tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19911141424784506642024-03-13T12:22:42.800-07:00Ms MignonetteKpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-65619585175189513452011-03-16T21:37:00.000-07:002011-03-16T21:49:36.662-07:00Moving OnOver the last 5 years I've had a lot of fun writing this blog (well, until someone started spamming my comments section), and I've loved using it as a forum to talk about new talent, and to share random thoughts, and dreams, and milestones. <br />I'm moving the blog over to wordpress, so if you want to follow the continued adventures of Mignonette Designs, <a href="http://mignonetteconsulting.wordpress.com">join me, won't you, by clicking </a>here.Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-28475201430712341802010-10-24T23:28:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:19:17.968-07:00Crafty Things AfootI've been taking stock of myself and the things that I'm not only good at, but also actually enjoy, namely:<br />1)working with crafters<br />2)designing and sewing<br />3)helping people sell crafts that they made <br />4)teaching people how to craft<br />5)writing about crafting<br />6)planning craft-related events<br /><br />I couldn't help but notice that the word "craft" was in there 5 times, along with sewing, designing, and writing, which are also pretty crafty. Add to that the fact that last week's Free Will Astrology horoscope basically told me to get off my butt (figuratively, given the circumstances) and start writing, and I've got a pretty clear sign from the universe that I need to start writing about craft, or, if not the larger craft movement, at least my place in it, and the places of those artists that I want to work with. <br /><br />As someone who has always loved writing, but has never made a living at it, the idea of diving into that life terrifies me - sure, I can churn out compelling copy, but is that art? I have no idea.Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-17227535158050679012010-08-22T22:17:00.000-07:002010-08-22T23:16:41.014-07:00The Rachel Dress Bows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIPPt2cY1I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/0vycLFc1PLQ/s1600/rachelupright.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIPPt2cY1I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/0vycLFc1PLQ/s200/rachelupright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508482056907940690" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIGd38rTPI/AAAAAAAAAqI/nVzSml4kKSw/s1600/P8150278.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIGd38rTPI/AAAAAAAAAqI/nVzSml4kKSw/s200/P8150278.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508472404531956978" /></a><br />If you've ever tried to embark on a creative life you know that into every life a little fallow time must fall. My particular dry spell has lasted for longer than I would like, compounded by getting married, making dresses for other ladies' special days, and then getting very involved with not one but two amazing museums. <p>It began to feel like, unless I grew a second head and two more pairs of arms, there would never again be a chance for me to make something just for myself. Imagine how happy I was when my friend Rachel commissioned a dress for a wedding. <br>We got to go through the whole 9 yards: shopping for fabric (in this case, a blue muslin Liberty of London print with a cream muslin lining), sketching out a number of different Mad Men-style options for the dress itself, mocking up the muslin and doing the fittings...all of the things I love but was terrified that I had lost. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIKVDpdD7I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/yzrhyZFclmE/s1600/rachelfront.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIKVDpdD7I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/yzrhyZFclmE/s200/rachelfront.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508476651100245938" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIKloSJVrI/AAAAAAAAAqY/gRX0NAT3jQ0/s1600/rachelback.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIKloSJVrI/AAAAAAAAAqY/gRX0NAT3jQ0/s200/rachelback.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508476935812503218" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THILZfnluaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/hpuVjH1-fZk/s1600/rachel1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THILZfnluaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/hpuVjH1-fZk/s200/rachel1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508477826839722402" /></a> Draping the top, recutting the pattern, trueing the seams, and then re-cutting it. Yes, those are parts of the New York Times - they work just as well as pattern paper in a pinch!And the big finish, unfortunately with some blurry pics from the last fitting at midnight the night before the wedding. Even Anne got in on the act. Once the wedding is over I hope to get some decent photos together so that I can get it on Etsy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIL4hUlGOI/AAAAAAAAAqo/rVoDqANvslw/s1600/pattern1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIL4hUlGOI/AAAAAAAAAqo/rVoDqANvslw/s200/pattern1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508478359872805090" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIMC659IdI/AAAAAAAAAqw/2A3qNxmK0Pc/s1600/pattern2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIMC659IdI/AAAAAAAAAqw/2A3qNxmK0Pc/s200/pattern2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508478538539147730" /></a><br /><br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIMnyF-AwI/AAAAAAAAAq4/AxxHbNreOE4/s1600/pattern3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIMnyF-AwI/AAAAAAAAAq4/AxxHbNreOE4/s200/pattern3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508479171828777730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIMwdE8XsI/AAAAAAAAArA/DRqCibGnk9Y/s1600/pattern4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIMwdE8XsI/AAAAAAAAArA/DRqCibGnk9Y/s200/pattern4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508479320806153922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIM-HAgQwI/AAAAAAAAArI/1LMq5kqTimQ/s1600/racheldraped.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIM-HAgQwI/AAAAAAAAArI/1LMq5kqTimQ/s200/racheldraped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508479555400123138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THINbOhOGdI/AAAAAAAAArQ/7BJt0hC7mLI/s1600/rachelpinned.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THINbOhOGdI/AAAAAAAAArQ/7BJt0hC7mLI/s200/rachelpinned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508480055632599506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THINqzWd-aI/AAAAAAAAArY/gpOXZxfZXyY/s1600/rachelinside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THINqzWd-aI/AAAAAAAAArY/gpOXZxfZXyY/s200/rachelinside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508480323217652130" /></a><br /><br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOBPbljWI/AAAAAAAAArg/4gCbO1uJRl4/s1600/P8180292.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOBPbljWI/AAAAAAAAArg/4gCbO1uJRl4/s200/P8180292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508480708712435042" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOLZEcAMI/AAAAAAAAAro/s1i2nCsKr4c/s1600/rachel2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOLZEcAMI/AAAAAAAAAro/s1i2nCsKr4c/s200/rachel2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508480883098386626" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOUT2icaI/AAAAAAAAArw/pYV0waKOBVc/s1600/P8150272.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOUT2icaI/AAAAAAAAArw/pYV0waKOBVc/s200/P8150272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508481036316733858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOdGDNTAI/AAAAAAAAAr4/6iHYJ2K-E1c/s1600/P8150274.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOdGDNTAI/AAAAAAAAAr4/6iHYJ2K-E1c/s200/P8150274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508481187230600194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOnLjUleI/AAAAAAAAAsA/-jjydEwPV0g/s1600/P8150275.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIOnLjUleI/AAAAAAAAAsA/-jjydEwPV0g/s200/P8150275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508481360506164706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIO903BDJI/AAAAAAAAAsI/AxnADgciFDE/s1600/P8170287.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/THIO903BDJI/AAAAAAAAAsI/AxnADgciFDE/s200/P8170287.