Tag Archives: custom

CAT-ADOR JACKET

14 August 2014 by Julianne

I’ve been working like a rhinestone zombie. So much sewing to be done! Some of it is Burning Man related, but much of it is just other small jobs for other clients, not really interesting enough to blog about. I’m leaving for the playa in 6 days and I haven’t had a chance to do any prep work. Eep! So I’ll let this post be mostly images, because my brain ain’t so good at processing words lately.

This was one of my favorite projects in a long time. Nando is a very playful and sweet guy, and he wanted to bling out his plain peacock-blue matador jacket. Obviously this was right up my alley (which is where these pictures were taken, appropriately).

I just loved this project. It was so much fun to work on, and he was so pleasant to work with. It was an ideal project.

I made the cat heat using some fabrics we picked out together, some fabrics from my stash, and that heat-fusible bond paper stuff (I told you I’m not good with words).

Catador jacket, made by Julianne

The epaulet is constructed from that awesome silver vinyl applique, a red velvet pad, and orange tassel trim.

Catador jacket, made by Julianne

I made a cat toy necklace from some of the leftover trims.

I also made him a set of booty shorts, complete with crotch gusset, out of the copper kitty fabric, but apparently I didn’t give Nando enough rum to model them in my alley.

Catador jacket, made by Julianne

If you see Nando on the playa, tell him you recognize him from the internet!

SERVER VESTS

14 July 2014 by Julianne

Lately I’ve been spending time in Monterey, which is a friendly and beautiful town. One of our favorite parts about being on the peninsula is eating at il vecchio (which is actually next door in Pacific Grove). They make their gnocchi fresh daily, and their pesto is just about the most flavorful and nuanced that I’ve ever tasted.

And the point of this is: I made a couple vests for the restaurant. The proprieter and I went shopping at Beverly’s together, and picked out this damask batik quilting cotton, which I think is such a funny combination. I like to imagine that the fabric was dyed with wine.

I made one male sample, and one sample for ladies. Besides size, the only difference is a bust dart. Both versions have back ties, lined front panels, facings at the back neck and arms, and buttons.

These are obviously not my best photographs, because I was in a super hurry to get them shipped before the post office closed (and I made it!).

In the end, the staff declared the fabric a little “Mississippi Riverboat Gambler” which I totally see, and then they decided to scrap the vests altogether.

I know this project isn’t terribly exciting, but such is the life of a professional seamstress. And now, back to work!

MAMI AFRIKA

11 June 2014 by Julianne

I’ve worked with Wawi Amasha for a few years, and now she’s starting to get really serious about her clothing design. These looks are all hers, but I sewed them for a gallery opening this past weekend. They were presented under the name Mami Afrika.

Sewer, designer, tech designer.Of course I made my purple miimii dress, as well as the blue halter dress on Inobe. Wawi is on the left.

Wawi was showing her paintings at Hamilton Gallery in Santa Monica, and it was a fun party! In our gallery was the artwork, models wearing dresses, wine of course, and African drummers who inspired some fancy dancing.

A neighboring gallery was also hosting an opening, where there was more wine, plus vodka, couscous, gift bags, and a hyper little German man who began our conversations with “I like the look you’re experimenting with on your outfit,” because that’s what you say in Santa Monica. I don’t remember your name, but you were kinda crazy, but also fun.

The fabrics were collected on Wawi’s recent trip to Kenya, and the patterns were drafted by Inobe Nicole, who also made the fabulous geometric necklaces.

I made ten pieces for the show in 4 days, and eventually developed a rhythm for the layout and construction. Sample patterns rarely come with instructions, so it’s up to be to figure out a smooth and efficient technique. Print matching! The finishing on this sleeveless jacket includes french seams, bias bound, double turned hem, and folding seams under.