tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41755708112506346862024-03-13T19:02:20.141-07:00DOLL TALK for Couture Doll Design ChallengeOld memories for Couture Doll Design Challenge members.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-38180684152711286612011-03-10T22:22:00.001-08:002011-03-10T23:35:58.135-08:00ARTISTS - SYLVIA, JOAN, SHARON<div align="left"><strong><em>SYLVIA</em></strong>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPj1x_k55ikgNqCWkcP1V33UWo-5uUxZW1iyoh__1Vq1DZ_mknUusoMppAe9wSZyKYPEypRhhgGoOawruOfbNYWZB1ac-DGdV4h8jpONSs8gOpbaski28NouTtwGHP3eTrIY7BQdoZMU/s1600-h/sylvia2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277316156876746738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPj1x_k55ikgNqCWkcP1V33UWo-5uUxZW1iyoh__1Vq1DZ_mknUusoMppAe9wSZyKYPEypRhhgGoOawruOfbNYWZB1ac-DGdV4h8jpONSs8gOpbaski28NouTtwGHP3eTrIY7BQdoZMU/s400/sylvia2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sylvia grew up in the Motor City - Detroit, Michigan - during the Motown era. Today she calls Kansas her home; a home she shares with her husband, Oliver, kitties, Sprite and Cloud, and her daughter, Zoe, when she is not away at college. There is no lack of talent around her house as she and her hubby work drawing and writing for Hallmark. She was his inspiration for his The Ruffle Lady in the bathing suit – her hubby loves to do “not always flattering” cartoons of her and their friends – what a joker. Maybe you can find “her” on his website:
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<br /><a href="http://www.revilocartoons.com/">Revilo Cartoons </a></div>
<br /><div align="left">She has a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art. And, although she has always been interested in fashion and fashion design, the money just wasn’t available for her to go to New York, so she decided to study graphic design and photography there.
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHnE9FOa2GJ8b1_QLH0DqqIc-Kh3I7IBPlb-NGaiMYmTMXBlgdkqQf2TVyKmET1orOJ8AejmDfbxd_tnt-LfpkIz7Oj8RzqaivY2X0o9IVRUB9wwj5laXA1C4x75wLvUBRZBVifsphv0/s1600-h/sylvia3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277318718761810386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 362px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHnE9FOa2GJ8b1_QLH0DqqIc-Kh3I7IBPlb-NGaiMYmTMXBlgdkqQf2TVyKmET1orOJ8AejmDfbxd_tnt-LfpkIz7Oj8RzqaivY2X0o9IVRUB9wwj5laXA1C4x75wLvUBRZBVifsphv0/s400/sylvia3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sylvia has always loved dolls and fashion, too, and originally did hand sewing for her dolls. But her German aunt, who was a professional tailor, taught her how to sew when she was 16. She’s been sewing from then on – even a lot of her own clothes. Aunt Lillian always said, “Remember, don't sew with the idea of saving money. Sew for perfect fit.” </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">When Sylvia’s Aunt thought she was ready, she got to buy a pattern, and she chose a three piece suit by YSL because she didn’t know not to. Initially her Aunt’s eyebrows shot up, but then she said, “Not the easiest choice, but when you get stuck, don't think of it as too hard or too complicated. Just think of it as having a few more steps.” She would also say of the sewer’s common practice of building stashes, “If you never use it, it wasn't a bargain." "Yikes," says Sylvia, “If you saw my sewing room you'd know that comment never quite sunk in.”
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWEidhuGfqfGbne2ELye7VR5YLJMPDkq46sxUKaCp44cSQsLt3pyDwRQXTP2sR5ICRaghdAwsFus428N8tFo79CqisGuu7-o4De7cjivKKR_f-0E3YzanGeI13MXXKfvhjoQGX15m_Ic/s1600-h/sylvia1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277324692912051618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 326px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWEidhuGfqfGbne2ELye7VR5YLJMPDkq46sxUKaCp44cSQsLt3pyDwRQXTP2sR5ICRaghdAwsFus428N8tFo79CqisGuu7-o4De7cjivKKR_f-0E3YzanGeI13MXXKfvhjoQGX15m_Ic/s400/sylvia1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Her sister, Phyllis and she both enjoy doll designing. In fact, they have plans to feature her designs and her sister’s fabulous miniature knits on a soon to be published website at:
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<br /><center>theeclecticcircus.com</div></cener>
<br /><div align="left">It may be awhile, though, because she is just learning how to build a site.</div>
<br /><div align="left">A lot of things have been going on with Sylvia’s family right now, so she needed a diversion, and thought this competition would provide one – and it did. She has also found that it has made her”kick myself into gear to get motivated to draw and design again.” </div>
<br /><div align="left">She thinks she’ll do okay in this competition although she knows there are designers in this competition that can sew rings around her, and hopes they get the kudos they deserve for that. Getting better with each challenge is another of her goals.
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<br /></div><div align="right"><strong><em>JOAN</em></strong>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEq9zW3-Nu5zLQzKd1etr8FViq8A-WUommHyOFqd-Ssx11XlY8Gz2HDPo_M1ynjf5xEerPqYy-jE0ssw0chHUpVRLyDi9FHU5PkCIqvNIrW6OP5ZA6s-A8P32GvLJUD12_Z6yrVefz-4/s1600-h/joan2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277334379477739858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEq9zW3-Nu5zLQzKd1etr8FViq8A-WUommHyOFqd-Ssx11XlY8Gz2HDPo_M1ynjf5xEerPqYy-jE0ssw0chHUpVRLyDi9FHU5PkCIqvNIrW6OP5ZA6s-A8P32GvLJUD12_Z6yrVefz-4/s400/joan2.jpg" border="0" /></a>“I’m an Iowa farm girl at heart now living across the border near Welcome, Minnesota on Fox Lake,” says Joan. But for 28 years she and her husband, Harlan, worked together full-time in their business, Fairmont Decorating She has two grown daughters and a son, and her fur-babies include Bandit, a pound kitty from San Francisco, and Wesley who was abandoned in her yard when just a tiny kitten.
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<br />Many a Barbie suffered a stab wound during her initial drape and stitch method. But at the age of 10, she started sewing with 4H – finally some much needed training. And by high school she was sewing clothing for both herself and family members. She started at ISU in Textiles & Clothing and then switched to an Interior Design/Drapery Specialist program. All totaled, she has constructed custom window treatments for 33 years while working as a designer in her own business. Every holiday meant new outfits for her kids, lovingly sewn into the night after working 60 hour work weeks.</div>
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<br /><div align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo35dxmRJccjvpg4axFYgP9sDf2dh9AtmTsJg3aGWzBaAGhFbuRHnVN4Ircflhh_OidQ-kh0UYQcwUbTlKd_2gMMckVVW3PGrFuPWUi8R7Kw6ZKF2zmxBuF7ZHy4EvC7FjUBWEeChW9j0/s1600-h/joan1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277335583890625746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo35dxmRJccjvpg4axFYgP9sDf2dh9AtmTsJg3aGWzBaAGhFbuRHnVN4Ircflhh_OidQ-kh0UYQcwUbTlKd_2gMMckVVW3PGrFuPWUi8R7Kw6ZKF2zmxBuF7ZHy4EvC7FjUBWEeChW9j0/s400/joan1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>
<br />She doesn't have a website, but shows her work online using:
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/penstemon52">Picture Trail</a></div>
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<br /><div align="left">Severe osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia forced her to close their business last fall. Now she continues to work part-time as an interior designer but also has time for her real love - sewing miniature doll costumes. Her intent was to make custom fabric dolls, but she wandered onto a doll website showing a Gene doll just over a year ago, and was hooked. </div>
<br /><div align="left">Since then, she has recreated a number of miniature wedding gowns, military uniforms, and many other one of a kind doll costumes. Recently she started sewing for Kurt Van Buskirk; a process that involved him sending a sketch and a box of fabric with the expectation she will be able to construct 4 outfits to his specifications. “What great practice for this competition.”
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq5HHisBOnwWFf-nQ5uz0MmuOs0WPlYXQJ6GCEiEwi4Jag8KrzZtPmW77XKZzJ-tIopgMHUHZToX5ln-HKeIGhExVGMMyk2QR6hHmTjz1hkleDu8IIT53CrGMOlelSMGqloOTnP7BxNI/s1600-h/joan3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277337350939108690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgq5HHisBOnwWFf-nQ5uz0MmuOs0WPlYXQJ6GCEiEwi4Jag8KrzZtPmW77XKZzJ-tIopgMHUHZToX5ln-HKeIGhExVGMMyk2QR6hHmTjz1hkleDu8IIT53CrGMOlelSMGqloOTnP7BxNI/s400/joan3.jpg" border="0" /></a> She entered this competition because she really wanted to be pushed into creating doll fashions. Previously she has never created he own designs, only copied pictures of ‘human’ scale clothing. Shewas a huge fan of the Project Dollway competition last year, and was amazed what the competitors were capable of, but was not aware of the at home competition until it was over. Therefore she is thrilled to have found out about this competition because she wanted to try competing with the ‘big dogs’ of dolly world.
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<br />Fascinated by the various character dolls available, she loves Lara Croft and Vasilisa as much for their stories as for their exotic looks. Working every day, creating clothing for fashion dolls is something she loves. And she never thinks of what we create as doll clothing.; rather she prefers to think of these outfits as clothing design in miniature. She is well aware many of the other competitors are true artists, but she feels that the truly awesome thing about the doll world is the friendships we share. “I spend far more time online with many of you than I do with my “real” world friends. Having to work at home has been a joy surrounded by my doll family, both miniature and online”.
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<br /><strong><em>Sharon</em></strong>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iJ_FYriYrejxYhO_CH-opETne2L8rpkIR2eEo0G40blICamyfPAW5VODm4lIMEFTsuUkil6CyLtFOpYZ01pQJgdGKQWfsshmMjOYL-w1uxMNhYTvuGBX8qAxlCfBbFeWSSYhhiC-Dlk/s1600-h/sharon1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277551153601396050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iJ_FYriYrejxYhO_CH-opETne2L8rpkIR2eEo0G40blICamyfPAW5VODm4lIMEFTsuUkil6CyLtFOpYZ01pQJgdGKQWfsshmMjOYL-w1uxMNhYTvuGBX8qAxlCfBbFeWSSYhhiC-Dlk/s400/sharon1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sharon lives in a small farming town about 30 miles from Lake Michigan; quite a major change from the big city, Grand Rapids, she had lived in for thirty years, but she’s never regretted it. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">She is a librarian, and her husband is a musician, and they have three grown children, one grandson, and another grandbaby due in the Spring. Rounding our their cast is their little old rat terrier, a young corgi-bulldog mix, a lovely little Siamese kitty, a bunny and two geese – something they couldn’t have if they hadn’t moved to the country.</div>
<br /><p>Self-taught in sewing and design, she has been sewing since she was a little girl, and gained her education by reading and paying attention. Being a librarian has provided many resources. She spent some years doing costuming for local theaters in Grand Rapids, which has very good community theaters; among the best in the country. She learned some nifty little theater tricks too, like how to get someone from a farm outfit into a full tuxedo in 60 seconds. Sewing for the opera was great, too, because she got to work on garments she would never have even seen in real life. She also did modern dress shows which are not as easy as you might think because everyone thinks they are experts. She has always been in tune with what people wear, and feels she mostly got it right.
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<br />She has also messed with various fiber arts; made and sold baskets at art shows for three years; was doing felting when no one even knew what it was; and knits, but she says she does it very badly. But she managed to make 13 sweaters when her son was doing theater because he was young enough to need a chaperone. She also spins, which she finds a lovely and relaxing thing to do. She feels “… these experiences made me more adventurous with my personal sewing.”
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<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277551337700268402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoh0H4pelUSVzP14zmlI5xuDMYZHSvTO-y9ejBhDOgOsG5wxfAkTCxPG2c8ZlcAQxjaAP-blRZ2r-Vg5tcuA2RbDKtABWdDh18iH8ayKEx5o54naEy_mti74Wfa8r4BV9ZyfaErz80WI/s400/sharon2.jpg" border="0" />Fashion is a spectator sport for her nowadays, and she no longer sews many clothes for herself anymore, but has made many outfits for her children. They always had the idea that they could be whatever they wanted for Halloween, and they were right. Her grandson was a chef last Halloween, and she is already looking forward to next year's outfit, whatever that may be. </p><p>Her journey to this competition came five years ago when she reconnected with Sasha dolls and one thing led to another. She has made and sold Sasha clothes but is not doing anything right now, and does not have a website, but would like one. Along with her Sasha's she has Sylvia Natterer dolls, some Kish dolls, some misc. kinds, and Ellowyne. She hasn’t decided if she will collect any more, although she freely admits she would not turn down another Sasha if one came her way…or a Natterer for that matter…and she thinks she probably needs a Pru…and more shelves. </p>
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<br /><p>“The competition is kind of a whack on the side of the head for me. I needed to get sewing again - I spent all summer working in my garden and, of course, I can't do that in Michigan in the Winter, so how fortunate that this competition came along just as I needed a new direction. I need a little prodding to finish things (does that sound at all familiar?)” She also feels she was getting stale with all those little girl doll dresses. She thought she was way more creative when she was younger, and was happy to find that she can still do it. One comment she got was that her collection was "quirky," and that made her so happy because that is what she wants it to be. She likes to look at things from a different angles, and this competition is providing her that opportunity. She also wondered if she was totally derivative or had her own voice. We shall see.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qRFS1tXWDe_ojXltOhuFYEKif-odqyqCx3ud3pbCkfLKzDx7qRyNMNad_CyqALTms7KhoXokkyvMAYacGSXQgfS5l9mKfMeOmOAOVIDsUmdE98SYRbZD84wxQ5WL-bHv3_ZbQFL44y0/s1600-h/sharon3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277551157772740530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qRFS1tXWDe_ojXltOhuFYEKif-odqyqCx3ud3pbCkfLKzDx7qRyNMNad_CyqALTms7KhoXokkyvMAYacGSXQgfS5l9mKfMeOmOAOVIDsUmdE98SYRbZD84wxQ5WL-bHv3_ZbQFL44y0/s400/sharon3.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />Judging from her first two scores, she feels she is not in danger of winning, so she can relax and enjoy herself. “I'm pretty competitive but also realistic. I think all my theater work taught me that. </p><p>Sometimes you just fill a niche -there are way better designers than I in this contest but I will be happy to hold my own.” She is just pleased to be connecting with other people who design and sew. Project Runway was such a boost for people who do this kind of thing, she thinks - anyone who does this knows what a joy it is to find someone to talk to about it. People who don't sew are all 'Oh wow, you MADE that?' which is nice, but designers also like to get some real conversation going. Her work as a library director is creative in a different way; she is usually doing about 15 things at any given moment. To go into her sewing room and be in her own little world is wonderful; then to come out and show her stuff to all the experts in this group, well, that is fabulous.</p>
<br /><p>"The only reason I'm in fashion is to destroy the word conformity." -Vivienne Westwood
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<br /><align="left">We wouldn’t usually use the word conformity – doing and thinking as others – as a trait describing fashion designers, and there is no reason to believe this word has anything to do with doll fashion designers, either. No wonder we are so delighted when the designs are released every two weeks. What a pleasure to see such originality!
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<br />But what is our personal view of conformity; specifically how do we look at what is acceptable?</p><p>Shall we test it? Let's see if we feel the same about some of the choices a famous fashion magazine made for their list of the best and worst in fashion for 2008. Below are 15 looks. Look over each picture, jot down whether you think each item was judged as the best or the worst, and then check back next blog to view the answers!
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<br /></p><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTf1kvcCHxJpTPFW1pUmIY6atXZkcZZXG_HpvuplG0jMfQFmv8AZikAwLzeeNkY7SyEpxuS_K9a1UHWvR46WeoN7Dx5tJirfgpMYmsjIMULbGrqaXmil2WyCAj7RF0mFPqbGj3FA_F-o/s1600-h/bw1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277306950832188242" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTf1kvcCHxJpTPFW1pUmIY6atXZkcZZXG_HpvuplG0jMfQFmv8AZikAwLzeeNkY7SyEpxuS_K9a1UHWvR46WeoN7Dx5tJirfgpMYmsjIMULbGrqaXmil2WyCAj7RF0mFPqbGj3FA_F-o/s400/bw1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qFTckGBELeDKK9pgSDfS2oyfQGY3NG9unXFGNCUKQgXGBYR-lLX8IginwQiPaQ519dhpMyfCYFxdfbOBaoD0gMhCKgHK15yOKSLAX-eDYBm3uDwN3fy1SNU-o_s3rnfWM4cfrxKK_P8/s1600-h/bw2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277306952313876002" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qFTckGBELeDKK9pgSDfS2oyfQGY3NG9unXFGNCUKQgXGBYR-lLX8IginwQiPaQ519dhpMyfCYFxdfbOBaoD0gMhCKgHK15yOKSLAX-eDYBm3uDwN3fy1SNU-o_s3rnfWM4cfrxKK_P8/s400/bw2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-xfdRhoIV188jJv8IHNSYLUZ4IPoOYGLqU605GRACeuP_D8m0Uw0qim_gC78oXzLe5Uo6a0RW_aZi1K-FXAElRTg1Dn9QUIw2CBS6LTMwua4hvCWC5GV-B8yO2X2T2ketvzdIn4yN9A/s1600-h/bw3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277306952150793266" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-xfdRhoIV188jJv8IHNSYLUZ4IPoOYGLqU605GRACeuP_D8m0Uw0qim_gC78oXzLe5Uo6a0RW_aZi1K-FXAElRTg1Dn9QUIw2CBS6LTMwua4hvCWC5GV-B8yO2X2T2ketvzdIn4yN9A/s400/bw3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgup-2C7sXE2TqYdiJPuHB1IeAIfg7Ehjkd8_SSMc7iLu1vge69UfUCXV_WPUf3Rihf9dnn-mhv8ZzXzvWgGBFSmlel0pFHwsfhhvXxIoajx9Uxx5QNPQDelv4JXw9_AHtLafkw4jmuhE/s1600-h/bw4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277306957309845634" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgup-2C7sXE2TqYdiJPuHB1IeAIfg7Ehjkd8_SSMc7iLu1vge69UfUCXV_WPUf3Rihf9dnn-mhv8ZzXzvWgGBFSmlel0pFHwsfhhvXxIoajx9Uxx5QNPQDelv4JXw9_AHtLafkw4jmuhE/s400/bw4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjex5HRleUTGbtXpezEvVhLvzEudLlUp-CrJpQGQcrl1wUqW0JHBOAFX7REBjxQ_Q0r8cXO8oaf4O8kS-dng990INzwZY4EhMjXSXdlaJ5kAJ6Tc9jjNDuSGZ3iYYfWgr6heYSmvT_5A/s1600-h/bw5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277306958028862578" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjex5HRleUTGbtXpezEvVhLvzEudLlUp-CrJpQGQcrl1wUqW0JHBOAFX7REBjxQ_Q0r8cXO8oaf4O8kS-dng990INzwZY4EhMjXSXdlaJ5kAJ6Tc9jjNDuSGZ3iYYfWgr6heYSmvT_5A/s400/bw5.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSCvjg-8cANuc7LOnSjupnENZDcx7yxWTpuLUiSETTKfVSoWY-JQY0c5-xVOXIj8lhfz883kue1zK0EEL6LFHJT-Yga_NTajP5wNLCxHI9f-alh1vgJtYYUKJ9nRnsEaUrIif10ohY6k/s1600-h/bw6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277308230323157842" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSCvjg-8cANuc7LOnSjupnENZDcx7yxWTpuLUiSETTKfVSoWY-JQY0c5-xVOXIj8lhfz883kue1zK0EEL6LFHJT-Yga_NTajP5wNLCxHI9f-alh1vgJtYYUKJ9nRnsEaUrIif10ohY6k/s400/bw6.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYYK4tCa6_zEXF8hrnklpwLJp_7tlXH5IkMZHgs1wikbdPxh-4VBg7_DXlib9T0kEG8gByO8ALTc6ZxEb5tIMCW4rvxwcYlMd6pCdj9fOGxQWVqMgS5xU_j9ypOVwtaTxClIYFI_JyKM/s1600-h/bw10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277308956060775522" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYYK4tCa6_zEXF8hrnklpwLJp_7tlXH5IkMZHgs1wikbdPxh-4VBg7_DXlib9T0kEG8gByO8ALTc6ZxEb5tIMCW4rvxwcYlMd6pCdj9fOGxQWVqMgS5xU_j9ypOVwtaTxClIYFI_JyKM/s400/bw10.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g5SGZ9Goau0OvkqGLggZtDrqpuIHkL0wbwO75EICaZmZvP__GWzsyzWFKb0wvTqld0NPfv-IfHlMvJCtVhM1dMPVGRWH2a9Mitux4zcrDN5fvkjZ17Ta3yonwAEHdMu2DRJxhj-8N5E/s1600-h/bw11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277308952246555106" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g5SGZ9Goau0OvkqGLggZtDrqpuIHkL0wbwO75EICaZmZvP__GWzsyzWFKb0wvTqld0NPfv-IfHlMvJCtVhM1dMPVGRWH2a9Mitux4zcrDN5fvkjZ17Ta3yonwAEHdMu2DRJxhj-8N5E/s400/bw11.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmScYMre0W93zT4DpsK0-S1ZcTmpcoX1W0T2S6PPCbPv96xk7Mp_JAHMFXZ7-bESvqgfIoQZQKJzkjeoPkrX9pFngL9RJYZLhugbg8HKxvqBGVa15uN6mROws2yV9QRcGx1Pur6lHNonM/s1600-h/bw12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277308954349156482" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmScYMre0W93zT4DpsK0-S1ZcTmpcoX1W0T2S6PPCbPv96xk7Mp_JAHMFXZ7-bESvqgfIoQZQKJzkjeoPkrX9pFngL9RJYZLhugbg8HKxvqBGVa15uN6mROws2yV9QRcGx1Pur6lHNonM/s400/bw12.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYlaAeEPNK2DQX_5W52WBev3G3FGS1RmrTVkIoE1ZoyfKHfb1bra4_6Ac-7y6ZRk7t1_UptHirMaO9Y8Vpp0p7cvSFEA0RM8I3oNbhgQqTcSQRIfyV5ygEZnij9pUuV91dxboQ9caHvs/s1600-h/bw13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277309970852601986" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYlaAeEPNK2DQX_5W52WBev3G3FGS1RmrTVkIoE1ZoyfKHfb1bra4_6Ac-7y6ZRk7t1_UptHirMaO9Y8Vpp0p7cvSFEA0RM8I3oNbhgQqTcSQRIfyV5ygEZnij9pUuV91dxboQ9caHvs/s400/bw13.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NQq58YCG4-ocxA3AcpJE-2UiXZU0L1J-Mbov-1BuSi_YvxPp4laZY22lEoXwmQSxlMETwwZjUOliYvvYeoEDP2FETIN4jX0_oclHszcWtutbUYcjjU3ehx823SsQvUNVuztesfvzQNM/s1600-h/bw14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277309970452998674" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NQq58YCG4-ocxA3AcpJE-2UiXZU0L1J-Mbov-1BuSi_YvxPp4laZY22lEoXwmQSxlMETwwZjUOliYvvYeoEDP2FETIN4jX0_oclHszcWtutbUYcjjU3ehx823SsQvUNVuztesfvzQNM/s400/bw14.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2tUKIiVncnN8ZOyEoBnia1VeE5i4FtUNVXg0I7WJyyClZOQr14elTCdrVn5TLGejBNwwGYkT6XwOCxEHIIpcntjWOPbbYDOdahs-jRFOusAsr0hmsBDOR-rXAc6erW8bQkXmCKra7Hg/s1600-h/bw15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277309975964956802" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2tUKIiVncnN8ZOyEoBnia1VeE5i4FtUNVXg0I7WJyyClZOQr14elTCdrVn5TLGejBNwwGYkT6XwOCxEHIIpcntjWOPbbYDOdahs-jRFOusAsr0hmsBDOR-rXAc6erW8bQkXmCKra7Hg/s400/bw15.jpg" border="0" /></a></center>
<br /><p>Breaking NEWS!!
<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTRhfeElp5rmvGqzLBJI3eX0Hfl3881f1dQUir3xKY6iuZgTCqbyKjnhLGRBlGc4hvddA4A_Hb8Uozf0-u-dosEy0SqQb4CS2wbO9QN1xBq_r4OF5q6kpKONFGGV63pkstZxMe6pkI2Y/s1600-h/dollreader.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277833520681551714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTRhfeElp5rmvGqzLBJI3eX0Hfl3881f1dQUir3xKY6iuZgTCqbyKjnhLGRBlGc4hvddA4A_Hb8Uozf0-u-dosEy0SqQb4CS2wbO9QN1xBq_r4OF5q6kpKONFGGV63pkstZxMe6pkI2Y/s400/dollreader.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />....On Project Dollway at Home:</p>
<br /><p>News bulletin!!!</p><p>December 8, 2008 - Doll Reader Magazine is officially welcomed as our sponsor...</p><p>...representing them is editor, Jill Jackson!! </p><p>Details to follow.</p>
<br /><p>...In fashion -Right after Michelle Obama left the podium after her husband's acceptance speech, fashion designers all over the world grabbed their sketchpads! They've all been on a mad dash to be the designer for the coveted Inaugural Ball Gown for the new First Lady ever since. Designers in the running include: Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, and our own fashion doll designeer - Jason Wu - just to names a few! It will be interesting to see who wins this coveted assignment.</p>
<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ76D6BkXbxNsBimKn3oYSs7mCFL1_3Cni7gaz0bux09QlxhJxoLbIHZ531l-B97FaZIZ0T08wkYRT_LhbKv1THlb6PkWV0RfZHz0qGOgge_BDVJcNobArSXvNo7ulG4Yav9ixR08GKeg/s1600-h/leanne+marshall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277837727844029650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 386px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ76D6BkXbxNsBimKn3oYSs7mCFL1_3Cni7gaz0bux09QlxhJxoLbIHZ531l-B97FaZIZ0T08wkYRT_LhbKv1THlb6PkWV0RfZHz0qGOgge_BDVJcNobArSXvNo7ulG4Yav9ixR08GKeg/s400/leanne+marshall.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the meantime, former Project Runway designers recently stepped up to the plate for a "Design an inauguration gown for the First Lady" challenge issued by The Daily Beast...with a twist, of course! They could only use an American flag, burlap potato sacks, ten dollars worth of trims, and Laura Bush's 2005 Inaugural Ball dress as inspiration. Here are a few of the sketches submitted. All I can say is, where is Christian??
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jTRh5NsjqI8AYHqrrXHr5GXg1PWHGput8OQnzb22waBoz_D4T-FicFRAd3zg_hUXKVUAusnUdyON04PEUzw093cIeG9mQ-iQ9ZOD8p_XbxaOjk28pVxNpHN1iBKdcQALK9tJ3b-Dy_E/s1600-h/MYCHAELknight.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277580841193689154" style="WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jTRh5NsjqI8AYHqrrXHr5GXg1PWHGput8OQnzb22waBoz_D4T-FicFRAd3zg_hUXKVUAusnUdyON04PEUzw093cIeG9mQ-iQ9ZOD8p_XbxaOjk28pVxNpHN1iBKdcQALK9tJ3b-Dy_E/s400/MYCHAELknight.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffYLYK1Aq6fxgDHSyBicjMEgYt00anf8TkvyMOrqW1mL5Aaxzc5-vwqTmR_FNXxcGdWe4OQ2vlBtcOvSgK4yP2YQso9Aef3qynNkG4vhxBl6TwxV8JOOznIn3op1hrg9hYvWyB1tdV-w/s1600-h/CHRISMARCH.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277580848347999458" style="WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffYLYK1Aq6fxgDHSyBicjMEgYt00anf8TkvyMOrqW1mL5Aaxzc5-vwqTmR_FNXxcGdWe4OQ2vlBtcOvSgK4yP2YQso9Aef3qynNkG4vhxBl6TwxV8JOOznIn3op1hrg9hYvWyB1tdV-w/s400/CHRISMARCH.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />Get the entire scoop here: </p>
<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/6foqo4">IMAGINE</a></p>
<br /><p>And..............on the heels of our #4 Layered Challenge, Gabby has announced our next one will be the #5 Zodiac Challenge. Here are some comments she has given to help us better understand:</p>
<br /><p>"You truly do not have to chose your own birthdate... And really, it's not about the birthstone, either... It's what the Zodiac sign is all about... Cancer's color is really green... yet the birthstone is ruby... Do you see what I mean? ... You have to research the sign... Get the mood ... the personality... Basically, you are following your own colors... and labeling a sign to your doll... giving her a personality...Find the sign that fits your collection!!!</p>
<br /><p>And I don't want to see symbols... stars, moons... no zodiac heavenly signs... You are to create a garment that depicts the sign of choice... Libras are very feminine... the girlie girl...
