Before I get to this print-mixed scrap busting La Brea Tee, I must say thanks so much for your enthusiastic reception to the punch needle slipper kits! It’s been so fabulous to see that you all love them as much as I do. I’ve been very busy keeping up with your orders and managing the supplies. While some items are still on backorder, I am HOPING to sell another handful of kits this month so if you missed out be sure to add yourself to my newsletter. Subscribers will be the first to know about any restock!
Now, so much to discuss about this tee. This tee has so many stories to tell. This tee is a novel. Maybe a short story. Not sure. You know what, it’s a first chapter. That’s what it is. I’m certain there are more chapters to follow what this tee has started.
It began, as so many sewing projects do, with fabric. The sunny yellow celebration of plants with a slight slub textural element stole my heart! (It’s from Etsy, in a shop called Indian Stores. Looks like it is sold out now but they have lots of beautiful options.)
I was on a late-night very random hunt for block print fabric and ended up getting lots of prints from this shop as well as Fibers to Fabric. The lightweight and playful nature of Indian block printed fabric is the indulgence I need right now. I think it’s the part of me that misses travel; fabric breezes in with that whisper of adventure.
I was immediately smitten with this fabric but they only had a small amount of it left. I did not let this stop me!
I’m not always grateful for my impulsive fabric purchases but I am so grateful for this one.
I knew it needed to be a simple top to showcase the print and thought of the La Brea Tee from Halfmoon Atelier right away. You know how sometimes you don’t order enough fabric but it still works out anyway? I was secretly hoping for that to happen with the La Brea and when it didn’t I was kinda bummed. But, I keep thinking about it in the back of my mind. We all know that kind of germination brings to life the best ideas.
I auditioned different fabrics while playing in the studio and trying to Tetris the pattern pieces. This scrap of Ikat fabric leapt out as the perfect print-mixing companion. I’m mad for Ikat fabric so it was only natural that the two should meet. Love and love! The dash of Ikat on the sleeve cuff seemed to balance everything out. There was studio happy dancing when this combination hit the cutting table.
This eclectic combination of prints and fabric textures just felt right. The imperfectly perfect nature of mashing things together felt invigorating and exciting.
I added that hem strip because I knew I wanted to tuck it in. Plus, it gave it some balance. See the pattern matching at the hem up there? It was a complete accident!
The other dimension that this print-mixed, scrap busting La Brea tee brings to life is all about color. I recently went through the joyous experience of Style School with Stasia Savasuk (totally amazing and you should absolutely do it just be ready to cry and turn your world upside down! No biggie.).
In the process, I discovered that I look best in bright vibrant colors. Think JEWEL TONES! Guys, I had no idea. I’m over here in the neutrals thinking it makes me ‘natural’ while I was missing what brings me to life. COLOR! Truth is, I feel I’ve failed at wearing color in the past. I don’t think I knew how to wear it in a way that felt sophisticated or at ease with myself. This bright yellow, scrap bin fabric adventure is an experiment in bringing this brightness into my wardrobe. So, of course I had to add in a bright scarf bought on an adventure in Costa Rica. Of course.
Who knew that a print-mixed, scrap busting top could be such a celebration!
I’ll leave you with this image of me in my Ruby Star Society mask looking like a walking quilt!
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