Design no.67

 

 

Boho Look!

I thought I'd show you all my favorite clothing items from the boho trend! 

For those who don't know: boho is short for bohemian, 

which comes from the french word bohémien or gypsy.

Tunics and embroidered shirts. 

I love these things!

 Soft fabric pants. 

I really like the bold patterns, plus these things are super comfy.

Then there are the shawls.  

Just having one of these can give your outfits that boho look!

Have a great week! 

This week I am trying to make pompom shorts. I hope I can post pictures of them next week!

I'll Be Back... (Warning)

Hey, All!  Just wanted to let you know that I'll be on a tech-fast until the 13th. So that means no blog posts until then. So sad I know ;). Have an amazing Summer until then!
~Anna

Fun DIYs to Chase Away Summer Duldrumbs

Hi All! 

I'd thought I'd share some fun DIYs I found on Pinterest! 

I always love doing crafts when I'm on vacation.

So which one of these do you think you'll try this summer?  I think I'll try to make the shell hair pins and soda can opener bracelet.

Pictures of My Seamstress Toils

Hi, Everyone!

I hope you are all having an amazing week! I’d thought I’d (finally) share photos of the different projects that I have been working on for the last couple months.

First, we have the photos from my Spring 2015 fashion show! This show featured six items that I made (5 dresses, 1 shirt). All but one of these (the formal light blue dress) are an original design.

My models are Victoria Kerr, Emma Parker, and Grace Smith. They did an awesome job! Plus, they are gorgeous!

Second, is the Mother of the bride dress! I was super happy to make this for Mrs. Holderread to wear on her daughter’s big day! This was made from the Simplicity pattern 1195. However, I made it tea length instead of full.

Part way done!

Day of the Wedding! She looks so beautiful!

Third, are the bridesmaid dresses! I learned so much about fitting and alterations with this project. I feel so much more accomplished. These dresses are made from the Simplicity pattern 1194.

Naomi in one of the dresses!

Hannah showing off the fluffy skirt.

 So there you have it, my fabric babies from the last few months. I have several other projects in the works, when they are done I’ll make sure the share them with you!

Have a fun week!

Anna

If you want to keep up to date with what I’m working on follow me on Instagram @AnnaDesignLove or like Demure on Facebook.

The Horror of the Crop-Top ~ Solved!

Crop tops, their name is enough to send chills down any modest fashionista’s spine. How, in the name of good honest modesty, are we supposed to adapt this trend for our wardrobe?

Well, hopefully I have solved this problem in a way that allows us to wear this trend, but still be modest!

Solution no.1: Wearing an under shirt.

Okay, so this is probably crossed all of your minds already, but let me go a little more in depth of what I think about this. When you pick an undershirt, it needs to strike a balance between loose and fitted so as to keep the “this is a shirt, not skin” message clear, while not looking too baggy. This can depend on the style of shirt and your comfort level. Personally, I try to meet the fitted/loose balance and choose a color that is not near my skin tone. (because I’m caucasian I usually stay away from white and beige colored undershirts)
I try to find a complimentary color to the crop top, or one that ties into the design of the shirt. For example, I have a blue crop top with a black bow on the chest; instead of trying to find a matching blue, I wore a black undershirt instead.

Solution no.2: Turn it into a peplum.

From what I know, the peplum came before the crop top, in this era that is. So, making your top into a peplum might be back tracking, but as you know I LOVE these things, so yeah, who cares about current trends.
Adding a peplum to your crop top can be difficult, because finding a similar fabric type and color can be enough to stress anyone, but I’m sure us fashion pioneers can handle it!
I would recommend using the same “color theory” as mentioned above. You can also add an under layer to your peplum to prevent showing skin when it’s a little breezy outside and your shirt just won’t stay down.
Below is my info-sketch (I’d call it an info-graphic, but it’s not that fancy) that illustrates what I’m talking about:

Solution no.3: Sew a permanent layer to the peplum.

This is probably the most practical, because of the coolness factor (I mean avoiding heat, hehe) and the fact the it won’t fly up in your face.
I would recommend doing this only to fitted crop tops, because I think it would look funny on looser ones, but I don’t know everything (shocking, right? ;-) )
Fabric and color choice are just, if not more, important here as it is in solution no.2. Try to choose fabric that is the same weight and type as the top that you are attaching it to. Also make sure that the fabric you’re choosing has some sort of give, or just make sure that you will be able to get in and out of your shirt.

Well there you have it. Three ways to turn the crop-top horror into something we can wear.

So what are your thoughts about crop-tops? Can they be turned modest, like suggested above, or will they always be in your no-no box?

Feel free to comment your ideas on how to make these tops modest; I’d love to know more!

Old Sketches, Fresh Ideas.

Okay, so it's not Thursday yet, but I thought you would like to see some of my old sketches, drawings of my favorite clothes and some of my designs

 As you can see by the picture on the lower right, I love drawing costumes as well!

So did you like any of the designs? If so, which one would you like me to make?

Maybe if my life slows I can sew one of these. :)