<br />Aries are more like tomboys... bold... "</p>
<br /><p>and she made reference to this webpage:</p>
<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.dailyscopes.com/sunsigns2.php">Sun Sign Characteristics</a></p>
<br /><p align="left">So, onward and upward, and good luck to everyone!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-42612047348334993122008-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:002008-12-06T22:01:27.775-08:00CHALLENGE THREE WINNER...and there was a tie this time - the winners are:<br /><br /><strong><em>DURELLE</em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CGTGYGBfDwd5VN4DKZEHHv72zjqRERNB65pEIMgSWp7NYvh5Z0WZUHAA86tXi9j9SbBRMhz3wdf2vc7ijDG3iE0PK3RsGWx_RGKwu5VRdVc-USLqjNJp9p_3G81ABiugpEwh66XOT5M/s1600-h/dur-f1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276758556945497314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CGTGYGBfDwd5VN4DKZEHHv72zjqRERNB65pEIMgSWp7NYvh5Z0WZUHAA86tXi9j9SbBRMhz3wdf2vc7ijDG3iE0PK3RsGWx_RGKwu5VRdVc-USLqjNJp9p_3G81ABiugpEwh66XOT5M/s400/dur-f1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmj2LAD5f-IfKsUVpjG8Oi7NLqd7dHf0iK9lLTwadGAufJolScUaRiUp8jKSZygcFef10sNaAWse6h8aRCwxHX32nmgtkImN5QhVxykDpdceWOOs0dlqGU8occAFxCJ8zTSHNXb4fvpc/s1600-h/dur-f8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276746095550758898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmj2LAD5f-IfKsUVpjG8Oi7NLqd7dHf0iK9lLTwadGAufJolScUaRiUp8jKSZygcFef10sNaAWse6h8aRCwxHX32nmgtkImN5QhVxykDpdceWOOs0dlqGU8occAFxCJ8zTSHNXb4fvpc/s400/dur-f8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276746096485102642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: right" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fguMPt8SM1pnHiL6YyTw-eLMItFMy8L9DqVlCKuuoeQeHQpJ87g5pk2_6O_zhe3H68S2tKfoGPI28FbKTWpYdDvYsUPNEOsrNBusatDoQ2lUPwNsJ9teQ6AClsWLogpNQWVeBbmvBvw/s400/dur-pantsd1.jpg" border="0" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSFnrMQaPpbdA9OgmiE1FFMLmiE1q8uFCzFODc6qAgSYXuwe25e-skcCaD9DPIkvi7_GqKgJmqiZLk__a3WTLNtazl9SgO8P1_sZEYVNWa2lCyoULt175WctgleGMQ-pGxPo2OqmitJo/s1600-h/dur-s1.jpg" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANH6kPlbek6v_PWDgUs4_3N3Yr_igjZSSU1USOt-4z_p9zGAITG7GwnLct4UAbtpeoDJ4KDxOLTg0fe-tNLKKP_PYWa8LXA-qOoSWX-I4gvG7fsyWdacZy1JRTB_mwd2dHzvxFgsAahA/s1600-h/durb1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276916123892385986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANH6kPlbek6v_PWDgUs4_3N3Yr_igjZSSU1USOt-4z_p9zGAITG7GwnLct4UAbtpeoDJ4KDxOLTg0fe-tNLKKP_PYWa8LXA-qOoSWX-I4gvG7fsyWdacZy1JRTB_mwd2dHzvxFgsAahA/s400/durb1.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276746107518400130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: right" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSFnrMQaPpbdA9OgmiE1FFMLmiE1q8uFCzFODc6qAgSYXuwe25e-skcCaD9DPIkvi7_GqKgJmqiZLk__a3WTLNtazl9SgO8P1_sZEYVNWa2lCyoULt175WctgleGMQ-pGxPo2OqmitJo/s400/dur-s1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong><em>DAL</em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0z7nPGiqPik4rYZ0wYnN9QSkbVYBuppCaEiJjtd7o_WKyROju4qZ59rpvea-WiNx6_6A1y8PdAZRluDczK6r7gvLowgpGXSF8gg7ozxnQzzYF2d4Bp6xSvsD-8YofHNvfzHuOm2p0-0/s1600-h/dal2_0717.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276917355600933698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0z7nPGiqPik4rYZ0wYnN9QSkbVYBuppCaEiJjtd7o_WKyROju4qZ59rpvea-WiNx6_6A1y8PdAZRluDczK6r7gvLowgpGXSF8gg7ozxnQzzYF2d4Bp6xSvsD-8YofHNvfzHuOm2p0-0/s400/dal2_0717.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9trS3yMieXv7WK7osKVbDkKChMYCSNeNnn17oUOpZCXx3FdvFj7_8FT1ANdORod1u6TLfHx27UkEh5A-ybgNfrA0tdUCJKl5iBWFxU7cOwOSAI6PUAjKY8Vm-ig7iuyKpJflo5y1Omk/s1600-h/dal1_0696.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276917235936167794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9trS3yMieXv7WK7osKVbDkKChMYCSNeNnn17oUOpZCXx3FdvFj7_8FT1ANdORod1u6TLfHx27UkEh5A-ybgNfrA0tdUCJKl5iBWFxU7cOwOSAI6PUAjKY8Vm-ig7iuyKpJflo5y1Omk/s400/dal1_0696.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLLODSlMR-zv_dfUR2FwQpoWY22w8Pn9XcbDt7m2g11qUgMHwJdEY-2udDnkqXO4iwxKnp2EAPN44vevKC8j_H_x5-y6OgrUsP3IE-1jZepQt8Fge8YEWaw5uBErySWVAPMjQRe-SaWA/s1600-h/dal3_0750.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276917911143228882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLLODSlMR-zv_dfUR2FwQpoWY22w8Pn9XcbDt7m2g11qUgMHwJdEY-2udDnkqXO4iwxKnp2EAPN44vevKC8j_H_x5-y6OgrUsP3IE-1jZepQt8Fge8YEWaw5uBErySWVAPMjQRe-SaWA/s400/dal3_0750.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxLaulj0_opNziKrHOCgjZuJbvectKPUPkt22_UUHlcdRm0t3HGvM0T17xjLUZirIKur89flAFZPE4cuQw0eL-05O7bPoFB-Lc-j_hF63Qxyqnb_7n44GIOoMRUSw8TDSH7r0WjFH1IE/s1600-h/dal4_0787.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276917784697473874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxLaulj0_opNziKrHOCgjZuJbvectKPUPkt22_UUHlcdRm0t3HGvM0T17xjLUZirIKur89flAFZPE4cuQw0eL-05O7bPoFB-Lc-j_hF63Qxyqnb_7n44GIOoMRUSw8TDSH7r0WjFH1IE/s400/dal4_0787.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When Gabby gave the news, they had this to say:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECAyrg_UTCXUv048b2NS1nAz5tpML9GpmjFhy21ILzBMIo6G0w8Jw3PXMNxvW6EXs6qH2_7q1JdjOiUjwXSpUQckcC0LiZQxpeRWw7FGxCyXFdFujGR-JbA4I7cpdD-oAlO5ImaAK-CY/s1600-h/dalsecond.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276755619787549762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 327px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECAyrg_UTCXUv048b2NS1nAz5tpML9GpmjFhy21ILzBMIo6G0w8Jw3PXMNxvW6EXs6qH2_7q1JdjOiUjwXSpUQckcC0LiZQxpeRWw7FGxCyXFdFujGR-JbA4I7cpdD-oAlO5ImaAK-CY/s400/dalsecond.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dal: WHAT THE....?????<br />I'm INCREDULOUS. I was thinking maybe this next one...Layered....it rocks! LOLOLOLOL<br /><br />I can't stop smiling...... and ducking!!!!!! hehehehhehehehehe<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for LMK.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kt8yxC0P8Oq3vKzNhSicTMMln8YR6cFrJZPnRc5KrAPlqhpCv4rcSOYAQQbyyz5k9mwZRbUu3XQolwxweiHxTnWizK9mTRN9GmiIPAM_JpTt31ziimJeRrJwjBBndf6hiI_WaMiUVwQ/s1600-h/dur-d1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276745255215079250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kt8yxC0P8Oq3vKzNhSicTMMln8YR6cFrJZPnRc5KrAPlqhpCv4rcSOYAQQbyyz5k9mwZRbUu3XQolwxweiHxTnWizK9mTRN9GmiIPAM_JpTt31ziimJeRrJwjBBndf6hiI_WaMiUVwQ/s400/dur-d1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Durelle: I am so thrilled..just got the mail with the announcement. I have been baby sitting my grand baby all day, which took the top spot in my day today. She just left...I am so glad to have gotten some good marks on this challenge, It is nice to know the judges "GET" me and recognize the originality and quality of my work. Thank you once again for hosting this fun and motivating project, Giving us a deadline and challenge to work against!!<br /><br /><p><br />Winning Points: 58.5 for each one!<br />(Numbers from left to right represent Theme, Originality, Execution, and Total).<br /><br /><strong><em>Dal's collection:</em> </strong>My entry is a double dolman outfit featuring a one-piece catsuit made in a bold print silk knit in orange, yellow, turquoise and black, cinched at the waist to emphasize the dolman shaped sleeves that begin at the waist and taper to a narrow cuff. The dolman sleeved orange felt jacket allows the catsuit's dolman sleeves to fit with ease. Pleats are incorporated on the back, trimmed in white with oversized black geometric buttons on both front, back and belt. The belt and trim are the same white textured vinyl used in the pants of the previous pleats design as is the brim of the helmet shaped cap. The purse is designed to look like Macramé from the Mod era and added as trim to the slightly tapered bells to complete the play on textures and colors with a splash of black & white.<br />Judge 1<br />5,5, 5 I freakin' love this. It's SO groovy! Not only have you captured this week's theme, but you're keeping with previous words, therefor creating a collection that is TOP NOTCH in my book. The colors rock, the pleating is amazing and the DOLMAN IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! GREAT JOB!<br />Judge 2<br />5,4,5 I don't know how you got so much detail in something so small. The coat has a lot going on and still it flows together. Nice use of bold colors. It looks very well put together.<br />Judge 3<br />5,4,5 Excellent fit on the jumpsuit and the jacket, colors are well coordinated. The pleats in the jacket back bring a lot to that piece.<br />Judge 4<br />5,5,5 This style is perfect for this little doll of the 60's and 70's. Great originality, and all your colors complement each other. Wonderful use of pleats, contrast, mod print, and cotton lace. Very nicely done. I don't see anything not to like about this little outfit!<br />Extra 1/2 point<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Durelle's collection:</em> </strong>Brown Eisenhower style bomber jacket with dolman sleeves made with 100% real leather. Faux lamb’s wool collar and patch pockets - Man’s shirt style blouse in rust 100% silk taffeta-High waisted Jodhpur pants made with lime green 100% linen, Cargo style pleated pockets 3 leather belts matching the jacket Leather appliquéd patches -Accessories include - hand made Long narrow striped scarf in silk Leather tote bag with lamb’s wool lining Leather aviators hat And the boots are accented with lamb’s wool cuff<br />Judge 1<br />5,4,5 Ok, FINALLY! This is gorgeous! The pants are perfection and the bag is SO SO cute. For the first time I'm not seeing Steampunk a cohesive outfit that is done extremely well. I truly adore this look! The pants make it! I would love to see a layered top with these pants somewhere in your collection b/c I think it would take it to a really feminine place.<br />Judge 2<br />5,5,5 WOW Lots of detail yet not over powering. Seams match up, It all looks pressed. The stitching is very nice.<br />Judge 3<br />4,5,5 The detailed leather pieces help coordinate this well made outfit. The scarf pulls together the colors of the blouse and jodhpurs.<br />Judge 4<br />5,5,5 What can I say but that this is a perfect style for the challenge. Who else would have thought to put cargo style pockets onto a pair of Jodhpur pants? Everything about this design from the outfit to the head piece to the bag to the details and the fabric you used is just right! Excellent job!<br />Extra 1/2 point<br /><br />Also, here is the Point System the judges used for this competition:Points go from 5 - 1, with five being the best , in these three categories:<br />1) Designer's interpretation of the theme, Vintage. How successful were they?<br />2) Originality (the style)... Is it different or does it look like something you have seen before in fashion... accessories... color.<br />3) Execution: How well is the garment made? Does it look finished? Are there clean edges? Ironed? The full presentation.The most a designer can acquire from the judges is 15 points, but some people also received the extra 1/2 point awarded to those who sent their garments in before the end of the tenth day of the challenge.<br /><br />Here is how the judges critiqued the rest of us, and our points. Also, the artist's original notes are included - can you see their vision? (Numbers from left to right represent Theme, Originality, Execution, and Total).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTW2L-BQNB36-JS5wmyDJqIPZnUOaxMJvWlL7ou-C0Q8ALWXVKVgFuwOcJIxaQMLG-OXnnBBUAMO72rP_llEIvqXtS8Q0u3_VZiUu9OVRKCP1INsxCpzqS5C4MuSHEFTwurQqYvOPPg/s1600-h/entry1joan.jpgPRIVATETYPE=PICT;ALT=?HYPERLINKhttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTW2L-BQNB36-JS5wmyDJqIPZnUOaxMJvWlL7ou-C0Q8ALWXVKVgFuwOcJIxaQMLG-OXnnBBUAMO72rP_llEIvqXtS8Q0u3_VZiUu9OVRKCP1INsxCpzqS5C4MuSHEFTwurQqYvOPPg/s1600-h/entry1joan.jpgEntry"></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV5Ur3LshC_SWupXcFdxoXob8i9UtXFlSh42anjav4OzskLiz7PNcG-1HACqK1Da5ZvZydxV7nPNgtXnBc2s33kOj21eItAbUYPq_JkoM395jg6YlX07bCjQ4BjzXWkleF3lCHjjUtJg/s1600-h/Joan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275758707502310066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV5Ur3LshC_SWupXcFdxoXob8i9UtXFlSh42anjav4OzskLiz7PNcG-1HACqK1Da5ZvZydxV7nPNgtXnBc2s33kOj21eItAbUYPq_JkoM395jg6YlX07bCjQ4BjzXWkleF3lCHjjUtJg/s400/Joan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #1 - Joan<br />Joan's collection: “Dolman” presented an interesting challenge to me. I’ve recently been researching 19th Century Prussian uniforms for my son, a disabled Afghan vet, now working for the Veteran’s Administration as a Family Counselor. He had asked me to chronicle the military veterans in our family. I found my g. g. grandfather was in the Prussian Army in the early 1800's and the uniform worn by the Hussar’s (light cavalry) was called a “Dolman”. Described as a heavily braided, square bottomed, close fitting short coat with a pelisse (over jacket) draped over the left shoulder. The U.S. Cavalry was founded during the Revolutionary War by a Hussar and they switched from a pelisse to a cape draped back over the left shoulder.<br />Judge 1<br />3,4,4 I think this is an excellent outfit. I love the colors and the lining is great. This is a wonderful display of Dolman! The buttons could stand to be a bit more even, next time just check your balance and you'll have a winning design.<br />Judge 2<br />4,5,4 I like the outfit. It looks nice, it has all of the elements of a "dolman". The colors go well together and the style and color suits the model. The overall construction is very nice.<br />Judge 3<br />5,5,5 Excellent attention to details, good color combination. The cape really adds to the outfit.<br />Judge 4<br />5,5,3 I like how you combined the two main descriptions of "Dolman"<br />with the uniform effect as well as the sleeve effect. The cape is an<br />added bonus. Great interpretation of the challenge, and the hat is<br />great, though maybe a tad too large. The dress darts and side seams<br />appear to be a little off center on your model, but otherwise nicely<br />done. I see a small gap on the jacket at the center opening just under<br />the bust. I would like to see this meet a little better. Overall, very<br />nicely done!<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 52.5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UxLpetm-N5pQgNhdhGiJJzeTNoBQU-SJddtHl08A_Ysqczysh2AHcxsa3XwNQSB6cFLGd2VT71-6U5dd6pBIliAGW-rEu8vcqoC4566CYmhoXZQ3Blfo9KUFYTGQri1O_Vxg1dUeQ1E/s1600-h/Sue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275758705315396482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UxLpetm-N5pQgNhdhGiJJzeTNoBQU-SJddtHl08A_Ysqczysh2AHcxsa3XwNQSB6cFLGd2VT71-6U5dd6pBIliAGW-rEu8vcqoC4566CYmhoXZQ3Blfo9KUFYTGQri1O_Vxg1dUeQ1E/s400/Sue.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #2-Sue<br />Sue's collection:<br />Dolman sleeves have been well documented in fashion history going back centuries. My personal recollection is from the 1980s when I had several lovely sweaters [we call them jumpers] with dolman sleeves. I also had a couple of dresses in jersey. My experience wearing knits was my springboard. Looking through my art deco source book I saw dolman sleeves on sweaters, loungesuits and evening jackets. My daughter is currently in Italy interning in the design office of a knit factory. A recent trip there [as this challenge was announced] inspired the use of knit fabric. I felt it would hold the dolman shape well when worn by Sydney. The factory only sells wool but they had a box of discarded samples where I picked up [for free] the grey cashmere/lambswool knit fabric used on this outfit. In order to keep the continuity with outfits 1 and 2, I decided to do a jumpsuit with cream silk camisole underneath for modesty. The grey knitted fabric for the jumpsuit sewed very well and the whole outfit has only one fastening at the back as the fabric stretches so well. The dolman sleeves cut easily and were ¾ lengthfor style and ease – the seam starts at the waist and ends at mid lower arm.The top is 2 pieces – left and right and the trouser part is 2 pieces left and right. Top and bottom are sewn together with belt to break up the plainness although a self belt would look good too. It’s a very lean outfit. I wanted to emphasize the art deco theme, so added a belt with embroidery inspired by Egyptian murals. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s lavish tomb in 1922, designers delighted to copy Egyptian elements into their work. The design on the belt is of the lotus flower embroidered in 3 shades of lilac flanked on either side by fans in grey to coordinate with the jumpsuit and purple to add further colour. The centre of each fan is a swarowski crystal in amethyst. Across the back I embroidered 2 fans in a pink and grey thread joined with a chain stitch line. This was to detract from the bulky fastening and draw the eye into the centre of the back. As in Challenge 2, I made up a hat but this time a plainer style for everyday wear. I handknitted the band in order to give a bulkier look to the band and covered in the grey knit fabric. I covered the join with a loop made from the grey fabric. I made a small clutch bag from snakeskin effect vinyl – I added part of an old earring as a charm/fastening. The OutfitGrey knitted jumpsuitCream silk camisoleGrey knitted hairbandCream belt with embroidered design.Bag in grey snakeskin with charm fastening ShoesPurple and grey snakeskin shoe boots. This doll stands alone without a stand so long as the surface is flat.<br />Judge 1<br />4,5,3 I really like how you've consistently kept your line on point. This outfit is very well styled and your overall execution is lovely. My only concern is the bunching on the back of the shirt it seems too big for the doll. However, I really enjoy what you've done and think this is your best to date.<br />Judge 2<br />3,4,4 another nice piece for this go round. I thought the belt was a little too bulky for the sleekness of the rest of the piece, but it was a nice belt. Nice color combination. Nice embroidery work in the belt.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,4 Good fit on the outfit. Although the embroidered belt is well done, it is too bulky for this outfit and a narrower belt would serve the purpose better.<br />Judge 4<br />5,4,3 I think this is a great style for Sydney, simple but classy. Not overdone. Good example of a Dolman sleeve. I don't see this design as being very original. I love the embroidery and the colors you used. The belt would have had a neater finish to it if you had used a light weight taffeta or similar weight fabric to line it and it wouldn't have looked so thick. The back looks bulky. Moving the snap down about halfway between where it is and the waist line should prevent this. Your attempt to cover up the back seam on the hat fell a little short, but was a good idea.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 46.5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIgRBJDGqlzbQ3wy5hJ55VGtU-p132FZS18D4QK5LJOP2WravKRuJ93Hlng4snLmhWFDoob-JZ87cr-SpMnWQiQxcwVBqlbeXuPnI_hUARdVcVardGdzxMOMMXJP-1d_mkSqtxCyoIx0/s1600-h/Dot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275759338850433490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIgRBJDGqlzbQ3wy5hJ55VGtU-p132FZS18D4QK5LJOP2WravKRuJ93Hlng4snLmhWFDoob-JZ87cr-SpMnWQiQxcwVBqlbeXuPnI_hUARdVcVardGdzxMOMMXJP-1d_mkSqtxCyoIx0/s400/Dot.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry # 3-Dot<br />Dot's collection: Challenge 3 required including a dolman sleeve, and I have included a back shot to clearly demonstrate such a sleeve exists in my entry. My client thought perhaps a sporty ensemble would be appropriate so we settled on this outfit titled Jardin; jardin means garden in French. You see, she thought she'd like to be portrayed as a garden girly girl this time; she's just not the type that would have big ol' plants in the backyard to cultivate. Rather, she wanted to look cute, and maybe grow a few herbs on the terrace! She wanted pants, of course, but desired them made from dupioni cream silk in a jean-like style, featuring little pockets and top-stitching. The cumberbund-style belt has appliques of flowers on the sides and front, and little ribbons ties. This was done to make her outfit look cute both coming and going. The blouse is done in a rayon batik of purples and pinks, and has beaded cuffs. The pattern on the front of the blouse was made of deconstructed lace. The original lace for this collection has been taken apart, pieced onto the bodice, and beaded to resemble flowers appropriate to her theme. The final piece in this outfit is her little dupioni silk bucket which is not intended to be a purse. Rather, it was made with embellished flowers front and back, to look nice, hold her tiny tools from the outer chains, and to provide a place for pastries to be enjoyed when the gardening was done.<br />Judge 1<br />2,4,3 I have been a fan of your collection from day one, but this isn't my favorite. I think it's a little overdone and the dolman sleeves could have been more enhanced. Again, your colors are superb and I like the design, the execution lost me a little with the applique.<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 Cute!, Nice flowery color palette. Nice use of lace. good color combination. Looks like your client is happy. Nice detail work.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,4 The beads are a nice addition to the bodice, however they take away from the lacework. They also make the sleeves look heavy, and a narrower band of beads would take away the heaviness. The colors looks well together, and the beaded belt is a nice accent piece.<br />Judge 4<br />5,3,3 I like what you did with the "deconstructed" lace. It adds interest to what otherwise might have been a pretty plain blouse. I like that you used the unique lace on the blouse but I don't see the pants and short sleeved blouse as very original. However, the belt gave it a nice finish. The appliqués on the belt are nice but don't seem to match the rest of the design. Your lines in the back could be lined up better, but you don't need the ribbon on the blouse. It's fine without it. Your lining shouldn't show anywhere. Overall, the outfit is nice and fits your doll nicely.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 43.5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKVh_jZUlqTtShm7qOD7vKfRz2J52CLWlzh-bWcuPpSEmOhsKVHuHiLPO3Rw6jjN5CsfwkKjZR74LyJTHdURHPjpIzJ45yJ8D3yVZzfrWK7pyJWUXF8-ONCsHFQMOqzHzn4RE64kY5Bs/s1600-h/Durelle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275760118721192722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKVh_jZUlqTtShm7qOD7vKfRz2J52CLWlzh-bWcuPpSEmOhsKVHuHiLPO3Rw6jjN5CsfwkKjZR74LyJTHdURHPjpIzJ45yJ8D3yVZzfrWK7pyJWUXF8-ONCsHFQMOqzHzn4RE64kY5Bs/s400/Durelle.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry # 4-Durelle - WINNER!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqKPE2oohWq1eiXIgFqP3_9cOhiPPJr0RqWHD-KdnArfYvVq2Y8S_nS0Jj4ewGLb8XkCny11R8RLrT1A2EVKKxACV0SZx6bdjD_52cP4A0_1ZTQI06sMvRUSe_5nKTtBJnTtPUXbSmAY/s1600-h/Cat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761870864996306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqKPE2oohWq1eiXIgFqP3_9cOhiPPJr0RqWHD-KdnArfYvVq2Y8S_nS0Jj4ewGLb8XkCny11R8RLrT1A2EVKKxACV0SZx6bdjD_52cP4A0_1ZTQI06sMvRUSe_5nKTtBJnTtPUXbSmAY/s400/Cat.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #5-Cat<br />Cat's collection: Dolman always makes me think loose and comfy clothes made for a fall afternoon. Which caused me to go for a simple easy to wear design. The fabric is a stretchy jean(but lighter weight) like fabric in mauve and gray. It did not have a name on the bolt so all I can do is describe it. I loved the color! I freehand cut the pieces as always and then fitted it as I went to get just the right fit! The purse,belt and shoes are handmade from leather and the peke has a coat to match as well. All of the jewelry is hand made on gold tone wire with crystals and seed beads. Aldonza and Shadow are ready for a fall day in the park.<br />Judge 1<br />2,2,2 The dolman sleeve you capture, but there is just too much purple going on. If you use a different coordinating fabric it would take this to another level. It's a bit dated b/c of this fabric choice, but I know you could fix it b/c the style is good. If the shirt was a little longer and maybe a black pant this would be divine!<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 Very cute collar. Very nice fitting pants. Love the necklace. I don;t know how you made the cowl collar lay down, the fabric looks a little stiff or bulky over the shoulders. Purse and belt are nicely constructed.<br />Judge 3<br />4,4,4 The top looks like a loose yet comfortable fit. The pants seem too tight and it looks as if the seams are pulling, but that may be the nature of this fabric?<br />Judge 4<br />3,3,4 The basic idea of this outfit is good. I like the premise of "loose and comfy" clothes. The blouse fits your description, but the pants don't. They should be looser fitting. I don't see much originality in the design, but the collar adds a little bit of personality to it. Gene looks a little off-balance and the top looks too big for her. The collar needs a neater finish in back. Maybe next time, you can find earrings, a necklace, and a buckle of the same style for your outfit. I still see lots of potential here, and I look forward to seeing what you do with the next challenge.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 40.5<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276487036334696130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdFk54mFg2SDoBQ5AX0X1Ae6_VBDx0jKGYPrp2mMavbke681fgbvOBuumO98H-lvRxBegXRhGejiIsm13odF4Sb8bqL20qbQSkdHx8IKYLffvuiMVvJG8tyGY7W0Tw6Y2q0F8JeSEJbc/s400/Dal.jpg" border="0" />Entry #6-Dal - WINNER!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8n-NvRuvh6BYNGZ30kdqNwp2i-dgs72_F9Euzz6y1mitZulKuwAIzyK7AE36G2NQoCv3ujJWsWa1V85pvKozBx8h4ihjJkpTYR7k6RQJtd0VZMpybEHog8GzKbMkXQYWJ1h4UqFtD3sM/s1600-h/Larraine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761877320221810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8n-NvRuvh6BYNGZ30kdqNwp2i-dgs72_F9Euzz6y1mitZulKuwAIzyK7AE36G2NQoCv3ujJWsWa1V85pvKozBx8h4ihjJkpTYR7k6RQJtd0VZMpybEHog8GzKbMkXQYWJ1h4UqFtD3sM/s400/Larraine.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #7-Larraine<br />Larraine's collection: Dolman proved to be quite a learning experience for me. I have never owned or made a Dolman sleeved garment before, so I had no prior experience to base my ideas on. Keeping with my bold colours and patterns I introduced a new colour in this dress and gave it some bold stripes. That little peace sign just crept right back into the beltlace worn with this dress.<br />Judge 1<br />5,5,5 Overall adorable. New colors mix well with old but you're creating a bold look here. The dolman is simply marvelous. For someone not knowing Dolman, you perfected it. Unbelievable details! Another great one from you!<br />Judge 2<br />4,5,5<br />This piece looks nice , in scale, and neat. Love the use of strips and the matching up of the stripes. Love the scale of the accessories. finishing techniques look nice and smooth. Details are nice.<br />Judge 3<br />3,3,5 The garment is well made, stripes match perfectly, easy to see the dolman sleeves. The size of the handbag is distracting but a good color match.<br />Judge 4<br />5,4,5 This dress definitely meets the challenge of Dolman sleeves. Ellowyne wears her dresses a little shorter than I like, but this dress fits her nicely. The dress is not really original, but your use of the stripes and trim made it your own. There isn't much detail in the outfit...It is what it is...You have catalogued the opening of the dress magnificently. I can't even tell where it is. Nice job!<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 54.5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5qmfE8ylAqKxlDXFDqIT4x4l16CF7gn24Q1m8-RDmrS8pKz_QHzrgHYT0pAHmVhcPLzYdsgl6-d93DiQLJHpJFM87x5rnXFustP_BPqsYHYN2F4PGBgC6tIhLq44flZjxC5uToOXAVc/s1600-h/Aly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275764242419744338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5qmfE8ylAqKxlDXFDqIT4x4l16CF7gn24Q1m8-RDmrS8pKz_QHzrgHYT0pAHmVhcPLzYdsgl6-d93DiQLJHpJFM87x5rnXFustP_BPqsYHYN2F4PGBgC6tIhLq44flZjxC5uToOXAVc/s400/Aly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #8-Aly<br />Aly's collection: Lana Lang needed a sleek cocktail dress for an upcoming business conference with the executives from the Paris branch of Lexcorp. I decided to use the French Hussar Dolman uniform as inspiration for her princess line sheath dress.<br /><br /><p align="left"><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.wtj.com/games/republique/uniforms/cavglossary1.gif">http://www.wtj.com/games/republique/uniforms/cavglossary1.gif</a></center><br /><br /><align=left>It features the irridescent embroidered trim and buttons common to the dolman coat as well as the traditional plume in her cocktail hat. Made from pewter silk combined with a richly quilted silk brocade and maroon contrast fabric, the form fitting sheath has a coordinating hand pricked zipper up the back featured as a design detail. A maroon silk beaded baldrick accents the waist and Lana carries all a girl needs in her little matching purse. A Tahitian pearl bracelet and couture millinery finish the look.<br />Judge 1<br />3,4,4 When you think dolman uniform it can be a bit militant, However, you've made this feminine yet empowering for Lana Lang. I love the colors and your style is great! Beaded accents really take things to a new platform, this is what I'm talking about when I saw the little things make a difference<br />Judge 2<br />5,5,5 Very unique. Looks fantastic. Love the color combination and the use of decorative threads and those tiny beads which are also used in the bracelet and on the sash. Lovely all the way around. The zipper was set in very nicely. all the edges match up. The hand work on the bodice is impeccable<br />Judge 3<br />4,4,5 Definite sense of Hussar when looking at the detail on the bodice. The brocade on the skirt is taking away from that detail and would look better as all pewter. Good fit on the dress.<br />Judge 4<br />3,5,4 This style is good for this doll, but there are Dolman sleeves and it isn't a short jacket, so it doesn't really fit into this challenge. However, you did an excellent job of interpreting the picture on the website you referenced. Your embroidery and beading is exquisite. I don't really care for the obvious zipper. However, except for a little tuck at the top of the zipper and a flaw at the bottom of the zipper, it was nicely installed. The lining of your outfit shouldn't show anywhere. Otherwise, nicely done!<br />Total points: 51<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHktBarLB2p5Oe1O1RzFH8nP0EzwyBjY6AZ_BGe5Vvew9ZA3Jh535hgVpEH-4rpeBbG-zQWHm3vpZJpwqCnpT-kJ5Yrs5c3KCSdg6wpfX2dZ3T-KQV5roZlo6o12r8iON4UcByrJ4glk/s1600-h/Pauline.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275764248751284114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHktBarLB2p5Oe1O1RzFH8nP0EzwyBjY6AZ_BGe5Vvew9ZA3Jh535hgVpEH-4rpeBbG-zQWHm3vpZJpwqCnpT-kJ5Yrs5c3KCSdg6wpfX2dZ3T-KQV5roZlo6o12r8iON4UcByrJ4glk/s400/Pauline.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #9-Pauline<br />Pauline's collection:<br />This entry is titled "Winter Solstice". On the darkest, shortest day of the year, our fair maiden wants to slip into rich, soft velvet and cuddle up in front of a fireplace with a good book, favorite liquor and classical music! I have designed for Valia, a Hostess gown. This is an item of clothing very popular from the 1930's to 1960's for wearing at home for entertaining or just looking glamourous. (Immortalized by stars like Myrna Loy and Doris Day etc.) The bodice doesn't have a shoulder seam as the front, side and sleeve are all one piece on each side. The skirt has a long train and closes in the back. Embellishments are fur (recycled rabbit) and gold accented sleeves, gold lame belt with embossed pearl, gold lame turban head piece with faux pearl earrings and choker style necklace. Gown is fully lined with white rayon. In keeping with my color scheme of Blue, Gold and Creme, this fashion takes it cue from further in the past with a bit of midevil flair.<br />Judge 1<br />2,3,3 I always like that you use fur. It adds something to your dolls that give them glamour. I do think there was too much velvet and had to use a different textile for the bodice this would look more polished. However, the blue velvet with the fur works very nicely. I think you could have done without the sash in the back, simply making a cummerbund would have looked better,<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 Nice clean lines, not over stated. color is nice. Bodice looks a tiny bit big in the front. fabric looks a bit heavy, but still nice. Fabulous accessories. Fur trim is not over stated.<br />Judge 3<br />3,3,5 Warmth, comfort and glamour in this gown. Rich colors.<br />Judge 4<br />5,3,3 Though I don't see this dress as original, it is beautiful on this doll. It fits her nicely and shows the Dolman sleeves nicely. The jewelry would enhance the overall look if it were more in scale to the size of the doll. The only thing I find that really detracts from this outfit is the fact that the hat and the belt are unfinished in the back. To remedy that, you could hem all sides of the pieces, or self line them so that no raw edges show. Another remedy might be to make the belt a fitted belt rather than a tie belt. Otherwise, this is a nice velvet dress.<br />Total points: 42<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXRlJ0i_TfMGWHQ7KdU8PVWCW3wPdiUNhPWpeEKgW_8_G8Np3w4yryB9SYJFmrX3pYsVsVZNS8kHg6CDUdeSEr_h-4VUuXE86QVyTiaTUehTNR34g3Kteuu8gl3vs8XKuJr_CBcWyx6k/s1600-h/Agarva.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275764252491511298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXRlJ0i_TfMGWHQ7KdU8PVWCW3wPdiUNhPWpeEKgW_8_G8Np3w4yryB9SYJFmrX3pYsVsVZNS8kHg6CDUdeSEr_h-4VUuXE86QVyTiaTUehTNR34g3Kteuu8gl3vs8XKuJr_CBcWyx6k/s400/Agarva.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #10-Agarva<br />Agarva's collection: Midnight Stroll - Shadi relaxes at home in a comfortable gown. She is all ready for the family dinner in the main dining hall. Her gown consists of a straight front and small back pleated train. The modest front allows her to wear her favorite gothic cross. The gown has dolman sleeves with a twist. They are split at the top seam and done up with eyelets and ribbons. It is all lined in skin tone fabric to show through the gaps in the sleeve and is designed to peek out at the back. The back has a deep scoop to the waist and is surrounded by red seed beads. It has a zip closure. The fabric is a comfortable with a raised glitter effect, so Shadi can go midnight collecting in the forest or down to an occasion at home.<br />Judge 1<br />4,3,4 I've figured out where I think you go astray. It's the minor details that should they be tweaked your ensembles would be great. With this dress, the dolman is understated but well executed. I love the red threading on the back, too. Here's where I think it could be improved. The cross could be higher on the neckline giving her a longer look. The red choker doesn't even need to be there. You color are great for the character and I think you have SO much going for you with this collection. You are not only moving in the right direction, you're doing it without compromising your vision for this line.<br />Judge 2<br />5,5,4 The dress looks very nice. The sleeves are very original. Love the open affect you have going on down the arm. Iike the fabric choices. construction looks great.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,5 Red and black always compliment each other. The skirt hangs very nicely in the folds as it flows into the train. A narrower ribbon on the sleeve would make the laced area look less bulky.<br />Judge 4<br />5, 4, 4 This style lends itself well to Dolman sleeves and looks good on the doll. I don't see this design as totally original, but the sleeves have a bit of originality to them. I like the ribbons going up half-way on the sleeves leaving the other part of the sleeve open. The sleeves look a little long to me, but I guess that could be the style. It's hard to see much of the execution with this black fabric, so I assume it's all wonderful. I like the red accents with the ribbons and the beads. The dress seems to fit the doll nicely. The white lining really shouldn't show in the back. I don't know if pressing more would fix this situation or not, maybe hand tacking it on the inside? Overall, this is a nice dress.<br />Total points: 50<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpL6w9qZeJa0rB849ugpweaumKkifJ311iYMR4WPYrOap-tIXipou1UgEh_JamfL11jsXXuxNK9R7mIEO1eWKphEmyk7JWqN39A17QSQhYOiqx2VG315koG_Z-ijXfYwJQ2dtpgv7PiI/s1600-h/Stacy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765258213357282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpL6w9qZeJa0rB849ugpweaumKkifJ311iYMR4WPYrOap-tIXipou1UgEh_JamfL11jsXXuxNK9R7mIEO1eWKphEmyk7JWqN39A17QSQhYOiqx2VG315koG_Z-ijXfYwJQ2dtpgv7PiI/s400/Stacy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #11-Stacy<br />Stacy's collection: White knit blouse has black woven fabric trim and is accented with black buttons. It closes in the back with snaps. The skirt is made from stretch twill with black patent waist decoration and features box pleats in the front and black button trim. It also closes in the back with snaps. Black patent pumps, white bead bracelet, and black rhinestone earrings complete the outfit.<br />Judge 1<br />2,1,3 My fear for you is that your line will not be cohesive. You aren't using like fabrics or styles and I'm worried it won't look well together. That being said, this reminds of Lucille Ball. The shirt is cute and skirt is simply done.<br />Judge 2<br />5,5,5 this piece is great. I love the detail around the neckline and at the cuffs. the detail in the pleats are so perfect. It all just flows together without anyone element demanding any more attention than another part. Very balanced and very put together.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,5 Well made with very classic lines. The pleather at the waist makes a unique accent.<br />Judge 4<br />5, 3, 5. This style is good for this doll. Excellent example of a modernized version of Dolman sleeves. I don't see a lot of originality in the skirt and blouse, but the patent leather look on the waist edge of the skirt makes a simple design very stylish. The neck treatment and cuffs are nice accents. A matching jacket with some new elements or details may have made this set "more" original. As far as I can tell, you have done a very nice job putting this outfit together. It fits the doll very well. Nicely done!<br />Total points: 46<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpie2dU59XrrSCH8bKZiSBm0dnPwRya0Nip-0Md_OsYyoPjg2HJtpRVjBCtlMa256bUJS1jGnG-fFS43afDmRkOKnfvocDUWsdBE47WBV5c0rswOe9vfRPnb5FsYoh0a965rs63_2cki4/s1600-h/kevin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765260959666226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpie2dU59XrrSCH8bKZiSBm0dnPwRya0Nip-0Md_OsYyoPjg2HJtpRVjBCtlMa256bUJS1jGnG-fFS43afDmRkOKnfvocDUWsdBE47WBV5c0rswOe9vfRPnb5FsYoh0a965rs63_2cki4/s400/kevin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #12-Kevin<br />Kevin's collection: For this challenge "DOLMAN" brought to my mind anyway something akin to a grand 30's style of outfit worn byHollywood greats like Carol Lombard and the like. Continuing my collection with several running elements of COLOR and Faux Fur usage, You will see Shades of Purple and Faux Fur used throughout the collection with splashes of coordinating colors put into the mix! Also I am trying to incorporate elements from each challenge into each succeeding challenge so elements from #1 will be carried throughout the rest of the challenges and so on. For this design I made an ORIGINAL 1930's DOLMAN sleeved Deep purple Satin coat that has two toned faux cream colored fur on the sleeves and used for the coat collar. The Dress is a halter style again an original patternt hat is done in a golden brown silk and has brown/purple/Gold seed beads for the design on the bodice, the skirt ends in a LONG train for a all one piece superb design, The dress also has and again an ORIGINAL Corset pattern that is PLEATED and has a faux gold button closure in the front. Also adorning the outfit is a Deep purple dupioni hatthat has coordinating seed beaded design and purple tulle trim and veil.<br />Judge 1<br />5,3,5 Kevin, Kevin, Kevin....I just wanna grab ya and kiss ya! The brown gown with this jacket is just too fab for words. I'd wear this if you promised to remove the purple beading. It's pretty, it's glamorous and most importantly it's dolman. It fits everything you've done and I just flippin' like it!<br />Judge 2<br />4,5,4 Very daring. Great colors, good beadwork. Fantastic Jacket. Cummerbund thing looks a little over powering with out the jacket on. In the pictures it looked like it should have been a part of the jacket. Fur is a good touch. I do like the color combination.<br />Judge 3<br />4,4,4 The pleated look of the dolman sleeves, combined with the fur trim, makes a very interesting coat. The buttons/bead on the corset give it a military look when the coat is on, but alone it is distracting from the beadwork.<br />Judge 4<br />4,5,4 I would like to have seen a full-figure picture of this outfit from the front. You need to have a picture that emphasizes the element of the challenge. I can't see that the sleeves are exactly Dolman, but they look good. I am not sure this design is balanced. However, the exotic feel and flashy look of the design goes well on this FR doll. Be careful not to confuse "original pattern" with "original design." One can make an "original" pattern of a popular and common design. However, I see the originality of this piece in the overall look with the exaggerated treatment at the hemline and the poofiness of the sleeves. The hat is a great "finishing touch." Nice beadwork on the dress. I love all your colors. They all seem to complement each other. Your pictures really flatter your design, but next time, take a full frontal shot and a full shot of the back.<br />Total points: 51<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765261926268146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHGAuCc-Gh34-fgQ6ZBql4hF2PDBKzX-3IO_9rZA5CcxL0sw-1ASIikeSxv0QNKfXg7jbAcJS18IoD-DTiRdUwca7lYaESqxg20F4jcyop2pjKAc6zcO8X6_A_YO24SiFriBCLejQywo/s400/Sharon.jpg" border="0" />Entry # 13-Sharon<br />Sharon's collection: Ell is wearing a pieced jacket with Dolman sleeves, knee pants and a felted hat.<br />Judge 1<br />3,4,5 Normally when so many fabrics are mixed it can look sloppy, however you've done it very well consistently. The jacket is stunning and the buttons are so perfectly lined up, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you attention to this detail. Your clam diggers are super cute, but I would have liked the matching button from the jacket on them! Good Job!<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 this piece looks nice. the color combinations work well. The piecing of fabrics in this scale is daring, but it works pretty well. Looks like everything matched up pretty well. Love those pants with the little bow accent.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,4 The simple print of the capris allows the patchwork jacket design to stand out. Well made.