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508481749551746194" /></a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-72468420126350927302010-07-28T22:37:00.000-07:002010-07-28T22:41:31.565-07:00New ProjectsExciting things are afoot in Mignonette-land: The revitalization of the Ladies Independent Design League SF, searching for new studio space high and low (to share with a boatload of fellow artists, perhaps too many superfriends to comfortably make a crime-fighting group), and the creation of a new mobile-crafting venture. Also pleasantly surprised with the new hire I made at Job #2. Almost too many projects to keep up with, but I'll have to write them all down or I'll forget.Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-48969118858319387362010-07-28T22:21:00.000-07:002010-07-28T22:34:25.818-07:00Holy Shizz Look At this House in ShanghaiToday's<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/07/28/greathomesanddestinations/20100728-shanghai-2.html?ref=greathomesanddestinations#4"> post </a>in the NY Times Home and Style section is inspiring me to<br>1)Drool<br>2)Book a flight to Shanghai<br>3)Become bff's with this woman so that she writes me into her will (okay, she's only 38, so we'd have to be bff's for a good long time, but still, it's so worth it and maybe she'd let me borrow her clothes).<p>Behold:<br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/TFERahpeGvI/AAAAAAAAApw/81TBGFKHPeQ/s1600/A-Penthouse-in-Shanghai-custom1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/TFERahpeGvI/AAAAAAAAApw/81TBGFKHPeQ/s200/A-Penthouse-in-Shanghai-custom1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499195767402666738" /></a><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/TFERnb7zVMI/AAAAAAAAAqA/NmKYc5BVf3k/s1600/A-Penthouse-in-Shanghai-custom7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/TFERnb7zVMI/AAAAAAAAAqA/NmKYc5BVf3k/s200/A-Penthouse-in-Shanghai-custom7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499195989207241922" /></a>And of course what house is complete without an antique birdcage to house your rosebush:<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/TFERiq6k06I/AAAAAAAAAp4/W4xVT2w91jk/s1600/A-Penthouse-in-Shanghai-custom3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/TFERiq6k06I/AAAAAAAAAp4/W4xVT2w91jk/s200/A-Penthouse-in-Shanghai-custom3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499195907329282978" /></a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-57492473603801222952010-05-04T12:45:00.000-07:002010-05-04T12:53:41.215-07:00Holy Cow - More PRESS!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S-B7GlaT2EI/AAAAAAAAAoo/eMSx_xu0ulo/s1600/4508123319_6b39e4bb66.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S-B7GlaT2EI/AAAAAAAAAoo/eMSx_xu0ulo/s200/4508123319_6b39e4bb66.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467505300679678018" /></a>Craft Bar with Etsy Labs is blowing up big - PHEW!<br /><p> More press! Just look at all these listings and kind words: <p><br />Holy shiz - craft bar was a weekly pick for the guardian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><a href="http://www.sfbayguardian.com/listing/2010/03/30/our-weekly-picks">sfbayguardian.com/</a><br /><a href="http://altreport.hipsterrunoff.com/2010/04/an-arts-crafts-bar-opens-in-san-fransisco.html">Hipster Runoff</a><br /><br /><a href="<br />http://www.psfk.com/2010/04/craft-bar-combines-nightlife-and-creation.html">PSFK</a><br /><a href="http://blog.britexfabrics.com/2010/03/26/craft-bar-with-etsy-labs-mocfa/">Britex</a><br /><br /><a href="http://snikelarten.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/hand-made-plushie-the-museum/">Snike Larten</a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-59879294219643492662010-05-03T17:22:00.000-07:002010-05-03T17:26:57.934-07:00Craft Bar in Craft Magazine Online!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S99pukGBogI/AAAAAAAAAog/CDkse7tCDGQ/s1600/katyapril.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S99pukGBogI/AAAAAAAAAog/CDkse7tCDGQ/s200/katyapril.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467204721334919682" /></a><br />Hooray! Craft Bar, the monthly crafting workshop that I run in conjunction with Etsy here at the MOCFA, was featured on the Craft Zine blog this month!<br /><a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/the_awesomeness_of_craft_bar.html#more">Here it is!</a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-56917750444357599682010-04-22T09:12:00.001-07:002010-04-22T09:28:19.178-07:00Things I've Done Recently - April 22, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B2fqJ9uPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/511KHZVlZig/s1600/17151_251148567670_644932670_3964868_883259_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B2fqJ9uPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/511KHZVlZig/s320/17151_251148567670_644932670_3964868_883259_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462996634264516850" /></a><br />I'm really enjoying the whole process of wedding dress-making - I love working with a bride on a design and choosing fabric and sharing tips (most valuable tip for any bride: even if you love your mom/mother-in-law and get along with her really well, you should ALWAYS appoint a trusted friend to act as a "mom wrangler" - well-meaning moms tend to add an element of stress to an already stressful day). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B4C8Hf9oI/AAAAAAAAAoI/KsWYSyudDpI/s1600/17151_251148577670_644932670_3964869_3537709_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B4C8Hf9oI/AAAAAAAAAoI/KsWYSyudDpI/s200/17151_251148577670_644932670_3964869_3537709_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462998339893065346" /></a><p><br />The best moment is when we get to the point in the design process where the bride looks in the mirror and unconsciously smiles at herself - that's how I know that we've designed her perfect dress. And then it's off to the races with all the fittings, trying-on, and more fittings. And then more fittings, tweaks, tears (usually from me), lint-rolling, and more fittings. During the months when I am working on a wedding dress (I only do one at a time), my living room is covered in a maelstrom of pins, fabric scraps, spray bottles, stray scissors, spools of thread, and newspaper. Truly, the life of a designer just oozes glamour. <p><br />I wouldn't trade it for anything though - I had two weddings and tried on squillions of dresses before having my former assistant make mine (and what a job she did, yowza!)I just can't speak highly enough for having someone make you your dream dress. Knowing that an off-the-peg dress, even if<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B4yG8xCdI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/0fHCoznW3NY/s1600/17151_251148712670_644932670_3964886_4616763_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B4yG8xCdI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/0fHCoznW3NY/s200/17151_251148712670_644932670_3964886_4616763_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462999150254688722" /></a><br /> it is gorgeous, is going to cost as much, or more, as a custom-dress, it just makes sense to have one made. <p><br />I made this wedding dress for a fellow Brooklyn-to-SF transplant last year, and I'm really proud of it (and I really need to find out who took these photos so that I can give her some props, are they not gorgeous???).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B49n2SxUI/AAAAAAAAAoY/7kp4Ta76Dlc/s1600/17151_251148562670_644932670_3964867_4370587_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B49n2SxUI/AAAAAAAAAoY/7kp4Ta76Dlc/s200/17151_251148562670_644932670_3964867_4370587_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462999348064470338" /></a><br />This bride is rocking some serious retro glamour. The dress is silk shantung with a lightweight cotton muslin underlayer. My favorite detail is the back bow, which is a detachable obi belt that I beaded with flowers from the bride's grandmother's veil. <br />The wedding was held outdoors, in the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park.<br />Let me know if you want your own!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B2VzX0NrI/AAAAAAAAAn4/-Cgf3X-plMs/s1600/17151_251148702670_644932670_3964885_1274759_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/S9B2VzX0NrI/AAAAAAAAAn4/-Cgf3X-plMs/s320/17151_251148702670_644932670_3964885_1274759_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462996464939841202" /></a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-10999422102569153832010-04-20T12:16:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:17:29.744-07:00And...We're Back for 2010The sun is out which means that it is time for me to peek my head out from under my rock and bask in it a little bit. <br />The other day the wife turned to me and asked what was on my mind, and i waited a few beats before saying "mischief. that's what's on my mind". Spring is a time when I typically get super-restless and want to change up my routine, not just a little bit, but completely. I took a second job as the buyer for the Museum of the African Diaspora, which has been challenging and exciting, but I think the sea change that my world needs is even bigger. <br /><br />My travels around the country (and the world, like PARIS!) seeking out fabulous finds for the MOCFA has given me the chance to unearth some of the most incredibly talented, charming, wonderful artists and bring their goodies to the larger public.