March Design, Part Four

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Note: March designs will be for Summer and Fall, as I am working on my Fall Line this month.

Design #4 (week of Mar 17-23)

Embroidered V-neck Wedding Dress

In case you didn't hear, it's wedding season!!! I'm working on a collection of brides' & bridesmaids' dresses for a photo shoot next week*. This beauty is part of that collection!

This dress has modest coverage with a V-neck bodice. The shape (a little boxy with a center front seam) is vintage-inspired and oh so chic!

I wanted this skirt to be full, but not poofy. So, it is made with deep waist pleats and no petticoat. And, with a stiffer satin or silk fabric, it will hold its shape nicely without being too flowy. This is for the elegant bride!

Adding to the elegance is embroidery and sequins on the bodice. Can't you just see the stunning effect of silver on white or gold on ivory? Or maybe silver and gold together! I'm lovin' it!

Also, big plus: pockets! I love pockets!

*Listings will be available near the end of April, but can be custom-ordered before then.

March Design, Part Three

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Note: March designs will be for Summer and Fall, as I am working on my Fall Line this month.

Design #3 (week of Mar 10-16)

Bermuda-length Shorts with Ruffled Pockets

It's another nice pair of Bermudas! These long shorts provide coverage AND cuteness!

I'm a big fan of ruffles! This cute, contrast pocket ruffle adds interest and uniqueness.

These shorts will be tailored for normal-to-curvy women, with a fitted waistband and front zipper.

the shorts from Summer 2012

You may remember that I made shorts like this last year, when I was designing for my Fashion Star audition. 

Several people suggested that the ruffles be made of contrasting fabric, and I agree that it would be better! 

I am also adding a wider cuff to the hem of the shorts. On some pairs, I plan to put the contrast color on the cuff or waistband, as well.

My plans are to make this design in khaki with lower bands & pocket ruffles of gold-flecked ivory chiffon (can you tell that I already bought the fabric?). And possibly denim with a contrasting color, like red.

March Design, Part Two

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Note: March designs will be for Summer and Fall, as I am working on my Fall Line this month.

Design #2 (week of Mar 3-9)

Embroidered Fleece Jacket

In my opinion, not all fleece jackets are created equal. While the typical baggy, hooded sweatshirt is comfortable, it is anything but flattering!

While hoods keep our heads nice and warm, they also add a lot of bulk. I prefer stand-up collars and zippers. Our necks stay warm without being choked. Sounds good to me!

(Note: It is still important to keep your head covered when it's cold outside. Please wear a hat or earmuffs.)

I love the collar, zipper, and fit of this fleece jacket! Plus, there are practical pockets and a cute embroidery design (probably a rose or custom monogram)!

I am making the sample jacket for myself in ivory fleece and gold embroidery. Which colors would you like to see?

January Design, Parts Three & Four

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 
Ok, so January got away from me before I posted these, but I did design!

Designs #3 & #4

Fashion Shirts

Recently, designs for shirts have been popping into my head quite often! It's so much fun! Though, I haven't made many shirts, so we'll see if I still enjoy shirts while I'm sewing them ;)

The first shirt has 3/4-length sleeves, a mild scoop neck, and and falls to the hips. This has a waistband, to create and hourglass figure, and is loose enough on the hips to be comfortable.

I plan to make it from knit or woven fabric.
If knit, most of the shirt will be in a solid color, with a thin waistband of a contrasting color.
If woven, it will be of a solid or elegantly printed fabric, with a thin elastic waistband to produce a slimming effect.


The second shirt emphasizes a woman's form, but in a different way from the first. Instead of accenting the waistline, it falls loose from the shoulders/bust and is tighter at the hips. The looseness at the waistline creates the illusion of a small waist :)

This shirt will be made of cotton, silky, or peachskin fabric. How cute would it be in a floral print!
If made of a solid color, it might even have decorations on the collar or bodice.

January Design, Part Two

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Design #2 (week of Jan 6-12)

(Confession: I actually designed and sketched this a few weeks ago.)

Frilly Blouse/Sweater with waist tie

 I love wearing shirts which emphasize the natural waistline for 3 reasons:

1. Convenience: with something tied or fitted to my waist and loose at my hips, it doesn't move much when I sit down or stand up. As a woman with a long torso, I usually have to adjust my shirt when I stand up, but not with a shirt like this!

2. Comfort: When I don't need to adjust the length of the shirt, it fits properly all over. If it's long enough to reach my hips, I don't have to make it stretch around my shoulders and bust. Yay!

3. Attractiveness: Every women's figure looks good with an emphasized waistline! While I dress (and create clothing) modestly, I do like to look good and flatter my figure. Who doesn't?

This top is moderately fitted at the natural waistline, and has a waist tie for further emphasis (and cuteness!).

The frills/lace/ruffles down the middle add a feminine touch, while the higher neckline establishes professionalism.

As a cotton blouse, the sleeves are 3/4-length, perhaps with small cuffs, and the ruffles are of cotton or lace.

As a knit sweater, the sleeves are wrist length, possibly with a rolled cuff, and ruffles are of the same material.

January Design, Part One

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Design #1 (week of Jan 1-5)

(Confession: I actually designed and sketched this a few months ago.)

Vintage-Inspired Asymmetrical Jacket/Coat

Every time I think about this design, I sigh with contentment :D I absolutely love it!

Remember the asymmetrical seams and short, stand-up collars of the 80s? 

