Olde School

This photo is of a cashmere wool plus blend dress I made from a Vogue Pattern with a few adjustments (I have always tweaked). I took the dress apart and tried to dye the remains ....but it did not survive the process.

I always wash my wools gently before refashioning garments but once in awhile the uglies will happen. It is better to take off a pocket, cut a piece from the hem or facing and wash it first to test outcomes before throwing it all into the washer. Just a warning, personally I am rarely that patient and won't dry clean unless I can find a green dry cleaner and the fabric is wonderful enough for that TLC.

The lamp is from a thrift store and the chair is vintage Art Deco.

Antique Quilts

You never know what possibilities spring up as the path unwinds.

Alyson, a sewing student of mine, had a mother that would trade wallpaper for quilts back in the '70s. Her parents had a decorating store and her mother loved the detailed handwork on these quilts. She displayed them folded on shelves and other flat surfaces, hanging one or two at a time.

Alyson inherited them but they were stored in plastic and along with the dry cleaning her mother had done; they are sadly breaking down. They are now breathing free and the orange stars from the late 1800s can be restored with tea dyed cotton and PATIENCE - to do all the itty- bitty stitching of the background.

Earth Day

This is a re-enactment of the fashionethos display I set up in the NSCC courtyard on April 22 and 23. Like many important educating efforts towards healthier lifestyles and paradigms -it was a volunteer effort. The school has a Sustainability link from their home page now as well and ...Yeah!

The generous fabric samples were donated by Pacific Fabrics in Northgate. They carry some wonderful wise fabrics. The bamboos now come in knits, suitings, denim and lightweights..they feel fabulous. There is(was) a hemp voille -the other hemps were sold out at that time, more on the way. There is a wide range of colors in both fibers. The organic cotton fleeces come in 2 weights, have a yummy hand and have far less allergens than the regular fleeces which are from petroleum by-products..

Dandified Bears

Recycled sweaters make suave bears and are the handiwork of the local Creative Goddess. Email me for more information-they are for sale.

Full Circle Yarn Shop in Ballard

The Full Circle Yarn Shop is a Ballard classic. Located at 2038 NW 56th featuring greener goods for the needle arts. Hemp, bamboo, soy, recycled silk, corn fiber, recycled and organic cotton yarns are on the shelves. Stop in to inspire your next project.

Energy Is

life ...funny how we expend it in exercise then regain more of it in a bounce back. Can this apply to the resources that provide us with the energy to heat our homes, transport us and otherwise help keep our lives interesting? Will we experience a bounce back?

Atoms never run out of energy and everything is made up of the little buggers (yes we could start at quarks -but so show offy...) therefore everything is largely space and "energy' and even inert objects are "moving. " Cool

Perhaps conserving at one level will ignite us in another ...a holistic exchange ...Sparks and delight. Wear vintage and sustain energy.

Vintage 1950s dress made from an unknown fringe fabric. The hat is probably earlier and too funny not to pop on once in a while. The white pouf needed accenting which brought me to the atom symbol and this little mind dance with words. Thanks for your tolerance!

Wash First

I always wash garments before refashioning. if the fabric won't take it, well then that is usually it. Sometimes really cool things happen but don't count on it. If the fabric is extremely lovable and you fear tossing it into a washer then find a green cleaner. Seattle has a few so we're good here but other places may not be as fortunate. Dry cleaning chemicals are toxic and will leach into your skin.

Oh and new clothes or textiles ...wash before wearing or cutting as they usually contain formaldehyde and other toxins. Washing will only get rid of some chemical finishes but a little is better than nothing...(will post on eco wise fibers soon!)

I made the wool cashmere plus blend dress in the photo then took it apart and tried to dye the fabric but the result was awful.. it is best to take a cut from the hem, a facing or the like and test before tossing the whole of it into a washing machine.

Found Art

Street art is the best! I shot this yesterday and realized it was perfect for today. Thank you Fabulous Anon,
L, deb
ps tulips are my addition cos art is what me make of it ...sometimes!

and more

Progress

Spring Showers

I ran across this early 90's photo of "the Shower Curtain Dress." I am guessing the original fabric curtain was from the 50's but could just look 50's what with the print of the flower carts, falling drops and blossoms aka domestic cute. I beaded the details and made the dress. The bride's custom dress (Zootsuit) is also one of mine, however in custom the bride acts as co-designer. It's their party, their style, their dress and just that one is made!; yeah I have come by this passion legit!

Oh yes, I have cut apart the "Curtain Dress" so it can be Something Else Again

Cowgirls Sew Too

This is my sister in the late 70's wearing a jacket reworked out of a coat. I remember we were always cutting up our clothes to sew them back together with attitude...ready to wear just wasn't, except for 501 s!


Until the classes start in April the FashionRip blog will be the livelier place. Go there to see previews, samplings, portfolio takeouts, and other snippets of local talenteds. Along with blatant marketing of a new economics that embraces sustainable thoughts -well if not there, where? and a lot of room for your valued input ...it's all about directing the energy. (OK not all -but a lot!)

Thank you

Every cowgirl takes off her boots.