<br />Judge 4<br />5,4,4 I love your color combinations. Even though they are very<br />contrasting, they work together nicely for a gorgeous overall look. I<br />is unique to use the different fabrics you used to piece together a very<br />different blouse and still keep the Dolman Sleeve. The Capris aren't<br />original, but the blouse makes the outfit your own. The felted hat is<br />the perfect "topper" to this wonderful creation! Your top stitching is<br />nice and even. The buttons should line up more evenly. I don't know if<br />you did it on purpose or not, but the slight rise in the center back<br />makes an interesting effect. The collar needs to line up evenly with<br />the edges of the blouse band. It's just a little off. The little split<br />at the hem of the Capri needs to be tidied up a bit, and pressed as flat<br />as you can get it. The bow is great! This outfit fits your doll<br />nicely<br />Total points: 48<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB-FLk-ZAwDvVvCmTs3UWLrXtg3N4Tlg2cB018zMBWykT9G6OeueTEk7rOTS08npcjgS-rjRSWqbXnSQkF1lm5u7tzGHcYhXxfyFHI-2JR0IFUkUuzYgzJhfAJyG9z4hl9UrFV6n1Mts/s1600-h/Dawn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766725136600290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB-FLk-ZAwDvVvCmTs3UWLrXtg3N4Tlg2cB018zMBWykT9G6OeueTEk7rOTS08npcjgS-rjRSWqbXnSQkF1lm5u7tzGHcYhXxfyFHI-2JR0IFUkUuzYgzJhfAJyG9z4hl9UrFV6n1Mts/s400/Dawn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #14-Dawn<br />Dawn's collection: The sweater in this suit is a re-interpretation of the jacket in my first look made from a fulled lambswool sweater. The sweater is cut in one piece. I picked up stitches, and knit the black trim. The color is a beautiful, rich plum that perfectly matches the plum in the blouse and not the burgundy that you see in the photos. The stockings match the suit in color. The suit is just a tad bit redder shade of plum than the tights in look number two. Both the sweater and the blouse have dolman sleeves. The trim on the purse is the same trim as was used in the belt in look number two.<br />Judge 1<br />4,4,4 This looks very professional and well done. Your colors are always perfect and it makes everything stand out that much more. I have to critique really...it's quite cute.<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 The blouse is very nice. Love the colors. they work really well together. The blouse could have looked a bit more pressed in the cuff area. Nice stockings. If you knitted this, I am impressed as I can not knit any where near that fast. If this is a knit fabric, you still did a good job. However, between the Jacket and the skirt the combo looks a bit heavy on your model.<br />Judge 3<br />4,3,4 The blouse colors are just right when peeking out from under the jacket, but they overwhelm the outfit when the jacket is off. The color of the skirt and jacket is soft and warm.<br />Judge 4<br />5,4,5 This style is very nice with the Dolman sleeves on both the top and the jacket. I also like that both pieces flare out at the hemlines. Though this style<br />(3-piece suit) is not original nor unique, the flare of the pieces and the trim on the sweater make it your own. You have picked up your stitches to add your trim so well that I can't see where you did. Everything looks good in the pictures I see.<br />Total points:49<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXzw_9LxKCEL419Ycidk0PDUaulmVOVE3QmnrMn7rzvxV4wV0oe3-bM-8VECAViKCl_8XRjjsLPyhaU35rc_fvLIy0a0oqMLZnRFM0EbWjqfsgq0hJmTQv44-Ggg2LWVnPXQvaJCADgo/s1600-h/Sylvia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766728028912914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXzw_9LxKCEL419Ycidk0PDUaulmVOVE3QmnrMn7rzvxV4wV0oe3-bM-8VECAViKCl_8XRjjsLPyhaU35rc_fvLIy0a0oqMLZnRFM0EbWjqfsgq0hJmTQv44-Ggg2LWVnPXQvaJCADgo/s400/Sylvia.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #15-Sylvia<br />Sylvia's collection: Dolman immediately made me think of the dresses and evening gowns of the 40s. I decided to do a blouse influenced by that. the blouse introduces a new fabric, gold silk charmeuse, that will be used in again in future challenges. I paired the blouse with a slightly belled, knee length silk jaquard skirt and a wide belt. Of course, Ell had to have a hat because she loves them and so do I. The floral embellishments incorporate the fabric from the skirt in the last challenge and another new fabric which will also be seen in future challenges.<br />Judge 1<br />5,5,5 The pop of teal in all of your work amazes me. It's the perfect detail that emphasizes everything little bit of your collection. With this challenge you didn't go overboard and kept to your vision. It's glorious! The belt and Hat are pristine. Your clothing reminds me of fashion magazines. It's the clothing everyone wants to wear, but no one can pull off..it's art!<br />Judge 2<br />4,5,5 I love the flower embelishments on the hat and the belt. The color combination really works well. The hat might have loooked better IMO without the bottom row of aqua. the top row may have been just enough. The two rows of aqua looks great on the belt though. Workmanship looks fantastic.<br />Judge 3<br />4,4,4 Colors coordinate well, and the blue accents are just the right touch. The outfit would not work as well without the hat.<br />Judge 4<br />5, 4, 5. This style is perfect for this challenge and perfect for Ellowyne. I REALLY like this outfit. Even though the elements you've used are not unique, the way you put them together adds an original quality to the design. Great use of your colors and your fabric throughout the entire design. Even the shoes are great. Your fabric flowers and piping are fabulous! This design is extremely well executed and balanced. Nice job!<br />Total points: 55<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWaePgX5vl2CM8wsigvJPvP7MJGMwHqlGCitMNjkJ9wtwQoNFcnS9LEoMSfqIV9YDpOPrfQuoYm0qXDb04qI4wkpXH80H0kMMl8E_2qMyRmrYg6lyY3rQ2Pz_ZWGxf7V-3RZmRpubcVU/s1600-h/Jason.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766732372954546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWaePgX5vl2CM8wsigvJPvP7MJGMwHqlGCitMNjkJ9wtwQoNFcnS9LEoMSfqIV9YDpOPrfQuoYm0qXDb04qI4wkpXH80H0kMMl8E_2qMyRmrYg6lyY3rQ2Pz_ZWGxf7V-3RZmRpubcVU/s400/Jason.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #16-Jason<br />Jason's collection: This design is a 3 piece outfit. I made a pair of boot-cut pants out of the same fabric as the underskirt from the pleats challenge. Second, I have a corseted halter top also reminiscent of the pleats challenge, with accent beading similar to that of the first challenge. The "dolman" element is the rust colored silk charmeuse dolman sleeved shrug and matching sash. I continued the same color scheme from the fist two challenges and also introduced a new color to the mix. This rust color will show up in the collection down the road.<br />Judge 1<br />4,5,5 Jason, this is like superhero/matador glam everything. I stared at this for a few minutes before composing my deduction...and after those minutes I realized I love this. If that sash hit the floor it would catapult this outfit to couture heaven! I hate red and teal together, but this works...it's like she's running down the streets of Spain with the bulls while shooting a commercial! LOVE IT!<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 I like the color combination. Love the pants and the bolero and the blouse. I think you have too many layers going on at the waist between the blouse, and the two layers of belts. I think I would have used white thread to top stitch the fly area too, but that is just my opinion and did not take that into consideration in the points.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,3 The colors and fabrics of your pieces from your collection carried over to this outfit well. The stark color of the bolero and sash are distracting; the pants could be better pressed.<br />Judge 4<br />4, 4, 4 The style basically works, but something is a little off in the shrug. I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it just needs to fit closer around the wrists. The halter top treatment works well with this design. Even though halter tops and shrugs are not original, you have personalized this design by the way you used the blue and white for the top and the way you ruffled the top of the halter top. (The ruffles could be sewn a little more evenly for more even finish.) The back neck closing needs to be a little cleaner with the edges even. Over all, this is a nice design!<br />Total points: 48<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoHpY8F0E6I0tqmT8XyGrLKP8dyjz1rYRN_sn6DDNt51AzENuk8fKtVcHDKO78r1-x70q_u6cdpdA1uF-VDTfkEDZiiqyKLqniHjSpsyNEze-_t_oNF-lZQTFvVkQBjunSUUvEjecC9A/s1600-h/Jannie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275768187091219234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoHpY8F0E6I0tqmT8XyGrLKP8dyjz1rYRN_sn6DDNt51AzENuk8fKtVcHDKO78r1-x70q_u6cdpdA1uF-VDTfkEDZiiqyKLqniHjSpsyNEze-_t_oNF-lZQTFvVkQBjunSUUvEjecC9A/s400/Jannie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #17-Jannie<br />Jannie's collection: In the 1970’s I was influenced by the art from China and India. I used this influence in my designs in the early 70’s. Many designers followed later. I was drawn to the ornate robes and coats and found the freedom of the dolman sleeve to be extremely comfortable in both cold and hot weather. As I was going through my ‘oldies’ stash of fabrics, I found this old piece of fabric and it inspired me it create an ornate fabric for a coat. Then I knew I would need an under-dress…. Well for this ornate coat that I had in my mind, the under-dress needed to be a sort of updated version of a 70’s mini-dress. And I really cannot tell you why I thought of checkers except my Grandpa loved playing checkers and going anywhere with Grandpa was like going on a treasure hunt – you never knew what you would find or dig up! But there was always a cola and a 5 cent candy bar at the end of the day. The outfit consists of the following:<br />PantyhoseTurtleneck zipped mini dressArtist-decorated fabric ornate dolman coatDecorated straw hat Earrings and necklaceShoes especially designed by Sherrie Jo of Beary Tiny TreasuresThe panty hose are made of a natural four way stretchable mesh. They are held up by elastic at the hips.The turtleneck zipped mini-dress is made using ribbed cotton and lycra dance fabrics for their ability to stretch and return to original shape as Pru’s hands are much larger than her arms. I also chose to use a zipper for the closure for easy of getting Pru in and out of the dress and it also would leave no gaps or pulls like snaps would. The dress is a basic turtleneck dress which has been quartered into two colours; off- white and a rusty orange. The dress has been carefully pieced together so that all ‘cuts’ meet. The dress also comes with removal shoulder pads. The closure in the back is by zipper. The artist-decorated fabric ornate dolman coat is truly a ‘One Of A Kind’. The hint should have come from the word ‘artist-decorated’. The base of the fabric is a black nylon with stripes running vertical with a polyester crepe like knit lightly bonded to it. This was not an easy medium to work with as I later found out. The process of painting, adding studs, fabric piecing, and trimming took over a week and many frustrating journeys to shops to try to find the right article only to find that I had to start over because I would not be able to get what I needed or I could do what I wanted because it would not arrive in time. This was my great canvas upon which all my sketches relied upon. Once the materials started coming together, the work was tedious; but not without reward. I had a fabric that fit for one of those ladies in the art books but “my” way. Let s go on to the design of the coat. The design of the coat is in that of a princess A-lined coat with functional pockets located in both side seams. The coat is fully lined with silk in ‘natural’ colour. A specially crafted braid of coins (however wrong period coins), shells, coral, beads, and, braid is added to the coat after the construction as one continuous piece. These gives the coat the gentle tinkle and jangle that I imagined it should have. A black satin braid is used to highlight the princess lines of the coat and the dolman sleeves. The dolman sleeves of the coat by definition are fuller at the top which allows for more movement and permits the wearing of fuller clothing underneath the coat making this coat a popular style in colder areas of the country besides being an elegant style. The cuff has a special ‘V’ closure which may be use to secure against the cold (button – snap). The coat also comes with removal shoulder pads. Two external buttons are located at the top with rust cording. This is to provide fake closure. The real closure is provided by a hook and eye.Decorated straw hat is made from purchased straw hat from Hobby Lobby for $0.97. I turned up one side of the hat and sewed it into place. Then I took some of the specially crafted braid that I had made and glued around inside brim of the hat, setting each piece in place so that they would not move. A large rust and natural bead flower along with feather yarn is used to provide interest on the turned up side of the hat. Earrings and necklace are made of real mother of pearl in an unusual colour of gold and 14Kt gold. The necklace uses a barrel clasp.Shoes !!! I needed a casual yet elegant shoe for walking in the markets. SO I called in the expert shoe designer and maker in the world. And look at these!!! They are perfect!!! The platform with the exotic!!! WOW!!! Sherrie Jo of Beary Tiny Treasures has outdone herself again! Don’t you think she does beautiful work? BearyTinyTreasures on web BearyTinyTreasures on ebay<br />Judge 1<br />2,5,2 Cute CAT! Let me start by saying that the originality is certainly there with this outfit! It just doesn't flow with your previous work. While the colors are good here, they don't go. You did a good job and it shows in your work.<br />Judge 2<br />5,5,5 Another Wow for this challenge. There is so much going on but it all balances. The coat is phenomenal and I love the color block going on with the dress. The hat works as do the shoes and the accessories.<br />Judge 3<br />4,5,5 Much originality in this ensemble, especially in the coat. Dress color squares match up well. Judge 4<br />3, 4, 4 The style of the dress is nice as is the style of the coat.<br />However, they don't go together. They are two different styles and two<br />different influences. The hat goes with the coat but not with the<br />dress. I have to give you cudos on the jacket. The print is great and<br />the fabric flowers strategically placed on the print are wonderful.<br />Even though your coin trim is a little out of scale, it goes well with<br />the print. Excluding the dress, the ornate designs of the hat and coat<br />have been executed exquisitely. The necklace is a nice touch. Earrings<br />to match the necklace would be better than the loops you used. I see<br />the Dolman sleeves on the dress, but would have liked the dress to have<br />a style to complement the jacket rather than the 60's-70's style that's<br />been done before. Nice job on the hat and jacket!<br />Total points: 49<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIpgKomgIHz2QYJslK9djdXvh1qgZw3Q_65r33Ng43E4DKRjPDcBlCXIKWGQu75yYKCPV3nEXlwNp03J9iy6Q8U8dQElL62M1QXd8pO4jQoyMKfTSYlWhyd02aW-sift66xV-M8jRDgk/s1600-h/Sande.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275768196256983922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIpgKomgIHz2QYJslK9djdXvh1qgZw3Q_65r33Ng43E4DKRjPDcBlCXIKWGQu75yYKCPV3nEXlwNp03J9iy6Q8U8dQElL62M1QXd8pO4jQoyMKfTSYlWhyd02aW-sift66xV-M8jRDgk/s400/Sande.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry # 18-Sande<br />Sande's collection: for the dolman challenge, blythe wanted a soft, warm winter dress, that would be a bit more conservative and mature, but still with a 60's-70's touch, and still a fuller sleeve than a straight one. she chose a soft grey jersey for the fabric. so we designed an A-line dress, with a mock leg-of-mutton sleeve, some soft pleats in the front shoulders, and a softly cowled collar in the front. even though the dress was to be less flashy than her other outfits, we couldn't resist a bit of interest in the back; i opted for a v-back neckline, and a long bow. we finished the dress with a hand-rolled hem and she loves it!<br />Judge 1<br />3,3,3 What I like about this is the back. It's very unique and fits your line. If you pleated the front of the dress it would finish this up a bit and take away some of the bulkiness that's bothering me for this one. Your red shoes go well and overall this is a success for you.<br />Judge 2<br />4,5,5 Great color, fantastic jewelry, love the back treatment. With the neckline, sleeves and back element, I would have loved to have seen this knee length and more fitted through the body. Workmanship is great.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4,4 The dress has a soft, warm appeal. The bow adds interest to the back. The cowl collar doesn't drape well, but it would be hard to make it fuller with the v-neckline of the back<br />Judge 4<br />5, 4, 4 I like the leg-o-mutton influence combined with the Dolman style combined for the sleeve. This dress is simple, but stylish for a comfortable winter dress as you stated in your description. I am not sure how original this is, but I like it. I think the way you did the sleeves add a bit of originality to the overall design. The low back and the bows are nice accents. The stitching could be a little cleaner in the back. You should have used a thread that more closely matches the color of your fabric for all your top-stitching. Though I like the style, this dress looks a little big on the doll. Otherwise, nicely done<br />Total points: 47<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLO8V_mBg80i0QkrEHq1XNw0LRHW864yB2Pm2CvFdVfIu1hy37IdXy5CR8_n6tCt9lfbr3J0h8tq0qrNhMuNiDkMuP_Q_BEv5-e9o47jC61IsY60SaY-JTReK7XqbP-kQzqJXDz8Kfwc/s1600-h/Michaela.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275768192740694466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLO8V_mBg80i0QkrEHq1XNw0LRHW864yB2Pm2CvFdVfIu1hy37IdXy5CR8_n6tCt9lfbr3J0h8tq0qrNhMuNiDkMuP_Q_BEv5-e9o47jC61IsY60SaY-JTReK7XqbP-kQzqJXDz8Kfwc/s400/Michaela.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #19-Michaela<br />Michaela's collection: Keeping with my red/black dupion silk. I have created an edgy evening dress with mesh bodice with dolman sleeves with open sleeves with ring detailing and super low sexy open back. The skirt is again in red/black dupion silk with repeated ring detailing on a daringly thigh high split.<br />Judge 1<br />3,2,2 your style is singular to none. You have your own look and it's gelling throughout your line. I like your Grecian sleeves and skirt slit. Just a bit off for me. Perhaps if the rings went all the way down the middle of the leg it would make this more showy.<br />Judge 2<br />5,5,5 Love this piece, especially the sleeves and the drapability of the fabric in the bodice and sleeves. Colors work great. You have managed to balance the sheer and the heaviness of dupioni very well. Love the minor detail at the side of the skirt.<br />Judge 3<br />3,3,5 The black in the skirt brings in the black of the top nicely without either piece overwhelming. The open sides/sleeves add to the otherwise classic design.<br />Judge 4<br />3,5,4 Yes, this is an "edgy" evening dress, but quite impractical with such a low back. I don't see any way to keep the dress from falling off. You do, however, get an A for your wonderful Dolman sleeves. The top is a little too think and "see through" for my taste. Even though I don't think it "works," I guess the dress is pretty original. Usually dupioni presses easier than what the back seam of your dress shows. I should lie flatter and be less obvious. I like how you held the openings on the sides of the skirt and the sleeves to a set distance with the rings. Overall, nice execution. I look forward to seeing what you do with the next challenge<br />Total points: 45<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhQ53zI0K78ZZDNBPhavC24fvPnT6c1or1aTUcf1TT2xNwtlGFnn6eKg-Q1seU3_PAMsB8STizDs5HM1mrOTfZxAP6Y6UPUwoEACu-t2uVf0-tA5iNfKkfxZSXmvazkseS7uP5DFdAYs/s1600-h/Peggy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275768197364833330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhQ53zI0K78ZZDNBPhavC24fvPnT6c1or1aTUcf1TT2xNwtlGFnn6eKg-Q1seU3_PAMsB8STizDs5HM1mrOTfZxAP6Y6UPUwoEACu-t2uVf0-tA5iNfKkfxZSXmvazkseS7uP5DFdAYs/s400/Peggy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #20-Peggy<br />Peggy's collection: The pants are made of gold tissue lame`. The dolman sleeved blouse and overskirt are made of chartreuse silk chiffon shot with gold and silver threads. The overskirt has a waistband of the gold lame` and a jeweled clasp. All pieces are fully lined.<br />Judge 1<br />3,3,4 Peggy, this is a difficult fabric to work with. You paid close attention to that and really tried to polish it up! I adore how everything flows with you and you keep everything symbiotic. I do wish the pants were more tapered, but I think what you're doing is great! The vintage flare to everything really creates a good style for you!<br />Judge 2<br />4,4,4 great necklace, it's the first thing I noticed. Blouse is very cute and the pants are a good fit. You could have stopped there. It didn't really need the skirt, but the addition of the skirt is nice.<br />Judge 3<br />4,4,5 Fabric choices worked very well with this outfit. The buckle centers the attention rather than pulling it.<br />Judge 4<br />4,3,3 This style is very appropriate for this size doll. The sleeves should fit around the dolls wrists a little closer to keep in the spirit of the Dolman Sleeves. Even though I don't think this design is very original the sleeves add a little extra personality to it. If you make this design again, I suggest you find a fabric that flows and drapes better than this did for you. The outfit looks fine from the front, but from the back, the top looks too big for the doll. If the adornment in the front on the belt is a buckle, it should be set so that it is centered over the belt. This size doll is hard to fit nicely, but I think you made a very good effort.<br />Total points: 45<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">"Fashion condemns us to many follies; the greatest is to make ourselves its slave."</span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><br /><br /></div><div align="center">-Napoleon Bonaparte</div><br /><br />This has been an interesting week for Project Dollway at Home. As we go into the judging for our third challenge, we are welcoming a new judge - Sherlyn Lovell. We are also expecting more analytical reviews regarding our entries, because now our judges will be required to tell us why they don't like something we have incorporated into our design or how we have executed it. We've also had a change in the way our collages are presented, and have had a mini-lesson on our group on how to add friends and pictures to our own Myspace page. All of this is being done in an effort to help us - by both participating easier and designing better.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgJHiO1OxqKO9Ykstc4SqZv8BjBodL9hCYH7Gy-GpEHRxsA-lVggjbt0qnlMnqmxc2QGp4s3bDG9ynWKZVB5diJWahgN-OPpnXFO6lYvKNvGQOp-i2r7i6GjFYA_2n4BR-Bhyphenhyphen7kdOqjk/s1600-h/sherlynspringtime.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276687261646168274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgJHiO1OxqKO9Ykstc4SqZv8BjBodL9hCYH7Gy-GpEHRxsA-lVggjbt0qnlMnqmxc2QGp4s3bDG9ynWKZVB5diJWahgN-OPpnXFO6lYvKNvGQOp-i2r7i6GjFYA_2n4BR-Bhyphenhyphen7kdOqjk/s400/sherlynspringtime.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>SHERLYN LOVELL</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Let me make the introduction of Sherlyn. Sherlyn had wanted to participate as an entrant in this contest, but didn't hear about it beginning again this year in time to do so. So, fortunately she has agreed to join the judging team. She has been sewing for about 40 years, and her credits include designing several patterns for Perfect Patterns, sewing items for Kurt Van Buskirk, selling outfits and one of a kinds at conventions and locally, making some prototypes for Gary Fletcher as a guest designer, and making many outfits for centerpiece dolls for Gene conventions of the past.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">On a personal note, Sherlyn was the oldest of three children, and grew up on a small ranch outside of Mertzon, Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas many years ago, and taught high school for a short time. She is now retired from AT&T where she was a Product Manager. Today she and her husband of 40 years live in Duncanville, Texas, right outside of Dallas. They have three grown children and two wonderful grandchildren. Also prominent in their family is a beagle/German Shepherd mix dog, Shelby, who is her trained protection dog; a Schnauzer, Princess, who was a foster dog and now belongs to them; and her baby - a male Schnauzer, Samwise (Sam for short) that they bought when he was only a four pound puppy. One cat named Kitty, who is about 20 years old now, co-exists with everyone.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXFdYo3WWrWnZgGaOPkY-X89rUh33NqoNyrgfd32SQoSy3IDcxGSV4BaJ7ZR44HwLspAYRSYs7RJqc72EW2z-gO7CgjbgkAFmbxd2QMi50Oz1Uidfhu_E1zvl_hNVxHSVhPjYxnJu7jM/s1600-h/GoneGoldEllowyneOO.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276688126860976274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXFdYo3WWrWnZgGaOPkY-X89rUh33NqoNyrgfd32SQoSy3IDcxGSV4BaJ7ZR44HwLspAYRSYs7RJqc72EW2z-gO7CgjbgkAFmbxd2QMi50Oz1Uidfhu_E1zvl_hNVxHSVhPjYxnJu7jM/s400/GoneGoldEllowyneOO.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">She may be a doll addict; as she confesses she "lives for sewing and anything that has to do with fashions design for fashion dolls." Spending an average of about six to eight hours a day sewing for dolls; either on her machine or by hand, is her norm. She will sew for just about any doll, but prefers the fashion dolls all the way from Barbie, Silkstone, Gene, Tyler dolls, Ellowyne, American Model, CED, and many, many others. Recently she finished two big projects; one for Kurt Van Buskirk, and one for a client in her local exercise class who was positively delighted with the results. She also has local customers who she likes to keep happy by offering new fashions for their fashion dolls on a regular basiss, and generally sells everything she makes.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6frZR-TtHySA4ah0Jc9khArLDASLJEm43gHiBuUAE5n5sJATKzwk-VeEvKpzUXGv8KnX4AmZxx-n5PAwRk6axALHdQQzYUytlIRmmYbjLodTJsHsMLpA5FVa45673-SUdKXD89Yvw8QY/s1600-h/SherlynKteal1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276687717167047010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6frZR-TtHySA4ah0Jc9khArLDASLJEm43gHiBuUAE5n5sJATKzwk-VeEvKpzUXGv8KnX4AmZxx-n5PAwRk6axALHdQQzYUytlIRmmYbjLodTJsHsMLpA5FVa45673-SUdKXD89Yvw8QY/s400/SherlynKteal1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">But she also want to work in some time to do some sewing for her own dolls. However, besides judging this competition, she is also currently working on a project that has yet to be announced, and is also working on designs and patterns to publish for Ellowyne. Compound that with her selling on eBay occasionally, and just selling a couple of prototype suits for the CED dolls, you will find hew own dolls may have to wait awhile. Unfortunately she does not have a website, but she does have a My space page where she will be posting soon:</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="http://www.myspace.com/435006944 CTRL + Click to follow link" href="wlmailhtml:%7B0ABC37B0-CCA5-4B02-8CDD-6578C15D88CB%7Dmid://00000155/!x-usc:http://www.myspace.com/435006944">http://www.myspace.com/435006944</a></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br />Okay, that's our news for the week - and I'll be back soon with more interviews, but for now I'd like to leave you this LITTLE (and I do mean little) video that should be encouraging to all that watch it! </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.maniacworld.com/art-in-the-eye-of-a-needle.html">Eye of a Needle </a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-43401683272378982952008-11-17T15:47:00.000-08:002008-11-22T22:15:03.318-08:00CHALLENGE TWO WINNER<div align="center">...and the winner is Sylvia!!<br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271532395236933634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 413px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbo5CMyIHWWJaOIwLyO5_0YE8f_HOacT1RdLFoyFgt1D7qzj-QRCopWpbgK60QGDW-hBzWSW1REaymT-xOyKgHv5g3jRKULXti2VqvVvhf03iyWGQxXHHHkStrguiwzxCJAATEZ7gjqU/s400/WIN1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAdNMfmWMufNI6arLhv3aNma0weA_U6goxb6D_2Jno3JyQLiglgGvE8wmkYnLgw22_gLxW-TgiX8LyUcjKj8H9ac8w0YahtEOhR5wi-hKks4VfeV8_S8zDv9lMt0i2NsSH-iqhaQRI54/s1600-h/WIN7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271533460994298898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAdNMfmWMufNI6arLhv3aNma0weA_U6goxb6D_2Jno3JyQLiglgGvE8wmkYnLgw22_gLxW-TgiX8LyUcjKj8H9ac8w0YahtEOhR5wi-hKks4VfeV8_S8zDv9lMt0i2NsSH-iqhaQRI54/s400/WIN7.jpg" border="0" /></a> Project Dollway at Home is pleased to present the winner of the second challenge. We are including all the pictures submitted by Sylvia, and the decisions by the judges that gave this designer the win. This designer will soon be interviewed, and you can read this interview on our blog. </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySH3HGA04vmP02F7yefQfFOKUCRw-fBpYrHpUXQRfep3L_wlRN0uAz4F822EhRfo8O4fmkePbxpxo6P6ZILn2h5xBsC0kjKUJxtahelMwE_7nBbNypInlk_IefWUS5nnyE6NxZ3euMCE/s1600-h/WIN2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271533323793517282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySH3HGA04vmP02F7yefQfFOKUCRw-fBpYrHpUXQRfep3L_wlRN0uAz4F822EhRfo8O4fmkePbxpxo6P6ZILn2h5xBsC0kjKUJxtahelMwE_7nBbNypInlk_IefWUS5nnyE6NxZ3euMCE/s400/WIN2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When Gabby gave her the news, she had this to say: "I shrieked, literally when I read your e-mail and my husband came running saying, 'what? what?'! I entered this competion not expecting to win anything at all, HONEST!!!<br /><br />Winning feels AMAZING! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! AND THE OTHER JUDGES sooooooooooo much! I still can't believe it!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvnk3gcpTjBwr0hyphenhyphenVQoisF-5Xf3npQ_lPnlTG6PkicSpwdJ06KKzC7wDFq2siHlxoZUkEhrPPNBMl0O47B3sHnuc3oMxQ8cuRnTnnbBO3EnhlSlL3mES6AWsAkJSXpAs4klpHhxGo-bs/s1600-h/WIN4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271533615250410322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvnk3gcpTjBwr0hyphenhyphenVQoisF-5Xf3npQ_lPnlTG6PkicSpwdJ06KKzC7wDFq2siHlxoZUkEhrPPNBMl0O47B3sHnuc3oMxQ8cuRnTnnbBO3EnhlSlL3mES6AWsAkJSXpAs4klpHhxGo-bs/s400/WIN4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">Winning Points: </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">(Numbers from left to right represent Theme, Originality, Execution, and Total). </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">Sylvia's collection: My influence was this piece of silk i had that i thought would look cool pleated and it went from there.<br />Judge 1<br />5, 5, 5 Another killer! This is SO adorable! Youve left my mouth agape with the bubble pleated skirt...I think the teal is what's making your outfits b/c it's just the right embellishment. I have nothing to critique on this one!<br />Judge 2<br />4; 5; 4 I liked this one too, nice use of pleats, unique in that the pleats nicely flow into a bubble skirt effect, I like that.<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 4 The tiny pleats at the torso are almost corset-like, then flow into a bubble skirt. The colors all combine very well.<br />Total points:40<br /><br />Also, here is the Point System the judges used for this competition:<br />Points go from 5 - 1, with five being the best , in these three categories:<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">1) Designer's interpretation of the theme, Vintage. How successful were they?<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">2) Originality (the style)... Is it different or does it look like something you have seen before in fashion... accessories... color.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">3) Execution: How well is the garment made? Does it look finished? Are there clean edges? Ironed? The full presentation.<br /><br />The most a designer can acquire from the judges is 15 points, but some people also received the extra 1/2 point awarded to those who sent their garments in before the end of the tenth day of the challenge. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">Here is how the judges critiqued the rest of us, and our points. Also, the artist's original notes are included - can you see their vision? (Numbers from left to right represent Theme, Originality, Execution, and Total).<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTW2L-BQNB36-JS5wmyDJqIPZnUOaxMJvWlL7ou-C0Q8ALWXVKVgFuwOcJIxaQMLG-OXnnBBUAMO72rP_llEIvqXtS8Q0u3_VZiUu9OVRKCP1INsxCpzqS5C4MuSHEFTwurQqYvOPPg/s1600-h/entry1joan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271496140190128322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTW2L-BQNB36-JS5wmyDJqIPZnUOaxMJvWlL7ou-C0Q8ALWXVKVgFuwOcJIxaQMLG-OXnnBBUAMO72rP_llEIvqXtS8Q0u3_VZiUu9OVRKCP1INsxCpzqS5C4MuSHEFTwurQqYvOPPg/s400/entry1joan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #1 - Joan<br />Joan's collection: "Vasilisa wears a black faux suede cape, lined with dark red silk. Bound buttonholes allow the pleather belt to meet in the front. The cape features a "Nehru" type collar and a red/black striped pleated jabot. The back of the cape features a deep reverse pleat. The horizontal striped silk skirt features very subtle horizontal tucks near the hemline accented by a black silk band. The purse is black pleather with red snakeskin trim. The "bracelet" style ring allows Vasilisa to carry it with no problem."<br />Judge 1<br />3, 3, 3 Very pretty. Color scheme is lovely and work looks neat, pleats are even and precise.<br />Judge 2<br />4;5; 4 Love the jacket, very nice use of pleats in both the construction as well as accent detail. Nice workmanship.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 The pleated cape makes an interesting contrast to the slender skirt. The fabrics and colors coordinate well.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 32.5<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><br /></div><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMjYZMVcIKPyUyumUqY6oOH-vmt1LNF3rUmvkUq3YIPKSKN9h2sIBjK9AUdhWaHR4920Ke0HEX8SRSB4fnsTU1ojCUPXTMGMDNokZ2deuSxnBmbbwsB2qOAj_eeajBywANUm0dbrh54s/s1600-h/entry2kevin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271496859449259778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMjYZMVcIKPyUyumUqY6oOH-vmt1LNF3rUmvkUq3YIPKSKN9h2sIBjK9AUdhWaHR4920Ke0HEX8SRSB4fnsTU1ojCUPXTMGMDNokZ2deuSxnBmbbwsB2qOAj_eeajBywANUm0dbrh54s/s400/entry2kevin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #2 - Kevin<br />Kevin's collection: A TWO piece outfit done in BRIGHT Purple and steelgray dupioni silk, the skirt is a floor length skirt done in the steel gray dupioni with three distinct pleats down the left side and features at the waist to mid thigh 4 Sterling Silver faux beads/buttons. The Top is a loose fitting top with a (????)neckline that has been pleated all the way around, it has two sterling silver beaded faux buttons on the front of the neckline, The Sleeves end in black faux fur and are 3/4 length. The ensemble also has a matching Black Patent leather real WORKING purse that has a sterling silver beaded faux clasp on the flap. This is a perfect 50's/60's outfit for a night on the town or an intimate dinner!<br />Judge 1<br />3, 2, 2 While the idea is great, i fill the overall fit could have been better. The ensemble is just too big for the doll base and overwhelms it. I enjoy the colors and I really think this has promise if it were to be taken in considerably<br />Judge 2<br />3; 4; 3 Very interesting neckline, Could have been better fitted, it looks to big. workmanship is nice.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 The collar gives definition to the boxy style of the jacket. The long pleats make the skirt more elegant.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 27.5<br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcrl9VmXJqf2LVcJK0-U6HOxlx19DZ7T6xVjVDtfMQLMwdo806DKkOhyphenhyphenX2K-Q5_APWFpynhpYYWYXEk39RI02z4nsbVZgW9jkVyTz9klS0fAHUBqw-Qw_LzhYFaIyHSRqqTW3wwuZedE/s1600-h/entry3cat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271496856129559154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcrl9VmXJqf2LVcJK0-U6HOxlx19DZ7T6xVjVDtfMQLMwdo806DKkOhyphenhyphenX2K-Q5_APWFpynhpYYWYXEk39RI02z4nsbVZgW9jkVyTz9klS0fAHUBqw-Qw_LzhYFaIyHSRqqTW3wwuZedE/s400/entry3cat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #3 - Cat<br />Cat's collection: The inspiration for this outfit came from the theme of the Texas Renaissance Festival this weekend, Highland Fling weekend The theme in this contest this week of PLEATS inspired me to create a timeless, fun and sassy outfit. The fabrics used are cottons and cotton blends in various shades of lavenders and purple with a white blouse laced through silver rings and trimmed with small seed beads in purple. I trimmed out the piper inspired short jacket in silver Celtic looking braid. The skirt is stitched down box pleats. I used box pleats on the cuffs of the shirt and on the tam. The tall laced boots are handmade from Sculpy and black leather. All the jewelry is silver with seed beads and Austrian crystals. Her purse is inspired by the men's kilt sporran which sports 3 hand tied tassels and a crystal button. The front is overlaid with slubby silk and the purse is black leather.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 2, 3 I feel that this outfit is very well thought out, however I do think the preparation could have been done better. The fabrics didn't mesh with the overall style and though the pleats were very nice, I don't think it looked finished.<br />Judge 2<br />3; 2; 3 Pleats in the skirt and at the cuffs, nice. The purse sure is tiny. entry could have been pressed better.<br />Judge 3<br />3,4 5 The colors coordinate well, and the silver trim of the jacket brings out the silver on blouse. Pleated cuffs are a nice touch. The ensemble will look good with or without the jacket.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 27 .5<br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k-PZOBmjrpkLcAqzcoUIL14kp-CFG61B1E17z0wlYtm9-XPmizFFGTdJckFOO4Qu9yUwS8HpbBPrdKkI3c6WC13LOLqIlHgaqHgvAmCCeZOV9VMur9J2nV454yPKgjb817t4cCXqgBU/s1600-h/entry4aly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271496861176637970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k-PZOBmjrpkLcAqzcoUIL14kp-CFG61B1E17z0wlYtm9-XPmizFFGTdJckFOO4Qu9yUwS8HpbBPrdKkI3c6WC13LOLqIlHgaqHgvAmCCeZOV9VMur9J2nV454yPKgjb817t4cCXqgBU/s400/entry4aly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #4 - Aly<br />Aly's collection: For the second outfit in my Luxe collection for Lana Lang, Lana was looking for something special for Metropolis' Chinese New Year Gala. Taking inspiration from Chinese lanterns and Asian fabrics, I made a bronze silk evening skirt featuring chevroned pin-tuck pleats and a dramatic fishtail pleated and pin-tucked mermaid hem. The bodice is made from taupe Asian chinoiserie brocade and a silk organza tuxedo-style halter with tiny gold hand beaded button details and gold top-stitching. For the footwear, I recycled an older pair of shoes and reworked them by adding the coordinating pleat details and gold insole. I also made a bracelet with a small gold leaf charm and matching earrings. The purse is, of course, based on a Chinese lantern and features a panel of undulating organza pleats and a leaf charm. To finish the look, Lana wears a cocktail hat in coordinating fabrics, a feather, and a tiny gold pleated fan as a playful accent and nod to a traditional staple of Asian culture. And since its chilly most winters in the City of Tomorrow, Lana has a chocolate brown silk velvet shrug to beat off the cold. Or perhaps Lana is hoping a certain Man of Steel will leave Lois Lane and, instead, whisk her off to the Arctic Circle to rekindle the old flame at the Fortress of Solitude. A girl's gotta be prepared...<br />Judge 1<br />4, 4, 3 This is such a great improvement from last theme. I really enjoy how you've created a choesive look and using the pleasts to do so really encompassed the theme. My only shred of complaint is that the bodice hem doesn't line up to the skirt. Great job<br />Judge 2<br />3; 3; 4 Very nice workmanship, Love the fabric, the entry got a little busy towards the bottom, I like the pleats, too much other stuff going on there detracts from the over all look.<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 5 Beautiful fabrics in well coordinated colors. The different textures and pleating styles make a very creative flounce; the tuxedo effect at the neckline is unique.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 34.5<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOW7ktUTYHJnBnC1aoCVj_-acbebiX84yzurgXDVYXIfXiWL7VLDqpJDUwtjmCXFhWLlhkWW6XBakR_xDC-mGBpeK4tNKj1z6oAXXgNaBW8H7JoDtSD3uooNoHAs6yuWgNs84JJLn5to/s1600-h/entry5sue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271496862894249698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOW7ktUTYHJnBnC1aoCVj_-acbebiX84yzurgXDVYXIfXiWL7VLDqpJDUwtjmCXFhWLlhkWW6XBakR_xDC-mGBpeK4tNKj1z6oAXXgNaBW8H7JoDtSD3uooNoHAs6yuWgNs84JJLn5to/s400/entry5sue.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #5 - Sue<br />Sue's collection: I felt I had touched on PLEATS in the first challenge when I made the pleated dress. I decided to use the fabric the dress was made from but not repeat the dress theme. I decided to go with a palazzo pants option. I was planning to do a top in the same fabric with the pleats horizontal but the result looked too baggy. I felt the wide pants needed a slim top. I was inspired by the dress worn by Halle Berry [designed by Eli Saab] when she won her Oscar for Best Actress. The Outfit:Pleated Palazzo pants, Sheer Lace Top, Pleated Bag with jewel clasp, Pleated Hair band with jewel embellishment, Ostrich feather Muffler, Jeweled Cuff. The pants were the starting point for the outfit. I felt, though made from the same fabric as Challenge 1’s pleated dress, they had a relaxed evening feel. I decided to do a very daring top in antique lace. Again [as in Coat Challenge 1] placement of design within the fabric is vital. The lace is an old rose pink color with gold. It should add glamour and wow factor to the outfit, whilst retaining a delicate feel. The lace top is from a piece of lace I bought in London about 6 months ago. It is soft pink with gold and was so beautiful I couldn't resist. Well I bought 10cms – French lace, London = $$$$$$ I made a very simple shell top. I wanted it to be sheer so knew the placement of the gold was vital for some modesty – not that we always see modesty on the catwalk! The fabric was so delicate it had to be hand sewn. But again the beauty of the fabric meant that edges could be unfinished. So only 4 seams on this piece. I considered making a silk camisole to wear underneath but thought it would detract from the beauty of the lace design.The pants were very hard to sew – the pleats were in the fabric and any stitching showed. Plus using it for doll rather than human size meant that any natural kink in the fabric was magnified and looked unsightly. My outdoor shots of the back view of the pants showed how unsightly the fastening looked on photo so I added a loop to cover the back seam. Accessories: Bag[Purse] -To get a structured clutch, I used a felt base covered in the pleated fabric. A jeweled clasp was sewn on the top to add interest. Hat - The hat was inspired both by the 20's and by a band my daughter made for herself last year whilst undergoing chemotherapy. It was wonderful and more wearable than a hat. In order to give stretch to the hat I knitted a band in cashmerino wool [as she had] This gave elasticity to the hat so it fit beautifully. A woollen band would not be glamorous enough for this outfit so I sewed the pleated fabric over it. I covered the joint with fabric so all seams were hidden. I then sewed 2 old earrings as embellishment to the top. Muffler - To spice the outfit up even more and link with the Vintage outfit, I added a fur muffler inspired by 2008/9 catwalk trends. It is a length of ostrich feather fastened with a hook. Cuff - A single matching gem [old earring] was threaded with gold crochet wool and tied around the wrist. Shoes - The same shoes were used as they match the material of the pants exactly. This doll stands alone without a stand so long as the surface is flat.