October fashion screensaver inspired by Kirafashion

(click here to upload the screensaver or print a copy.)

In a whim, I drew the October screensaver inspired by the beauty, natural grace and stylish love for fashion, expressed by Kira, who writes the Brazilian fashion blog http://www.kirafashion.com.br/.

Until pen touches paper, I actually never know what I am going to draw, and this month was no exception. My pencils just sort of found their way around the page, until the message came through.

When I’m drawing I want to bring the viewer into an imaginary world that is filled with the mood, the feelings and the glow of the natural changes in the seasons that inspire my fashion swings.

For October, I’ve carried Kira into a forest, filled with the gentle winds of fall and styled her with a black leather biker jacket, thigh high boots, lacey tights and the denim Parisian pouf skirt (naturally from my book, Denim Revolution.) It’s a romantic mix of old and new, the familiar and the unexpected, reflecting the friendships that we value. I hope it inspires you to be free, express yourself and enjoy October and all that it blows into your world.

How to mend and patch jeans like a fashion pro

- click here for tutorial -

Sometimes jeans are literally hanging together by threads and it's time to express your fashion prowess, experiment with your sewing skills and start mending and patching. Not only will it improve the durability and life of the jeans ... but it is so fun to enjoy the results.

On this blog, I am going to share with you some mending and patching tutorials - starting right here (click here) with my most basic technique, and also a heavenly one - just for denim - that I call, "cat and mouse."

Hope you love it, and shoot me any questions or images!

Denim is our comfort clothing and more

(above and below - Ralph Lauren Spring 2010 collection)
Denim is our comfort clothing. And when it becomes shredded, worn, ripped and stained it is even more appealing and personal. That's the moment when our jeans take on a new energy – built around a romantic history of having lived, loved and traveled. Designers know this and try to find ways to satisfy and define their denim beliefs. Carine Roitfeld and French Vogue rarely let an issue go by without a denim story or at least the "model's own jeans." Currently, at the spring 2010 fashion shows on both sides of the Atlantic, designers are sending jeans down the catwalk, that look like they are the model’s own, accessorized like model’s do, with all the knick-knacks that they seem to inherit from the previous shows or fittings. The look is never more charming when it is authentic and you do it yourself, mending, patching or beading your own way.

Hobo jeans

Old rugged jeans have been reinvented into these lush, hobo jeans, by a quilter with an abundance of wonderful patches ... I love what she did and wanted to share it - as it reminds one to stash away fabric scraps and even old or stained clothing if the fabric is interesting, as they soon become our "new" treasures and the latest fashion looks!

A peek into the CHANEL atelier

While ... roaming around the internet, I landed on stylebubble, who’s enthusiasm for fashion discoveries and her daring style is always sooo inspirational, and she led me to these wonderful photos by Luciano Fileti, that capture a very privy view into the Chanel atelier, the craftsmen and women, with their beautiful working tables, their delicate, whimsical and stylish touch, on all things and everything in between - creating marvelous fantasies. Isn’t it simply amazing what one can do with paper, and black and white!

... and powdered ink, ... is that what this is? And how fine craftmanship seems to transcend fashion, place and time, and carry you into another world ... .

September fashion screensaver

(Click here to upload or print the September 2009 screensaver)

September’s calendar is inspired by our desire each fall to update and brighten up our wardrobes. Fashion whims are discovered through our feelings about the world, our dreams and our changing lifestyles. Sketched in this month’s screensaver is a DIY, re-constructed, denim jacket with hounds tooth check (sketched with faux fur, leopard shoes and a Coco belt) cuffs and collar from, naturally, my book ... Denim Revolution. I adore this jacket which was fun and easy to make. Sewing, re-fashioning cast-offs or new finds, mending, patching, playing with shapes and materials in individual ways, is very rewarding. You can make a difference in this world by your choices, by balancing your individuality and homemaking skills with new buys from favorite designers as you update your fall wardrobe and pack away the summer T’s. Updating your wardrobe is part of the process of giving a gust of positive energy to your outlook as you take on new challenges or set new goals for the upcoming year. Follow your urges and enjoy!

