Cropped Denim Jacket

Sometimes you just have to let the fabric speak yo you. It knows what it wants to be. And that's exactly what ended up happening with this denim jacket project. What I set out for in the beginning grew into a completely different product in the end. I originally imagined a loose fitting cropped jacket with flowing sleeves. But when I searched through my fabric stash, I came across some leftover denim from another project.  I didn't have much so this could work out for my cropped jacket. Well..... now that changes everything because the denim is way more stiff than my original design.  Almost immediately- I felt a structured jacket was the way to go!  A couple of snips and tucks and this jacket started coming to life. My goal: keep things simple to allow the eyes to be drawn to the clean style lines and defined sleeves. Descrete pockets, a crisp top stitch and covered buttons finish the garment.

What I love most about this jacket is its versatility. Initially it feels dressy but I can easily dress it down with some jeans and a tee.  Throw in a cute clutch and some earrings and I am good to go! That's the beauty of being an artist! YOU can bring your vision to life!!  

Bella Clutch ~ "Grey and Stripe"
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

"Fanned Out" Leather Hand-Painted Earrings in Silver
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

2015 is off to a great start! What projects will you be working on this month to start off the new year?  You can follow my journey as I sew my way through my portfolio and into a brand new wardrobe! I've created a Pinterest board just for my looks and you can also see what I'm up to on Instagram. I'd love to hear from you!  Bye for now buttons!!

Pleated Peplum!

I love to design!!  .......But sometimes I have so many ideas floating around in my head that it's hard to decide where to start ....... or finish!  So I am soliciting your help.  I started this peplum top with a real shaky plan for the sleeves to begin with.  All I knew was that I've been sitting on this fabric for months (about 7) waiting for the day I figured out what to do with it.  That day finally came yesterday.  First, let me say if you ever find yourself near Goodville, Pennsylvania, check out the fabric store Goodville Fabric Outlet.  They have LOTS of fabric at super cheap prices.  Downtown LA has me so spoiled that I am forever on the quest to find discounted fabric places!  Okay, back to the top.....

Here is the fabric I started out with.   I only had 2 yards so I had to be creative.  I love fabrics that allow you to get use out of both sides!  Surprise!!  This on had it!

And I wasn't sure what the fabric content was so I did the burn test.  I think it is a cotton/polyester blend.

Confession:  So, after I draped the right side of the body, I decided to take the piece off and trace it for the left side.  Only problem was I traced it on the wrong side.  Well, I was trying to figure out how to incorporate both sides of the fabric before and my accident did it for me.  The result was fabulous!

The pleats are just a labor of love.  I happen to adore pleats because they are so simple but make such a beautiful statement.  You can probably still see my "stay" stitches on the above picture (and all the others until I'm finished) that way I keep things in order while I'm pressing away.  Here is a close up.

I know, I know.. I should have hemmed before pleating!  Got half way through before I realized my mistakes.  Oh well!  Next time will be better.

And now I'm at the part where I always find myself wondering....."What should I do with the sleeve?"  This makes or breaks the whole thing.  Initially I wanted a dramatic sleeve but the more I think about it........the more I second guess everything!  And so I am soliciting your help.  I posted the top in a couple of groups I am a part of in Facebook and got a lot of feedback and suggestions.  Now to narrow it down!!!  Help me decide...

Here is a complete look of what I have so far.

And here's the initial sleeve I thought about doing but who knows now!....  Help me decide by  a voting. 

 Click HERE to see the additional sketches for sleeve options and to vote for your favorite!