Project #5: Vertical Stripe Buttoned Sweater Dress

This design steams from a section based on sweater dresses. Originally, I was trying to get knitting down and wanted to create these, but then realized that would just take way too long, and I didn't think it was really worth my time.. Isn't knitting for relaxation? Because it was definitely just more frustrating.. I mean, I got down the motions, but the time? Nah, I'm not patient enough for that.

So, I decided I would buy some type of knitted fabric and try to go from there.

Now, the design I'm going for isn't exactly like the picture.. I'm discarding the middle design with the ladder-like fabric because I don't think I have the right tools for that.. Though I severely love it.

Biggest goal here is once again to try mastering sleeves. I'm really going to concentrate hard on it to get that perfect fit. Also, I think working with a knit fabric will be interesting.

Now to materials:

- 2x1 Rib Knit Off White Fabric

- 2x1 Rib Knit Mushroom Fabric

- 2x1 Rib Knit Espresso Fabric

- Three 7/8" Genuine Wood Buttons (LOVE THEM!)

I'm think it's going to be a similar process as the previous one with top and bottom pieces and sewing them together.. But hopefully it's a little bit more clean.

Might start tonight, definitely will have some done tomorrow!

This is when it all gets tricky with completing project.. School is back in session Monday. (My last semester, YES!) But I hope to work hard and manage it all!

Project #4 Completed!

Well, I've completed my ridiculous challenge. But I'm really happy with this. This is the first thing I made that I'm actually pretty proud of. The sewing on it is pretty good, and it actually looks like something that could be sold (minus the zipper that became hard to hide.. but I think that picture makes it worse than it is..). Not to mention, it's actually going to fit my sister.. (Though, she might have to lose an inch in the ass, haha).

I love that the sewing lines actually match. I also love the fact that it has some color.. everything I've created thus far was white or black or in between.

I mean, it's nothing too elaborate, but I have to master basic sewing before I can get anywhere else. Lately, I've been worrying about my choice to really pursue something like this, but then I think that I've already learned so much in a month, and I feel like I can actually do this now if I just keep working hard at it.

Don't have much time, but here it is! I'll be announcing my next project probably later on today, because I'd like to start it ASAP.

Project 4: Pleated High-Waist Polka Dot Dress

What are these names? Well, it's time for my 4th project! I really think I'm going to have fun with this. This design is an earlier one of mine and is based on a challenge one of my friends gave me a while back. It was to make a design based on two Mario characters. I thought it was fun, and I thought this design could work, so I'm going with it, and actually creating it. I'll be making the dress portion. This is obviously based on the character, Toad.

I think this will definitely be the most technical thing I've tried to pull off, but I'm excited about it. I'm going to try to craft it really nicely too, so.. It might take me a little longer.

Anyway, a continuation of the last entry, my sister came by yesterday. The small jacket (Project #2), fit well.. Except for the side panels.. Which is pretty much the most important part. She loved it, so I might try to extend the front to fit a little better. She also loved the lace shirt, but, once again, it was too small. I swear, one day I'll get it.

I really think with this dress, I can make it fit.. And I'm definitely adding a zipper in the back to make sure of it, as well as putting the mannequin's measurements up a little bit since I make everything too small.

So, the materials I'll be using are:
- Large Red Polka Dot White Cotton Fabric
- Navy Bellagio Linen/Rayon Fabric
- A Zipper (Not sure of the length yet.. Still need to do measurements and pick it up)

So, I'll be getting to work now. I know it's an interesting choice, but it should be fun.

Project #3 Completed!

So I finished the third design! Well, actually, it's been done for a while, but I've been waiting for the stupid buttons to come in the mail. I think it's okay. One success is that I think that it actually might fit someone. My sister will be visiting today, so I'll try to see if anything is going to fit her while she's here.

I think this is definitely my best, technical-ly speaking. It wasn't as difficult as the others, but I can definitely tell I'm getting better with making things. But, I've got to run. Here it is! Later, I'll post it with the 2nd garment and announce my next project!

So excited for my fabrics, they came and I love them!

Project #3: Puff Lace Button Shirt

On to the next! I'm going to try to create the shirt in the drawn picture. I think my main goal with this one is to finally create a closed garment. I'm pretty excited to make this, because I think it will pair really well with the little jacket I made in project #2.

The plan for it's creation is a lace fabric sewn over a white fabric.


The fabrics and notions I'm using are:
- 6 (or so..) Peoria White Fashion Buttons
- Black Raschel Lace
- White Rayon Fabric (I think? I bought this a while ago, and don't remember.. Nice.)

