Tag Archives: vintage

Sweaters, Dresses, and Surgery

Dina Black Sweater with Lace - Womens Size Large

Dina Brown Black and Lace Dress - Womens Size Small

Mod Silk and Stretch Dress Womens Size Small

It’s going to be a while before I can get back into my Logan Square studio and let the creative juices flow. I had my final bunion surgery Friday evening. This recovery will give my hands and machine a much needed break. But even as I crutch around I can’t help but think of all the fabric and vintage items waiting in my office for me. This recovery break is a good chance for research and inspiration by watching movies, tv, and reading. Many of my old fashion design books from school are still at my parents house (where I’m recovering) and I plan to brush up my fabric and textile knowledge.

This recovery already seems more painful than the right foot was back in September. The surgery itself felt longer and more drawn out. It was supposed to start at 2:45 but due to a patient back up, I was pushed back to 4:15, of coarse they don’t tell you this until you actually get there. I hadn’t eaten since 8:30 am and was starving in the “holding cell” waiting to get in the surgical room. I remember trying to keep my eyes open as long as I could while laying on the operating table and thinking it seemed like there were too many people in the room for one little bunion surgery. When I finally came to, the whole thing was over and there was a slipper cast on my left foot and I was in terrible pain. The surgery and cast wrapping took long and the medicine they pumped through my hand was wearing off fast. One of the Dr.s put a shot in my leg he said would help with the pain and shortly after the shot a nurse gave me an early vicodin. It was like living in a glimpse because it felt like no time had passed, but really the day was almost over and I had no memory of where it went.

My ankle is black and blue and swollen. It’s extremely difficult to sleep with one leg lifted up on 3 pillows. But the worst part is over and I no longer have the thought of surgery hovering over my head. Which feels pretty great. My right foot, which was operated on in September, already feels 1 million times better. When I wore heels to a wedding last month my right foot surprisingly didn’t hurt for hours but the left bunion was throbbing within an hour of putting on the high heels. They weren’t event that high!!

I guess some Dr.s do both feet at once, but my Dr. refused to to operate that way and I’m actually thankful now. I couldn’t imagine not being able to at least crutch around and feel some type of dignity and independence.

So far I have worked on a lot of photos from some of my photo shoots and watched Godfather I & II. I’m really into the new 4 image/collage layout. I like being able to include detailed shots next to full image shots and have it viewed as one image alone. I’m still learning so much about photoshop and figuring out what the different filters, erasers, and buttons do.

I actually really enjoy the Godfather movies. The first two are the best and most interesting, I like seeing a young Al Pacino and Diane Keaton too. I’m not fond of any recent movies with Diane Keaton, but I think she is good in the Godfather movies and after watching them I want to see Annie Hall again. I’ll have to add that to my movie list.

Floral Tori

Vintage Treasures

I picked up my vintage Coach purse from the shoe/leather repairman. It’s great that business like that are still around. It seems these days, most people are very quick to part with something because of a slight imperfection that could easily be fixed. A zipper, a hem, a button, a scuff, are all fixable.

I found the Coach purse at a Salvation Army for about $4-5. The strap was a little worn but I had hope. It’s a cute small black purse with a long strap and the classic gold twist closure. This was a “signature” look for Coach and the brand relied on being quality leather and lasting a long time. This was all before Coach jumped on the band wagon of branding it’s initial(s) into everything. Simpler times.

Weeks before I spotted a brown Coach purse just like it but in brown and in better condition. The Family Thrift was having another glorious half off day so this baby was $9,  again, it was in much better condition than the SA one.

I’ll post some happy photos of these long lost Coach buddies soon.

The full process sequence

Before & Phase One (After)

Floral Tori is a “still in progress” piece. So far I’ve cut the ruffles off and evened out the first hem line, re-attached the ruffles after I cut and ironed them out, fixed some holes in the side seams and waistband, and hand sewed gold sequins on the top bodice from and back -  there is a good chance just a few more sequins will find their way to the skirt.

Vintage Finds Round 2

Befores

I’m adding a new element to the blog – before and after

I can’t attack all the before pieces at once so check back often to see where things end up

There are all the before items…

Reupholster Clothes

This used to be a red, white, and blue plaid coat.

Reupholstering is a good term to describe what goes on here.

the spin test

New Work

I’ve been photo-scouting my apartment for new places to model designs. This is in my dining room.

Teresa Dress

Teresa Outfit

Pilár Dress - Finished!

Dina Top - made from a recycled blouse and store bought fabric paired with a plaid skirt I bought at a resale shop - table holding plants was purchased at a garage sale - curtain ties were made by me

Don’t forget to document

Sequina Top - made from two recycled blouses, hand sewn sparkles and rim from a hat worn over a fringe dress

I’m trying to step back during the creative process and have some fun in the pieces I’m creating

Pilàr Top

Pilar: Before

Pilar: after image close up

Pilar : after image close up - this pink jersey material is so soft you just want to roll up in it!

Pilar Top Front : after image... well it's still a work in progress, but it's getting there :D

Pilar Top Back: after image - I added some sass to the back with this black lace

Recently… in the office

I’ve been working away at some new vintage re-worked items

My sewing machine was passed down to me from my mom and I’m still exploring all the talents it can perform

Dina Blouse Before

my sister in nyc requested a cute apron for her friend that recently got married, i wish them happy cookings!