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Feb
4
We are honored and humbled to be here…..
sharing our final Project Run and Play entry with you today:
“Our Signature Style”
Modern Heirloom: an Oxymoron of Timeless Simplicity
And while we really, really, really want to share our sentiments about this journey…..we know we have our “Signature Style” to share with you, as well as some behind the scenes leading up to this look. So, sentiments aside….and a BIG THANK YOU must suffice for now!!
Time and time again, it’s been said that “Signature Styles”
are often the most difficult challenge of any competitor of Project Run and Play.
It’s personal…..extremely personal.
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Our “style” has evolved since we began sewing a few years ago, and we’re sure it will continue to do so in the years to come. Still, our “big ideas” {as they currently stand} in style are evidenced in our previous Project Run and Play challenges {here, here, and here}….although, each one is evidenced in a different era of sewing, so to speak…
Week One was all about a timeless, heirloom look…
Complete with smocking, lace, and beadwork.
Week Two continued with details, details, details…
This time, however, it was showcased in our favorite era to draw inspiration from – the 1960s. Trims, notions, cording, and piping were seen on various types of solid fabrics and whimsical details were incorporated and embroidered within the garment.
Week Three moved to the present with two fashionably, trendy outfits
that incorporated the 2014 PANTONE colors of the year…
Leg warmers, a cowl sweater, an infinity scarf, and skinny jeans were all part of this look. Still, as trendy as it was, embroidery details were incorporated in both garments – again using the entire 2014 PANTONE color palette as a guide.
****************************************************************************
Before this season began, a dear friend reminded us to stay true to ourselves and our style through this competition, and so we did. And while we stretched ourselves through the competition, our style remained – a tried and true “constant” for us…and one that we still love!
“Signature Style” creations challenge the sewist/s to define not only their style, but also themselves within it. Since we work within the confines of “themes” so much better, we decided to make a “theme within a theme” for our “Signature Style”….all while passing on some virtues and traits we’d like our nieces to possess, as well as anyone else they meet along the way. Think of it as a message, displayed within the confines of our “Signature Style.”
Using Biblical principles, we created an outfit for each girl {and 5 matching accessory pieces – 2 Bible covers, 2 cinch purses, and EA’s hair tie} that incorporate these virtues within the garments. Of course, we tried to include as many “signature traits” of our sewing throughout…
For CL, we made a “Fruit of the Spirit” dress {Galatians 5:22-23}.
What parent wouldn’t want their child to possess love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?!?!
We know we need those traits daily – not only in our sewing, but also in all other avenues of our lives.
EA’s “Skirt of Thought” showcased great characteristics to focus on as well….day in and day out.
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report…If there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things” {Philippians 4:8}.
While Project Run and Play is designed to challenge and better one’s sewing skills,
these two verses are also a daily challenge for us…..and one worth remembering!!
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So, let’s share a few specifics about the outfits and how each tie into
our “Signature Style” of “Modern Heirloom: An Oxymoron of Timeless Simplicity”….
CL’s outfit remained true to the classy, vintage, timeless, simple designs we love to sew.
Detailed embroidery was then added to create a unique, one-of-a-kind, garment.
We are somewhat obsessed with solid French knot embroidery {some of our favorite garments
that incorporate this “shag carpet” look can be seen here, here, here, and here}. While this is a VERY time-consuming detail {this portion of the topiary tree required 12-15 hours of French knots}, it never disappoints….
We began with the Oliver and S, Puppet Show Dress,
but combined the yoke and skirt portions to make it as a singular piece.
This tutorial was extremely helpful as we created the dress.
The main portion of the dress was accented with vintage-styled fabric
along the sleeve cuffs, collar, and bloomers.
We redrafted the collar pieces to create an asymmetrical collar,
complete with double piping and a decorative “topiary” button.
As for the details {because we love details}, a topiary tree of solid French knots was placed in an embroidered “Fruit of the Spirit” pot {a small pocket attached along the base of the dress}.
Additional details included a piped lip to the pot and orange “fruity French knots”
embroidered within the main topiary of French knots.
A sweet, accent trim lined the placket area along the back of the dress.
This trim was also used in CL’s cinch purse handles…
a subtle {but sweet} connection to make it a more cohesive look.
