Tag Archives: rainbow

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LISA FRANK PARTY SKORT

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I always enjoy making outfits for friends: working on the fit, imagining how they will energize the garments, what kind of adventures they will find. This outfit was commissioned by my friend Sara for another friend’s Lisa Frank themed birthday party in Los Angeles. She sent the fabric and her measurements and one request: matching scrunchie!

Lisa Frank party set

Inspired by the 90s theme, I went for a party recess concept that could only mean skort. This one has a cotton lined crotch panel which makes it perfect for bike riding and grinding on the dance floor.

Lisa Frank party set Lisa Frank party setLisa Frank party setLisa Frank party set

Of course there are pockets!

The tie die lycra has a holographic splatter all over it, which I enhanced with neon pink and holographic lycra accents. I used my serger to make a rolled hem with neon threads, to echo retro lettuce hemming, but kept the hems flat for a cleaner finish.

Lisa Frank party set Lisa Frank party set

The top is reversible, depending on what colors she wants to feature on the front.

Lisa Frank party set

She totally pulls off the psychedelic trapper keeper babe look!

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PROFESSIONAL PJs: scrappy summer camisoles

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In any day, my schedule may include sewing at home, meeting with clients, and running errands on bike. What kind of outfit is appropriate and comfortable for all these activities? I’m developing ‘professional pajama’ style, for creative professionals who work from home. It’s going to be a movement!

The first entry into this bold new category of dress code is a camisole. I drafted the pattern and jumped right in with this sample. It was fun to make, and gave me lots of ideas for a second top, in terms of design and process.

rainbow camisol, made by Julianne

rainbow camisol, made by Julianne rainbow camisol, made by Julianne

The rayon drawstring pants are also part of this comfy fashion lifestyle.

I was so happy with the first top that I immediately made a second. I got more ambitious for the back, but unfortunately sewed the center back panels together along the wrong side. Since the jersey is so stretchy the design still works, but I was going for a neater fit. Next time!

scrappy camisol, made by Julianne scrappy camisol, made by Juliannescrappy camisol, made by Julianne

Both versions are made mostly from scrap jerseys I’ve saved from other projects, and a few fabrics I have stashed away in my cabinet. Some of the seaming is structurally motivated, and some of it was designed for the small and odd-shaped scraps available. The cups are lined with a second layer of jersey, and I used 1/4″ elastic at the underbust seam to offer a bit of support.

scrappy camisol, made by JulianneIt’s been tank-top weather in LA since February, and these two tops have been in heavy rotation. They go with everything, are very comfortable, and feel ‘me’. Posting these tops together makes it easy to see the design evolution, and it makes me excited for what else this can become!

As always, thanks go to my husband for the photography.

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YELLOW FLORAL BIRTHDAY DRESS

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My computer has recently revived from a 3 week hiatus, and yet I’m still just using an old post. Haven’t got quite everything back up and running, and the laptop was really just an excuse to not blog. Maybe I’ll write about it later, but does anyone really care? Long story short: I’m busy sewing all day, working really hard, and also prioritizing my time off. I haven’t really done any personal sewing, and I’m waiting for photos on several large projects for clients. Theoretically I’ll be able to post every day in May.

So in the meantime here’s a post that’s all about eventually getting things done. Pictures were taken in July 2014, when I had an incredibly short cut and was still deep in platinum mania.

 

Happy birthday to meee… from 2013. I bought this fabric as a birthday gift to myself, but between other projects and design uncertainty, wasn’t able to sew it up until 14 months later. Luckily it was worth the wait!

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

The yellow floral poplin in from the Lisette line at Joann. I immediately fell in love with the color combination and the paisley-inspired print. But it was that print that got me turned around. Brightly colored flowers… would that be too juvenile? I hate the idea of being ‘cute’ or saccharine, and so the fabric was folded and left in my cabinet…

Would I use a Laurel-esque shift pattern (this was right around the time that design was sweeping the blogosphere)? What about a vintage sleeveless dress? Maybe I should copy a 2005 H&M shirt dress I still wear: even with the heart print and slightly puffed sleeves, the sleek seams and short hem made me feel powerful.

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

In the end, I combined all these elements. I made a complete pattern of the H&M dress, but eliminated the sleeves and collar. I used a placket inspired from my vintage pattern, though I constructed this one myself. I copied Laurel’s clean neckline, and from there added my own details.

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne The raw edges are serged and topstitched. The neckline and arm holes are bound with self-made bias tape, which I sewed on the front using my machine, and then whip stitched the inside and back. yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

I feel like the coral binding creates a neat outline for the wild print. The mustard thread for the buttonholes doesn’t actually match any of the 7 colors of the fabric, but it still felt like the right choice. And the gold shank buttons… somehow, I didn’t even consider that option as I imagined the perfect buttons, but they jumped out at me as I was browsing the Dill racks.

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

It’s been a great summer dress so far, and of course it will do well in cooler temperatures with a cardigan and leggings.

yellow floral shift dress, made by Julianne

I already bought fabric for this year’s birthday dress. I’m not sure if I’ll have it done in time (3 weeks!) and I’m not even sure what design I will use. Perhaps I’ll make a blog post all about that… I should have it published in about 4 months!

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