Recycle household plastics into chic photo-stands

If, like me you are always collecting and gathering special mementos - like postcards, photos and sketches - that inspire thoughts and memories of events or ideas that you want to remember or reflect on, ... then here is a easy and fresh way to display them around your home ---

The 3-step 3-minute DIY Process:

--Sort through your empty household plastic or cardboard containers;

--Choose the ones in the colors, patterns or textures you love, that will also sit level on your table or shelf;

--Cut a little slit (I used an exacto knife, so this is only for adults,) slightly angled toward the back, about an inch deep, and slip the postcard through it. Finito!

Once I started I kinda went crazy with all kinds of version. At the very top image, on the library mantle, I used blue and green water bottles cut down, with yogurt and can tops; and in the image just above, from the left -- a feta cheese container, upside down; the bright yellow top of a windex spray; the top of a starch spray can; and an upside down chocolate dessert container. The photo of the model in the denim skirt, by the way, is from my book, Denim Revolution, of the diy back to school projects -- "schoolgirl charm skirt and waist cincher." The version above from the left is the top of a whipped cream container, the chocolate dessert container, the spray top, and the feta cheese container.
And here is a carton that some pears came in, with a postcard of Mark Rothko contemplating his Seagram paintings.

Sewing pattern archive is open to the public for a one-week free trial

CoPA, the Commercial Pattern Archive database at the University of Rhode Island is offering a one week FREE trial to download their extensive collection of home sewing patterns. The login is: guest, and, the password is: pattern. Above is one of McCall's Rudi Gernreich pattern's from 1967, modeled by Peggy Moffitt! Do start by reading the instructions and then just search, lots to curl up and discover.

Easy summer pizza recipe - mozzarella and arugula

If , like me, cooking with fresh, simple, local ingredients is one of your great pleasures, then you understand that vacationing in Italy is true bliss. I feel as carefree and happy as my sketch when I am gathering ingredients, cooking and sharing a meal. This menu was only pizza - one made with fresh mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes cooked on a round of pizza dough, and then, served with a bunch of freshly picked arugula tossed on top, which sort of melts and has the most wonderful aroma. Peppered olive oil (just push some dried peppers into your jug of olive oil) and freshly ground salt was sprinkled on top to taste, which means a most generous portion of that olive oil.

And another page from my sketchook filled with thoughts, impressions, recipes and more.

Family quilts used for wedding decorations

Following on my quilting moment, click here to view an inspired wedding, where, among others, quilts made by the bride's great grandmother and aunts were scattered around adding to the festivities in unexpected ways.

A rather special French quilt

This quilted antique, uncovered in France years ago, has been pulled and put away numerous times and finally it's going to become a pillow, with a soft fringed edging of some sort, still to be decided. I think it is so lovely, the vintage printed cotton fabric, and the swirly quilted stitch, that I wanted to post it -- hoping it --

-- will inspire someone, somewhere, who is quilting something or other!

Quilt made from re-cycled men's shirtings

Men's shirts, especially white ones and blue and white ones, have always been at the top of my list of favorites. So when my sister offered to sew me a quilt, it had to be made from men's shirtings. Chambray has been used as the border and Egyptian cotton is the background. It is yummy, light and perfectly cozy as a summer blanket. And we ended up making it together in the end -- which was fun, fun!

Liberty's Fall 2009 newsy email

I really start to droll when I receive Liberty's newsletter. Starting with these brooches, gorgeously realized by Amanda Fatherazai, with her signature couturier perfection, ...

... their fall list of must-haves range from stitching classes, morning and afternoon tea included - after all it is Liberty's, Ebony and Ivory Bespoke scarves and Hermes Pour Liberty. Those four are my personal favorites of the moment. Liberty's is like no other store. They harmoniously blend their creativity with an attention to detail and style that inspires, and always delights the eye in unexpected and whimsical ways.

