Tuesday, March 30, 2010

3.

Got some new fabric the other day, which I am itching to make a skirt or two out of.
I was inspired by the curtains in the Vic library. Scratchy, unnatural fibers in a loose, mesh-like weave, creating curtains that do their job very poorly. But lined, they'd make a perfect skirt!
Short of ripping the curtains off their railings and making off with them, I figured I was probably out of luck if I wanted to get my hands on a similar fabric. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found a thick parcel of this in the remnant bin at Arthur Toye:



Sometimes it is hard to look at a fabric in bulk on a roll in a store and translate it into a finished garment in your head, which is why remnant bins can be so full of goodness. That is, when they're not full of polar fleece or fluoro nylon. I also got a lovely silk-cotton blend with a very subtle woven polka dot. Not sure what I'll use it for. It's so gorgeous and I have so little that I'm worried about wasting it.

BUT. My essay isn't finished so enough dreaming about fabric and back to early Christian art.

Monday, March 29, 2010

2.

I published the Crowns Clothing facebook page two days ago, and I've got over 60 fans already. Granted, they're all my friends and tons of them are dudes, but it's still a good thing to see.

I've been working on my art history essay all day so I'm allowing myself a break for some blogging. So here are some of my favourite pieces listed on the Crowns Clothing Felt page! I put a new skirt up last night and there'll be another online tonight. And once this essay is out of the way I'll be able to spend a bit of time creating new stuff!

This is my take on the American Apparel Le Sac dress. I've got it in a tri-blend blue too, which I haven't yet listed online. I love these dresses because they're so versatile, and they're one-size. The fabric it's made from drapes really nicely, too. I got hooked up when I bought the fabric, which means I'm able to sell these for way less than you'd pay for an American Apparel one.

I love this fabric so much, and only wish I had bought more of it. I found it in a fabric store that was closing down in Hamilton, ON when I was in Canada. The same place where I bought the Versace print my handbag is made out of for about $5 a yard. ANYWAY. This shirt has so much structural detail. I love it... although I don't think I loved it that much when I was making it. It's also a really slim cut, which is why I haven't kept it for myself. I'm thinking of making a few more of these with bigger bows and more sizes.

So, you might be able to tell I've got a soft spot for stripes. But can you blame me when they look so good on a skirt like this? I sold tons of skirts in this cut at the Cuba St Night Market over the summer. This fabric has an extra-gorgeous sheen to it, and a little more weight than your straight cotton, so it won't fly up in the wind (too much!).

This is my newest addition to the Felt page at the moment. I have never seen such a unique fabric... felted wool in such a crazy bright red! It's lovely and thick without being itchy. It actually broke the machine I was making it on. The waistband is constructed of seven individual panels for a really snug and contoured fit.

Unfortunately I don't have a sweet cloudy backdrop to take my photos against anymore. But it's a fair sacrifice in order to live in a house that's clean, safe and quiet I think.

Friday, March 26, 2010

1.

My first 'line', so to speak, has made it online!

You can find Crowns Clothing on Felt, which is essentially a kiwi Etsy, here. The pieces are a combination of new items and the leftovers from markets over the summer. Heaps of skirts! I love making skirts. I want to keep all of the skirts for myself.

As well as checking out the Felt page and perusing (and purchasing) my wares, you should also socially network with Crowns Clothing on Twitter and Facebook!

Easter break approaches and now that I am all moved in to a lovely and quiet and peaceful and clean house, I am itching to get sewing again. Keep an eye out for new pieces, because I've got tons of ideas I'm really looking forward to seeing through.

Also don't forget that I'm totally happy to make people custom items if you've got anything in mind.