c-TQCE8ITKYWKOVZPrJO8CUoI8NjIUJpWjJUJif8_gLmoy4Xi7ij/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+9.46.59+PM.png" height="400" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a jacket with cool cutout sleeve bands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But this week Kini, a designer for whom I am totally rooting despite his giggly cattiness, attempted a bustier cut from neoprene, a highly structured fabric meant to insulate. He might have had better luck shaping a bra cup from a couple slices of stale bread:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSlwdsWIZiGZvlr5AhAmi6aStJ-iw7cOqhVG_VEKkrJHx9BBAiU-ovcqE0udtXktYCMP9laNmsjo02wDXQYhgoqdGwqd8euClzIduGpQUBe5RfKwogdC-c7cD9Z-zYaSlO9vAdVEPJrBz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+10.10.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSlwdsWIZiGZvlr5AhAmi6aStJ-iw7cOqhVG_VEKkrJHx9BBAiU-ovcqE0udtXktYCMP9laNmsjo02wDXQYhgoqdGwqd8euClzIduGpQUBe5RfKwogdC-c7cD9Z-zYaSlO9vAdVEPJrBz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+10.10.27+AM.png" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The judges didn't totally hate it though because his overall design was at least interesting. Meanwhile, my six-year-old described Kini's dress this way: "Half is like a girl who's dressed and half is a girl who's naked." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadFos-g8c6o4naw8flWRT7w2yuxmP7lPCaDrpuQ4JzoNqhUD1BOCZhyRbTwQpxPBQqOvg2-ozOQxSe1blCvFnuoBCm6zXwKToHB32Fk3ebw8oD8tlnpheYPWtnuVuFkCtLIZ7Ygw5bjB5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.25.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadFos-g8c6o4naw8flWRT7w2yuxmP7lPCaDrpuQ4JzoNqhUD1BOCZhyRbTwQpxPBQqOvg2-ozOQxSe1blCvFnuoBCm6zXwKToHB32Fk3ebw8oD8tlnpheYPWtnuVuFkCtLIZ7Ygw5bjB5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.25.27+PM.png" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
Since you're wondering, that wasn't her worst criticism of the week though. She described Fade's dress as "too bootyish":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJhoJkOGseS3ErjaBIM7TpB3qXIUQD0JaGxD2MBfyWBYx3ehLPnIzlCiMkQQzzg5Ydn6YJJdUO4urHaccA5B7LDbqWfIqSxlZWnzH_3twMT5wIRFsbgTwQJ3h1z0jZa3mLqJeWCxL5U3L/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+12.12.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJhoJkOGseS3ErjaBIM7TpB3qXIUQD0JaGxD2MBfyWBYx3ehLPnIzlCiMkQQzzg5Ydn6YJJdUO4urHaccA5B7LDbqWfIqSxlZWnzH_3twMT5wIRFsbgTwQJ3h1z0jZa3mLqJeWCxL5U3L/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+12.12.42+PM.png" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
Also bootyish, Emily's dress:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXercTx4thlr5vZDudsMeq2_89L5JIbE_1NdP3n9GiDFcQIYh5A7jhhuw6n4AChYRbVhUMxWHwjeKu4oyjLTZviG-SiYMB-BBkvKw5OCBAEyxaQVmegnWW0IJnIHWMYyGAArY2E8Ksy0G/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+12.13.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXercTx4thlr5vZDudsMeq2_89L5JIbE_1NdP3n9GiDFcQIYh5A7jhhuw6n4AChYRbVhUMxWHwjeKu4oyjLTZviG-SiYMB-BBkvKw5OCBAEyxaQVmegnWW0IJnIHWMYyGAArY2E8Ksy0G/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-06+at+12.13.30+PM.png" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span>And "too clumpy," inexplicable fan-favorite Alexander's molten lava dress:<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctQjioQcNsR7OOXrt2XdlrCxHuibrI77XcqnaBn5kwnuCvcL6gGfMWVCRlQvQxdKDn56uoths9TB-5rlOTKdjM__KGdOktZaqnC2oyPKcCdXaxe9i4uyGbJXwOzN0130wkMHdWmH1ZO6c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.24.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctQjioQcNsR7OOXrt2XdlrCxHuibrI77XcqnaBn5kwnuCvcL6gGfMWVCRlQvQxdKDn56uoths9TB-5rlOTKdjM__KGdOktZaqnC2oyPKcCdXaxe9i4uyGbJXwOzN0130wkMHdWmH1ZO6c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-05+at+10.24.57+PM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
What was your favorite look this week? Were you as satisfied as I was with this episode? Are Sandhya's smug looks driving you bonkers? Do you Fall sewing plans include upholstery fabric and neoprene?</div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-71755391899932473132014-08-29T09:40:00.001-04:002014-08-29T09:40:24.547-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Something is afoot on Project Runway. For one, Kini was once again denied a deserved win — for the third time, I think we can agree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And two: when did each episode of Project Runway become an hour and a half long? (And how did I not notice that?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, the challenge was to design two non-traditional bridal looks — one for the wedding and another for the reception. Featuring guest judge Dita Von Teese (whom my six-year-old daughter proclaimed "THE WHITEST PERSON SHE HAS EVER SEEN!"), the challenge allegedly had no rules.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51IWB1PLSGyuW5MfCHjolw3X_8TJCBTRRVGQ6t70kgmE8RlV0DQFsvG7hXuYxhd6nTWIWIuJLYMZM-egqAhp0Nvoi4idX4XWQjFn4MZn0q3d9PqYoO_B7lrQldwihzeXAXKPS0O6MOdVD/s1600/theres-no-rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51IWB1PLSGyuW5MfCHjolw3X_8TJCBTRRVGQ6t70kgmE8RlV0DQFsvG7hXuYxhd6nTWIWIuJLYMZM-egqAhp0Nvoi4idX4XWQjFn4MZn0q3d9PqYoO_B7lrQldwihzeXAXKPS0O6MOdVD/s1600/theres-no-rules.jpg" height="640" width="350" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was another team challenge and the time constraints were again unfortunately tight. I say "unfortunately" because there's little room for ambitious design when you only have a day. But back to Kini for a moment:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lesson 1: Being a team player doesn't always make you a winner</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Truly, I think both Sean <i>and</i> Kini should have won for these two looks. They were the only team that managed to design and execute cohesive, beautiful and appropriate looks, each making the other stronger: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvi7ZYSbtMKZpQ_pAVb21KwsUxAoUTwYP9xddGsziRfyQRmU-lJZlR4kluGM_qwjEksj591ZRgn9gg9MDG1NM2vDd1SoSGuZtPaEE6IgdoJPKzEXhXLMcXUaOiHHIh9vYY7jfiPOrXawU/s1600/kini-sean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvi7ZYSbtMKZpQ_pAVb21KwsUxAoUTwYP9xddGsziRfyQRmU-lJZlR4kluGM_qwjEksj591ZRgn9gg9MDG1NM2vDd1SoSGuZtPaEE6IgdoJPKzEXhXLMcXUaOiHHIh9vYY7jfiPOrXawU/s1600/kini-sean.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kini's design (left) was exceptional and Sean's winning look is fairly divine. Kini's quibble with Sean was the fact that he only sewed the pants (oh, those amazing pants!) while Kini picked up the slack and finished the white blouse for him. Kini is obviously a sewing superstar, banging out complicated, well-finished looks week after week (I would LOVE to take a closer look at his process, wouldn't you?) but as we've been told before: this is a show about design, not sewing. However, had Kini left Sean to finish the blouse on his own, perhaps the runway results would have been different. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lesson 2: Effort doesn't always equal elegance</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sandyha spent hours creating what she called "handmade French lace" in this bright yellow. She then sewed strips of it to her bodice (below left). Googling French lace I could find nothing that resembled Sandyha's handiwork. And to me it just looked like upholstery trimming. I'm all for handcrafting, but if the effect is the same as hotgluing bulkifying braided trim to a satin bodice...then why bother?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQEzk37W5cr2NJ4sgLeq1PAof0kIZRISesW12TydyH0J13fmcDerI8V_jLik3-rRYvUrGxVPGVibX_cnqeMgTDjJ4ZzarVn_HTSrrHWo2Ql9GwrPLlMCZVGU6YmS_dsU_IzH97OjPQR2O/s1600/char-sandhya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQEzk37W5cr2NJ4sgLeq1PAof0kIZRISesW12TydyH0J13fmcDerI8V_jLik3-rRYvUrGxVPGVibX_cnqeMgTDjJ4ZzarVn_HTSrrHWo2Ql9GwrPLlMCZVGU6YmS_dsU_IzH97OjPQR2O/s1600/char-sandhya.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, Sandyha was safe and Char went home. Her look (above right) was quite the mess and she seemed uncharacteristically lost in this challenge for some reason. But I was so sad to see her go. I was sure she'd make it at least near the end. Let's look back at some of her other, better looks over the past five episodes:<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDn08kjBoaHh3P2tPyAgPn1LbjWL0Z9tR6YUGAcF7zMo9H01lneoFoW_oxX9WTyyeKyZN7fxDCf0LLs6ShMPQaJ7pLrRnUKSX9mpjWiahJ7vbNHYUmlYIfgdyOX7TBJQyi9mmgENQmX3T/s1600/char-alllooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDn08kjBoaHh3P2tPyAgPn1LbjWL0Z9tR6YUGAcF7zMo9H01lneoFoW_oxX9WTyyeKyZN7fxDCf0LLs6ShMPQaJ7pLrRnUKSX9mpjWiahJ7vbNHYUmlYIfgdyOX7TBJQyi9mmgENQmX3T/s1600/char-alllooks.jpg" height="190" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lesson 3: Designing your own textile opens up a world of possibilities</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fade's look (below left) was not my favorite but I was interested in his technique. Using the same fabrics as Emily (below right) he layered and pieced together shapes to make this edgy textile. The effect is pretty cool — and definitely unique. And somehow it didn't end up bulky (or quilty) as I'd expected it would. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHeSVKCfDiH8aJ5Ikt9Jv6Dqo_wZTTSoWYVxzvR-N4WRGJcJYJdjN7a6ryYQ8d_9Gjqcz_LFKLyTiMMKkJARKUdkUxAJdDu88aTtW0RpmPnYtkTQXAMME-bBpPiF0DvGmOc6eK5X0ufhp/s1600/fade-emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHeSVKCfDiH8aJ5Ikt9Jv6Dqo_wZTTSoWYVxzvR-N4WRGJcJYJdjN7a6ryYQ8d_9Gjqcz_LFKLyTiMMKkJARKUdkUxAJdDu88aTtW0RpmPnYtkTQXAMME-bBpPiF0DvGmOc6eK5X0ufhp/s1600/fade-emily.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm exhausting my kid's TV time — and the minutes in which I can devote to this (summer vacation is SO long), so I will leave it up to you readers to comment on Samantha and Alexander's looks: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1y92OfH2NC3Mfy1MMrX4fHBbcCSaJKPjNergB4kOTWVIBwbYSFxH3aHhYe73rOypFsdiXUGo3KoEQdYIdnm1aDqzJumvmT9Tl0E-1ajivcadgpeOxEAUXR1zFckCxj66tpaeGi6U8tdB/s1600/alexander-sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1y92OfH2NC3Mfy1MMrX4fHBbcCSaJKPjNergB4kOTWVIBwbYSFxH3aHhYe73rOypFsdiXUGo3KoEQdYIdnm1aDqzJumvmT9Tl0E-1ajivcadgpeOxEAUXR1zFckCxj66tpaeGi6U8tdB/s1600/alexander-sam.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-63277355635927995512014-08-28T07:45:00.000-04:002014-08-28T07:45:30.049-04:00Finished Project: Simplicity 1314 Times TWO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When my sewing students told me they wanted to learn to make a dress, I knew finding a pattern would be a challenge. After all, they're a diverse bunch of ladies, each with her own style. How can you possibly pick a dress pattern to please more than one person? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So first, we settled on some musts we could agree on: sleeves, a simple neckline (no collars or button plackets), and a zipper closure. I also wanted to include a few key techniques: how to sew princess seams and attach a separate bodice and skirt (Sorry, no shift dresses!). It also needed to be a Fall/Winter style. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I searched and searched...and then one day I got an email: Simplicity had released <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-11839-misses-dress-sportswear-cynthia-rowley-collection.aspx#t-0">a new Cynthia Rowley pattern — 1314</a>, a Fall-friendly dress with elbow-length sleeves. It can be made in a woven or slightly stretchy knit like ponte (forgiving for the new sewer or the easily bloated!), and you can mix fabrics for a contrasting center front panel. It's simple, has slimming princess seams, and is classic — though you can make it really modern. I even love the styling on the pattern envelope. Look at her, she's wearing sneakers with a dress. I love sneakers with dresses. Always have. I also love faux leather:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-11839-misses-dress-sportswear-cynthia-rowley-collection.aspx#t-0"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fX0nvjrudkj7GnMdnVLbHMTFmPKILPdAoTPP2leSnJVtDcnXmbf3b9muHGkpmyjFgN1ZOWegsJ7cV1Rej3hydCc0AAhX3_jzgkHkqvCdGbhp03nNsaLeHRewA8YoJNazb-S8crE-7yNa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-28+at+6.40.43+AM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I tested out the pattern twice — and I love it. LOVE. IT. I think it is so, so flattering. I love the neckline, wide-at-the-elbow sleeve and the cut of the skirt. I made it in black ponte (from Chic in NYC's Garment District): </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOSxl66p9Gn-FtI8mS2ZdRG-AIsjHGoUZlckaqg2xvzyapEwIWxvIZsFcHEG0y5kT3uAW4xHjI26meuSkHROeM8vnq3Nz4kZIgfqOeUfv6x89sbfiffQIRqxKZwYQHrjYNIjnMzB7GzH3/s1600/simplicity1314_black01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOSxl66p9Gn-FtI8mS2ZdRG-AIsjHGoUZlckaqg2xvzyapEwIWxvIZsFcHEG0y5kT3uAW4xHjI26meuSkHROeM8vnq3Nz4kZIgfqOeUfv6x89sbfiffQIRqxKZwYQHrjYNIjnMzB7GzH3/s1600/simplicity1314_black01.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And in cream ponte (Metro Textiles) with quilted center front and center back panels:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAJI1wyjdZNUd-iSqLXf_Ri9IRH3MY_4GhaOhtB6zqPbaV3Kva5dsaZ9XXgMPjIYHlfMgFagIUEd5QaCrdk39Wx6MpFy53HzEdE1tenffsDJrvJGyNNhOK2AGGDw1GNXbe7-n7FKKxVwY/s1600/simplicity1314_cream02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAJI1wyjdZNUd-iSqLXf_Ri9IRH3MY_4GhaOhtB6zqPbaV3Kva5dsaZ9XXgMPjIYHlfMgFagIUEd5QaCrdk39Wx6MpFy53HzEdE1tenffsDJrvJGyNNhOK2AGGDw1GNXbe7-n7FKKxVwY/s1600/simplicity1314_cream02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fabric I used for the contrast panel really is a thing of beauty. It's a cotton blend quilted sweatshirt fabric I found at Paron's on sale a few weeks ago. I may just go back and buy the rest of the bolt. Here's the detail shot you've been waiting for:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa3l_PUEN4PsILowFd5GuizSlciDPLFf9wir2lsf5lzZqA-EwAPKHqk8TmIeARQ-ByM11Hnf-ELjQ_vWGPifY4guzzPnIUhpLFZnNSLajJ5gYg5xH74mdXk06YRvzF1sl1FLBBtQUSqYL/s1600/simplicity1314_cream04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa3l_PUEN4PsILowFd5GuizSlciDPLFf9wir2lsf5lzZqA-EwAPKHqk8TmIeARQ-ByM11Hnf-ELjQ_vWGPifY4guzzPnIUhpLFZnNSLajJ5gYg5xH74mdXk06YRvzF1sl1FLBBtQUSqYL/s1600/simplicity1314_cream04.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, the great thing about a princess seam is the fact that you can achieve a great fit through the bust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqmAHRigITyRpe-o76Uka7v7peaoMDs7duFjlr_k-kpm9MOsKwVwZp1LVGxxU34YaTPNlsENkbdCME5KSDxL7m-s5CK-FzS7WAA0dpN6sQr01XYlFWSksQ9EyLQX1pKyV07cZHirM7WEd/s1600/simplicity1314_black02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqmAHRigITyRpe-o76Uka7v7peaoMDs7duFjlr_k-kpm9MOsKwVwZp1LVGxxU34YaTPNlsENkbdCME5KSDxL7m-s5CK-FzS7WAA0dpN6sQr01XYlFWSksQ9EyLQX1pKyV07cZHirM7WEd/s1600/simplicity1314_black02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I had intended to cut the above black dress with a contrast faux leather center front panel just like the Cynthia Rowley sample, but it turned out the piece of faux I had in my stash was not enough. It worked out though — now I actually have a basic black dress in my wardrobe:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdsXXO1QLamcN09mZUiF0IK4F2xIddP-8zMQd0_A-5H2AJqSWhts1MsQSmyqEXrDIjnfuQ3lObKAXsrGLJtqCygDFOfJF8EVF9_7mM3lwYsNGgDsUizQDgOhEw09Iv56zeWKszk9XdcBA/s1600/simplicity1314_black03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdsXXO1QLamcN09mZUiF0IK4F2xIddP-8zMQd0_A-5H2AJqSWhts1MsQSmyqEXrDIjnfuQ3lObKAXsrGLJtqCygDFOfJF8EVF9_7mM3lwYsNGgDsUizQDgOhEw09Iv56zeWKszk9XdcBA/s1600/simplicity1314_black03.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't make many changes to the pattern. I graded out to a larger size at the hip and reduced the back neckline and armscye (which I usually do because I have the back of a 90-pound weakling and the hips of a mother of six). I also ended up taking out some ease at the side seam, though if I had sewn a woven, I probably would have left that in. I think for many women, this pattern would fit great straight out of the envelope. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also trimmed a couple inches off the length of the skirt because I am 5 foot 3 and wanted to maintain the right proportions. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkYBLsZUDO-fKkrcJOq5Edqju408OcHo2HHa9x3-VV5oT_VkeQSgPbWQnyzxMrlvLvmrCDGxFMsfGTfsQEeP8jzqLc4PxBvIump5dhgbqZhbomM4OZLSDU4LzESpghE-Tee4XkvFxSTLW/s1600/simplicity1314_cream03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkYBLsZUDO-fKkrcJOq5Edqju408OcHo2HHa9x3-VV5oT_VkeQSgPbWQnyzxMrlvLvmrCDGxFMsfGTfsQEeP8jzqLc4PxBvIump5dhgbqZhbomM4OZLSDU4LzESpghE-Tee4XkvFxSTLW/s1600/simplicity1314_cream03.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I chose pretty conservative fabrics for my two versions of Simplicity 1314, but I think there's so much room for working with color, texture, and even print with this pattern. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYtEAf9SMAT_3nKZKCVXBG71E2gKA47DBdyB0u3BxDKI9dKhQGPJcM9NaUVfzeqEDJAOkU3fEqgVb3lpOTpVWUEVVJ-ndUkjeNu2raQc0pT0u3uk2Y_epah96N5qMb4cZBNt0tpWOkSMr/s1600/simplicity1314_cream05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYtEAf9SMAT_3nKZKCVXBG71E2gKA47DBdyB0u3BxDKI9dKhQGPJcM9NaUVfzeqEDJAOkU3fEqgVb3lpOTpVWUEVVJ-ndUkjeNu2raQc0pT0u3uk2Y_epah96N5qMb4cZBNt0tpWOkSMr/s1600/simplicity1314_cream05.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