<br /> <br />This has made me realize that I really want to resurrect the Ladies Independent Design League here in the Bay Area. Anyone who knew me in New York might remember LIDL from the heady days of 2003-2005, when we collaborated, shared, and even planned a fun craft fair, IndieLicious. We even got a mention in the Handmade Nation book!<br />The most exciting thing about LIDL was the chance to meet other crafty business ladies to talk shop, commiserate, and everything else. It was the business version of a Stitch and Bitch. As I meet more women who are talented but unsure of how to take their businesses to the next step I want to find something, notably a FREE something, that we can use to help each other, and ourselves. With drinks. <br />So I'm putting out a call to women who want to start or further a business to please contact me. Let's get started!Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-59224365940065998672009-06-29T12:37:00.000-07:002009-07-06T16:51:46.555-07:00Delicious Crush on Wendy Hacker Moss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SlKLFWdZhzI/AAAAAAAAAms/otX7QWnZ7yg/s1600-h/bracelet-wreath.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SlKLFWdZhzI/AAAAAAAAAms/otX7QWnZ7yg/s320/bracelet-wreath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355495830941435698" /></a><br />What is it about the warmer months that makes a girl want to throw on a little floral dress (or seersucker pants, whatever) and the strappiest shoes she can find? Is it, as many would suggest, a desire to mimic the nature that is suddenly bursting from every nook, cranny, and sidewalk planter? Is it that we get so excited to be shedding the more somber colors of fall and winter that we feel the need to cover ourselves in pretended foliage? I don't know what it is, but I know that I happily succumb to it, and make no excuses, which is why I was so <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SlJ3gv9xZUI/AAAAAAAAAmk/HgBqbuImRc8/s1600-h/ring-bouquet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SlJ3gv9xZUI/AAAAAAAAAmk/HgBqbuImRc8/s320/ring-bouquet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355474311412016450" /></a>excited when the work of Wendy Hacker Moss came across the counter here at the MOCFA. Wendy's pieces are unlike anything I've ever seen, and, since I'm a girl, I fancy myself a jewelry expert. <br>These are the ultimate in "double-take" jewelry - Ruffly, delicate, by turns shiny and matte, these delicate-seeming pieces are made with the most unlikely jewelry material ever<br> - steel mesh. <br>That's right - Wendy and her sister Elisa have elevated the humble window screen from utilitarian to high art, creating lightweight origami blooms accented<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SlKMaefwU7I/AAAAAAAAAm0/BNzGPApF7hE/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.67437627.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SlKMaefwU7I/AAAAAAAAAm0/BNzGPApF7hE/s320/il_fullxfull.67437627.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355497293387682738" /></a> with freshwater pearls and gleaming sterling silver. <br>The Bouquet Ring sits on your finger like the sweetest bunch of tiny blooms, while the decadent Wreath Bracelet covers your wrist with a garden of lush flowers that move slightly and just beg to be touched.And for those whose tastes run more towards the bright and punchy, Wendy offers the Rock Candy collection, tiny semi-precious stones and seeds beads on sterling silver that look just like those elegant sweet treats you loved as a kid. Try not to taste the tiny black spinels, red rubies, and turquoise chips - these are strictly candy for the eyes. Whether you pair these with jeans and a tee shirt, or a favorite floral print, if you're not careful you might find yourself attracting legions of butterflies as well as admirers. <br /><br>Wendy Hacker Moss jewelry, available at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, 51 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco. Visit www.mocfa.org for more info.Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-67396209709895032222009-06-28T18:07:00.000-07:002009-06-29T17:31:35.709-07:00MOCFA Store Fabulous Finds, Vol. 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgfkwRnj6I/AAAAAAAAAls/zL6DYOJMYUw/s1600-h/IMG_6909.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgfkwRnj6I/AAAAAAAAAls/zL6DYOJMYUw/s320/IMG_6909.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352562873424383906" /></a><br />In February, I became the Buyer/Store Manager for the <a href="http://www.mocfa.org">Museum of Craft and Folk Art</a> in San Francisco. If you know me at all, you will understand that this is the PERFECT job for me - I get to scope out independent designers all day long and get paid for it. As someone who is always trying to expand the crafting community, having the chance to share the work of independent artists with a broader audience is a dream come true. In many cases artists that I am working with have never sold in a retail space before; I have even had a couple of people create products especially for me to sell. Needless to say, I have sometimes been the store's best customer. I can't help it though - we have such a fabulous array of people represented, including Loreto Remsing, the brains (and nose) behind <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgjLxZWNFI/AAAAAAAAAmU/kjHwjFJOvw0/s1600-h/IMG_6906.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgjLxZWNFI/AAAAAAAAAmU/kjHwjFJOvw0/s320/IMG_6906.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352566842275017810" /></a>L'Aromatica perfume, a line of hand-blended perfumes often made with organic flowers and perfume oils. Our entire staff is enamored of the Gardenia, Yellow Rose, and Kulfi scents, though the new shipment of summer scents has made me obsess over the Madcap Violet and Pink Peony. Loreto, a graphic designer by trade, blends her creations in her gorgeous, sun-filled home in Haight-Ashbury, and when she's not making the world smell better, she will also design a mean set of wedding invitations for you (including mine). <br> Also new to the MOCFA store is Jen Hewett,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkglNZU7KAI/AAAAAAAAAmc/ZGUCGNYljxc/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.72462904.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkglNZU7KAI/AAAAAAAAAmc/ZGUCGNYljxc/s320/il_fullxfull.72462904.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352569069197010946" /></a> creator of the extremely popular Michelle Obama Paper Dolls and fishnet silkscreen prints (favorite quote "Before I went on a job interview a few years ago, my mom called me and begged me not to wear fishnets with my suit. Please. As if I'd ever wear a suit"), and Julie Brookman, who looked at a plastic bag marooned on the beach and decided to use it as inspiration for a series of glass vases.<br /> <br /><p> Lately I've become enamored with a couple of fabulous finds from the home-decor and jewelry worlds whose work will brighten up any corner of your casa, or your cuerpo.<br /><br> One of the most recent jewelery additions to the stable of artists in the store is Florabond of Idaho Falls, ID. Made by the wonderful Nicole, these necklaces are little works of art featuring repurposed vintage buttons and flowers combined with delicously textured fabric foliage, plastic beads, lace, and stainless steel chain. Putting one of these babies on will instantly class up an outfit, and they are <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/Skgaw7EJbOI/AAAAAAAAAlM/QkqoahFquCw/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.77092832.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/Skgaw7EJbOI/AAAAAAAAAlM/QkqoahFquCw/s320/il_fullxfull.77092832.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352557584920964322" /></a>sure-fire attention-getters. I sold the Strawberry Lemonade necklace literally within ten minutes of unpacking it from the box (the best part is that I was <em>wearing it </em>when I sold it). Florabond's MOCFA pieces retail between $60-$80 and employ at least twice that in terms of creativity. I love the romantic feel of them - having them on makes me think of drinking lemonade and doing the Charleston on a wet summer lawn at twilight, which since I now live so close to Golden Gate Park, is within the realm of possibility. <br> Also new on the horizon is Kellie McCool, who translated her beautiful drawings of scales, umbrellas, and antlered people to blank greeting cards for the store. