Dyeing Project #4

The good thing about fabric dyeing is that you can always redye the fabric if you are not satisfied with the previous results. These two pieces of fabric were leftovers from my previous project in which I did not use the fabric because of the lack of the color saturation statement, thus, I decided to reuse them.

Recycled Snow & Ice Dyeing Project #3

A few years ago, I became impressed by different dyeing techniques such as shibori, tie-dye resistance bleaching, ice dyeing, and snow dyeing. When I learned about the ice dyeing technique, I got an idea to reuse my leftover dyeing mixture by freezing it in the form of ice cubes and mixing them with snow. Here are the result:

My Winning Article & Leather Sewing Tips

I just received the new winter issue of Notions from American Sewing Guild. My win at the Passion for Fashion contest lead me to being mentioned in an article. I am very honored and excited that my work and passion is recognized by other professionals in the fashion business. I am very thankful for the opportunity and to have been part of the contest and would encourage anyone who loves to sew to try to be apart of such an amazing experience.

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In the same issue, I read an article called "Sewing Vinyl" by Shira Steinberg-Oberkirsch, where you can find a lot of very useful tips and information on how to sew with vinyl or leather-like materials. I can really relate to it, because I had to work with these types of materials during my Passion for Fashion competition.When I finally realized what I had to deal with, it was too late for a backup plan to change my fabrics. These leather-like materials look very nice, most of them are soft and strong, and they are much cheaper than real leather. If you decided to sew something from these material, you have to know how to work with them to achieve a sophisticated look.

Here are some tips:
-If you have selected a pattern, try to make the garment from muslin first and adjust the pattern if necessary.
-Cut pattern pieces with seam allowance no bigger than 1/2 inch, so you don't have to use basting stitches to construct every seam.
-Use 5-6 stitches per inch to minimize the piercing of stitches per inch. If you think it is not going be strong enough, you can add a strip of light-weight fabric under the seam. In most cases, you probably have to do top-stitching because these fabrics are very difficult to iron/press, so try to iron a small piece before you touch a garment by an iron.
-Iron the fabric if possible on a low temperature, but only wrong side up. Use steam instead of pressing, if possible. If you cannot get rid of  the creases easily, then you may add more temperature, but always test the heat level on a scrap piece of fabric before, and use a press cloth to protect the surface from burning.

If the base of the leather-like fabric is stretching, you have to be very careful when inserting a zipper.
Use basting stitches when connecting seams allowance with the sides of the zipper, so when you actually start to stitch the skirt, the sides won' t stretch too much. Use a thin needle and thread, so the holes from the basting won't be too visible.

Sometimes top-stitching the hem may look cheap, so you can glue it using fusible materials. Use a press cloth when pressing the hem, because you have to apply a high temperature in order to melt the fiber and connect the fabric sides together.

Happy sewing!

Floral Embellishment Project #1

There are so many blog posts, books, and such in which you can find instructions on how to create fabric floral motifs or roses. Almost all women love flowers, and floral embellishments seem to give a garment a more feminine touch, or simply add a refreshing new update to an old, trusty frock or blouse. Below, are two techniques to try on how to create floral embellishments. I hope this is useful to anyone who wants to perform these techniques.



To achieve this look you need to sew the circles close to one another, or spread
apart to create a looser, wispier look.

 
 

 Below, are two different ways on how to make a fabric rose. You can use a single layer (option 1, picture 1), or you can use a folded piece of fabric (option 2, picture 1).

 

My Experience at the American Sewing Expo

     My friends introduced me to the annual American Sewing Expo in 2012 and I soon decided to enter the sewing contest "Passion for Fashion". If you have ever watched "Project Runway", the event is very similar, but only lasts two days.
     The challenge theme was 'Fashion Bugs Me', and I got the beautiful spider as my inspiration. My garment was chosen within the top six. I loved being around creative people and I finally had a chance to challenge myself to work under pressure.

The back detailing of my spider-inspired dress.

     I decided to come back next year, and I did.

     I entered in two contests in 2013; the 'Passion for Fashion' Sewing Contest in which I won first place! I took home a beautiful Symphony Sewing Machine and a French European dress form. I want to send a huge thank you to the sponsors Baby Lock and Fashion Supplies INC.

     The second contest I entered was 'Push the Envelope', in which I had to create something sewn with three colors of thread and a zipper. My entry was selected to tour on the trade show circuit as an outstanding use of the A&E thread.

 

 

     Thank you to my beautiful model, Kelsey, for being supportive and dedicated for two years in a row! I was lucky to have her, so thank you!

                                                  The complete view of the quilt.

Floral motifs created with fabric, thread, beads, and plastic.

 

              Floral motifs created with mesh poufs, chiffon and cotton fabric, thread, and beads.

 

                                    Floral motifs created with thread and fabric.


                                Floral motifs created with fabrics, yarn. thread, and plastic leaves.

Dyeing Project #2