Pin cushion tutorial

Here is another cushy pot, and as I'm naming them, this one's called "Sugar and Cream." The base is a very old metal coffee filter and the cushion is made from vintage fabrics including an old pillow case, trims, and of course...denim.

Click the link here - and it will take you to a cushy pot tutorial.

Share your pin cushion creativity here - on flikr.

And here's still another cushy pot, this one named "Glam Pot."

August's fashion screensaver

download this month's screensaver here,

to upload it as your screensaver or to print a hard copy

August is the time for travels and renewal. Coming home with flowers, tastes and sketches from journeys, this month's screensaver turned into a collage of memories. Cuffed jean shorts seems to be the summer '09 uniform for both genders worn with breezy white cottons by foot or on two wheels. And the awe of Pisa never fades. Below are a few more images. Handmade shoes in Florence...swimming trunks in patterns and colors like one can only find in Milan.

... And I'm collecting napkins (so descriptive of the spot) from favorite cafes like 10 corso como and Princi in Milan and another one from Caffe Florian in Venice, as dreamy as ever. Happy August!

Bike culture

Bikes that have been stamped with a very personal statement are not only cheerful in a friendly way, but also more practical, because they are easy to identify and less likely to be stolen.

Hand painted furniture

Doesn't this make you want to get out your brushes and start painting some basic pine furniture?

I've been traveling around Italy and soaking up the artistry. My delightful hotel in Florence was still filled (though the main reception rooms were re-done ultra modern) with the original handpainted furniture, reflecting the beauty discovered at every turn.

The bubble - a swimsuit cover up you can sew

My first sewing machine was a Singer, and I am a graduate of a Singer Sewing class, so when I read on craftzine that Singer is offering an online swimsuit coverup competition, I decided - to sew something up, something whimsical, loose and breezy, and named it "the bubble."Here it is, worn over leggings but also perfect with jeans or naturally a swim suit. If you want to make one, the measurements are simple and super oversized - cut a big tube - shoulder to shoulder it will measure 25" wide x 28" shoulder to the top of the 5 1/2 bottom band. It's all made from knitted fabric - dots, bubbles and lime green - with the bottom band doubled over for extra stretch, and finished with a zigzag finish around the neck and cuffs. The neck is a big wide scoop opening 15" with a 6" front neck drop. Hope that it inspires you to enter the contest - the more the merrier.

Pinwheels of colors on etsy

http://www.etsy.com/color.php

Which is your favorite color?

Amelia's magazine and Shelter fundrasier

When I first saw Amelia’s magazine back in May 2006, with her smiling childhood photo on the cover, I was in awe. I loved it for the magical and witty illustrations and her uninhibited and freely roaming expression about fashion, style, music and concern about the environment and the future. It was more book-like than magazine, very personal and open, and rich in content and creativity. Unfortunately the hard copy has folded, but she continues to have a strong following and online presence through her blog (here I am.)

When I read her call for submissions in aid of Shelter, the UK charity for the homeless I had to send in a submission. I am thrilled that I made the first cut, from which she will choose 52 illustrations, all on the theme - the TWO OF HEARTS, and create a quilt. Her quilt, along with artwork by other artists and designers (including Stella Vine, Basso and Brooke and Rachel Whiteread) will be exhibitied this summer in the UK, and auctioned to raise money for the charity.

My drawing reflects my thoughts about being homeless and the enormous strain that poverty puts on a family and relationships. Hoping that a safe and secure home will help mend a broken home, I drew a heart, formed from many pieces and patched up, re-gaining it's power with a busy family in toe, named- Shelter for a Broken Heart. It's sad, it's happy, it's about life.

You can see all the intriguing and imaginative drawings on Facebook. Doesn’t it make you want to design your own deck of cards…?