Challenge # 7 The Veronique Challenge
Day 1 (Wednesday August 8th)

Well looks like I have some major thinking to do on this one... I don't have a 'feeling' about this challenge...
'Joie De Vivre' 'Claie De Lune' what do these phrases mean to ME?

Day 2 (Thursday)
Many ideas running through my head today... I find that this challenge has too many themes... it is pulling me in many directions.
Veronique's personality is the first thing to consider... I haven't followed the Fashion Royalty storyline so this is going to take some research...
'Joie De Vivre' has a few meanings to me... living life to the fullest... smelling the roses... dancing for joy... etc... so I should be able to come up with something appropriate.

Day 3 (Friday)
I have made a decision today about my colour choices... I have decided to go with SILVER & GOLD
I will head to the Fabric store to see what I can find.

Day 4 (Saturday)
After much thought, I chose to make an outfit using pants... not just any pants... but pants with a wide leg and with a high waist reminiscent of the ones Katherine Hepburn wore in the 1940's... Of course these will be for evening wear and will be made of an appropriate fabric (which I haven't chosen yet)
I also want to add pockets in the side seams, just for a more casual look without the jacket...
I think a 'bustier' and a jacket of some kind will work... Off to the fabric store!

Day 5 (Sunday)
I Bought my fabric and am thrilled with what I found! I only have one Fabric store locally, so my choices are pretty limited... I purchased a gorgeous GOLD satin with a perfect weight for the pants, as well as a sheen for catching the light... The bustier will be made from a matte SILVER satin that is a little firmer, and the Jacket will be sheer... It is a sheer polyester fabric that has a glisten to it...

6pm:
I have designed and made up my patterns for the 3 pieces and will be sewing most of the night...

Day 6 (Monday)
I managed to complete the pants and bustier last night, except for hand sewing and they turned out exactly how I had imagined! :)
I won't be sewing today as we are going on a family trip to look at some property.

Day 7 (Tuesday)
Well... after we returned home, I stayed up most of the night and finished the Jacket... I know the deadline is closing in on me... I am very happy with the way I finished off the front of it...
Since I used a sheer fabric I didn't want to use a facing as it would show through, and I couldn't do a rolled hem as the fabric is stiff... like working with paper... LOL
I decided that I would use satin ribbon, and I was very lucky that I had the exact same shade of silver on hand... I stitched it along the 'facing' line and then with another row of stitching I sewed it close to the outer edge... trimmed off the excess fabric close to the ribbon and used 'fray check' along the edge...
Voila! It looks professional and tidy.
Today I will be hand sewing GOLD & SILVER tiny sequins onto the front (not sure how yet) and the cuffs just to give it some 'Glitz'.

Day8 (Wednesday)
Jacket is complete! I am very happy with it, and the sequins add just the 'glitz' I wanted! I feel that a Centerpiece Doll needs to show some DRAMA... :)
I had wanted to make up a 'Top Hat' to complete the look for my 'Dance' theme, if I had time... well, I made time LOL... What a challenge this was! It was tedious work, but overall I am happy with the final result, although I am sure a 'factory' hat will turn out much better!
Sent Overnight by Purolator

