Designs by Project Runway Alumni

Ever wonder what previous Project Runway contestants are up to?  What they're designing, or if they're still designing?  I do occasionally.  I've been searching in vain for which channels in the Toronto/GTA area (I live in Ontario, Canada) would show Project Runway season 11. Season 12 is being aired now in the US, so Canada, as far as I know, is a season behind.  So I've resorted to watching my old VHS tapes of previous seasons of Project Runway (yes, I still have a VCR!  If it ain't broke, don't replace it, at least don't throw it out, lol).

I remember the good old days of watching seasons 1 to 10 on first Bravo then the Slice channel.  Which led me to wondering what previous contestants were up to now, or shortly after completing the show.  Here are some lovely designs by 5 previous contestants from Project Runway seasons 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.  

 Mychael Knight (PR 3), andreaserrano.com

Daniel Vosovic (PR 2), danielvosovicny.com

Daniel Franco (PR 1&2), danielfranco.com

Irina Shabayeva (PR 6), zimbio.com

Korto Momolu (PR 5), kortomomolu.com

Excellent work!  Here's to hoping that the parts of Canada that are deprived of Project Runway 11 will soon be able to see it or purchase the dvd.  

Till next blog!

What a Girl Wore toTwo Weddings

I'm continuing the theme on weddings from last week's blog.  This week I wanted to show what I made for a young girl to wear to weddings.  It was mentioned to me that I should do a blog on bride's maids dresses for a future blog; I think that's a wonderful idea, and I will follow up on that!

While looking through my daughter's closet, I came across two dresses I made for her for two weddings we attended a few years ago.  I wanted to make something unique and one of a kind that couldn't be found in stores and was also affordable (of course sewing clothes makes them very affordable).  When my daughter was 9 years old, she wore:

 Well, this is just a taste of what she wore.  This fabric is very pretty, a blue embroidered flower pattern on a delicate beige fabric.  The color combination is unusual.  I bought it on sale from a fabric store.  The style of dress I made looked 1920's.  I'll post the whole dress next week.  The full photo I took wasn't flattering due to the background.  At least one person thought I had spent a lot of money for this dress.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Sold retail, this dress could cost about $60.00 or more.

When my daughter was 12 years old, she wore this to the next wedding:

 I already had the coral polyester print fabric which I had purchased a few months prior.  The maroon silk jacket was made from a silk shirt I never wore but didn't want to give away (I hate giving away anything made of silk).  I just love the pleating in the coral fabric on the front of the maroon fabric. 


I was thinking yesterday that there should be a reality show called the Frugal Fashion Designer.  I believe a lot of people would appreciate watching a clothing designer make stylish clothes that's affordable for the general public.

To change the subject, I'm adding pictures of things I saw and liked online.  There are so many talented designers out there.

 
 Till next blog!

 black ruffle jacket - www.avantegaudy.wordpress.com
bronze and teal bag - www.iofrer.com

Designing is a Family Trait

Spring, spring, where are you?  It is officially spring, but the weather is fluctuating a bit too much for my liking.  I can hardly wait for the flip flop weather.  Pedal pushers, t-shirts, sheer blouses, ahh, freedom from restricting coats, hats and gloves.

I have three things to show you.  I've finished another of my daughter's bag design.  My son, who loves to draw, cartoon figures in particular, made some designs last year of the types of hats and hoodies he'd love to wear.  Also, the mock wedding dress I said I would soon be making has been made, although it's a bit more understated than I had planned it to be.  No matter, it's my first attempt, and I'm looking forward to making a more detailed wedding dress sample in the future. 

The hat is made of three colors, two of which are appliqued.  The one seen is a medium size.  It can be made in small and large as well.  I like the originality of it, haven't seen anything like it as yet.  The designer gets an A+! 

There's a blue theme going on I guess.  This bag is made of recycled and new fabric.  The blue fabric was formally a jacket.  Which leaves the floral fabric to be the new.  This design was stiffened with interfacing.  It's lined with the floral fabric as well.  My daughter suggested that I sew a pocket in the lining, so I'll be adding one to the next bag I sew.

My attempt at making a wedding dress,  or, as it looks here, a formal white dress, was enjoyable.  The sheer nylon fabric was actually a curtain, and the slip was made from cotton fabric I found among my fabric stash.  I was nervous with the draping of the fabrics to make the dress.  I didn't make patterns for them, I just used my judgement and cut, and draped, and tried to make an interesting design.  The sleeves and the neckline, which is ruched, are pleasing to me.  Sometimes working organically produces surprising but pleasing results.  The slip should be longer though.  Sometimes what you think of and what it actually looks like are two different things.

I am selling on eBay once again. I used to have an eBay basic store, but due to circumstances, I'm selling designs individually, which is more affordable for me cost wise.  You can find them under SK Clothes plus the name of the item you may be interested in.

Till next blog!