Manic Pop

Finally, my Prismatic Dress is done!  This one is available for custom sizing and ordering in the Etsy shop for $125. This sample size 2 that I'm trying on is available immediately! It will comfortably fit a bust size 33"-34", waist size 26" and up to 36" hips due to the full skirt. More sizing details on the Etsy page. This dress came about because I wanted to incorporate more of my prismatic design work that I've been doing more of again lately into fashion design. So I thought, why not cut out some shapes and make a design on a dress? Each piece was hand-drawn by me and then carefully cut out and arranged. I decided I wanted a more frayed look around the edges so that it wouldn't be so in-your-face contrast-y. I wanted a more textured look. I am very familiar with how appliques are normally sewn on - set stitch length to 0 and use a very close zig-zag stitch. Not the look I was going for. You also could perhaps interface the bac...

Hey everyone! I'm starting sewing patterns for my Sweetheart Dress pictured in the last post tomorrow and/or Tuesday, but I wanted to throw out a tentative line sheet I was playing with the other night of 5 designs I have in the works for the upcoming Manic Pop Etsy site! The idea behind these are simple yet fun dresses that will be fairly easy to sew and make into other sizes. I'm thinking of making them on the first go'round one size (the size of my pattern blocks which are roughly a US size 2). During ordering, you may specify custom sizes though colors may slightly vary due to fabric availability. I'm still working out exact details on that all, but I suppose it will be a trial and error sort of thing. Also items I will be offering because I have patterns made already: The Judy Dress ( some with handmade from scrap fabric mushroom appliques!) Sunrise Panel top  Mix n Match Dress A sleeveless version of the Castle Dress Short and long variations of t...

Somehow within my busy week, I still found time for another Manic Pop original sample garment. I spent all day Thursday working on patterns and then sewing this skirt which is really just a practice of me making side seam inside pockets (complete success.) It's good to work on your skills from time to time. To clarify: Patterns took about an hour to make, cutting/sewing took about 4-5. I wanted to take photos outside, but Chicago weather is NOT cooperating yet again! It's only about 60F out there and rainy. (About 16C for you Celsius peeps.) :)   Facing and all! I did run into a few minor problems with this skirt - obviously, because I didn't make a muslin and I didn't take certain things into consideration. I think this skirt makes me look slightly wider than I actually am, mostly because I didn't take the time to play with the shape of the skirt pattern, I just used my regular ol' skirt block. That's my own dumb fault. Another thing! I no...

It's finished, it's finished!     And it's the most beautiful thing I have made so far!  Max's mom gave me this fabric for Christmas along with the little yellow buttons. I struggled for a bit what to do with it. I wanted to do this amazing vintage fabric justice so it took me nearly 4 months to decide on a design, but I finally did! The pattern work was relatively easy and I actually made all my patterns perfectly, including a placket with facing which I don't ever recall doing before. If I have, it was in college and I don't remember much from college. Sewing patterns all laid out with my pattern making book.             I did have a bit to overcome with sewing on this one though - sewing a placket (which wasn't too hard but I had difficulties getting it to line up perfectly), and putting in near-perfect buttonholes which I had to rip out about 4 times. Note that I only had 4 buttonholes to create! Cutting ...