What fabrics would you choose? And how would you style this dress?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-7072047379624078922014-08-25T07:18:00.001-04:002014-08-25T07:18:31.975-04:00Finished Project: Belated Oonapalooza Rainbow Floral Dress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do not adjust your monitors....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5JbqCLOPVoLVCpaIIZN1aL57mMJmlw0SMQXmiAwC_oLyUc4X4fU_AuVF7R_FADsVwZbeDTQ30rNk6aAq1wVbgTzvyTGEDpitdXf_c_0hAuVphEH8a5DcSOrRylTNu7r-7qDHliFlrQnh/s1600/oona-dress05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5JbqCLOPVoLVCpaIIZN1aL57mMJmlw0SMQXmiAwC_oLyUc4X4fU_AuVF7R_FADsVwZbeDTQ30rNk6aAq1wVbgTzvyTGEDpitdXf_c_0hAuVphEH8a5DcSOrRylTNu7r-7qDHliFlrQnh/s1600/oona-dress05.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This dress, my much belated entry into the <a href="http://www.oonaballoona.com/2014/08/palooza-dazzlers.html">Ooonapalooza challenge</a>, is really this bright — no Instagram filters needed to make it pop, thanks to this <a href="http://www.hartsfabric.com/michael-miller-fabric-floraliscious-black-76986.html">Michael Miller "Floralicious" printed cotton (available at Hart's Fabrics — you're welcome)</a>. It has, I believe, ALL the colors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyTS4hmQqP694X4K-msTf7i45SjgRlLGoMkoRrSyyaK4c9r_UFTZnfFOTF9VixTFu9JOjrcRLITaedv0Izny6yvVrIE0qy9VWIeWmPPi0GATGla97nGdgSxjbJIjPQyJEMTaxMytl6PPX/s1600/oona-dress03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyTS4hmQqP694X4K-msTf7i45SjgRlLGoMkoRrSyyaK4c9r_UFTZnfFOTF9VixTFu9JOjrcRLITaedv0Izny6yvVrIE0qy9VWIeWmPPi0GATGla97nGdgSxjbJIjPQyJEMTaxMytl6PPX/s1600/oona-dress03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyTS4hmQqP694X4K-msTf7i45SjgRlLGoMkoRrSyyaK4c9r_UFTZnfFOTF9VixTFu9JOjrcRLITaedv0Izny6yvVrIE0qy9VWIeWmPPi0GATGla97nGdgSxjbJIjPQyJEMTaxMytl6PPX/s1600/oona-dress03.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The deadline for this sewing challenge was actually the end of July, but like <a href="http://oonabaloona.com/">Oona</a>, my lovely inspiration, I don't always play by the rules. Of course, that means I am also ineligible for prizes, which are long gone by now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I am lucky because I live in New York City and Oona is my real life friend — a prize greater than any gift certificate. She's so nice (and twice as fun as she is sweet). Here she is showing her appreciation for my dress (I'd like to think the size of her mouth is directly proportional to how much she likes it — ergo HUGE): </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOnj8eRi46C4v_UM3aKv1zXWLHout1kHmzmQV7cwLCg8rjBxVliAA4bjRgEuroB8Nt4fEbNu1s4jdmf4Q0a8FrCI3Phb02GWDHzgyLcu0Z4gl4rz_TiRgARiYIT-H0CyuERGcsDfdUxks/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-24+at+7.00.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOnj8eRi46C4v_UM3aKv1zXWLHout1kHmzmQV7cwLCg8rjBxVliAA4bjRgEuroB8Nt4fEbNu1s4jdmf4Q0a8FrCI3Phb02GWDHzgyLcu0Z4gl4rz_TiRgARiYIT-H0CyuERGcsDfdUxks/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-24+at+7.00.47+PM.png" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">For those of you who don't know </span><a href="http://www.oonaballoona.com/" style="text-align: left;">Oona</a><span style="text-align: left;">, she's a talented seamstress renowned in our crafty little corner of the Internet for her love of mixing bright prints while rocking figure-flattering silhouettes. She's also a devil-may-care draper who will rock a drop-crotch onesie like nobody's business. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaXf5qYRwaXQS_P5zotBUCp3fdR3kFkhl77EWi-8JxE3SnJLPd3YMiMqxyBUuHQpkQZ2Rhg9RgjBNrLwIjd_Ob4ysZbyGtOfxM2ZYfboO34OvZgCFpFGcrSYWYTHKJe35hWMOlOadg_0-/s1600/oona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaXf5qYRwaXQS_P5zotBUCp3fdR3kFkhl77EWi-8JxE3SnJLPd3YMiMqxyBUuHQpkQZ2Rhg9RgjBNrLwIjd_Ob4ysZbyGtOfxM2ZYfboO34OvZgCFpFGcrSYWYTHKJe35hWMOlOadg_0-/s1600/oona.jpg" height="266" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She's also short like me, bless her heart. So in tribute to Oona's signature shot-from-below style, I made my husband get low in our photo shoot. Like, laying-on-the-ground low. (Dirty-New-York-City-ground low!) And the system works. I look 5'6" at least: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXtRHGfFSVrSkoiz6qmATxSvgDQvWOXIwKKTsIGt1bqXTgp_BDDOmXmOLJwBYveNwSsPrVCZIrU8vplMUipK0-oeS4aHnYX8mmdq34KLIvO9Tp-mPc2Jt3Ssc6d_YU1QHlGrUTVbI5wbq/s1600/oona-dress01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXtRHGfFSVrSkoiz6qmATxSvgDQvWOXIwKKTsIGt1bqXTgp_BDDOmXmOLJwBYveNwSsPrVCZIrU8vplMUipK0-oeS4aHnYX8mmdq34KLIvO9Tp-mPc2Jt3Ssc6d_YU1QHlGrUTVbI5wbq/s1600/oona-dress01.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know you're wondering: the pattern is <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6887-products-47888.php?page_id=108&search_control=display&list=search">McCall's 6887</a>, a flattering princess-seamed fit-and-flare dress with a cut-out back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRb3aOf0kr77z7C8NoYB88frqYMFNXYf76kfCP0GUk81JmLYWBnITxJwvrktOccgCA8NJNVFFs9oSYxkfoTOqmBqLJtQTyoZ7-k-GEgmjhZ8OW5IJRxaWFAhUfowlxct3qV5oC-MGBlyZ/s1600/oona-dress-back02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRb3aOf0kr77z7C8NoYB88frqYMFNXYf76kfCP0GUk81JmLYWBnITxJwvrktOccgCA8NJNVFFs9oSYxkfoTOqmBqLJtQTyoZ7-k-GEgmjhZ8OW5IJRxaWFAhUfowlxct3qV5oC-MGBlyZ/s1600/oona-dress-back02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a well-drafted pattern with the back cut-out revealing just enough — but not too much. You can wear a bra (score!) plus the bodice wraps just enough around your sides so you don't feel muffin-topish.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVIa2HroVVolqUKxCoYvtxa6XxMoKxFgRo8sLyV-kmdT_kqlYE9dabSfaHoJuFk74Y5azrUXHk1daHoFei1mZSNKP_L5ceDseNTLVJEPTVOm1o_1usQRr6aWohSqba2dSiC8NJRi923bh/s1600/oona-dress-back01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVIa2HroVVolqUKxCoYvtxa6XxMoKxFgRo8sLyV-kmdT_kqlYE9dabSfaHoJuFk74Y5azrUXHk1daHoFei1mZSNKP_L5ceDseNTLVJEPTVOm1o_1usQRr6aWohSqba2dSiC8NJRi923bh/s1600/oona-dress-back01.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The only changes I made were my usual fit alterations: reducing the back armscye and neckline. I also made a petite alteration through the upper bust. I muslined just the bodice and discovered after I had sewn up the skirt that I had to take out three inches from center back in order to make it fit. Though I had chosen the right size for my measurements, a couple inches extra ease meant major droop right at center back. As always, it pays to measure your pattern and adjust as necessary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgCGSHMufjodlht6VXpbIGB5DBmWPYSvEBRwE-bRLtSGkjiwwtDTL967rHE5itQv7ySEmyG4YOVLaoAnxEqjgeQr9t-7TUgQjgIa8WQwHQKnMgfSN0277He4_AKZ5C2CfCoFS-bGemg7k/s1600/oona-dress02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgCGSHMufjodlht6VXpbIGB5DBmWPYSvEBRwE-bRLtSGkjiwwtDTL967rHE5itQv7ySEmyG4YOVLaoAnxEqjgeQr9t-7TUgQjgIa8WQwHQKnMgfSN0277He4_AKZ5C2CfCoFS-bGemg7k/s1600/oona-dress02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The major challenge in sewing with this fabric was the fact that the floral print strips were 15.5 inches wide with solid black on each side. I had to cut the skirt panels (there are seven in this pattern) in a way that made the best use of the floral while remaining on grain. The effect is a little like black godets to contrast the floral print:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2UFD_D1_DBdIB4OutdIb1r1CgxWq_Yyn04JKy2znSpd77dDhPE1tkwk3quuJ5ZfbooqXj3ZeQEOqbAWvYhPD43m2FIE1wsFKZshduGROEOV9rIrgCjhZnBeMn4hegUyrfnhYnFINz7eE/s1600/oona-dress-photobomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2UFD_D1_DBdIB4OutdIb1r1CgxWq_Yyn04JKy2znSpd77dDhPE1tkwk3quuJ5ZfbooqXj3ZeQEOqbAWvYhPD43m2FIE1wsFKZshduGROEOV9rIrgCjhZnBeMn4hegUyrfnhYnFINz7eE/s1600/oona-dress-photobomb.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oona never has this problem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I really love this pattern, the print, and my new Oona-ish dress. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthsPToIAuMrVu9dvwTMG0LGh5rXXwsGgXaaJhqAZq5XoXOT2Nanecxrj_AsmTSwyeuSm7zxUqoACgMM599R8fd1IhqN9OapBrcXVCX3KTfrJ_OIPTJ_K2DEj9tJzrE8Vhgn5U8ZRjNEWW/s1600/oona-dress07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthsPToIAuMrVu9dvwTMG0LGh5rXXwsGgXaaJhqAZq5XoXOT2Nanecxrj_AsmTSwyeuSm7zxUqoACgMM599R8fd1IhqN9OapBrcXVCX3KTfrJ_OIPTJ_K2DEj9tJzrE8Vhgn5U8ZRjNEWW/s1600/oona-dress07.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-33878485927597910702014-08-22T10:19:00.001-04:002014-08-22T10:19:58.317-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 5Project Runway needs to plan its airdates a little better because going into this week's challenge — which was to design a dress for Heidi to wear at the Creative Arts Emmys — I already knew the winner. After all, the Creative Arts Emmys took place last Sunday, so there was no suspense if you had already seen her red carpet look:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY12-T99UWbrgsxem2Dt0i_7GckpCWPx1Ep8cxFog4f7CXwfBeDDcPhuoNWJJZTvbNvj5x-s6SySh_C-6WULZU8unTW1RBloOGMsxBY1qt9BObvhCcXcApwtYNK6xiTcf6pLBtVTBSBgw/s1600/showbiz-creative-arts-emmys-heidi-klum-tim-gunn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY12-T99UWbrgsxem2Dt0i_7GckpCWPx1Ep8cxFog4f7CXwfBeDDcPhuoNWJJZTvbNvj5x-s6SySh_C-6WULZU8unTW1RBloOGMsxBY1qt9BObvhCcXcApwtYNK6xiTcf6pLBtVTBSBgw/s1600/showbiz-creative-arts-emmys-heidi-klum-tim-gunn.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Lifetime</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course this week's episode was not about suspense. It was about how stressful it is to shop at Mood — and how nobody should have to design and sew a red carpet gown in a single day. Seriously, don't hate the player, hate the game.<br />
<br />
I suspect most of you feel the same way: I would rather the challenges on Project Runway be designed to encourage success — not force an an ill-fitting fug fest due to arbitrary time restrictions. But that's what we got this week on Project Runway. By my count, there were only four dresses that were red carpet-worthy. In order below, Fade, Sean, Kini and Sandyha:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-LNkIqnQEpiw47Www0HhRFycO3E_UHEe0Hh6I4VjGt32VjjotAYGBKgSbSjquQWzdeTLHmrAq9P-tenBEnuIomJCgmapiza5uLyNaz2vthV1mDQ5_NcB_3fXOkt9Ntpn4dg1l16car4L/s1600/the-good-episode5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-LNkIqnQEpiw47Www0HhRFycO3E_UHEe0Hh6I4VjGt32VjjotAYGBKgSbSjquQWzdeTLHmrAq9P-tenBEnuIomJCgmapiza5uLyNaz2vthV1mDQ5_NcB_3fXOkt9Ntpn4dg1l16car4L/s1600/the-good-episode5.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to the lowest scoring gowns, which we will get into in more detail when we talk lessons, there were a couple other dresses I thought were so bad it begs discussing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDV43jhFRJNIu228jNxN7uUCumwPeIUltyhXDqiXb39bECMYbTguf2hjbSFO_cid-5sXO9rhttJSAGqnB4xncn3Z4xRp-IfArelsfr52FtE5mJzehZ-3EoMob4u_Bylltf6j5ciromlXR/s1600/thebad-episode5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDV43jhFRJNIu228jNxN7uUCumwPeIUltyhXDqiXb39bECMYbTguf2hjbSFO_cid-5sXO9rhttJSAGqnB4xncn3Z4xRp-IfArelsfr52FtE5mJzehZ-3EoMob4u_Bylltf6j5ciromlXR/s1600/thebad-episode5.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Emily's dress (far left) is so short, and yet it had a slit. A slit! In a miniskirt! A slit!! You could catch an STI if you sat down in this thing! How did they not call her out on that? It's also rumpled and so sad. Like a stewardess on Blade Runner Air. Meanwhile, Alexander's dress (center) with its many stitched-down folds was so stiff it looked like it was made from an emergency rescue blanket. Next!<br />
<br />
Amanda, of course, was actually in the top 3 with this Cleopatra costume. And in this small picture I admit it actually looks better than I thought it did up close. Still: stripes? On the red carpet? I believe there was actually rickrack in her design:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA5mUn6y_aDJKdAsTtuNIw18KnIam4s1utsBoO-E6W7qGA4QeNeqyBMoxHAF8FPAPgcMNxS66H8AO65AMN4Zno_n7X4rJ58IFsYryhAZ4uTGaZQe4SEvMRhRBK4ohtY-FzXHpczydXcT_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-22+at+9.41.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA5mUn6y_aDJKdAsTtuNIw18KnIam4s1utsBoO-E6W7qGA4QeNeqyBMoxHAF8FPAPgcMNxS66H8AO65AMN4Zno_n7X4rJ58IFsYryhAZ4uTGaZQe4SEvMRhRBK4ohtY-FzXHpczydXcT_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-22+at+9.41.43+AM.png" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Rickrack! Moving on.<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson 1: Mood can make you or break you</b><br />
<br />
Now, I don't sew for clients so I can't say for sure, but I'm pretty certain that if you were custom-making a special event gown you would OK your fabric first before purchasing, cutting and sewing, right?<br />
<br />
Of course, the designers on Project Runway don't have that luxury and instead have to shop on a hunch and a hope — and all in just 30 minutes at Mood. I've said it before and I will say it again: I've shopped Mood many times, but I don't believe I've ever made it in and out in under 30 minutes. It would take me that much time to choose a plain white shirting at Mood. There are just that many choices — and that many distractions. I completely sympathize with the designers who couldn't find the right fabrics.<br />
<br />
Still, if your client hates your green fabric and you are given a second chance at fabric shopping, would you buy MORE green fabric like Korina did? Because truly, the two fabrics were not all that different:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk-_ohALCwfoKdeKyfeN3osfp8BNemB6gqn5uw4BoKQVEWnOzHujYOkxq-Wvkk9AAWgvG-pk539fMkNMqc1XyCTazQzP0xpQ4b06NVQkzvMAixEbJeUtyFTkXwwRzOdIzKGjwsz2xCW4x/s1600/korina-episode5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk-_ohALCwfoKdeKyfeN3osfp8BNemB6gqn5uw4BoKQVEWnOzHujYOkxq-Wvkk9AAWgvG-pk539fMkNMqc1XyCTazQzP0xpQ4b06NVQkzvMAixEbJeUtyFTkXwwRzOdIzKGjwsz2xCW4x/s1600/korina-episode5.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
That choice made in the harried aisles of Mood was the design world equivalent of shooting yourself in the foot (stabbing yourself with your own scissors?). But somehow she still dodged a bullet, thanks to Kristine and Mitchell's red looks:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidayzRq5s2-7tLpG5YaJ854uBW2KNXG0Py8wlJbRXGFjqs16vkMZ6Aj27WACvHXSsNlWsMmHIO7yCF8nQGISK_xZXX0r35bll7GK_jT8sMU1UxD0ZGZD3UtIpK0PWrckvbjIstPH3pDNlX/s1600/episode5-red-dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidayzRq5s2-7tLpG5YaJ854uBW2KNXG0Py8wlJbRXGFjqs16vkMZ6Aj27WACvHXSsNlWsMmHIO7yCF8nQGISK_xZXX0r35bll7GK_jT8sMU1UxD0ZGZD3UtIpK0PWrckvbjIstPH3pDNlX/s1600/episode5-red-dresses.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Droopy, ill-proportioned, and committing multiple crimes against cleavage, there's not much to learn from these two dresses — other than the fact that a single day is just not enough time to create a red carpet-ready gown. I felt really bad for both designers. <br />
<br />
Sandyha, meanwhile, made the most of her second trip to the fabric store by hustling her way around the workroom to gather the remaining Mood money from those few designers who were happy with their initial purchases. She ended up spending a whopping $432 dollars — most of it on a $120/yard black lace, which she overlaid on yellow to great effect.<br />
<br />
Of course, the other designers were sour grapes about Sandhya's sneaky dealings, but all's fair in fashion and fabric shopping. I was most surprised that the others neglected to shake down their fellow designers for extra<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson 2: Fringe is in?</b><br />
<br />
How many challenges have been won on a fringe dress this season on Project Runway? This many:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4dqGb7Li0NfgD0m0nbOjVrqj5WYyBf39R7m5wMWUWrvSnMi5l5WXzt-Vc8PDHhSOzf7w-cYRcjwpVz08CXNYQx4fHVFuaLAZgDzLD6xKYhll978DcG3WnqDdeACwrAVYUz2VB1jtnwIs/s1600/fringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4dqGb7Li0NfgD0m0nbOjVrqj5WYyBf39R7m5wMWUWrvSnMi5l5WXzt-Vc8PDHhSOzf7w-cYRcjwpVz08CXNYQx4fHVFuaLAZgDzLD6xKYhll978DcG3WnqDdeACwrAVYUz2VB1jtnwIs/s1600/fringe.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Make it stop.<br />