11:30 pm
I have decided to go with 'Grace Kelly' in 'Rear Window' by Alfred Hitchcock..
Using her opening scene with the Black & White full skirted cocktail dress...
Now the work begins... I have some thoughts on style of dress and fabrics... I'll be heading out to the Fabric Store tomorrow.
I am going to watch the movie right now!
Day 3 (Saturday)
Watching 'Rear Window' last night really helped me to better understand why a Black & White Cocktail dress was used for her opening scene... I got a sense that 'Lisa' was to appear 'Fresh' and 'Vibrant' in contrast to the Muted Tones of the very hot and humid surroundings... It worked effectively to bring her to the center of the scene. Definitely a Character Defining dress!
I have many ideas spinning around in my head and my trip to the Fabric store today should help eliminate some of them.
10 pm
I was able to buy some wonderful fabrics today... Just in case I decide to use them...
There was a huge sale on so, of course I bought way more than I went for! LOL
I have pretty much decided to stay with the Black & White theme for this dress for several reasons:
It works!
Black & White are extremely classic and most of the ICONIC dresses that we know of today are Black, White and of course there is that PINK one... ;)
They are 'Crisp' colours... not muddy, which contrast beautifully with the background of muted tones in her opening scene.
Since this is to be a 'Paris' original dress from 1954 I feel that Black &/or White would be a perfect choice for a couture dress.
I will also keep the basic idea of a Full skirt and a fitted bodice... I may use some lace overlay... still deciding on that... Hope to make up the pattern tomorrow and start sewing!
Day 4 (Sunday)
No sewing today... Grandkids came for the day...
Still no firm decision on what I want to Make! Hope I can figure this out by tomorrow... time is running out ACK!
Day 5 (Monday)
7 am
I managed to get going on my dress last night once my grandkids left ...
I stayed up all night! I am glad I did, as I made progress and feel confident that I am making a dress that will be perfect for 'Lisa'!
I decided on a wonderful Black/White polka dotted textured chiffon... The dots are larger than scale... I love the look and I think it works perfectly... I have the dress bodice and skirt done and sewn together... The 'collar' detail will be made from satin lycra material.
Off to nap for a few hours...
Day 6 (Tuesday)
I completed the dress except for snaps and hand sewing last night... what a job it was hemming it, as the skirt is really full... 2 complete circles wide!
I also made up a pearl necklace and drop earrings and a black patent clutch bag with bow detail... I lined the clutch in RED as my favorite vintage patent purses from the 50's always have red lining!
I also made a pair of short gloves... first I made white ones, but they looked horrible on Alex... her hands are huge! I then made up a pair of black mesh gloves and they look much better... I added 3 tiny pearl beads to each glove as well as a 'tuck' down the center mimicking vintage gloves that I have in my own collection. I added a piece of white Tulle as a wrap, as in the movie she removes her wrap, and gloves in this scene so I felt they were both necessary.
Day 7 (Wednesday)
Busy day today!
Pictures were done by 1:30 and they turned out great!
I took some pictures of Alex in the dress and felt they were ok, but I also own a Brenda Starr doll that my daughter Vanessa painted for me to resemble Grace Kelly... Once I put the dress on her I knew it was exactly what I was trying to achieve! :) It is amazing how a doll can make such a difference to the outfit!
Dress and Accessories wrapped up ready to go to Purolator...
*Sent by 4 pm Overnight to NY

Challenge #6 Alex Challenge
Day 1 (Thursday July 19th )
This Challenge is quite unique... and a little confusing to me... ???
We are to create an ICON dress that relates to a particular scene in a movie of our choice.
I am not really sure what is expected?
I will have to do a lot of thinking on this one!
Day 2 (Friday)
We are expected to choose our Actress/Movie/Scene right away and let Ted know...
I hope I can decide today so that I can get the one I want.
I have to research many things before I decide what dress I want to use for this Challenge...
Dress ideas... fabrics... actors and movies
I have many favourite actresses and movies so it may be tough... Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly are my top 3 picks...

WOW!!! I WON the Susie Challenge! Woo Hoo!

I had so much fun with this challenge and I know that the Judges had a tough time choosing a winner as all of the entries were amazing! :)

I wanted to share the Judges Q&A's here:

1)What was your concept for this outfit?

Susie is quite an inspirational Doll, being a worldwide traveler... My immediate thought was for Susie to fly off to somewhere in Britain... I love the wonderful tartans that are available throughout the UK. Scotland was my first choice, but after ruling that out I decided on LONDON.
My inspiration was the 'British Royal Guard' uniform... Once deciding on that I also wanted to incorporate a MOD element (Mary Quant) as well as a bit of contemporary London (Burberry) into my design.

2) Why did you choose that particular fabric?

I used 4 different fabrics for this outfit... The first thing I chose was the 'Burberry' style plaid for her jumper, as I feel that it screams LONDON... I happened to have some cotton/poly blend fabric with the proper scale plaid for Susie on hand... I also love the colours in it.
I used a black stretch lace for her little cap sleeved tank top, as I wanted something very sheer, not bulky and modern.
For the Jacket I chose a wonderful bright red Cotton Twill which I think stepped the cropped jacket up to the 'uniform' level...
I had originally wanted to use wool suiting, but I felt it would be difficult to work with trimming such tiny seams, and also is wasn't going to work with the cotton jumper... It turns out that I was right, it was tedious to say the least working with such tiny seams.
I used Black thin wale corduroy for the collar and cuffs of the jacket... I would have used Velvet for collar/cuffs if I had decided on using the wool, so the black corduroy was a natural choice for the cotton twill.
I also used the Black Corduroy for the poorboy cap for the same reason.

