Wowsa!

Avant garde. I've never created wearable art that I really thought I could pull off wearing in public. It seemed intimidating and too hard to make something so extreme. Until now.

This week's Project Runway challenge was to create an avant garde piece inspired by the constellations and heavenly bodies. The designers watched a planetarium show and saw several different groups of stars, including the sun. I drew my inspiration from the sun and the colors that surrounded it.

When I went shopping at Joann's, I went looking for an orange/red color that really resembled the sun and it's warmth. I found a silky burnt orange fabric that stood out to me and felt really expensive (even though it was one of the cheaper bolts I found). I sketched and used a fitted dress pattern with a flare on the side collar that I enhanced and exaggerated, because it was an avant garde challenge.

I struggled with designing the back and which zipper to use. In the end, I decided to keep it simple and use the orange zipper so that it didn't take away from the exaggerated drape in the front. I could just hear Ann Fullenwider and Georgina Chapman saying, 'Less is more' and 'Don't make it have too many ideas.'

I really loved how this look turned out and I can't wait to wear it out on the town. It will be perfect for a warm summer night on a rooftop restaurant or patio - whenever summer decides to show up. Only a few more challenges left and it's got me thinking, what should I create when I make the final mini-collection. I need to start thinking (and saving) for that now. It will be spring by that time, I can't wait to bring some florals and color into the collection.

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?