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 2, 4 This is straight out of Dior's 2003 line and is very well done. The pleated pants are very intricate and I like how well the colors flow. Even though it's a doll, the sheer top is just not enough for me. I think a camisole underneath would have finished it up. You're almost there!<br />Judge 2<br />3; 3; 3 Nice, loved the hat! Would have gone great with the first entry. Would have liked to have seen the pants fit a little better. Still not seeing any finished edges.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 3 The palazzo pants hang nicely, the back loop is an interesting closure that mimics the loop on the turban. The fullness of the fur collar takes away from the delicate lace.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 26.5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6Js3R5usaJ4A_dabV3kUJhjlxTEMEN4ITcy7EG2_1VQwEeDtc0UUl34zy2u66cjhsUIZPGlhNIGtwJShjg1ZGeZ6lqy3IURJTL8GrdUFQoCILjJYbkCMLdB3s09sia_Nct7pl9l_avY/s1600-h/entry6larraine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271496862213666290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6Js3R5usaJ4A_dabV3kUJhjlxTEMEN4ITcy7EG2_1VQwEeDtc0UUl34zy2u66cjhsUIZPGlhNIGtwJShjg1ZGeZ6lqy3IURJTL8GrdUFQoCILjJYbkCMLdB3s09sia_Nct7pl9l_avY/s400/entry6larraine.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry 6 - Larraine<br />Larraine's collection: Bringing the cocktail dress of the sixties into the 21st century by styling it in two pieces, but keeping with the bold colors of the sixties. I chose two styles of pleats and used the contrasting colors inside the pleats to give it an even more sixties look. The top is corset-like with Honeycomb Pleats and the box pleats of the skirt match the top. The skirt is also shorter, a la sixties, but not a mini.<br />Judge 1<br />5, 4, 5 incredible. this is SO well donme I can't even stand it. I LOVE what you have done and i'm blown away at how tiny these details are and they just make this SO cute...The peace sign on the purse ties together with your line and is really shaping this up to be an amazing collection! Bravo!<br />Judge 2<br />3; 4; 4 Nice entry. Very unique use of pleats in the top, Nicely pressed<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 4 The combination of colors combined with the honeycomb pleating creates a uniquely styled top. The reverse coloring between the skirt and top makes each stand out.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 37.5<br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhiu6Q8lXxEs49p9SY3XARJ6w-QEGhT_3LOlEoijPMR9wptfGSIfH8NEMuee-mNL-ez35Bhpj5yl5XI8PdPY-djap5Y21XrsvE5W399v1PqyahdhS_6p9U_3LfL4xbPFivrZA_O3_ox0/s1600-h/entry7dal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271499664464368658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhiu6Q8lXxEs49p9SY3XARJ6w-QEGhT_3LOlEoijPMR9wptfGSIfH8NEMuee-mNL-ez35Bhpj5yl5XI8PdPY-djap5Y21XrsvE5W399v1PqyahdhS_6p9U_3LfL4xbPFivrZA_O3_ox0/s400/entry7dal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #7 - Dal<br />Dal's collection: Three tiers of silvered black and white ribbon pleats set off a MOD inspired silver and black geometric fabric separated by rich, black 1/8" velvet trim that ties in back. The pleats face one way on the top level then reverse to the opposite direction, and reverse again. The geometric fabric repeats below in a pleated V-splash on her oversized bell bottomed white vinyl pants. The fabric on the bells has a delicate white on white pattern that is subtle but fabulously 60's.I topped off the ensemble with a perky orange and yellow beret.As the collection unfolds, MOD prints will either be offset with black and white splashes of color (the tie in the first challenge) or as in this case, the reverse; black and silver with an orange splash of color. There will also always be a play on pattern and texture, something I love exploring.This diminutive 2 and a half inch pleated top and 4 and a half inch pants continues my MOD theme and hopefully delivers MOD in a fun and whimsical way. All of Licca's designs promise to be sophisticated enough to translate to the larger sized dolls.<br />Judge 1<br />5, 5, 5 I can't find something wrong with this outfit. From the fabric, the execution and style...they are all in point. You took what was wrong with last weeks and changed everything. I think that you have totally embraced this week's theme in a way that is wearable and not too far fetched! I love it!<br />Judge 2<br />3; 3; 4 Cute, I like the combination of stripes, checks and plaids. The pants could have been pressed a little sharper. This entry is a little more diffficult than the first entry, workmanship is more envolved, good job.<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 4 The reversing direction of the dainty pleated ruffles enhances the top. The pleats peeking out from the 'bells' nicely coordinate the outfit.<br />Extra 1/2 point<br />Total points: 37.5<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-PtIIhDswv-8YGOFsKSCZwC6cszdi3Mm7m-uPwYabrkceYUlJtCJzSGFOX4qQ5aEGSuW2NyeV1bEJI2WL9GZySjCtbGKXzFQ01h1TXspVf94rJEPHRZ196yspAfsI0Yfvnq07TwIDyE/s1600-h/entry8pauline.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271499662574556370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-PtIIhDswv-8YGOFsKSCZwC6cszdi3Mm7m-uPwYabrkceYUlJtCJzSGFOX4qQ5aEGSuW2NyeV1bEJI2WL9GZySjCtbGKXzFQ01h1TXspVf94rJEPHRZ196yspAfsI0Yfvnq07TwIDyE/s400/entry8pauline.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #8 - Pauline<br />Pauline's collection: Here is my entry "The Discreet Pleat". My client asked for a day dress to wear but doesn't like "casual" too much with her elegant lifestyle! The pleats of the skirt contour the body still keeping with the silhouette of the 1950's. The bodice pleats softly accentuate the bust-line and sleeve. To complete the fashion is a flirty little cape lined with tulle and a pleated tulle collar with a tiny pleat at the back of the neck. The skull cap hat mirrors the tulle pleating with another nod to the 1950's. Earrings are hand painted with metal bead accent. Shoes are appliqued with same fabric as dress. The matching fabric purse has a front and back pleat with metal flower accent (recycled bracelet link).<br />Judge 1<br />1, 1, 3 I think the pleats are done well and I understand that you didn't want to go overboard b/c you were using such a bold pattern, however I think the pattern is too much and takes away from the stitching. I do like the hat just not a fan of the design.<br />Judge 2<br />3; 4; 4 Interesting entry. I like the use of the pleats. They are not glaring, but yes very discreet is a nice description. Great hat, Very nice workmanship. Not sure about the cape, it's a little too different I think.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 4, 4 Good use of the large print on this fabric. The placement of the pleats are nicely camouflaged. The cape has a unique shape.<br />Total points: 27<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfoJ_u4hgxJLsBam1Tr9N8bGvL7yd6uAhmihjo9s0lWZBw2wcFkF5i-N593InzzCnruxXpUb8hcxtSy9PK-cTcpvL1qed1PtSSihd0hktw4Q41wT7hJKPu6OMpMMArQQvaNTjWuGnX0M/s1600-h/entry9gene.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271499665295946034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfoJ_u4hgxJLsBam1Tr9N8bGvL7yd6uAhmihjo9s0lWZBw2wcFkF5i-N593InzzCnruxXpUb8hcxtSy9PK-cTcpvL1qed1PtSSihd0hktw4Q41wT7hJKPu6OMpMMArQQvaNTjWuGnX0M/s400/entry9gene.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #9 -Gene<br />Gene's collection: My inspiration for the Pleats Challenge was the business suits that I see women wear everyday. The skirt is constructed from a brown cotton tweed and the blouse is an off white chiffon. It had been raining for the 3rd day here and I thought that Barbie would need a raincoat to go out to work. The raincoat is made of a waterproof nylon material.<br />Judge 1<br />1, 1, 1 The challenge was pleats and though I see an obvious pleat I don't think it is quite as neat as it should be. The colors come off very drab and I just don't think this is where you need to be going with your collection. The raincoat could have been done in red and that really would have given it some pop.<br />Judge 2<br />2; 2; 2 The pleats in the skirt portion are even and pressed. Could have used better fitting.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 3 The swing style raincoat works well with the classic design of the skirt and blouse. A front picture of the ensemble without the coat would show off those pleats.<br />Total points: 18<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLG05c5wYmol1HY6MUMpukmpH3JzVtdAuGdEg5ulZWIBEldP_St3gB7H0XycNWFku00IpbufmuLH2ODDKbp4LD4Gq17_RGXOcAaLengAECMrRwL_58xXKVo5aRPQG3zpXXZ3vygLmsdNM/s1600-h/entry10stacy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271499668038330706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLG05c5wYmol1HY6MUMpukmpH3JzVtdAuGdEg5ulZWIBEldP_St3gB7H0XycNWFku00IpbufmuLH2ODDKbp4LD4Gq17_RGXOcAaLengAECMrRwL_58xXKVo5aRPQG3zpXXZ3vygLmsdNM/s400/entry10stacy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #10 - Stacy<br />Stacy's collection: 1950's era evening gown is made of burgundy silk dupoini and is lined in the bodice with cotton. It features a fitted strapless bodice with rushing over the bust area which is accented with 3 hues of burgundy Swarovski crystals, full skirt which is box pleated to match the bodice seams, and a large self fabric bow in back. It closes in the back with snaps. A net petticoat gives support to the dress and closes on the side with a snap. The shawl is made of shiny sheer fabric in a silver/gray hue and is decorated with Swarovski crystal beads and 15/0 seed beads. Earrings and hair comb are of silver tone metal and also feature crystal decorations. Her roll purse and strappy slide shoes match, being done in a silver and gray brocade. The gloves are made from black spandex and have individual fingers.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 3 5 This is a major win for you. The fabric works, the pleats work and the overall design is very pretty. You have taken this challenge in a great direction and I think your piece is beautiful. The only thing I would do without is the shall, you don't need to cover your dress, it's good enough alone.<br />Judge 2<br />4; 5; 5 I love the use of pleats in the skirts but also in the bodice. The bodice is spectacular. This is a very nice piece and another I would love to see in person. Great job!<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 The bodice is nicely done and fits well. The box pleats give an elegant fullness to the skirt without the need for gathers. The light color of the wrap takes away from the rich color of the gown and I would suggest using a warmer tone for the wrap.<br />Total points: 34<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59coUK2XhyphenhyphenfdEHM0hyphenhyphenHEl4h5-YmaT1q3X_g0EAcg_TIOBFoup2YZyOiYUOTgkEB_FX-qBbxPqODXpeShU6Xw3xC40XYE5xWz1GpOGdQqFH6E6nzvdpZDcSGr5dHZIX3WWhQcjRhD5m48/s1600-h/entry11agarva.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271499671627554882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59coUK2XhyphenhyphenfdEHM0hyphenhyphenHEl4h5-YmaT1q3X_g0EAcg_TIOBFoup2YZyOiYUOTgkEB_FX-qBbxPqODXpeShU6Xw3xC40XYE5xWz1GpOGdQqFH6E6nzvdpZDcSGr5dHZIX3WWhQcjRhD5m48/s400/entry11agarva.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry 11 - Agarva<br />Agarva's collection: This outfit is an extension from Challenge 1. It is a three piece suit consisting of skirt, corset and bolero style jacket/shirt. All pieces are made from dupion silk and fully lined. Piping trim surrounds the corset and the neck edge of the bolero style jacket. The skirt has 2 inverted box pleats in the front and a triple inverted pleat in the back with contrasting color. The corset is softly knife pleated around the torso and is fitted at the back and tied with corset style eyelets and 'leather' ribbon. The silk bolero has a red silk contrast lining. It is styled to be worn in many ways - lapel up, both folded out or one fold of the lapel for an asymmetrical look. It is blouson at the back for a more defined shape and can be worn with the previous collection's high waisted skirt. The self facing cuffs are adjustable also and can be worn a number of ways - the red pleated side up with a deep or shallow cuff, or at wrist length without the cuff. Shadi wears a diamond choker and has her hair styled for this challenge.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 4, 3 Much better choice of fabrics, these work well together. I think the bolero is too bunchy and maybe should have come OVER the corset instead of underneath. I understand the theme you are going for with your line, but skintight pants would have taken this to another level. I think the pleated corset is your signature part on this.<br />Judge 2<br />4; 4; 4 I like this entry. nice pressed pleats in the skirt. I like the use of pleats as accents too. Workmanship is very good.<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 4 The corset is well done and brings the contrasting colors of the bolero and skirt together. The long pleats in the front and back of the skirt give a bit of fullness to the overall slender appearance. The pleated cuffs are a nice touch.<br />Total points: 33<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMnXJ6vJh8se4r092R-GylB5oHft-6a-NXfC4pMAtxpgTaZ3TbVb2cHsnnIPJ-K2ZZHxAfIiI7M1tzAg4SXw0HQ9Y8sGH3VPQ0YIbaQUVaoEQuMYXK9QJIE7wpaZxlkOmpwp_Gy4zcXs/s1600-h/entry12sande.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271501669857744546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMnXJ6vJh8se4r092R-GylB5oHft-6a-NXfC4pMAtxpgTaZ3TbVb2cHsnnIPJ-K2ZZHxAfIiI7M1tzAg4SXw0HQ9Y8sGH3VPQ0YIbaQUVaoEQuMYXK9QJIE7wpaZxlkOmpwp_Gy4zcXs/s400/entry12sande.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry 12 - Sande<br />Sande's collection: What better way to bring the flavor of the 60's and 70's to the present than with a nod to that wonderful couturier, Yves Saint Laurent and his see-through blouse? A couple of rows of pleats in the fronts, and full-on pleats in the back and sleeves, and a girl can wear see-through without anyone seeing too much! since "pleats" was the challenge, i started with a crinkled fabric, which is a kind of pleat in itself. accordion pleats are always in style, so a full back to the blouse seemed to bring contemporary and vintage together in one look. i have "pushed up" the left sleeve on her arm a little bit to show what the pleats look like bloused out. a pleather belt with silver buckle forms the curved peplum from front to back. the blouse could also be worn without the belt for a fuller, more A-shape and a more casual feel. Saint Laurent was also scandalous by dressing women in pants for evening wear and day wear. some establishments refused to allow admittance to women in pants! I chose white to contrast with the black of the top, and couldn't resist the pleats in the sides of the pant legs!. Blythe has just the figure to carry this look with grace, and with no bra, to ruin the flow of the fabric!<br />Judge 1<br />5, 3, 5 Wow! This is exactly what I thought of when I read Yves Saint Laurent and think you did a marvelous job on this challenge. The sheer is just enough but not cheap. The pants fit perfectly and the pleated is to die for...WELL DONE OVERALL!<br />Judge 2<br />3; 4; 4 Very nice use of pleats where one would normally see gathers and darts. Pleats for being so tiny are nice and even. Workmanship is great. Nice pressing job. I like it.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 The pleats of the blouse, in combination with the belt, shape the peplum nicely. The textured fabric of the slacks allow the outfit transcend to evening wear.<br />Total points: 34<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXePANNlZ-uNGMKxfUOw6lcskAkq0CDk-xef73yOJm3jbtu6hbo0wZJG1VSklsvP-eVuJkLLh-6CUTVwwk9K7UpungYqYkmu6yc-TBdFJccaBCursNonn_zgmahAy1TM_U0Ig1MQDmU5Q/s1600-h/entry13dot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271501670858705026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXePANNlZ-uNGMKxfUOw6lcskAkq0CDk-xef73yOJm3jbtu6hbo0wZJG1VSklsvP-eVuJkLLh-6CUTVwwk9K7UpungYqYkmu6yc-TBdFJccaBCursNonn_zgmahAy1TM_U0Ig1MQDmU5Q/s400/entry13dot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry 13 - Dot<br />Dot's collection: Fleur is all about femininity. Dressed in her pale, pleated lavender dress she’s ready for a formal lunch with her sweet Aunt Grace – she knows this is just the kind of sedate dressing that will win her approval. Her outfit has been carefully planned out from head to toe. Her hair is pulled back in a proper ponytail with pink and lavender ribbons. Her necklace is of little bakelite flowers that hold tiny crystals that may or may not be Swarovski. Her plain cream shawl has been spiced up with ribbon work, and her box purse features a floral bakelite charm and more pleats. The bodice of the dress has been hand appliquéd with her trademark lace, leaving the skirt uncovered to reveal all the pleating. The waistband features more pleats and a focal point bow that includes an embellished buckle made to look like an antique button. And, of course, she is wearing the perfect shoes especially designed by Sherrie Jo of Beary Tiny Treasures to compliment the entire ensemble.<br />Judge 1<br />3, 5, 4 I just think you're adorable...your ideas are SO cute...I don;t know whether to eat them or beg you to make them inmy size. I adore it! The pleasts are great...my only complaint, the lace in the back overlapping could be a bit neater...<br />Judge 2<br />3; 4; 4 I like this entry, I love the use of pleats in the bows. The colors came through this time around. Workmanship is very nice.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 The horizontal pleating on the bodice fits well with the lace overlay, and compliments the vertical pleated skirt. The ribbon trim on the wrap pulls the eye away from the dress, where the wrap without the trim would compliment the dress better.<br />Total points: 33<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_jjH_9eePdEgX341Nk83AGQ8vOBxKTwuL-YJBXmqYhxyXkmmzqHt5AC-unIovcboM30g-jnF6G65hpa-DUtWfBTueVZxKR6pogJ4GSlHHuRjbiJK-brwq7M6XWQ-TKbifXZeBGXUvho/s1600-h/entry14carolyn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271501681168574690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_jjH_9eePdEgX341Nk83AGQ8vOBxKTwuL-YJBXmqYhxyXkmmzqHt5AC-unIovcboM30g-jnF6G65hpa-DUtWfBTueVZxKR6pogJ4GSlHHuRjbiJK-brwq7M6XWQ-TKbifXZeBGXUvho/s400/entry14carolyn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #14 - Carolyn<br />Carolyn's collection: No narrative.<br />Judge 1<br />1, 1, 1 While the two piece suggests a modern feel to this, I just don't think it's cleanly done. The muslin is very muted and takes away from any kind of style. I think I get your approach...it's just not well done.<br />Judge 2<br />2; 1; 1 Cute idea, pleats are pressed, maybe next time we can turn the edges to the inside of the garment. Needs more finishing. I do see improvement in the workmanship though.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 3, Crisp pleats in linen and lace, looks cool and comfortable. Like the asymmetrical hemline.<br />Total points: 16<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZIMrtjr9Q9hy0NVe2m94JPtlDKK2YXKTs4F8SVFn-Kc0hhY_z74YJ33XATESlm67cSniDoV3bshrn4uTP-gT25dbvF7pfQ3HT2kBlrFCcWSM50Lr9mGEWCTcJrZRaMeZVEwBzQ6mQSM/s1600-h/entry15durelle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271501690810094066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZIMrtjr9Q9hy0NVe2m94JPtlDKK2YXKTs4F8SVFn-Kc0hhY_z74YJ33XATESlm67cSniDoV3bshrn4uTP-gT25dbvF7pfQ3HT2kBlrFCcWSM50Lr9mGEWCTcJrZRaMeZVEwBzQ6mQSM/s400/entry15durelle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #15 - Durelle<br />Durelle's collections: A number of features will flow throughout my collection including, leather, lace, top stitching, silk, chains, gears, buckles and straps with hints of Neo Edwardian / Victorian influences as well as a understated military flavor. This collection is street ready to wear for a young client who is hip to "Steampunk." It is not intended to be over the top or harsh; rather it enjoys being fashionable in a more sedate way, with subtle references to Victorian elements updated contemporarily. My collection is all about separates, and this entry is no exception. This one features a 3-piece outfit. The drop waist skirt is made from leather in old gold. Pleated gold lace is attached to the skirt hemline, along with piping in a very narrow stripe. The gold silk blouse has long lovely sleeves narrow at the shoulders and very full at the cuffs with a deep V-neck and sheered at the shoulder. A reoccurring theme throughout my collection is topstitching and it is featured here again on this uniquely designed rust silk vest. When cinched up with the sewn in leather corset, folded pleats are created which resembles a little Victorian bustle. The front of the vest is deeply cut under the breast and shows off a double row of buttons and decorative elements include a set of chains similar to a watch fob worn in Victorian times. Since this is the Timekeeper, it’s the perfect accent for my client. Finishing off the "Timekeeper" is an adorable handbag, created from the same leather as the skirt and accented with the same narrow stripe from the skirts piping. A rust tassel completes the look.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 2, 5 The pleats are gorgeous. The colors make it stand out even more and I just think you have created something very pristine. I wish I never heard the word steampunk b/c I don't you're in that direction...and it's clouding my mind when I see your designs. This challenge for you was executed brilliantly and your sewing alone is phenomenal.<br />Judge 2<br />3; 4; 3 overall nice. I like the pleated effect. Love the blouse. Looks like there might be more folding going on in this entry than I can reaaly see in the pictures. The purse looks good too.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 4, 4, The warm, rich colors mix well with the various textures. The vest pulls the blouse into a pleated bustle providing interest in the back, while the chains provide detail on the front.<br />Total points: 30<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrRJcIQnCZiVGj1a_DLQDI4s-9jjRJJJrTNgjn02ozU2cKBl6hEkSKtI6tAzNlhrL48GuEbBfmn0TcbtjqmHif4aCr9zHtnnniAIDTRSyMv8ocd6YmqfEsGZjr5o6mHbFm1oACxhtw8o/s1600-h/entry16jason.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271501695379470946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrRJcIQnCZiVGj1a_DLQDI4s-9jjRJJJrTNgjn02ozU2cKBl6hEkSKtI6tAzNlhrL48GuEbBfmn0TcbtjqmHif4aCr9zHtnnniAIDTRSyMv8ocd6YmqfEsGZjr5o6mHbFm1oACxhtw8o/s400/entry16jason.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #16 - Jason<br />Jason's collection: This is a two layered, pleated turquoise satin babydoll style cocktail dress, with white silk dupioni bodice and trim, including a matching printed underskirt and black/gold braid accent.<br />Judge 1<br />5, 4, 3 I can see this dress at the Oscars..from head on, it's stunning...from the side it could be construed as maternity b/c of the girth. I if you drew back from the pretty pleats a little it is couture heaven! I think using this color scheme is working for you and I really like your interpretation and originality.<br />Judge 2<br />4; 4; 3 Nice use of pleats on pleats. love the hemline. workamnship is nice, not sure about the particular trime used. Yes, the piece needs something there, but maybe somthing else.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 4, 4 The pleats becoming more diagonal at the sides and in the back add a lot to the design, as does the hemline which nearly folds into pleats as it hangs.<br />Total points: 34<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPu8LiwJ9qhSDhAfxO3kJWs0usdFcnGaRcqiUdDMPgEWy-D4nBakqZW04KBa0Y46qKkbc0c2xAD2j6kubhJ2nzOGepX0tvx9ax0XkkmaoUcVaBPSBVkfv0VUFBij78nFiPza-5xabyyI/s1600-h/entry17sharon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271503811751237330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPu8LiwJ9qhSDhAfxO3kJWs0usdFcnGaRcqiUdDMPgEWy-D4nBakqZW04KBa0Y46qKkbc0c2xAD2j6kubhJ2nzOGepX0tvx9ax0XkkmaoUcVaBPSBVkfv0VUFBij78nFiPza-5xabyyI/s400/entry17sharon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #17 - Sharon<br />Sharon's collection: Ell is happy in her perky little outfit. She is wearing a sweater top, a pleated skirt edged in lace, a little vest in a cherry print with buttons and loops, a red bead bracelet, black stockings and little slip-on black shoes.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 2, 3 Again it's a bit too much..the overshirt is not necessary b/c your skirt and top are perfect on their own. It's simplicity is what makes it SO nice. I wish you'd take that into consideration next time b/c your ideas are great! Colors are cute and funky and I dig it!<br />Judge 2<br />3; 3; 4 While I do really like this entry, the pleats are not the main focal point to me. I love the vest. Workmanship is very nice.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 Good color combination, the color of the cherries help bring out the color in the skirt. Nice tiny pleats at the waistline.<br />Total points: 27<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqfzP6EHHvbEzcLf3fvCOVpaD3ZskXu3_DNst-ZfewdraFEMN-SHkizTxL4o7Vq4N9UrgpwuiyXAt60JhFVW82DWqMa_8JKPGel7btb8qFODlpxx0eD-DNZun2BqmcJcJra7-TkBna70/s1600-h/entry18sylvia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271503816107461986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqfzP6EHHvbEzcLf3fvCOVpaD3ZskXu3_DNst-ZfewdraFEMN-SHkizTxL4o7Vq4N9UrgpwuiyXAt60JhFVW82DWqMa_8JKPGel7btb8qFODlpxx0eD-DNZun2BqmcJcJra7-TkBna70/s400/entry18sylvia.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #18 - Sylvia - THE WINNER<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSugIRegnNftepAZdNOG_1MSpsXBCoOau84Bux4Uw9ZVIX8Xiowutgffgra7KAVdGoex-VVTh8ld63ziOE92hpcpTXhAS3eXXX-FHasTx68Q0aR6jxmlL_3bz1Aw8lM7o8oUuve41LVWg/s1600-h/entry19alimcj.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271503815987384498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSugIRegnNftepAZdNOG_1MSpsXBCoOau84Bux4Uw9ZVIX8Xiowutgffgra7KAVdGoex-VVTh8ld63ziOE92hpcpTXhAS3eXXX-FHasTx68Q0aR6jxmlL_3bz1Aw8lM7o8oUuve41LVWg/s400/entry19alimcj.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #19 - Allison<br />Alison's collection: Naturally the first thing to come to mind was "a tartan" "a tartan schoolgirl skirt." I moved away from that and have no idea how I came up with the lace. I started with an idea of a skirt with sewn-down pleats along the top, sewn down by the use of a floral appliqué, similar to that in the hakama-kimono piece, reduced in scale. Pleats are important to the hakama (project 1, "Vintage") also, and the linen took them so perfectly: such crisp lovely fabric, even at over fifty years old. The pleats in this outfit for Evelyn are both knife pleats and box pleats. The fabric is one strip of lace, about 3 yards long, that I got for free from our table's freebie bag at IFDC this summer. The skirt morphed into a top; as I worked on it, I began to see it as a top, with the concept of pleats as structure, moving away from the idea of using an appliqué over the pelvic pleats to hold them down in a different way, an obvious way of tacking them down for structure. Meditating on pleats, I thought they were usually used as a textural element, though their use as a structural element must have developed first. With skirts, I have worked backward in my mind: a pleated skirt, but we'll attach all the pleats at the waist down the hip to make it look better, rather than seeing them as a thicker fabric where they're sewn down -- a structural element -- and give way to looser fabric where not. When it became a top, the idea was to have the sewn down knife pleats (one box pleat center front to reverse direction of pleats) at the midriff to provide a bustier-like structure. the top, bust, and bottom, waist would flare out, a peplum at the bottom and perhaps the flared out part at the bust being like the top of paper wrapping a bouquet: filling some of the flare with red ribbon roses. First, I had used all my red ones up and had only white; second, it seemed less and less a good idea and I started thinking on ways to cover Evelyn's breasts. A body suit is in the works, though not planned for the outfit. I had several under-garment possibilities if I needed one to attach the top pleats to. I finally settled on using the top pleats to define structure further, while still leaving them open. One of these outdoor shots shows the top of the top from above, to show how coverage worked out. That is pleats015.jpg here. The skirt is a simple box-pleated skirt with a "slip" underneath, which is an unpleated (minimally pleated just for shape) extension of the unpleated lace, wrapped around to give a little more coverage. Neither Evelyn nor I, at her age, are especially concerned with coverage, although we know it is a necessary social convention -- even more so than when I was her age. "Minimum legal" is our by-line. No shoes; the dress is so light and airy and Evelyn so refreshed after having knee and shoulder surgery today, that she was hopping around on both feet, toes pointed, singing "I'm a ballerina, I'm a ballerina," with me behind her sobbing, "I'm a ballena." She struck quite a few exuberant poses today, demonstrating how she could extend and hold her limbs with grace and ease. It was all in all, a lovely day: I even managed a walk with Fidel and he kept us company taking pics of Evelyn and in this last photo he was rushing me off to play some ball. Earlier in the day, Braveheart, one of our cats, came in sniffing around Evelyn and said, "Mmmm, I like this black net stuff with all the silver and gold stars on it. It looks just right for me to lie down on." I'd had that out for a possible pleated black overskirt, shorter than the white one, a possible pleated black slip or two to flare out the white one, and/or a possible small pleated fan-like bit at the top of the bodice for coverage. We went with all white and I told Braveheart I might make him a bow tie out of some of the star-spangled black.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 5, 4 I really saw this and just immediately thought madonna circe like a virgin mixed with harajuku mixed with lingerie and I could keep going. I think your pleats are great, I think your design is top notch and original, I do feel some color was needed to bring you that pizazz the last outfit had.<br />Judge 2<br />3; 3; 3 The pleats make for a nice fit, originality is ok, pressing is pretty good<br />Judge 3<br />3, 4, 4 The sewn pleats of the bustier style top giving way to a peplum at the waist is an interesting way to use the pleats<br />Total points: 31<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ufuzbbUDeK0ohlyVDoVZrcoRniACATY7cGW_QM_78rC6lIc46-6_2g8jHQa8l7F5iurwyZgPXznEuAfp1Nd4xFeeyfBSGyKTrJiaQ9-wHMIpPjw8Zxty5gaBEBejSszLcqWvPdl2ZGQ/s1600-h/entry20dawn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271503819497070546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ufuzbbUDeK0ohlyVDoVZrcoRniACATY7cGW_QM_78rC6lIc46-6_2g8jHQa8l7F5iurwyZgPXznEuAfp1Nd4xFeeyfBSGyKTrJiaQ9-wHMIpPjw8Zxty5gaBEBejSszLcqWvPdl2ZGQ/s400/entry20dawn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #20 - Dawn<br />Dawn's collection: I'm designing for Ellowyne Wilde. She is a modern girl who loves vintage elements and fabrics in her clothing. She is all for the current trend of repurposing and recycling fabrics. I plan to incorporate elements from different decades in her clothing. To keep my collection cohesive for this second challenge, I've used the same or similar recycled fabrics and colors as in the first. The low waist on skirt reflects the dropped waist on the first dress. The sleeve hems also carry the feeling of the skirt hem on the first dress. I have added a knitted shrug because I plan to have knitted elements in some of the fashions. The dropped stitch ribbing of the shrug also reflects the curved pleats in the skirt. The stitched-open pleats in the waist of the skirt are meant to resemble a vintage style of pleated ribbon used in Victorian and earlier clothing. The belt is made from a piece of vintage metallic trim.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 2, 3 Your color palatte might b my favorite. I don't think you needed the black shrug b/c the print could stand alone, especially with the solid skirt and tights. The pleats are nice but could have been cleaner in the sense that the skirt should be micro mini to compensate for large pleats. Not bad at all, good good job.<br />Judge 2<br />3; 3; 3 Cute idea. would have liked to have seen the pleats pressed better. Shrug is ok in the front, not sure what I think of the back of the shrug?<br />Judge 3<br />3, 3, 4 Interesting way to attach the pleats of the skirt to the yoke so that they look open on the top. The plum tights bring out the plum colors in the top, as the skirt pulls out the green.<br />Total points: 26<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJay86XKsy_ZxTm5ZIqBLAQvBXV68R99kesyx0eZbKCdolZEANNunJ0v0IxhDLUk9lr1_QcKVzqpymqaGvKQdm5skA6NtCD9aAVT4R336LBTK4C2fC27JplsjEjJpUwY4Z-pkzbPIpkk/s1600-h/entry21peggy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271503818522178354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJay86XKsy_ZxTm5ZIqBLAQvBXV68R99kesyx0eZbKCdolZEANNunJ0v0IxhDLUk9lr1_QcKVzqpymqaGvKQdm5skA6NtCD9aAVT4R336LBTK4C2fC27JplsjEjJpUwY4Z-pkzbPIpkk/s400/entry21peggy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #21 - Peggy<br />Peggy's collection: The dress is of silk dupioni and silk chiffon. The chartreuse inset is horizontally pleated while the over skirt is vertically pleated to the side and then gathered in the back. It has a black underskirt and is fully lined except for the sleeves. I don't know how well it will show up in the pictures but the silk chiffon is a plaid of green and gold on black.<br />Judge 1<br />2, 2, 4 Again I like this. I just think you need to take an outfit and design something. Some originality is needed to really make your line one of a kind.<br />Judge 2<br />4; 3; 4 I like this. Unique quality in the horizontal pleats, nice. Nicely pressed, nice use of color<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 4 The vertical and horizontal pleating compliment each other. The skirt color helps bring out the green in the overskirt and bodice. Good fit.<br />Total points: 31<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwezmaI71c-bMt_Zcom-jAKnd7Xz87DGhdZHvrqEb4TMXaEnlgy4gRUZ1T5UZhpnOq4E2GihIdz45R_wLllY8EOVDaOsSYEr9irvrigcisFGfIebgw5vDwFsp1BlNz8G2yb1uiOb7J6Kc/s1600-h/entry22kayla.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271504041918621314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 383px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwezmaI71c-bMt_Zcom-jAKnd7Xz87DGhdZHvrqEb4TMXaEnlgy4gRUZ1T5UZhpnOq4E2GihIdz45R_wLllY8EOVDaOsSYEr9irvrigcisFGfIebgw5vDwFsp1BlNz8G2yb1uiOb7J6Kc/s400/entry22kayla.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Entry #22 - Michaela<br />Michaela's collection: I thought I would step up to this challenge by stepping the pleats of my skirt. A mini skirt of yellow, red, white and black tartan has a stepped hem with a black tulle underskirt with red super fine edging. The outfit also consists of a white cotton shirt, red/black dupion silk tie and moire taffeta waist cincher with silver embroidered faux busk (stud & loop) at the centre front.<br />Judge 1<br />1, 1, 3 This is not going to fit into your line considering the last challenge. Your pleats are great and I feel like this is right out of Austin Powers. Very cute outfit, very nice idea just not continuous with your overall theme.<br />Judge 2<br />3;3;4 I like the over all look, very interesting hemline. You even got the plaids to match up pretty good - something that is not always easy to do.<br />Judge 3<br />3, 4, 4 Great matching of the plaids in construction and pleating. Interesting hemline.<br />Total points: 26<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBqQqIGMvKaULPbXJsEIV1vl_YfzmQ-bgMx1dq-2XceOhO4lBiS3k3bKS3vnde2REf3kGM7ksW-1cTJxX6ceIjw4YNmXPl1JNzwhdAvKXztk8zxA5IU62ANpWNHSoiWAgLtXiP36qZlQ/s1600-h/entry23jannie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271504044770228450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBqQqIGMvKaULPbXJsEIV1vl_YfzmQ-bgMx1dq-2XceOhO4lBiS3k3bKS3vnde2REf3kGM7ksW-1cTJxX6ceIjw4YNmXPl1JNzwhdAvKXztk8zxA5IU62ANpWNHSoiWAgLtXiP36qZlQ/s400/entry23jannie.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="left"></a><br /><br />Entry #23 - Jannie<br />Jannie's collection: Pantyhose, Pleated Hip-hugger mini Skirt, Form fitting turtleneck zipped Shirt, Lined Jacket with pleated back inset and pleated collar, Pleated hat band with ostrich feather, Earrings and necklace, Shoes especially designed by Sherrie Jo of Beary Tiny Treasures The panty hose are made of a natural our way stretchable mesh and are designed to be used with the hip hugger design skirt. They are held up by elastic at the hips. The pleated hip-hugger mini-skirt is made from pink and brown pinwale corduroy with a hounds-tooth pattern. Using the corduroy made it necessary to be very careful of the nap of the fabric. The hounds-tooth pattern also made it necessary to watch the fabric carefully. The bottom part of the skirt is a straight pleat around the bottom. The hip- hugger portion is designed on the diagonal. The front also has a diagonal cut with an inset on brown satin piping and highlighted with 3 heart shaped buttons. The back is also designed on the diagonal with the closure in the middle. The form fitting turtleneck zipped shirt is made using a ribbed cotton and lycra dance fabric for its ability to stretch and return to its original shape as Pru’s hands are much larger than her arms. I also chose to use a zipper for the closure for easy of getting Pru in and out of the shirt and it also would leave no gaps or pulls like snaps would. Lined jacket with pleated back inset and pleated collar is made using a solid linen like pink material in combination with insets of pleated pink and brown pinwale corduroy with a hounds-tooth pattern, brown satin piping, brown satin, and pink satin lining. The Jacket is cut on a princess cut with brown satin piping running front to back in one piece on both sides. Located in both side seams of the jacket are hidden fully functional pockets. The back portion of the collar was pleated before being sewn into place. The pleated inset in the back of the jacket is offset by a band of brown satin with 2 pink hearts. The pleats are free flowing. The sleeves of the jacket are fuller at the bottom which allows for them to be turned up which is now and was popular in the 1970’s. Pleated hat band with ostrich feather is made from pink and brown pinwale corduroy with a hounds-tooth pattern, light pink organdy ribbon and ¼ inch brown with pink polka dot ribbon. I wanted Pru’s hair to be up this time and I just could not get it right until I took some of the scrap material and then….. WOW… Jo Ann Worley!!! And Africa- Me!!! So I started pleating and I found the trim and then I remembered Camp Kirkland (famous orchestrator before a performance) told me to put feathers in my hair. So I put feathers in Pru’s hair! And Voila! Earrings and necklace are made of real mother of pearl and Swarovski crystals. The necklace uses a barrel clasp. Shoes are so IMPORTANT!!! And these are perfect!!! Sherrie Jo of Beary Tiny Treasures made these awesome shoes for me! They are just perfect don’t you think?<br />Judge 1<br />3, 3, 5 Keeping with your last diesign this is great! I think the pleats are SO well done and I really like the piping on the jacket. The little pink accents make this just so special. Good job!<br />Judge 2<br />4; 4; 4 Probably one of my favorite entries this time. Loved the use of pleats in the cuffs and on the hat. Feathers were great. LOVED the pressing of the pleats.<br />Judge 3<br />4, 4, 5 The pattern in the pleating is well matched. The pleating on the collar and back add interest to the jacket that the piping alone could not accomplish. Fewer feathers in the hair would let the hat design be more apparent.<br />Total points: 36<br /><br /><br /><center>"Fashions fade, style is eternal." -Yves Saint Laurent</center><br /><br />Next week, on November 27, those of us who are American will celebrate Thanksgiving. Many of us may not be online very much; rather we'll be spending time with our family and local friends. But, just as it's always fun to have these celebrations, I'm sure it will be equally fun to return to this competition and our online friends.<br /><br />But, maybe in our down time, we'll have some time between cooking and visiting to take a few minutes to regroup, research, and rethink our positions in this competition. If we haven't received the critique we've hoped for, we might start to look in different directions for more advanced inspiration. And, if we've been successful, we may want something new to infuse into our game plan to ensure our continued success. Or, we simply may be looking for something that continues to keep us true to our unique vision. Whatever our goal, a new insight into fashion success can always inspire.<br /><br />Towards that end, I thought we all might enjoy looking at some of these fashion videos featuring 2009 runway showings. After all, we never know when a simple thing like a unique collar, hemline, or even an accessory might lead us back to the sketch pad to formulize the perfect item for that next challenge. And, runway shows offer more than just fashions - they show us how to style! So, let's go - let's finish up our Dolman offerings, and then take time to sit back and enjoy these shows. Remember, the most important thing about creating art should be fun!<br /><br /><br /><center>Academy of Art<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VVDww0lJ9IQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VVDww0lJ9IQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Anna Sui<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ENpULQ54PSY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ENpULQ54PSY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Alexander McQueen<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/57yAfgCllq0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/57yAfgCllq0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Baby Phat & KLS<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3l9qpXCTZ2E&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3l9qpXCTZ2E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Balmain<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aJkeK3ZDNVs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aJkeK3ZDNVs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Galliano for Dior<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HhhA1YEi_Dw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HhhA1YEi_Dw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Versace<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3eCMkrX4g3Y&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3eCMkrX4g3Y&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><center></center><br /><br />See you next week with more fashion info and designer interviews!