I'm hoping to have this done soon, because I'd like to really start pumping out the projects before school starts back up.

In other news, I ordered some more fabrics! I definitely have two new projects in mind, and bought all of the supplies for them. I also bought a lot of fabrics that I just found to be neat. I've yet to buy a fabric and stare at it, and just let something come out of it, so I thought that might be a fun goal to accomplish. Plus, they were really cheap.

I'd like to point out I got 8 different fabrics (11 yards total) and 10 buttons, which will probably be enough for 5 different outfits, all for $31 with a coupon and free shipping! I definitely recommend Fabric.com. Though, I hope they aren't too ugly when they come.. the prices are good, but I was a little iffy on the fabrics once they arrived.

So now that I have my new project to complete and a large order on it's way, I should be set for a while.. So back to my sewing machine for now!

Project #2 Completed!

So, maybe I'm not the best at setting deadlines, but I got really busy. This little jacket didn't take very long at all, which was nice. There are a few issues with the size... One side might be a little too small, but, I'm trying! It also didn't come out exactly as I hoped, but it's kind of cool, I guess. It's kind of light.. but I must say, working with stretchy fabrics is so much better fitting wise! So much easier to get that right fit.

I'm aware that it hardly matches this dress, but I was just trying to show it against something.

I'm pretty sure it could fit my sister (or so I hope), so when I see her, I'll have her try it on and see how it goes.

I've got another project lined up, and then I'm all out of fabrics, so it's definitely time for me to order some more and look through my book or design more things. That's the plan this week. New fabric, new designs, more practice!

The next project will be announced soon! Oh, and if you notice, I'm pretty much on schedule for 52 items.. This is the second full week of the year, and I've created two things.. so I'm going to make myself finish projects by every Sunday. Thinking about it makes me scared though, that seems kind of hard. But I must! Just got to keep thinking about all of those people who have so much practice and going up against them with my zero experience.

Down time at work will definitely need to be creative!

Project #2 Update

Well, this project is taking much less time than I thought it might, which makes me happy. However, my machine today is out of control. I'm assuming it is because I've still yet to change the needle.. and have done a lot of things with that needle. The book I've read says that you should change the needle with every project. I think maybe every other project will work for me.. But, man, is it annoying when it keeps skipping stitches and I have to keep redo-ing everything. Also, I've stopped for today because I'm about to run out of black thread and I don't want to get going on a different part of the jacket and then have to stop because there's no thread left. Currently, I have all of the panels completed, what's left is to sew it all together, add the sleeves, and add the shoulder pieces.

Also, another injury occurred.. where pins were sticking out of my mannequin, and I scrapped the bottom of my finger on one. And it just kept bleeding. Pretty sweet!

Finally, I think this is going to fit! I'm not getting too excited yet, though. Somehow I'll screw it up! Expect it to be done by tomorrow or Thursday! (Or whenever I manage to get to a store..)

Project #2: Mini Shoulder Jacket

Ah, I'm getting back to the grind to start my second project! I will be trying to create the tiny black jacket that is seen in the picture I've attached. Now, I think the biggest thing I want to accomplish with this is to make it wearable and fits someone I know. I think that this could go with many different outfits. Anything that is short sleeve, you could put this over it. Since it's black, it could match a lot of different looks. However, with the shoulder extensions being white, that limits its uses slightly, but still, it's just a cute light jacket that you throw on when it's chilly.

The fabrics I'm using are:

- Black Rayon Jersey Lycra Fabric

- Ivory Boucle Suiting Wool Swatches

I'm not sure how I like the primary black fabric, but I think it might turn out okay. Being lycra, at least it may keep in the heat when wearing it in chilly weather.. Anyway, let me get to trying to pull this together.

When I'm finished and able to photograph it, I'll put it over Project #1, which will have the original tracking I forgot to complete.

Wish me luck!

Project #1 Completed!

Well, I can officially say, I'm down to 51 items left! My first dress is finished. It has a bunch of fitting issues, and things didn't go as planned throughout its creation, but I can't say I hate it! Looking back at my original drawn design, it replicates it pretty well, besides the decision to tear the back and put buttons down the entire thing.

Yeah, so I woke up and pretty much went at it until it was completed. First, I had to put the buttons down the back (I didn't last night like I said), then I went into trimming the button, and then the sleeves, which were a complete nightmare, as I figured. I definitely tore quite a few seams to get them somewhat decent looking. I need the most practice on getting those right, I think.

