Tag: Handmade Style
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A New DVF Wrap Dress in an Edgy Floral Print
The DVF Wrap Dress is truly a classic. I just completed a version in a beautiful fuchsia and gray viscose knit fabric and love the result! The Details For this version, I used a stretchy knit fabric as the dress is cut and fit to hug the body in the bodice. This fabric is a…
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The Twinset Turns 90 and is Still New and Cool
Regardless of whether you think the twinset — a knitted shell and matching cardigan — is fashionable or frumpy, it is an iconic style that is 90 years old this year! For my generation, the twinset entered our style consciousness in the early 2000s when J. Crew debuted the style in a splash of bright…
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Fashion Friday: The DVF Wrap Dress is New Again
The DVF wrap dress, designed by Diane von Furstenberg, debuted 50 years ago and remains a classic. Like a peak on a seismograph, its popularity spikes every few years — and somehow always seems new and fresh each time. Image from here I was too young to be in tune with fashion when the original…
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Hand-Knits and a Charming Chihuahua Make Saturdays Extra Special
Cozy hand-knits and charming chihuahuas are made for Saturday mornings and farmer’s markets! Oscar is outfitted in his Puppia harness and armed with his most enchanting chihuahua smile, while I am wearing my latest hand-knit — a cozy “throw on and go” cardi with a bold houndstooth pattern. I think we make quite a team!…
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Remaking a Vintage Haori is my New Project
I have an old haori jacket hanging on my dress form. This lovely piece has been there for quite a while now, its beautiful print showcasing a bright spring color palette tempered by a plain jacquard weave silk lining. Its distinct woody smell, retained from the antique dresser it was stored in, reminds me of…
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A Cozy Wrap Sweater in a Fresh New Color
This cozy wrap sweater — with its giant shawl collar — is a statement piece! Kim Hargreaves’ Devote sweater pattern was the starting point. I made a few tweaks, such as using a different yarn and incorporating some style changes, and ended up with a deliciously cozy wrap sweater with a gigantic statement-making shawl collar.…
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Everyone Needs a Beautiful Cape … Despite What Edna Says
I love a beautiful cape — even if Edna disagrees! They exude elegance and drama. Voluminous ones can swing around the body for a cocoon-like effect. Tailored styles have a modern and sleek look. Knitted versions are so soft and snuggly they feel like blankets. Oversized collars, flounces, ruffles, gathers, trims – capes can be…
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A New Hand-Knit Scarf Made of Vibrant Silk
I love traveling with a hand-knit scarf or cowl — especially one that is lightweight, colorful, versatile, and easy to carry. While my Chunky Twist Cowl is a handy piece for winter travel, the other three seasons of the year call for something a bit lighter. I think the Lacy Silk Scarf works well for…
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Sashiko: Stitched by Hand to Create a Unique Look
Sashiko stitching requires rhythm. Up, down, forward motion — with a threaded needle in one hand and cloth in the other, one hand pricks while the other hand guides. Both hands move in unison, creating lines of stitches that run straight or meander into waves and coalesce into stunning designs. Image from here Growing up,…
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Complete Your Spring Look With a New Knit Cardi
Spring weather is notorious for its unpredictability. It can be sunny one day and chilly the next, so dressing in layers is key, especially when you are traveling. I just finished a new hand-knit that would make the perfect layering piece for Spring travel — the Amalfi Cardigan by designer Tayler Harris! It has classic…
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7 Ways to Think About Clothing in a New Way
I admit it. I’ve always loved clothing and fashion, shopping, and especially a good bargain. Over the years, I’ve accumulated bins full of clothes — both bought and handmade — that are stacked in my closet. Nordstrom Anniversary Sales, Cos sales, Britex fabric remnant bins, and closeout yarn sales have all contributed to my oversized…
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Four Easy Ways to Style the Chunky Twist Cowl
Tossing on a hand knit like the Chunky Twist Cowl is one of my fave ways to stay warm and stylish. Made with a super bulky wool yarn and shaped with a twist, the cowl can be styled in different ways. Here are just 4 simple looks – but I’m sure there are many more…