While sorting through my grandmother's huge pattern stash, I found one for a fitted dress with a one-sided lapel, similar to this. I like the idea of asymmetry in design, but with sophistication (I'm sorry, but NEVER would I use shoulder pads, and I don't like the boxy-looking dresses of the 80s).

In this jacket/coat, I combined the vintage asymmetrical seams and standing collar with a more femenine shape (princess seams and a fitted waist, instead of darts and boxy-ness) and large buttons for a more modern feel.

My plans are to make this in the shorter (hip) length as a spring/fall jacket, with fabric of fleece or twill. the longer (mid-thigh) length would be perfect in lined wool, denim, suede, or leather.

My 13 Goals for 2013

I love goals. I need goals. Without them, I start a project, then leave halfway through to begin another. When I have a goal or deadline, I work toward it, enjoying the pleasant feeling of accomplishment.

So, I have set 13 goals to accomplish in 2013! Some are personal, some are business-related. (Thanks, Regina, for the idea!)

Build myself as a Designer:

1. Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). I want to produce those designs the following month, as a seasonal clothing collection.

2. Launch Collections:
     - Spring Collection in February or March (2-3 pieces).
     - Summer Collection in April or May.
     - Fall Collection in July or August.
     - Winter Collection in October or November.
     - Bridal & Prom Collection in September or October.

Expand my Etsy Shop:

3. Have a full page of listings (24) in the Bridal Accessories section (15 more). Preferably by February.

4. Have 20 listings in the Dresses section (7 more) Preferably by May.

5. Have a full page of listings (24) in the Dresses section (4 additional). Preferably by October.

6. Have 8 listings in the Wedding Gowns section (4 more). Preferably by February.

7. Have 50 coffee sleeves in inventory. Preferably by November.

8. Don't buy any cotton fabrics. Use fabric stash to create new items (non-clothing).

Live Well:

9. Read through the Bible in a year. I've done this before, and it's wonderful! My church is doing it together, so I'm doubly excited!

10. Low-Carb Diet. Intensive for 1-2 months, moderate for the rest of the year.
My husband is pre-diabetic, so we need to regulate his blood sugar naturally.
I want to get good at cooking and baking low-carb. Hopefully we'll both loose weight, too!

11. Try 2 new recipes every month. I enjoy this, but I don't do it often enough.

12. Read at least one book each month. This is how I de-stress. Very important!

13. Enjoy each month and document with photos. I love nature, changing seasons, holidays! I want to make a point of enjoying them, not just living through them.

What are your goals or ambitions for 2013? Please share!

Skirt Overload

I am happy to announce that StitchPrincess is rolling out some new products!!! To read about the inspiration for these projects, click here. 

My design plan is as follows:

Step 1: Finalize Designs (read here)
Step 2: Make Size Charts (read here)
Step 3: Choose Fabrics & Options
Step 4: Create!
(I guess this is Steps 3 & 4 rolled into one.)

Are YOU ready to be overwhelmed with skirts???

I am. Let's go!

Orange/Green A-line, Black/Turquoise A-line, Yellow Circle, Black Pencil

There are 3 skirt width options (Circle skirt, A-line skirt, or Pencil skirt), and a few color/style options within those :D

Pink A-line, Satin Circle, Aqua Circle

CIRCLE SKIRTS

Yellow Circle Skirt

Yellow Circle Skirt

This skirt is very full and flowy! 

Make sure you twirl often :)

And hold onto it if you are outside on a windy day.

(for sizing information, click here)

Aqua Circle Skirt

Yellow Circle Skirt Etsy Listings:

X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here

X-Large & XX-Large click here

Aqua Circle Skirt

Aqua Circle Skirt Etsy Listings:
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here
X-Large & XX-Large click here

Satin Circle Skirt

Satin Circle Skirt (available in any color) Etsy Listings:
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here
X-Large & XX-Large click here

Check out the waistband!

(The satin skirt would be great for bridesmaids or a special occasion!)

A-LINE SKIRTS

These skirts have a classic A-line cut--not too full, not too thin. It's just right for everyone!






This Black skirt as an insert of Turquoise. How cute!



Black/ Turquoise A-line Skirt Etsy Listings:
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here
X-Large & XX-Large click here

Green/Orange A-line Skirt Etsy Listings:
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here
X-Large & XX-Large click here








I love the orange and green print! 


Big and colorful--perfect for summer!








Pink A-line Skirt Etsy Listings:
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large (available online soon!)
X-Large & XX-Large (available online soon!)






The Pink skirt is not up in my Etsy shop, as of the time I type this. I will post it as soon as possible!

PENCIL SKIRTS

Who doesn't need a black pencil skirt?


I absolutely love this one!




Black Pencil Skirt Etsy Listings:
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here
X-Large & XX-Large click here

Paisley Pencil Skirt

This is my favorite of all of the fabrics!!!


Paisley is great :)

Burgundy Pencil Skirt

Burgundy Paisley Pencil Skirt Etsy Listings:

X-Small, Small, Medium, Large click here
X-Large & XX-Large click here



Thanks for looking! Your comments are very much appreciated! 

Black/Turquoise & Orange/Green A-line Skirts

I'd love to know which fabrics & styles are your favorites. 
Any recommendations for future patterns/colors?


AND, if you've read this far, feel free to use the Coupon Code FBFAN40 for 40% off your favorite skirt!


Or, just contact me via Facebook or email for the lower price :D


(Special thanks to my models: Brooke, Katelyn, Margaret, Leah, & Rachel!)