Two accessory pieces {the self-drafted Bible cover and a cinch purse}
incorporated the fabrics from the dress….again, making it a “complete look.”
Taking the dimensions of a child’s New Testament Bible {and checking out the construction of our mom’s iPad cover, bought from a friend}, we created a color-blocked Bible cover – the perfect size for small hands to take to church.
The cover was held in place by two interior pockets and a magnetized snap closure…
easy for a child to operate independently.
EA’s outfit had more of an “heirloom with an edge…” look.
Why?? Embroidery and paint were used to create her garment….
and it isn’t every day you see a detailed filled garment using both of these elements of design.
For the blouse, we mixed and matched the various views of the Oliver and S, Music Class Blouse
and added a pop of color in the piping and fussy-cut covered buttons.
This was designed to mimic the reversed JESUS wood carvings that made a debut many years ago.
Embroidery was added above and below the painting, as well as within the reversed word, THINK.
Each letter housed something to think about, as referenced through scripture.
Finally, as a pop of color, orange embroidery was stitched around the paint
to create more texture and design element.
This detail further connected the skirt to the blouse detailing and accents.
A coordinating fabric was used as a skirt tie, lining, and EA’s hair tie.
All the elements from EA’s blouse and skirt were once again utilized
in her two accessory pieces {a self-drafted, coordinating Bible cover and a cinch purse}.
The cinch purse was made by tracing a dinner plate, and cutting two coordinating fabrics from it.
A casing was made between the two fabrics, and trim was woven through two buttonhole openings.
This buttonhole “cinched look” mirrored the trim being run through EA’s skirt buttonhole,
and further joined the accessory pieces to the outfit.
These two little ladies are ready for church, and any other special occasions that await them in 2014.
And, we’ll be back tomorrow for a final “behind the scenes” post on how these outfits came to be…..
What are some items that we plan on sharing with you?
What fabric did we “build” this entire look from, why was it almost scrapped,
and who pulled us through the “situation”??
What part of the outfit was made four times before being satisfied with the outcome?
What was our one Christmas gift request this year?
How was it utilized {or not utilized} through this look?
What 2013 Sewing ReSEWlution was attempted, and did we meet with success?
What part of our “Signature Style” do we claim “Beginner’s Luck” in creating?
How did THREE TYPES of social media assist us in completing this look?
What postponed our photos for three days,
and had us wringing our hands on looming deadlines??
*******************************************************************
Outfit / Fabric Specifications:
Patterns: Oliver and S, Puppet Show Dress; Oliver and S, Tea Party Bloomers;
Oliver and S, Music Class Blouse; Oliver and S, Swingset Skirt
{note: modifications and detailing for each listed above}
Self-Drafted Accessories: Magnetized, color-blocked children’s Bible covers; Cinch purses; EA’s hair tie
Oliver and S, Music Class Blouse; Oliver and S, Swingset Skirt
{note: modifications and detailing for each listed above}
Self-Drafted Accessories: Magnetized, color-blocked children’s Bible covers; Cinch purses; EA’s hair tie
Fabrics for CL: solid cream and brown piping {Textile Fabrics};
orange piping {Bernina Sewing Machine Station};
Simple Abundance by Thimble Blossoms for Moda {Thimble Blossoms}
orange piping {Bernina Sewing Machine Station};
Simple Abundance by Thimble Blossoms for Moda {Thimble Blossoms}
Trims/Notions for CL: purse and dress trim {Hobby Lobby};
all buttons – decorative, placket, and sleeves {Textile Fabrics}
all buttons – decorative, placket, and sleeves {Textile Fabrics}
Fabrics for EA: solid blue and brown fabrics {Textile Fabrics,},
Happy Go Lucky by Moda {Fat Quarter Shop}; orange piping {Bernina Sewing Machine Station}
Happy Go Lucky by Moda {Fat Quarter Shop}; orange piping {Bernina Sewing Machine Station}
*******************************************************************
33 Comments
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Your embroidery detail is always impressive! wonderful outfits.
Thank you, Renee!! That means so much coming from you….
Your outfits are always amazing. However, the details on these just took my breath away. Thank you for sharing your inspiring work.
Awww, thanks so much for those sweet words!!
You really have stayed true to your style! Congrats on making it this far! I loved reading about all of the details of these outfits. They just keep coming and coming…such a work of love!
