Re-cap of Summer!

Throughout the summer, I ended up creating a number of looks and garments!  I wanted to wrap up the blog by sharing the outfits with all of you!

I started out making a raglan sleeve sweater; the first of three is most basic.

The next had an addition of front chest pocket.  Styling is a little different now containing paisley versus the stripe.

The final raglan sleeve sweater went for a more sporty look with a front pocket and drawstring waist.

It was now time to try a new type of garment.  I chose to do a boat neck dress.  This is easily wearable with a blazer, leggings or just on its own.

Evolving from this look, I extended into a maxi dress.  I also adjusted the neckline into a scoop neck as well as shortening the sleeve.

For an added piece, I wanted do a sash around the waist; however, this can be worn just as well plain.

Going away from clothing, I then went onto doing an accessory; this being a clutch.

Since the outer fabric is neutral in color, I did a nice pop of yellow inside as an element of surprise.  This is completely appropriate for accessories; especially handbags and clutches.

I again evolved the piece.  I did a handbag which involved leather.

The outer fashion fabric is actually upholstery.  I added the leather trim to the base and straps for a feel of richness.

At this point in the summer, I had really begun grasping many of the concepts in regards to construction.  It was time I try my luck with sketching.  I ended up sketching a collection inspired by pearls.  This led me to creating the final looks of summer.

The first one is very basic; three-quarter sleeve boat neck with black embellishing on the gray fabric.  I love this top because it can be worn in multiple ways: with jeans, blazer, cardigan, dressed up or down and much more!

This tunic entailed the most challenge in construction but it was well worth the efforts.  Although it is not easily seen in the photo, there are different panels of the fabric sewn together as well as a zipper.

My next look is still following that "pearl inspired" feel but geared towards the cold winters in South Dakota.  

I did sweater knit, print legging as well as a draped open sweater.  This is my "cozy chic" look.

I went back to the jacquard material found in the tunic previously.  It would now be used on a paneled above-knee length skirt.

For styling purposes, I had tucked in an ivory blouse.

The final look is my absolute favorite.  I used the same sweater knit as I had for my legging.

I love the "mod" look so really played off of that by adding trims on hem, sleeve, and faux welt pockets.

The last item I made to finish off this small collection was another handbag.

I used the last of my jacquard material to make this bag.  I had also bought a black leather hide for my trimmings.  This bag is a bit bigger than the last, but let's face it, girls need room in their bags;)

So there you have it!  13 looks created throughout the summer of being an intern!  As promised, I am not done blogging.  I will begin a new blog focusing on the different styles I like to wear everyday.  Of course there will be more photos as well as sewing!  

Thank you for all of the support!

Sydnie

LAST DAY SUMMER INTERNSHIP

What words could possibly express the incredible experience I have had this summer?  I have learned more than I could have ever imagined prior to starting my internship.  I knew that fashion was in my future career, but now I have a much better idea of what I want to focus on when continuing school.  So far I have already sent out one application to a design program I am hoping to pursue post graduation spring of 2014.  Until then, I am going to continue practicing the construction, sketching and studying of apparel.

Of course I would not be where I am at right now if it were not for my wonderful mentor, Christopher Straub.

He has spent a large amount of time this summer teaching me skills, techniques, and tricks needed to be a successful fashion designer someday.  I have to say I am very inspired after having had the opportunity to work for such a talented person.  This was THE most amazing internship I could have ever asked for and I will never forget it.

Seeing that it was the last day, we ended by sewing which was perfect:)  I wanted to complete a new bag for the collection so that was the project I worked on!  After it was all finished, I had a new accessory to utilize:

  

Inside I placed a pocket for a new addition from the last bag.  

I made it a bit bigger than the last with longer straps and front aesthetic strapping.  

Concluding my last day as an intern, I am proud of all of the accomplishments that came out during the summer.  I also want to thank you all for the support and enthusiasm throughout; however, this does not mean I am done blogging;)  

Talk to you soon,

Sydnie

Summer Internship: Day 53

I cannot believe it is closing in on an end already with my internship.  Tomorrow is my last day and Wednesday I will be heading back home to start preparing for my senior year of college.  In the beginning of the summer, I had very minimal knowledge when it came to clothing construction.  Looking on the things I have accomplished throughout the internship, I have grown immensely from the starting point.  Skills as well as confidence have developed further with experience and it has made a world of difference.  