<br />
What did you learn this week watching Project Runway? Who was your fave? And will you be sewing fringe this Fall?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-23326997753846912382014-08-15T21:55:00.001-04:002014-08-15T21:55:14.286-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a lot of misplaced anxiety on Project Runway this week as the designers faced off over a tacky suit challenge that was somehow meant to evoke sponsor Red Robin's "designer hamburgers." (But really, these suits: don't they just make you think of B.O. and grease stains? Not what I would want associated with my family friendly fast food chain):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs7wH_Y_zrIszjBTnggHzuBnO4pSmcnj5yApg39464mr9y65xDdhlfAJbt1ttTSMEe5hlUs2AfXyT_tNKqLxamVkyGR9Y5hihA2nL5qZ7kMxK9mvZQ6A9kb7m4nKQSIG73Nw8Uf7GZE9k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+8.19.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs7wH_Y_zrIszjBTnggHzuBnO4pSmcnj5yApg39464mr9y65xDdhlfAJbt1ttTSMEe5hlUs2AfXyT_tNKqLxamVkyGR9Y5hihA2nL5qZ7kMxK9mvZQ6A9kb7m4nKQSIG73Nw8Uf7GZE9k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+8.19.35+PM.png" height="347" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But all the worry wasn't just over how they would rework a couple yards of red velveteen or mustard corduroy as the case may be. They were also worried about Amanda. So much screen time spent worrying about Amanda.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, Amanda. What kind of contract do you have with the producers of Project Runway that you somehow managed to win another challenge with yet another fringe dress? I know a little about how my reality TV sausage is made, and it looks like this: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfRdF2siSL4cdqet_zNtSVYPUEu6nGzHhmAy2c1L8M6DI3LVYhw-kX2GOrPxOWeXKElu4lwb3Mswx5gXResYbo-QXAdJqPcvNiu6rFT0sHtRWV8QQXnKqqaOV2ApTRtMgJr0t3eWEoV_X/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.07.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfRdF2siSL4cdqet_zNtSVYPUEu6nGzHhmAy2c1L8M6DI3LVYhw-kX2GOrPxOWeXKElu4lwb3Mswx5gXResYbo-QXAdJqPcvNiu6rFT0sHtRWV8QQXnKqqaOV2ApTRtMgJr0t3eWEoV_X/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.07.12+PM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking ahead, the big question is: what will Sandyha do next week when she doesn't have immunity? And will the judges love it? (Or hate it — which could bring the Tim Gunn Save (TM) into play!) Sigh. Moving on to the lessons:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lesson 1: Vinyl is not fabric</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's not uncommon on Project Runway for the designers to lay blame on their fabric. And those of us who sew definitely know that feeling you get when you realize you've been trying to force something stiff into a drapey design (or vice-versa). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So what do you do when given a couple yards of suiting? I don't know exactly... though I do know what you DON'T do: stitch it to something intended for upholstery, like Hernan did:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6GyujJnmOhoF72XEoPdF2r8z54rqzhMgy7Phav3Tk0Zdhijq5SQ-5jW0L8I58xM1Lz4TrAlqUOJg5FUIovdcWQQuBKBzSbdmvdEk7AjJQqnt44i2-yIYcopRiEdr9tXtjjcoZ7N3vKfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.07.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6GyujJnmOhoF72XEoPdF2r8z54rqzhMgy7Phav3Tk0Zdhijq5SQ-5jW0L8I58xM1Lz4TrAlqUOJg5FUIovdcWQQuBKBzSbdmvdEk7AjJQqnt44i2-yIYcopRiEdr9tXtjjcoZ7N3vKfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.07.28+PM.png" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V for vinyl...or very long vulva</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You didn't even have to see Hernan's look to know just how bad it was. Just look at these faces:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzuLCtgWRds1L-y7RDIqEKXvn5Grz-lWk8wuWxOexXmW3avdUWw74ljbk6XM-buIXGAWshBKRy9aP1KM5XJEBjgGdHE1-hBN7dAuBxi7xUpmNvTu3DV8DOBLngbP-XnRgkabCS1Ro0HDX/s1600/faces-of-hernan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzuLCtgWRds1L-y7RDIqEKXvn5Grz-lWk8wuWxOexXmW3avdUWw74ljbk6XM-buIXGAWshBKRy9aP1KM5XJEBjgGdHE1-hBN7dAuBxi7xUpmNvTu3DV8DOBLngbP-XnRgkabCS1Ro0HDX/s1600/faces-of-hernan.jpg" height="228" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He did a lot of complaining about the coat he was assigned, though in off-white it hardly seemed as significant a challenge as some of the other suits. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That didn't stop that lying liar from telling lies about his fabric. Quoth Hernan: "My jacket was very, very old, so every time I sewed something it was like (<i>makes cracking sound</i>)." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He should know better than to bullshit Zac Posen about fabric. Upon closer inspection (I LOVE how they do that now!), Zac declared Hernan's poly "strong enough to withstand a nuclear disaster." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTzSgWnKviGECFWMOQSmQUZAVQQZXhm0PMoe_nmFc1kbMqXgSm-AODXb831riC3lUfo66r6ycsHGlDKaNNK95_8qDmCaZWnSPXC393b8R2hFzWODA3vJTdo7FXh9L-aXGE_vZXOrRP-pp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+8.46.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTzSgWnKviGECFWMOQSmQUZAVQQZXhm0PMoe_nmFc1kbMqXgSm-AODXb831riC3lUfo66r6ycsHGlDKaNNK95_8qDmCaZWnSPXC393b8R2hFzWODA3vJTdo7FXh9L-aXGE_vZXOrRP-pp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+8.46.18+PM.png" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So why the vinyl? No one really knows — least of all Hernan. But he'll have lots of time to think about it. Bye bye.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Lesson 2: Flesh mesh is not the besh-t<br />
<br />
Sean, the Kiwi who narrowly escaped elimination last week for his horrid Mary Poppins-meets-the-new-millenium getup, was the unlucky recipient of the aforementioned mustard corduroy suit. He hacked it and stitched it in strips to the lining, some coordinated silk and beige power mesh (thank you, Zac Posen for pointing out that Sean essentially chose something most commonly used in bras for his main fabric):<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W_JB4o-L2-bQX-lDOpCrJKRIgq6ZEdghAjOdoYmhMp0RiUWc87WkypyJkeUn-oNMaN1nJ-tdANQ_hj0Q8sexwCI0WIfJc8TGDVDcelXfJaxThRnrbvREQZi6axjALj3oGo8yWxMhy29o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.08.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W_JB4o-L2-bQX-lDOpCrJKRIgq6ZEdghAjOdoYmhMp0RiUWc87WkypyJkeUn-oNMaN1nJ-tdANQ_hj0Q8sexwCI0WIfJc8TGDVDcelXfJaxThRnrbvREQZi6axjALj3oGo8yWxMhy29o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.08.14+PM.png" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This is the face Zac made when Nina said the multi-layered bandage-colored top made the model look like she just had breast surgery:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8D5pxng6hMHGforex_sVHvrCQiMOHBHY4Ba4_vboFQA2aJ8O216o_Bo9g78J_AHwfE526sc1-i6WaYo-tjl2RF7HlVRsM07XbisOyQQ9yrm6s8Iu_F26daVtNIr5d4WVRJalKT60zusk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.11.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8D5pxng6hMHGforex_sVHvrCQiMOHBHY4Ba4_vboFQA2aJ8O216o_Bo9g78J_AHwfE526sc1-i6WaYo-tjl2RF7HlVRsM07XbisOyQQ9yrm6s8Iu_F26daVtNIr5d4WVRJalKT60zusk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.11.44+PM.png" height="409" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At least the styling was good? I'm hoping Sean can dig deep for the next challenge and prove us all wrong. Otherwise, his days are numbered; three strikes usually means you're out on Project Runway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lesson 3: Good pants take time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know about the rest of you, but the only pants I could make in two hours would have an elastic waist and a rolled hem. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I don't blame Kristine for choking when it came to drafting and sewing a pair of pants in a single morning:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvCXrbCxc5zdldAh6FTOPkL1MvOc6xggkuwkCIPy3USMRBzPBLb5E54zUQbPFXga0gEuNA1Gf6CNdjFyosS-A6vAeYPNB1KLuq9s4ljwy39Q4HEgCvzv_KBb8Ku26eHppjZSkmwOtZ_qN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.07.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvCXrbCxc5zdldAh6FTOPkL1MvOc6xggkuwkCIPy3USMRBzPBLb5E54zUQbPFXga0gEuNA1Gf6CNdjFyosS-A6vAeYPNB1KLuq9s4ljwy39Q4HEgCvzv_KBb8Ku26eHppjZSkmwOtZ_qN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-15+at+7.07.53+PM.png" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
Seeing how poorly these fit — and how the exposed zipper ran down the center back, ugh! — made me feel a little better. Drafting and sewing pants takes me a week. Meanwhile, those organza calf covers....I don't even. No. What? I just. Hmmm.<br />
<br />
So what did you think of this week's episode of Project Runway? Whose look did you love? And did you learn anything?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-8468204045544954872014-08-08T22:20:00.004-04:002014-08-08T22:20:53.853-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 3Watching last night's episode of Project Runway, I appreciated more than ever that I can make my own clothes. Because the contestants were tasked with creating a look that could walk the runway in 2034 (the tie-in was Marie Claire's 20th anniversary), and if future fashion really is that much of a snore....I won't be buying it.<br />
<br />
But before we get into it, one of my favorite parts of the episode was seeing TBT (that's throw-back Thursday, for the Facebook-uninitiated) pics of each judge and Tim Gunn, circa 1994:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1dKM5umjlgwcm8jCKqEnOE3xgaJXOPKlrcYxTvBDzjp6KDrrvgaN-WN1H4lDd2Bi3CVnRXoLTtIQdZ9tg6b2UvMBvPZgoV8tlyRtM2p8EAYo7kzpbjfZewAWleNz6pLKttqz1UK88vfO/s1600/1994-judges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1dKM5umjlgwcm8jCKqEnOE3xgaJXOPKlrcYxTvBDzjp6KDrrvgaN-WN1H4lDd2Bi3CVnRXoLTtIQdZ9tg6b2UvMBvPZgoV8tlyRtM2p8EAYo7kzpbjfZewAWleNz6pLKttqz1UK88vfO/s1600/1994-judges.jpg" height="190" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Zac Posen is adorable (that hair!) and I love that Nina has her eyes closed in her 1994 photo — a testament to the fact that just 20 years ago we weren't documenting every day as if we were in a "celebs are just like us" photo spread (and also we used film, so we couldn't delete such imperfect pics!). This probably was the only pic she had from 1994. (In fact, I think half the photos of myself from 1994 feature me with my eyes closed.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, on to the lessons!<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson 1: Grainline is next to godliness</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I used to dislike Zac Posen because of what he wasn't: Michael Kors, may he rest in peace (I know he's not dead but after two seasons without him, HE MAY AS WELL BE).<br />
<br />
But more and more I appreciate Zac for the fact that he knows his craft — and he can appreciate other points of view. Plus, he's the only judge who will call out a designer on grainline mishaps. It's something the lay-person Project Runway fan wouldn't understand, but we all know how cutting off-grain can ruin a garment.<br />
<br />
Alexander had that issue last night, though I'm not sure staying on grain would have helped him any. It's not terrible, but sad, drab, and ... um, what else rhymes with sad?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj4z_XBbn2iV2zJi1Tgl_lPJ0dofZ-oJPoSdRpmyPFsfQCYUNnaB1XS8tR2X105Y3CAGtG9kxFBcgO5X6Dg4E9zGHLEClCCa-uBlcchk-fTZll5YhGvxJM0mCwEpDd5Il6yx4ESo0ZZoE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.08.02+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj4z_XBbn2iV2zJi1Tgl_lPJ0dofZ-oJPoSdRpmyPFsfQCYUNnaB1XS8tR2X105Y3CAGtG9kxFBcgO5X6Dg4E9zGHLEClCCa-uBlcchk-fTZll5YhGvxJM0mCwEpDd5Il6yx4ESo0ZZoE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.08.02+AM.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, he threw this look together quickly after his model's B-cup "chichis" (ugh!) didn't fit the pieced leather top he was creating. (Always blaming the boobs on Project Runway.... I have an idea: if you can't design for a human with breasts, MAYBE YOU SHOULD MAKE MEN'S WEAR. End rant). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, don't cut on the fold if you want to get your grainline just right. Trace your pattern into a mirror image so that you can cut the whole thing flat, ALEXANDER.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Lesson 2: Fabric choice will make you — or break you</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I think about fabric a lot. Like, every time my mind wanders, I'm thinking about fabric — what type should be used with what pattern, what construction techniques to use with a particular fabric, where can I buy more of it...<br />
<br />
So I'm always surprised when Project Runway contestants make it onto the show and then make bad fabric choices.<br />
<br />
My six-year-old thought Sean's look was so terrible, she told me she "couldn't even stand to look at it any longer." That's a tough critique from a kindergartener who sits on the 1 train and whispers to me all the reasons why she thinks every woman on our subway car is beautiful. (Pretty shoes, pretty hair, fancy nails, bejeweled phone case, and so on; you are all lovely in my child's eyes).<br />
<br />
She kept looking at it though and then uttered, "Darkish....criminalish..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAxI3Zx872dMG3LITxYQ5YCriUP1fbbzcm5P_V67HiYc4hVHy3OXe39mjErFxQ2fY359ENiyIVowp-KzSPdcF0s-5GsH1cEVsJ9sxW9zf_8gxuXj6M5b_SLK8Z4Hywy6PViq0K7XacH8m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.10.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAxI3Zx872dMG3LITxYQ5YCriUP1fbbzcm5P_V67HiYc4hVHy3OXe39mjErFxQ2fY359ENiyIVowp-KzSPdcF0s-5GsH1cEVsJ9sxW9zf_8gxuXj6M5b_SLK8Z4Hywy6PViq0K7XacH8m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.10.04+AM.png" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
Aside from the Mary Poppins hat and black turtleneck dress (which Sean justified by saying that he remembered having to wear turtlenecks a lot 20 years ago — WHEN HE WAS 4), there's this blue coat. While inspecting it closely, Zac Posen said it was the hardest fabric to sew — and that Sean probably won't touch it ever again.<br />
<br />
<div>
Meanwhile, one of the strongest looks smartly made use of two fabrics that didn't need any finishing: neoprene and leather.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0xZSyrRXxHg2YA7VBNomFgCXPujPVTqzfK_lU-Z_M1Txydk1AHCK4p8NRjYNjPU2nG3mtjkkbxO6iwokvzwMu_2DAA5i2sHH-jJyCkA9gE-xxkpY1DhAfPKvWOPht4NeuZBJ-LtaRs2X/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+9.46.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0xZSyrRXxHg2YA7VBNomFgCXPujPVTqzfK_lU-Z_M1Txydk1AHCK4p8NRjYNjPU2nG3mtjkkbxO6iwokvzwMu_2DAA5i2sHH-jJyCkA9gE-xxkpY1DhAfPKvWOPht4NeuZBJ-LtaRs2X/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+9.46.59+PM.png" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was my favorite look (though it was not the winner but we will get to that soon enough). Zac Posen praised Kristine's choice of fabric, calling it smart and effective. Imagine finishing the raw edges of each of those cuffs? (Note to self: start sewing with neoprene!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Lesson 3: Practical clothes won't win you any prizes</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For real my friends, I just got SO distracted searching for blazers online, which proves the point I am about to make: we all need practical clothes. We just do. We have job interviews. Or court appearances... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But when Angela said she "just likes making practical clothes" I knew she wasn't long for this world. Isn't designing practical clothes something you do to pay the bills? (Or something you do after failing at trying to design spectacular clothes?) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, the thing is, this isn't even practical:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zJmzMTQvaDk_yB1DRJLg8_oNI8eJlx-1PWG360t9LWx3af7Pr3OMt4G20uWS1ua25VWYikEG-3JXi1sHB2ZXNMi4VSPtS_lztxTPtggs0apufuNenjEZZQqOAvaMwAtbZxMXgBCnIAu7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.08.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zJmzMTQvaDk_yB1DRJLg8_oNI8eJlx-1PWG360t9LWx3af7Pr3OMt4G20uWS1ua25VWYikEG-3JXi1sHB2ZXNMi4VSPtS_lztxTPtggs0apufuNenjEZZQqOAvaMwAtbZxMXgBCnIAu7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.08.40+AM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Too short and sleeveless, what business exec is going to wear this — even 20 years into the future (perhaps in the future offices won't be overly air-conditioned?). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A couple times Angela said she'd never been criticized so much as she was on Project Runway. She does work on Wall Street — and we all know how little scrutiny those people face. So maybe a little criticism would be helpful. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Moving on, I want to know what you all think of Sandhya's winning look. My daughter said it looked like Attack of the Slinkeys. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReQ9JjKiI4cxYdLK0nc_SNyXy1iWPLKek2I4HureLRqcL0LgGS2mzMjzPJGu4qcHjd4-Sfbx4b7BAZHFSo4D37TQNZ2Yt8EhZy0l1MihArpWBa-UzTuSWph-8s1kITpKUAssYur_EZnME/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.09.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReQ9JjKiI4cxYdLK0nc_SNyXy1iWPLKek2I4HureLRqcL0LgGS2mzMjzPJGu4qcHjd4-Sfbx4b7BAZHFSo4D37TQNZ2Yt8EhZy0l1MihArpWBa-UzTuSWph-8s1kITpKUAssYur_EZnME/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.09.54+AM.png" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought it looked like ducting for a self-cooling system. I did, however, like Sandhya's explanation (that in the future women's wear won't have to reference men's wear to evoke a powerful image). Girlfriend knows how to make a pitch — and throw a little shade on Angela's look. Well played, Sandhya.</div>
