Skip a week - Go USA!

I'm a couple days behind when I usually post, but since I haven't started the new Project Runway challenge yet, I think I'm still good.

Last week PR took off a week, I assume for the Olympics. So I decided to work on something inspired by the Olympics. You can never have too many shoes, purses or make up bags. Why not add a new make up/brush bag to my collection. I added the red, white and blue accent to this one to give it that Team USA feel.

Honestly, I'm kind of in love with this blue ribbon I found on clearance at Joann's. The blue tie-dye almost has a floral type look, I will have to add this as an accent to another piece I create. Maybe on the cuff of a blouse or across the center back?

On to next week! Spoiler alert - it's an Avant Garde challenge! Which means, I'll have to work extra hard on it and get some wearable art made. Wish me luck!

xx,
Kari

Under the weather, over it all.

This week tested me. I wanted to give up and be over this challenge. I still have so many to create.

I watched this last week's Project Runway episode on Friday and threw around some ideas in my head. I didn't sketch anything down yet, which, looking back may have been a mistake. This week's challenge was for Betty Boop and to make a sexy and chic look that she could pull off. I have been meaning to use some vintage inspired fabric for awhile so I thought this was the perfect challenge. Then Saturday hit and I started feeling sick, Sunday I was completely laid up in bed all day. The flu hit our house hard and most everyone has some sort of sickness. I started getting better by Monday evening, but still hadn't started sketching or sewing anything.

Finally last night I bunkered down and banged out a dress. This wasn't my best work because I was so tired and still so drained from the flu. I decided to make this dress that somewhat resembles a nightgown. Looking back, I would've made it longer and more flowy for that effortless feel. I finished this challenge in time, but I may decide to rework it in the future.

I know, I know. I said last week that I would be better this week, but who can predict when they'll catch the plague? Fingers (and toes) crossed that this week is my week. I plan on buying new fabric, a new pattern and really winning this challenge! I wonder if I could convince the hubs to give me a prize?! Something to work towards?

What's your superhero power?

The last 2 challenges, could've landed me on the bottom or even worse went home if I were on the show. I didn't put my all into these last two, they could've been better. I'm hoping the next challenge really brings my mojo back. This week is a fresh start!

This challenge was to create a superhero look. I saw some red/black print fabric at Joann's that I really loved awhile ago. I didn't even notice that it had a black Ant-Man print on it. So, instead of getting new fabric - again, the Project Runway and my budget are not the same - I decided to use the Ant-Man fabric and just paint it so that it didn't appear to look like Ant-Man. The black paint didn't take as well as I wanted and it didn't cover the print very well, but it wasn't horrible.

I may not be wearing this cape like top on my next date night, but these pants. Are. Amazing. I love them, they fit great and the shiny fabric gives a leather type feel. These are now hanging in my closet waiting to be worn on the next 40 degree day. Since they are a little thinner fabric, they aren't going to keep me warm when it's -9 like today. How many days til spring?

If you had a superhero power, what would it be? I'd love to be in 2 places at once. Being a mom, stylist, friend, sister, wife, it's hard to please everyone. I like to be a people pleaser, so being in more than one place, I could get things done! Can you just imagine? More than one Kari? 

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