Challenged.

I knew it was coming, I just didn't know what it would be. I feared it and didn't want it to happen this quickly. Would I be able to get the materials? Could I make something so outside my comfort zone. I would be tested, challenged and pushed to the limits.

The unconventional challenge.

The designers were challenged to make a modern take on a ball gown. But, they had to use balls to create the ball gown. I knew I couldn't get a bunch of balls to cut apart and my boys wouldn't let me cut apart their basketballs and footballs, so I put the 'oon' in ball....balloons.

Something that stuck with me while I was sketching and creating the piece was what Ann Fullenwider said. She said that the modern day princess who wears a ballgown could be going anywhere; a ball, an after party, or a rave, so it didn't have to be the stereotypical floor length dress.

When I went to Party City to pick up balloons, I thought about going with the traditional classic colors; gold, silver, white, but I decided to step outside my comfort zone and choose teal. When I went back to pick up more balloons, I had taken all of the larger teal ones and had to get a darker shade of teal. So I created an ombre type train.

Honestly, I'm proud that I created something that doesn't resemble a condom. That was my biggest concern. I don't think I'll be wearing this or selling it to a client anytime soon, unless someone wants to rock the new Britney Spears red jumpsuit.... yeah, no.

This week.

Let's be honest. It's only week 3 and already I'm thinking, 'Wow - I still have a lot left to make.' This week proved to be a challenge for sure. With working my other job, family in town and kids sick, it was hard to find time to finish the challenge. It wasn't done until Wednesday night (the other weeks I was done by Sunday).

The challenge this week was to create a look based on a wine/food pairing at a fancy restaurant. I decided to take inspiration from a dinner with caviar and chardonnay. The color and the pieces of caviar reminded me of black sequins that I wanted cascading down. When I went fabric shopping I found an amazing floral brocade fabric, but since I don't have the same budget as Project Runway, I opted for something on sale. I found a beautiful gold shimmer fabric that looks amazing with black sequins I found.

My sketch started as something on the back bodice and down the skirt, but then changed to a take on a Peter Pan collar. It then turned into the sequins taking over the entire side of the dress. I worked almost every day on this challenge and it really turned into something I love.

I don't make many formal dresses, usually I only make something I know I have a place to wear it to. But I love this and I would love to wear it to the ballet or to a black tie event.

The winners of this episode were Ken and Fabio who created 2 beautiful pieces that I would love to wear.

Project Runway Challenge #2

This week on Project Runway All-Stars, the challenge was to create a look based on an apocalyptic distressed look. I was a little nervous and wasn't sure how to make this my style. I started looking at patterns and the gears started turning. I waited to pick a fabric until I got to the store.

It was strange watching this episode before I created my piece. One of the designers, Anthony had a hard time with this challenge (spoiler: he won the challenge this week). He was talking about how he doesn't want to ruin the fabric because he appreciates the work that goes into making it. As I was creating mine this week, I started to feel that same way. I completed my navy jumpsuit and was so in love with how it looked, it was hard for me to start distressing it. Truthfully, I only wanted to do a few things to distress it.

The winning look this week.

I created a navy jumpsuit with a tie front waist. The way I distressed it was by opening the back and burning the edges. I really loved how this turned out and I might consider using this technique again. I also painted some of the pants and trim of the neck and sleeve.

I love how this turned out, but I'm not quite sure where I would wear this. It is definitely something to keep in my collection, instead of selling to a client.

Far from an All-Star.

Last season of Project Runway there was an outerwear challenge and I thought, I've never done outerwear before and I should try to make a coat. In the past, I've made a white blazer, but it wasn't lined and isn't very warm. I got this wild idea that when the next season of Project Runway started, I would follow their challenges and make the same (or similar) type garment. Of course, I had to pick a season when it was All-Stars and I'm sure the challenges will be harder for them. Here goes nothing!

This week their first challenge was to create a collection based on Spring or Fall. Since they have 8 people in a team, they made an 8 piece collection. Because I'm a one-woman sweatshop, I'm doing 2 looks, both spring. (Come on Spring! Amiright?)

I started sketching what I would make and before the next episode I'll create it and post after I'm done. I plan on making this draped vest with a pencil skirt and a pocket dress with bodice seams. I haven't went to shop for fabric yet, so it will be a surprise for you and me!

I'm excited for this challenge and ready to try something new each week. This is the perfect way to get back into sewing after moving into our new house. First time sewing in the new studio too. And first time with my own serger!

xx,
Kari

#stylebykari #prchallenge