<br />
As for Amanda, who had immunity last night, I really missed Michael Kors' simile-packed zingers. What would he have said about this ensemble? That it looks like a goth yoga teacher at a midsummer sex party?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLJZsHf5glaawgU789YzSUvb5PM8UdP0pUGxVlDTh9vX5AqU2U7LVn8trgeG9zHDChwlb3bmoscxxxtSkSEucTfPCeMaO5RQjgUuQm9UlEmyJNhPXYn5KSLWf08vVLcik6WT4o8saYElo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.08.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLJZsHf5glaawgU789YzSUvb5PM8UdP0pUGxVlDTh9vX5AqU2U7LVn8trgeG9zHDChwlb3bmoscxxxtSkSEucTfPCeMaO5RQjgUuQm9UlEmyJNhPXYn5KSLWf08vVLcik6WT4o8saYElo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-08+at+7.08.29+AM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
What do you think Michael Kors would have said about Amanda's look? What other lessons did you learn this week? Who's your current fave designer? Are the judges just trying to drive Korine crazy by giving Sandhya the win a second time?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-76317493353382306562014-08-01T10:18:00.001-04:002014-08-01T10:18:41.161-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX83uU3XnWsqsFxSYxTPg9dqtfZTEJWFuBYmpsH8WwMOvvX17pJ4z8ygU2iyCth0mzDHVSCUJRlqeUvlMT14I7lxhNvIb0yx_YsPVjoh_qqFIBH6Uj9oic9O4rX9zCcz9nQwDNf2Evewo/s1600/project-runway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX83uU3XnWsqsFxSYxTPg9dqtfZTEJWFuBYmpsH8WwMOvvX17pJ4z8ygU2iyCth0mzDHVSCUJRlqeUvlMT14I7lxhNvIb0yx_YsPVjoh_qqFIBH6Uj9oic9O4rX9zCcz9nQwDNf2Evewo/s1600/project-runway.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
You know what I wish I had? A hotline that could connect me to Tim Gunn, for self-confidence emergencies. <span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">I need it too, like, every Wednesday afternoon, when I realize I haven’t accomplished enough of what I had hoped that week to feel good about myself. That’s when I am most susceptible to feeling defeated. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">Or, as my semi-drunk husband said last night while watching Episode 2 of Project Runway Season 13, I could use a positivity shooter called the “Tim Gunn” (Patent pending). </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
Or maybe just a video loop of Tim Gunn sincerely saying kind, supportive things, like he did with Sandhya last night when she sought him out after being bullied by her teammates in the unconventional materials challenge. (I believe this was the first time Project Runway contestants had to use unconventional materials while also in a team — a double whammy of difficulty to be sure).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
"I believe in your work 1000 per cent," he said to Sandhya. "You could win this entire season." It was what she needed in that moment, and I said to my husband: "If Tim Gunn talked to me like that, I would feel like I <i>could</i> do anything."</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
So I really thought she would shake off the icky experience of being bossed by Hernan and create something super cool. But boy, is it ever hard to stand up to a man who reckons he's the boss. That brings us to our first lesson:</div>
<div class="p2">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b>Lesson No. 1: Never let a man who calls you “baby” tell you what to do</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9_O7aoxKCGqeQ-nWAO4gXZnTEQhiaLqZz5X1mlAq2XxqqdwhZcoQRl3f5QmcJELhw6PutN69qEld3o6lBA2ipUivS3Z0QWFM5xmWkdVguMzlgRJC0RzQMFGA8oeaJAQPKANOFbPUEOuX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-01+at+7.38.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9_O7aoxKCGqeQ-nWAO4gXZnTEQhiaLqZz5X1mlAq2XxqqdwhZcoQRl3f5QmcJELhw6PutN69qEld3o6lBA2ipUivS3Z0QWFM5xmWkdVguMzlgRJC0RzQMFGA8oeaJAQPKANOFbPUEOuX/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-01+at+7.38.55+AM.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">Half-way into the challenge Hernan (who has shown at NYC Fashion Week twice already SO WHY DOES HE NEED PROJECT RUNWAY?) decided their theme was "The </span>gold era of Hollywood — we have film. We have gold. We have everything!"</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">My husband, who was working his way through a growler of IPA I brought home to turn a bad week around, voiced some doubt: “I don’t know if that’s a concept — that’s just a list of things.</span>”</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">Anyway, Sandhya had immunity this week so she just fell in line behind Hernan, who told her and Carrie they had to use his film treatment. I guess his reasoning was if they used the same materials, they would have cohesion. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GnUpeFySYxg7NRixbZhf94uKoCqf4QM85IFd8aYJ5juXjUppfddwZN4XtQ1a0hbPtBPxoy_GP2FdRsjvrhcXFdeXYVMjGRl31mGnXZC7Uy3NfE5BUmtl5X3UfHqpXgbZwG0a1yE9eEyl/s1600/episode2_losing_team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GnUpeFySYxg7NRixbZhf94uKoCqf4QM85IFd8aYJ5juXjUppfddwZN4XtQ1a0hbPtBPxoy_GP2FdRsjvrhcXFdeXYVMjGRl31mGnXZC7Uy3NfE5BUmtl5X3UfHqpXgbZwG0a1yE9eEyl/s1600/episode2_losing_team.jpg" height="314" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
They may not have had cohesion, but the judges were unanimous in hating that their team's three dresses looked so similar. I thought the brownish red sheen of the film strips looked like cockroach casings (<i>shiver</i>). Sandhya's indeed was the worst of all — not surprising considering how she must have felt in those few hours she had to create this look.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Nina said they looked like three girls out of a music video and Heidi asked: “At no point did anyone think, ‘dude they all look the same!'?" (I love it when Heidi talks American!).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">While the judges inspected the garments more closely, Tim dished on the team's power dynamic: “He was so intractable, that they just decided if you can’t beat him join him,” to which Heidi replied, </span> “We can always get rid of both of them!” (At this point, my husband and I started chanting, "DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!")</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Meanwhile, backstage after their rough ride on the runway, Sandhya's teammates trashed her work yet again. Tapping into her super special Tim Gunn powers, Sandhya turned the other cheek — which I think will go a long way toward earning her the Tim Gunn Save (TM). I'm calling this one. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
So the lesson here? Be gracious. And nobody puts baby in the corner.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<b>Lesson 2: More is more</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
The winning team used a whole lot of materials: bold lettering held together with zip ties, several kinds of tape, film, cording, straws...I'm missing at least six things. And though each look incorporated materials used in another, all of them were totally unique:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlc79qFlU3Aa73oH4KV6nIlbmri5bQHdVsmPbM2jBbf-JqNY1kjZt2ksCbN9CyqxeyjlIO3ouMOtpuPUsRpM0c8PAmc0MI-_gq0xFNCDU67MVJJSd44f272o3AKIVwM1R08ZZPz7y3nUI/s1600/episode2)winning+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlc79qFlU3Aa73oH4KV6nIlbmri5bQHdVsmPbM2jBbf-JqNY1kjZt2ksCbN9CyqxeyjlIO3ouMOtpuPUsRpM0c8PAmc0MI-_gq0xFNCDU67MVJJSd44f272o3AKIVwM1R08ZZPz7y3nUI/s1600/episode2)winning+team.jpg" height="312" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nina applauded their mini-collection for the fact that it contained three different shapes: A-line, flapper, and body con.<br />
<br />
Also, it just shows that if you throw enough stuff up on the wall, some of it will stick.<br />
<br />
Speaking of throwing stuff up on the wall:<br />
<div>
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmngHVEBZKMrtDWHfZhTJDel4KegOsRJWDFg5BUoKxVRXjRP6V43WrolJCY5nPMM-_uJ1wsTXlriwm33ofLWYtX2T2zD46-5fxoL6Q84jz7oHSHxkFPEw_hQI6-ZEhD20qwldRq1XXV8ko/s1600/episode2_angela.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmngHVEBZKMrtDWHfZhTJDel4KegOsRJWDFg5BUoKxVRXjRP6V43WrolJCY5nPMM-_uJ1wsTXlriwm33ofLWYtX2T2zD46-5fxoL6Q84jz7oHSHxkFPEw_hQI6-ZEhD20qwldRq1XXV8ko/s1600/episode2_angela.png" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
Angela dodged a bullet with her crumpled up snowflake dress thanks to this cool Cruella Deville-inspired number made entirely from straws:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b6ldRTDTjCyT2xnsCvkmvGkeUXTl5-eYHUqazvOqJTWTjKNPIXk_helayUA0NhtO2c-uc2G_OS6vkACRXzFIBfK8SfvWLW1yk5Rc3RbygsQGU176e1o78K6N8qe7lJGy2wFpRB8QRGlx/s1600/episode2_aussie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b6ldRTDTjCyT2xnsCvkmvGkeUXTl5-eYHUqazvOqJTWTjKNPIXk_helayUA0NhtO2c-uc2G_OS6vkACRXzFIBfK8SfvWLW1yk5Rc3RbygsQGU176e1o78K6N8qe7lJGy2wFpRB8QRGlx/s1600/episode2_aussie.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
My personal favorite was Samantha's garment made from DVDs and film strips:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-DUBwyZ7QcQ83aZXYeV6pTgalZ2mOqXjQobkIFjTSY0lW1oduDfqPxbRZUm1axTBB2axekfLqca9w-CujzxD5_vp8GK2opqDtjMHcsYqlaY5MjQ8mshSqhlvGXtp5PPO7sKLZlVUGXjk/s1600/episode2_fave.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-DUBwyZ7QcQ83aZXYeV6pTgalZ2mOqXjQobkIFjTSY0lW1oduDfqPxbRZUm1axTBB2axekfLqca9w-CujzxD5_vp8GK2opqDtjMHcsYqlaY5MjQ8mshSqhlvGXtp5PPO7sKLZlVUGXjk/s1600/episode2_fave.png" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I know, I know. I'm not offering up anything instructive for those of us who create our own clothing. It's hard with the unconventional materials challenge to find truly useful tips. Other than the importance of taking a step back to see how your garment looks from across the room, I'm not sure there's much that's helpful here for home sewers.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you think? What was your favorite look? Did you learn anything this week from Project Runway?</b><br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-8819732270714659952014-07-29T08:48:00.001-04:002014-07-29T08:48:14.195-04:00Finished Project: Wonder Woman-inspired Soma Suit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After seeing <a href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/2014/07/finished-project-wonder-woman-swimsuit.html">the Wonder Woman swimsuit I made for my daughter</a>, several of you championed the idea of matching mother-daughter suits. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took your advice, but not to the letter. I thought <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/products/soma-swimsuit-1">the Soma swimsuit by Papercut</a> would be the perfect pattern for an inspired-by-but-not-totally-literal adult version of a Wonder Woman bathing suit. The bikini top features a triangle-shaped panel that when cut in gold spandex references Wonder Woman's golden eagle without looking too costumey: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7jatO5LW0KTLn6BwgFRcO-FizThF8gKKRPnxWdtT0B_Jiv5ZRLMhQF1oFTYa-XCf2jd_OLoplQrS7YdauPhlU1nmvyP2cN-mKitdiMufrac8-rpZRoILXGdQt1MRrC1joSO2TAswr8Ck/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-28+at+10.21.35+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7jatO5LW0KTLn6BwgFRcO-FizThF8gKKRPnxWdtT0B_Jiv5ZRLMhQF1oFTYa-XCf2jd_OLoplQrS7YdauPhlU1nmvyP2cN-mKitdiMufrac8-rpZRoILXGdQt1MRrC1joSO2TAswr8Ck/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-28+at+10.21.35+AM.png" height="640" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, maybe it's a little costumey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
At least I restrained myself when it came time to choose fabric for the bikini bottoms. I do after all have a half-yard of blue and white starry spandex left over...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I'm not going to share a lot of close-up shots of this suit on my person due to modesty's sake. But I will tell you more about what I did to this pattern to make it work a little better for me. (And there are plenty of close-up pics on my dress form if you scroll to the bottom).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
For starters, the Soma Suit is a great pattern because it features several variations. There are two bikini tops, a one-piece and bottoms in two variations (high rise and lower cut): </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tSOCkLSQjWor79vAY8l-3WuibMh9EbdKxflAaOmWd8UCXi_kqO_NNwmCtFv2QLf2jCZq2cFAY2sPDfF9QVT2BB6I7f_2G-msw3nA7h55nFKcwW1VJMtrE4979xBqm2AmLYXK9XFrXWtF/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-29+at+7.11.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tSOCkLSQjWor79vAY8l-3WuibMh9EbdKxflAaOmWd8UCXi_kqO_NNwmCtFv2QLf2jCZq2cFAY2sPDfF9QVT2BB6I7f_2G-msw3nA7h55nFKcwW1VJMtrE4979xBqm2AmLYXK9XFrXWtF/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-29+at+7.11.19+AM.png" height="132" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I opted for version 2 of the bikini top and the lower cut bottoms. I've already cut the other bikini top variation (in gold with black trim) and will be back with an additional review once I've finished putting that together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To start with, I knew I would need a little more support than just a layer of spandex and lining (and I must say, if you have a large bust this may not be the swimsuit for you — though I think adding more strapping to version 2 would help hoist things up and look cool. Tons of straps are the thing right now, and you could increase version 2's lift and separate potential with an extra set of straps that cross over in the back). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The instructions don't include any help on adding molded swimsuit cups (which were a must for me), so I spent some time pinning and placing on my bust to get the angle just right. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnslqS0E9ZmwscPI-oBaTasDuF9pm-yyKZzqyOKQYW14AiX8jgk6IoT54B9EfyUSgVnf49M6FySmDTiCL5HAl1390kTRQpiDOS9_htP8MpRXCtye-6Si89tBEwbCCwPwvKOk4JaMqjsPa/s1600/somasuit_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnslqS0E9ZmwscPI-oBaTasDuF9pm-yyKZzqyOKQYW14AiX8jgk6IoT54B9EfyUSgVnf49M6FySmDTiCL5HAl1390kTRQpiDOS9_htP8MpRXCtye-6Si89tBEwbCCwPwvKOk4JaMqjsPa/s1600/somasuit_01.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once I was happy with my cup placement, I zigzagged them down to the inside of the lining pieces:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4X3uxeY3b9-9_Ft5g_Q9NG_8DwuXdgAH970-oWvh4V2Sh50E42_BjEZqkXEq_NAeKcojoZ5ATOj6gQLYWlD3XYtKUAIEKF9fJBU1vUOIuAk5ahUFDzm28ZGqCeOvDbdt3QUVhnVOBIjW/s1600/somsuit_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4X3uxeY3b9-9_Ft5g_Q9NG_8DwuXdgAH970-oWvh4V2Sh50E42_BjEZqkXEq_NAeKcojoZ5ATOj6gQLYWlD3XYtKUAIEKF9fJBU1vUOIuAk5ahUFDzm28ZGqCeOvDbdt3QUVhnVOBIjW/s1600/somsuit_02.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Following that, I made the top according to the instructions. I made a sort-of muslin, in gold. I cut the XS for the bikini top based on my measurements but it ended up quite tight across the ribcage. The back piece in particular was small on me, which was surprising because I am narrow through the back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjViFmlsUm2RS0TUjB98QfuvX5ebuRtRgwEI8JflU_eEvVA8m6RXu6Qmp2AsOcgeMbbzDJa4C6RdD36fD0gIHqVYWoG29dWN2GXD-a1OV_2UoIhv1hIviMphJtd0YPoICVlKxYNLotByG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-28+at+10.22.