Inspiration: Floral Prints

1. Pants

2. Cell Phone Case

3. Dress

4. Watch

5. Blouse

6. Skirt

7. Romper

Color Swatch: Freesia

Not only a gorgeous flowers, but also a Spring Pantone color.

And I am loving this bold color.
Here are a few of my favorite things in Freesia.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Color Swatch: Celosia Orange

The next Pantone color we are going to celebrate is Celosia Orange.

Beautiful as decor or fashion, this orange makes vintage-inspired pieces pop. 

Plus it looks amazing with wood grain. =]

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 

Project: Bonnie & Clyde Inspired

The next Pattern Review contest is coming up and the theme is Movie-Inspired.

The rules of this contest state that it is not a costume, but something wearable that captures the essence of a movie of your choice.

When the new TV Movie of Bonnie and Clyde came out in I believe December 2013, the Hub and I watched it. They separated it into a two night movie premiere. I am still disturbed by the ending, but I love the vintage fashion. Just before the premiere, Project Runway did a Bonnie and Clyde challenge. This challenge pushed the designers to take these 1930 looks and create something futuristic and high-fashion. Essentially I am challenging myself with the same task for this contest.

I am going to make a daytime look that is inspired by the 2013 movie version of Bonnie and Clyde, taking vintage elements and making them slightly more modern.

image sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

I love these fabrics. The alpaca is gorgeous. I found a yard of it when I was still working at the fabric store in the remnant bin. I had to have it and I was determined to find the perfect ponte knit that would go along with it. After months of checking the store for said knit, I found it! And boy is it perfect!

 I am loving the pumpkin spice color of this cotton print that is so simple and reminds me a little of the 1930's. I think the colors work so well with each other!

Fabric: Ponte Knit and Alpaca for jacket. Vintage Cotton Print for dress.

I wanted a long luxurious jacket out of the alpaca. I found this loose-fitting jacket pattern in my stash and knew it would be wonderful. Maybe even a little Olivia Pope wonderful?! =]
Gosh that women has beautiful coats!

The dress is a fun version of a shirt dress. It has curves in the bodice that make it a little more special than a normal shirt dress. I might need to take in the sides and skirt to make it look better on my frame.
We shall see. 

Jacket C from Vogue 8860, no collar, no hood paired with Burda 7071 dress. 

In other news, I applied to some craft shows this week.

Keep me and the business in your prayers as I wait to hear if I have been accepted.
Thanks!
Katie

Seize the Day!

 Seize the Duvet

 Seize the Coffee

 Seize the Wall

 Seize the Party

 Seize the Door

Seize the Art 

Project: Design Studio.

Happy 2014! 

This year is going to be a big year for my business, so one of the first things I need to accomplish is organizing my design studio. In our apartment, I claimed the second bedroom so I could work from home comfortably. I use to work on my bedroom floor...and as productive as that was...

you see where I'm going.

My workspaces tend to be the last things checked off my list when it comes to organizing and decorating. Somehow the kitchen, living room, and dining room all seem much more important...

So since those have been conquered, I am on to the next big project!

My design studio will need to serve a couple purposes.

1. A place to sew and create

2. A place to make patterns and products

3. A place to teach small classes

4. A place to shoot videos for the blog and business

Organization is key!

Here are a few ideas I grabbed off of Pinterest to get me started as 

I will need some drawer and shelving organization.

Paint dipped cans for storing scissors and pens. 

Clip boards for to-do lists and inspiration boards.

Fashion sketch prints to add some flair.

And lots of drawer dividers to organize bobbins and rulers.

But first, I must tackle the fabric stash!

Wish me luck!

Katie

Loving: Seattle Homes

While watching a marathon of House Hunters, I had to ask myself, what would my dream home really look like? Being from a small conservative town, everyone has almost the same house and when you go inside, they have the same decor too! 

If you have known me for any period of time, you know that I like to do things my own way!

This "normal" standard just kills me. 

Where is the creativity? Where is the fun? 

Who told you you have to have beige carpets and primitive decor!?

Is there a rule I missed about having a chicken-themed kitchen?! (end rant.)

So anyway. =]

When I was in Seattle I loved to look at the wonderful homes.

They just have so much class and an eye for art, yet are modest-sized homes.

Here are a few things I love about these homes: 

I love the look of this Wood siding! 

Huge Windows would be great! Of course you would have to live in an area that is not crowded and possibly a view so you have something to look at!
Imagine the natural light! 

I am crazy about the idea of adding a pop of Color to the exterior.
Maybe a royal blue rather than a yellow?

 Look at this Chartreuse Kitchen!
Fun colored room are a must! 

But sometimes a nice white room is nice! Especially when there is so much  Natural Light!

The idea of a Loft excites me! I think it would be a wonderful place for our office!

And of course I would need an adorable Sewing Studio!
I love this sewing table in the nook!

So basically, I want wood-grain, color, and windows!
Maybe an adorable loft and a balcony too.
Not too much to ask! =] 

Get Paid to Work Out.

"If I was paid a dollar for every time I walked up and down these stairs, I would carry the bolts down one at a time" I jokingly said to my coworker who understands my dislike for inventory being on the second floor. But by the time I reached the top of the steps, it hit me.

POINT SYSTEM WORK OUT!

You know why I don't want to work out? 

Because I don't have time, I feel like I am terrible at it, I like instant gratification, and I feel like a loser working out alone...etc. etc. etc. 

What motivates me? 

Money. 

Why do I go to work everyday? 

Money. 

My point exactly. 

So I thought to myself...

If I would pay myself for each work out exercise, I would be more interested and motivated.

Like a point system, maybe 15 push ups is 5 cents, completing a circuit in a workout video 25 cents, a work out class would be one dollar. At the end of a work out session, I could possibly buy a mocha that would deplete all of my hard work, but that might just be the best mocha I ever had. 

I have heard of using a goal system, where if I work out everyday, I get to buy myself something small at the end of the week. Essentially the same concept, except better for those who like instant gratification, like me. 

So I could spend my workout money on mochas or I could save it up for something more expensive, like a pair of shoes or a new dress. 

Let's recap.

Work out. 

Pay yourself. 

Reward yourself. 

Repeat.