I had a fun time helping out today. I didn't mind carrying the suitcase or bags, I liked looking thought the clothes as I tried to fit everything in the suitcase, and I'm lucky enough to work for someone who values my opinion and asks for my input. I felt like I was part of the team, not like the intern following 2 steps behind.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Photo Shoot!
I had a fun time helping out today. I didn't mind carrying the suitcase or bags, I liked looking thought the clothes as I tried to fit everything in the suitcase, and I'm lucky enough to work for someone who values my opinion and asks for my input. I felt like I was part of the team, not like the intern following 2 steps behind.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thread and Fabric do not Agree (according to the sewing machine)
I couldn't stay in too long. The beautiful day called me out to Soho for a little window shopping at Bloomingdale's and some exploring at Pearl River Mart. I went a little 50's...
Dress: Loehmanns
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sew Storm
One of my friends insisted on dressing like a clown. Here we are: The clowns, wearing the bow headbands that I made.
I took a short walk to the fabric store and picked up some lovely lining for my tote bag sewing project. I went straight to work from there. What took up the most time was ironing. I can't remember if I mentioned this in a previous post, but I hate ironing.
I'm always afraid to make the first cut. Don't I look scared? Keiko hasn't been here to help me, but fortunately, my roommate, Elizabeth, knows how to sew and helped greatly helped me out.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
That was not the first day of Spring...
Coat: H&M
Shirt: Charlotte Russe
scarf:Gift from my cousin
Necklace: Gift from my mom
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: Dillard's
Boots: Nine West
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bootless
I'm going to make a bag with the green one, shirts with the heathers, and shirts and skirts with the printed ones.
Next, I stopped at the button shop. I had purchased a very lightweight black jacket with a peter pan collar from Beacon's closet, and it was missing two buttons. I figured I could replace the old ugly buttons with some nice salmon-colored ones with gold around the edges.
After that I made my way to school to check out the sewing labs. Whoa, I didn't know we had a bunch of rooms loaded with sewing machines and sergers for students to use. I guess being a business student automatically excludes me from this sort of information...
Friday, March 13, 2009
Excited to be Back
Cardigan: Madewell
Black Shirt: Target
Scarf: H&M
jeans: Delia's
Boots: Aerosoles
Bag: Nine West
I also found a shirt to reconstruct for practice! I am making it for my friend Lindsay. Here is the before reconstruction picture, and here is my friend Lindsay! It's an XL shirt on an XS girl.
I was so surprised at how simple the process was, though the skill involved still needs some developing. I had trouble with those darn sleeves again, but they were more challenging this time because I was working with wovens instead of knits. For this XL men's button-down, we took up the sleeves and made them 3/4s and took in the sides, so that Lindsay can add her own belt.
Making things for other people makes me feel so happy for some reason. It's just that there is so much care, thought, and time put into creating something that makes it so meaningful. That is why Keiko makes one-of-a-kind pieces at her sewing machine. It is an extension of the hands that say, "I made this for you because you are special to me."
Here is what I made of the big baggy shirt. Keiko helped me A LOT along the way, and Lindsay did an awesome job with accessories.
Headband: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Brooklyn's Artists and Fleas
Boots: Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
Shrit: Thrifted and Reconstructed
We headed out to Beacon's Closet today, and Lindsay and I were so excited that she picked up two more shirts for me to work on! Can't wait!
Here is a bow that I made for my roommate, Elizabeth.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thrift
Here I am!
Anyway, I decided to go thrift shopping to see if I could find anything that Keiko could help me reconstruct. This was way harder than it looked! I think it is because there weren't any big house dresses or vintage-type things there. It was all very up-to-date. I bought a few pieces that fit and didn't need altering.
I think I just need a little help when it comes to deciding what makes a good reconstruction piece. I really want to find a men's button down shirt so I can fix it up and make my friend look totally adorable! I have a couple projects being planned...
One thing about being a business student and working is that it is difficult to find time to do these types of projects. I've been meaning to go down to the basement sewing machine and learn how to use it. Needless to say, I have yet to set aside time to do that. The terrible thing is that I am not a procrastinator in any way. I go do the things that I want to do, and I get them done. However, I have been able to do a few hand sewing projects, like making some minor repairs to the red jacket I am wearing. I mean, I couldn't possibly go out in public with a button missing!
Tights: Uniqlo
Boots: Famous Footwear
Dress: Strawberry
Scarf: Brooklyn Flea
Bag: Nine West
Coat: Dillard's
Friday, March 6, 2009
Sick Day/Play Day
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Jump Around
Anyway, those headbands proved easy fixing. No trouble there. However, there was plenty of trouble with the sleeves. Keiko had me sew a sleeve on a dress, and let me tell you, it was not pretty. It looked just fine on the wrong side, but the right side had seams sticking out and a little hole at the base where I missed the fabric. Try as I might, I just couldn't fix it. Keiko came to the rescue and took care of it for me. The battle is not over yet. Sleeves will be conquered, eventually.
I also helped to package orders. One thing about owning a small business is getting to take care of each and every customer. Before each order was placed in its box, it was carefully wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a bow. Around Valentine's Day, Keiko put a valentine and a little candy inside each package. That is something special!
I even modeled clothes today for the Postlapsaria website! Wow, I did a little bit of everything today, didn't I? I think it is pretty fun to run out in short sleeves in 20 degree weather to get a picture taken.
Even after all of that, I still had time to work on my own projects. I'm just working on a few bows to send my sister down in Florida. I heard it was cold down there the past few days. I don't care. If it is warmer than 30 degrees, that's where I want to be. I lived in Florida all my life, so if there's one thing I hate, its cold weather. brrr...