serendipity

Free Pattern :: Crochet Twist Necklace

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles."  --  Sonja Henie

Spring weather is fickle.  I am ready to pull out the t-shirts, but there is still a chill in the air.
I'm bored with scarves, so I made this twisted, crocheted choker. It adds a warm dash of color.

it's in the details :: knitting love

I am loving these denim blues from James Long and Monki.  Cool, urban, chic and yet ultimately very wearable.  (Check out the shoes too.  So want a pair.)

The Snow Queen: a study in yarn and paper

Springtime is the land awakening.  The March winds are the morning yawn. 
-- Lewis Grizzard 

Last summer during a blistering heat wave, I made a garment inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's story "The Snow Queen."  The top is knit from Lion Brand's Vanna's Glamour®.  It's a lovely yarn to work and adds this gorgeous shimmer that shifts with the light - perfect for my Snow Queen Dress. Having recently invested in a large die cutter, I decided to put it to the test.  I cut a 100+ cardboard snowflakes which I then embellished.  Naturally, no two snowflakes are the same.  I painted, rubber stamped and colored with pencil and pen. I glued on sequins, wrapped threads and added small sparkling stickers.  The dress became an experiment in how far I could push a mixed media approach.  

it's in the details :: Roberto Capucci, Sculptural Fashion

"Moonlight is sculpture."  -- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Roberto Capucci refers to his work as a "study in form."  Inspired by architecture, poetry, and music,
his garments wrap the body in color that sings.  I love the pleats and folds, the high voltage use of color, 
but most of all I am inspired by the sense of movement in each garment.  

it's in the details :: I ♥ Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

I have a love affair for the work of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.  Her work crosses over from fashion to art and adds a dash of whimsy I can't resist.  The bird cage necklace is an example.  Yes, those are live birds in the tube flitting about as the model walks.  The heart headdresses are equally spectacular.  You have to check out the video to see their true beauty with movement.  

it's in the details :: Red Valentino Fall 2013

    

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.  That, or a kick-ass red lipstick." -- Gwenyth Paltrow

Look at all the embroidery!  And those giant red velvet roses!  I'm in love! RED which stands for Romantic Eccentric Dress and is Valentino's trademark hue, is the sister line to the Valentino fashion house.  Granted, this middle-aged gal prefers skirts that are a tad longer, say to just above the knees, that little black suit is swoon worthy.

Dress to Kilt : Chanel pre-Fall 2013, Knitwear Fabulous

"Doing collections, doing fashion is a non-stop dialogue." -- Karl Lagerfeld

Be still my tartan and fair isle heart!  Karl Lagerfeld's pre-Fall 2013 collection for Chanel is outstanding.  I'm a Lindsay with ties to Clan Lindsay, so maybe I'm genetically programmed to love this look, but really, can you blame me? The layers of knit and wool fabrics are Chicago winter perfect. And all those details...swoon! May I please have that ruff?  And that orange scarf!

As featured on LIVE at CHA Winter 2013 - Knitted Shell and Ombré Skirt

 

 

Mary Lawrie and I created one of the garments Elena Lai Etcheverry wore for Charity Wings' LIVE at CHA.  During the event, Elena interviews designers and companies about their new projects and products live online. Viewers get sneak peeks and can purchase raffle tickets for fantastic giveaways.  All money earned goes to charity.  It is really an amazing win-win for all involved.  

CHA Winter 2013 - Let's Cr8te!

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." -- Albert Einstein
 

At a CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) tradeshow there is so much to see, scores of new products to try out, and dozens of fabulous workshops and seminars.  The 2013 winter show was no exception.

Lion Brand Yarn Fashion Show 2013 at CHA

"Unique and different is the next generation of beautiful." -- Taylor Swift

Much to my delight I was invited to the 2013 Lion Brand Yarn fashion show at CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association).  I love their yarns, so I was excited to see what fashion design students from around the world would do with them.