Tomorrow I release my first ever 4th of July inspired Limited Edition, Limited Quantity line! Check it out after 5pm CST!
New Items
I Know I Just Said I Wouldn’t Do This….
Didn’t I JUST say that I wanted to break the cycle of posting just photo shoots?
Ahhh, well–this is new! And I wanted to share it before I forgot ALL ABOUT IT! (which I’ll do over the weekend, most likely)
Just a little product shoot with the beautiful Yuri, who I’ve gotten to work with a few times now–you’ll recognize her from the Boa Shoot and the Mardi Gras Shoot. She lives down the road–how lucky am I?
A few new pieces, a few new shots of older pieces.
Some new Swing Tanks, a new Crop Top, new Babydoll Tunics, new Sweetheart Neckline Bustiers….
And new shots of capelets and a cincher skirt.
We had so much fun, even though I had hoped to have more to photograph–as I mentioned, orders have been rolling in, and that means less time to create new things.
What do you think?
New Babydoll Tunics
Spring!
Vintage Handkerchief Skirt
I’ve been working on new Spring and Summer things for the shop lately–neglecting the blog, neglecting the yard, neglecting the garden. *sigh*
Linen Tunic Dress
Just sewing, sewing, sewing, SEWING!
Chiffon Swing Tank
Also re-working (or attempting to re-work) the photography for my etsy shop.
Floral Tunic Dress
While I love the editorial photography, the lighting, the mood, the setting…..it’s not as cohesive as I’d like it to be.
Gauze Gypsy Dress
So, I decided to try a new style.
Giraffe Tunic Dress
Went out with the lovely Nancy Jane a couple of weeks ago and snapped a bunch of new photos with new things, as well as old.
Kimono Jacket
While I love them……they’re still not right.
Floral Babydoll Tunic
And so, today, we’re trying this again.
Print Swing Tank
But in the wee little photo studio I have set up this time.
Yellow Sundress
Going for more simple. Less distraction from the clothing.
Butterfly Tunic Dress
But I think I’m going to miss the backgrounds.
Polka Dot Sundress
Trying to get your business the way you want it is a never-ending process, it seems.
Pinstripe Babydoll Tunic
But worth it.
Linen Sundress
Happy Almost-Weekend to you!
Ouf
So, I’m still alive, but wow–that instagram–so much easier! I have this problem where, since I don’t have an iPhone, and my cell doesn’t currently have the ability to get the instagram app, I have to use the iPad. The severely neglected iPad, that was procured solely for the purpose of taking payments at events. The sad iPad that was, up until recently, only used for listening to audio books. That iPad is now my constant companion. However, I hate (with a blinding passion) typing anything longer than one or two sentences on the thing, so blogging from it is not an option. So now I find myself in the position of having all my pictures of work in progress, etc, on the iPad, but my blogging is done from the laptop.
First World Problems, right?
So, I’ve been working up a storm, and things are starting to get crazy for Halloween already.
Which means, OF COURSE, that I came up with a new venture that I’m obsessed with.
Embroidered portraits.
I’ve finished up one so far, and have the second started.
I hope to be selling these soon–once I land on an acceptable price point, which requires making at least a couple more, to judge time actually spent.
So, this is the first one, complete and just waiting around until I can manage to get things together enough to sell–Frank N Furter!
I’m absolutely in love with this. The one I’m working on now is Harold and Maude.
I know I need to get with the times, and maybe make something more “now”, more “with it”. But, for my first few projects, I wanted to work on images that were my personal favorites. That way, if I’m the only person in the whole world that things they’re cool, I’m happy to hang them on the wall. 😉
I’ll try to get back into this blogging place. I promise.
Lately
It’s been busy-busy-busy around here with orders.
The garden is still going–though a little heat-affected.
Cucumbers and basil are thriving.
Pesto is in the near future.
I’ve been working on some really fun new projects, and can’t wait until I have some things to share!
Until then, I’ve added a few new items to the shop lately–trying to get things photographed and listed slowly–one a day.
Prepping for the Endless Nights Vampire Ball as well as Halloween! (and some fun bits here and there)
Striped Bustle
Velveteen Capelet
Floral Tunic
Velveteen Capelet
And, because I was a TOTAL slacker (blog-wise, at least) Friday, I have my Project Runway favorites today, too!