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkghInqImII/AAAAAAAAAl8/ER-QFbvQSxc/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.69011775.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkghInqImII/AAAAAAAAAl8/ER-QFbvQSxc/s320/il_fullxfull.69011775.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352564589098211458" /></a>The scales are currently the most popular of the bunch, though I love the "quotation" card, which has a little space on the front for you to add your own greeting. Genius! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgiX9WntLI/AAAAAAAAAmM/84EpX6qVw6g/s1600-h/il_430xN.69011130.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgiX9WntLI/AAAAAAAAAmM/84EpX6qVw6g/s320/il_430xN.69011130.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352565952131609778" /></a><br> If you find yourself in the San Francisco area and need to find a gift or just want to treat yourself, please stop by the store and visit us - most items are under $100 and we feature mostly Bay Area talent, because this city is just bursting with crafty goodness!Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-42425044617823121692009-06-28T17:58:00.000-07:002009-06-28T18:06:27.388-07:00New Blog Mention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgS2sqUbcI/AAAAAAAAAlE/MAm69KX4tDE/s1600-h/iusb_760x100.5789613.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 42px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SkgS2sqUbcI/AAAAAAAAAlE/MAm69KX4tDE/s320/iusb_760x100.5789613.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352548888040730050" /></a><br />Oh gee, thanks so much to the loverly folks (folk? I don't know how many of you there are!) at PaperMichelle for the bloggy mention about the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20739480">Anne Dress</a>. I have been an Anne Dress factory lately - I'm even sending one to Paris in a few weeks for a wedding in Greece. The dress is officially better-traveled than I am. <br /><br />But if you are feeling like looking at some beautiful stuff online, the PaperMichele blog is the place <a href="http://www.papermichelle.com/2009/06/etsy-wedsday-no-5-a-modern-bride/">to go.</a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-21071349083753555342009-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:002009-06-28T18:45:49.002-07:00I know I haven't blogged in forever, but...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SghPSGgIEhI/AAAAAAAAAkk/7RSXOKc5HDM/s1600-h/1241029720239220.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SghPSGgIEhI/AAAAAAAAAkk/7RSXOKc5HDM/s320/1241029720239220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334600931021951506" /></a><br />Please forgive me by joining me on Saturday, May 16th at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in SF for a book launch and crafting party hosted by the amazing Lotta Jansdotter! <br><br />More deets:<br><br />Time: 1-4 pm May 16th<br><br />Place: 51 Yerba Buena Lane, SF<br><br />Why: Lotta, cupcakes, and crafting! The holy trinity of DIY!<br /><br><br />If you are a fan of modern design, you will understand why this event is such a huge deal for me (besides the fact that I am the one throwing it, of course). Hope you can join me!<br>UPDATE!!!!<br><br />The event was SO much fun! The lovely Christina and Kate from Chronicle Books even made a little YouTube video of the day so that you can see the fun for yourself:<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjvWqS1QBEA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Echroniclebooks%2Ecom%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D3080&feature=player_embedded">cupcakes, crafting and Lotta, oh my!</a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-6484572945644073902009-02-19T11:30:00.000-08:002009-02-19T11:32:07.204-08:00Hooray! More love for the Anne dressWhee! Local blog Santa B Style has given us a shout-out today. Check it out <a href="http://santabstyle.blogspot.com/2009/02/local-talent.html">here.</a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-51847678942490142732009-02-04T18:49:00.000-08:002009-02-04T18:54:27.528-08:00D2D St. Valentines Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SYpUC9W7KdI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/VWDFlp00YLw/s1600-h/d2d2009kofibruce15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SYpUC9W7KdI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/VWDFlp00YLw/s320/d2d2009kofibruce15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299140321361996242" /></a><br />After two long weeks of trying to kill myself via sewing machine, I have finally finished my entry for Discarded to Divine. I am also putting a version of it up for sale on Mignonette Design's Etsy page <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20654174">here</a>.<p>I am pretty proud of how much work went into the dress and how it turned out, especially since this is how it started: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SYpUl8dEvCI/AAAAAAAAAkY/J8AsbuVBeHo/s1600-h/d2d2009kofibruce5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SYpUl8dEvCI/AAAAAAAAAkY/J8AsbuVBeHo/s320/d2d2009kofibruce5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299140922414775330" /></a>Can you believe this is what I started with?Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-34631961301437709512009-01-23T10:58:00.001-08:002009-01-23T11:00:41.707-08:00Skoal!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXoTe7GzL5I/AAAAAAAAAi4/pv1RXWHp8PE/s1600-h/lin%2Bshort.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 56px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXoTe7GzL5I/AAAAAAAAAi4/pv1RXWHp8PE/s320/lin%2Bshort.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294565733910654866" /></a><p><br />My first press of 2009 (I think) - The ever-popular Anne dress got a lovely little posting on Love Is Near's beautiful blog, which you can peek at <a href="http://loveisnear.blogspot.com/2009/01/miss-mignonette.html">here.</a><br> Thanks so much, Tara! I am so honored. :)Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-42135137473616049212009-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:002009-01-20T22:32:15.364-08:00Draping the Waitress Dress 101<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXapFhyVLBI/AAAAAAAAAfM/IplDJpOJ3Uo/s1600-h/P1010204.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXapFhyVLBI/AAAAAAAAAfM/IplDJpOJ3Uo/s320/P1010204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293604324454509586" /></a><br />Listening to: My Frenchie Playlist (April March, Camille, Stereo Totale, Edith Piaf)<br />Current Mood: Overwhelmed with sewing responsibilities<br /><p><br />One of my 2009 resolutions is to return to my roots and spend more time crafting with others; it's inspiring and it also helps to keep me from just watching television all day (or reading Jezebel, not that there's anything wrong with that) instead of sewing. <br /><br> I've been meeting with my friend Rachel to share ideas while taking the quizzes in Twyla Tharp's <span style="font-weight:bold;">"The Creative Habit"</span>. <p>Besides learning that I am should probably pass some of the administrative worries over to someone else so I can get to sewing, crafting with others (and talking about crafting, which inevitably leads to talking about shopping, and then going shopping)is an amazing way to build community, share some knowledge, and pick up skills along the way. Right now I am trying to perfect my group-teaching skills for a class I will be teaching on how to make the Waitress Dress. I'm also trying to get it perfected so that I can take a bunch of them to Viva as Vegas this year. Here's hoping. <p> Dear friend Lauren came over to help me re-draft my pattern and teach Rachel the basics of draping, and Rachel brought Bing for some puppy socialization. The poor kitties had to hang out in the bedroom all day, which they only pretended to mind: <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa4DHy3TcI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Yob-EkEk-5U/s1600-h/P1010158.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa4DHy3TcI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Yob-EkEk-5U/s320/P1010158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293620775792102850" /></a><p> I first draped this dress in 2006, and I've been trying to perfect the pattern for it ever since. When I first made it I combined my pencil skirt pattern with my sundress bodice, which looked fine on the dummy (and a lot of people) but required a certain amount of fudging that I would rather not have to deal with every time I make the dress. I scrambled around in my sewing room but couldn't find the skirt pattern this morning so we're draping an entirely new one.