Now, keep in mind, I think it looks a LOT better in person, and these pictures I've attached give it a different feel. For one, the front (which is on the right), looks like it should be the back.. the boobs didn't really photograph well.. Maybe I'll try later to get a better picture.

If I could have changed a few things, I would have redone the sleeves, so they were a bit more flow-y, like the drawing, and that it would be a much better fit. I took down the measurements even more to the smallest settings on the mannequin: 32, 22, 31. So, if anyone fits that.. we could work something out.. hah! Maybe a prostitot..

Anyway, it was great practice, and I'm proud of it, I just wish everyone else could see it in person!

I'll be announcing my next project in the coming days!

*Wow, I'm an idiot, I forgot to do the tracking! Umm.. I'm on it!*

Project #1 Update #2

I've been working for a while now and let's just say.. Things haven't gone as planned. Once again, I've created something way too small. I don't understand how I can possibly do this when I use the mannequin and fit the fabric to it, but I'm really good at it.

The original measurements were: 34, 27, 35.. Umm, yeah.. I had to reduce it to the almost the lowest settings and now it fits: 31, 24, 32 (give or take).

That's definitely not the only problems. Because I couldn't get it on the mannequin, I had to cut open the entire back, and just decided to put buttons down the whole thing. So, I'm changing the materials I'm using; instead of (Three) 9/16" Jet Black Orla Buttons, I'll be using (Nine) 1/2" Black Fashion Buttons.

And I've gotten a ton of practice with the buttonhole function on my machine. It's ridiculous. I don't know how to describe the foot, but it definitely could be used as a torture device. Of course, it took a lot of getting used to and I made plenty of mistakes at first, but I think I got a handle on the function now, so if nothing else, practice is definitely something I could use a lot of!

I'll soon be retiring to my bed to sew on the nine buttons down the back. I don't have to work tomorrow, so I think I'll definitely finish.. Although, I still have a lot to accomplish. Still have to do the sleeves, trimming, and tracking. (And a few hemming issues.)

I bet you can't wait to see my newly named, Foil Mess Dress, tomorrow! (I hope.)

Project #1 Update

So, I began the dress yesterday. I made some decent progress.. Have at least a side almost done. Also, I never understood how one could stab themselves with a pin on a machine until yesterday. It hurts.

I'm not sure how I feel about the dress.. The fabric definitely looks like tin foil. Also, the sewing it not exactly going as planned, and there may be a few wrinkles here and there. Oh well, we'll see what can be done with it. It's kind of hard to get everything done while having a job (be it a fake one, but I still have to go) and all of the other chores of the day, but I'm managing. I actually love the feeling of being busy, so I guess it works.

It's also tough because I work in the tiniest little room I made for myself. I've attached an picture of where I work so you can imagine me going at it. Also, put some calm music in the background of that image. And Lady GaGa.

I've still got a lot to go with the sewing, trimmings, and buttons, but.. I hope to finish tonight or tomorrow. Will keep you posted!

Project #1: Side Track Button-Back Doll Dress

First off, I should mention that I'm mostly designing these clothes in the hopes that someone can wear it. Currently, I am using my sister's measurements and creating them virtually for her, but would like to branch out to more people if given the opportunity. The only dress form I have is a petite size, and could possibly get a size 6 at the biggest out of it, but that's about it. I don't think I'll be using patterns at all when making the garments, I'm thinking more working with my mannequin and many, many pins to do the trick.

Anyway, project #1 is going to be what I've called the "Side Track Button-Back Doll Dress." The rhyming wasn't intentional, and I didn't even realize it did until I typed it. That could use some work.. I've attached a picture of the design in which I hope to create.

The fabrics and notions I'm using are:

- Hammered Pale Gray Satin Fabric

- 2" Scalloped Black Beaded Lace Trimming

- 9/16" Jet Black Orla Buttons

The fabric is extremely shiny and not exactly what I expected, though I'm not sure what I was thinking.. It is satin. But we'll see what I can make of it. It probably would have been a nice New Year's Eve dress, but, of course.. I'm a little late.

Oh, and you see that tracking of lines on the side? I plan on during that with a sewing machine, black thread, and a steady hand. Doomed.

Here goes the start of it all, wish me luck!

An Extended Introduction

Upon reading my first entry, I thought I should give a little bit more information on where I'm at in this process. As I was saying, I had to create a portfolio in order to apply to Philadelphia. Because of my experiences in biology, I decided to create a portfolio of drawn designs based on nature. With this, I was able to attach a nice letter explaining my situation and what I thought I could bring to the table at that point in my life.