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-62457478408435808162008-11-17T13:10:00.000-08:002008-11-17T18:45:15.151-08:00ARTISTS - DAL, JANNIE, KAT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLozvnC3sca6zlqUTpk4DxyBk09-1OZu7D9GhxDzrlYPkAmxN3HsmpiyW3cwx2emCv1J5kMVc5AOr0zQrsAfXLgAMG7yTArBt-6UjGt0LsC0G5SDc666LFXXkjMyg_D4xu5Ju9k7bots/s1600-h/dal1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269748184775920226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 356px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLozvnC3sca6zlqUTpk4DxyBk09-1OZu7D9GhxDzrlYPkAmxN3HsmpiyW3cwx2emCv1J5kMVc5AOr0zQrsAfXLgAMG7yTArBt-6UjGt0LsC0G5SDc666LFXXkjMyg_D4xu5Ju9k7bots/s400/dal1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>DAL</strong><br /><br />Dal and her husband live in Connecticut. They have three children who are artists in their own chosen fields, photography, film and theatre. She is also owned by two Chihuahuas; a long hair named Mouse, and a short, fat football named Bunny Boy.<br /><br />Early in life Dal knew she wanted to be an artist. After graduating from the High School of Art & Design in Manhattan, she studied at Pratt Institute and went right to work in NYC as an art director. Today she has her own small design studio where she designs logos, packaging, and playbills. She also does some costume design for local theaters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquiPCgYlqOrC2v1v6BqY1IjDjun9NYct1O-eCBcJQXJVLHmMcHLkJ5ork-BYNOTzmMXSjIYm08DD1q9PXxFvoa1Vf8sWxfPL2sNPQegQVKK1C1mP1yC677k8-6PqjNcaLYRcRs6PTk8s/s1600-h/dal2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269750117977194450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquiPCgYlqOrC2v1v6BqY1IjDjun9NYct1O-eCBcJQXJVLHmMcHLkJ5ork-BYNOTzmMXSjIYm08DD1q9PXxFvoa1Vf8sWxfPL2sNPQegQVKK1C1mP1yC677k8-6PqjNcaLYRcRs6PTk8s/s400/dal2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />For the past fifteen years she collected vintage and new dolls such as Fashion Royalty, Ellowyne Wilde, Momoko, Pullip, and recently, Japanese dolls from the late sixties and seventies.<br /><br /><br />In her initial years of re-collecting her own vintage Barbies, her interest turned to Bild Lilli dolls and her retro fashions. The cost being prohibitive in owning original Lilli clothing, she decided to re-create them with vintage fabrics. Subsequently she sold many of her Bild Lilli designs, and was featured in some of the early Barbie magazines.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34aJK477Gsmxyu-A7mhtrM-ogzoREY3MVNjPfpB0Tje2UUG8Ac-bIeD-F3z-vDsvh8wduj_-AnJioEKKJkJNfMB9h86bvEnMYeanUxxpLgSwxfFIf-fmSaDMXH-R3R4Q4RYR1O918Fhg/s1600-h/dal3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269748702881040834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34aJK477Gsmxyu-A7mhtrM-ogzoREY3MVNjPfpB0Tje2UUG8Ac-bIeD-F3z-vDsvh8wduj_-AnJioEKKJkJNfMB9h86bvEnMYeanUxxpLgSwxfFIf-fmSaDMXH-R3R4Q4RYR1O918Fhg/s400/dal3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Participating in last year's home challenges helped her appreciate how exciting her doll hobby can be. Not only did she learn by experience, but also by the visible growth she saw in how the 12 PDW designers and At Home designers developed. As a bonus, she says she got to meet some incredibly talented new friends.<br /><br />Dal truly loves the creative process, and feels even though she may not win any of the challenges; she knows by challenging herself in completing a twelve piece collection, she will be a winner for having done so. The premise of the Project Dollway at Home for her is "to have fun creating", and although she did not choose a fashionable, more couture, runway model, she promises we will also fall in love with her current obsession, seven and a half inch, Licca.<br /><br />She predicts there will be surprises along the way in the competition. “The seasoned designers and seamsters will shine, but the novices will delight us in their unconventional approaches to design. In the end, we will all learn from each other." You can read more about Dal and her previous creations on her blog at:<br /><br /><a href="http://dalsdolls.blogspot.com/">http://dalsdolls.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>JANNIE</strong><br />Jannie was born in Panama City, Florida, and now again calls this “Red-Neck Rivera” her home. She lives there with her husband, who returned with her from Sydney, Australia - a place familiar to some of our other designers. Early on she worked for Walt Disney World before it even opened, and has since retired from three different careers in engineering and project management.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqGhGyQrMw7JPJY2_6098mFerZpUGgDQYIZnB5IdATU3slwLjIIcNrNlEOmaFKnPnbpnFYUj7N6TbrxpDtT_s9MaylNCVjXtYvt5DkceUQaufrOu2qTvOsWEvZ127x7vq3f1DHOKE1TA/s1600-h/jannie4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269752761338027554" style="FLOAT: center; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 365px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqGhGyQrMw7JPJY2_6098mFerZpUGgDQYIZnB5IdATU3slwLjIIcNrNlEOmaFKnPnbpnFYUj7N6TbrxpDtT_s9MaylNCVjXtYvt5DkceUQaufrOu2qTvOsWEvZ127x7vq3f1DHOKE1TA/s400/jannie4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Her travels have taken her to such exotic places as Ghana, West Africa; Germany; and Paris! She has taken couture classes in Paris where she gained training in design, pattern making, and material medium. She has also sold her designs to the House of Frazer in Germany.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH9-_JuQL0gfKW1F4zcSZioxLvBcI0von-BC0vYu_Uhdk_Ab3r9nHaNgGwLus7AYKNp69bnzXgYCEvpTtu8wzXHflsxnKkYcy1vE938v41fFkEXglVI-MDO9F2DHENjjEjH9dB1H5e7Q/s1600-h/jannie1.GIF"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269791906767463298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 394px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH9-_JuQL0gfKW1F4zcSZioxLvBcI0von-BC0vYu_Uhdk_Ab3r9nHaNgGwLus7AYKNp69bnzXgYCEvpTtu8wzXHflsxnKkYcy1vE938v41fFkEXglVI-MDO9F2DHENjjEjH9dB1H5e7Q/s400/jannie1.GIF" border="0" /></a><br />Now she is content to be starting a new career that has been her second dream since her grandmother gave her the first sewing machine at 7 years old; she wants to design clothing for dolls. Although she didn’t play with dolls as a child, her fashion designing was always encouraged. She even designed a complete wardrobe for the bridal party of an overweight bride while working in Washington, DC on assignment to the DOD in her hotel room. When the husband told her, “I have never seen her look so beautiful and trim,” she knew designing clothing was not only worthwhile, but something she had a passion for.<br /><br />In the past she has participated in local doll shows; however, this year she decided it was time to go big, attend the 2008 Tonner Convention, and enter the design competition. She was delightfully surprised she was able to bring back one first place ribbon and two third place ribbons. Since then she has attended the Modern Doll Convention, continues competing in other competitions. She is currentl showing at the Northwest Florida Artisan Festival until December 20, 2008, and plans to show at the 9th Annual NW Florida Doll Show in Ft. Walton Beach. She also has enjoyed working with Dolly Hearts of America helping to raise money to help victims of disasters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick2K9XTgMtE3ROHsAA8mJYFyVm_MUhnLStYGHnHaojKxNLtrpwa6imVoMS6Q_ptAQqN_LQS4FS7L4RDbEkrd5KxaFTrlntPWF3niuvdEBPcqNa2pFkKQntXKofeGs_pz-UDPspxCr-0k/s1600-h/jannie3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269758048561322882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick2K9XTgMtE3ROHsAA8mJYFyVm_MUhnLStYGHnHaojKxNLtrpwa6imVoMS6Q_ptAQqN_LQS4FS7L4RDbEkrd5KxaFTrlntPWF3niuvdEBPcqNa2pFkKQntXKofeGs_pz-UDPspxCr-0k/s400/jannie3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Encouragement from friends prompted her to enter this competition, but she has absolutely no predictions for its outcome. Rather, she simply hopes to learn something and make it to the end. “My designs may not be flashy and grand, but I desire to have that quality about them that a woman (doll) of any age would look elegant dressed in them and could wear them for years,” she says, and goes on to caution us not to be surprised to see her client wearing something wild and crazy because Pru has that in her character. That is why she likes her muse. “Often a little subtle point that is not so obvious is there, but where,” she gleefully says as she returns to her designs.<br /><br />Jannie designs her line under the name of Madame Eé Lise. "Madame Eé Lise” does not make public appearances. Jannie is her personal assistant and the operations manager. She is teaching Jannie her “ways” as she calls them. She can be a very demanding boss, but Jannie loves her like her grandmother. Madame allows my designs that meet her standards to be sold under the line of Elegance by Eé Lise. Unfortunately, the website for Elegance by Ee Lise is currently under total reconstruction.<br /><br /><strong>Kat </strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ICeB4SArM5tKBHb-XAqJd2-Fq15cYEjWOQaHM_arRMwmcqRdEMU6kcv0ZXDllo7gc5Y7Mwus7foMK1UgpNiibtcPLeJwj5GvgTZoNpqM5Yo1hRk24RRHLUh94ZcGa7LV1Wp1LkWejuY/s1600-h/kat2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269761839835866834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ICeB4SArM5tKBHb-XAqJd2-Fq15cYEjWOQaHM_arRMwmcqRdEMU6kcv0ZXDllo7gc5Y7Mwus7foMK1UgpNiibtcPLeJwj5GvgTZoNpqM5Yo1hRk24RRHLUh94ZcGa7LV1Wp1LkWejuY/s400/kat2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Kat hails from Cleveland, Ohio, the place of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Great Art Museum, Planetarium, Science Center and numerous other exciting places. She has been married to the same man for 34 years. Although they have no children, they have sponsored Native American children for over 25 years, and she has continued to keep in touch with the daughter of her first marriage. And, of course, Rascal, her Bichon Frise, is currently ruling the house!<br /><br />Her Grandmother worked at a wonderful department store with dolls, so she was introduced to them at an early age. And early on she began to sew for all of her dolls. Her Father was a tailor and brought home bags of scraps, and her Mother liked to sew for dolls as well – so got plenty of encouragement. She learned to sew by hand as a "Bluebird" in her scouting class. Then she spent two years in sewing in HS, and made dresses for the girls, clothes for their Barbie dolls, and eventually did soft sculpture. But when she discovered miniatures was where she first started to do shows and compete. And after studying porcelain doll making she found she wanted to do it all – painting, firing, and finishing including the stringing. She also taught this, and even did the sewing for some of her students who could not sew.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK88GoCoatwFGicLs7vYLz06bTFQ0CsTsGt8q2pfnvOWR1G7xUfh76MlxfngpzUVg334LpcfhaBvnQGwxeRGd-54-bTYyq0oKNenjkKNKHohHJXksz3FAPS5BMhpevHELba7Xhyphenhyphen6DbLI/s1600-h/kat1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269762612811135202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK88GoCoatwFGicLs7vYLz06bTFQ0CsTsGt8q2pfnvOWR1G7xUfh76MlxfngpzUVg334LpcfhaBvnQGwxeRGd-54-bTYyq0oKNenjkKNKHohHJXksz3FAPS5BMhpevHELba7Xhyphenhyphen6DbLI/s400/kat1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Teaching antique reproduction dolls was very rewarding, but the weight of the molds began to make this prohibitive. Then, as luck would have it, she discovered an OOAK fashion on eBay, and after writing the artist, she not only found a new friend, but also began creating for fashion dolls. Recently, she had fallen in love with Ellowyne and she is now her muse – what fun it has been adapting wigs from her porcelain days to her Wigged Out!<br /><br />The world of art is so fun, and she has tried so many things. From cake decorating to making sugar shell panoramic Easter eggs, Quilling, several different kinds of embroidery, making covered 'memory' boxes, beadwork for jewelry making and beading onto fabrics, silversmithing, and multiple types of painting have all captured her interest, and pretty much behind her. For now she is at a point where I know that my concentration will be focused on the dolls, embroidery and bead work.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPLNP8PyPDokMLvtFygOxygRnTJSusLrumIFHN0U2E3sb0u8Wi5OTTmL2rgTnBIFDFnpnpA0sQMXvLoinwROij6ksysMibscillHqCnsmf7xGG4PzLgUGwEolpnt5kwOUJFNfp0kbXyg/s1600-h/kat3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269816156562072354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPLNP8PyPDokMLvtFygOxygRnTJSusLrumIFHN0U2E3sb0u8Wi5OTTmL2rgTnBIFDFnpnpA0sQMXvLoinwROij6ksysMibscillHqCnsmf7xGG4PzLgUGwEolpnt5kwOUJFNfp0kbXyg/s400/kat3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />She is participating in this competition because she loves a challenge. She likes having “…someone throw something at me that causes me to think about it.” She is a bit of a tortured artist who sometimes stresses, and just finishes under the wire because she works better under pressure. Learning so much about her craft is the best prize she could garner, she feels.<br /><br />Of course, she wouldn’t have entered if she didn’t hope to win something. However, she appreciates that there are many exceptionally talented people competing here. But, win or lose, accomplishing all these wonderful clothes will be win enough for her, and she looks for to watching everyone’s achievement with each challenge that comes our way. “The diversity of the interpretations is amazing,” she says, and she is proud and grateful to stand among all of us and wishes us all the best of luck.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-20258201417999596892008-11-17T12:31:00.000-08:002008-11-17T18:37:13.861-08:00FOLD AND MOLD FABRICRecently our fearless leader, Gabby, sent me a link for origami for fabric. While I thought it was interesting, I couldn't really see where it had anything to do with doll fashion designing, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, our recent pleating challenge brought it all into focus. I then realized pleating is much like origami; after all they both require fabric folding.<br /><br />I also figured out I had actually been looking at fabric folding all of my life - who among us has not picked up a folded cloth napkin at a restaurant? But I really had not explored it further, nor thought of it in terms of my designs. So I began to really read this website and discovered you can make all kinds of things - from boxes to stars, airplanes, pineapples - you name it! But how could I relate this to my doll ventures I wondered...so I read on.<br /><br />Interestingly enough I found that quilt makers use this folding technique to incorporate designs into their creations, much like the folding created in this picture:<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269727625877040306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjSvFVdqKG19xjy5Sn-wM-AAG3A-SJKe5ifKg8TFxFeryUUp_lXIxHhmyHJOtyJPnoICGs9rVENuZ-BHHMO9xHb8Cd7eK0TYTIi1bP6IT7wQ4HMIZFGuHeT1NRyoiKP4q4uiniIyocxU/s400/origami1.jpg" border="0" />Florals are also possible, as featured in the photos below:</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7CwIV3ELudb5OSZtm3ZdTd_I9_97dSqXbn-5TIikR6tFWfVhnOxnUImvcai2xMtfKr9urHz11LZiqbIq5fvHyDoDn_X1I1AyU2JNkRF85r2X1avDtvbU8ok2P4Z1QSNcp0hFb8dinqw/s1600-h/origami3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269728906593995250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 104px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7CwIV3ELudb5OSZtm3ZdTd_I9_97dSqXbn-5TIikR6tFWfVhnOxnUImvcai2xMtfKr9urHz11LZiqbIq5fvHyDoDn_X1I1AyU2JNkRF85r2X1avDtvbU8ok2P4Z1QSNcp0hFb8dinqw/s400/origami3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KW5DUSDUDYaxVPHekp2vGhDLxP_chXbewmQmqyOeRjVnjt1kYFiP1uZywku-RVmt2r8DAHbaz2RHFQUR8BMcYOkx-sHxLwt0-R5bWqd2UuYezcT3j1sl_IxIPmJrt4B8zLGWI2tSEPE/s1600-h/origami2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269728907943388178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 91px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KW5DUSDUDYaxVPHekp2vGhDLxP_chXbewmQmqyOeRjVnjt1kYFiP1uZywku-RVmt2r8DAHbaz2RHFQUR8BMcYOkx-sHxLwt0-R5bWqd2UuYezcT3j1sl_IxIPmJrt4B8zLGWI2tSEPE/s400/origami2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p align="left">But I did wonder if I could accomplish this in my desired small scale. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Anyway, the point Gabby had been trying to relate to me was that incorporating different items into our designs, such as pleats, can make them more interesting. But, we don't have to be limited by just the standard items. Perhaps, in analyzing what others have accomplished, we can move into a whole new realm of designing ourselves.<br /><br />Read more about fabric folding here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.origami-resource-center.com/fabric-folding.html">http://www.origami-resource-center.com/fabric-folding.html</a> </p><br /><p align="left"><br />and find additional information in these books:<br /></p><br /><p align="left"><em>Origami Quilts: 20 Folded Fabric Projects</em> by Louise Mabbs and Wendy Lowes</p><br /><p align="left"><br /><em>Fantastic Fabric Folding</em> by Rebecca Wat </p><br /><p align="left">But where had I been introduced to stretching my imagination, I pondered? Well, I thought, first I had explored "doing it different" when I discovered a wonderful quilt and doll maker named Susanna Oroyan. That short, chance meeting at the Houston Quilt Show many years ago had made me a continued supporter of this lady's talent. I have all of her books, and find much inspiration in them, and I think most doll makers who practice original thinking would also. Her books most inspiring to our type of doll design are: </p><br /><p align="left"><br /><em>Designing the Doll: From Concept to Construction</em></p><br /><p align="left"><br /><em>Finishing the Figure: Doll Costuming, Embellishments, Accessories</em></p><br /><p align="left"><br />Her other books are equally fascinating, but these two really relate most to any kind of doll maker or doll fashion designer. In them she goes through a number of steps to help one put together their ideas for developing a doll which can easily relate to their outfit. Well, we don't need to make a doll, but we do need to know how to relate our outfit to our muse. In there she also discusses scale, and getting the look we hope to achieve. She puts us in the right frame of mind for choosing our materials accurately, also.<br /></p><br /><p align="left">In the other book she goes past the making of our item and concentrates on how to embellish and the proper accessories. She doesn't want us to just create something that is ho-hum. She wants us to go further with our fashion (or doll) and give it that "wow" factor that means we have truly owned our design. I lost my hero to cancer, but not before she put me onto the book that relates to fiber manipulation in this story. Sorry if I got a little off the track, but her books are truly inspirational and worth the read for anyone serious about doll/doll fashion designing. </p><br /><p align="left"><em>Fantasy Fabrics - Techniques for Layered Surface Design</em> by Bonnie Lyn McCaffey is the book she introduced me to. Within its pages one will discover secrets quilt makers have long known and incorporated in their designs! She shows us simple techniques for making the most wonderful original fabrics; fabrics resplendent with texture and dimension appropriate for "...any fabric-based project you create." This book will teach us how using simple items - thread, ribbon, yarns, lace, etc - we can turn a mousey fabric into a one-of-a-kind. I never thought there could be over a hundred variations of manipulating fabric, but Ms. McCaffey explains it all succinctly with both words and multiple photographs. Just as she's stretched quilting to the limit, she can help us do so with our designs. </p><br /><p align="left">But my greatest adventure into fabric manipulation was an actual hands-on experience I had with one of our own OOAK fashion doll artists, Pamela Bachmayer. Many of you may know her or her work; and those of you who don't will be delighted in her introduction, I am sure! Pamela was one of the first OOAK artists I was lucky enough to meet on a Yahoo group, so when the opportunity came to visit her at her home for a workshop I couldn't say no. There, I was not only allowed to peek into her workshop and see her latest line being created, but I was also introduced to the techniques she used to create it. Here's one of her visions; take a minute and read her description, and view all her pictures and maybe you'll begin to understand what she taught me:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbdesigns.biz/pbdesigns/gardendistrict.htm">http://www.pbdesigns.biz/pbdesigns/gardendistrict.htm</a> </p><br /><br /><p align="left">Okay, don't get too excited - I didn't make one of these dresses - and still haven't. But, what I did learn how to make were hats such as the one featured here: </p><br /><p align="left"><br /><a href="http://www.pbdesigns.biz/pbdesigns/marta.htm">http://www.pbdesigns.biz/pbdesigns/marta.htm</a> </p><br /><p align="left"><br />In a nutshell, what I remember of my lesson was that we used a piece of merino wool that contained some silk blend fibers, ran it under warm water, and beat it till we got it to a malleable consistency. Then, using small round or square blocks of wood we actually molded our fibers to form a round or square hat!! Easy-peasey?? Well, not exactly - it really does take a lot of water, pounding, and manipulating to achieve finished results like Pamela Bachmayer's dress, but when you get it right the rewards are phenomenal. And, I'm testament that anyone can make one of these hats - if you set your mind to it! AND there is just something magically fun about a design you create all on your own. Wouldn't it be fun to create a little dog like Pamela has made to accompany Marta?? </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tXvB_ws7AMPh2QM0_RI_28_VAOCThfzogothRIypIhous_MJ4_GUeJdDOxFrzGyfpD65aSeYsjRxQk-G_nZp8tutHIQxGIfqKF7dxZtOMrYEhpylN8s4Uk6qSEfzS7m4OWb8uepkI70/s1600-h/pamhat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269730354044817330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tXvB_ws7AMPh2QM0_RI_28_VAOCThfzogothRIypIhous_MJ4_GUeJdDOxFrzGyfpD65aSeYsjRxQk-G_nZp8tutHIQxGIfqKF7dxZtOMrYEhpylN8s4Uk6qSEfzS7m4OWb8uepkI70/s400/pamhat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">Reading and research is great; but it really is in the doing that we truly develop our originality. And I’ve only told you about a few things! Fabric can be beaded, embroidered, painted -- you name it -- IF we have the courage to try it. Let’s not let anything get in the way of becoming the kind of designer we want to be. </p><br /><p align="left"><br />And share; always be willing to share your technique with others. The best of the best do it -- and I think they are further blessed with greater creativity for having done so. After all sharing IS really caring. AND learning; growing and developing are what will make US the best of the best! Let's do it!! </p><br /><p align="left">(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the artists, authors, publishing companies, or book sellers referred to in this blog. But, Christmas is coming, and I thought these would be some good suggestions to put on our Wish List.)<br /><br />Additional Notes, books, and sites from Pamela Bachmayer:<br /></p><br /><p align="left">Felt Books:<br /></p><br /><p align="left">The best -- <em>New Directions for Felt, An Ancient Craft</em> by Gunhill Pactau Sjoberg<br /><br /><em>Feltmaking</em> by Deborah McGavock and Christine Lewis.<br /><br />Most of the other feltmaking books are basically the same books with different projects on them. There are several Japanese felt books available that are a sheer delight to look through with very creative uses of the craft that are very inspirational. They are written in Japanese though there pictures to go with the instructions. If you have some knowledge of felting to start with, you can follow the pictures to make the projects.<br /><br />I do suggest some working knowledge of felting first though. My best suggestion for prospective felters is to find someone who teaches classes and sign up for a day’s beginner class. …It really helps to have an instructor look at what you are doing and tell you when you are doing it right, to give you special tips, etc. not found in books to make it easier for you to succeed.<br /><br />There are several around the US, best to look them up online and find one close to you. I used Jill Gully at Outback Fibers here in Texas: ( a real Aussie living amongst us who was raised on a sheep ranch so knows her stuff!):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.outbackfibers.com/">http://www.outbackfibers.com/</a><br /><br />Some other inspirational sites (You’ll know when you see these why I got so excited about felting):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hisanotakei.com/gallery.html">http://www.hisanotakei.com/gallery.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.udm.ru/culture/Pilin/index.html">http://www.udm.ru/culture/Pilin/index.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.kclowe.com/">http://www.kclowe.com/</a><br /><a href="http://magarimagari.de/Bilder/">http://magarimagari.de/Bilder/</a><br /><a href="http://www.francesfelt.com/index.html">http://www.francesfelt.com/index.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.jeanhicks.com/">http://www.jeanhicks.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.joirae.com/">http://www.joirae.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.filzware.de/schaufenster.html">http://www.filzware.de/schaufenster.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.filzware.de/schaufenster.html">http://www.filzware.de/schaufenster.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.filzware.de/schaufenster.html">http://www.filzware.de/schaufenster.html</a><br /><a href="http://catfishstudiofelt.com/jackets.html">http://catfishstudiofelt.com/jackets.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.andrea-graham.com/">http://www.andrea-graham.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.neotique.com/">http://www.neotique.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.northeastfeltmakersguild.org/">http://www.northeastfeltmakersguild.org/</a><br /><a href="http://www.dahartranft.com/gallery_main.html">http://www.dahartranft.com/gallery_main.html</a><br /><a href="http://woolwinds.blogspot.com/">http://woolwinds.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.joshjakus.com/">http://www.joshjakus.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243222">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243222</a><br /><a href="http://www.jungledread.com/gallery">http://www.jungledread.com/gallery</a> (Makes cool dreadlocks out of felt)<br /><a href="http://www.missfitt.com/">http://www.missfitt.com/</a><br /><br />There are lots more, but these are some of my favorites. I think people will be very amazed at what can be done with felting.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-21249988019552135952008-11-08T18:51:00.000-08:002008-11-11T07:55:20.213-08:00ARTISTS - LARRAINE, MICHAELA, GENE<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">LARRAINE</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnsYOuRWT00ZYVpDWNze-dOPo9VriTHZEtLVjM38P2v5DGlry59Ip9OlGm42XCeNLVLzEgiWXg368pF20wkcHPQgBTP5yZxSd6IZpQXi2izVUPOEBX1-DltHbXHokkgnAgdrn8m0rbrg/s1600-h/Larraine2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266855287306438754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnsYOuRWT00ZYVpDWNze-dOPo9VriTHZEtLVjM38P2v5DGlry59Ip9OlGm42XCeNLVLzEgiWXg368pF20wkcHPQgBTP5yZxSd6IZpQXi2izVUPOEBX1-DltHbXHokkgnAgdrn8m0rbrg/s320/Larraine2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Larraine is a <span style="font-family:Georgia;">married lady with two grown daughters who are her pride and joy. She is fortunate that one shares her enthusiasm for dolls, but her other is more into horses - in fact she is a top level Dressage Rider hoping for a chance on the Canadian Equestrian Team. Her six cats, two Alaskan Malemutes, five horses, and three tanks of tropical fish all round out this happy family.<br /><br />She feels she has absolutely no special education or job experience for these challenges. She is a recently retired Elementary School teacher who was the school's Computer Coordinator and Head of Technology. However, she started sewing for her dolls when she got her first Barbie around the age of 8. Her first try at doll sewing from a pattern her Mom got her produced a dress and coat for Barbie which she still has. From then on she was always scrounging scraps of stuff from the "ragbag" to make Barbie a wardrobe. She said she would have loved to have received further training in High School, but tha</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-jFZvoY-Ln3dHiB1nI0vzRqXaDnUT2HnsrXArFTKhYtj2qyCBbSD_vZ76RwC7J6hJRnoA9ZUGY7vTNU7tM1KcQdut0o6zTBidqe6nQAKUrpSOQb47iB9hnXOCFt97OBWqsUEeg3IZ3w/s1600-h/Larraine1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266854736446845122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-jFZvoY-Ln3dHiB1nI0vzRqXaDnUT2HnsrXArFTKhYtj2qyCBbSD_vZ76RwC7J6hJRnoA9ZUGY7vTNU7tM1KcQdut0o6zTBidqe6nQAKUrpSOQb47iB9hnXOCFt97OBWqsUEeg3IZ3w/s320/Larraine1.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Georgia;">t w</span><span style="font-family:Georgia;">asn't realized when she was placed in a class with "the world's worst Home Economics teacher." </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;">This experience put her right off sewing, and she vowed never to sew or take Home Economics after that. However, when she got married, she began to sew teaching herself, and eventually was sewing suits for her husband. She also made Barbie clothes for her niece's dolls, and after her girls were born she sewed all of their clothes until they were about 13 years old and they discovered that other people had labels on their clothes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lIBGMNSmt_ewUhtqiubGjR8JbfhgXZc-XVjcx1kwSVC4nnstcubIZrA16fBD7tVmw82CFa5-T11E6ICja0tfh0bvpImnWoPNrI4f_209osBPXlHElavmmO-3TLG8QcM_jxVhr7bik4k/s1600-h/Larraine4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266855293259755298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lIBGMNSmt_ewUhtqiubGjR8JbfhgXZc-XVjcx1kwSVC4nnstcubIZrA16fBD7tVmw82CFa5-T11E6ICja0tfh0bvpImnWoPNrI4f_209osBPXlHElavmmO-3TLG8QcM_jxVhr7bik4k/s320/Larraine4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Larraine wanted to participate in this competition because she loves the challenge of researching and thinking up new ways to do things. " I love designing things, creating, and making things. I love to be challenged." But she does not really expect to win anything. She feels she is up against some awesome designers with incredible talent. She just wants to have fun, and if she should win a challenge she will be ecstatic. But no matter the outcome, she is happy to have returned to sewing through Project Dollway; and to explore the new challenge of making her own designs.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Her biggest achievement in dolldom came when she entered the IFDC Competition for Rising Stars this year, and came in second. Larraine keeps busy by running a doll auction site called Auction Fever, and managing her huge doll/dollhouse site called All Dolled Up. Chronicling her vast collection (3,000-4,000 dolls along!) on her website has been quite a job, but definitely worth a look. She had been focusing on Fashion type dolls including Barbie, Momoko, Susie, Misaki, and Fashion Royalty; but Ellowyne is now her favorite. You can access her websites here:<br /><a href="http://www.barbigirl.com/auctionfever.htm"></a><br /><br /></p></span><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://www.barbigirl.com/auctionfever.htm">Auction Fever</a><o:p></o:p> </span><br /><br /></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://www.barbigirl.com/">All Dolled Up</a></span></p><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></p><br /><p><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> MIKAELA</span></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgruTFsVuoNpNxgzzhtgHio2t5IJ56kzR8AutR0t3thagh0MfjtgHPdkeuBOGAswNjoUPATPDF3XfsICABsDLyaSFL9mHK-OO54O-Lh9tJw-aICwzdz38_kYsHyjJPiJvAGmY7eFGvyJU/s1600-h/Michaela1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266859943956950418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgruTFsVuoNpNxgzzhtgHio2t5IJ56kzR8AutR0t3thagh0MfjtgHPdkeuBOGAswNjoUPATPDF3XfsICABsDLyaSFL9mHK-OO54O-Lh9tJw-aICwzdz38_kYsHyjJPiJvAGmY7eFGvyJU/s320/Michaela1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Michaela lives in Sydney, Australia with her two fur babies - Blaez, a blue merle Shetland sheepdog;<span style="font-family:Georgia;"> and Kaia, a Japoodle (Japanese Spitz x Miniature Poodle). She is currently studying belly dancing and making belly dancing costumes. This crazy goth lady likes to design garments that are simply and elegant, but also exemplify her gothic/punk edge.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WF4-n_gYVJJTD8CD1V1iTyVCKGTlCG4v8UKHC-oqIajxxmVn2DLSxNnrEiJF1h9YsYj7zSp2OrX3uIkzc1qsFBBOr_SvyYf0sDE14cVH36tWp_NnEyl99NRxBNjDykhCpMF1NvrFDaU/s1600-h/Michaela3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266860248398485826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WF4-n_gYVJJTD8CD1V1iTyVCKGTlCG4v8UKHC-oqIajxxmVn2DLSxNnrEiJF1h9YsYj7zSp2OrX3uIkzc1qsFBBOr_SvyYf0sDE14cVH36tWp_NnEyl99NRxBNjDykhCpMF1NvrFDaU/s320/Michaela3.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br />Unfortunately, her dream of fashion designing or making theatrical costumes didn't evolve because the cost of design school was prohibitive for her. But she has been dressmaking since she was 13, and has made quite a few garments and costumes for friends and family. She has also managed to attend a course in pattern making and completed a certificate course in millinery at the Sydney Institute of Technology. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;">She wanted to enter this competition because her poor Fashion Royalty girls are screaming for new clothing. "I have a very bad habit of making something for them, and then end up selling it when I need to keep some garments for myself." This competition will help her to think outside of her usual box and make her get on with those ideas that have remained a sketch for far too long, she feels.</span><br /></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cjq6exd-hFXVDGEA794IU35skeBxmS7MvRPCIoKotpt1n4ZWC_7Wmcq_GA0yNZWQyfFPoeuAxbxitgZ3xTtq31Ji8B9KJ14_ImnLPkjE3elpPt_mXfqOC_1WXUlTIcgoAAOiCV7rB7o/s1600-h/Michaela2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266861872744252882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cjq6exd-hFXVDGEA794IU35skeBxmS7MvRPCIoKotpt1n4ZWC_7Wmcq_GA0yNZWQyfFPoeuAxbxitgZ3xTtq31Ji8B9KJ14_ImnLPkjE3elpPt_mXfqOC_1WXUlTIcgoAAOiCV7rB7o/s320/Michaela2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Also, by the end of the competition, she should have plenty of new patterns to release.<br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;">No matter the outcome of the competition, she says, "We are all winners in this competition! We gain by aspiring to those that are better than us, and many of us have found great new friends."</span><br /></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Her work and other commitments have kept her fairly quiet on the doll scene lately. She has, however, managed to put out a selection of accessories that includes luggage, jewelry, handbags, hand knotted doll wigs. and patterns for both Fashion Royalty and Barbie. All can be viewed on her website:<br /></span></p><br /><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://www.onesixth.com/">One Sixth Living</a></span><br /></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> GENE</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bmqSOkkEvNzbEj5DAKc892aIWxDgSvY9DwC6f03q3Nzq7B09_bIQAVDrmHVKHqSsGpH-Ipj2hJ4APN88SBky7fgg8Uel6lL-Ci5-1SJ7mHCfjAFiSUFgwIg-AlBDUphROMncz0EkdIM/s1600-h/Gene1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266863165985627586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 314px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bmqSOkkEvNzbEj5DAKc892aIWxDgSvY9DwC6f03q3Nzq7B09_bIQAVDrmHVKHqSsGpH-Ipj2hJ4APN88SBky7fgg8Uel6lL-Ci5-1SJ7mHCfjAFiSUFgwIg-AlBDUphROMncz0EkdIM/s320/Gene1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Texas called Jasper, but he spent a good number of years in the Midwest, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:city st="on">Louisville</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Kentucky</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Indiana</st1:state></st1:place>. He and his partner, Ronnie, spend most of their spare time caring for their three furry babies - 1 dog and 2 cats. He's a guy with simple ideas and aspirations who loves his life, family and his dolls - his family is the most important thing in his life.</span><br /><br />No art class available escaped him when he was young, and during high school and college, he spent some time in drama and dinner theater. However, he quickly learned his skills behind the scenes in wardrobe far outweighed his talent onstage, so that's where he spent his time.<br /></span></p><br /><p></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYDBUM_SxmVXg_pZCWZ4ZeY4sSy6j2InRzhNqc6lwKDiUlj_ONKK8HJBeSHIuykddO5TOVfZSfh7njaGMxHbpj3k28Ji6TVrFoGMzZ-qQ8oCusbdGd6B3HVaWbvb8A4zSag7dPVPoOQE/s1600-h/Gene2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266863638003016306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYDBUM_SxmVXg_pZCWZ4ZeY4sSy6j2InRzhNqc6lwKDiUlj_ONKK8HJBeSHIuykddO5TOVfZSfh7njaGMxHbpj3k28Ji6TVrFoGMzZ-qQ8oCusbdGd6B3HVaWbvb8A4zSag7dPVPoOQE/s320/Gene2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Now, he enjoys rerooting and repainting, and creating designs for the Barbies that have adopted him. He also enjoys quilting and create costumes for he and his partner who are avid Renaissance men.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br />"My Barbies are not sold," says Gene, "I prefer to keep them or give them for gifts." But when he found the Project Dollway yahoo group and this competiton, his friends encouraged him to get involved, and he thought - why not? At least it would be an outlet for something that he loved so much. He felt with so many talented designers, it would always push him one step further. What a good opportunity to use his artistic side.</span><br /><br />Predictions of this contest's outcome are impossible at this <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyGwB63RQRiF9NJIPO444lk7Tmt2X76lmXVZ6ITWJjRy4KAidi5jkAojY_MCr7Q6zofbgB5bIsmHguYkKC7Rq5qzQ7aQVuHzy06b2GxJaRHsCskLsKCJEnkPC5RfjQSgIIn1Bp9ivR04/s1600-h/Gene3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266864049056523474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyGwB63RQRiF9NJIPO444lk7Tmt2X76lmXVZ6ITWJjRy4KAidi5jkAojY_MCr7Q6zofbgB5bIsmHguYkKC7Rq5qzQ7aQVuHzy06b2GxJaRHsCskLsKCJEnkPC5RfjQSgIIn1Bp9ivR04/s320/Gene3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />stage, says this artist. "So many good designers have much more experience than I have, and sometimes what I envision in my mind doesn't seem to quite come through my fingertips!"<br /><br />He feels he's already procrastinated with the first<br />challenge and definitely won't be making that mistake again. He ran into every problem one could imagine with the vintage challenge including shrinkage of his fabrics and problems with his camera - but not next time. He vows to be happier with his designs in the balance of the challenges.<br /><br /></span>While it's true Gene's dolls are a big part of his life, and represent an excellent creative outlet for him, he just wants to have fun with this competition. He feels whatever he learns from the creative criticisms will help develop his work to better represent him as an artist and a person. A fringe benefit of the competition is that he has already met some wonderful people. If friendship is all that ever comes from this experience, he will consider himself a very lucky man.<o:p></o:p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-23194427117305218432008-11-08T11:18:00.000-08:002008-11-10T14:32:53.546-08:00CHALLENGE ONE WINNER<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">...and the winner is LARRAINE!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3R1eS8Z8DjuSNiUJVjPzcNKdWQGQieVFAbVIrwrDdvG7G90LjMyH_NeFcxC93VYhTyrAp0YsrvJBzaGNE8ViBSIUJ-Y01Ei5VoaLWNmvVzmRz_wWIG3ubWReeEtwXaD5rS_V25fVBmU/s1600-h/AWIN3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873966329394434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3R1eS8Z8DjuSNiUJVjPzcNKdWQGQieVFAbVIrwrDdvG7G90LjMyH_NeFcxC93VYhTyrAp0YsrvJBzaGNE8ViBSIUJ-Y01Ei5VoaLWNmvVzmRz_wWIG3ubWReeEtwXaD5rS_V25fVBmU/s320/AWIN3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6ZbcTzivxhsc_7c5HWTgF7yS0cHJ0KWJ9CUi5voa2sPBfmP2kvz6hEXhVxTzWsc9kEyj2FLvTfuLLTIkMwN4txEKAdTvQj_QRY9ovCLTAdL7sqP13BXdfv15S50LdQiY4v4D3H_uO9E/s1600-h/AWIN6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266867243548479234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6ZbcTzivxhsc_7c5HWTgF7yS0cHJ0KWJ9CUi5voa2sPBfmP2kvz6hEXhVxTzWsc9kEyj2FLvTfuLLTIkMwN4txEKAdTvQj_QRY9ovCLTAdL7sqP13BXdfv15S50LdQiY4v4D3H_uO9E/s320/AWIN6.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266875127813833842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAL21xxHDFC28hgDaFajyQjBdCrbwQuG4LzqrMx9fUNTu482SOLrz8J4qsQydMytSJKgwUIEHJLoYcOL01E6g9ifP8lcRNTquvZf0wwTR5cs8fxy8ecRHSIEvj-V_6GNxcM0YX0Jg5Vk/s320/AWIN1.jpg" border="0" /><br />Project Dollway at Home is pleased to present the winner of the first challenge. We are including all the pictures submitted by Larraine, and the decisions by the judges that gave this designer the win. Ironically, this designer was just interviewed, so you can read her interview on our blog.<br /><br />When Gabby gave her the news, she had this to say: "Oh my goodness, Gabby, I am sooooooooo excited. Wow, I'm speechless. I'm over the moon!!! I am even more inspired, if that is possible. Well, now I'm going back to those pleats with enthusiasm. Thank you so much for letting me know what that little birdie said, LOL!!! Wooooohooooo!!!"<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSe_gzQW0VeeXX80XOzSSwzlOm7sEJS11BWXfAt9rEJnJLpUn_beoBfse0cyBoEQV9etgIXWVszwfCD1eSNZl10OHwC2XUJhzu3CUeiHX7Sles8eloDKL_mnuTe9bsLlKEXvnpcuowTs/s1600-h/AWIN7.GIF"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266871341630684674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSe_gzQW0VeeXX80XOzSSwzlOm7sEJS11BWXfAt9rEJnJLpUn_beoBfse0cyBoEQV9etgIXWVszwfCD1eSNZl10OHwC2XUJhzu3CUeiHX7Sles8eloDKL_mnuTe9bsLlKEXvnpcuowTs/s320/AWIN7.GIF" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">Winning Points: </div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">(Numbers from left to right represent Theme, Originality, Execution, and Total). </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><br />Larraine's collection:<br />I chose the sixties as my vintage era, partly because I grew up in the sixties and loved the variety of styles, from Austin Powers to Flower Children, and partly because of the use of bold color and wild patterns. Anything seemed to go together in the sixties!!! I would like to take this bold use of color and build the collection on it by bringing this boldness of color to the styles of the 21st Century!!!<br /></div><br /><div align="left">Judge 1<br />5 5 5 Total 15 Super all around<br />Judge 2<br />4 3 4 Total 11 Good interpretation of the 70's. Loved the bag and the long vest and the peace sign. The color is very indicative of the 70's. I like it.Over all construction looks pretty good.