I was SHOCKED at the win for the week. I like Amanda’s look–it’s in my top 3, actually–but I felt like it wasn’t polished enough for the win.
It was like Emilio’s hardware store challenge bikini and Wendy’s grocery store bikini had a Cyber-Punk-Goth baby….but done better than either.
That probably doesn’t make sense anywhere BUT my head.
On with my picks!
Amanda
I really do love the IDEA of this dress. The fact that she had to rely so heavily on the muslin under-lining should have taken it out of the running for the win, though.
Samantha
Love the top–really cool technique. I just wish the top had been extended into a dress. I really wasn’t diggin’ on the film strip usage. Though, it is kind of jellyfish-y….and I do love me some “Princess Jellyfish”….
Kristine
Kristine’s would have been my pick for the win. I really like the usage of the letters. The bust bothers me, but I love the letters SO MUCH.
Did you watch? What did you think? Are the judges totally smoking WAY MORE crack than usual this year?
This Week
I spent most of this week thinking it was a day ahead, until yesterday when I inexplicably switched to thinking it was a day past.
That pretty much sums it up.
Orders have started rolling in for Halloween, Burning Man and miscellaneous events, so I’ve been working on those.
As well as sneaking in some fun bits in between–like this Star Wars ruffle skirt:
The garden has been exploding with the last of the summer squash and TONS OF CUCUMBERS, prompting a canning session (and another to come this weekend):
I lost one of the Summer Squash Pickle jars…..first ever to just crack in the canner. 
But, one casualty isn’t so bad. Especially considering I’m always amazed that every single one doesn’t explode or turn black.
Side note: One of the best sounds in the world are the “pings!” of sealing jars after a looooooong day of canning.
As I was checking (the endless) online things I do each morning before heading into the studio, I remembered–NEW SEASON OF PROJECT RUNWAY STARTED LAST NIGHT!!! Is there anything better than remembering that your ALL-TIME-FAVORITE show has started a new season and you get to watch it? Not for this gal. At least not on a Friday morning. (I don’t have cable, so watch the episodes the day after online)
I won’t bore you with my thoughts and ideas (besides, I can’t hold a candle to Tom & Lorenzo’s re-caps), but I WILL share my top 3 of the night:
Char
Love-Love-LOVE this top (and a good circle skirt is ALWAYS a winner in my book). The draping in the shirt is lovely, and I would totally wear this. The shirt really sells it. Plus, Char is just pretty kick-ass so far. Gotta love a designer from DETROIT.
Alexander
I know this one will be controversial. The fabrics aren’t my favorite to go together–I would have loved to see that neck done in a solid rather than the Hawaiian Granny Floral. But I really like the cut to this, and how it flowed. Go figure, I like the tent dress. 😉
Carrie
I was surprised this one didn’t make it into the top 3. I think it was more interesting than at least one that DID make it. I’ll be interested to see what Carrie does this season–I think she has an interesting set of ideas, and I’m a sucker for a gal with day-glo hair. This is really architectural and interesting. A few less cut-outs would suit it better to my taste, but I think it’s a really good use of the print.
My favorite of the season (even though I really did NOT like her runway look) is Sandhya so far. That’s liable to change once we really get everyone’s aesthetic and personalities in play, but Sandhya has an amazing body of work, a point of view/voice, and she’s just really sweet. She’s got skills, and I hope those bitches don’t knock her around too much.
Happy weekend!
Lately
At least it’s Friday.
I was up most of the night. For no reason, other than I do that sometimes. I wake up in the middle of the night, and proceed to worry and think and brainstorm and toss and turn and stay awake for hours.
I felt like someone poked me in the back twice, when no one was around, this morning.
And then an old, broken, and unplugged surge protector started making horrible, loud, long beeps.
So, it’s been…..interesting around the ol’ household this morning.
I’ve been sewing away over the week, and slowly editing images from Monday’s shoot.
I’ve made ruffle leggings (now on their way to Austin, TX), a couple of child’s capelets (headed to Alberta, Canada) and a bustier (on it’s way to IL) for customer orders.
