New Skirt and Ebay Auction

So this skirt is finally done!  It originally had pockets, but I decided to remove them yesterday due to issues with the side seams hanging correctly given the fabric used. 

I'm really pleased with how the patchwork turned out on this one.  If you recall from  a previous post, I started out playing around with much wider strips.  None of the arrangements were appealing to me, though. 

It took a while, but soon I realized that was because the thick pieces were just too much.  They ended up being trimmed down pretty significantly. 

 The brightly colored Kente print is really nice. All of the pieces are top zig zag stitched with black thread.

I like! :)

This one hasn't been uploaded to Etsy yet, but it will be soon!

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Check out this new video I created earlier today!

I'm auctioning off several flyTie Clothing pieces on Ebay.  Bidding ends Thursday, so get on it now!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151207126190

Happy Tuesday!

~~~ 

Year End

Tomorrow--December 31, 2013-- is the final day to save 35% on your purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/flyTieClothing!

Following that time most of the items in the shop will be removed, and I'll be adding some new pieces.

After designing and making garments for the past eight years--making any and everything that came to mind or that just happened during the creative process--I've decided to do work that's more focused.  I've always enjoyed creating my signature patchwork pieces and doing what I call creating my own fabrics via the patchwork process.  

Additionally, I like to create basic styles with just a touch of some contrasting print or color to make them pop.  These denim skirts are a good example.

This type of work is becoming my focus.  It's really what I love to do when designing garments. 

I recently photographed a skirt that was made a couple of months ago.  

Knit Maxi Style Skirt with Batik Contrast, Inseam Pockets, Waistband by flyTie Clothing

This skirt is reflective of a new line of garments that will be one-of-a-kind.  Prices will begin at $70 and go up from there.  

I'll be sharing more soon from this new line. In the meantime, please be sure to take advantage of the massive SALE currently happening on Etsy!  Remember to use code DEC35 at checkout for savings.

Peace!

Save

There's a major year-end clearance going on right now in my Etsy store.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/flyTieClothing?ref=si_shop

This clearance includes all sale and regularly priced merchandise.

All unsold items will be removed from the shop for the new year. I'm working on fresh merchandise to be added January 1.

Don't miss out!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/flyTieClothing?ref=si_shop

Have a great week.

~

Foundations

One aspect of designing and making clothes that I sincerely appreciate is having the skill and eye for it--knowing what it takes to manifest a garment.  Essentially, this is about understanding what's involved in getting from concept to final product.  

When teaching design/garment making to those new to the field, I often encourage them to take a very basic approach if jumping right in and creating their own patterns is too overwhelming at first.  If there is a certain style or look that you'd like to make--perhaps using a different fabric or color or making the garment better customized to your size--look for commercially produced patterns that can serve as a foundation for the design you're trying to achieve.  A part of doing this is recognizing shapes.  

Here's a jacket.

Pretty neat, huh? 

Anyone wishing to make this outerwear piece specific to their tastes could seek out a pattern that has a similar flow as this one and make any desired alterations.

While searching for such a foundational pattern I came across this one from Vogue.

Although different fabrics are used in the two pieces above, the basic shape is the same.  The bottom of the Vogue pattern could be curved and elasticated bands could be added to the bottom of the sleeves to get a similar effect to the denim jacket. Other changes could be made to the pattern as well.

Anyone new to making clothing may even be intimidated by these minor changes to a pattern, but this example serves  to demonstrate that it's not always necessary to start completely from scratch when working to recreate a look.  Be resourceful and look for shortcuts and/or items--whether they be other garments or commercial patterns--where much of the work that designers typically are faced with has already been done for you.  Using this method will teach you a lot about designing completely from scratch.

Have a great week!

Gimme Space

Since moving I've been having just a little bit of trouble adjusting to not necessarily having a designated space to do my work. The drafting, the cutting, the sewing, the mess making…:)

On top of that, I haven't necessarily been feeling up to getting the items needed (suitable table and chair, etc.) to put me on the course towards having a comfortable work area.  Truthfully, I've mostly been doing a whole lot of nothing.

Past work spaces.

This week I intend to really put some energy behind making something happen.  I've got numerous ideas for new work but need to be able to have all my materials and equipment in a given location so I can really get down and do my thing.

Have a great week.

Peace!

Regrouping

Happy Sunday!

As I begin to wrap up the final days of this month's sale (save 15% when you enter SAVE15 at checkout), I'm contemplating new concepts *and* a new collection/brand name that will showcase garments made exclusively from organic fabrics--hemp, cotton, perhaps soy, etc.  

This has been a long time coming, as I've always been fascinated by the idea of working only with organic materials.   In sourcing the fabrics, I'm really looking forward to securing connections with cloth producers in African nations and other places so that within the new line of garments I can incorporate organic--which is really just standard in many places when it comes to agricultural production-- Kente and other distinctive prints. 

flyTie Clothing Mini Dresses, $28-$46

I do intend to still operate the flyTIe Clothing brand, however garments promoted under this label will be offered primarily on a made-to-order basis...maybe with an occasional one-of-a-kind piece thrown in when I can't resist the urge to randomly create. :-)

Have a great week.~~