</div><div align="left">Judge 3<br />3 2 3 Total 8 Bright, colorful, very 60's. Garments fit well. I like the coat, but aren't the shorts too long for this era? </div><div align="left">Total points: 34<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLGDgs3FyLfafi0RIrHhj7vgHngl7h7QLwJ6tLgJI16OSRwgdMkwq7eQ4XZZ8j_5AvmmxJ6Q1pXo3s8GfVRbVNxqDicnaIU8nJo5PJBZ7EhIoneo8ZYn10EvCBSrnMm8tocvZNvgoe3E/s1600-h/AWIN4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873971673837154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLGDgs3FyLfafi0RIrHhj7vgHngl7h7QLwJ6tLgJI16OSRwgdMkwq7eQ4XZZ8j_5AvmmxJ6Q1pXo3s8GfVRbVNxqDicnaIU8nJo5PJBZ7EhIoneo8ZYn10EvCBSrnMm8tocvZNvgoe3E/s320/AWIN4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Also, here is the Point System the judges used for this competition:<br />Points go from 5 - 1, with five being the best , in these three categories:<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">1) Designer's interpretation of the theme, Vintage. How successful were they?<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">2) Originality (the style)... Is it different or does it look like something you have seen before in fashion... accessories... color.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">3) Execution: How well is the garment made? Does it look finished? Are there clean edges? Ironed? The full presentation.<br /><br /></div><div align="left">The most a designer can acquire from the judges is 15 points, but some people also received the extra 1/2 point awarded to those who sent their garments in before the end of the tenth day of the challenge. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">Here is how the judges critiqued the rest of us, and our points. Also, the artist's original notes are included - can you see their vision?</div>(Numbers from left to right represent Theme, Originality, Execution, and Total).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266956485279050322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnO5qJ7R70wGsWB-ctPyoBZmM6x-MWNax9yPE45whOE8F-cXX-3EFZ95aC4VAvaVyPmEFsEjCC-7Hxkz4rGZbF3x8VFjWv9eX4ThMmNLaLx2e1l01nqCHzyDAwCzVfq0qTZziog-mszk/s320/Entry+1+Kevin.jpg" border="0" />Entry #1 - Kevin </div><div align="left"><br />Kevin's collection:<br />This is my homage to the 40's & 50's, The Dress is made from Dupioni silk in a muted lavender shade and has a steel gray dupioni trim at the bodice, the bodice is adorned with coordinating colors of seed beads in Lavender, Dark gray and genuine Sterling silver seed beads. The Dress features a side peplum on the left side of the dress in keeping with a vintage 50's type of style. While the bodice has a definent up to date bodice type. The outfit also features a Lavender brocade embroidered satin coat, lined in the steel gray dupioni, the sleeves of the coat end in a White faux fur and it closes with hook and eye closures, The coat is a super strong A-line design, Also has a matching hat done in the same lavender satin and has Tulle trim in Gray and Purple with silver seed beads. The accessories feature again my homage to a vintage CHANEL quilted handbag, fully functional also, The logo design on the front of the handbag is reminiscent of the classic CHANEL logo, but fits well with my CLICK designs.</div><div align="left"><br />Judge 1<br />3 2 3 Total 8 It is a very good interpretation of the style of the time, I do not feel there is much originality, but an overall polished feel to the ensemble<br />Judge 2<br />4 3 4 Total 11 the design does reflect the era described. I wasn't too sure about the fur cuffs, but that might just be a personal taste thing. Love the swing coat style and the hat. The dress was nice and I am sure the beading detail took a bit of time.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 The colors coordinate well, and I like the peplum. The dress fits very well until it reaches the underarms where the band looks too wide. The beaded straps seem heavy for the neckline, narrower straps might work better. I like the A-line coat, but it would work better if the fabric were not as stiff. </div><div align="left">1/2 point for early submssion</div><div align="left">Total points: 26.5</div><div align="left"> </div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxHrziPl73YOhi63-0IFvA1_1RZmrnGBFMU4QE1GEvLeFwDTcyZieOlmxJo7y796MW1ru9XbGJGjaLw2oviC7efInfK0Zhx6hueS9mlfAIJlgyZCa34YYzAlc6AUCwoK42pWK_FkBnsc/s1600-h/Entry+2+Gary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266956485394185890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxHrziPl73YOhi63-0IFvA1_1RZmrnGBFMU4QE1GEvLeFwDTcyZieOlmxJo7y796MW1ru9XbGJGjaLw2oviC7efInfK0Zhx6hueS9mlfAIJlgyZCa34YYzAlc6AUCwoK42pWK_FkBnsc/s320/Entry+2+Gary.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry #2 - Gary</p><p><br />Gary's collection:<br />This is my entry for the first challenge titled " Vintage " This is a coat and dress ensemble with matching purse and shoes. It is made from magenta silk dupioni and lace. The coat is calf length and is sharply gored from the waist to the hem. It features long sleeves and is fully lined. The coat is accessorized with a round link silver tone belt. Under the coat we have a halter top dress with a fully gathered 6 panel skirt. The length of the skirt is also calf length. A petti-coat is used to keep the skirt's full shape. Contrasting lace was used for the halter top. It has over the shoulder straps that criss-cross in the back and features a back zipper closure and has a matching belt with the silver tone buckle centered at side front of the dress. Finally this ensemble is accessorized with pendant earrings and an attached matching pendant for the halter top. All accessories, belts, shoes, purse, earrings and pendant along with the dress and coat were designed and created by me using sewing patterns drafted especially for this challenge. The hair design was also created by me using the doll's original rooted hair with matching pink streaks scattered throughout the spiked up do. There were several sources of inspiration for this design. There is obviously a mix of different styles and elements all very popular during the 50's and 60's. I wanted to create something that would appeal to the modern young lady and also be fun. Originally I did not plan to create the coat, but what an easy way to take the dress from day wear to a sophisticated and well accessorized evening wear ensemble. This was an extremely exciting and fun design for me to work with.</p><p><br />Judge 1<br />3 3 4 Total 10 Ensemble is fantastically sewn with an amazing color scheme.<br />Judge 2<br />4 4 5 Total 13 Loved the over all look. However, I would rather have seen the neckline bobble used as a closure adornment at the waistline of the coat. I think with the bobble at the neckline and the belt buckle kind of fight each other and I am not sure about the chain belt with this outfit. The workmanship is Ideal<br />Judge 3<br />3 3 4 Total 10 I see a mix of 50's skirt with the 60's halter top, and like the effect it creates. The fits is good, the colors blend well. </p><p>1/2 point for early submission<br />Total points: 33 .5<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWr9MtQt5p1Y1sphSL5BRTkjmCdCU2rHNg_GWlRCS8zYuE7tGsIdcNqTftPnpcHq4ut3_0e_YrqlC39saMMsMVMmzqisVuIxgQ3AbaesG6PeeYkuYJLxUxIrHfB82dBttEffwwbI5-i0/s1600-h/Entry+3+Aly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266956487492243010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWr9MtQt5p1Y1sphSL5BRTkjmCdCU2rHNg_GWlRCS8zYuE7tGsIdcNqTftPnpcHq4ut3_0e_YrqlC39saMMsMVMmzqisVuIxgQ3AbaesG6PeeYkuYJLxUxIrHfB82dBttEffwwbI5-i0/s320/Entry+3+Aly.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #3 - Aly</p><p><br />Aly's collection:<br />Lana Lang, former first lady and CEO of Lexcorp, attends a fundraiser for the Metropolis Historical Society. Taking her fashion inspiration from the 1940's, Lana wear a backless gold silk bias cut gown with paisley brocade and a maroon chiffon hem accent. A beaded gold lace shrug with bronze silk trim and a simple feather with sheer ribbon in her flame hair completes the look. </p><p>Judge 1<br />1 2 1 Total 4 It's a very nice gown... A little overdone . Wished there was more meat to it.<br />Judge 2<br />4 4 4 Total 12 I liked the outfit and it does definitely have the feel of the chosen time period. The colors are great. The bead work is very good. And while I liek the hemline treatment, I am not sure that it is indicative of the time period, but I think it did add a finishing element and considered it a plus. The creation was very well made<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 Beautiful beadwork on the jacket, but to the extent that it takes away from the gown. The gown can stand alone quite nicely, but I would like to have seen the dress back without the jacket. I like the cross-over bodice, and the colors coordinate well with the gold.<br />1/2 point for early submission</p><p>Total points: 23.5<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt4TuYPmpvge0MSNgyAUW2iULo5m9-tYVTzSyWxABo-czdh1opBXaCPX1Ly1yM9vv2dQ6TgczoWYwD8QnwYaVxI74uZ_BG-bgEC1SAA9qPCuHyFHLe0Ra7Gfco2yHB_eUK6MhXvEYSNw/s1600-h/Entry+4+Joan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266960277652385042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt4TuYPmpvge0MSNgyAUW2iULo5m9-tYVTzSyWxABo-czdh1opBXaCPX1Ly1yM9vv2dQ6TgczoWYwD8QnwYaVxI74uZ_BG-bgEC1SAA9qPCuHyFHLe0Ra7Gfco2yHB_eUK6MhXvEYSNw/s320/Entry+4+Joan.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry #4 - Joan </p><p>Joan's collection: The dark red cotton velvet coat had it's roots in Vasilisa's past... Tonner describes her as Red Riding Hood with a twist...so I knew my key piece of clothing would need to pay homage to her tradition but be totally updated. The lining is a Ralph Lauren wool paisley. The reverse box pleated caplet back was designed to show it to advantage. The clasp is from a set of antique buttons in my collection. The high-waisted red/black moire skirt and silk paisley blouse are meant to contrast the bulk of the coat. Tiny tucks in the blouse add to the romantic innocence of the gothically dark outfit. Her laced back boots and gloves are black pleather. The boots have black velvet covering the lasts. Her purse is moire with a tiny silver buckle and satin ribbon trim. Her necklace pays homage to her Russian Orthodox ancestry.<br /></p><p>Judge 1<br />2 3 3 Total 8 I really like this ensemble. I think the color palette is fantastic, just not sure of the time period b/c of the modern boots, deco birds and 40's pencil skirt.<br />Judge 2<br />3 4 4 Total 11 I like the outfit. I does match the personification of the client and the elements all go together. I am not sure what period is really reflected. The dress did not scream at me of any particular period. The coat reminded be of a Sherlock Holmes coat and I did like it very much. The construction was great<br />Judge 3<br />2 3 4 Total 9 The dress fits very well and the bodice tucks are a nice touch. I like design of the coat, and its inverted pleat, but the coat is too bulky. </p><br /><p>1/2 point for early submission<br />Total points: 28.5<br /><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUW_SGVNINnVv_p69TDD2QKDLre5_hdO2BUpZTr_H_cWbCHdZ-1pTsZV__hzvnolDWfXttTSnK2IJ1f_ae6gCGEgO_1urBFnTGnI83fZi57PYOlMgOZ5yyvoENT0v3Vy3GRa4_TSQA14/s1600-h/Entry+5+Stacy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266960279133856610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUW_SGVNINnVv_p69TDD2QKDLre5_hdO2BUpZTr_H_cWbCHdZ-1pTsZV__hzvnolDWfXttTSnK2IJ1f_ae6gCGEgO_1urBFnTGnI83fZi57PYOlMgOZ5yyvoENT0v3Vy3GRa4_TSQA14/s320/Entry+5+Stacy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #5 - Stacy </p><p><br />Stacy's collection:<br />The dress is made of an iridescent purple taffeta which has black flocked and silver glitter polka dots on it. The sleeves, waist sash, bustle trim and bows are of black satin charmuse. Black lace peeks from beneath the skirt. It snaps up the back with 4/0 black snaps. The bodice lining and petticoat are made of a polyester posh lining fabric. Lavender tulle was used for the petticoat which has an added ruffle to fill out the "bustle" in the back of the dress. The pantyhose are made from a black micro mesh and the shoes and purse are of the same black charmuse. The inspiration for this dress was a 1950's blouse pattern from my grandmother's pattern stash. I altered the shoulder to become a dropped shoulder and will use this element in other designs in my collection. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 1 2 Total 4 The lining was done well, but the design confused and seemed too out of date even for the projected time frame.<br />Judge 2<br />4 5 5 Total 14 Love the description to the dress and how the design was inspired. Great ideas. I enjoyed viewing this design and would absolutely love to see this in person to really see it.Another perfect entry<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 The taffeta is nice, and the bustle effect lends interest to the back of the dress. The dropped shoulder works for this dress, but I feel the front is lacking a little zing. </p><br /><p>1/2 point for early submission<br />Total points: 25 .5<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDiCAMmRh7_L8pT4xvpRvEmgSwXY_cDKsgGJ_Yh0JfqQ5BDNot6Iqc9-lnnbtC4g-o1Xxend4EaDkPPHdyD9wXkGNasAaxjf9KTOdtbVUZqBEeidA1bMIZLrmYgFaxv5sGpy7wma0QFQ/s1600-h/Entry+6+Sue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266960281736216370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDiCAMmRh7_L8pT4xvpRvEmgSwXY_cDKsgGJ_Yh0JfqQ5BDNot6Iqc9-lnnbtC4g-o1Xxend4EaDkPPHdyD9wXkGNasAaxjf9KTOdtbVUZqBEeidA1bMIZLrmYgFaxv5sGpy7wma0QFQ/s320/Entry+6+Sue.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry 6 - Sue</p><p><br />Sue's collection:<br />My client: Sydney Chase is a strong young woman of 25. She works in business – her family own Chase Modelling and she has headed to London to oversea the UK branch. While in Britain she needs a wardrobe to fit in with the demands of her job in both professional and social fields. She also hopes to learn about the country and its heritage whilst living here. The British climate is changeable – no wonder it’s the most common topic of conversation – and her clothes need to bear this in mind. It might be warm in the centrally heated office but outside there could be arctic gales blowing. And that’s just October. Vintage: There were 3 possibilities in my mind – Dior New Look leading to the 50s, 1960s architectural fashion and Art Deco influenced 1920s. I eventually selected the period between the two world wars to focus on for my vintage. The over-riding reason was that I decided that the roots of modern design began then and it was the first time in history that women had the franchise and collectively were entering a new world. Dressing became easier and less restrictive – comfort was paramount, and for me the whole period symbolizes freedom. Sydney Chase is the role model for an empowered modern woman. Her lifestyle became possible because of the pioneering efforts of women during the 20th century. The freedom for women to move countries, be independant and single, as well as run a business are concepts not hard for us to imagine in 2008, but in 1928 it would have been a very different matter – things were just beginning to change for women. The Outfit consists of:Coat, Dress, Bag, Hat, Gloves. I decided to do a coat based on 20s style, with a simple dress underneath and accessories of bag, hat and gloves. The coat would be in a neutral colour with the aim of being wearable day and night. The dress underneath would also reference the 1920s but be totally believable for today’s workplace. It would also to be made in a neutral colour. Accessories would reflect it is 2008 and should not overwhelm the basic outfit. Comments on choice of fabric, notions and making up the items:- Coat: I had a beautiful left over piece of furnishing fabric with an art deco embroidered pattern. The embroidery is the same colour as the fabric so may not show well in pictures. I will add a close up. One of my pet hates is when fabric patterns don’t line up well in garments, so the placement of the Pattern pieces was very important. As was scaling a design down so that it didn’t overwhelm "doll" size – it is sofa fabric after all. I knew stiffness would be an issue and therefore had to keep the lines simple with little room for additional facing. I built the facings into the pieces so that the edges were topstitched rather than seamed hence avoiding bulk. Fraying was also a problem but I used a product recommended to me by other sewers and it worked very well. I tested for colour change and stiffness but the product did not cause any major problems. The fastening was an art deco trim I found in a local store – I didn’t want a lot of fastenings as the style of the 20s showed loose fitting oversized coats in many fabrics. The collar was cut from a recycled fur collar from a previously owned vintage coat.[Already in the sewing box – I can’t cut up old clothes LOL] It was my fist time of sewing fur and was easier than I had imagined. Again I didn’t want too much bulk so kept seams down to a minimum and oversewed the collar by hand. I debated adding fur to the cuffs – this would be fully in keeping with the 1920s but because it is 2008 I decided to keep the lines simpler and just hemmed the cuffs. When the gloves are on the model there will be enough texture and colour. I feel fur would make it fussier and be more predictable. Dress: The dress was meant to be a quick accessory to go under the coat. The fabric had tiny pleats and only needed 3 seams. The armholes were hand sewn under. As the pleats were so small sewing actually distorted the edges. However the fabric does not fray, so I left the top and bottoms unturned for sharpness. The design was based on a dress worn by Madame Poiret on a visit to Berlin in 1911. The T shaped dress she wore with drop shoulders and a boat neckline was described as "10 years ahead of its time". I liked the ease of the dress and its simplicity and versatility. The version I made was also simple and versatile -no creasing in the fabric – the dress can go from day to night. The collar was going to be a simple boat neck as Madame Poiret’s dress but the turned down neck to the front looked more interesting and modern. It made me think this was the 21st version of a quintessentially 1920s dress. I added a belt for interest and to help draw the eyes across the dress, but it works equally well without it. Accessories: Bag[Purse]-I used a small piece of the same collar to make a fur bag. I sewed it over the D ring by hand to make a bag which looks a little retro yet essentially modern. Hat-I debated making a fur hat but it’s not very British – so swapped the fur for a knitted beanie. I introduced another colour to add interest - ice-cream pink and it was knitted in a baby cashmarino wool. The design [both shape of hat and knitted pattern] was intended to reference back to the art deco period, yet again be up to the minute for 21st century living. Gloves-I knitted small matching gloves to go with the beanie hat. The cuff was raised to add texture to the ensemble. After several attempts I had to make the gloves fingerless in order to be wearable by the model. Photo Shoot- It was very difficult to pose the doll as she can stand unaided in the right shoes. However it was quite windy so I had to be very careful. The wind caused problems on the fur collar so in some pictures it looked fuller on one side. Another problem was depending on the photo angle the coat looked like it had creases when in fact it was the raised pattern on the fabric. I had to chose photos which best represented the garments. I couldn’t use my favourite picture as there was a similar one which better showed the fabric of the coat and the catch. The gloves looked best on the sideways picture.</p><p><br />Judge 1<br />3 2 3 Total 8 overall it's a success, though I'm confused by the wool cap, it cheapens the design. A satene hat would have made this 100 times better<br />Judge 2<br />5 5 4 Total 14 I love this one! It absolutely personifies the client and the 20's. Perfection on the dress and the coat. The hat and gloves were okay (not my favorite part of the outfit), but the coat and dress are perfect.When I first opened the pictures it made me gasp.<br />Judge 3<br />3 2 3 Total 8 Simplicity of the dress style is made more elegant by the pleated fabric; the brocade fabric of the boxy coat works well with the dress. The knitted cap and gloves add a splash of color, but take away from the overall look.<br />1/2 point for early submission</p><br /><p>Total points: 30.5<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPh-kNBFOLQM5i3C5lNS5-XNyHDognsXZq04cGauMIQ1M0F33XBmGZ-e6jbytHeN7kx3zOZ7gOSkWGwjGSCHx16S529Er6mP_IbNy9XQ6CyH32Doe21pRIFT8-2-PH3R2G4GCW2eUGJI/s1600-h/Entry+7+Sande.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266972812785144418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPh-kNBFOLQM5i3C5lNS5-XNyHDognsXZq04cGauMIQ1M0F33XBmGZ-e6jbytHeN7kx3zOZ7gOSkWGwjGSCHx16S529Er6mP_IbNy9XQ6CyH32Doe21pRIFT8-2-PH3R2G4GCW2eUGJI/s320/Entry+7+Sande.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry #7 - Sande </p><p><br />Sande's collection:<br />My dress: i chose the late 60's-early 70's era for vintage, the era of Gunne Sax and Jessica McClintock. it's still my favorite style even though it was nearly 50 years ago. (How did that happen? LOL!!) lots of lace, ruffles, buttons, and leg o' mutton sleeves make a very romantic look, and bring back a time of more sweetness and innocence. My 2-piece dress is made from a burgundy, iridescent taffeta; the top is fully lined, including the sleeves. the front is accented with cream colored cotton laces, and satin ribbons, and a garnet and silver locket-brooch. the yoke of the skirt is lined as well; the skirt and top have 37 garnet buttons for a faux closure over the snaps. her earrings are burgundy dried roses with a peridot stone for a demure look. her shoes match the color of the dress, but have a more modern pointed toe than the squarish ones of that vintage period. a young woman of today would be happy to be dressed up in this style, whether going out to dinner, the theater, or to church. it's a dress for today, with shades of an earlier era. "Every stitch of this outfit, from basting to understitching, from seams to hemming, is lovingly hand stitched." </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 1 1 Total 3 If this dress was done in a lighter shade, I could possibly see where the prairie look of the 70's were inspired, however, the dark maroon gives the dress a Victorian that just confuses me. I think it is overworked and over thought and look forward to seeing the designers next piece.<br />Judge 2<br />3 3 3 Total 9 OKay, I have to admit I had to look up Gunne Sax and Jessica McClintack to see if I missed something here and I did. I remembered the Gunne Sax but only with cotton floral prints and not all of those buttons down the side. I did see a couple of a solid color dresses with the lace collars and some even with this sleeve elements. The earrings really didn't do much for me. The center bead was okay but it didn't flow with allof the buttons / beads down the side.Basically the construction is pretty good<br />Judge 3<br />3 2 3 Total 8 I like the style and the color, the shoes match well. I like the pleated sleeve caps, and the idea that it is two pieces. I don't care for the 'buttons' . My eyes are drawn to them, taking me away from the design.<br />1/2 point for early submission</p><br /><p>Total points: 20.5<br /><br />Entry #8 - Larraine - WINNER!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gjdUonoKAkRf9Xb2VbiUfWN0DwMCTVOZBFc_sNq2Ii2TAKOuG2tswPFh0EgItLKA4JKp0MC9F0-JHII88AMfwrNAyOgxQUC3Iuc8L_zR7y8bjSxAdol4sgMJqv3H1jbm2ymqJwuM8T4/s1600-h/Entry+9+Cat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266972814601367570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gjdUonoKAkRf9Xb2VbiUfWN0DwMCTVOZBFc_sNq2Ii2TAKOuG2tswPFh0EgItLKA4JKp0MC9F0-JHII88AMfwrNAyOgxQUC3Iuc8L_zR7y8bjSxAdol4sgMJqv3H1jbm2ymqJwuM8T4/s320/Entry+9+Cat.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #9 -Cat </p><p><br />Cat's collection:<br />This design is a late 60's early 70's inspired cocktail outfit. I took inspiration from some Vogue and Bill Blass designs, then using the fabric I had available added my own interpretation. The fabric is a slumpy sheer lavender satin with a wiry feeling hand lined with blue liquid metallic. The jewelry is hand beaded on SS wire using Austrian leaded crystal and Japanese seed beads. My model is a Gene painted to look like my mother/grandmother. I left her hair long and pulled off her face with a hairband in the 60's-70's fashion. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 2 1 Total 4 The dress looks very rushed.....bad mix of fabric, bad color.<br />Judge 2<br />2 3 3 Total 8 This is a pretty nice dress, but it looks much more like a disco 80's dress than a 60's early 70's dress.You did a good job working with this fussie fabric<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 I like this halter-neck style and it works well in this fabric with those subtle blue undertones. The ribbon looks out of place, and the dress is too long for this era. </p><p>Total points: 19<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVOkYGZ90NQcBOFPvryUe6C-3fNB6-glRuUC4ZX1RJPM3p9gbJkBjfuKO-rOWk_CX5qviOd3x6UggxcCI1Ts1-kmPUgJzj1Lw-Na1vaG46hLJE_lIUds6apz7AgO1niAbLjl8md6Y8-M/s1600-h/Entry+10+Dal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266977759278345474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVOkYGZ90NQcBOFPvryUe6C-3fNB6-glRuUC4ZX1RJPM3p9gbJkBjfuKO-rOWk_CX5qviOd3x6UggxcCI1Ts1-kmPUgJzj1Lw-Na1vaG46hLJE_lIUds6apz7AgO1niAbLjl8md6Y8-M/s320/Entry+10+Dal.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #10 - Dal </p><p><br />Dal's collection:<br />I picked a vintage Licca for my model. She premiered in the late 60's in Japan so I will be exploring MOD design. The fabric chosen is a printed cotton with giant daisies in positive and negative flower graphics.I positioned and cut the fabric so that there was a definitive split of the graphics, making the halter dress less bulky with no seam down the center of the A-line dress.I also carefully cut the fabric so that I used an optimal section for the matching hat. The brim I chose to be solid orange.I added a silk "tie" in a mini black, white and orange print and topped it off with real "vintage" lace, edged in pink.Boots are from a vintage 60's clone doll.<br /></p><p>Judge 1<br />4 3 2 Total 9 pattern work is great, could have done without the tie and the dress would have been perfect. great interp. love, love, love the hat!<br />Judge 2<br />4 3 3 Total 10 Definitely looks the period described. Accessories are cute. Nice use of fabric.Construction is pretty good. Nice workmanship on the hat. It looks like it was hand sewn and I may have been more careful with matcing the thread so the stitiches don't show.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 Very 60's Mod. The fabric design is well placed, and I like the hat. The stitching around the armhole is distracting.<br />Total points: 26<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPAYj5brynufkamXkZiF4WjL0c_29ZOk73xygDx3X8hoo_T2tE1IWqleIBQNIpLKG49uPvwr-cEg1wCZyrgqZW2ta4RT3PVYhW9m28g7jY-bsFcL7HxdImJsx2fbSn68S1q2TUzzJdYw/s1600-h/Entry+11+Pauline.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266977763983605538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPAYj5brynufkamXkZiF4WjL0c_29ZOk73xygDx3X8hoo_T2tE1IWqleIBQNIpLKG49uPvwr-cEg1wCZyrgqZW2ta4RT3PVYhW9m28g7jY-bsFcL7HxdImJsx2fbSn68S1q2TUzzJdYw/s320/Entry+11+Pauline.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry 11 - Pauline </p><p><br />Pauline's collection:<br />My vintage is "1957". My design is a hand knit 2 piece dress with detachable rabbit (recycled) fur collar. Accessories include "vintage" jewels of a fine cameo choker and demure peal earrings, to complete the dress is a skull cap hat and "Kelly" leather handbag with gold tone chain. Shoes by "Mattel" from the vintage shoe pack. This fashion was custom knit to showcase "Valia's" curves! She is class, style and graciousness! </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />4 3 2 Total 9 This is amazing! I love the rabbit, never be afraid of fur! I feel the gloves are too big for the ensemble and ruin it.<br />Judge 2<br />4 2 3 Total 9 Nice rendition of this time period. ( I can;t believe you knitted tis whole thing in the time frame you had! Wish I could knit that fast).This one has to be looked at with a different eye. The knited stitches are nice and even and in scale and blocked nicely. The fur trim looks like it was attached carefully. The hat is a nice touch as well.<br />Judge 3<br />3 2 3 Total 8 A classic design, nice clean lines, good fit. The fur collar is overbearing, but its too much white. The accent of fur on the hat and the white of the gloves and bag are enough. Would like to see suit without the fur collar.<br />Total points: 26<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9lGr1U3E38E7G9ps9Afdy9SvWJvhiCLbz3WsILQBOH1yBRVWeNxpyjySrhjan7oSEtK3ddnuBOWwym4hcWZndfwrwEO_X9oKlDRniM2cGwcX9E9Jm8qn-egdnlsvitm5nR4s6Qkm11g/s1600-h/Entry+12+Gene.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266977767635681970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9lGr1U3E38E7G9ps9Afdy9SvWJvhiCLbz3WsILQBOH1yBRVWeNxpyjySrhjan7oSEtK3ddnuBOWwym4hcWZndfwrwEO_X9oKlDRniM2cGwcX9E9Jm8qn-egdnlsvitm5nR4s6Qkm11g/s320/Entry+12+Gene.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry 12 - Gene </p><p><br />Gene's collection:<br />My inspiration for the Vintage challenge was actually my mother. Although I was only born in 1958, I have some recollection (and many photos) of her with very full skirts and varios sweaters an shawls with embroidery-hence the embroidery around Barbie's wrap. The fabric I used for the dress is black cotton with white polka dots and the white trim is a poly-cotton blend.<br />Judge 1<br />2 1 2 Total 5 Not original in it's style. Pokadot is a great fabric, but the dress needs something.<br />Judge 2<br />3 2 3 Total 8 The Construction was good. I didn't think the machine leaf stitching added anything spectacular to the piece. I can;t see what is hanging down the center of the back, it almost looks like "seams great" which is a seam finisher and is usually found on the inside of the garment.he dress does reflect the time period of the original Barbie.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 2 Total 6 Black and white work well together, and I like the polka dots for this era. The white band could be narrower, a better fitting bodice would improve this dress. I could not see the back for the camera flash.<br />Total points: 19<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gWNpRoGMvWxTFECVS-eedqxOmEOREz82wwRjv1sDvaMejZaF45IlUUkO_2-iE96sQkGRTW_goNXlEyC9RAo8TLMctXw5LZJ_-TH4peOaJLRxkDkJvqm3V9x-0mmyId0TO_REFbk-mUw/s1600-h/Entry+13+Agarva.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267054063603451794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gWNpRoGMvWxTFECVS-eedqxOmEOREz82wwRjv1sDvaMejZaF45IlUUkO_2-iE96sQkGRTW_goNXlEyC9RAo8TLMctXw5LZJ_-TH4peOaJLRxkDkJvqm3V9x-0mmyId0TO_REFbk-mUw/s320/Entry+13+Agarva.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry 13 - Agarva </p><p><br />Agarva's collection:<br />Shadi lives at Gray Manor with a large extended family. They live in seclusion in modern times, however, love their extreme traditional quite Victorian ways. Shadi is considered the ‘protector’ of the family and travels to ‘otherworlds’ to defend the honor of the family and female humanity. She requires outfits for both her ‘normal’ world and her ‘otherworld’ adventures.<br />Style/Era:La Belle Epoque/Edwardian, Ancient times.Elements from garments of these eras’s were taken and then modernised with shorter lengths and modern fabrics. This collection will be a combination of the above times that reflect the beauty and world of Shadi. She likes simple, fitted and elegant. Fabrics: A mix of both modern and classic fabrics types will be used throughout the collection. Silks and stretch fabrics will blend. Velvet, wools and feathers will also be encorporated. The First Challenge: "Vintage"The late Victorian era circa 1900 style elements were used for this outfit. Extremely large leg-of mutton sleeved blouse using a stretch net dotted lace was the base.Over the top is the high-waisted skirt shape seen in the La Belle Epoque era and the straighter line of the skirt. This was done in black dupion silk with a piped detailing at the high waist. The back has a pleated chiffon insert that falls to meet the slightly pleated chiffon skirt hem detail. This allows movement.Shadi wears her favourite boots with her black lace tights. A red silk bow completes her day look for a typical day at Gray Manor.<br /></p><p>Judge 1<br />2 1 1 Total 4 Victorian Era style did not use stretch sheer fabrics and it loses all continuity to create a stiff collar using sheer fabric. I do feel the design is nice, with a glimmer of an idea, however execution could be much better and less thrown together<br />Judge 2<br />4 4 5 Total 13 Love this piece. It exudes the time period you were aiming for. Don't see much that could have been improved upon in the construction. The fit is fabulous, The hemline really works. Even the boots work for me.<br />Judge 3<br />3 3 3 Total 9 I like the back detail although I think the slit should be more modest for this era. The oversize mutton top sleeves are almost too exaggerated. The red at the neck gives just the right touch of color.<br />Total points: 26<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias5a4Yr_VevnJF68fDzjp3P6NBqqP3jimmmC2QynGK0yIJg4sD2Sy-UWpnBxva9tfCRqGsXGb62vucuUUqP2objozp1sXmyAZgshUwtY6IC5VMg4VwWcKzpuuxNkZd_Lnb-QHCukrfYs/s1600-h/Entry+14+Sylvia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267054054509681906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias5a4Yr_VevnJF68fDzjp3P6NBqqP3jimmmC2QynGK0yIJg4sD2Sy-UWpnBxva9tfCRqGsXGb62vucuUUqP2objozp1sXmyAZgshUwtY6IC5VMg4VwWcKzpuuxNkZd_Lnb-QHCukrfYs/s320/Entry+14+Sylvia.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #14 - Sylvia </p><p><br />Sylvia's collection:<br />I used silk, wool, rayon and peacock feathers to create my outfit. My inspriation was the 1930s with a touch of the Edwardian. And, of course, Robin Hood from Medieval times.<br /></p><p>Judge 1<br />2 5 4 Total 11 While I find this absolutely charming, I don't get the mix of Edwardian and 30's style. this is an exact replica of depression era 40's style and it's fabulous! I love the color blends and the brocade! Technique wise it is pristine!<br />Judge 2<br />3 4 3 Total 10 I do like this piece. Love the color combination and the various textures. The era to me is a kind of WWII clashes with Robin Hood.The hat is great. Love the workmanship on that. the dress or blouse and skirt on the top part is perfect. The collar lays very nicely the gathers on the sleeves are nice and even. the cuffs on the sleeves look good. The front looks nicely pressed. The back doen't look as good as the front, as far as pressing goes.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 2 Total 6 The hat is all I see when I first look at the picture, taking away from the dress. The blue at the bust is distracting from the skirt and blouse colors, drawing my eye and dividing the dress. The skirt fits well, and I like the blouse fabric. The blouse could look better if it was tucked in smoother under the skirt.<br />Total points: 27<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPeByFMF1K9HEaSpUq2BzUzOf6-h_t0gZTnRMN9izN9GPxRh1xzbOkfN9Vh-hRgOOz6UtGmBBja1IBECtheUHlsPHJG45nRtZMnd85yxFQbMlYf_E1zirO0mvv4hVTyWZhfxVOZ2Y2Ic/s1600-h/Entry+15+Sharon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267054044051051090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPeByFMF1K9HEaSpUq2BzUzOf6-h_t0gZTnRMN9izN9GPxRh1xzbOkfN9Vh-hRgOOz6UtGmBBja1IBECtheUHlsPHJG45nRtZMnd85yxFQbMlYf_E1zirO0mvv4hVTyWZhfxVOZ2Y2Ic/s320/Entry+15+Sharon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #15 - Sharon </p><p><br />Sharon's collection:<br />70's was my era and everything is made from an article of vintage clothing. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />2 3 2 Total 7 The jeans are cute, but I feel it lost it's era with the top.<br />Judge 2<br />4 4 3 Total 11 very 70's. Love the look. We had it go on back then didn't we? So many colors and textures.You did a pretty good job putting this all together<br />Judge 3<br />3 2 3 Total 8 The fit of the garments is good, the colors coordinate well. The big pink bow is distracting.<br />Total points: 26<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GFxmvhEbybQRbP7VStBKR6p_zpSJQq8NANPANpmRSvgCnWYrK2DLIfi1lx81bmB_9bFmoFx7WVCJdBA64iMfup6g2sl8uYqZ3J1_b_kjSpnrRwfyRQRl1LPF8Ll-NAFrpdhtgIQ_OXs/s1600-h/Entry+16+Durelle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267059979749764962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GFxmvhEbybQRbP7VStBKR6p_zpSJQq8NANPANpmRSvgCnWYrK2DLIfi1lx81bmB_9bFmoFx7WVCJdBA64iMfup6g2sl8uYqZ3J1_b_kjSpnrRwfyRQRl1LPF8Ll-NAFrpdhtgIQ_OXs/s320/Entry+16+Durelle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #16 - Durelle</p><p><br />Durelle's collection:<br />"Steampunk"…………. This subculture fashion trend is the perfect springboard for my styling and design. I adore fantasy and historical designs and I have chosen this as my Project Dollway theme for 2008. The Steampunk genre has moved into high fashion and is finding its way into mainstream teen fashion today. My collection will embody elements of Neo-Edwardian historical styling, with various alterations for the mad science/ time traveler that tends to characterize steampunk. The color scheme that will move though out the collection is old gold, rusty reds and bitter green. Leather will be an important element as well as topstitching and buttons. Buckles straps, gears, goggles, keys and chains will also accent the collection. This first installment has an aviator (airship) feeling.. You can look forward to my early designs building on this aspect which I hope to include bomber jackets and parachute back packs… and what ever I may come up with ….. These are just my early notes. Enjoy ……..</p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 1 3 Total 5 I don't get it. I did not invision this outfit in my head before I looked at photos. Steampunk is a harsh fashion and this is almost meek in comparison. The stiching is superb and I like the palatte.<br />Judge 2<br />4 4 4 Total 12 I must admit to not knowing much about steampunk. Most of what I have seen I did not like. Yours I find very interesting. I love the colors you choise. Love the use of leather.Great construction from what I see<br />Judge 3<br />2 4 4 Total 10 The colors coordinate well, and the overall fit is good. The leather accent pieces are very well done.<br />Total points: 27<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHe6dXYZElZC4l0WXdVMJcAhYWq1cRkH6i3Z_zrlh2siPbgaazj6s4S3apF6l8nxmACHs9h9IJdv05T3DNsQKLzLrJuX6hZ3HUe8wkeAf7u3ApefwSKgDe35JPGb57eNaSzqPfFJ7Zas/s1600-h/Entry+17+Dot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267059976430885058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHe6dXYZElZC4l0WXdVMJcAhYWq1cRkH6i3Z_zrlh2siPbgaazj6s4S3apF6l8nxmACHs9h9IJdv05T3DNsQKLzLrJuX6hZ3HUe8wkeAf7u3ApefwSKgDe35JPGb57eNaSzqPfFJ7Zas/s320/Entry+17+Dot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #17 - Dot </p><p><br />Dot's collection:<br />My line is called Confections. Confections, in my mind, are ensembles that are as sweet as any bakery dish - definitely ensembles that a girly girl would love to have in her closet! My colors are basically cream, pink, and lavender. The cream is the icing on this particular Confections offering called Ballet, and the colors are the sprinkles on top! The tiny ballerina on her purse and the ballet slipper pin on her lapel make it clear where this little Missy is going. This ensemble is done in cream colored dupioni silk. The top is appliqued with vintage lace and the bubble skirt features a vintage lace overlay. Lace (some vintage, some not), ribbons, and charms will be elements prevalent throughout my Confections line. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />3 4 3 Total 10 I can see a little girl in this dress..in fact, I'd wear this dress. I love the colors, I love the lace, I love it all. I could do with out the head thing.<br />Judge 2<br />2 3 3 Total 8 I am not sure what era "Confections" is a part of. I am sure this is a spendid creation in person. I know working with this type of lace is not easy. However, these photos are what I have to work with. I don't see the "sprinkels" of color. The Ballerina charms are cute.<br />Judge 3<br />1 2 3 Total 6 I like the dress style. The lace has a beautiful pattern that the bows are hiding. The bows make the dress seems cluttered, especially at the waistline.<br />Total points: 24<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb5imEb5Dsy5jeASwz3m-dPFiOecEC7UOxbwauEJK8X4XP8Jb1gV2Cc-r2s6WaF3_lfSK6qui6P4L_yjRhvBAI_VqPpB6lulT1aI88dHfZ9TX0Cu5q1SlCohlvamaWtDkHptcak5oZN4/s1600-h/Entry+18+Carolyn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267059971143164210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb5imEb5Dsy5jeASwz3m-dPFiOecEC7UOxbwauEJK8X4XP8Jb1gV2Cc-r2s6WaF3_lfSK6qui6P4L_yjRhvBAI_VqPpB6lulT1aI88dHfZ9TX0Cu5q1SlCohlvamaWtDkHptcak5oZN4/s320/Entry+18+Carolyn.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry #18 - Carolyn </p><p><br />Carolyn's collection:<br />no text </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 1 1 Total 3 The rosettes look like shoulder pads coming from cleavage. with an uneven hem. Although, the premise of the hem line does have merit.<br />Judge 2<br />2 1 1 Total 4 There is an idea here. I kind of like the direction it was headed.I honestly don't know what to say here. Are the seams suppose to not match? Did you mean to have so many unfinished edges. I am sorry, but I just don't get it.<br />Judge 3<br />1 1 2 Total 4 I like the asymmetrical hemline. The flowers are too large for the dress but make an interesting bag. The beads of the bag handle are too big.<br />Total points: 11<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYxgt2G5B8N95-QsY7FTCMNCBi64TJKeJO8rUfljwETEWD-U4-UAoM9Qiaq9hexFB1sV4J047xaSieAzNplgNPwpWmgoAKYsvZ5D6ohx5xZh9xLm20_gLLIp3-ABhNa7fwtPomOqdgf4/s1600-h/Entry+19+Dawn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267064286024691122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYxgt2G5B8N95-QsY7FTCMNCBi64TJKeJO8rUfljwETEWD-U4-UAoM9Qiaq9hexFB1sV4J047xaSieAzNplgNPwpWmgoAKYsvZ5D6ohx5xZh9xLm20_gLLIp3-ABhNa7fwtPomOqdgf4/s320/Entry+19+Dawn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #19 - Dawn </p><p><br />Dawn's collection:<br />When I spotted an olive green jacket over a plum colored dress in one of the fall collections, I knew I had my color scheme. This isn't a new combination for me. Several years ago I made a crazyquilt square in these colors with the addition of metallic gold. That inspired a round robin crazyquilt vest that turned out just stunning with everyone's additions. When I entered an altered book colors round robin, I again chose this favorite combination. It was great seeing what everyone did with my choice of colors. I think these colors are perfect for the Essential Redhead Ellowyne that I chose for my model. I was a bit anxious about whether the colors would work with Gabby's first word/theme. I was delighted to see her choice of vintage. I've always loved the long, lean look of twenties fashions. This was my vintage inspiration. If I sewed more for myself, I would make something inspired by that era for me too. I wish my photos showed the colors and texture of the fabrics better. The olive is silk and the plum of the jacket is a lot richer than it looks in the photos. I like the tone on tone dots of the jacket and they fit right in with this year's emphasis on dots, but in a subdued manner. I was really happy to find that I had enough of the fabric to make the jacket. My fabrics are all recycled clothing that I originally purchased to make crazyquilt squares with. I thought about making a beaded headband or a cloche to go with the outfit, but between being low on time to work and wondering if that would make it look too costumey, I decided not to. I still may add one later, along with a choker for Ellowyne to wear to a New Year's Eve party. I think she could carry it off.