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXarPClPVHI/AAAAAAAAAfs/hK-BVjQSGtQ/s1600-h/P1010218.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXarPClPVHI/AAAAAAAAAfs/hK-BVjQSGtQ/s320/P1010218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293606686900049010" /></a><p> Because I like to bring out the girliness in everyone, and because my friends are perfect fit models, we decided to try it we decided to try the sample on first one body and then another to see what we needed to fix. : <br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXaqU_EP8jI/AAAAAAAAAfc/G5dhK5d-4gM/s1600-h/P1010217.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXaqU_EP8jI/AAAAAAAAAfc/G5dhK5d-4gM/s320/P1010217.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293605689523958322" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXaqh9CcVJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/95JOTCWBgYk/s1600-h/P1010220.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXaqh9CcVJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/95JOTCWBgYk/s320/P1010220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293605912317809810" /></a>It's cute, no? But still it needs a something. <br><br />Now that we've figured out that the waist is too long in the back and there needs to be more ease in the hips, it's time to block the muslin and get to draping on Blanche, my elegant and long-suffering dress form: <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXar4rIhabI/AAAAAAAAAf0/CcitHnJkj2k/s1600-h/P1010211.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXar4rIhabI/AAAAAAAAAf0/CcitHnJkj2k/s320/P1010211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293607402160089522" /></a><br /><br> Should we do it as one long piece and shape it with the attached waistband, or make a bodice and skirt separately? Questions, questions. <br> And how much allowance to give the waist so that I can raise or lower it depending on the body it needs to fit?<p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXau6Vhm4II/AAAAAAAAAgM/0HYpb_V4vGQ/s1600-h/P1010228.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXau6Vhm4II/AAAAAAAAAgM/0HYpb_V4vGQ/s320/P1010228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293610729254346882" /></a> <br /><br /><p> We decided to give the waist a 1/2" allowance so that it could be raised or lowered and the darts could be re-positioned. We probably draped that waist dart for an hour - Lauren is obsessive about fitting darts, Rachel likes the entire process, and I wax rhapsodic about fabric, so we're a good team. When we finally agreed that the dart was laying flat enough (after much debate and a lot of prickling with pins), it was time to take the muslin off of Blanche and true the pattern, taking the fabric we draped and straightening up the markings so that we could transfer the whole thing to paper with my arsenal of rulers. <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa5hjt_lAI/AAAAAAAAAgs/65B1OBP76Yo/s1600-h/P1010231.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa5hjt_lAI/AAAAAAAAAgs/65B1OBP76Yo/s320/P1010231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293622398195569666" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lauren showed Rachel how to fix the waist darts while I ironed the muslin for our sample and ran around making endless cups of tea (did I mention that not only do I have the attention span of a hummingbird lately, but that I've also had a fever all day?) and wondering what to get for lunch. <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXasvHbphWI/AAAAAAAAAf8/qLfOVuQO2gs/s1600-h/P1010222.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXasvHbphWI/AAAAAAAAAf8/qLfOVuQO2gs/s320/P1010222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293608337469441378" /></a><br />After a quick call to Andy's for some veggie delights, we sat down to bean curd, broccoli, and the other thing I am trying to cut down on in '09, namely soda. I'd like to be in better shape for the wedding in August, so perhaps I should also cut down on the takeout food. One thing at a time. <p> Meanwhile, Rachel brought Lauren over for a closer look at the muslin and a couple of tips. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa6laLKVHI/AAAAAAAAAg0/_MHzXglOn5k/s1600-h/P1010233.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa6laLKVHI/AAAAAAAAAg0/_MHzXglOn5k/s320/P1010233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293623563864659058" /></a> <br> The ladies got to work on fixing the waist darts with the hip curve and putting in a seam allowance while I took a break to check on the cats (luckily Lauren noticed that I was only giving it 1/4" instead of 1/2" - like I said, I'm pretty feverish, so it's awesome to have friends who can offer good advice), who were completely unconcerned with what we were up to and just wanted to be left in their patch of sun. I can relate, especially today. <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa-O_94BZI/AAAAAAAAAg8/NkGfpGVPw4E/s1600-h/P1010239.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa-O_94BZI/AAAAAAAAAg8/NkGfpGVPw4E/s320/P1010239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293627576919000466" /></a><p>Now that we've gotten the pattern in a relatively happy state, it can be cut out of the fabric, a tightly-woven linen in pepto-pink which is strangely fetching, though it looks oddly like a big slab of bubble gum when it's all pinned together. We are nearing the 5th hour of our adventure and the darts are matching up, so it's time to sew, sew sew, and then back to the ironing board to check on the results of our experiment:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa-_19UkfI/AAAAAAAAAhE/mf5zYsHAYgs/s1600-h/P1010245.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXa-_19UkfI/AAAAAAAAAhE/mf5zYsHAYgs/s320/P1010245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293628416045912562" /></a><p>Which looks awesome so far. It lays perfectly on the dummy, and Rachel is happy, so everybody's happy! Next week we'll drape the back of the dress. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXbALBxoDCI/AAAAAAAAAhM/AQYM1rlpuXc/s1600-h/P1010260.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SXbALBxoDCI/AAAAAAAAAhM/AQYM1rlpuXc/s320/P1010260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293629707708271650" /></a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-29896075276338539262009-01-06T16:19:00.000-08:002009-01-06T16:24:02.317-08:00Happy New Year!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SWP1sPAmCMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/rijZFx8gtJc/s1600-h/n631131750_1672936_5892.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SWP1sPAmCMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/rijZFx8gtJc/s320/n631131750_1672936_5892.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288340527755167938" /></a><br />I have decided to update my Etsy page, won't you surf on over and take a look? <br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5038803">Mignonette on Etsy!</a><br>I've been looking at my super-glam New Year's Eve photos and wondering how I can use them as inspiration for this season. Seriously, I have more ideas than I can shake a stick at, but lots of trouble organizing them in my pointy little head. <br><br /><br />In the meantime, I will be updating this blog more frequently. I am planning part two of my wedding in Montreal, if you have any advice (seriously, we have NO IDEA what we are doing and neither of us has ever been there) I will gladly take it.Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-4722771370296620832008-09-17T19:03:00.000-07:002008-09-17T19:05:23.702-07:00VOTE FOR MIGNONETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh my gosh! Mignonette got nominated for the Craftiest Bastard 2008 contest! Vote for Mignonette (and then vote again!)! The polls are open until Oct 10th! <br /><br />We’ve selected 10 crafty candidates to run for the Craftiest Bastard 2008!<br /><br />You have the opportunity to elect your favorite candidate by voting on the issues: creativity of product, originality, use of materials and product construction.<br />Be sure to craft your vote today!<br /><br /><a href= "http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=36142"> VOTE HERE!</a>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-2926825808164787802008-07-17T16:52:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:53:34.892-08:00the Styledash review is up!Awesometown - we were recently interviewed by the fabulous Mallory from Styledash, AOL's fashion blog. <br />You can read it <a href="http://www.styledash.com/2008/07/17/indie-designer-interviews-mignonette/">here</a> or just scroll down (though I recommend going to the AOL site). <p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH_b7Maw4II/AAAAAAAAAWs/0wWVql-iG7o/s1600-h/logo.