Thanks Sally!! Yes….works of love indeed. Now, for a little rest!
Amazing ladies! I am so glad you stayed true to your style. It is beautiful and thought provoking. I love all of it!
Thanks Carin….we appreciate your sentiments!
As ever, I’m in complete awe of what you two create. I love love love your style and all the embroidery and detailing you put in.
You make us blush!! Thanks so much for those sweet comments…we are glad we inspire you a bit…
I have never regretted not having children. However, your designs are almost enough to make me wish I had a little girl and a lot of money to get you to keep her dressed. Actually, I would need y’all to take care of her, too. I guess it’s best that I just look at the pictures of your family! I am SO proud of both of you!
You are so sweet….and funny….. “Sister Momma” might could spare one at times – if you only lived closer :).
Wow, really awesome! We can’t even say what detail we love the most they are so wonderful. In the sew along for this week, we included some embroidery too, but it didn’t take 12-15 hours! Although we can appreciate that amount of dedication and talent!! (You can see our submission here http://skirtfixation.com/2014/02/t-shirt-dress-outfit/)
It was kind of crazy…..putting that kind of time into the outfit, while on a time crunch. BUT, we couldn’t put a price tag on it either — completely made with love…..and quite possibly one of our favorite outfis to date!
I love your scripture inspired embroidery! It gives a modern twist to Deuteronomy 6:8 and makes my heart happy whenever I see one of your pieces. If hand embroidery didn’t make me want to stab myself in the eye with a needle I would be all over this! As it is, I might have to sneak some scripture onto my girls’ clothes with my sewing machine. It just won’t be nearly as beautiful or artistic. Thanks for sharing!
Deuteronomy 6:8….how very true! There is so much inspiration from scripture that could be incorporated into a garment….it’s fun to see where it takes you! And, YOU COULD SO DO THE EMBROIDERY – just takes time and patience!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these!!!!!
Thanks Linda!
Oh, my goodness! You have my vote. These outfits are beautiful and inspiring. Your hand work and all the special details set these in a class all by themselves. They are definitely heirlooms and will be treasured by their daughters some day! Your style is traditional, classic, but with a unique modern twist. I love both outfits!!!
Thanks Karen :)…..your heirloom inspired creations are always breathtaking as well!!
Simple, classy, beautiful and scriptures embroidery… This is too much!!. These girls are officially the best dressed girls around. My best part is the scriptures…, may God bless you and increase you always.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! YES!! We LOVE bringing scripture into outfits, and hope to do more of that in the years to come….
Greetings of peace! You have created a fabulous look .As you so rightly said , who doesn’t want their children to be good and honest and just and faithful and true. And the ultimate truth is – That God is one and there is none like unto him.
Mark 12:29
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:”
Note the use of the words Our God by Jesus – that God is the God of Israel AND the God of Jesus. So Jesus is not God as is clearly apparent from his own words. So who was Jesus ?
To know more about this great messenger of God , who was born to a virgin mother , a miracle from God , created by the Word of God , I urge you to read the Holy Koran , God’s last revelation to mankind and still preserved verbatim in the original language it was revealed.May God guide you. Ameen.
Thanks Shireen. We love sharing our beliefs and those same Biblical teachings through the garments we create for our nieces…
The French knots making up the topiary are absolutely wonderful! So classic and beautiful. You stayed true to your signature style!
Thanks Irene!! You are the queen of ‘classy and beautiful’, so it tickles us you think this is such….
I love how you used that reverse block for the TRUTH. Such a great idea! As usual, so very classic and darling!
Thanks Karly. It’s “us”!!!
These are beautiful! I love how you incorporated the Bible verses, and all your little details are amazing as always. I’ve never thought of combining paint and embroidery, but I really like how yours turned out. That piped peter pan collar is perfect! I love all the little accessories too. =)
Thanks Charity….it sums us up, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final outcome!!
Those outfits are incredible and the detail is stunning. I’m inspired to make scripture covers for my girls as well. Very, very beautiful.
Love the embroidery! So adorable! Thanks for linking up over at Skirtfixation!
[…] we opted to choose the patterns that were featured as our Project Run and Play signature style. Needless to say, we love both the Puppet Show and Music Class patterns and felt that they […]