</p><p><br />Judge 1<br />2 3 3 Total 8 Love the scheme, enjoy the look, just not sure if its 20s style...really looking forward to other looks!<br />Judge 2<br />3 4 3 Total 10 Nice use of colors a line. I do like the combination of textures. It does evoke the time period an yet still works for today.You did an excellent job of keeping the wieghts of the fabircs and the designs in the fabrics in scale. I do like that. I thik the gold part of the dress/ skirt and bouse could have been better pressed.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 2 Total 6 I like the jacket and its colors, and I like it with the olive of the dress. The ensemble with the jacket does not look as well from the front when the colorful panel peeks out. The bodice of the dress is a loose fitting style but it is drooping too much.<br />Total points: 24<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnhfUMOQj9uMIROFXIRwafctYgqehMbhzmxv0G5sWaCR1pG2ffZvWupMNDRax1K3ntI-TGqumHIXdiNmqi4-dY_isO675t1_MdtKHUUnQMrAsIUCfF5dGQmi1wIX0NNvhmml5lg-YnE4/s1600-h/Entry+20+Michele.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267064285538572466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnhfUMOQj9uMIROFXIRwafctYgqehMbhzmxv0G5sWaCR1pG2ffZvWupMNDRax1K3ntI-TGqumHIXdiNmqi4-dY_isO675t1_MdtKHUUnQMrAsIUCfF5dGQmi1wIX0NNvhmml5lg-YnE4/s320/Entry+20+Michele.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #20 - Michele </p><p><br />Michele's collection:<br />Okay here is my first entry in our little swarray. My era is 1910-1920 When one thinks of this era they automatically think of the flapper dress that was very popular in those times. I took this idea and brought it up to modern day club dancing but with sophistication. I used black and pink silk with beaded string trim. My girl is Gene Marshal by Mel Odum. She is one of my favorite gals to work with since she does have that timeless movie star beauty. Gene enjoyed working with me as she is the one that picked the fabrics and my husband picked the era since I was having such a hard time as i love several. Gene's "20's Boogaloo" was created and hand sewn with in 6 hours. Enjoy!!<br /></p><p>Judge 1<br />1 1 1 Total 3 I would have liked to see a cleaner job on this garment. It is apparent that it is the 20's.<br />Judge 2<br />1 1 2 Total 4 Interesting redition of a 1920's flapper dress.Unique neckline and color choices.The seams are straight. I would have taken more care in keeping the hemline straight. The fringe could have been a little fullerin the top four rows of beads. You've got some puckering going on too. Cute idea and a nice use of beaded fringe.<br />Judge 3<br />2 1 2 Total 5 I like the dual colored dress, the pink and black work well together. The beaded fringe is a little sung in a couple places which is not allowing the dress to hang nicely. The back not overlapping evenly and is more apparent with the darker color.<br />Total points: 12<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFinSh_xqKYOnNFjacUPbNcw20p9GdxiVocf9nb8QjaTb7JV6CVz3Ay04hhWeWVC1poolG92NnAEMcBo17tZj7rE-roG5fZvd-casQT4R95DNpAdcufM5_n0JgRFj9rkKCiEbiJierok/s1600-h/Entry+21+Kat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267064279785544402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 88px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFinSh_xqKYOnNFjacUPbNcw20p9GdxiVocf9nb8QjaTb7JV6CVz3Ay04hhWeWVC1poolG92NnAEMcBo17tZj7rE-roG5fZvd-casQT4R95DNpAdcufM5_n0JgRFj9rkKCiEbiJierok/s320/Entry+21+Kat.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #21 - Kat </p><p><br />Kat's collection:<br />I chose the 1930's for my Vintage Period. I love the graceful look of the fashions and while they are elegant, they are for the most part simple is design, like the Japanese say, "Less is More". The first piece in my collection is a simple beach pajama over a surprising and unique bathing suit. My first outfit. This is the outfit complete. The shear Beach "Pajama's" in Classic blue and white stripe that echoes the blue of the ocean and the white caps that lap upon the shore.<br />There is a small stand up collar, to frame a beautiful face, oversized pockets and a flared pajama leg. Profile view of outfit I cut the fabric in a couple of different way To add interest, I cut the top on the straight grain and the pockets on the bias. The pants were cut on the bias too, sending the stripes an angular position and the bias also added a nice flare to the pants - a beautiful drape. The back of the outfit. Because of the stripes and the shear quality of the fabric, the photos seem to make the stripes blend together and the costume looks boxey which it is not as one could see from the profile shot. Aha! A peak at last. Once the shirt is removed one get's a "tease" at what lies beneath. A Royal Blue Swimsuit in most romantic and stunning style<br />And removing the trousers, we see this cleaver swimsuit styled in a knit that has a most subtle touch of 'glimmer' to it. I think one can see that in the photo. Wish I could have shown the lining but only so many pix allowed. The lining is a dark blue patterned fabric<br />with an all over design that looks like breaking waves.This is a pix of the 'finishing' of the outfit.<br />See the hand rolled hem on the pants and turned and folded hem on the shirt. As you look at the shirt, the top view is of the right side of the shirt on the outside with pocket detail. Just below, is inside left of the shirt showing the hemming and lace finishing of the self- facing<br />on the jacket. One more thing, this AOL program is not allowing me enough space to comment but please have another look at the swimsuit. The garment is being suspended (for Modesty's) sake buy a silver chain necklace with toggle clasp. The toggle is undone and the chain brought behind the neck and then forward when removing and the opposite is done when dressing.<br />There are 4 Faux Pearl 'buttons' down the front of the decorative strip which connects the bra to the bikini pant<br /><br />Judge 1<br />4 4 4 Total 12 This is the most understated explanation of the 30s. it is not over worked, but shows a definite vintage flare. I think the swimsuit, pajama blend is perfect and reminds me of stories from the seaside tales of the flappers gone good. I really like it and think it's well made<br />Judge 2<br />2 3 3 Total 8 The PJ's were cute and the swim suit was different.It was different. No body else did anything like this. I did like it and it all wen together. I think it was maybe 30 and late 60s thrown together. I loved the use of the striped fabric it was a delight to see. Looks like the construction was good and you did iron it.<br />Judge 3<br />1 3 2 Total 6 The bias stripes lend a uniqueness to the pants, setting them apart from the top. That also lets the pockets stand out. The suit is very daring for this era.<br />Total points: 26<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojvXHFZ25jfh7kXNkF9OGccfZ1IhxRzR5d3_1Zz8mDY757bYi3dqzTs_fNK93AqK55JCW4s1k4tbWBI3xatVB8X675IHImnqA7-p9cewxulCFqjFIeMVnLYzSwGIFblYw6DHB6x2wob4/s1600-h/Entry+22+Jannie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267068454079712034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojvXHFZ25jfh7kXNkF9OGccfZ1IhxRzR5d3_1Zz8mDY757bYi3dqzTs_fNK93AqK55JCW4s1k4tbWBI3xatVB8X675IHImnqA7-p9cewxulCFqjFIeMVnLYzSwGIFblYw6DHB6x2wob4/s320/Entry+22+Jannie.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #22 - Jannie </p><p><br />Jannie's collection:<br />INSPIRATION and DESCRIPTION: My inspiration comes from a pantsuit that I designed for myself in 1971 for work. Earth tone colours were popular in the early 70’s inspiring me to select brown and off white. The outfit consists of the following: Panties, Wide Leg Slacks, Blouse, Vest, Earrings, Necklace, Shoes, & Pink Flower for hair or Butterfly The regular cut panties are not shown and are made of cotton spandex with elastic at the waist and legs. The Wide Leg Slacks have darts front and back and are fitted on a waistband. Closure is in the back which was popular in the early 70’s. The slacks are fitted to the hipline from which the line of the slacks drops squares to the hem. The fabric chosen is a linen like fabric which was also popular in the early 70’s. The slacks are pressed into front and back pleats.The Blouse is constructed out of 100% cotton and lined with an off white 100% polyester. The bodice is fitted with vertical darts both in the front and back. The blouse has a collar stand and an unusually shaped collar. The sleeves are fitted at the shoulders and gathered at the French cuffs. The blouse has a front closure. The Vest is made of the same material as the Slacks. It is lined with 100% polyester satin. The Vest is constructed of 3 parts; the front, the side, and the back. The front has 2 small darts on a slight princess lines with V-neck. The Back has a back zipper closure and each side is a slight princess line. The Side joins the Front and Back "princess lines" together. The Front and Side front seam also have openings for pockets on both side of the Vest. The pockets are fully functional. The Jewelry was made from gold, off white, and various colours of brown beads that I had left over from another project. The shoes are dark tan leather sandals. I found the little pink flower and butterfly in my "junk" box. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />5 2 3 Total 10 Great interp, love the beads with pants. while I think this sums up the 70's, its not the most original, i would have like an abstract paisley shirt<br />Judge 2<br />4 4 4 Total 12 I like the period interpretation. Pru looks like she just step right out of the 70s. Very nice choice in colors for the time period as well.<br />Judge 3<br />4 3 4 Total 11 Colors coordinate nicely, fit is good. I like the hidden pockets in the tunic style vest.<br />Total points: 33<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIF7giYGVD1VgY6Ar1wg-3vhuwrw3F5MKUG5PvNOy0An3WxF_bisVP1njTvcQShdnLfcWW4mA62jupHAwshyphenhyphenOeJOP1AveK8FN3HX3IlNiJvI5zPfhEO5t2N4POH8IktEMNdGi91soYrg/s1600-h/Entry+23+Dee+Dee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267068449818167794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIF7giYGVD1VgY6Ar1wg-3vhuwrw3F5MKUG5PvNOy0An3WxF_bisVP1njTvcQShdnLfcWW4mA62jupHAwshyphenhyphenOeJOP1AveK8FN3HX3IlNiJvI5zPfhEO5t2N4POH8IktEMNdGi91soYrg/s320/Entry+23+Dee+Dee.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry #23 - Dee Dee </p><p><br />DeeDee's collection:<br />My inspiration is the period of time between the mid 1950-to the early 1960s. The Wiggle<br />Dress was the essence of femininity at a time period when men were men and women<br />were allowed to be women. There was no shame in being a housewife, person who adored<br />her family, loved her home and enjoyed working with her hands and doing things with<br />friends. I have included a picture of the inspiration. the overskirt was turned into the scarf.<br />the photo (not shown here) is courtesy of SoVintagePatterns.com. My fabric is crepe back satin in aqua and the scarf is a chiffon print. I have turned the wiggle dress into a modern two piece outfit, that can be worn day or night. Hair by DeeDee Studios Shoes by DeeDee Couture Shoes were a flop, so Isabella had to take them off at the photo shoot. Please take points from me not her. :-) </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 1 1 Total 3 The color is vivid, but the construction needs work.<br />Judge 2<br />2 2 2 Total 6 the inspriration picture was cool. However I don't see much of the inspriation in your creation. The concept was unique. This satin fabric is difficult to sew with and the chiffon can even be trickier. I can't tell wether you pressed this or not and both fabrics may not have taken to the iron very well anyway. I think we need to have some pointers on marking fabric so there is no residue or marks left behind. The ruffles on the hemmline ruffle could be a little more even and the hems in the scarf could be better. I do like the bead treatment you attached the scarf to the blouse though.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 1 Total 5 The colors coordinate very well, and I like scarf crossing the front and draping down the back. Improvement is needed in the fit of the bodice and at the waist/hips of the skirt. A longer bodice to meet or overlap the skirt would look nicer.<br />Total points: 14<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsueeYpmmkop1T3tAnYtO1XoNM6-ZDpuHMcu-3nRS9n99guE8_m6SrYPrgDSfpV9oiPwbUsIyQGxx0YpDBJ5hyvTJag6StHsyckJgKiwlxAZ5d1pgXM0yroWjrfoiNC1Ne9WXnni6eAU/s1600-h/Entry+24+Alison.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267068451247162818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsueeYpmmkop1T3tAnYtO1XoNM6-ZDpuHMcu-3nRS9n99guE8_m6SrYPrgDSfpV9oiPwbUsIyQGxx0YpDBJ5hyvTJag6StHsyckJgKiwlxAZ5d1pgXM0yroWjrfoiNC1Ne9WXnni6eAU/s320/Entry+24+Alison.jpg" border="0" /></a>Entry #24 - Alison </p><p><br />Alison's collection:<br />The fabric is an antique fine linen appliqué tablecloth that I have had and used for many years; it was given to me, along with some other pieces, by an Irish woman whose children I babysat in high school. Her father had been in the foreign service and lived in China, and the tablecloth came from there. The style is 1920s-1930s and is still used today on household linens -- which are not often linen. Evelyn has been waiting a long time for this. It is a short kimono jacket and hakama -- both Japanese clothing articles, which she is fond of wearing, along with her running shoes and her huaraches. We love anime, and this outfit is -- i.e. the pieces are -- typical sport clothes worn in numerous anime features as well as in Japanese historical dramas. Oddly enough, when the outfit was assembled, it came out looking like a Chinese garment. The stiffness of the linen perhaps is what caused this. It still needs work, a lot of it. I sew all my doll clothes with French seams, or seams otherwise hidden from exposure, and this was assembled hurriedly; I will go back and finish it to my usual specs. At the very least, this is the opening foundation piece, elements of which will be used to build others upon. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />5 5 3 Total 13 This is an epitome outfit for me, very 20s...exceptionally done, really like the feel of this garment. took a doll and created a character...well done!<br />Judge 2<br />2 3 2 Total 7 Kimonos are timeless, they look the same century after century. Too bad you didn't finish it. I would have like to have seen the shoes. some of the bracelets are nice. I liked the colors of the green and white bracelet but I think the beads were a bit big for your client.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 2 Total 6 Very colorful and the floral print is placed well on the design.<br />Total points: 26<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGJJujgXG9g6pM6HysBeFxmdenXvEwd3X7rTwj0papyHE-FXf4Mxwdw-6zCWyEbPmkyKmdxiGMPubiELMiWFcpDA3G0SA1j_H_bnsKfpob_aCv32ZwCcyAY2kc48R-R2Axwhu0mwxERk/s1600-h/Entry+25+Michaela.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267071474226785234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGJJujgXG9g6pM6HysBeFxmdenXvEwd3X7rTwj0papyHE-FXf4Mxwdw-6zCWyEbPmkyKmdxiGMPubiELMiWFcpDA3G0SA1j_H_bnsKfpob_aCv32ZwCcyAY2kc48R-R2Axwhu0mwxERk/s320/Entry+25+Michaela.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entry #25 - Michaela </p><p><br />Michaela's collection:<br />So my interpretation of vintage went back a little further than most wouldexpect - say around the late 1700's! My gown is inspired by the elegant and simple lines of the Regency evening gowns from around the 1790's which were high up under the bustline with anelegant falling skirt. I thought I would take elements of that samegraceful line and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I have kept the high gathered bustline but have made the long flowing overskirt detachable so Aura, my model, can go from an elegant ball to a swank cocktail affair. The gown is made from gothic red/black shot dupion silk with black bridal tulle overlay and lace top thigh high stockings with hand embroidered backseams. </p><p>Judge 1<br />1 1 2 Total 4 So disappointed. A huge lead up with the possibility to take best score...It turned out to be a prom dress.<br />Judge 2<br />3 3 3 Total 9 This is a nice gown with simple but elegant lines. I don't really see it reflecting much of the Regency time period though. Over all construction is pretty good. the netting overlay on the bodice could have been a littel more even.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 I like the color, more burgundy than red. Fit is good and I like the tulle on the bodice. The tulle overskirt doesn't compliment the gown.<br />Total points: 20<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYX2yNfiWSGcpX_ugQMJpBuH-6_-2Za3ttXwl7qd0njveFzrxGEKGTVC7rNTm8arrMkHgG0QFTnxAAB0-Z-H7g-v4hNvsjewYqWaUGBB0LM7GjZt4WJ-xLcX10KCJX_LKuhc6dxzqOsY/s1600-h/Entry+26+Peggy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267071474176833410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYX2yNfiWSGcpX_ugQMJpBuH-6_-2Za3ttXwl7qd0njveFzrxGEKGTVC7rNTm8arrMkHgG0QFTnxAAB0-Z-H7g-v4hNvsjewYqWaUGBB0LM7GjZt4WJ-xLcX10KCJX_LKuhc6dxzqOsY/s320/Entry+26+Peggy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #26 - Peggy </p><p><br />Peggy's collection:<br />My design is from the 60's. It is based on a dress that I actually had for a party when I was in school. My mother and I made that one. It was mint green and made of crepe which was used a lot then, so I updated this one using a different color and making it of silk dupioni. It's rather plain and simple but that's the way a lot of the fashions were back then. It is fully lined which is what the white is that you see around the arm holes. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />4 2 4 Total 10 Probably the most well sewn in the first round. color and style are very 60's! Only wish you'd made it your own!<br />Judge 2<br />3 4 3 Total 10 Over all, pretty nice. Love the color. It does reflect the 60's era.Nice, but not all that unique.You did a nice job in the cnstruction of this piece.<br />Judge 3<br />3 2 3 Total 8 The bows on the shoulders and mid-back, as well as the bias band under the bust give interest to a simple design. The fit is good. </p><br /><br /><p>Total points: 28<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz4qp0BV4nYpYCV5tLvcXTyGAFZMzxdnoFzJueTmN_7ky7NzrCA8_5pkfpeBay9XaaFbIbRKLOl3qkKZBMUv9pHWNkDfc0Uq5c4c0mz4qhzWV5bXcKScVg66srg2-27Eyt4NOyB81DTs/s1600-h/Entry+27+Jason.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267071471641148802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz4qp0BV4nYpYCV5tLvcXTyGAFZMzxdnoFzJueTmN_7ky7NzrCA8_5pkfpeBay9XaaFbIbRKLOl3qkKZBMUv9pHWNkDfc0Uq5c4c0mz4qhzWV5bXcKScVg66srg2-27Eyt4NOyB81DTs/s320/Entry+27+Jason.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Entry #27 - Jason</p><p><br />Jason's collection:<br />This gown is seafoam green silk crepe with hand beaded turquoise accents and velvet waist detail. I based it on a 1930s bias-cut gown , but gave it a modern edge with the built-in corset. </p><p><br />Judge 1<br />1 2 1 Total 4 Good palate, nice beading, seam along bottom is sloppy...work needs to be cleaner .... good job!<br />Judge 2<br />3 4 4 Total 11 I like the colors and the lines of this gown. The influence of the time period is reflected.The bead work alone makes this a unique piece.The halter top and beadwork on it are very nice. The fit is good. The hem line could have been a little nicer. The seams lay nicely and it does look pressed.<br />Judge 3<br />2 2 3 Total 7 The dress and bead colors compliment each other nicely. Fit is good except the closure at the back waistline. The blue ribbon divides the dress and draws the eyes away from the beading.<br />Total points: 22<br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">"I don't design clothes. I design dreams." - Ralph Lauren<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">The announcement of the winner and our critiques are understandably filling up most of our blog this week -- after all that is what we have been eagerly waiting for! But I'd like to leave you with this:<br /><br />Did you know:<br /><br />-- The word vintage itself was originally used in the wine-making industry. A vintage wine is one made from grapes that were all, or primarily, grown and harvested in a single specified year, and these specific years generally denote the quality of some wines. In the fashion world, vintage has a very different meaning, but is also distinctly identified by the years in which it was made. Vintage is thought to be "borrowed" from the wine world as a more glamorous way to describe these old, but wonderful clothes.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">-- Most people confuse vintage with antique, but the main distinction is that antique clothing is older than vintage. While opinions may vary on this definition, the most recognized description today is that antique clothing was made before the 1920s, while vintage clothing spans the years of 1920 to 1980. Then there is the retro or mod style that falls in between vintage. Generally thought to be made from 1965 to 1985, the mod/retro style is often regarded as vintage, also. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">-- Vintage clothing is distinct because it is generally well made, features timeless design, and is made of unusual and often fabulous material one cannot afford in today's market. Most are also distinquished by hand finishing, unusual buttons, handmade lace, beading, applique, and various other means. Most of all they seem to all be created with a unique imagination.<br /><br />---Movie stars and other celebrities have made vintage clothing more popular in recent years. These people want to set the trends instead of just going along with them. They appreciate that these items are well made and that their generous seam allowance allow for necessary alterations to achieve their desired custom fit. </div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div>---Fashion designers around the world are developing an appreciation for vintage-style clothing due to its newly found popularity.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>On any given runway clothing made to emulate this style has been present recently.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>However, the true bargain hunter still prefers to find their vintage designs in second hand stores; the cost of buying reproduced vintage is often very expensive. </span><br /><br />So, we had a wide span of styles, fabrics and accessories to choose for our design.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Did we hit the mark in our mind or the judges?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Only you, the reader, must decide after your review of all of the critiques and designs presented in this challenge.</span><br /><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">"The importance of growth...<br />I spoke about hamburger to prime rib. (in a private email that went public), not as an insult, but as an analogy to levels... I don't want anyone to bow out of this competition, because they have a low score or a because a judge states the youth of the design... There are eleven more challenges to do and improvement is extremely important... There will be an award for the most improved... Stay, learn and better yourself.... Now, that's another challenge...I know, I know... Gabby, can it!" -- Gabby</span> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Our link of the week is fashion fun suggested by one of our members, Beth! It features the Salon Du Chocolate - yum yum. If you live in New York or any of the countries its available, maybe you could even check it out in person! Oh, and be sure to watch the video to the end or you'll miss some interesting fashions:</span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.salonduchocolat.fr/uk/">Salon Du Chocolat</a><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Now onward and upward with the next challenge - is everyone pleating?? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-19496836987259016892008-11-03T12:42:00.000-08:002008-11-04T13:13:51.988-08:00ARTISTS - PEGGY, STACY, SANDE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-fBIHLQXiG6fswTFQwDU7xZd0u4hnODIR6gLKgrFUdlInT5d6RoTog2_Go8aveqmVOw6RrliZGM4NyIai1vDqxZsMMToTao6xlI9o4xCIMwHXTSwaIEyGQM3IPQSdhzRY4D7Rcsus2M/s1600-h/peggy1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-fBIHLQXiG6fswTFQwDU7xZd0u4hnODIR6gLKgrFUdlInT5d6RoTog2_Go8aveqmVOw6RrliZGM4NyIai1vDqxZsMMToTao6xlI9o4xCIMwHXTSwaIEyGQM3IPQSdhzRY4D7Rcsus2M/s320/peggy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264887437102011682" border="0" /></a><br /><strong style="font-weight: bold;">PEGGY BURNEY</strong><br /><br /><div> Peggy Burney lives in the small Tenessee town of Selmer, made famous by the Mary Winkler Murder Trial and the Walking Tall movies. She's been married over 40 years, has three children, and one grandson who she loves to watch play Little League baseball. This courageous lady has shouldered the burden not only raising a daughter with cerebral palsy, but also is the caretaker for her 87 year old parents, and her aunt who is 81. Is it any wonder she doesn't have as much time to play as she'd like? <div><br /><div>Her career has included being a dressmaker for about 12 years, a store manager, a legal secretary for 20 years; for the last five years she's taught Special Education. On the side she manages to own a catering and cake decorating business, and says she does a cake almost every day before going to school, and most of her weekends are tied up with weddings and anniversaries.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcWfHLsCZdiXH3q5G-A3IhFqnGqk_1e-nrgz3a2TKyTZHXS231HUbiiPzdrrolDq-1f48JLnexmCmKkOoPidQqa7VN0jxTv8E7yFgRTXokAKg19DHcHIBWznmabHDMXz0P5nwCRIvvi4/s1600-h/peggy2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcWfHLsCZdiXH3q5G-A3IhFqnGqk_1e-nrgz3a2TKyTZHXS231HUbiiPzdrrolDq-1f48JLnexmCmKkOoPidQqa7VN0jxTv8E7yFgRTXokAKg19DHcHIBWznmabHDMXz0P5nwCRIvvi4/s320/peggy2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264888430823239010" border="0" /></a><br />She learned to sew when she was a child. Her mother always sewed and taught her some; but mostly she saw something she wanted to sew, and just figured out how to do it. Working as a dressmaker out of my home was necessary while her children were small so she could stay home with them.<br /><br />Recently she hasn't done much with the dolls because real life just seems to always get in the way, but she does hope to be able to finish each of the challenges ..."because it is an outlet for me to relax and get involved in something I enjoy instead of something that must be done.<br /><br />"She also says she wouldn't begin to guess as to how she would do in this competitions. "Of course, like everyone else, I would love to win, but I try to be realistic and I don't think that will happen. I will be happy if I can just produce a piece for each competition and have them come together as a collection. I may have trouble making it "cohesive" as required. There are so many great designers in this competition that I am honored to be considered one of them."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqzXdiz_6Pl_jlVJ7W7eoED_iXb8R1S8u4hY_9_rkmi1m1tIDA49Y4_8uebLoze1zzmQZm33fRYRo8cMubmV0n5ueJGbFghnYO6c-UIOfbB4iECTNFisRzShHM7ucvUTt4fsjLbdVEmQ/s1600-h/peggy3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqzXdiz_6Pl_jlVJ7W7eoED_iXb8R1S8u4hY_9_rkmi1m1tIDA49Y4_8uebLoze1zzmQZm33fRYRo8cMubmV0n5ueJGbFghnYO6c-UIOfbB4iECTNFisRzShHM7ucvUTt4fsjLbdVEmQ/s320/peggy3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264896265315709186" border="0" /></a><br />Today she deals mainly with making brides, and replicas of the brides actual dress, veil, hair,and bouquet - the total doll. But she is definitely open to making other things on all size dolls from Barbie to Cissy, and does do commissions. In the past she has placed 3rd in the now defunct BBMA, 2nd 3times in IFDC online competitions, 1st several times at the convention competitions as well as several 2nds and 3rds. She has won other awards in several different online competitions. Her website, she confesses, is a little outdated but she is in the process of making a new one - meanwhile check out her work here:<br /><br /><a href="http://members.tripod.com/sweetcakesb/">http://members.tripod.com/sweetcakesb/</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />STACY SHREVE</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtLKRRVI4zX9QcTA55FbM0f8Wf1s95vFE7VnWObKiOEztNqp9BwoBIaMlGuCujDrGkBYf00x1g9U9o7c50riU9KwJZUhCyhDlogKrrKgoS74hpdZrKe8Uj2bIdgIyymySZdTarTlJ5i4/s1600-h/redleather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtLKRRVI4zX9QcTA55FbM0f8Wf1s95vFE7VnWObKiOEztNqp9BwoBIaMlGuCujDrGkBYf00x1g9U9o7c50riU9KwJZUhCyhDlogKrrKgoS74hpdZrKe8Uj2bIdgIyymySZdTarTlJ5i4/s320/redleather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264898061199099266" border="0" /></a><br />Stacy Shreve, her mother, and overweight German Shepherd named Shonie, share a home in Jackson, Michigan. Although Stacy has no children, she does have five nephews and a grandneice she loves to play with!<br /><br />My mother has always worked with dolls and made and taught porcelain doll making. She also made the dolls accurate clothing, and even developed a line of hats made in the traditional way. She has been a great infuence on Stacy's sewing and doll creations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGTMVAP07ObfUo_81LGNxgmJv1QWk_Qfld5hwQ-Cdwm1Yfhzkg1Ider3VFjpYTWeIPvL0BlONzuoIiKuFkFb0iQVb1wgqp4To9V36_4xj_oCkgqExuEZt6wdqG7ejGBNBFU4z37407Aw/s1600-h/blackpatent.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGTMVAP07ObfUo_81LGNxgmJv1QWk_Qfld5hwQ-Cdwm1Yfhzkg1Ider3VFjpYTWeIPvL0BlONzuoIiKuFkFb0iQVb1wgqp4To9V36_4xj_oCkgqExuEZt6wdqG7ejGBNBFU4z37407Aw/s320/blackpatent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264902261460215442" border="0" /></a><br />Fashion was on her mind when she attended trade school for Commercial Art, and Stacy definitely feels her Computer Assisted Drafting helps her with pattern drafting and also her small business of making shoes, clothes, and other items for a number of dolls. She has also thought of producing a line of patterns, but hasn't found the time yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjJpJ0UkCAAWXb80QUQKP6FNYG6YemF6pSM-o0I7mdnzJSSUVjyZFN1k-8uBfTjD64qOIdiAT5ER9vPT6F7fEQPa3OPmzzM8G5bc42sXzp3cyhnIM5rWkaE1teVW4AqUsgnt26duRBVI/s1600-h/stacy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjJpJ0UkCAAWXb80QUQKP6FNYG6YemF6pSM-o0I7mdnzJSSUVjyZFN1k-8uBfTjD64qOIdiAT5ER9vPT6F7fEQPa3OPmzzM8G5bc42sXzp3cyhnIM5rWkaE1teVW4AqUsgnt26duRBVI/s320/stacy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264902858891618322" border="0" /></a><br />"I have always dreamed of competing in Project Runway," says Stacy, "but can't seem to make clothes for humans because my time is consumed with dolls!"<br /><br />However, when she found the Project Dollway group, it seemed to be just what suited her. In fact, she would love to knock everyone's socks off in the current competition, but realizes that there are other people who love creating for dolls just as much as she does!<br /><br />This self-confessed fabric and pattern hoarder continues to make outfits for Franklin Mint's Princess Diana today, but also has some sidelines in CED dolls, Tonner's American Model and Barbie. You can find her salesroom here:<br /><center><a href="http://sne-for-dolls.ecrater.com/">http://sne-for-dolls.ecrater.com</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SANDE IN SAN ANTONIO<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_mxydVV-Th0NSzKYsGjdjbbJ_MYAPYIDR99X2myXMUd04uHRuvG0c3JQXcXiTY6-TrjiWoZF119GwpDq6RgCQV15YgrLNoh45EN_udlYs45c3seHSpMltw_YsXuVbvaOqArDXR8biUI/s1600-h/sande1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_mxydVV-Th0NSzKYsGjdjbbJ_MYAPYIDR99X2myXMUd04uHRuvG0c3JQXcXiTY6-TrjiWoZF119GwpDq6RgCQV15YgrLNoh45EN_udlYs45c3seHSpMltw_YsXuVbvaOqArDXR8biUI/s320/sande1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264903619972584610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Although Sande wasn't born in Texas, she loves San Antonio, and is as Texan as can be!! She has been married to her hubby since 1970 and has a grown daughter and son. Her daughter has given her three wonderful grandchildren, and her son is her best friend - although he thinks she is crazy when it comes to dolls - and he isn't wrong!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51tluScOu9zEHc3bEke_RaDhvuk4UO7N6ZwRV7yJaxFxEyK9fJrjDWxyBueQTVsMFvnVc6XB5M2D0PucSvflVQ9IGvlKc6eBspyhxyrOvoANnzYOFJZvCPZ_u1wg9Ts2fdR4bnkY1FuQ/s1600-h/sande3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51tluScOu9zEHc3bEke_RaDhvuk4UO7N6ZwRV7yJaxFxEyK9fJrjDWxyBueQTVsMFvnVc6XB5M2D0PucSvflVQ9IGvlKc6eBspyhxyrOvoANnzYOFJZvCPZ_u1wg9Ts2fdR4bnkY1FuQ/s320/sande3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264906938258544354" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Sande has never had any formal training in sewing or fashion, but is a fast learner,and taught sewing and machine embroidery classes at her local Pfaff dealer's store for several years.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">She wanted to participate in this competition just for the fun of sewing with other doll people, as she feels there are great designers and well known people here.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">"It's not about winning, it's about enjoying our dolls...every one of us has different reasons for enjoying our dolls, and different dolls we enjoy, and they fulfill different needs for us all. That is as it should be!"<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxkSxMsBp4u959yWc4iKmub0ayHuGBhHKAiDRwjCS_GpWX_sg_5D2g3xdtHi9ZujsZ8pE4YLTj2zqPrffecPWNNQsMMiG5Zz3kMg9clKkwo8sQTC4bMWPdJ8CsRITkDM15G4uUvigqmQ/s1600-h/sande2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxkSxMsBp4u959yWc4iKmub0ayHuGBhHKAiDRwjCS_GpWX_sg_5D2g3xdtHi9ZujsZ8pE4YLTj2zqPrffecPWNNQsMMiG5Zz3kMg9clKkwo8sQTC4bMWPdJ8CsRITkDM15G4uUvigqmQ/s320/sande2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264906760306120194" border="0" /></a><br />"What we can accomplish is passing this love of dolls on to future generations and also to perpetuate a love of sewing," Sande believes.<br /><br />She is currently working on ways to incorporate doll clothes with machine embroidery. She decided to make and sell doll clothing patterns when she got her Marley Wentworth doll. At that time, there were no patterns for her, so she developed some. Initially they were a little rough in presentation, but became wonderful patterns that fit the doll and were versatile, and easy to sew.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that Rufus has came along to court Ellowyne, he has become her focus because, again, he came with no patterns! Also, Lara Croft's "curvy" figure caught her attention, so she had to make a pattern for her. She says her patterns are very reasonably priced, and have a lot more garments for the money..."because they are not about money; they are a labor of love." Her patterns can be seen at:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thedollpage.com/marketplace/store.php?login=tsarina">http://www.thedollpage.com/marketplace/store.php?login=tsarina</a><br /></div></center></div><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-66933449654314348922008-11-03T10:41:00.000-08:002008-11-03T23:38:23.376-08:00IN IT TO WIN IT??<div align="left"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHdCv43qJCUXQP8x8Jj5oQqS0KWClIaULDSh1t8A20aUuPy3ZpkDWGV6XVY2KEuXQE-EndR6rDdwB0GhHJfrJf5hoEheBoAZXcNIPtBjGTs-aof4jy0Lg4W0asipCQlChziBEdC-AE3E/s128/Buttericks-moden-Revue-Giclee-Print-C12045415.jpeg" border="0" /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!" </span></div><div align="right">- Coco Chanel<br /></div><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">What's so hard about being a designer?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Many people have side-stepped art school and internships to become successful designers - so if they can do it why can't we?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>And why are we in a fashion doll design contest?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>To win it; right?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>If not, for the experience and to have fun - right? But definitely not to stress!! Can I hear an amen!! <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">However, during this first challenge many seemed pretty daunted!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>In fact some posts showed we were intimidated or confused.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>And, for the most part, this confusion centered on designing a collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Such apprehension mainly speculated on how each design should flow with the next one; and eventually how it will all flow together per our one word challenges!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">But flow it must.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>For to have a cohesive collection every piece in it must relate to the others.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>And no matter what the challenge is -- what relates these pieces is really up to us.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>This realization may help us all to have fun with this project, and go with the flow.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Remember, anything we do with joy will be quite evident, and possibly more beautiful than anything done under stress.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">There is a vast array of things that may inspire us.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Some that come to mind are fabric, style, periods in history, color, etc.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>The important thing is that we choose something for inspiration that has impact - impact enough to make someone lust after OUR (MY/YOUR) collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">It's a real balancing act to design a collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Sure, we can get some great visuals by surfing fashion sites, watching fashion-type programming on the television, or reading fashion magazines.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>These venues can not only inspire; but can also help us develop the crystal-ball attitude necessary when trying to forecast future trends - another thing we need to be aware of.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>But, the most important tool a designer has is their imagination.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>After all the research, we really don't want to copy anyone; we want to take little bits and pieces of what we've seen or read about, and meld them together with our unique imaginings into a collection that screams "IT'S MINE."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Once we have our inspiration, we need to get it out of our head where we can see, touch, and feel it.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>To do this will require both illustrating our thoughts and selecting our fabrics.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Let's do it as adventure!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Ssssssssssssh, it's true!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Even if we cannot draw there is an easy way to get our thoughts on paper.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>We can trace; right?<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">First let's find a croquis.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Sounds complicated - but it's not.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>It means sketch in French, and was the original term for the schematic fashion figure designers draw.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>However, today the croquis is more commonly know as a template of a human figure to put a design on.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>I use some from a very old (out of copyright) fashion illustration book, but we can easily get a free one from this site - in fact there are several to choose from:<br /><br /><br /></p></span><center><a href="http://www.freecroquis.com/female.html">Croquis</a></center><br /><p></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">We simply select the one we like, save the image to our hard drive, size it to fit our needs, and print enough copies to do all our designs.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Then the fun begins.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>We’ll sketch in each item that is an integral part of our design.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Do we want short or long sleeves?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Is it an Empire waist or very fitting?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Well, we get the picture; right?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Oooh, and we can add color - especially if color is our main inspiration!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>And we can also begin to pick our fabrics.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>We can do this as we sketch each design, or wait and select all fabrics at one time - it's definitely subjective.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Speaking of fabric, we all seem to have a great stockpile of it.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>But, what are we saving it for - our spouse's next spouse when we're gone? I think not! So let's prove it and really begin to use some of those precious pieces we've collected and kept all this time.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Let's revisit our stashes and try to find fabrics that will further inject that wow factor into our collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Let's take a tactile trip down memory lane!! <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">As we do each drawing we’ll not only be keeping our inspirational theme and our fabric in mind, we will also want to consider the articles of clothing we actually want to have in our collection, and how we want to accessorize or accentuate (trim) each item.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Step back and make a list of each item we think fits in our collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Do we need a bathing suit since it’s not a resort collection?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Are hats necessary to complete our theme?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Consider everything, and incorporate it into each drawing.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>This is the time to get specific and draw in those accessories and accents; time also to allocate what each piece will be – evening wear, day wear, sports wear, etc.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>We’ll be designing for an overall wardrobe in this competition, so let’s not just hone in on any one of these.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 5pt 0in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Then we’re basically done.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Done?