3)Why did you choose that color?

The Burberry style plaid set the stage for my colour choices... I
love the colours in it and chose it as I feel it best represents
LONDON.
Red was a given for her jacket once I decided on using the
British Royal Guard as my inspiration, and the black was used to
balance out my idea.

4) What element do you think distinguishes your design and sets it apart from others? Cut? Fit? Embellishment? Color choice?

I feel that the jacket I designed for Susie is quite unique with the
little details... gold/black braiding, brass buttons and the nice
snug fit. It is the element that 'makes' the outfit work.

5) What element of this challenge was the most difficult for you?

I would have to say that the jacket caused me a little stress... not that it was difficult, but just tedious. I had made up these great turn up cuffs out of the corduroy and then once the jacket was sewn together, I couldn't turn the sleeves right side out! I had to take it all apart and create new 'cuffs' that would work. I am pretty stubborn and won't let little nuisances get me down... I just keep going and am confident that I CAN DO THIS... LOL

6) What element of this challenge was the most enjoyable?

I would have to say creating Susies poorboy cap was very rewarding... I have never made one of these and felt that in creating the crown that all those little pieces would be almost impossible to sew together and I'd have bulky seam allowances... well... I played around with my ideas for about an hour or so and figured out how to make one out of one piece of fabric! I was ecstatic... especially when it actually worked!

7) If you could change one thing about your ensemble what would it be?

One thing that bugged me once I was finished sewing the jumper was that the back of it didn't snap in the center...
The reason for this, is that I wanted to match up the black part of the plaid... so even though that did work out, I was slightly annoyed.

Day 3 (Saturday)

Scrapped the Scotland idea... I decided that black watch tartan would not photograph very well... and that this outfit may be a little too traditional ... and, in fact boring...
After discussing this with my daughter Vanessa (who is my confidant) I felt quite confident that I should change Susie's destination... :)
I mentioned to her about using LONDON and that I had this great small scale 'Burberry' looking plaid fabric... Her suggestion was to use the British Royal Guards as inspiration... I took off from there!
I would still use my jumper idea, but make a little Black lace cap sleeved tank to wear under it... some black fishnet stockings, and of course a RED military style jacket... It would be cropped to bring it up to modern standards as well as fit with the empire line of her jumper...
YES... this will work!

Day 4 (Sunday)

I cut out and made up the jumper today... I am extremely happy with the way it turned out... especially the fit... I have to say that Susie is THE smallest doll I have ever sewn for and I was intimidated by her when I first held her in my hands... what made her easier to work with was her articulation... thank goodness for that!
9 pm: Just finished up her little lace top and stockings... this is coming together nicely.
I added a little black patent belt with a gold buckle and I must say it's perfect!

Day 5 (Monday)

Stayed up most of the night working on the red cropped jacket... I was so inspired after fitting the jumper and lace top on her that I couldn't wait to get her jacket cut out and made up!
I decided on using a bright red cotton twill and black corduroy for the collar and cuffs...
Well... it is certainly TINY... and boy did I have a hard time turning the sleeves right side out!
I made up cuffs that were actually 'turned up'... but there was no way I could turn those sleeves right side out! ACK... so I ended up taking them all apart and adding a fake cuff to the bottom of the sleeve... it worked! I did have one little problem... I accidentally clipped the lining of the jacket near the sleeve and had to cut it away... there is just no time to re-make that lining!
I also customized some knee high red vinyl boots for Susie... These were originally Ru Paul's Thigh High boots... I cut them to the knee and added a black patent strap to the top with a gold stud... I'm happy I had these in the house, as I really didn't have shoes to fit her. Sometimes things just work out!