However, since my time here is limited, there were some places I wanted to makes visits to before leaving.  One of my future projects will be another bag but one to fit into the themed collections I recently presented through my blog.  I stopped to pick up leather for the base and trim at a place Christopher had introduced me to.  The combination of colors and textures will look like this:

Along with the black leather, I have metallic grays, and ivorys.  The floral print will be the lining and the webbing on the left side will be the straps.

The other place I was introduced to that I absolutely love is S.R. Harris.  I ABSOLUTELY had to go there one more time.  It is safe to say that I am slightly obsessed and am going to be making field trips frequently.  

I normally go in with an idea before shopping, but today I wanted to be spontaneous and let the fabric do the talking.  Season could play a role in what I purchased as fall and winter are approaching.  The first fabric I was captured by was the one below.

My thought is to somehow line this and do some type of outerwear shall.  I found a pattern that will be great with some modifications.

After I found this, I picked out a couple neutral fabrics to make basic tops to go under different tops.  I did a gray and an ivory.

Simple but necessity for any wardrobe!

The last little material I found is very unique in print.

With this one, I pictured doing this for the body of a shirt and doing a black contrast sleeve and neck.  I found a pattern that would allow and even have a different neck style. 

Rather than having a flowing body, I am going to have it fitted.

So these are some of the upcoming projects I am preparing to do!  Just because the internship is finishing does not stop the sewing; it has only begun:)

Thank you all again for the great support this summer!

Summer Internship: Day 52

This weekend has been dedicated to finishing up the garments from my collection!  So, I am going to make this short and sweet so you all can see the results:)

Above, I have made the leggings and sweater.  I wore a cami underneath; however, this can be styled very easily with a basic tee in a variety of colors.

This top was probably one of the hardest of clothing construction I have had yet.  Although it does not show in the photo,  there is paneling of material sewn separately along with the yoke straps.  I paired this top with black crops from White House Black Market.

And finally, my latest accomplishment, this skirt!  It is made from the same material as the top above.  The skirt also incorporates paneling and is sewn to fit the curves of the body.  For styling it can be worn in multiple ways: bare leg, tights, belted and many more!  I added an ivory, ruffled blouse for this look along with a floral headband accessory.

I only have a couple days left before I will be heading back home!  This experience has been incredible!  More to share the next couple days so stay in tune:)

Summer Internship: Day 51

I had one of the greatest experiences today.  Christopher was asked to advise an event in which teens competed in teams putting together an outfit in a matter of two hours.  Their materials were donated clothing items and accessories.  With the donated clothing, they had the ability to de-construct and create something completely new.  Working together with their partner they, could come up with a color story and/or theme to represent their new innovation.  Assistance was on standby to do any necessary sewing the teens needed completed.  Christopher was their "mentor" through this process so they could ask for suggestions and advice throughout the process.  I even got the opportunity to work with some of the students!  They were so excited and passionate, it made me just as excited to witness it!  Each group had a completely different idea from one another.  It was incredible to watch their wheels turn and come up with their concepts.  

At the end, all of the groups went up one at a time and presented their garments.  There were three judges in attendance to do scoring.  They were judging on creativity, construction and other factors to choose their winner.  It was a very hard call!  All of the teens had something amazing they offered through their clothing.

A winning team was chosen but everyone was rewarded for their efforts.  I absolutely loved this experience.  It was inspiring.  I know this feeling very well through being a dance instructor on the side and watching students light up when they get a move right or are just free in a performance.

It doesn't matter what you do as long as it is something that brings joy to yourself and others.  

Summer Internship: DAY 50

50 DAYS OF BEING AN INTERN!!!  I cannot even believe how much I have learned in such a quick period of time.  I have about a week left of this experience; although I wish I could keep learning on the side of Christopher, I have to graduate this coming Spring 2014!  Once this is accomplished I will have a major in apparel merchandising and minors in business and dance.  My education will not be done there; however.  After this internship experience, it has now solidified my future career path.  I want to narrow in on fashion design specifically so my goal is to obtain a degree in it once my four year education is finished.  With that being said, internships are great insight when trying to discover your passion and figuring out jobs that suit you.  I actually almost stayed in my home town to do my internship, but after discussing with professors, they recommended I venture out.  I am EXTREMELY grateful I took that advice because I would not have the knowledge I do now.  This journey has changed my life.  I probably would have never gotten into sewing the way I have, learned sketching techniques, nor gotten the incredible insight from a true designer.  I know I have said it before but I will say it again, I am truly blessed with having done this over the summer.  