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Well, yes, because we weren’t aiming to make the collection at this point – just get it designed.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Then, as each one word clue comes out we can select a design that fits that word and use it.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Or, if nothing fits, perhaps we can literally impose (draw) that word into one of our designs.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>But, if nothing we have can fit even with alterations, we may have to design a whole new outfit.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>However, hopefully, this will be the exception, not the norm.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>At least we have our basic direction that we want to travel in – so we’re set.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:';font-size:100%;">Does this mean those of us that didn’t know how to design a collection in the beginning are at a disadvantage? <span style="font-size:0;"></span>Not really.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>At this stage of the game, we have presented a vintage outfit that should clearly show our inspiration – so let’s work from there.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>We’re doing the second one now, so we want to make sure we incorporate pleats, <span style="font-size:0;"></span>make it flow with #1 and then that it flows with the rest of the collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>So those are set. <span style="font-size:0;"></span>But, after finishing challenge #2, we can still design the rest, just to ease our minds and ensure all of the designs flow within our collection.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>And then we’re set – we’re free to put fear and apprehension behind us, and, most of all, we’re free to embrace our joy!<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Let’s do it!! </span></p><p>For our blog of the week we will be looking at good, previously developed collections - after all, inspiration can definitely be found in a winning collection. These top two from the original Project Dollway wrote concise blogs on their collections that are worth a read!</p><p>Andrea's Jaques' collection:<br /><a href="http://andreajaques.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html">http://andreajaques.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html</a></p><br /><p>Judith Markich's collection:<br /><a href="http://judithmarkich.blogspot.com/2008/01/challenge-10-christina.html">http://judithmarkich.blogspot.com/2008/01/challenge-10-christina.html</a></p><p>Our featured doll fashion designers this blog are: Peggy Burney, Stacy Shreve, and Sande in San Antonio. </p><p>(Please note: If you would like to be featured, be sure you either post to the group or send me a private email so that I have your email to communicate with you. Designers are picked by random draw. Also, if you have a burning question for the designer interviews, send it in and it might be used.)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-91509222666073034072008-10-27T23:21:00.001-07:002011-03-10T23:27:34.376-08:00ARTISTS - AGARVA, KEVIN, GARY<div align="left">AGARVA MOELLER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2qfwMep2qILczbL5fAiVXmQl8Vs0UmTJ8r4azsWc1nxXZotEl3fkHDJJer6PSjLB84oQdCo_fjF6XA2y8GW7SZC1cTlEXvK0BU2qLJ4WgGKmT2wl5PuWZHwxX6svV8xr8EA2nTj-fUs/s1600-h/ag3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262086181481255122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2qfwMep2qILczbL5fAiVXmQl8Vs0UmTJ8r4azsWc1nxXZotEl3fkHDJJer6PSjLB84oQdCo_fjF6XA2y8GW7SZC1cTlEXvK0BU2qLJ4WgGKmT2wl5PuWZHwxX6svV8xr8EA2nTj-fUs/s320/ag3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Agarva lives on the beautiful sub-tropical east coast of Australia with her partner of eight years. She has two grown stepdaughters, and three wonderful grandchildren, with two more - twins - on the way.<br /><br />She started fashion design as a teenager but family circumstances made it impossible for her to continue, so instead she became a nurse.<br /><br />Today she works as an information manager where all she creates is databases; it's as far away from fashion design as she can imagine! But luckily for us, she sews when she has off time.</div><br /><p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukOMXXXjtQqfXvY98gS-AsS34qRymfGB4whj_XrvuMsPUoPn6aFeJD3ZAirhBj57-YXJmeC9m9ZNF21c2R70gFNPxsVOFMq1mpWm8YdLXMvoi_8eU4592QHNo6wLADNwG42hC7Hzr9Do/s1600-h/ag2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262237279397008914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukOMXXXjtQqfXvY98gS-AsS34qRymfGB4whj_XrvuMsPUoPn6aFeJD3ZAirhBj57-YXJmeC9m9ZNF21c2R70gFNPxsVOFMq1mpWm8YdLXMvoi_8eU4592QHNo6wLADNwG42hC7Hzr9Do/s320/ag2.JPG" border="0" /></a>Sewing has interested her since her childhood. She is self taught, and also loves to embroidery, knit, applique and do patchwork. She just loves anything to do with fabric, including dyeing it.<br /><br />No wonder she has such a vast collection of vintage silk and other fabrics. She categorizes her style as eclectic and loves combining different styles and fabrics to created unusual looks. Fine tailoring is a passion and her outfits frequently have many details not obvious in photos.<br /><br />Since the original Project Dollway Home challenges she has been focusing on her Dreary collection, and donating outfits for charity. She also recently completed some commissions for swaps. After becoming a member of the CheeryAboutAgnes group, she finally pulled her dear Agnes out of her box. Now she has started creating a family for what she has dubbed her "Dreary Down Under Clan." It is growing huge, and now desperately needing clothing. Along with sewing for these dolls she also enjoys writing them story-lines.<br /><br />She did create a blog that features some of her creations from the original Project Dollway Home Challenges located here: <a href="http://agarva.bigblog.com.au/index.do">http://agarva.bigblog.com.au/index.do</a><br /><br />Her website - a work in progress - can be found here: <a href="http://agarva.webs.com/">http://agarva.webs.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4BbK8exqxyDxS5MxhsfqAHrZipvfN4BsCSrHHxkw3fKzEOGhorXqn3rV2fxC3oLWua6g2M1RGeFkrkDfAbq5Ms0J5W3nCdbozlWG4rrX2kIOOZv9XPq49xvBsjoW_S1eckAsW5vTn4Q/s1600-h/Ag1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262088168749822898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4BbK8exqxyDxS5MxhsfqAHrZipvfN4BsCSrHHxkw3fKzEOGhorXqn3rV2fxC3oLWua6g2M1RGeFkrkDfAbq5Ms0J5W3nCdbozlWG4rrX2kIOOZv9XPq49xvBsjoW_S1eckAsW5vTn4Q/s320/Ag1.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><p>"It is very inspiring to work with other designers and it pushes my creativity," says Agarva. "This competion will give me a chance to create a 'look' for my Dreary family, and doing a collection is perfect for where I am." It's not surprising that her muse will be Shadi Sarka Dreary (Sister Dreary).<br /><br /><br />Her muse, she feels is one of those characters you love or you don't. So, while she would love to win a challenge, she's not necessarily expecting to. "If I end this competition with a collection that I love, and, more importantly, I feel reflects my muse - then I will be ecstatic. And that I will also make my friends and group members proud of my efforts is also important to me." She is really looking forward to seeing everyone's designs and hopes that people will enjoy her creations. </p><br /><br /><p>KEVIN KILMER<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV8ABHkrIoWospQ0UsmxPyuKR-deEY15sVq9I5tjj_BwJ4md2CK-ek6PiwebxA44UrF8j7x9om-1V_LUNvlJP7KZFQfmNltd-U8dZ_OBiU5G5CyhlfMO3ywv4t15grXccR0eaPQo0d04/s1600-h/kevin4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262276056535433522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV8ABHkrIoWospQ0UsmxPyuKR-deEY15sVq9I5tjj_BwJ4md2CK-ek6PiwebxA44UrF8j7x9om-1V_LUNvlJP7KZFQfmNltd-U8dZ_OBiU5G5CyhlfMO3ywv4t15grXccR0eaPQo0d04/s320/kevin4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Kevin lives with his partner, sister, and his menagerie of pets that includes six cats (Mittens, Missy, TootsieBelle, Sammy, Melon and Nautikins), one old dog (PeeWee), and four goldfish. Just taking care of all of them is almost a full time job.<br /></p><br /><br /><p>He grew up in the doll business. His family ran a ceramic shop and an antique and reproduction doll making/repair business. He collected Barbies, GI Joes, Matchbox cars,and Hot Wheels from an early age. His love of the theatrical was a great asset as he performed as a professional female impersonator for many years. He thinks his work has helped him in designing his doll creations sometimes. He also has been influenced by his hero, Bob Mackie.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktZ65ZrhZz7nKxpQdZMaFPXCwJdTChImxIsnEEW13u84ITlcwcpn2p8SPPUHVxynmcz2vAvdHAm_-gSF7Omgz0QK7cfp63sDU-xiAPK5aDLxX68Perwd4pakS4z63LwL8gdSAMtNk8EU/s1600-h/kevin2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262238518366986226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktZ65ZrhZz7nKxpQdZMaFPXCwJdTChImxIsnEEW13u84ITlcwcpn2p8SPPUHVxynmcz2vAvdHAm_-gSF7Omgz0QK7cfp63sDU-xiAPK5aDLxX68Perwd4pakS4z63LwL8gdSAMtNk8EU/s320/kevin2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This easy going guy has a style of making doll clothing he feels is fairly identifiable. He uses a large portion of silks and tons and tons of seed beads and sequins.<br /><br />Recently he has been doing a lot of sewing and selling on eBay, and considers himself fortunate to be able to do this. His design interest has now become the Fashion Royalty sized dolls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJJMstbcTwX2EWPo7LO0xyDe76Zcd33_9P8BRerKBmtoRjTIw3d7tD2df_CvjCgsJpFVp5gKAwS3L89RxefHKCzF7J0p4bgELrFPKGD7TZ5qH3NB5_MUVgS6n9-L-9NAkeaDhgcvIH_s/s1600-h/kevin1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262239541174893186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJJMstbcTwX2EWPo7LO0xyDe76Zcd33_9P8BRerKBmtoRjTIw3d7tD2df_CvjCgsJpFVp5gKAwS3L89RxefHKCzF7J0p4bgELrFPKGD7TZ5qH3NB5_MUVgS6n9-L-9NAkeaDhgcvIH_s/s320/kevin1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />He's been busy making a Halloween costume for his sister, too. She loves his designs, and even had him design her wedding dress a few years ago. </p><br /><br /><p>Unfortunately, Kevin missed out on most of the original Project Dollway Home Challenge due to his mother's ill health and subsequent passing. But that is behind him, so he is confident he's ready to tackle this new version! "I am thinking I might just do well, if I can keep up the momentum from this first challenge now," Kevin says, "I should do GREAT!"<br /></p><br /><br /><br />GARY FLETCHER<br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM4CHqlnfJx_z2ReOr8bJ8rt7CLAuKIfvwmAli_fJGIcoJ9g038BKbN1OqMS8xNhLTqNnothZJ6YtMmvlYm9nSJknaT6JCYdzZ2Gv1ZvtN8PGwP1NKEiXVuMjtU7Glisr1joK0V5QmAw/s1600-h/gary1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262097820763068978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM4CHqlnfJx_z2ReOr8bJ8rt7CLAuKIfvwmAli_fJGIcoJ9g038BKbN1OqMS8xNhLTqNnothZJ6YtMmvlYm9nSJknaT6JCYdzZ2Gv1ZvtN8PGwP1NKEiXVuMjtU7Glisr1joK0V5QmAw/s320/gary1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gary Fletcher describes himself as very analytical and a workaholic. He feels he is a bit naive because he is an Aries; after all it is a young sign. He is a Dad, and has served in the Army as a helicopter mechanic. Although originally from Clearwater Florida, he's been a resident of Tennessee since 1981. He lives there with his friend and business partner.<br /><br />He trained at IADT, a technical design academy in Nashville. There he picked up several classes he felt necessary to hone his design skills including pattern drafting, design principles, the business of design, and illustrating. However, he still doesn't believe illustrating is his strong point. He began sewing with his mother at just 11, and feels he learned a great deal from her. By 16 he was designing and constructing lavish ball gowns in a size 4 with no particular person in mind. He just loved sewing them. This was in the mid 80's and ruffles ruled. At 18 he dressed a bride and her bridesmaids. He's been staying busy sewing all his life, but he is also a licensed Cosmetologist in Tennessee.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNCUpZkdvfGcpgbf32jd6Syw9rYRaiZZ4zr8feXyY2NXzJJ8o54c1503UpWr2wIefCHzILidO51OhMlC3Or0BFbspjOo1wNrakyUBIC36PS_slE9Cg1a91xrqTy4mdgbT2dyTu7pVZtg/s1600-h/gary3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262098571946993170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNCUpZkdvfGcpgbf32jd6Syw9rYRaiZZ4zr8feXyY2NXzJJ8o54c1503UpWr2wIefCHzILidO51OhMlC3Or0BFbspjOo1wNrakyUBIC36PS_slE9Cg1a91xrqTy4mdgbT2dyTu7pVZtg/s320/gary3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The website where Gary sells his original designs - both patterns and some ensembles are located at <a href="http://www.garyfletcher.us/">http://www.garyfletcher.us/</a><br /><br />He designs and sews patterns for many of the Tonner and Wilde Imagination dolls, a company he is officially licensed for. He also stays busy working from his studio in Knoxville with mainstream fashion industry projects.<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>His company provides an array of services for small and upstart design companies. Much of what is done there involves patterns and pattern grading. Services such as consulting, providing garment samples, and custom design are available as well as the pattern work. </p><br /><br /><p>News of this competition came to him through his Yahoo group. His members emailed him, urging him to participate. He thought - why not, this might even be fun! No stress, no worries!. Gary feels "... this competition will allow me to be creative beyond what I normally do. Much of the work I do is confined to strict parameters. Its what my clients want. This competition will let me break out of the mold."<br /></p><br /><br /><p>This soft spoken, overachiever definitely has a competitive nature but does realize there are some amazing artists in this competition, so I'm sure he'll be playing his best game. He says, "I love designing fashion. This has been my life long dream." Dream on, Gary!</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrmE7XwfcN5CYOODOQWgZo0eJgQW0MxD0eTonEvzP_TOr6TD1Kvw2EzPhgwsxMRGaLaJUGL8BBWL04Bhlst4anxt3OnnwZJkGEho7tahMhcv_wB2_lcs9DSan4K9YyATDKgWl-9UjHt0/s1600-h/gary2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262100254904031858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrmE7XwfcN5CYOODOQWgZo0eJgQW0MxD0eTonEvzP_TOr6TD1Kvw2EzPhgwsxMRGaLaJUGL8BBWL04Bhlst4anxt3OnnwZJkGEho7tahMhcv_wB2_lcs9DSan4K9YyATDKgWl-9UjHt0/s320/gary2.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-29311852109899347062008-10-27T17:05:00.001-07:002008-10-28T20:38:18.398-07:00JUDGING THE JUDGES<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjqPMqpYXwZjapbRpPTe70nk0Oe282GfN9vtjUrmXLsHt_h_lfAxS9xDnrx5wBhJfo2TVaTpmTzmYpcId54J5JRT8Ncom_AndMhvbX9sFUtnaYriydNitFPPLJ2azAL5rFQwJ1NmB3bQ/s1600-h/mr-blackwell-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261993440872982930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjqPMqpYXwZjapbRpPTe70nk0Oe282GfN9vtjUrmXLsHt_h_lfAxS9xDnrx5wBhJfo2TVaTpmTzmYpcId54J5JRT8Ncom_AndMhvbX9sFUtnaYriydNitFPPLJ2azAL5rFQwJ1NmB3bQ/s320/mr-blackwell-small.jpg" border="0" /></a> "...resembles a tattered toothpick trapped in a hurricane." - Richard Blackwell<br /><br />(His comment regarding Mary-Kate Olsen on one of his notorius worst dressed lists)<br /><br />Richard Blackwell died recently -- October 19, 2008. But for over 40 years this fashion critic, journalist, and artist; who worked successfully as a former child star and former costume and fashion designer, hosted his infamous "Ten Worst Dressed Women List." He was also known for publishing the "Fabulous Fashion Independents" list and an annual Academy Awards fashion review. Two books he wrote, <strong>30 Years of Fashion Fiascos</strong> and his autobiography, <strong>Rags to Bitches</strong>, were also published.<br /><br /><br />His designs were very sucessful, and most assuredly presented him with the credentials he felt necessary to produce such lists. Over the years "...Worst Dressed" became a very sought after list NOT to be found on. But a lot of people didn't care about their placement there; many just read his lists for entertainment. Can you imagine these famous women changing their wardrobe because of Blackwell's assessment: Cher - "A million beads/And one overexposed derriere"; Queen Elizabeth, "Was she the palace ChristmaS tree, or just a royal clown?" and Martha Stewart - "Dresses like the centerfold for Farmers' Almanac ." In fact, some people such as Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton actually considered it an honor to be placed on his list. By being mentioned, their outrageous dressing accomplished their goal!<br /><br /><br />So why would we even care about Mr. Blackwell's lists? After all, once the initial shockingly entertaining ones came out, many began to consider them to be noticeably rude, only fixating on the most popular celebrities, and geared to gaining and continuing their own popularity. </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br />Well, the answer is really very simple. Whether we like them or not, Blackwell's lists not only include rather sharp-tongued remarks; they also contain some very factual comments. And, such comments could conceivably cause a maven to change her ways IF she gave them any credibility. And that is what I'm getting at - how we perceive the credibility of a critique is the key to the importance of any critique.<br /><br /><br />In our group we don't need or respond well to sarcastic, scathing comments from those who judge us. Instead, we look for remarks that really evaluate our work and give us some valid, constructive criticism. We need to know when something is deemed unique or outstanding just as we need to know what our failings are. "Pretty dress" comments are best left to our audience - we do appreciate and need those also, but not from our judges!!<br /><br /><br />So aren't we incredibly lucky that we have a most talented group who have stepped forward to fill the complex job of judging this project? They are:<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Mia Tyler</em></strong>, is not just the daughter of mega-famous rocker Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and half-sister of actress Liv Tyler. Actually, she made her own place in the fashion world at the tender age of 17. Mia began appearing, on MTV's “<em>House of Style</em>,” a program featuring rock and fashion, and from there landed a modeling job, posing for clothing line/retailer Lane Bryant. Mia is a plus size model who believes "Beauty comes in all different packages. If you're a size 12, then you're not any less beautiful than a size 4." She continues to represent plus size beauties by gracing the pages of such well-known magazines as <em>Seventeen</em>, <em>Vogue</em>, <em>USA Today</em>, and <em>Flare</em>; has numerous movie credits, and recently published her own book titled <strong>Creating Myself</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong><em>Maren </em></strong></span>began her journey into fashion early, also. She was only ten when she began working as the stage manager for three fashion shows managing the accessories, garments, and hair for 104 models. Her passion for fashion continued to be useful in high school where she created fundraising fashion shows and worked as a DJ to create music CDs for each show. In college she produced, directed and created the music for a fund raising fashion show that raised more money in one night than any other event. Today she works for T-Mobile as a manager, free lance make-up artist, and clothing designer. She is also a new bride, and the daughter of our fashion guru, Gabby.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Connie - Doll Fashions by Sweet Creations</em></strong> has a passion for sewing, and a great inventory of fabrics and trims to execute it. She makes wonderful doll clothes for Silkstone through Cissy, and other sized fashion dolls in between. She is even open to doing commissions that can bring your ideas to life. Perfection and pleasing her customers is her main goal. Connie's webpage can be found at <a href="http://oursweetcreations.com/">http://oursweetcreations.com/</a> and she also has her work available through Dollpage, eBay and Etsy.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Jamesson Beane</strong> is definitely not just another pretty face. After attaining his BA, he chose to branch out into promotional modeling -- representing independent jewelry and clothing lines, and even was a featured model in photographer Lindsay Lozon's coffee-table book entitled <strong>All My Boys</strong>. He also has seen his written works published in various publications such as Imagozine, Fantasticsmag and</em> <em>What's Happening Magazine. As an actor, he recently appeared in the independent film "Fair Play" and several theater projects with the Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival. His current projects include a lead role in the forthcoming indie, <strong>The Beauty of the Shadow.</strong></em><br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><strong><em>LoraG. of Silly Dog Designs</em></strong> is the oldest of seven siblings who necessitated the need for her to learn to sew at an early age; she’s been sewing at a machine since her feet could reach the pedals. She had little formal training, but was inspired by her Mother’s strict discipline for perfectionism, and her desire to dress Barbie. Today she enjoys sewing for a variety of dolls. She has worked for The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection, an independent pattern producer of mostly Asian influenced women's patterns, and has had her designs published in "The Cutting Edge," a quarterly craft magazine. Today she is content to be a housewife and domestic servant to her four Yorkies who inspired her design name. Her recent work includes contributing outfits and t-shirts for charity auctions such as Dolly Hearts for Asia and the USA, and a collaboration with Jim Dandy for the Metro Dolls convention.<br /><br /><br />I hope you enjoyed reading about our wonderful judges. I also hope you will enjoy this week's interviews of our artists - Agarva Moeller, Gary Fletcher, and Kevin Kilmer. And, our link of the week is a wonderful online magazine I just discovered. I recently enjoyed such wonderful pleasantries as a Vera Wang video and photos from the Spring fashon shows - bet you will find some fun on this site too!! Click on the link, then scroll down if you see a black screen.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLkj1pM7qN9139YChMcf_8o6gopwd9WeAIXePtzci0uLAdM6TZ1BILnTuj4m3MJXRjRcjKnOPPcOON8H_jz-b-UQVsr5LY_Z0NkhwM9mayOemk8hrpVjh5VebjOwNSM7S-MLld4-7YaM/s1600-h/rive.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262019056938539874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLkj1pM7qN9139YChMcf_8o6gopwd9WeAIXePtzci0uLAdM6TZ1BILnTuj4m3MJXRjRcjKnOPPcOON8H_jz-b-UQVsr5LY_Z0NkhwM9mayOemk8hrpVjh5VebjOwNSM7S-MLld4-7YaM/s320/rive.gif" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.rivemagazine.com/index.php">Rive Magazine</a></p><br /><br /><p align="left">Now before you go, I'd like to leave you with a few parting remarks.<br /><br />-- Remember, we are in a contest developed around Project Runway. Their judges critique their designs, and each artists takes those remarks, and "makes them work," IF they see them relevant to improving their own design - and so should you.<br /><br />-- None of the judges assumed their position for any reason but to assist Project Dollway - so don't get a chip on your shoulder or think a judge doesn't like you if you get a bad review.<br /><br />-- Judging fashion, like any art medium, is subjective. While one group of judges might not like your designs; another might love them! Go figure! It really is a matter of taste sometimes!!<br /><br />-- There are two different criteria for fashion designing - one for those who want to design what they want for themselves, and one for those who want to design commercially - conceivably to sell their goods. Deciding what your fashions are designed for may help you decide if a critique is applicable to your designs<br /><br />-- YOU have to decide if you want to change something based on your vision of what you want to create - never let anything sitfle YOUR dream - remember, you can NEVER be wrong about YOUR opinion!!<br /><br />And finally, farewell, Mr. Blackwell - thanks for having an opinion and not being afraid to voice it; and for shocking us and making us giggle! Thank you for creating beautiful fashions for Hollywood divas that included Yvonne DeCarlo, Jayne Mansfield, Dorothy Lamour, and Jane Russell. But most of all, thank you for showing us critiques that make those our judges give us much more preferable! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-35467989686995022322008-10-27T14:55:00.000-07:002011-03-10T23:26:39.388-08:00ARTISTS - DURELLE, PAULINE, JASON<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Durelle Brown's Chic Indulgence</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261956542013512322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejWoZViF67l9RmczRl1d9UzPDaOH_-sjzU6Oa_Yi86RaHk_J7RAnsEMvwzMwPfUQo_iARGtzIMBgKvovwfVUGgTQLR2OJLHlhhVQ9iRbQkq_RhixQMSWnbq36AapcY9NBoxS6KE7UCOM/s320/Durelle1.jpg" border="0" />Durelle Brown is a single mother of three grown sons and a new grandmother, who lives in Houston, Texas. She loves spending time with her family, friends and her little dog Smidgin, and designing and playing with her dolls - usually in that order - but watch out when it's convention time! She is a multi-talented, OOAK artist who has just launched her new doll clothing line called Chic Indulgence.<br /><br />She always dreamed of being a costume designer, but settled on a more practical career when she decided to go for her BA in Art and Interior design. Today she works for one of the most prestigious home furnishing companies in America practicing her specialty of window design. And, a lot of her spare time is dedicated to her work as an OOAK doll artist.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qZGQooMKeU51zFmqnBWmrYuiTVaYNm8EDtozpJvEYL9WMgrrLmvwXuUU93j4Vf6_d3_55sutZR2sjkweWSOF06Mspz1g2sqzsrB9XLFJwlsZmKl8WNpseoSE7KFw4vVJZ8RA59_SwwA/s1600-h/Durelle3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261957823070988546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qZGQooMKeU51zFmqnBWmrYuiTVaYNm8EDtozpJvEYL9WMgrrLmvwXuUU93j4Vf6_d3_55sutZR2sjkweWSOF06Mspz1g2sqzsrB9XLFJwlsZmKl8WNpseoSE7KFw4vVJZ8RA59_SwwA/s320/Durelle3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br />In between the last Project Dollway, she's continued to be busy. One of her outfits from the first Project Dollway competition was featured in Doll Reader Magazine. She's taught workshops, won some impressive ribbons, and even managed to do some charity dolls for the International<br />Fashion Doll Convention.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnJKY1Moa-mOI1nLbnsFyqKwSNMlwgYYfb6SbkOMYLcqoYflTccD8B04Pb6l7iHNTa_49fxr5zSg4PgFb_SbdCG_eHPPHSEaUQajtVR7oMDl3CO0_bDTIZPWQeZyB24P_8B4GkbaU4RI/s1600-h/Durelle2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261966053472193778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnJKY1Moa-mOI1nLbnsFyqKwSNMlwgYYfb6SbkOMYLcqoYflTccD8B04Pb6l7iHNTa_49fxr5zSg4PgFb_SbdCG_eHPPHSEaUQajtVR7oMDl3CO0_bDTIZPWQeZyB24P_8B4GkbaU4RI/s320/Durelle2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then, after braving Hurricane Ike, she managed to donate an outfit for the Dolly Hearts of the USA auctions for charity. These charities are being run to help U.S.. victims of tragedies like fires, floods, and hurricanes.<br /><br /><br />Her desire to compete in this next phase of Project Dollway is driven by her love of competing in doll events. But her main expectations for this competition definitely involves fun.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">She expects this to be "the kind of fun that friendly competition cultivates!" She's optimistic with even more of the doll designing community participating in PDollway2, "that it will be a truly great competition." Having won more of the home challenges than any other designer in the original Project Dollway, being a five time first place winner in Jim Faraone's Fashion Doll Makeover contest, and a four time winner in the now-defunct Barbie Bazaar competition, she's definitely one to watch!!!<br /><br />You can read all about what she's been up to on one of these two locations:<br /><br />Website:<a href="http://demi-divasbydurelle.50megs.com/">http://demi-divasbydurelle.50megs.com/</a><br /><br />Blog:<a href="http://demidivabydurelle.blogspot.com/">http://demidivabydurelle.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em><strong>Pauline Lyngard - B/W Designs</strong> </em></span><br /></div><em></em><div align="right"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJK50UKFdiftzLe8SK6L6iOBESt6w81j41XxJSrknxmao0c6vxGWWcWFOzHtRnk3X6yyV6YoiNFcdsN-ss2POm6t4w9uGW27SHIiLhxRiHa37PmvIWt-SmimE8Z9mRMUKAv0HvoDtcGk/s1600-h/Pauline1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261974039037523426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJK50UKFdiftzLe8SK6L6iOBESt6w81j41XxJSrknxmao0c6vxGWWcWFOzHtRnk3X6yyV6YoiNFcdsN-ss2POm6t4w9uGW27SHIiLhxRiHa37PmvIWt-SmimE8Z9mRMUKAv0HvoDtcGk/s320/Pauline1a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p>The designer behind B/W Designs is Pauline Lyngard. She is a forty-something married lady with no children who loves to spoil her three Italian Greyhounds and one diva of a Lilac Point Siamese cat.<br /></p><p>Today her main job is working as a payroll technician, but she has worn many "hats" over the years. In fact, she was a licensed Esthetician years ago, and has even worked in the fashion/modeling industry.<br /></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RCCMYxuYUYCruZNnUHB4UtjqmuCS5229bqSj6jj8YzOHWQWaLO-F1uAJVR9xUTbGTidrAYKDnNL7kcsmSc0jKhPFkPbFCnX7PLJCuqvQSqPj2yFsMN7WLCFofVloh-5kddTVs1m5TuQ/s1600-h/Pauline2a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261971455595367506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RCCMYxuYUYCruZNnUHB4UtjqmuCS5229bqSj6jj8YzOHWQWaLO-F1uAJVR9xUTbGTidrAYKDnNL7kcsmSc0jKhPFkPbFCnX7PLJCuqvQSqPj2yFsMN7WLCFofVloh-5kddTVs1m5TuQ/s320/Pauline2a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Her doll "job" is as a fabric artist that uses dolls as her "canvas." In her opinion, "Texture is more important than color, and my work focuses on that concept."<br /><br />Unfortuantely, there is no website for B/W Designs...yet. Besides B/W Designs, Pauline has her hands full designing and working as the chairperson for her doll club’s mini-conference to be held March of 2009. She is designing and making 40 Edwardian dressed dolls - what an endeavor!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261972400843200050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUTva9D3UTEK5tzhPQbXBefgqRgoNh1KcAgBPNT-3NRRX7SqzFLE4qZBQ35DF4QrrGTsuBHmDQqlq1TOkWhss3tyc_ExFoRE20ySKSXtFQoSvPQlAa6wisefoDMZ6ZpEP5jYLek6apBE/s320/Pauline3a.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pauline's desire to participate in this online competition was motivated by her desire to stretch her designing skills in a public forum. In fact, whoever wins or loses is not a great concern to her. Rather, she feels "just getting feedback on her work will be reward enough."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="right"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="right"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="right"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><em>Jason Kramer</em></strong></div><div align="right"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ztjiFLt5dne5IyIjYnqBUWR0CFtYMKp5wXCXH815spPPyNGCCxhsWfwWaGiIpDN22yxmTWVeXe3u0WTYU3zVfQWM3rcSOS7IgPeBZV95EDXV7VolhpUlJWJ2umYETomxYnQVsh4C0Xc/s1600-h/Jason1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261976489748789026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 193px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ztjiFLt5dne5IyIjYnqBUWR0CFtYMKp5wXCXH815spPPyNGCCxhsWfwWaGiIpDN22yxmTWVeXe3u0WTYU3zVfQWM3rcSOS7IgPeBZV95EDXV7VolhpUlJWJ2umYETomxYnQVsh4C0Xc/s320/Jason1a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Jason Kramer was born and raised in Southern California, and currently lives in Long Beach with his partner of six years, James. They have a cat named Joshua, who just tolerates Jason. Wonder if he knows Jason is really a dog person?<br /><br /><br /><br />Jason has been a follower of fashion since he was young. When it came time to go to University he chose Theatre Arts as his major, with an emphasis in Costume Design. It was that time in his life that he was introduced to Fashion Dolls for adults, and the rest is history!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighIq-xFdwF5qBbPf30Bfabl-89lcyQe7cQFV-gKvteAxIUaThBbbZCcZ15n4vR1tVuhCAMPBk9EAyMYEK29uXSMgZs9FfUmIb4YxC94UCCuqU_WilvnEG8h3etsKUmHwLtI_Zs-02O1w/s1600-h/Jason3a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261977220165384786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; HEIGHT: 311px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighIq-xFdwF5qBbPf30Bfabl-89lcyQe7cQFV-gKvteAxIUaThBbbZCcZ15n4vR1tVuhCAMPBk9EAyMYEK29uXSMgZs9FfUmIb4YxC94UCCuqU_WilvnEG8h3etsKUmHwLtI_Zs-02O1w/s320/Jason3a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />He has been re-rooting and enhancing his Tonner dolls for a couple years, and has sold some to fellow collectors. Unfortunately Jason doesn't have a website, so for now we''ll have to be content in seeing his offerings in the Home Challenges.<br /><br /><br />Being a big fan of Project Runway, Jason was always wanting to compete. Therefore, it's understandable that when he heard about Project Dollway, he got very excited and began competing in the At Home challenges.<br /><br /><br />During those challenges, he says he "learned so much and had such a blast--not only competing--but (I) also loved seeing what other doll collectors showed." Naturally after Project Dollway, he eagerly awaited the second season, and now we have Project Dollway at Home! He says, "I just love Fashion and Dolls, and can't wait to get started!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RybCPGFquR7FzX2PEKFpRXX42Iw_I_Q3uzl_94c4dAWwSp-y6mQUYtTZEaneRyBORoJR_rMAx3yOOLUUA3Jw4EYgyqhSlq_tYiA8mxrUUy7PBiqhdZxvAF-i2CgA5oK_AscTH9oY2w0/s1600-h/Jason2a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261979515337468914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RybCPGFquR7FzX2PEKFpRXX42Iw_I_Q3uzl_94c4dAWwSp-y6mQUYtTZEaneRyBORoJR_rMAx3yOOLUUA3Jw4EYgyqhSlq_tYiA8mxrUUy7PBiqhdZxvAF-i2CgA5oK_AscTH9oY2w0/s320/Jason2a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />When asked his predictions/aspirations about how he might do in this competiton, he said, "Of course, I want to win--is that bad?? lol... but seriously, knowing it is all in fun, I am really eager to push myself and see how far I can go as the competition progresses. The thing about competitions is that Design is such a subjective medium, and it is very difficult to judge since everyone has their own unique taste and point of view. First and foremost, I want to become a better designer and craftsman."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-89471783307297624762008-10-27T14:28:00.000-07:002008-10-28T10:31:44.445-07:00CHALLENGE ONE"I don't want anyone to be intimidated... Just challenged... excited and full of amazing creativity... I would love to see all of you excited by your own work... to feel the pride of your talent... and most of all sheer wonderment." - Gabby, our fearless leader.<br /><br />Week 1 - Date First Challenge given October 19 Due: November 2, 2008.<br /><br />And so we begin! But in the final week leading up to our first challenge we all had some trepidation about what we were to do, how we'd handle the challenges, and exactly what would be expected of us. Luckily, we had Gabby to remind us why we are doing this - we are doing this to push our creativity in a fun, challenging way. Remember, each of us really do posess creativity, but it's only when it's tested that the best of it comes out.<br /><br />Hopefully during this week leading up to the first challenge we have used our time wisely. This was a time to select our doll, draw, scrutinize our fabric, and to generally pull together our thoughts. Some time could also be spent on a research. Let me share what some of mine revealed.<br /><br />One of the most informative websites I found listed the following trends - White is the new black. Look to see jumpsuits; crazy, colorful heels; ruffles; and florals on the runway this year.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.stylelist.com/trends">http://www.stylelist.com/trends</a><br /><br /><p><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtsJ0H3Wt13I_xnC9nwyWBOO0M4BIzKKWthVxForRXDVUh84aru499nZK6HmeCfCmMYHzawmVkwrouH0TboKEPYv1KbcDFMTL88U6no2TZCTimmMDs5rMgvYKlhxSOxRMTrwKCM_P-cU/s1600-h/challenge1-1.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261984051458508546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtsJ0H3Wt13I_xnC9nwyWBOO0M4BIzKKWthVxForRXDVUh84aru499nZK6HmeCfCmMYHzawmVkwrouH0TboKEPYv1KbcDFMTL88U6no2TZCTimmMDs5rMgvYKlhxSOxRMTrwKCM_P-cU/s320/challenge1-1.gif" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E38XgHHLtFNZOMMoyxOY2ffw346ieUfNr50kfcHiaFPHCBB4skVTR9nsOCxn7tIBPQ7oBX_Aub5TjgjNKc2m1t4J4IWmObSF1lLBMLgO5maPSXKgCw4Z6Yjv4Rzoh-xgFr_zNhYeTPw/s1600-h/challenge1-2.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261985493277100578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E38XgHHLtFNZOMMoyxOY2ffw346ieUfNr50kfcHiaFPHCBB4skVTR9nsOCxn7tIBPQ7oBX_Aub5TjgjNKc2m1t4J4IWmObSF1lLBMLgO5maPSXKgCw4Z6Yjv4Rzoh-xgFr_zNhYeTPw/s320/challenge1-2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Great news, I decided, because I feared our fashion trends would be more gloomy due to current economic news. However, further research proved me wrong. Did you realize that even during the Great Depression, fashion designers developed many of the vintage designs that are coveted today?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.retroradar.com/1930s-fashion-revival/">http://www.retroradar.com/1930s-fashion-revival/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><center></center><br /><br />This week our one word challenge is VINTAGE. Did any of our research/planning help us? Remember that we are looking to not only satisfy our one word challenge with a fashion, but this fashion must also tie in with all of the fashions we do in every challenge to form a collection! Also, we are only allowed to use one doll throughout the competition - so hopefully we chose. wisely. Oh, did we schedule our time well to meet the deadline! Whew....just a few rules...but much to think about!<br /><br /><br />Now that we have all that straight, let's look at those who are up for these challenges. Each week I hope to introduce some of the competitors - from the tried and true artisans who have already honed their techniques to the novic hoping to improve their sewing skills - each one will provide us with interesting and beautiful eye candy. Also, be sure to read all the blogs and investigate links these designers make available. They have been known to share techniques, fabric links, and even answer questions - so don't be shy about asking. I have found that most fashion doll designers are secure enough in their own talent to not only brave the fiercest competitors, but to also help the novice whenever possible. Hold on to your hats - you are in for a great adventure!!<br /><br /><br />Our featured doll fashion designers this blog are: Durelle Brown, Pauline Lyngard, and Jason Kramer.<br /><br />(Please note: If you would like to be featured, be sure you either post to the group or send me a private email so that I have your email to communicate with you. Designers are picked by random draw. Also, if you have a burning question for the designer interviews, send it in and it might be used.)<br /><br />(Originally posted to MySpace 10/19/08)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175570811250634686.post-24373310321134608652008-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:002008-10-28T10:33:02.576-07:00WANNA PLAY??<div align="left">"Designers have to play many parts – artist, scientist, psychologist, politician, mathematician, and economist, salesman, combined with the stamina of the long-distance runner. - Designer Helen Storey<br />(British Designer of the Year 1990 & 1991, with celebrity clients including Cher, Madonna and Liz Hurley.)<br /><br />Certainly daunting; right? But wouldn't it be easier if one was designing fashions for dolls? Not necessarily!<br /><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261982458843719026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85C3m305h9dXdFHo3zlkla7embDI3ZlNj3IR-B-mYDWKWikkaExLdzqAWibuYN8fGUicHRw_Ka6PJaJM4dWYZsHzs4-ZUji5H5KwfHx-k5fh9kI1Yfostej3OGex1xoGYljCZU8X4O44/s320/projectdollwaypreview.gif" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Some Project Dollway Home Challenge entries: Susie Challenge -- left to right: Agarva Moeller, Christopher Warren, Dal Lowenbein, Dot Festeu, Durelle Brown </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br />Just because the little divas these folks design for don't talk back and are geared for play, it doesn't follow that designing for them is all fun and games. Those who succeed not only have to create their designs using the same standards maintained for living dolls, but then they have to execute each one in miniature! Keeping everything to scale is paramount in good fashion doll design! </p><p><br />The new breed of fashion doll designers are setting a high standard, one very different from those of the many home sewers of yesterday who only aspired to make a wardrobe for their child's doll. Today fashion doll collecting has expanded to the adult market. And this expansion has not only brought a bigger budget for purchasing doll designs, but has also brought a more critical eye to scrutinize what is available on the market. Such scrutiny makes it necessary for fashion doll designers to produce their very best mini-couture if they want to be popular.<br /><br />The upgraded artistry of the new fashion doll designers of today was clearly demonstrated by all the participants of the online fashion competition know as Project Dollway. But not only did Project Dollway manage to showcase those chosen to compete, it also encouraged home viewers to participate. And participate they did!<br /><br />From amateur to veteran, these Home Challengers pushed their performance levels as far as they could, and managed to put on a good show with each challenge. They even managed to pull off a collective collection that they were proud to be a part of at the end!! I felt privileged to be a part of this group – novice but trying – I saw each new challenge as an excuse to make myself learn more about sewing. </p><p><br />So, even though the "bigger" competition will not be returning with Project Dollway at Home – I look forward to the version that WILL return soon. Come and join me on this fun adventure - oh, and bring along alllllll your creativity, personality, intellect, technicality, and physicality – it takes all of these things to win these challenges! But don't forget to have some fun!!<br />I hope to post more information, pictures, and maybe even some interviews with the participants as this competition progresses – watch for my announcements! </p><br /><p>(Originally posted to MySpace 10/10/08) </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0