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH_b7Maw4II/AAAAAAAAAWs/0wWVql-iG7o/s320/logo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224135902765310082" /></a><br /><br />We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.<br /><P><br />Today we'd like to introduce you to independent fashion designer Kpoene' Kofi-Bruce of Mignonette, which means 'cute girl' in French. Kpoene' recently launched her new bridal collection, which includes custom gowns.<br /><p><br />Tell us a little about yourself and your company. <br>Mignonette Designs is a line of handmade custom and ready-to-wear dresses for sophisticated girly girls. I've been running Mignonette since 2002 when I first moved to Brooklyn. We've gotten a lot of press and been in a lot of stores and had a great time with it. I recently scaled back to work on the launch of Mignonette Bridal in June of 2008. This is a higher-priced (but still under $500) collection of dresses that can be modified for brides or bridal parties, and we're also offering custom gowns.<br /><p><br /><br /><br /><br />How did you get started as a designer? <br>I worked for a large company for a few months and realized that I really didn't want to work for anyone other than myself. Luckily, I moved to New York at the right time - Indie business, especially indie design, is really heavily encouraged there and it's easy to find other crafty entrepreneurs. In fact, I learned so much just in the first 3 years of running the business that i decided to start my own networking group, the Ladies Independent Design League, to work with other women who were trying to get their businesses in shape. It's not that I'm an expert, but I've been around the block a few times. :)<p><br /><br />What inspires your work? <br>I am an unabashed Francophile so I love watching French movies, reading French blogs, and of course listening to the music of my favorite singer, April March (she's an American who mostly sings in French). I recently took up flower arranging, which is such a fun, random old-lady hobby, but it really helps to clear my head and think of new designs.<br /><br />Who are your favorite designers?<br> Yves St. Laurent was a genius, and of course I also love Nannette Lepore, Catherine Malandrino, and Rebecca Taylor. My girlfriend gave me a Viktor and Rolf skirt for Christmas and even though it's more architectural than I am used to I like wearing it.<p><br /><br />What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? <br>I am a shoe fanatic. I have lots of different pairs of pointy-toed black pumps, and maybe nobody else can tell the difference between them, but I know. <br /><p><br />For beauty I will take any concealer that hides my under-eye bags, which are enormous - lately I really like Cover Girl Trueblends. It's inexpensive and it actually works great. I also always need Pucci Vivara perfume or Mark Jacobs Daisy perfume or I don't feel ready to leave the house.<br /><p><br />Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? <br>I would say that you have to really believe in your product. I'm repping a friend of mine who is a fellow clothing designer and she is the perfect example of what an indie business owner should be: She wears her designs nearly every day and really personifies the label. I think that's important. Refusing to take "no" for an answer is another thing any business owner should do. If Etsy isn't the best way for you to sell, create your own website. Can't seem to get into craft fairs? Maybe you should try boutiques. Since it's so hard for little businesses to stay afloat, you always have to look for new opportunities and they are usually in very unexpected places.<br /><p><br />Where can people find your work? <br>Right now I am only online at www.Mignonettedesigns.com, www.mignonettebridal.com, and at Pandora's Trunk in San Francisco.<br /><p><br />Anything else? <br>Please contact me if you are a new designer looking for advice! I can dish it for days!Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-90522496336795909342008-07-16T12:10:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:53:35.803-08:00New reviews and Etsy madnessCurrent mood: Frazzled! I've got two dresses to finish before I can go to the ball (i.e. Avani's wedding).<p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5Ih-qD0QI/AAAAAAAAAU8/uEk9Msg_0fM/s1600-h/chateaubizarre.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5Ih-qD0QI/AAAAAAAAAU8/uEk9Msg_0fM/s320/chateaubizarre.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223692366388646146" /></a><br />Hooray! Mignonette Designs got a sweet little plug from the fabulous Lilah over at Chateau Bizarre! It's normally a site dedicated to goth and steampunk so I feel that we're in some pretty illustrious company! The best part is that Mignonette Designs is listed under the "vintage and rockabilly, glam and drag" section. Hee. <br /><p><br />Here's what they said: <br>"A small line of cute knee-length dresses sweetened with modernized retro elements, perfect for daywear-into-nightwear ensembles. Both the clingy and the swingy are presented with wrapping tops, puffed sleeves, mermaid hems, little belts, and other distinctive details of the forties and fifties. Custom is welcome." <br /><br /><p> You can see the write-up <a href="http://www.chateaubizarre.com/ballroom/chair?review=2113">here.</a><p> <br />Meanwhile, last week I did an interview with Styledash that will hopefully be up this week. I'm really excited because I love the Styledash blog, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5LfaUOT6I/AAAAAAAAAVM/XI3vI6z1Su0/s1600-h/logo.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5LfaUOT6I/AAAAAAAAAVM/XI3vI6z1Su0/s320/logo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223695620808527778" /></a>and I didn't realize before but it's an AOL-sponsored blog, so hopefully that will bring in some new shoppers. <p><br /><br />In other news, the conquest of Etsy (well, I'm trying) continues with the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5038803">Mignonette Designs Etsy</a> page that largely features custom work. I'm also posting up random sample pieces, such as an Anne Dress in size 0-2 that is only $85! That's right, I said $85! If you want it surf on over there and pick up a serious bargain. <p> As you can probably tell just from the banner, the Mignonette Etsy site <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5J1Ki5gTI/AAAAAAAAAVE/UiKmOCOOXeE/s1600-h/mignbanner.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5J1Ki5gTI/AAAAAAAAAVE/UiKmOCOOXeE/s320/mignbanner.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223693795508977970" /></a>has a completely different feel than the normal Mignonette label - prices are lower, designs are more experimental, and there is a huge focus on custom, so if you've been afraid to commit to a Mignonette Designs piece, the Etsy offerings might be more your speed. <p><br />I was also contacted by the publisher of Gala Weddings today about a write-up for Mignonette Bridal! I can't believe they contacted me - It's a dream come true for a tiny bridal shop like Mignonette Bridal to be in the pages of a magazine like that. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5Luu8FelI/AAAAAAAAAVU/e1b-K9ncoWI/s1600-h/gala.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SH5Luu8FelI/AAAAAAAAAVU/e1b-K9ncoWI/s320/gala.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223695884042467922" /></a><br />I'm bursting at the seams with excitement and also freaking out - what pictures should I send them? What should I say? The fear of putting my foot in my mouth is palpable, I'm really much better at repping others (hello, Sarah Zins, anyone?) than I am at talking about myself. Phew. <p> Oh, and - If I said I would review your indie biz on the blog, don't worry - I'm getting around to it! <br />xoxo<br />KPKpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-64046897087585119122008-07-10T11:56:00.000-07:002008-09-20T11:07:43.384-07:00Mignonette all over the placeSo...I took the plunge and joined Facebook - won't you be my neighbor? <br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1354395711">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1354395711</a><br /><br />Also, I've been merrily adding to my etsy shop so it's officially back up! Please check it out here, and, you know, maybe buy something. :) <br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5038803">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5038803</a><br /><br />And in other exciting news, I recently unearthed another wedding dress that I made back in 2003. Geez, I didn't know I had it in me but it looks pretty great! So here are some pics. Enjoy, comment, etc. If you would like your own version, it is for sale on the Etsy page - it's the "Custom Spaghetti-strap gown". <br /> <p>I'm also really happy because the black shauntung Anne dress went home with its owner yesterday and now I get to work on the two houndstooth traditional Annes that I have in the pipeline, plus this afternoon I am fitting my friend Ann for an Anne. That name is very big in my life lately. <p> anyways, I will be posting up a tutorial on it so you can see how it's made! hooray! <p><br />I went to yoga yesterday with Anne and am horrified at how stiff and achy I am - it sucks. Everyone else was balancing themselves and sun-saluting all over the place while I lay there gasping for air. I'm too young to be this out of shape. Boo to me for being creaky.