Selvedge to Selvedge - CIT Fashion Grads create pattern making philosophy

Selvedge to Selvedge is a concept created and implemented by Alice Sutton and Amy Taylor, CIT 2012 Fashion Design graduates. Their pattern making philosophy experiments with using the whole yardage of fabric needed to produce the garment with zero waste. The effect of the concept on their designs for their labels (Edition and Aylor)  is an innovative and fresh look.

These young designers are not only supporting the growth of an environmentally conscious fashion industry but inventively making their mark on the future of fashion. 

Edition - Connect to Me Dress

Sample of  zero waste
 pattern making 

You can check out Alice and Amy's pattern making philosophy here:selvedge2selvedge.blogspot.com

Photo shoot for Material Pleasures

I thought I would share with you some work I have been doing for Material Pleasures. Last Saturday I styled some shots for the store at what I thought was an un-used old train line... we had a few unexpected trains run past :/ 

Vintage dress

We finished the shoot safely though our very brave model Kathleen nearly broke her leg trying to balance on the rocky mound for the graffiti shots! 

Material Pleasures is a fashion addicts dream. They specialize in reselling pre-loved designer clothing for a fraction of the original price and their show room is HUGE!  I write for their blog as well to keep everyone updated on the new treasures that come in (the turnover is so fast! They get in about 500 new pieces every week!)  materialpleasuresgirl.blogspot.com

Camilla Kaftan

Amazing changes

A little while ago I had the pleasure of meeting a group of women who are doing a course on exploring their passions and dreams for their future, and establishing themselves in their community.

Over two sessions I talked with them about style and confidence. I shared my believes that when you are dressing for YOU, wearing things that you love and have confidence in choosing how you present yourself to the world amazing things happen. 

The group was comprised of all ages, different cultures & backgrounds, mothers, students and professionals.

I saw these women again five weeks later at a cocktail party they had arranged to celebrate their achievements and I was totally amazed. They had taken a little sprinkle of my knowledge and encouragement and taken on their wardrobes with gusto. Each of them was so expressive and proud. Their style wasn’t dictated by trends; I could see they had created their looks with thought and passion from within. The most moving part for me was realising they are now proud and happy when they stand out from the crowd.

These ladies are now pursuing their dream careers in work placements, study and some have even already secured paid work.

Refashioned Jacket Tips

I dug this jacket out from last winter; it’s one of my first refashion jackets. I didn’t sell this one because of a number of reasons.

1. I tried to wash it:
Generally old suit jackets don’t wash well. I think it must have had that musty op shop smell, I remember the colour running heaps and once it was dry I realised the lining had shrunk. The lining pulled where it was sewn to the self, so to save it I unpicked the wrist and hem and finished the edges unattached to each other.

The centre back in the lining has also started to pull apart from wear because it became too small between the shoulders.

TIP: I often use carpet cleaner spray or spot clean with Sard soap and lots of elbow grease. Avoid washing the whole jacket. Sunlight and fresh air works a treat for getting rid of that mothball smell.

2. Pilling
Due to the nature of the fabric it requires constant de-pilling, this was also made worse by washing. When I’m op shopping it’s always something I have to be conscious of- I’ve learnt to tell when some garments just need a tidy up, but some will need constant de-pilling.

TIP: I’ve found the easiest way to remove pill balls is to use a good razor in a back and forth motion then use a lint brush to clean up left over fluff.

3. Simple changes can make a big difference.
You don’t have to be a sewing pro to refashion; all I did to restyle this piece is add a belt and some gross grain trim. I usually get carried away with tailoring the garment to the waist, and pulling it apart to create something unusual, but you can easily make something your own by adding a brooch, belt or changing buttons.

All you need is love!

This morning I was invited to peruse a lovely ladies collection of vintage treasure. She was having a clean out  and had amazing vintage dresses, jackets and skirts that she couldn't bear to get  rid of, though they did need a whole lotta love. The moths had munched away on many of the frocks so I will be devising  a way to creatively rescue them !