Day 6 Tuesday

Today was spent doing all the little 'details' that needed to be done to complete the jacket...
I sewed black/gold braid (which I braided myself) onto the cuffs and as a little belt on the back of the jacket... the epaulets are also made from the same braid... I added teeny tiny gold studs (brass buttons) down the front and on each end of the back belt, and the epaulets...
this took hours... I wouldn't want to sew for such a tiny doll exclusively!
Oh Man... I am thrilled with the way this Jacket came out! I haven't been this excited about an outfit I have made in this competition... I think the biggest thrill for me is that I made it fit so well too... :)
7 pm
Just finished up a hat for Susie... I wanted a hat that would mimic the 'Bear' fur hats that the Royal Guards wear... I decided on a 'poorboy' style cap that would also relate to the MOD style of London... I wasn't sure how to make this up and keep it so fitted... but... It just came to me... I created a one piece pattern that worked like a charm, and now I can use this same formula for all sizes of doll heads... Although this was a tedious task, the result was Fabulous! I used the black corduroy and trimmed the brim with red embroidery floss that I twisted like a rope... I used a little red stud at the top and Voila... perfect poorboy cap!
I also made up a shopping bag for Susie to take along to High Street... It is made of Clear Vinyl with black stitching and a Red vinyl clasp that locks into a lucite bead... I added clear handles and a 'Mary Quant' flower to the front of it... I think it's just the thing to complete her little outfit!
Well... I am pretty much ready for pics!

Day 7 (Wednesday)

Oh Man... I tried to take my pictures last night before dark... my Son and Grandson came for a swim, and so I lost all track of time... They didn't turn out... :(
Have to take them again this morning and get this all packed up to ship by 4 pm... Yikes!
After dressing Susie for pictures last night, I thought about adding a little 'bar pin' to her jacket... I searched everywhere in my stash for something small enough... I ended up taking this teeny filigree ball apart and flattening it... I used a teeny tiny gold bead and hung it from it... sewed it to her jacket... Just the effect I wanted!
oh... I forgot that she had no undies to wear with this outfit... Just made up a little pair of red thong underwear... :)

6 pm

Susie's Cool outfit is on it's way to New York... Sent by XPRESSPOST 4pm...
I was a little panicked this afternoon, but it all worked out great!
I would have to say that this is the Challenge that I feel most confident about! Even if I dont win this Challenge, I am extremely proud of what I accomplished!

Challenge #5 SUSIE Momoko
Client (Location) Challenge

Day 1 (July)

Rec'd the Susie Challenge this morning...
Interesting Challenge... my immediate thought is MOD... LONDON... and will be focusing on that for the day...

Day 2

Still thinking... I have done nothing but think about this challenge... (and float around in the pool ) It's HOT here!
Today I have decided on 'SCOTLAND'.. My Mom was as Campbell so I thought maybe I'd use the Campbell Tartan (Black Watch) and make up an empire line mini jumper with a 'kilt' pleated skirt, complete with kilt pin...
I would make a lacy white blouse and a handbag that resembled the 'kilt bags' worn around the waist and huge cuffed knee socks... Doc Martens... ?
I made up the pleated section of the jumper and after looking at it for a few hours made my decision to go back to the drawing board...

