Tag Archives: embroidery

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the brightest dress in the world

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My friend’s band, Bird City, was playing in New Orleans this weekend. Since the show was after the Endymion parade, I decided to wear a variation of my costume from that day. I thought it was a fun re-interpretation of my Rainbow Peacock theme!

teal dress with mask teal dress

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I made this dress for my 19th birthday, almost 4 years ago! In the summer of 2008 I took the dress in so that it fit very well and shortened the skirt about 6 inches. The fabric is this wonderfully bright teal denim that I used inside out, so the vertical stripes are on the inside of the dress. I actually did use a pattern for this, it was a Vogue shirt-dress.

There are darts in the back, front, and bust, slightly puffed sleeves, a Peter Pan collar (my favorite), in-seam pockets, and a tie belt. The dress is accented with teal ribbon, stitching in embroidery thread, and some Klimt-y designs painted on. It’s very comfortable (I love the pockets!) but since it’s so bright I don’t wear it terribly often.

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embroidered hamsa

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In October I noticed that my trusty old purse was falling apart. It was linen with a tree embroidered on it, and I wound up selling a replica to a friend. Oh well, out with the old and in with the new!

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I thought about sewing another tree, but instead I went with a hamsa. I’ve always been fond of hand designs, because they are full of positive connotations to me. First, I use my hands in all the wonderful things I like to make. I also like an open hand as a representation of sincerity and honesty. Also it is a Jewish and Muslim symbol of fertility. When I was in Barcelona in April 2009 I bought a little silver hamsa pendant that always draws comments.

This was originally white linen. I painted the hand silhouette a light yellow and then color the rest of the fabric with a pthalo blue. I like using paint to dye fabric sometimes because it doesn’t bleed. It took me a few hours to add in all the embroidered details. The purse is lined with a blue floral scrap and has one inside pocket.  I’ve had that single brass button for years and I feel like this is the perfect use for it. All of the sewing was done by hand.

I’m really happy with the design and colors, and so far the bag has held up wonderfully.

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