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjViFmlsUm2RS0TUjB98QfuvX5ebuRtRgwEI8JflU_eEvVA8m6RXu6Qmp2AsOcgeMbbzDJa4C6RdD36fD0gIHqVYWoG29dWN2GXD-a1OV_2UoIhv1hIviMphJtd0YPoICVlKxYNLotByG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-28+at+10.22.04+AM.png" height="390" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdhDbE57tyO3n486DmgYIst2FJlPqITXA8IDnG8ElCZQKS1v5RpdNTz3Nxj9iGxZEUgM4GyNu-Z3qBpvdDabbMZPD0epdHjafh4QV21OKdBCttp_u6tiI3JtvbZsGWhzsa0Alby_r2vev/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-28+at+10.22.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdhDbE57tyO3n486DmgYIst2FJlPqITXA8IDnG8ElCZQKS1v5RpdNTz3Nxj9iGxZEUgM4GyNu-Z3qBpvdDabbMZPD0epdHjafh4QV21OKdBCttp_u6tiI3JtvbZsGWhzsa0Alby_r2vev/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-28+at+10.22.13+AM.png" height="386" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I sized up to a Small for my second attempt and was much happier with the fit, though if I made it again, I think I would use the XS for the front and the M for the back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78IaeKl6fuWJrnpV3hiLQ18Da2od5Q4G2ZmmUemGEZeH9tQkN5_14YMofvtzBtbUW1PwtFCOIKezld0HEI2BnThzNxqIKRn1lMQYYcTcDvF2b3_20IV2uv9PPSp6fUqVGaJhxk8mo9DNu/s1600/20140726_165220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78IaeKl6fuWJrnpV3hiLQ18Da2od5Q4G2ZmmUemGEZeH9tQkN5_14YMofvtzBtbUW1PwtFCOIKezld0HEI2BnThzNxqIKRn1lMQYYcTcDvF2b3_20IV2uv9PPSp6fUqVGaJhxk8mo9DNu/s1600/20140726_165220.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made a few alterations to the bikini bottom pattern for a better fit. I cut a medium and I found the front was a little too low through the leg so I used a French curve to raise up the leghole a little: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTPEOTnV0de6mCKCnQgKD5cOGHJHGxgALrf2TcWb7Il0cGq__7AZEKvpgAwNtcknsanlKRmaZ2ZNXgvXbZPZo0_nwXSTkfAKwVPnrxb7Eqi0m3-tM9gDP-d6KcRXEs7mVejkEthE1xgFF/s1600/somasuit_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTPEOTnV0de6mCKCnQgKD5cOGHJHGxgALrf2TcWb7Il0cGq__7AZEKvpgAwNtcknsanlKRmaZ2ZNXgvXbZPZo0_nwXSTkfAKwVPnrxb7Eqi0m3-tM9gDP-d6KcRXEs7mVejkEthE1xgFF/s1600/somasuit_03.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile I wanted a little more coverage in the rear, so I taped my pattern piece down to a fresh piece of paper and shaped myself a slightly fuller bottom:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUjQQpGvbBmXKTqk5oM7qqLUxhUKI7xf_yDuu_KONGzUoJWmuBnDbEQRhCR2st0qjppDFLnXYB_2jsPR4uag-Fx9paKNnz201y5wkhjKemN6-LkiF9tzjCIni7-sv3EEba_TgcWApYihj/s1600/somasuit_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUjQQpGvbBmXKTqk5oM7qqLUxhUKI7xf_yDuu_KONGzUoJWmuBnDbEQRhCR2st0qjppDFLnXYB_2jsPR4uag-Fx9paKNnz201y5wkhjKemN6-LkiF9tzjCIni7-sv3EEba_TgcWApYihj/s1600/somasuit_04.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see from the photos above, the changes were slight but they made a big difference in fit. I wore this suit all last weekend quite happily. I credit the Wonder Woman power with teaching my kid how to finally swim underwater.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LzaPMrBhjIn6NmBILv3mosONgykBMVVZyDkfg-ZxahyUFd97Y0IVPW4OkVx4jFFQWY8uqLr1BhX5OAcJmvH9KxAMLzqLSmPMU-EKfCP6zR6BAvptkxHD4cXLc6QV2xw8y4A9KM6yv93r/s1600/20140726_165109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LzaPMrBhjIn6NmBILv3mosONgykBMVVZyDkfg-ZxahyUFd97Y0IVPW4OkVx4jFFQWY8uqLr1BhX5OAcJmvH9KxAMLzqLSmPMU-EKfCP6zR6BAvptkxHD4cXLc6QV2xw8y4A9KM6yv93r/s1600/20140726_165109.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OK, for those of you truly interested in a closer look at the Soma Suit, here are a few close-ups on my dressform (<i>she</i> doesn't care how closely you examine her form):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3ZDGmtRqjsScBWtHtAJi0eqdMgpMw_xkv8KLRnFeBuWrJP0bJnGQWMFKl81LjGaV7zKt4pYmYaxw0mFsu6V4GcJJ_RguhLpb4tXXst6h9rkX1BjPu3C67PkkchY8Mnu7vRDHGeXxHoL6/s1600/somasuit_Closeup01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3ZDGmtRqjsScBWtHtAJi0eqdMgpMw_xkv8KLRnFeBuWrJP0bJnGQWMFKl81LjGaV7zKt4pYmYaxw0mFsu6V4GcJJ_RguhLpb4tXXst6h9rkX1BjPu3C67PkkchY8Mnu7vRDHGeXxHoL6/s1600/somasuit_Closeup01.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a little puckering in my twin-needle stitching near center front. That was the trickiest part I found, stitching through those two curves while keeping everything smooth. I could unpick and restitch to smooth it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OStvQsVxMHrhu3nATn-SMlH_QE1bY0D8ZKkdICgFDC3lGvKvM_BEnUZtqNoWCH7CJbASIsx9QVPaTDwx8noSxwmf6MuJs7VQfgfAbkHm-i1MFXjqvTPvbF_5rCe6WYBoQ4wgcn87OoOQ/s1600/somasuit_closeup02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OStvQsVxMHrhu3nATn-SMlH_QE1bY0D8ZKkdICgFDC3lGvKvM_BEnUZtqNoWCH7CJbASIsx9QVPaTDwx8noSxwmf6MuJs7VQfgfAbkHm-i1MFXjqvTPvbF_5rCe6WYBoQ4wgcn87OoOQ/s1600/somasuit_closeup02.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see there are no back closures on this bikini top, so you have to pull it on over your head like a sportsbra.<br />
<br />
Even in this larger version (which should fit my dressform perfectly) the side seam pulls to the back considerably. It could stand to be redrafted at the side seam:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCYZVNLP8YEsiqMpAll8p0-gn8IZSKgniwdPnvIgoihzDA5gMHzXRnJJl4ix9u-EYnzAvEwevzI4ssJv9XhC9Sy9WT0ARHsKrWGDSi0Xcdgl3euo4iVP5BRtgIEVP-Kmn4PgBcsW-INFK/s1600/somasuit_closeup03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCYZVNLP8YEsiqMpAll8p0-gn8IZSKgniwdPnvIgoihzDA5gMHzXRnJJl4ix9u-EYnzAvEwevzI4ssJv9XhC9Sy9WT0ARHsKrWGDSi0Xcdgl3euo4iVP5BRtgIEVP-Kmn4PgBcsW-INFK/s1600/somasuit_closeup03.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the smaller gold version. You can see I zigzagged as the instructions suggested, rather than use a twin needle for finishing (I prefer the twin needle finish):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYvPtwL5aqtvrdIBO2AuI0FClKysgDowin5qMbD71wWhL3I_9RqMlqwWzkVq__M6gOYCJtlNpt3LcKQICrp2fF3GdJBPMSq6BAvQ6st-8cI-4WubUm_IxfV1c3Mvg-8vA3635UCHifMRM/s1600/somasuit_closeup04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYvPtwL5aqtvrdIBO2AuI0FClKysgDowin5qMbD71wWhL3I_9RqMlqwWzkVq__M6gOYCJtlNpt3LcKQICrp2fF3GdJBPMSq6BAvQ6st-8cI-4WubUm_IxfV1c3Mvg-8vA3635UCHifMRM/s1600/somasuit_closeup04.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So with these two bikinis, I have now made FIVE bathing suits this summer! (Roughly equivalent to the actual number of times I have been swimming). Now if only we could spend more time at the beach... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you sewn a women's swimsuit? Any tips to share with us on shoring up support through the bust?</div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-60161197600531523532014-07-25T09:06:00.001-04:002014-07-25T09:06:39.596-04:00What Did We Learn From Project Runway This Week? Season 13, Episode 1<div class="p1">
We’ve endured two successive seasons of lesser-than Project Runway iterations (Under the Gunn and All-Stars, which undermines the very premise of the show — that the winner of Project Runway will go on to be the next big American designer by bringing back previous winners who have gone on to do....um, nothing special enough enough that they don’t still need more prize money to pay the rent?).</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i></i></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">But now Project Runway — <i>the real one</i> — is finally back (albeit without our favorite simile-spewing arbiter of all things mother-of-the-bride, Michael Kors). </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">So we sewers can spend the next 13 weeks dissecting fabric choice, drape, style and technique for both inspiration — and some </span><span class="s2">schadenfreude</span><span class="s1">. In the promo, Tim Gunn is shown calling this the “Season of the Vagina.” I can hardly wait to see what that even means. Let’s get started.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b>Lesson # 1: We like short shorts — unless they look like a diaper...or match your top</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">With so many designers from Brooklyn, it’s not surprising that short shorts featured prominently in this first round on Project Runway. What is shocking is that the two designers who based ensembles around this popular look were in the bottom (sorry, pun totally intended). </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
I know the heat of summer has many of you sewing shorts right now. And I'm aware that the trend is toward cervix-baring hem lengths. In fact, yesterday I saw two young women in short shorts taking selfies on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When they walked past us, my six-year-old looked up and said, “Whoa.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whoa indeed:</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK6UX7JBM_T97hZk6IojrjcGvMs-GJv6I2s-utNRX2O7IjA54qjN906BRZBrxpd5hVKVxtV6awSDMq0m5VsESAyRiD9P2EW9Xe4pOqAaKd_qc1c4mHTGZl2bUoZZv70lbT6sd296PIt-I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.35.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK6UX7JBM_T97hZk6IojrjcGvMs-GJv6I2s-utNRX2O7IjA54qjN906BRZBrxpd5hVKVxtV6awSDMq0m5VsESAyRiD9P2EW9Xe4pOqAaKd_qc1c4mHTGZl2bUoZZv70lbT6sd296PIt-I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.35.16+AM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Side butt's the new side boob"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To be fair, it wasn't the length of Jefferson's lavender shorts that was the problem; it was the proportion. The crazy high waist paired with the bagginess of the leg made these shorts look like a diaper, according to Nina. (Though I've never seen a diaper that goes <i>that</i> high; if it existed, I probably would have bought it and a lot of infant clothes would have been spared).<br />
<br />
Mitchell's shorts, meanwhile, fit nicely and flattered. But the judges no likey the matchy-matchy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jypxVWigmX_njTD0uM3zavkSmaEOB8Jv2tQW2gUv_A4NdJ3Ex73Lm7LJCdNac1gLIyBt0IlLx8DZ-EDViHIgxm_Iqw7irjC5-0kGX7CahCw6_Lz4Pr1NOYiV2wZtGI91DVjn-fqEhkKJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.35.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jypxVWigmX_njTD0uM3zavkSmaEOB8Jv2tQW2gUv_A4NdJ3Ex73Lm7LJCdNac1gLIyBt0IlLx8DZ-EDViHIgxm_Iqw7irjC5-0kGX7CahCw6_Lz4Pr1NOYiV2wZtGI91DVjn-fqEhkKJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.35.44+AM.png" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">Mitchell actually sewed the hem of his top into the waistband of these shorts, which had me yelling at the TV: "BUT HOW DO YOU PUT THIS GET-UP ON?!" (Seriously people, what would your point of entry be? I don't have the imagination to figure that puzzle out).</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">So what's the takeaway? Shorts seem like an easy piece, but they're no less tricky when it comes to planning the right proportions. And pairing them with a matching top is a little Lady-Foot-Locker-circa-1984 — all you need is one of those braided headbands with the beads. Am I the only one who remembers those things? I can't find a picture online so let's just look at this photo of Mitchell and use our imaginations:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCpr_ltqIVJ5yAkqLqtbzJ6FTK2Zvjv9cnFgK0Ic3ovldHk7-ny0c6MoGSQi_ZbSAm8SEFJbIpmoSZDuBsMYc-osxZTKKvDH1iX07XtMKwQRniaGAAGNKaKFOF4g-Sj8hzEbjXH8xzlhu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+7.29.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCpr_ltqIVJ5yAkqLqtbzJ6FTK2Zvjv9cnFgK0Ic3ovldHk7-ny0c6MoGSQi_ZbSAm8SEFJbIpmoSZDuBsMYc-osxZTKKvDH1iX07XtMKwQRniaGAAGNKaKFOF4g-Sj8hzEbjXH8xzlhu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+7.29.19+AM.png" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b>Lesson 2: Skip the muslin</b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
Raise your hand if you still can't believe Char didn't win with this lovely look:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfwlkHye8dzO6_f31r2ygLNuclLc9fHjkU_psqLQRwP-N1qXrZqb_Pgf2N8l3uctuRobiV1nOwh-DZ3zcBwuJEE6hRfh5Zv6CeJSvlDdHFir2pupCfUE7L_ewFiG6fe8R-ToitF78mki4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.34.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfwlkHye8dzO6_f31r2ygLNuclLc9fHjkU_psqLQRwP-N1qXrZqb_Pgf2N8l3uctuRobiV1nOwh-DZ3zcBwuJEE6hRfh5Zv6CeJSvlDdHFir2pupCfUE7L_ewFiG6fe8R-ToitF78mki4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.34.54+AM.png" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
It's hard to believe that you could pair two voluminous pieces like this circle skirt and blousey-sleeved top and not end up with a poufy disaster. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Judge Zac Posen credited the fact that Char skipped the muslin stage and went straight to draping with this yellow jersey. "That helps," he said, nodding with a knowing look. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">(Zac Posen has grown on me, because of all the judges on Project Runway, he is the one who speaks most often of technique. Plus, he sees shades of gray where Nina and Heidi just wonder, “Would I wear that?”)</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Anyway, don't be scared to work with your actual fabric. Muslin won't behave the same anyway.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b>Lesson 3: Know your slits from your sluts</b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Poor nervous Angela. You had to know from her bumbling around the workroom that this girl was in trouble. And then these hip slits...they look like something <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/season-12/designers/Sandro-Masmanidi">Sandro</a> would have designed:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIwMEo5hvKO3H8I20f7ojSURR-m8yThyphenhyphenhJ5mQYLX7PLb7yf7OYkVwh9cI7bzglv3ppEvtDlxuZ4YXv4qYOAKqpgfrtrBBniamr_vyXPvbSrTvRP-zvH2uFSPQPyIZOuivGIAWzJfrIEzy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.34.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIwMEo5hvKO3H8I20f7ojSURR-m8yThyphenhyphenhJ5mQYLX7PLb7yf7OYkVwh9cI7bzglv3ppEvtDlxuZ4YXv4qYOAKqpgfrtrBBniamr_vyXPvbSrTvRP-zvH2uFSPQPyIZOuivGIAWzJfrIEzy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.34.28+AM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Zac and guest judge Julie Bowen were not down with the "easy access" pants. Nina said they were "sluts not slits." Tim questioned whether they should come with a gift certificate for a bikini wax (zing!). </span>Heidi, meanwhile, liked Angela's pants — which is no surprise BECAUSE SHE WAS ACTUALLY WEARING A DRESS WITH A HIP SLIT:</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zPaW-gxVAe0U2jKYkiXktqsd7P6SwIKoB5mTSxUdwgNJsaRW6ba8ymacIjJpBGMLGMFi1lzSVbN1wRkYmvjh1MD3e4H8P8XrSGou9CUOTlMPYDim6n4kLgeL-OAJtmEfmFWH-hkymiXg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+8.41.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zPaW-gxVAe0U2jKYkiXktqsd7P6SwIKoB5mTSxUdwgNJsaRW6ba8ymacIjJpBGMLGMFi1lzSVbN1wRkYmvjh1MD3e4H8P8XrSGou9CUOTlMPYDim6n4kLgeL-OAJtmEfmFWH-hkymiXg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+8.41.17+AM.png" height="640" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heidi is no hip-ocrite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
To be fair, few women would need a wax to wear these pants. The slits aren't <i>that</i> low. They're still pretty trashy though, which means they would probably sell like slutty hotcakes. Also, aside from the back rise issue Angela had, these pants looked very well done. Hopefully this humbling experience early on will spur her onto great work throughout the rest of the season.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Now, you may be wondering why I have yet to address this dress, by Sandhya:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYAlEq9WL9bKaW9abCWDtTtULHyNfxnS3YD_PRGN-8QsbMLZd-mCB6gfuQYJQttIaufKd0sRjx4IkxhpPHIW0EBu8QGiHqNBCiJLC-aMwcbZ6DCVwe1K0yKkeP_i-SdOuo0nsLJwNqhnz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.36.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYAlEq9WL9bKaW9abCWDtTtULHyNfxnS3YD_PRGN-8QsbMLZd-mCB6gfuQYJQttIaufKd0sRjx4IkxhpPHIW0EBu8QGiHqNBCiJLC-aMwcbZ6DCVwe1K0yKkeP_i-SdOuo0nsLJwNqhnz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+6.36.00+AM.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The other contestants were as stumped as I was that this dress won the week's challenge. It looks like a stained bedsheet sewn into a body-con dress that just barely made it through a natural disaster. But Sandhya has a good story for everything. She knows how to sell her vision. That went a long way with the judges this week. Will she be able to hold their interest? Though I think this dress was fugly, I cannot wait to see what she makes next. I doubt she will ever send something boring down the runway.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So what did you think of the season premiere? Did you learn anything? Who's your early favorite?</div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-39974942453201640842014-07-22T20:52:00.001-04:002014-07-22T20:52:50.065-04:00Finished Project: Vogue Sundress Hack Attack Take 2If I kept all my failures to myself, what kind of (virtual) sewing bee buddy would I be?<br />