<p>Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-85359572854047636342008-07-01T21:55:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:53:36.021-08:00Announcing Mignonette BridalIt's July 1st, 2008 and <a href="http://www.mignonettebridal.com">Mignonette Bridal</a> is ready to launch!<p><br />Please check out the site at <a href="http://www.mignonettebridal.com">http://www.mignonettebridal.com </a>. <br> On the site you can engage (ha-ha) my services for a custom dress, including designing, budget consultation, even styling!<br> You can also order a ready-to-wear dress from the site if you need a piece in a hurry or want a less-expensive (but still amazing) option. <br> Please tell all your friends who are in need of a custom-made, gorgeous dress - I'm so, SO excited that this is finally happening, and I want to dress as many brides as possible! <br /><p><br /><p><br />In other news, now that Pride is over, I have started working my little tushy off repping my dear friend Sarah Zins' eponymous line of organic and recycled clothing. <br> Usually when you hear "recycled" you think of exposed seams and strange, fun-fur fabrics. Not so with Sarah Zins. Her line is incredibly wearable, well-made, and stunning. Best of all, it looks good on everyone, even those of us who are curvier. <br /><br> You can check out her line at <a href="http://www.sarahzins.com">Sarah Zins</a>, and order it online from our friends at <p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SGsNoF3fljI/AAAAAAAAAUk/_7gJ5lRLt-A/s1600-h/Sarahphotoshootrack.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SGsNoF3fljI/AAAAAAAAAUk/_7gJ5lRLt-A/s320/Sarahphotoshootrack.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218279575659714098" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.UnsungDesigners.com">http://www.UnsungDesigners.com </a> <p> I'm enjoying this whole "rep" thing so much that I think I'll try and do it for some other designers as well - after all, I have lots of experience with buyers. Anyone want a rep to get their stuff into stores? :)Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-41508527362044648902008-06-12T08:50:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:53:37.345-08:00This Golden Afternoon - The Fairy-Tale world of Julianna Bright<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFGNZrvRwI/AAAAAAAAATU/q3VN7RyS4-A/s1600-h/JULIANNA1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFGNZrvRwI/AAAAAAAAATU/q3VN7RyS4-A/s320/JULIANNA1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211023439890958082" /></a><br />If you've known me for any length of time, you will have heard me blathering on, at length, about the now-defunct but still amazing and life-changing band The Quails. This trio of three little friends Jen Smith, Seth Lorenczi, and Julianna Bright produced some of the most danceable and heartfelt queer punk music ever, earning them a coveted spot in my "favorite band" rotation of Sleater-Kinney, Le Tigre, and, um, Belle and Sebastian. <p>Sadly, The Quails called it quits in 2004, with Seth and Julianna moving to Portland, while Jen, a visual artist who toured with bands like Cha-Cha Cabaret and is widely credited with coining the phrase "Riot Grrl", moved down to LA to attend grad school at UC Irvine.<p> Since then, Seth and Julianna have been working on some charming little projects of their own, including their daugher, Evie, Seth's food writing (and making), their incredibly beautiful band <a href = "http://www.thegoldenbears.net">The Golden Bears</a>, and of course, Julianna's stunning paintings. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFWXapv-SI/AAAAAAAAATc/0H0krXH9CCI/s1600-h/JULIANNA6.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFWXapv-SI/AAAAAAAAATc/0H0krXH9CCI/s320/JULIANNA6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211041204135786786" /></a><p>It might be reductionist to say that Julianna's use of obscure Victorian-era themes (she paints, as she calls them, "forgotten fairy-tales") and simplistic mediums (hand-drawing, goache) to fashion her images puts her comfortably in line with the values of steampunk, but I think it is at least safe to say that they share some of the same ethos: dedication to old-fashioned inventiveness and extraordinary, surprising beauty. <br>A regular at galleries that cherish small-scale, heartfelt pieces, her paintings pop off of the wall (and the printed page - see her entry for "Diary" in <a href= "http://www.encyclopediaproject.org/">The Encyclopedia Project</a>) with bright, crisp colors and fantastical imagery, mostly in creams, reds, and greens. <br>All are quietly beautiful with a disturbing undercurrent of tension - why is that woman tied up, and why is her bird-saviour feeding her? Is she being fattened up? Why isn't she being untied? Why is that couple , one of whom has an eagle's head, sitting naked in the mouth of a monster? They seem at peace, so maybe he's just keeping them safe? And what to make of the slightly menacing anthropomorphic characters, assorted scattered body parts, and strangely humanoid but not human figures with which her works are populated? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFbiHTCoNI/AAAAAAAAATk/rgIwKj3L8NM/s1600-h/JULIANNA3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFbiHTCoNI/AAAAAAAAATk/rgIwKj3L8NM/s320/JULIANNA3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211046885476966610" /></a>One of my personal favorites is a portrait of a well-dressed couple, a gentleman rabbit in a waistcoat and spats and bearing a single flower, complete with root system, walking with his brightly-dressed wife, whose high-heeled boots, toy hat, and parasol are nicely set off by her teal plumage and the fish she carries in her mouth. <br> I want to know more about them - are they going visiting? The rabbit looks away, seemingly irritated, while the bird looks directly at the viewer, almost smug. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFhQJpSCXI/AAAAAAAAAT0/NvZx-jsyIBE/s1600-h/webcover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFhQJpSCXI/AAAAAAAAAT0/NvZx-jsyIBE/s320/webcover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211053173939243378" /></a>The lyrical quality of Bright's paintings is matched by the dreamy, lilting songs of The Golden Bears, who recently recorded a series of lullabies based on children's stories belonging to her grandfather. <br> Like her paintings, the songs, filled with vivid imagery of ships in harbour, diffused sunlight, and life seen through antique mirrors, conjures a world in perpetual autumn: crisp, beautiful, and slightly chilly. <br>It is a peaceful and quiet place where you nevertheless must bundle up against the scary uncertainty of the outside world (in "This Golden Afternoon", Bright mentions that it impossible for her to make art, sing, or even sweep up leaves without having "demons about"). <br>Sweeping tales built around a single image predominate (branches against the sky, sunlight filtering through a window, and frequently, the sea), or in one funny instance, a lullaby where she fairly begs her daughter to go down for a nap - "Sleep, my darling/sleep an hour/sleep just like a folded flower" - Bright's remarkably clear, soothing voice is given a perfect platform with these songs, a natural evolution from the acoustic protest-cum-folk songs that occasionally pop up in the Quails' catalogue. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFmS3o-W9I/AAAAAAAAAT8/UBA5CgWgNDA/s1600-h/3a-alatticeonthewall_jpg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFmS3o-W9I/AAAAAAAAAT8/UBA5CgWgNDA/s320/3a-alatticeonthewall_jpg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211058718203861970" /></a><br /><br />Since becoming a parent, Bright has noticed that her work is beginning to revolve a lot around animals and birds and other child-appropriate themes that echo the work of fellow artist and mom Nikki McClure. Like McClure, she and Lorenczi frequently find themselves making art out of necessity (their album, Walls Without Walls, for instance, was recorded because playing the demo versions in the car was the only thing that would get Evie to stop crying). <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFhEHwATCI/AAAAAAAAATs/MUwC8PLnX6g/s1600-h/webphoto1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFFhEHwATCI/AAAAAAAAATs/MUwC8PLnX6g/s320/webphoto1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211052967272139810" /></a>Doubtless the urge to fill the world with beautiful images, delicious food, and gorgeous sounds is an effort to create the sort of world she and Lorenczi would like to gift to their beloved child, a desire to create a perfect nest that they can all snuggle into, warm and relatively safe from the kinds of forces that they railed against in their younger days. It's a nest we would all love to crawl into. <p> Check out Bright's illustrations on <a href= "http://www.juliannabright.com"> her website</a>, and visit The Golden Bears <a href = "http://www.myspace.com/thegoldenbears">Myspace</a> page to hear the music that you'll have trouble tearing yourself away from.Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991114142478450664.post-42053471797771208122008-06-11T22:30:00.000-07:002008-12-10T07:53:41.004-08:00The Anne Dress gets dressed upCurrently listening to: <a href = "http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=16780060">The Golden Bears "Inspirational Lullaby"</a>, The Quails "When I Was A Lifeboat"<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC1OostkoI/AAAAAAAAARc/rwEK_aVRe9s/s1600-h/Anneblackdonealone.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC1OostkoI/AAAAAAAAARc/rwEK_aVRe9s/s320/Anneblackdonealone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210864031915414146" /></a><br />This week I've been tackling some of the 18 orders that I've piled up (from Capsule, online, and the custom dress party I had a few weeks ago), and the most exciting piece to come out of all this is a new silk shantung iteration of the Anne Dress, which I'm going to start offering on the site as part of my new Mignonette bridal collection. And to illustrate just how much work goes into making the darn thing, I made a little step-by step guide to the creation of the "Anne": <p><p>1. First, you cut out all the pieces. In the case of this version, it was 16 pieces. Whew. Then, you pin them together. Now comes the part that's actually fun: Adding on the ruffle. I love how, when it first gets going, it looks like a beautiful long ribbon on the front of the dress: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC1ur4HI7I/AAAAAAAAARk/6O7W30yXpHw/s1600-h/Anneblackruffleribbon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC1ur4HI7I/AAAAAAAAARk/6O7W30yXpHw/s320/Anneblackruffleribbon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210864582524347314" /></a><p>and then, as you go, it starts to look more like a bandolier: <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC2bLdhi2I/AAAAAAAAARs/A9hR7cqRjko/s1600-h/Anneblackbandolier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC2bLdhi2I/AAAAAAAAARs/A9hR7cqRjko/s320/Anneblackbandolier.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210865346917010274" /></a><br>I think this picture is cool because it's so symmetrical. It looks like an entirely space-age garment, I think. <br>Also for this dress I made a new kind of ruffle with a seam on the outside, which gave it a really beautiful line that I'm pretty psyched about. <br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC30yqkf9I/AAAAAAAAAR8/PUqU2KYXJIk/s1600-h/Anneblackruffledetail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC30yqkf9I/AAAAAAAAAR8/PUqU2KYXJIk/s320/Anneblackruffledetail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210866886449070034" /></a><br /><p>2. Now it's time to put in the lining. In this case the bride-to-be chose a bright red heavy satin, which turned out gorgeously. For future Annes I might make it a dark teal though. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC26aw-bLI/AAAAAAAAAR0/cgi0sPp0Oeo/s1600-h/Anneblackredliningironing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC26aw-bLI/AAAAAAAAAR0/cgi0sPp0Oeo/s320/Anneblackredliningironing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210865883601071282" /></a>, <br>then the lining is added in and flipped inside out so that the ruffle stands up:<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC4Gnc4ODI/AAAAAAAAASE/ni5KnB0JEXg/s1600-h/Anneblackrufflecloseup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC4Gnc4ODI/AAAAAAAAASE/ni5KnB0JEXg/s320/Anneblackrufflecloseup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210867192676497458" /></a><br> 3.Now it's zipper time. The lining doesn't look half-bad. Hooray to me. <br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC42rF7eQI/AAAAAAAAASM/GjaNOEiv8oo/s1600-h/Anneblackliningattached.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC42rF7eQI/AAAAAAAAASM/GjaNOEiv8oo/s320/Anneblackliningattached.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210868018287704322" /></a><br /><br>Now we step back to admire our work. The royal we, of course, unless you count the cats, who only care whether or not my sewing is disturbing their busy schedules of sleeping and licking themselves in various rooms.<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC5R2_xwYI/AAAAAAAAASU/JFswmO2fHN8/s1600-h/Anneblackruffle2ndtry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC5R2_xwYI/AAAAAAAAASU/JFswmO2fHN8/s320/Anneblackruffle2ndtry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210868485339595138" /></a>4. And on to the sleeves. Here it is without sleeves, which frankly I kinda like. It's very flirty this way. Or maybe it's very Elvira. Either way, it appeals to the femme-fatale image I wish I conveyed. <br /><br> The ruffle is doing all kinds of wackadoo things so it has to be pinned down and "trained" for the duration. <br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC6DFgwnCI/AAAAAAAAASc/mtr5NsCx0xk/s1600-h/Anneblacknosleeve.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC6DFgwnCI/AAAAAAAAASc/mtr5NsCx0xk/s320/Anneblacknosleeve.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210869331049618466" /></a><br /><br>Ironing the sleeves is always funny because they look like scary, shiny metal gauntlets. * Actually I guess they don't, but at the time they did, which means I was up way too late the night before. <br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC6wjKOBuI/AAAAAAAAASk/i0YWeEhm5E8/s1600-h/Anneblacksleevesonironingboard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC6wjKOBuI/AAAAAAAAASk/i0YWeEhm5E8/s320/Anneblacksleevesonironingboard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210870112102254306" /></a><br /><br /><br> Now everyone knows that I cut fabric on the floor, using a taped-together ruler, and that my sewing machine table is balanced by an old towel. I don't actually like cutting on the floor, but my cutting table is currently being used by the actual Anne to create a scale drawing of the solar system, and she's so darn happy that I don't have the heart to move her. <p> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC7xYkFXcI/AAAAAAAAASs/YOCxoNUBh_0/s1600-h/Anneblacksleeveattached.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC7xYkFXcI/AAAAAAAAASs/YOCxoNUBh_0/s320/Anneblacksleeveattached.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210871225949445570" /></a><br /><br /><br> Now the sleeve is set in and it looks kinda cute, mais non? <br> Now I iron it again, and then steam it and lint-roll it, all dressed in my fanciest sewing outfit, i.e. my pajamas, even though by this point it's probably 2 in the afternoon. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC8QiEhBSI/AAAAAAAAAS0/beZ5qKAmj40/s1600-h/Anneblackkplintroll.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC8QiEhBSI/AAAAAAAAAS0/beZ5qKAmj40/s320/Anneblackkplintroll.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210871761077339426" /></a><br /><br> It is a testament to how much Anne must love me that I could look like this and yet she stays with me. Ah well, we must suffer for our art. And speaking of art: <br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC9KiXtZpI/AAAAAAAAAS8/pAC6GeS9ZW0/s1600-h/Anneblackdonewithkp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC9KiXtZpI/AAAAAAAAAS8/pAC6GeS9ZW0/s320/Anneblackdonewithkp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210872757590255250" /></a><br> Et Voila! 49 steps later, a star is born! <p>But first, the dress takes a quiet moment to contemplate its birth, which Anne graciously captures on film.:<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC9tIOQ8NI/AAAAAAAAATE/sEFxsOSHgHs/s1600-h/Anneblacksilhouette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_89WO0xNMnhU/SFC9tIOQ8NI/AAAAAAAAATE/sEFxsOSHgHs/s320/Anneblacksilhouette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210873351866740946" /></a> <p> What do you think? Do you like it?Kpoene'http://www.blogger.com/profile/03174452608647391235noreply@blogger.com3