Tuesday, May 31, 2016

On "Nylon: The Story of a Fashion Revolution": A Book Review

Title: Nylon: The Story of a Fashion Revolution
Author: Susan Handley
Genre: Non-Fiction

About the book… 
The history of nylon starting with a look at the beginnings of synthetics fabric, its role in fashion history over the decades, and a look into possibilities for its use in the future.

What I think… 
I first read a chapter of this for a technological literacy class (the future fabrics chapter) and was delighted when I came across the actual book. When I sat down with it I was really only planning to read a few chapters, but became so interested that I ended up reading half the book.

It’s well written and does a particularly nice job of presenting the information, with each chapter being broken into smaller sections, much like a textbook. The chapters themselves are broken down by years with a very brief descriptions being given in the Table of Contents. There also loads of pretty color photos!

My favorite chapters, which won’t be a surprise to regular readers, are the ones devoted to the use of nylon during WWII and the years after the war. It was especially interesting to read about the nylon riots that occurred when nylon became available for garment making again. 

To sum it all up…  
A fascinating look into the world of textiles and the role nylon has had in it.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

On More Elephants

I was going to make a dress, but then I became distracted and made 3 1/2 inch elephants instead. 

                                                                          
                                                                           ♥ ♥ ♥
 

Friday, May 13, 2016

On One Groovy Owl Chick

This is a dress that took forever to finish despite its simplicity! I attempted to finish it last summer, but ran into a slight fitting issue and had a limited amount of time to work on it (despite picking it because I thought it’d be quick and easy). Then it became hot and really, really, really humid…stick to your clothes, feels like you’re living in a microwave, sort of humid. Then once the humidly was gone, it got even hotter, so the tights, which I was adamant I was going to wear with it, weren’t an option. I also kept putting off the hem. As of last month, though, it’s finished and wearable!

My 60’s and 70’s patterns consist of an odd assortment of sizes all contained in a shoebox, so contrary to my usual practice, I bought the fabric first and then went in search of the pattern. I ended up with Simplicity’s “Jiffy dress” 7071. 

My only problem making it was a gapping back. Unlike the 1940's overalls which had the same problem, I wanted to avoid darts because they’d disrupt the print. After numerous attempts, I managed to get the right amount of elastic and it fits snugly against my back.

Lime green hem binding!

For my hair I had intended to go with a no tease beehive, but since it has a mind of its own, I pulled a small section back with green yarn and then later I ended up wearing this semi twist roll and headband hairstyle that I’m actually liking. 

While I don’t normally go the 60’s and 70’s route with my sewing, I’m loving this dress! Plus it matches the purse I made in January!

Outfit Details
Dress- Me made
Belt- Me made
Tights- Legs Avenue
Sunglasses- My grandma :)

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

On a Tart Flower: a Photo Post

Sometimes it's too tempting not to play with food...