<br />
Because we all have them (right, people? Right?). And if my M.O. is anything, it's keepin' it real. So check out this, my second sundress sewn (partly) from Vogue 8766 — a scroll-down nightmare.<br />
<br />
Try it. The bodice looks great...lovely fit...nice spaghetti halter straps....cute daisy print...sweet button placket detail...and then (scrolling down), oh dear, that skirt:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGDBdK903qJo3wfiDW1RWwV1W6-652E5HpQ2WGPkIlBbgAXCy2wFexHgcEXB_a4uUL8hLQBRFQTZZnMyB6MAiNhFDoJ0qtoSD1E6OMVufTbYPMqSUlAyLRpZXimPVuOsNDsDALWNbSPkE/s1600/vogue8766_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGDBdK903qJo3wfiDW1RWwV1W6-652E5HpQ2WGPkIlBbgAXCy2wFexHgcEXB_a4uUL8hLQBRFQTZZnMyB6MAiNhFDoJ0qtoSD1E6OMVufTbYPMqSUlAyLRpZXimPVuOsNDsDALWNbSPkE/s1600/vogue8766_01.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
My husband tells me it's adorable. I think he likes that it's, er, defining through the bodice. I do love the daisies. I choose the print because it had a Sassy magazine-circa-1992 sweetness to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1GbVpOyEpgUVLTRzXL8DfXSPKFt8CdFlFn6NoCG6I90xzVmsrQEB_ATem7rD8QuhshkmFxgm-ZKSb9D2PmlB9XCjTkmtmenAIHX2jd2Z76Ya5xemGm-g5SKps8QNYGarrK3n080FO38C/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-22+at+8.10.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1GbVpOyEpgUVLTRzXL8DfXSPKFt8CdFlFn6NoCG6I90xzVmsrQEB_ATem7rD8QuhshkmFxgm-ZKSb9D2PmlB9XCjTkmtmenAIHX2jd2Z76Ya5xemGm-g5SKps8QNYGarrK3n080FO38C/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-22+at+8.10.34+PM.png" height="352" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But that gathered skirt...I thought I swore those darn things off a few years ago? On a lady like me, they just look dumpy. And, if this dress looks shorter at center front, that's because it is. I was trying for something...but it just looks like a mistake. Also, that white eyelet trim is a little twee. (However, if I were a Sassy magazine stylist, I would pair this with combat boots and a beekeeper's hat and maybe it would look cool.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie43AewDTdaRUKQhWmti9LKp24eF5fNKVarEpM2WlZAZgSCCTc4KHhiNOvCgXWjig2Hbgv-Io5JRvAEpT0TiC_P5hVKApBiMW9wSBsmz89KbOlzj43vjOw_rKfUgSBZDRHs_kQYpmhMlpA/s1600/vogue8766_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie43AewDTdaRUKQhWmti9LKp24eF5fNKVarEpM2WlZAZgSCCTc4KHhiNOvCgXWjig2Hbgv-Io5JRvAEpT0TiC_P5hVKApBiMW9wSBsmz89KbOlzj43vjOw_rKfUgSBZDRHs_kQYpmhMlpA/s1600/vogue8766_02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I once again used shirring to gather the back bodice. This time I used a single large rectangle for the back bodice and skirt. <a href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/2014/07/finished-project-vogue-8766-hacked.html">Last time, I cut the bodice and skirt separately, and it turned out much better</a>. I think the fabric choice this time around had a lot to do with it:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz43gbjlrZTm3YuIGMtlsLSW65lF1LDIKu56W7fw0p5XhcMGUI2TYvHW2xxDoc1ZDa8StZCErVcP_SVn6FOqVqNCzleN1IttYp4z8BBPR0YSy837-8mIFjsOjuaD1MR_r7HFHtwlaXp1sT/s1600/vogue8766_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz43gbjlrZTm3YuIGMtlsLSW65lF1LDIKu56W7fw0p5XhcMGUI2TYvHW2xxDoc1ZDa8StZCErVcP_SVn6FOqVqNCzleN1IttYp4z8BBPR0YSy837-8mIFjsOjuaD1MR_r7HFHtwlaXp1sT/s1600/vogue8766_03.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, I should iron more</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like this dress just enough that saving it somehow is important to me (After all, it's a lot of work shirring all those rows!). But how? Swap out the skirt entirely? Chop the hem straight and use some other kind of trimming to add length? What would you do?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-61717357425801715902014-07-21T07:51:00.000-04:002014-07-21T07:51:34.285-04:00Finished Project: Wonder Woman Swimsuit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would tell you how to make this Wonder Woman swimsuit I created for my six-year-old, but it's probably copyright infringement. Also, I'm feeling a little protective of this project; a lot of work went into drafting and sewing a wearable Wonder Woman swimsuit — and if the whole world had one....well, it just wouldn't seem as special:<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvUtYq78XknA3gwNQjozUSgHaDfQ_nh6lP-9UPLSzS4LE2Kppr5pydeK3VBOufY2ITeyM20S-wetQobRsfSESJ_N74OG_bEe4to56PLc3j8FfbbBawxmYE3EU_TBTkWiXja88Lr7nwV4j/s1600/wonderwoman3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvUtYq78XknA3gwNQjozUSgHaDfQ_nh6lP-9UPLSzS4LE2Kppr5pydeK3VBOufY2ITeyM20S-wetQobRsfSESJ_N74OG_bEe4to56PLc3j8FfbbBawxmYE3EU_TBTkWiXja88Lr7nwV4j/s1600/wonderwoman3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling pretty special</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;">
I may be living out my own childhood fantasies a little with this make (I watched a lot of re-runs of the TV show in the '80s), but my kid actually did request it. We watch Youtube clips of Linda Carter as Wonder Woman. My daughter is particularly into <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5etpOmKPyzs">the "Bullets and Bracelets" sequence in the origin story</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started with a basic swimsuit pattern and then redrafted to create three pieces: the bottom, the belt and the top:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJD8ece3VBQlAQArD-l3t55qi_VdOCl1yMNJDw4i9zrD6q21NnWrxArQZ0fhWzYAAyW6QTZpZUDnPOM6nUWkr21EiZTVgtN8-yVXDr8gQfGRzuoH6j7v0kagqgDimxNqY22GJOLnbTYzc/s1600/wonderwoman5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJD8ece3VBQlAQArD-l3t55qi_VdOCl1yMNJDw4i9zrD6q21NnWrxArQZ0fhWzYAAyW6QTZpZUDnPOM6nUWkr21EiZTVgtN8-yVXDr8gQfGRzuoH6j7v0kagqgDimxNqY22GJOLnbTYzc/s1600/wonderwoman5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The fabrics are all from <a href="http://www.spandexhouse.com/">Spandex House in NYC's Garment District</a>. Their minimum purchase is a yard, so I ended up with a lot of each fabric. Thus, I decided to make a matching circle skirt, which my daughter can pull on for apres-beach (or apres-pool) wear: <br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlPbI2LP6cDBzPvRmrhuKPsDZGfmc4k1CQ8hCnCTH58eiQIR6vfqd2j4eLrnxgrCjzQYnUx5fnKP5G4E0YLOOpKvczt6UCilq6E68iSPQsJ9kN-7fwB6b9foKi3Z_zkR4TYibJIfjNn7R/s1600/wonderwoman1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlPbI2LP6cDBzPvRmrhuKPsDZGfmc4k1CQ8hCnCTH58eiQIR6vfqd2j4eLrnxgrCjzQYnUx5fnKP5G4E0YLOOpKvczt6UCilq6E68iSPQsJ9kN-7fwB6b9foKi3Z_zkR4TYibJIfjNn7R/s1600/wonderwoman1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO8dnoc91DwQiy3Yx2c5Ck5qKuL098rkW5FLo0I80NqEQKsgfVDv_0ZWNuXFe_2hcyHBjQ3HR985dZa6zo30bwRMI75w4UyrdJYlL6K-KWHONddCBgaF8qMIAvv0fUGlZBgLJBu_ADhMH/s1600/wonderwoman4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO8dnoc91DwQiy3Yx2c5Ck5qKuL098rkW5FLo0I80NqEQKsgfVDv_0ZWNuXFe_2hcyHBjQ3HR985dZa6zo30bwRMI75w4UyrdJYlL6K-KWHONddCBgaF8qMIAvv0fUGlZBgLJBu_ADhMH/s1600/wonderwoman4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I machine-appliqued the golden eagle design onto the front before sewing together the suit. It's no easy feat to applique one stretch fabric onto another, so I used several layers of wash-away stabilizer to reduce waviness along the stitch line:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzIwpkAyHGx9-xqgm4vgIu3ecCgJVqRtgic45AqHv6_dp5oDZXGEnArvABhx69RFlJq8I8JP11aO0idC4sVM5-zRQVKUsKihjhsm-Fa5XK5STwMZh3tBwccl_vFiKPpujdxrLj6aL8duG/s1600/wonderwoman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzIwpkAyHGx9-xqgm4vgIu3ecCgJVqRtgic45AqHv6_dp5oDZXGEnArvABhx69RFlJq8I8JP11aO0idC4sVM5-zRQVKUsKihjhsm-Fa5XK5STwMZh3tBwccl_vFiKPpujdxrLj6aL8duG/s1600/wonderwoman2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have yet to make a matching swimcap, so for swimming lessons this week she wore a blue and white polka dot one. I think it's close enough:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwBlMFDwqdzm44Ea5oi_-BoVA1f9pSTQVinD1ORnxg9nE_BAkNdC9grfxWmMBOeMjPWcSkh7EXBo96HyGOlM10wXdvi7AHilgzaCPpW_wqJ1-lbfJYdz4511ZTunVSsKnBa2Og4_pMVn7/s1600/wonderwoman7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwBlMFDwqdzm44Ea5oi_-BoVA1f9pSTQVinD1ORnxg9nE_BAkNdC9grfxWmMBOeMjPWcSkh7EXBo96HyGOlM10wXdvi7AHilgzaCPpW_wqJ1-lbfJYdz4511ZTunVSsKnBa2Og4_pMVn7/s1600/wonderwoman7.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's the suit I would have wanted as a kid. (And yes, admittedly, I do still kind of covet — though, no I am not going to go there...and if I did, it would be, like, a secret thing just between me and Batman).<br />
<br />
Do you have any dream projects inspired by a childhood obsession? What would your six-year-old self ask you to make?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-6106585314221705972014-07-05T14:58:00.001-04:002014-07-06T09:21:21.234-04:00Finished Project: Vogue 8766 Hacked!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I learned one thing from Me Made May, it's that I need more easy summer sundresses in my DIY wardrobe. And though it's my opinion that any dress that must be worn with a strapless bra does not actually qualify as "easy to wear," I do think my Vogue 8766 hack will gets lots of love from me this summer: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEryX9OVrwJ6Xi58pLClHctNa5xPGpMDi-60mySw-Q_pegGCcnl-kYrRD75jrL0brHsiCZf0_Biw_iL8JT7Ek6QXPcxlMtNh5zOQlTuiF3OWDBChxg0DMYWGy6m8pz3zNyWLrg3sXpCye/s1600/vogue-8766_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEryX9OVrwJ6Xi58pLClHctNa5xPGpMDi-60mySw-Q_pegGCcnl-kYrRD75jrL0brHsiCZf0_Biw_iL8JT7Ek6QXPcxlMtNh5zOQlTuiF3OWDBChxg0DMYWGy6m8pz3zNyWLrg3sXpCye/s1600/vogue-8766_03.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I made quite a few changes: I <strike>smocked</strike> shirred the back bodice piece and created a button placket down the front; I added spaghetti straps and thread belt loops, plus side pockets. Here's Vogue's line drawing of 8766 to give you an idea of the original look. I used the strapless bodice variation with the circle skirt (bottom right):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBPThZrHB4pN-g0-lwrGNhSXLQOKM3k4IeUJXzzzfP_8-r-ggz2nrvTZfV_YH5CJvOflo7wth6k0sYijd1Pgi_6WZT2OW1WTb6b6ji1xvq7RnTS-WRXzCOcXmgtjFgGnAmr1CP3_tKEGH/s1600/V8766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBPThZrHB4pN-g0-lwrGNhSXLQOKM3k4IeUJXzzzfP_8-r-ggz2nrvTZfV_YH5CJvOflo7wth6k0sYijd1Pgi_6WZT2OW1WTb6b6ji1xvq7RnTS-WRXzCOcXmgtjFgGnAmr1CP3_tKEGH/s1600/V8766.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here's my finished look, which happily matches perfectly with my summer hat:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF7MJdueiafXY8Lg-Fr9DEpkZu-3rDtdr3tHN9XwkQF2c9rOhGxNKM4EM19Y_Dy0KImG3oI66ZrhL6QaHTP4hGchQRlxf9icMYc6jFQnl4c3Ab9n5DtQ211ewR_FNcAfFrQVe6uiv1FJL/s1600/vogue_8766_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF7MJdueiafXY8Lg-Fr9DEpkZu-3rDtdr3tHN9XwkQF2c9rOhGxNKM4EM19Y_Dy0KImG3oI66ZrhL6QaHTP4hGchQRlxf9icMYc6jFQnl4c3Ab9n5DtQ211ewR_FNcAfFrQVe6uiv1FJL/s1600/vogue_8766_02.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
For the <strike>smocking </strike>shirring, I cut a large piece of my fabric and used my ruler to draw lines 1/2-inch apart. In my experience, <strike>smocking</strike> shirring can quickly get crooked without the help of a nice pencil line to keep you, er, in line:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumfG8uQLeWTpGFvkaCgZ_5iH2GEZ4PFgqNtluS5gWiXxmx-6DAs0uKWIxS27W7zUgNKUp3hx5jiZB9av_JHXzWpBWU6TdLYJIffj6lg6wtJ30JsXASUTKv67FHvReXNa2HWd6XZ4Y9wyL/s1600/vogue_8766_smocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumfG8uQLeWTpGFvkaCgZ_5iH2GEZ4PFgqNtluS5gWiXxmx-6DAs0uKWIxS27W7zUgNKUp3hx5jiZB9av_JHXzWpBWU6TdLYJIffj6lg6wtJ30JsXASUTKv67FHvReXNa2HWd6XZ4Y9wyL/s1600/vogue_8766_smocking.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's a simple (if slightly tedious) task to shir your lines (elastic thread goes on the bobbin and that is all that is to it):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebrqYa0ltyVsKsGHko_jt1CeqLrMh0guIE4MCBfAUeTXEEF2wQlWckrqVaigP4b0_9y1qDM2PJqmXeyBuT081boqpqZZGMgHU0mArpKX1kmwVmg2NyFpfq_hCUKw-deEZfJ6kddIMiPSr/s1600/vogue_8766_smocking02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebrqYa0ltyVsKsGHko_jt1CeqLrMh0guIE4MCBfAUeTXEEF2wQlWckrqVaigP4b0_9y1qDM2PJqmXeyBuT081boqpqZZGMgHU0mArpKX1kmwVmg2NyFpfq_hCUKw-deEZfJ6kddIMiPSr/s1600/vogue_8766_smocking02.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then I cut my back bodice piece, which I reduced by a few inches to account for all the stretchiness (I also folded out the darts). I love the classic shirred sundress look from the back:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HjEZPNAphUh9t86va6u5zXb0buuW6qk8zjgDzJx4ecn0culmLeEQWQc5UPWtPrJEcdjXCULFjdpbKjlyGKUvs4cpqoUMu21ZUMCgb0eOMHlovhu7jmsS84r0YV2_y1q_BVZonlDDa2if/s1600/vogue_8766_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HjEZPNAphUh9t86va6u5zXb0buuW6qk8zjgDzJx4ecn0culmLeEQWQc5UPWtPrJEcdjXCULFjdpbKjlyGKUvs4cpqoUMu21ZUMCgb0eOMHlovhu7jmsS84r0YV2_y1q_BVZonlDDa2if/s1600/vogue_8766_04.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I used my serger to finish the top of the back bodice with a rolled hem stitch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFpp5JqMdF-aM_79WsRWVU7I_Ife5DBYsdnPRPt_cMISN6vS8NsOlyYbBDuaSYu08ZWYrI2eXUZkSjdUA0OclYqyXpWQvG32jJrNurQnIMWk1BWSfWTG9ycVvS31M08czcnLKKZI5eJI7/s1600/vogue_8766_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFpp5JqMdF-aM_79WsRWVU7I_Ife5DBYsdnPRPt_cMISN6vS8NsOlyYbBDuaSYu08ZWYrI2eXUZkSjdUA0OclYqyXpWQvG32jJrNurQnIMWk1BWSfWTG9ycVvS31M08czcnLKKZI5eJI7/s1600/vogue_8766_06.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To create the front button placket, I simply added two inches to the center front of the bodice pattern piece. Then fold over twice and topstitch down — voila! Insta-placket:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXy3ZV0qVMVbWLRdLhWxIprhfssZCWKuGiV1rZXIHEae0pJN1sg91yMi4m1_Va160Ly3qT6VdRxZMFXps4zi6uePsIWh3aOCchLws4qViwoBC40nTefNUEEZkEVnq-2wJyWUtsC0cPnHt/s1600/vogue_8766_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXy3ZV0qVMVbWLRdLhWxIprhfssZCWKuGiV1rZXIHEae0pJN1sg91yMi4m1_Va160Ly3qT6VdRxZMFXps4zi6uePsIWh3aOCchLws4qViwoBC40nTefNUEEZkEVnq-2wJyWUtsC0cPnHt/s1600/vogue_8766_05.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point I seriously questioned how smart I was to willingly sew a dress that required me to sew 18 buttonholes. (My machine is TERRIBLE at buttonholes). But I love the look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qifKoH2Lu8JJicrK8PvtLgzjA948qRtEuQvie5eFmKC9eNy3qj4LJ8_SmGF5UpaI9QgmQ6GWAOb7cDgwumBhbmHZFoZeA4Bz-8DQczRFwH71pJHdUNxkiNO0KXGM_MF7vE7j4AvesAEU/s1600/vogue_8766_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qifKoH2Lu8JJicrK8PvtLgzjA948qRtEuQvie5eFmKC9eNy3qj4LJ8_SmGF5UpaI9QgmQ6GWAOb7cDgwumBhbmHZFoZeA4Bz-8DQczRFwH71pJHdUNxkiNO0KXGM_MF7vE7j4AvesAEU/s1600/vogue_8766_07.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To keep my belt in place I added thread belt loops:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVpBBX-KW0n_bxPj-ajPYKP3he9h4-cBvUDyOClCfPeXtpL1IwrGNFfrFadHOZZXKZ85kSCWPd4uBKy7c5MQ9eRHGNaBx4KCa_BC2FVsJFpy6U5g9NvYI45WYVxnu28rPemSt_WjDmgy5/s1600/vogue_8766_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVpBBX-KW0n_bxPj-ajPYKP3he9h4-cBvUDyOClCfPeXtpL1IwrGNFfrFadHOZZXKZ85kSCWPd4uBKy7c5MQ9eRHGNaBx4KCa_BC2FVsJFpy6U5g9NvYI45WYVxnu28rPemSt_WjDmgy5/s1600/vogue_8766_08.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As for fit alterations to the pattern, I didn't do much. I shortened the bodice on the "petite" lines, though I think I would have liked a little extra length.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid30l5vMV_xp6ab7ca84nyYeE0CDhA8UOtS0MqZDF5vaZpHk4po3sdObBX9JntQCuNeGncyCC98qQFsmLETtItLWSGLjjvn_SSz3TQKqcAQ5E5l158E4-GLLDxEpqgVlr-V2q4_jgR3qVb/s1600/vogue_8776_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid30l5vMV_xp6ab7ca84nyYeE0CDhA8UOtS0MqZDF5vaZpHk4po3sdObBX9JntQCuNeGncyCC98qQFsmLETtItLWSGLjjvn_SSz3TQKqcAQ5E5l158E4-GLLDxEpqgVlr-V2q4_jgR3qVb/s1600/vogue_8776_01.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I plan on using the same pattern (and pattern mods, buttonholes be damned!) to make an Oona-fied version of this dress for <a href="http://sewcialists.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/its-oonapalooza-time/">Oonapalooza</a>. I may drop the front neckline into a slight sweetheart shape and sew a gathered skirt instead of this circle one (hemming this dress took nearly as long as sewing the entire rest of it — not for the faint of heart!). I think a gathered skirt would make this slightly more casual for day-to-day summer wear. (Of course, thicker straps would make wearing a normal bra possible, which would be awesome).<br />
