A Better Mousetrap?

Sometimes, I come across a great piece at a store that is almost perfect.  Key word? Almost.  Maybe it's the fit, the color, the styling, but it just needs a little something.   This past week, I stumbled upon a sweater at Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores- not only for their clothes, but because of their great displays.  The store inspires me, plain and simple.  So, when I saw a small striped sweater on clearance, I danced right to the checkout with it.

What I loved about it was the back.  The front is a relatively simple crew with two cute pockets.  But the back---wow.  Only two buttons at the very top, then totally open.  I thought of it over a long white tank, and mused---great potential. Yet, it needed a little something---perhaps in the way of color--- to tie it into my black pants or make it a smidge more interesting.














Enter some red sheer polka dotted material from my studio and a leftover black and white bottom from a sweater that had been made into a bolero.  By attaching them to the interior edges of the back and letting them drape, I created a more interesting back---- which still pays homage to the open idea, but without the hassle of pulling it together over my tank.

With the back complete, I needed to add clue on the front.  So, by attaching a leftover ruffle that could be tied on one side to the interior top of one pocket, I introduced just a little pop of color and maybe a curiousity of what you might find on the back.















Finally, I attached two buttons--- different sizes, but complimentary.  Not only did they complete the look, but helped hold the pocket upright as well. Different, unique and colorful---just what I had envisioned.



When I was finished, I realized what had inspired me. I had inadvertently created a simpler, backwards version of one of my favorite designs from 2011- a turnstyle (see Smoke Flowers below).  Perhaps my upcycled sweater was a slightly better mousetrap (for me at least), but it's nearly impossible to improve on Anthropologie.......

Smoke Flowers

Bubble Scarves are the Best!

I love anything bubbled---bubble cuffs, bubble skirts, bubble coats.  Recently, my best buddy Pam taught me how to make bubble cuffs, so I have added them to some of my recent sweaters and hoodies.  The other day, it occurred to me that I might be able to add them to the fleece scarves I'm playing with.  So, with some thoughtful engineering, I have been able to create scarves with bubble ends.  The real fun?  Being able to use extra sleeves (cut off from tees to make our flutter line) and cuffs to create some really unique pieces. For this creation, we found the perfect tie dyed baseball fleece.  Scouting about in the studio, I grabbed some super soft red polka dotted minky and started my bubbles! The result is this baseball scarf, perfect for the year-round fan.  I love being able to stick my hands into the bubbles when it gets cold!!  Fun, fun!

You can see the finished product on our Etsy site at:


 http://www.etsy.com/listing/87928330/ladies-or-girls-fleece-bubble-scarf-tie

Scarf, Anyone?

First, I want to apologize for being gone so long.  As a designer, artist, mom, daughter, wife, friend and utility player, I let my time get away without posting.  No more.  I will do better as I have some fun creativity that I want to share!


Recently, Nikki and I have been into scarves.  Maybe because we have had such a warm fall here in Atlanta, or just because we can't resist all the cool fleece patterns in the fabric stores- we are ready to wear them. So, we've been creating----both for the Etsy site and as gifts for friends for Christmas.  Ck our carwash style out, and get inspired yourself! We love this one for anytime you need a pick me up.
See it on Etsy--- we had to keep one, and made another for the site. http://www.etsy.com/listing/87050277/ladies-or-girls-fun-fleece-scarf-xxoo