I attached a small, dark image to this post to give an idea of what my portfolio consisted of. (This one based on sunflowers, though lacking in the details department due to poor phone photography.)

From then on, I've been continuing sketching designs into a little black book that I received from someone special, and began to create a book in itself of designs categorized into sections based on the type of garments being drawn up.

As for fabric, let's just say, Northeast Pennsylvania is probably not a mecca for fabrics and it's hard to find. After MANY visits to a general store, Joann Fabrics, and a venture into center city Scranton's, Sew Smart, I couldn't find a thing. So, I decided that possibly buying fabrics online may be the best idea for me at this point. (That is, until I move to Philadelphia, or able to take a trip down.) After scoring a sweet deal with Fabric.com, I decided I'd try out their services. The shipping was very, very fast (I placed an order on a Saturday, and was at my house on that Tuesday), and I figure I'll be using them for at least my first few projects.

Also, I should mention Sewvacdirect.com has also been a great source for sewing resources.

The next post, I will announce my first project.

From Biology to Fashion

Welcome to my blog, my name is Anthony.

I never really had a desire to begin a blog. First off, I didn't think anyone would read it. Secondly, I would be embarrassed to confess that I actually have one. And finally, I just didn't feel like I would have anything interesting to say that would keep it going. But somehow, I've found myself at a keyboard and typing this little entry that may only be read by myself with a project in mind that I want to chronicle. And I'm fine with that.

For people that may be bored enough to read this little thing, let's start out by saying, I'm a senior college student about to receive a Bachelor's Degree in biology and psychology in May. This should be a time where I feel like I'm finally growing up, hopefully finding a solid job, and starting a real life. But this is definitely not the truth. Don't get me wrong, my studies have fascinated me and I appreciate all of what I've learned in the four years I've attended my university, but I hardly have retained a thing. With this lack of passion, I can't move forward in these fields.

I entered college as a pre-med student, poised to become a doctor. After praise from all of the elders I knew, and being the "smart" person I was, it seemed attainable. Quickly, I realized that would never be a dream that I would want to have. Doubt entered my mind early on in my 2nd year of college when I wanted to go for a more passionate, but much less practical dream. Alas, though, I continued on in my major and found a love for genetics (which I will always enjoy), and had my heart set on moving to California and entering a genetic counseling program.

This summer, however, I finally decided that I would not be attending a master's program in any science field. I, instead, would be applying to something much further than that. I would be applying to a Bachelor's in Fashion Design.

I, one who firmly believes in following your dreams in the one life you have, believed that I should go for it. Why should I be subjected to a life in a dull room, telling people that they should abort their children because they have Down's Syndrome?

So, I researched all of my options and found that I would apply to Philadelphia University, because it would be the least expensive route, and still allow me to have a full time job, and finish within four years. It also had the appeal that I didn't have to submit a portfolio, which made me extremely excited being that I've never taken a drawing class in my life.

Well, turned out, I read wrong, and a portfolio of 12 items needed to be submitted. Damn. Well, somehow, I got through that endeavor, and mid-October, I was accepted into the program for Fall 2010.

Beyond the incredible excitement I felt for actually being accepted somewhere (even if it wasn't a prestigious fashion academy), I saved up all of my money to buy the essentials.

This basically leads me to where I'm at now. I bought a Singer 7463 machine, a petite Twinfit dressform, and many other gadgets I thought were important. That was all fine and great, but there's one little problem: I have never sewed in my life. (Besides a pillow in elementary school and a tiny coat disaster I tried in December.) Now, you have to understand my fears. I'm going into the world of fashion where young people have probably been sewing their entire lives, learning from grandparents and parents, and making garments for friends since intermediate school. I'm thrusting myself from a solid degree in the sciences to an uneasy, competitive world of fashion with nothing but ideas and dreams running in my head.

This leads me to my project for the New Year. I'm going to make 52 pieces of clothing in 2010. With nothing but my Sewing for Dummies book in hand and watching shows like Project Runway, I plan on somehow getting through this. I'm hoping this blog is going to help me get through my fears and even allow me to access help from readers out there.

I'll keep this updated with stories of my ventures in all things fashion. Project starts now! I don't have time to proofread this entry, so I hope it's not disastrous. Wish me luck!

*I was thinking of posting pictures of my drawn design before I create it, and then the finished fabric design, but we'll see what comes of it.*