<br />
What's your favorite summer sundress pattern?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-29343778600408948512014-06-30T07:46:00.001-04:002014-06-30T07:46:28.321-04:00Finished Project: LBJ Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Butterick 4029 took more time than expected. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started sewing this vintage 1960s pattern weeks ahead of a planned night out on Broadway with my husband to see <a href="http://allthewaybroadway.com/">"All the Way,"</a> the play about Lyndon Johnson's unscrupulous (but ultimately admirable) efforts to push anti-discrimation legislation through the United States Senate in his first year as president. My husband is fascinated by LBJ; he prays every night that <a href="http://www.robertcaro.com/">Robert Caro lives long enough to write the next volume in his epic biography on L</a>BJ. The play was incredible (but it closed last night so if you're interested, you'll have to wait for the revival).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dress was also pretty incredible. My husband may be as obsessed with it as LBJ. He told me a dozen times it was his favorite thing I've ever sewn:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQre5NlQAc2kw_NIp_T2fDZQD9dYZC4HEFE4frSzCBkwOL_V7rAH9vfbgS6-ORVVFFJrA8s5B4Vp0LX1KNWIrrOtP7B1HkmBoOVTFFYW-UUrD9QL3COvTZq0y0WNGLOlCBUccfly2CgExQ/s1600/lbj-dress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQre5NlQAc2kw_NIp_T2fDZQD9dYZC4HEFE4frSzCBkwOL_V7rAH9vfbgS6-ORVVFFJrA8s5B4Vp0LX1KNWIrrOtP7B1HkmBoOVTFFYW-UUrD9QL3COvTZq0y0WNGLOlCBUccfly2CgExQ/s1600/lbj-dress1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I owe all the compliments to the fit — and the neckline, which I reshaped several times before landing on this. Remember how the original neckline tried to filibuster me with this unfortunate hunchback effect?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRpSFMjT_1xrI84neJ1PnTP1iHJ7LevzdM-9lIUAMhgxa7_SFJ6vLHTgyP8ukmiWffHq3mbY688sI3_HOy71x5uH9FJ_PN4nEw5yHhYVNBv_s-mmV8mQhnwEtC1-XJnU40BDVbF7SougK/s1600/butterick-hunchback4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRpSFMjT_1xrI84neJ1PnTP1iHJ7LevzdM-9lIUAMhgxa7_SFJ6vLHTgyP8ukmiWffHq3mbY688sI3_HOy71x5uH9FJ_PN4nEw5yHhYVNBv_s-mmV8mQhnwEtC1-XJnU40BDVbF7SougK/s1600/butterick-hunchback4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I took some good advice from <a href="http://notesfromamadhousewife.wordpress.com/">Lisa (Notes from a Mad House wife</a>) and cut the back into a scoop. I also had to deepen the darts on the back. The results were sexy but wearable:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cVfkdEwaC0txnqW9-bA7vCxLhlUegcCN7rywqwB7sS5mO9Rsg7rYFk0zov9aWauc8Wsg2XWz0TmEHwPn6HAu1HjEB_yS4iKCpne8zruySLt0gqTSGzUryvrDdbFAeWsMfG8oGWiqx2Ij/s1600/lbj-dress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cVfkdEwaC0txnqW9-bA7vCxLhlUegcCN7rywqwB7sS5mO9Rsg7rYFk0zov9aWauc8Wsg2XWz0TmEHwPn6HAu1HjEB_yS4iKCpne8zruySLt0gqTSGzUryvrDdbFAeWsMfG8oGWiqx2Ij/s1600/lbj-dress3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you've ever done such a fix, you know there are many steps in reshaping a neckline after your fabric has already been cut out. In order, they are:</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Remove facings</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Adjust darts to take out excess</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Use curve to redraft neckline curve</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Cut (and pray)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Trace new neckline to draft new facing pattern </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Cut new facings from your fabric</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Sew facings</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Finish facings (understitch; handstitch down facings along zipper)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdwWNfI38EHGReoczkyk14Qp199Oi3tO91b3y-AokpBiOceIEPNzyk5Nh9z6GlgysIvCnb3PJrBejWfc3g4Piyey9kByYU_uJxRPIv2H0ZAEXVn_spn-lHgf91SPM07tk1jCpMBVk2ZBl/s1600/lbj-facings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdwWNfI38EHGReoczkyk14Qp199Oi3tO91b3y-AokpBiOceIEPNzyk5Nh9z6GlgysIvCnb3PJrBejWfc3g4Piyey9kByYU_uJxRPIv2H0ZAEXVn_spn-lHgf91SPM07tk1jCpMBVk2ZBl/s1600/lbj-facings.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye bye, facings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I made a number of other fit adjustments to Butterick 4029 (which I most likely will not be sewing again!):</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Continued the front French dart up into the front neckline, creating (in effect) a Princess seam</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Took excess out of the shoulder seam, which of course meant that I also had to...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Lower the armscye and....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Find a new way to finish the armhole because the original facings would not match up now that I made so many changes. I opted for a bias binding:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNRqhixjShv_6jRGK_clWhX0zusHmlU5sj-POhhfhQS6Ti0tD_y-1SX5Ck0T_ug6iyYBDVM917BmKo7rFqR76fP5Pd4R3hBDz0Oty8v6XpQJWlixBxomW8IC81h3B6Snr_gcf245Cwr9j/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+7.18.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNRqhixjShv_6jRGK_clWhX0zusHmlU5sj-POhhfhQS6Ti0tD_y-1SX5Ck0T_ug6iyYBDVM917BmKo7rFqR76fP5Pd4R3hBDz0Oty8v6XpQJWlixBxomW8IC81h3B6Snr_gcf245Cwr9j/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+7.18.46+AM.png" height="361" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />Exhausting, right? Let's just look at the dress:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e_EhZVDwbJ1CE1fGsxYqWB1gf9GXdZw-cDm3vUsB2y0bYdPZBKt6_iLQ8M5Gfe-Lyzux-lCkzBKbUSBkya21b8Zn_ilUJHfs8DvjN0sa2wqUZA1c2_M5VtRo4L0Ql0fcq-DqTP-PUGm8/s1600/lbj-dress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e_EhZVDwbJ1CE1fGsxYqWB1gf9GXdZw-cDm3vUsB2y0bYdPZBKt6_iLQ8M5Gfe-Lyzux-lCkzBKbUSBkya21b8Zn_ilUJHfs8DvjN0sa2wqUZA1c2_M5VtRo4L0Ql0fcq-DqTP-PUGm8/s1600/lbj-dress2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is how I styled it for our night out on Broadway — with silver flats and a <a href="http://www.albersdesignshop.bigcartel.com/product/anni-albers-necklace-kit-1">DIY Anni Albers-inspired necklace made from silver bobby pins and a tub stopper chain</a>. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrQwkfnmosUB7e3sFwQ3jSn6JgwAxDRrw0Od9-ibXsR1OWzT7U24D2OyuNkPaVCitQbEMRiqHWw1K54nDpA17-gL3i45G9vrr55Y0BrY0N2JxnKOhOYydRhRx3esFRJM9Ie3h0aSjd9yo/s1600/lbj-dress4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrQwkfnmosUB7e3sFwQ3jSn6JgwAxDRrw0Od9-ibXsR1OWzT7U24D2OyuNkPaVCitQbEMRiqHWw1K54nDpA17-gL3i45G9vrr55Y0BrY0N2JxnKOhOYydRhRx3esFRJM9Ie3h0aSjd9yo/s1600/lbj-dress4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had planned to make View E:<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2YrnYJNLABdBx_uCjj0zdGp_KGTvyCoV1FeOXqMJoHFnDQHw96mPJDTSt5uoHz5v0r1O1TT2yRrFwPMvkFxSY16zW7_O_ZQFHAB_rEaqvXeMKqCbuDQNbWHoXyKzAh377OJU-B7k1fwd/s1600/lbjdress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2YrnYJNLABdBx_uCjj0zdGp_KGTvyCoV1FeOXqMJoHFnDQHw96mPJDTSt5uoHz5v0r1O1TT2yRrFwPMvkFxSY16zW7_O_ZQFHAB_rEaqvXeMKqCbuDQNbWHoXyKzAh377OJU-B7k1fwd/s1600/lbjdress1.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But considering the heat in NYC these days, I tossed the sleeves as quickly as LBJ threw out the Voting Rights provision. Once again, from the back:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZS2kUzuIq5Jyud2vMrs-ntJ9Oardg4iLwGvRVhHXdUsmyo71VcRNN3elTwCJpciN2Yvcslg-kFGdJ4FLMRa9wTjddPl0cs7SmF4zso2K8W-c-mjtbBE6OTlgYI7Tf9Mg5NDu4h-wxEZB/s1600/lbj-dress-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZS2kUzuIq5Jyud2vMrs-ntJ9Oardg4iLwGvRVhHXdUsmyo71VcRNN3elTwCJpciN2Yvcslg-kFGdJ4FLMRa9wTjddPl0cs7SmF4zso2K8W-c-mjtbBE6OTlgYI7Tf9Mg5NDu4h-wxEZB/s1600/lbj-dress-back.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A dress that fits so well is an achievement considering all the points that had to be altered in order to iron out all the issues — not like, ending-segregation-level achievement, but a success nonetheless. Hopefully I will have more than one occasion on which to wear it!<br />
<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-24737045303276024392014-06-27T07:53:00.002-04:002014-06-27T08:10:03.170-04:00Seeing *Your* Fabric Out In the Wild<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the other day I was picking my daughter up from kindergarten when I saw it: a lady wearing a peplum top made from the <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/black-nautical-flag-remix-on-cream-ponte-de-roma-fabric/famous-designer-p-9449.html">same fabric I bought at Girlcharlee.com </a>for these <a href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/2014/06/finished-project-hudson-pants-two-ways.html">Hudson Pants I made</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy59bpB1lkgeUJaZ_a-e8lbvgvxCt1Bsk8gLnARZAbSJra9uV_rG8_OW6MnONeHJbcd5k0HfL3RjIWJ5THLtXjkkicsOpSC5HFc_ijx0ZGXNwUuySLTDDaX7Wma-7v0_DTjEaMee7O1cyn/s1600/hudsonpants-striped3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy59bpB1lkgeUJaZ_a-e8lbvgvxCt1Bsk8gLnARZAbSJra9uV_rG8_OW6MnONeHJbcd5k0HfL3RjIWJ5THLtXjkkicsOpSC5HFc_ijx0ZGXNwUuySLTDDaX7Wma-7v0_DTjEaMee7O1cyn/s1600/hudsonpants-striped3.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hand-made pants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, this is what some women wear to pick their kids up from school in the Bronx (she didn't have the matching mini): </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8WaPqBFoH26Qs3Is-YaQ2DUcYVd52F_pi54paxPPl6YTxU3C8QMCJCHkR91Z4QcGFgdjysqxzG3AxHlARuJbGg2VKvWF9P64za6yhGhW623ncSaLOP3OGfHilmIy3ogJb3vejcHyDu0W/s1600/$T2eC16NHJIYE9qUcM8VuBQ3KokcZQQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8WaPqBFoH26Qs3Is-YaQ2DUcYVd52F_pi54paxPPl6YTxU3C8QMCJCHkR91Z4QcGFgdjysqxzG3AxHlARuJbGg2VKvWF9P64za6yhGhW623ncSaLOP3OGfHilmIy3ogJb3vejcHyDu0W/s1600/$T2eC16NHJIYE9qUcM8VuBQ3KokcZQQ~~60_12.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then, a couple days later (also on my way to pick up my kid from school), I saw another lady wearing a maxi dress in the same fabric (this is not her; I found this pic online after much googling):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPMCoxBcpYi8T7gfTAcJEhMZNwfV-bqX8EVCghI8afaMQxCm-a-wGlFMSeH5Zlj8Eu8uTQ77o9ge0p53RS6kMkpXmSyAIplWISrUlPCRt2GEnzzUDMD0sQvGfLT3hDKXos2LmYyHG_bOn/s1600/1748863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPMCoxBcpYi8T7gfTAcJEhMZNwfV-bqX8EVCghI8afaMQxCm-a-wGlFMSeH5Zlj8Eu8uTQ77o9ge0p53RS6kMkpXmSyAIplWISrUlPCRt2GEnzzUDMD0sQvGfLT3hDKXos2LmYyHG_bOn/s1600/1748863.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, I wanted to ask both women where they bought their "nautical striped" ready-to-wear, but neither looked especially open to questions from strangers so I let it be. The fabric is pretty cheap (it pilled after just a couple washes) so I'm guessing it was not sourced from a high-end designer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, in my latest sewing class, one of my students brought in this fabulous toile du jouy, which she bought at Mood and had been told it was John Galliano. It has a brocade sort of finish on top:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4XJcFxAmcYdMmRnNWAFGuSWBMIl7FYncwytcS5_XFW_WSBCadEAUQWeM6i4oxdIGWgRjQV2RkLS_yyobdX4klSzHfcPOMLFvvjiWUVaTqNh_mUIDLUooTTCyJoMeCY66oH2P4cBzR0Co/s1600/20140626_202306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4XJcFxAmcYdMmRnNWAFGuSWBMIl7FYncwytcS5_XFW_WSBCadEAUQWeM6i4oxdIGWgRjQV2RkLS_yyobdX4klSzHfcPOMLFvvjiWUVaTqNh_mUIDLUooTTCyJoMeCY66oH2P4cBzR0Co/s1600/20140626_202306.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We all loved the fabric and I was dying to see how Galliano used it. After a few minutes googling I discovered it's from Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2013 collection, though in a slightly different variation:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11FIvEK0lNCYTyDVkWUM2O1T7i4avJ5BpL81cEe5i2y5YUBN7DPB2EIMcmsg1_BePP5530DvDsp7c84CXBRftNpHPCsVBGA6g54a-ze_zslESkuhyphenhyphenUUzigJ-rzepvRPLpu_LgJLWkSc9h/s1600/00200h_304x456+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11FIvEK0lNCYTyDVkWUM2O1T7i4avJ5BpL81cEe5i2y5YUBN7DPB2EIMcmsg1_BePP5530DvDsp7c84CXBRftNpHPCsVBGA6g54a-ze_zslESkuhyphenhyphenUUzigJ-rzepvRPLpu_LgJLWkSc9h/s1600/00200h_304x456+(1).jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a><br />
You can see it's the same print, but with a black quilting-style finish on top rather than the brocade (apparently the same toile du jouy is available in different colorways at Mood NYC). My student was using this fabric for a skirt, which was clearly a good choice considering that same collection featured a multitude of skirts in similar toile du jouy prints.<br />
<br />
We're lucky in New York to have such exciting, high-quality designer rollends at our disposal. Often you can find something that cost a fortune in ready-to-wear for a steal at the fabric store. A few years back I bought this bow print cotton by Marc Jacobs for just $5/yard from Metro Textile:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS0jZW7WOpzHvA5_bTeRJro_TpeV8o2rRSAZ1b0DlSxhthuUPvx3kk2Uy6ROmIW7P8R3j0RYlIAK_EUFUJI9nqOP3j2G13vWSSq7neQSaHK5CvWPo76BGmFYxXsfq_DZKlPelRBTMmy9y/s1600/marc-jacobs-bow-print1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS0jZW7WOpzHvA5_bTeRJro_TpeV8o2rRSAZ1b0DlSxhthuUPvx3kk2Uy6ROmIW7P8R3j0RYlIAK_EUFUJI9nqOP3j2G13vWSSq7neQSaHK5CvWPo76BGmFYxXsfq_DZKlPelRBTMmy9y/s1600/marc-jacobs-bow-print1.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Curious to see what Marc Jacobs had made with it, I googled:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphpk2HlZ4IkkDNikNOY3BVpvZxAUOvd53C49cqnIq16foJDd6rvHfHCz9qZaSwagZ8v2-WWkvEiJkh3z112avBcgEp6L9Pdu0nmdQuqyJJ13fQgtIbHZpcFDqx3KAfv2CxPWO241wbzhT/s1600/img-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphpk2HlZ4IkkDNikNOY3BVpvZxAUOvd53C49cqnIq16foJDd6rvHfHCz9qZaSwagZ8v2-WWkvEiJkh3z112avBcgEp6L9Pdu0nmdQuqyJJ13fQgtIbHZpcFDqx3KAfv2CxPWO241wbzhT/s1600/img-thing.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIddfz-bGzg0RgjE9fCNFnp9qblw5wgnMSzJggh5TIBJDD08hPxA6zoarBWR2WhKkdPDqcQMwxbEnuswO0LT6V1KUUgTHz75a9xWC_rkJ-U9Nmp3YvNhylDPDMzQfddnKI3gJNImbDglS/s1600/AAAAC7P-dpcAAAAAAKuEdg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIddfz-bGzg0RgjE9fCNFnp9qblw5wgnMSzJggh5TIBJDD08hPxA6zoarBWR2WhKkdPDqcQMwxbEnuswO0LT6V1KUUgTHz75a9xWC_rkJ-U9Nmp3YvNhylDPDMzQfddnKI3gJNImbDglS/s1600/AAAAC7P-dpcAAAAAAKuEdg.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbnV1IiCvElct2TsbmFXv_ATErhA29xS9T3qNXYJdeyQBbzbfE5y6liQbk7UutVK1TRRbw43O_aI30fDrLZNWUflH-2uSxnD3DRqRZEk0R1fhwrFi8bjLrLUrfZn3a1Owd54z6UZuCw9j/s1600/marc-by-marc-jacobs-bluefly-halters-twilight-blue-silk-bow-print-halter-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbnV1IiCvElct2TsbmFXv_ATErhA29xS9T3qNXYJdeyQBbzbfE5y6liQbk7UutVK1TRRbw43O_aI30fDrLZNWUflH-2uSxnD3DRqRZEk0R1fhwrFi8bjLrLUrfZn3a1Owd54z6UZuCw9j/s1600/marc-by-marc-jacobs-bluefly-halters-twilight-blue-silk-bow-print-halter-top.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Once I saw what Marc Jacobs had done with that bow print, I wished I had bought the entire bolt.<br />
<br />
Recently I saw another Marc Jacobs print at Metro — this navy heavy weight cotton printed with his initials:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s-d4HHMTVP-LA9u30Ot-kRHAmKiPhQGMN3fcL0_XkEWTD1WTtAMDRRJnirquDsacWkkvzaSKWz9NYfONrSppVn9Acr1TnPu2Z3saHMFPkH6yzyAuz2AW46yXx9cOnyy0HDbM5kRFwjyi/s1600/mj-fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s-d4HHMTVP-LA9u30Ot-kRHAmKiPhQGMN3fcL0_XkEWTD1WTtAMDRRJnirquDsacWkkvzaSKWz9NYfONrSppVn9Acr1TnPu2Z3saHMFPkH6yzyAuz2AW46yXx9cOnyy0HDbM5kRFwjyi/s1600/mj-fabric.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was available in several colorways (at $5/yard), so I grabbed some for a friend's daughter whose nickname is MJ. I figured anyone with the initials MJ would be happy to have something special sewn with his fabric. Try as I might, I could not find any items made from this print.<br />
<br />
Do you ever search to see what a certain designer has done with the fabric you bought? (Or have you ever run into someone wearing ready-to-wear made from <i>your</i> fabric?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-75281515809438571582014-06-26T10:20:00.001-04:002014-06-26T10:20:32.054-04:00Countdown to summer (and summer sewing)I've got 1 hour and 7 minutes before public school ends and summer vacation begins, which will greatly impact my sewing and posting powers over the next 70 days (for more on my other summer project, see <a href="http://www.70daysofsummer.com/">here</a>).<br />