But enough of my "schpeel"!  Let's talk about what I did today:) I was doing independent work today at home working on a sewing project.  From the collection I had sketched out, one of the pieces included leggings and a sweater.

    
As I had said before, I had to modify the sweater pattern as well as choose somewhat similar material to what I had sketched out.

So let's get started with how these leggings are actually made!  They are fairly simple.  After the pattern is cut, you have something that looks like this:

Basically it looks like absolutely nothing right now; definitely not your idea of how pants will come out but trust me it will!  I start out by pinning those curvatures you see at the top to be serged.

These are actually the crotch seams (not sure of a more appropriate way to say it so I will just be blunt).  Once I take these seams and pull them to the sides they look like so:

SURPRISE!  Pants!  It is like magic how garments come out after some manipulation.  

My next step is to do some shortening on the legs.  Again, I am short and if my legs were ever that long, it would be a miracle!

I marked the ends to cut off around 4 inches on each side.  Then I pinned the leg hems to be finished.

When this hem is serged and flipped out it is now finished!  The next item I do is serge the legs.  The last step is putting on the waistband and elastic.  

I leave a small opening to insert the elastic.  To help pull this through, it is best to use a safety pin on one end.  

After it has made its way through, sew your elastic ends together and let it sit in the band as the rest of it is ready to be serged.

Once that is complete, you have yourself a pair of leggings!  These in particular are a sweater knit material that easily stretch and will be warm for fall and winter.  

I will show photos of the leggings on once the matching sweater is ready too:)

Summer Internship: Day 49

As I left yesterday from the studio, I had began ironing my outer seams to prepare it to be sewn after it was serged.  This method, along with others, helps the garment not to fray.  It also gives it a clean, finished look to have the edges concealed.  The fabric I am working with for this is a very light knit so sometimes it tends to want to slide and pull as it gets through the machine.  I have learned that stiffer material as I had worked with in my last look, are a little bit easier to work with.  However, the jacquard is also a woven versus a knit so it does not give a lot of ease as a knit does.  There are many pros and cons for both materials, but right now my main concern is working with knits.

I went through and tucked in the serged edges with pins and then was able to sew a cover stitch over that.  This took a little bit since the fabric is so long and flowing.  Once this was done I could attach my collar and then sleeves.  Finishing touches were added but I still have one step left before the garment is complete...a button!  I have never stitched a button hole so I am going to spend some time learning tomorrow on my machine.  Fingers crossed, everything will run smoothly!  

In the mean time, this is the work I have done so far on the sweater:

  
Tomorrow I will be working on the button as well as making leggings to match this sweater from the collection!  

Summer Internship: Day 48

As promised, I finished the tunic top I had been working on for the past couple days.  This was definitely the most challenging piece I have made yet but after seeing the results, it was totally worth it.  Just to give you a little reminder, my sketch looked like the following:

This top was made in the jacquard material which is slightly stiff so gives a clean, structured look.

One of the challenges to this look was putting in the zipper.  This was new to me.  I had put in a zipper before but by hand versus machine.

I managed to put it in after a couple tries.  I will definitely need more future practice though!  After doing the zipper, I only had hems left.  This meant for me trying it on first to see where it sat.  Here is where I discovered a tiny mistake.  ALWAYS MEASURE BEFORE CUTTING YOUR PATTERN PIECES!!!!  The top was slightly tight around the bust area.  My issue is that I assume that I am the same size, but patterns do not always run universally.  The garment is still wearable; however, in the future, I would give myself just a bit more room.  I can easily modify this for next time.  

Here are my results!  I only have it on the mannequin though because I forgot to bring the top home with me:(  

  
The tunic is worn longer as seen above; not to be confused with a dress.  This would be a VERY short dress and I do not recommend it! 

This top portion is very complicated in construction.  It is not easily visible, but it is made up of three different sections: top, band, and yoke (straps that go up over the shoulder).  I had to make sure to sew this in a certain order so it would catch correctly and turn out cleanly.  Several ironing sessions were again, involved.

Another new asset to the garment were these vents found at either side of the top near the hip.  

Despite this top being very challenging, it is inspiring me for future pieces.  I started on the sweater today as well and this is as far as I got:

I do not yet have sleeves or collar on yet, but so far this is very simple construction.  I will also be adding a button to one of the sides so that I will be able to have a closure that can be worn open or closed.  

Again, more results to come!  Continue to follow the process:)  I will be have a few pieces finished before the internship is officially complete!