I’ve sewed up dresses and bustles and bustiers for listing in the shop.
And, as mentioned, I’ve been editing images from Monday’s little shoot–and listing the new items in all THREE of my shops (Etsy, ArtFire, & RebelsMarket).
A little peek:
Model: Amberleighhh (https://www.facebook.com/modelamberleighhh)
These are my absolute favorite tops right now. I wear one almost every day, layered with a tank top. So comfy, and easy to wear. I hope I’m not the only person in the world who likes them….though then I’d have a LOT to choose from…..
I still have quite a few images to edit and more new items to get listed, but I’m only doing one per day. To save my brain.
While all this sewing has been happening, I’ve been listening to:
Happy almost-weekend!
This Week
It’s been a good week–still a little slow on the orders-front, but that’s normal for June. A few come in here and there, and so I get those done immediately, and then back to new items, new styles, new adventures.
A pair of ruffle leggings was made and shipped off to Canada:
A capelet found a new home:
A new style of dress was created (and I’m in LOVE)–it’s a lovely lightweight black gauze over a black cotton lining, and I CANNOT WAIT to get it onto a model for fit and better pictures:
Another stack of crop tops for the upcoming lakefront shoot:
The second of three shirts for a friend’s order:
A new tattered lace collar:
And a tattered fabric boa:
(also a couple of new shirts for myself snuck their way in)
As I sewed away, I listened to:
–“Doctor Sleep” by Stephen King–this is a follow-up to “The Shining”, one of my all-time favs of King’s. You find out what happened to Danny, and it’s a fabulous story. Lives up to the original, and satisfies all those “I wonder what happened to…” questions from the first. I really enjoyed it–having a good book on cd to listen to makes ALL the difference when sewing. Makes me more anxious to get back into the studio every morning!
–“Edwin of the Iron Shoes” by Marcia Muller–I had no idea that this book was from 1977, until the lead character put on a “tailored denim pantsuit” to go to an interview. That had me wondering, but what REALLY got me was when another character was described to be wearing a leisure suit. Good story, kept my interest. Not on the same level as “Doctor Sleep”, but interesting nonetheless.
Behind The Scenes
Yesterday was a BLAST!
New friends were made, old friends were enjoyed, and so much laughter ensued that my cheeks STILL hurt today.
I feel so happy with how it all came together–my vision feels realized!
I even remembered to snap behind the scenes photos throughout the day–no small feat for me.
It all came together so well, and while I was exhausted by the end, it was so worth it.
Now comes the hardest part–the waiting for the final images!
But I’ll be patient, I promise.
Until I see what is sure to be amazing photography by Underexposed Photography, I’ll flip through the bits I snapped and remember how much FUN was had.
I’m already itching for the next shoot!
Models: Erica Boss & Amber Carollo
Make Up: Laurin Edmonson Hart
Hair: Peggy West
Clothing & Accessories: Trapped In Time Designs
Quiet Week
I’ve been taking it easy, sewing for myself and re-grouping.
I decided to put all the custom orders back up, so if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time.
I planted some sweet oat grass for Lizzie. When it got long enough for her to chomp on, I brought it onto “her” sun-porch and she promptly climbed into it, effectively smooshing and killing all the grass in the middle of the pot.
I worked in the yard and found the new crop of Devil’s Horse grasshopper babies masquerading as a toupee. (I have NO idea if that’s the right name–it’s just what my family has always called them)
Also, the first of the cherry tomatoes ripened (and were promptly eaten after this picture).
I did whip up a few new items for the shop. A pinstriped tunic top:
And a Mardi Gras peplum skirt (so out of season, but it was in the stack of things to sew):
Oh! And I got my new ironing board cover (I treat myself to a new one every year)!
(this is from the etsy shop Compelled To Craft, and I highly recommend shopping with them–this is my third from them, and I have loved each one. Great quality, great prints. https://www.etsy.com/shop/compelledtocraft)
As a few orders have already rolled in today, I’ll be back to normal production work next week! I don’t know if my self-imposed vacation was long enough…..but it sure was getting awfully quiet in the shop. 😉
Trapped In Time Designs 