<br />
Still, I'm looking forward to resuming my <a href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/search?q=project+runway">Project Runway recap posts</a> next month. Lifetime finally announced the season premiere date — July 24. You can already see some of the Season 13 designers' work at <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway">Lifetime's Project Runway page</a>, where they have those "home visit" videos already up. Who will get "Runway Redemption"? (Remember they asked viewers to vote on what former contestant to bring back?). That will be revealed on July 24. Let's just hope it's not Ken. I would be really disappointed in Project Runway if they allow someone who threatened violence against a woman on camera to return. What a terrible precedent that would set.<br />
<br />
Moving on, I finished my troubled <a href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-hunchback-of-butterick-4029.html">LBJ dress</a> just in time to wear it to "All the Way" Tuesday night. My husband loved the show — and was crazy about the dress. I didn't manage photos other than this pre-show selfie (my husband showed up 5 minutes before curtain and afterward we had to quickly run off so we could get back to the Bronx to relieve the babysitter). You can just barely see one strap:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVAvBdb3C8Df1-GkPZMdugAjhgvc-N6oRZh4haJCsWWIVhaD7nueNycbwv4QOQvp1VIQf5Kvl3BVks118uR4jb3JcMZZNaBHqDFmktIINiFpklP_LIWGX7w3wUtv13s6PenREVslqVlI2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+10.05.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVAvBdb3C8Df1-GkPZMdugAjhgvc-N6oRZh4haJCsWWIVhaD7nueNycbwv4QOQvp1VIQf5Kvl3BVks118uR4jb3JcMZZNaBHqDFmktIINiFpklP_LIWGX7w3wUtv13s6PenREVslqVlI2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+10.05.32+AM.png" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
I made about 10 alterations to this dress (including a major back neckline excavation), and in the end the fit was pretty great. We'll shoot some photos of it soon.<br />
<br />
I'm also taking my swimsuit sewing to the next level with a Wonder Woman bathing suit for my daughter. It's a birthday surprise, so shhhhh, don't tell her:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUShG6PcRnlOTyaMoesGu6Xun2EKLXIyn_JQTfIbjt6cgSRoR_YjI_e2D7hf2V6s0k9wPBFZdbfKaBH2YqvKPzO95OSKywPwgz45r1coZMZUb3qEDcctGL0h5qybfNYuRiSNe6YHzdB1T/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+9.55.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUShG6PcRnlOTyaMoesGu6Xun2EKLXIyn_JQTfIbjt6cgSRoR_YjI_e2D7hf2V6s0k9wPBFZdbfKaBH2YqvKPzO95OSKywPwgz45r1coZMZUb3qEDcctGL0h5qybfNYuRiSNe6YHzdB1T/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+9.55.51+AM.png" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I drafted it myself, and if it weren't trademark-infringement, I would attempt to put it into Illustrator so I can share it here (who am I kidding; that would take me 40 hours and time is not on my side now that it's summer!). Machine appliqueing on the golden eagle was a bit of a pain in the zig-zag. But that is love for you. I think I'll make a little starry circle skirt to wear over top of the suit on the way to and from the sprinklers.<br />
<br />
I bought the materials for this suit at Spandex House on a Garment District trip with <a href="http://vintageorbust.blogspot.com/">Lisette from What Would Nancy Drew Wear?</a> (We also checked out the lingerie exhibit at FIT, which I highly recommend). We talked lady-swimsuit-making and it has been on my brain ever since. I've only found two patterns I would wear. <a href="http://www.jalie.com/tankini-pattern.html">Jalie's Tankini pattern</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUE9EWIibzzobLnEomjTPbENQJ_zVxmxpAuOs3SZr3eiBClLChjph3-I4mA9wMVb4W4vsDWwCf8qg8DHHqCKKXo6roQ0b-zPQ8bddhAufHUiIpDkVtNfcAFnqB-3VrtQTh-Tp7AI_G7jY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+10.16.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUE9EWIibzzobLnEomjTPbENQJ_zVxmxpAuOs3SZr3eiBClLChjph3-I4mA9wMVb4W4vsDWwCf8qg8DHHqCKKXo6roQ0b-zPQ8bddhAufHUiIpDkVtNfcAFnqB-3VrtQTh-Tp7AI_G7jY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+10.16.16+AM.png" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
And <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/products/soma-swimsuit-1">Papercut Patterns' new Soma Suit</a>, which has a couple variations. For myself, I like the one piece:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUg1vOPvo2gjyMepaCkBcoDDjRgbs15AnLKdY8CBOEkgZkB73oHUktvaOJsREsRoeEUcwVFvVkg3RNNlhPMUceNoErZpRGxckEh2WlvSHdFjrZgi-wHxcYN4rC3mIYSuABHoKCoOfY6rE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+10.17.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUg1vOPvo2gjyMepaCkBcoDDjRgbs15AnLKdY8CBOEkgZkB73oHUktvaOJsREsRoeEUcwVFvVkg3RNNlhPMUceNoErZpRGxckEh2WlvSHdFjrZgi-wHxcYN4rC3mIYSuABHoKCoOfY6rE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+10.17.27+AM.png" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
I do, after all, have nearly a yard apiece of solid gold, red, and blue-and-white stars spandex leftover (a kid suit doesn't take much yardage and the minimum you can buy at Spandex House is a yard).<br />
<br />
What are your summer sewing plans? Does sewing take the backburner when the sun is shining?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-28752527371690128102014-06-23T08:55:00.000-04:002014-06-23T08:55:12.152-04:00Finished Project: Hudson Pants Two Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love sewing up easy-to-wear separates that push people's idea about what handmade clothing looks like. Except for other homesewers, few people would expect that you made your own comfy lounge pants, like the <a href="http://truebiaspatterns.bigcartel.com/product/hudson-pant">Hudson Pants</a> here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjglbgL7KcSl_90zmxm2VqSEdVPxyCwg4fINZd4I0GMQAH6uSO9bnIJs1J9xFTMvwA_x9cONpPzLgMAkXIIAvW2ry6IPZJBVZ0FPAHDl3VtOvNfNv6jHeLbAivbTRILTODL6XjiDo_27qH/s1600/hudsonpants-striped1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjglbgL7KcSl_90zmxm2VqSEdVPxyCwg4fINZd4I0GMQAH6uSO9bnIJs1J9xFTMvwA_x9cONpPzLgMAkXIIAvW2ry6IPZJBVZ0FPAHDl3VtOvNfNv6jHeLbAivbTRILTODL6XjiDo_27qH/s1600/hudsonpants-striped1.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
Kelli of the great blog <a href="http://truebias.com/">True Bias</a> asked me to be a tester for her first pattern release, the comfy, cozy, but not-at-all schlubby Hudson Pants (named for the NYC neighborhood in which she lives — which also happens to be the first neighborhood I lived in in New York City too).<br />
<br />
After seeing numerous versions of her new pants pattern pop up on her <a href="http://instagram.com/truebias">Instragram feed</a>, how could I resist?<br />
<br />
So I ordered up two fabrics from <a href="http://girlcharlee.com/">GirlCharlee.com</a>: a grey French terry (coming up down below) and this "nautical stripe" ponte:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvSnOvPkeOjJQFtsG3mOm-ymMd8LRTrVT9Eb8dh_Ad5Uwjxku2AU4z5fk674AHjb3-Zovkt3C13BAK6QAsG_aTl8ycx3xw_EmOxjOAiDD7lgAKqboroMgUizLrSdl2dSYnKF10XrtQjq/s1600/hudsonpants-striped3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvSnOvPkeOjJQFtsG3mOm-ymMd8LRTrVT9Eb8dh_Ad5Uwjxku2AU4z5fk674AHjb3-Zovkt3C13BAK6QAsG_aTl8ycx3xw_EmOxjOAiDD7lgAKqboroMgUizLrSdl2dSYnKF10XrtQjq/s1600/hudsonpants-striped3.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
I cut a straight size 12 for my first pair, made from the stripey fabric you see here. I don't love the fabric, but that was my own error; when you purchase a printed fabric online, make sure to actually check the size of said print. I had expected the stripes to be much smaller. Can you tell from this pic who I think I look like in these pants?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanRAETTXavws_itVdCPhnkunE0pjERK7-D9HdXrxms0aoX2TyCL89HWR8kQbKn5c2pPh5ZnBf9Z1ZdOGFoZ9wAM4fAFxqwcNTGJ87Jctgl1QpiQjSYUQtpjBTLswLUTMuxkjWtZ1UXde1/s1600/hudsonpants-hamburglar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanRAETTXavws_itVdCPhnkunE0pjERK7-D9HdXrxms0aoX2TyCL89HWR8kQbKn5c2pPh5ZnBf9Z1ZdOGFoZ9wAM4fAFxqwcNTGJ87Jctgl1QpiQjSYUQtpjBTLswLUTMuxkjWtZ1UXde1/s1600/hudsonpants-hamburglar.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's right: the Hamburglar! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moving on, my second pair of Hudson Pants was much more successful. I used a lovely <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/chrome-gray-cotton-modal-lycra-french-terry-knit-fabric/famous-designer-p-9688.html?cPath=90_106)">French terry</a>, which washed well, doesn't pill and feels as cozy as it should in this pattern. It looks like lightweight sweatshirt fabric from the outside and feels like a thousand fairy wings fluttering on your thighs on the inside:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhXfJDSUHj0wfUxabP_94FxuzZKqS4TCW7cG_rmQ6WA_ttGOBUETQJeTxZhZEtxE1oBWfM3IglB4dAgfwgAvYgjdto4Qif5FWoan_x4iTOZ2i4eDT6qJLk_Odv-89OnqPAA08LeUj416p/s1600/hudsonpants_grey1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhXfJDSUHj0wfUxabP_94FxuzZKqS4TCW7cG_rmQ6WA_ttGOBUETQJeTxZhZEtxE1oBWfM3IglB4dAgfwgAvYgjdto4Qif5FWoan_x4iTOZ2i4eDT6qJLk_Odv-89OnqPAA08LeUj416p/s1600/hudsonpants_grey1.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only was my fabric a better choice in Version 2.0, but I also graded from a Size 12 to an 6 at the waist. I am pear-shaped and had hoped that cutting the elastic to the right length would cinch in the waistband enough that grading wouldn't be necessary. However, the leap from 6 to 12 is pretty big and my first pair were a little bunchy at the waist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrFN0LIhnJGJSwU6r5ZKnWZsFf8whdFjxsBtbqYuLdVW9xF0zgKLq-bR2dFa5hYkdtDR9YwDQZmhzcBAd2WFVK4kXqnSO34NEUmblPvgfSIfkpf7GzkI4oE4x9yWiOrixgoTBzi1oqPIh/s1600/hudsonpants_grey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrFN0LIhnJGJSwU6r5ZKnWZsFf8whdFjxsBtbqYuLdVW9xF0zgKLq-bR2dFa5hYkdtDR9YwDQZmhzcBAd2WFVK4kXqnSO34NEUmblPvgfSIfkpf7GzkI4oE4x9yWiOrixgoTBzi1oqPIh/s1600/hudsonpants_grey2.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
I've worn these a ton since I've made them. And machine washed them twice (after saying a little prayer). They held up beautifully. In fact, I took these photos on the Solstice, which was a month after making them:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j9XP_1vvxceBqcOVUvRJGyxZh_wTuTvcn_Ra5yl6coNZz_bj8TXNXVLXH6iv59nnPRqGFCJg0BZxr_gZkqpve2MHAZmo3jAJ9NsLWuutcZXstLmSG9QZVdfMk2E1b1wTxRKhMr5bao7f/s1600/hudsonpants_grey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j9XP_1vvxceBqcOVUvRJGyxZh_wTuTvcn_Ra5yl6coNZz_bj8TXNXVLXH6iv59nnPRqGFCJg0BZxr_gZkqpve2MHAZmo3jAJ9NsLWuutcZXstLmSG9QZVdfMk2E1b1wTxRKhMr5bao7f/s1600/hudsonpants_grey3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The version of the pattern I used was the test version, and Kelli has made a few adjustments since then. The final version has some extra ease in the calf and ankle band for added comfort. The Hudson Pant pattern also includes a calf-length version.<br />
<br />
Have you made lounge pants before? What's your fave fabric for comfy pants like these?<br />
<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-64322470004290666212014-06-18T08:08:00.000-04:002014-06-18T08:08:07.606-04:00The Hunchback of Butterick 4029 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Did women used to have far broader backs? In this modern era are we so weakened by our easy lives that our upper body muscles are practically atrophied in comparison to our 1960s sisters? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just don't know what to make of vintage Butterick 4029, which in its semi-finished state, fits me like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFjHRqgjtJIQ0LoI6gbDiCv4PtXtLif7czojJoVny3Q8RBwSf03sHCiuC8TK8kfxuKQslCZNxmlSq-05pXT7DwS8aJ6Fot3vS7rwhnHiepZoANs47cSAnYY4uRhnTbnNaCrf3P7lRvqlx/s1600/butterick-hunchback4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFjHRqgjtJIQ0LoI6gbDiCv4PtXtLif7czojJoVny3Q8RBwSf03sHCiuC8TK8kfxuKQslCZNxmlSq-05pXT7DwS8aJ6Fot3vS7rwhnHiepZoANs47cSAnYY4uRhnTbnNaCrf3P7lRvqlx/s1600/butterick-hunchback4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously? I could stow a second set of boobs on my back in this thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do remember from my patternmaking classes at FIT that the older dressforms had broad backs, and anything I made for class fit me poorly. Still, Butterick 4029 seems to have been drafted for a hunchback. Or maybe I need to start working out my trapezius muscles?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My five-year-old took these photos for me, hence the lack of focus, framing, and all the rest. The dress fits pretty well elsewhere:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeIz-xfDL79UqAEtHcqAZH1ALo2xm5R5XBImTproJxdQHfWWbW_8bEKvFh63JWSY0dm0vUtWLrPhLvLjQboX4AYpNYgFI9Th278R7huGvqVDQyhNm8WNxryklCzvI_iL_wSXuvSbUPmNJ/s1600/butterick-hunchback3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeIz-xfDL79UqAEtHcqAZH1ALo2xm5R5XBImTproJxdQHfWWbW_8bEKvFh63JWSY0dm0vUtWLrPhLvLjQboX4AYpNYgFI9Th278R7huGvqVDQyhNm8WNxryklCzvI_iL_wSXuvSbUPmNJ/s1600/butterick-hunchback3.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lying flat, it looks normal, I suppose.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakg1xogdl1py5TIGAQdKizu33kAXjwj3fPjc9yRsTcRfpLatmpTPbg7jNmUzfZEhki0gkKewBjWnI2pTIJih8jrS5tANmKHfYk5USIEVN1DReBYecS9mwWETMacBtUcmYcMf3BSz7Igjj/s1600/butterick-hunch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakg1xogdl1py5TIGAQdKizu33kAXjwj3fPjc9yRsTcRfpLatmpTPbg7jNmUzfZEhki0gkKewBjWnI2pTIJih8jrS5tANmKHfYk5USIEVN1DReBYecS9mwWETMacBtUcmYcMf3BSz7Igjj/s1600/butterick-hunch2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I posted a pic of this dressmaking disaster on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/pWfsktxuZe/">my Instagram account</a> and got some very helpful suggestions (you, my sewing pals, are truly the best). Plenty of you have had the same issue with other patterns. My immediate thought was to add darts to the back neckline, which <a href="http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Sewing Fanatic</a> so nicely described:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HYOuDw_YZHUxftwEhJ36J-xoLDD3gTNsM-QTbUQefygTYpSM0LxXkcYVCutMJTAf69TCD81ahBcgWg1Yj_8leAwak-VKoGBe-eRZ_kp4giWlcA0gCRNMqQkv8YmZndtaBtiaw85YHasm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-17+at+4.34.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HYOuDw_YZHUxftwEhJ36J-xoLDD3gTNsM-QTbUQefygTYpSM0LxXkcYVCutMJTAf69TCD81ahBcgWg1Yj_8leAwak-VKoGBe-eRZ_kp4giWlcA0gCRNMqQkv8YmZndtaBtiaw85YHasm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-17+at+4.34.17+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I think, however, I may go with Lisa G.'s suggestion:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvbcsLCMghW-qNuNGOC80kYzEXh1uxOH34vjDaiNDleD5c0_upkqz78XBJCvFJN9nuMsk02SFUCRUqKcTMs25FxFOaONUqhVfDEV05FPJSftyh2AmVvBuRipChiWNCBad_afT67-S94UQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-17+at+4.34.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvbcsLCMghW-qNuNGOC80kYzEXh1uxOH34vjDaiNDleD5c0_upkqz78XBJCvFJN9nuMsk02SFUCRUqKcTMs25FxFOaONUqhVfDEV05FPJSftyh2AmVvBuRipChiWNCBad_afT67-S94UQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-17+at+4.34.32+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
A deep V or a scoop would eliminate the excess and make this dress a little sexier. But I would have to draft a whole new facing and I only have scraps of fabric left. A V back seems more authentically '60s, to me (hey ladies who have had babies: does calling it a "V back" make you laugh too?). I'm also guessing double-scoops can be tricky; the whole thing could slide off my shoulders, right? (Note to self: work out deltoids too). I may need to do some engineering to make this work. Ugh. Want to see it again?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNSPbHlDSZgtwAyJXiGobZbI8IrhdeRBwTO1V3TQfWVJb_E1mW9TuIDK-YmVxTEzjIwIgqkDY1hCuuZbqa8S0_rmh0wqjqW0AfSIIvDDDPuKoFDbgXsBv6FkOS1i7ggx_d0-j36BlAGmc/s1600/butterick-hunchback1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNSPbHlDSZgtwAyJXiGobZbI8IrhdeRBwTO1V3TQfWVJb_E1mW9TuIDK-YmVxTEzjIwIgqkDY1hCuuZbqa8S0_rmh0wqjqW0AfSIIvDDDPuKoFDbgXsBv6FkOS1i7ggx_d0-j36BlAGmc/s1600/butterick-hunchback1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What in the??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyone else have this problem? How did you fix it?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.com23