Fashion Forecasting Fall 2012.

www.style.com is a go-to guide for the direction of upcoming trends.  Colours, cuts, styles, and contextual references are all discussed and critiqued in a sophisticated and informative way.  There are also user friendly slideshows of the latest catwalk shows, with excellent coverage of any new Fashion events.  So very useful if you can’t make it to the shows.

The Fall collection by Moschino Cheap and Chic immediately caught my eye.  The prints of bright make-up pots against a grey background are so fun.  Where designers go, the high street tends to follow so it was pleasing to see themes developing that some of my new prints exemplify.  Am looking forward to this “kooky-cute”, slightly eccentric ‘Make up your life’ trend!

Fashion ‘heads-up’ – prints from Moschino Cheap and Chic.

Patchwork pastel pink lace dresses, part of the ‘Make up your life’ Moschino Cheap and Chic show.  As reported by the online home of Fashion: style.com.

Calling all Print Designers….

www.Spoonflower.com.  Unusual name, excellent concept.  This American company allows you to upload a repeat pattern block and in a few easy steps, magically transform it from Photoshop JPEG to full coloured, digital perfection on your doorstep.  What’s more, they have a comprehensive range of fabrics to choose from.  Organic?  No problem.  They have various weights and fabric types so everyone from the sewing beginner to the crafting Queen is catered for.

Another bonus is that after you have ordered your Yardage of fabric (or even a £5 sample) you then have the option to sell your print design to other Spoonflower lovers.  You earn a percentage from what is ordered which is something I have not come across with any other print manufacturers.  Spoonflower also organise regular competitions for themed prints.  How exciting!

I’ve been working on garments for the Beautiful Plumage label and have found Spoonflower to be a no-fuss, simplistic way to get a small amount of your very own printed fabric.

If anyone has any recommendations for other textile printers or ideas for new prints for me to design please let me know by commenting below…

How To… Make this Vintage Summer Crop Top

This top looks great layered up or tucked into a waist high, elasticated skirt.  It’s easy to wear and will keep you cool (in all senses of the word!) during the hottest days of summer.  Because the pattern pieces are so small – it is also a great excuse to use that leftover piece of pretty fabric that you’ve been holding on to!  A light/medium weight knitted fabric with a bit of stretch is best for this as it drapes well but you can use cotton as I have – you just need to add a couple of small darts to shape the bust.

Draw around an old vest top. You only need to draw one half of the top as shown. Add a 1.5cm seam allowance. Adjust length if required.

Draw 1 pattern for the front of the vest and 1 for the back. Label.

Pin pattern on to fold of fabric. I have used a contrasting black to make the vintage pattern stand out.

Pin your front pattern piece onto selected fabric.

Cut.

Pin front to back at sides.

Sew. Use the guides on the metal plate to get a neat seam.

To neaten edges on a standard machine, you can use a mock overlock setting – see your machine manual for details

Mock overlock stitch used to finish edges. V. professional! Press all seams towards the back.

Roll the edges of the neckline and arm holes. Iron this double turned seam and sew as close to the fold as possible. Hem the bottom of the top using the same method. And voila!

Shoot #1

Some taster shots of the vintage clothing which has been hand picked or handmade by us at Beautiful Plumage.  Expect neat tailoring, pastel shades, spring florals, vintage prints, short floaty skirts, and much much more!  Details to follow soon.

Photography by Courtney Ward.