Travel Suzette from Metrodolls is modeling my TUX ballgown

Day 2 (Thursday)
6 am:
No sleep last night... sewed till the birds chirped~
Once I get started on one of these creations I just can't stop... I guess that's a good thing!
When the creativity flows you have to go with it!
I have my gown assembled and only have snaps, buttons and hand sewing left to do. I am quite pleased, but there are a few issues... I added a collar but I don't like how the stripes worked out... there are little white tips at the end which I thought would be interesting... They land right on her boobs... POOP!
I should have used plain white.
While putting the bodice together it reminded me of a Mans Vest... and with the sharp contrast between the black and white I decided to call this gown 'TUX'
I have created a kind of 'shirt dress' with buttons up the front... I LOVE IT!
I know it's not your typical ball gown, but isn't that what these challenges are about... to do the unique and unusual? As long as it works of course!
Day 3 (Friday)
Today I sewed on my snaps, buttons and did all my hand sewing...
Tried the gown on Tyler for a few preliminary pictures...
hmmmmm I think the bodice is too short... tried some 'belt' options but it didn't quite come out the way I had planned... I tried to fix the 'collar' problem I had by pushing the white tips up inside the collar and hand sewing the ends closed... I had already completely finished it inside and out and it would have been impossible to take it apart and remove the collar and alter it...
well... as might be expected it was too bulky... I tried sewing down the collar to the bodice... This worked... but I couldn't live with it!
I just had an idea ... I am going to make white 'Cuffs' with the same little black buttons on them... Although I love it as is, I Just felt I needed something to put this gown into the unique category. After all a TUX needs cuffs... :)
8 pm:
OK... cuffs are made... I like the look! Taking a quick trip to the fabric store before closing for some white cotton for an underskirt...
10 pm:
OK... I just cut out NEW bodice pces... I will make up a new longer bodice without a collar and see if this is more what I had in mind!
Day 4 (Saturday)
5 am:
yep... stayed up all night again... I made up the new bodice and it is exactly as I had imagined... so I proceeded to cut the original one off of my skirt and sewed the new one on... PERFECT! Didn't take too long and it went very smoothly. I also made up a ruffled underskirt to add some fullness... It didn't work... I need to use almost the same fullness for the underskirt as the gown... and I need stiffer cotton... trying again tomorrow!
Off to get some sleep
10 pm:
Had other plans for today so no sewing... I am still trying to figure out what my 'Oversized' element will be? Scale is so important to me and I want to be sure that what I choose is Perfect! Perhaps a jacket with a large collar... I'm thinking the same black cotton voile lined in white... Maybe just a huge black beaded necklace... ? I'll sleep on it
Day 5 (Sunday)
Had Grandkids visiting today... Hot day, great for swimming.
9 pm:
Just sat down to start working on a little jacket...
I searched out some jackets on the internet and decided to make a little tuxedo jacket complete with tails... I went to my fabric stash and found an appropriate embossed cotton sateen with some lycra... perfect... I should be able to get a great tight fit with this!
Drew up a sketch of how I imagine it to look... I am adding a long slim collar using the black stripe from my oversized pattern, as well as 'tails'.... I think it will give it just the right touch.
Day 5 (Monday)
6:30 am:
Heading to bed now... LOL Stayed up all night again... just had to finish this jacket to make sure it was what I wanted... and I am running out of time!
I feel that it works great with her gown, and the detachable cuffs can be worn with it as well...
I'm Pleased!
4:30 pm:
I was still not sure what to use as my 'overisized' element... As I was glancing around my sewing room I saw a black feathered staff I had for another project... I am using an 'out of scale' feather for her hair... It's subtle, but I am so afraid of detracting from this outfit with a 'goofy' oversized detail... The buttons I used are large anyway... but Oversized ones would have been very wrong IMHO...
I also made up a single rose corsage from a paper rose for her lapel... I Love it!
10 pm:
Back from the fabric store again... I purchased some white cotton 'ticking' fabric for her underskirt as it is stiff and should make her gown stand out beautifully...
back to the sewing machine!
Day 6 (Tuesday)
Well it's PD day (ship day)... I am always a little wacky on this day!
Still have to take my pictures!
4 pm:
Last night I made up the underskirt using cotton ticking and it turned out great!
I also attached the 'feather' to a little clip for her hair... not thrilled with how this turned out, but I was running out of time and it does give the look I was after.
I am not sorry that I went with my first idea to use the b&w stripe fabric, but I did second guess myself a few times throughout the challenge. Ted's email to me this morning didn't help... My vision was for a Ball Gown that resembled a Tuxedo and I believe I accomplished that! It will most likely not appeal to everyone, but I feel that I met the criteria set out for us...
I am quite sure I will get some unfavourable comments... but Hey... This was my Vision and I feel that I made it work!
Outfit shipped to NY today by XPRESSPOST at 3:30 pm
I

#4 Tyler Wentworth Challenge
Day 1 (Wednesday)
Noon:
I am excited to be working with Tyler and Co... These are the dolls I sew for!
We already knew that this challenge was about and 'Oversized' print/pattern, and I thought that it also might include a gown... We find out also, that it must be made of 'Cotton'... this sounds very interesting!
My very first thought was to use a Wide Black and White Stripe Cotton Sateen fabric (which I already have) and to make a backless bodice and full skirt...
I decided to take an hour or two and walk through my favourite fabric store to see if anything excited me first!
I found a gorgeous large print... Floral... done is shades of Khaki, Olive, Cream and with a touch of Teal... I purchased 30 cm and along with that I bought some co-ordinating cotton/linen in a light olive shade. I bought some teal cotton voile to use for piping also.
I also purchased some light weight cotton voile in black.
10 pm:
When I returned home I glanced down at the black/white stripe and decided I just had to use it! So I will use this other fabric another time :)
I started drafting my pattern... the full skirt was no problem at all, and the Cotton voile I was using could be gathered very full with little bulk at the waist...
I wanted a 'good' fit on the bodice and with it being backless it took some time to make it work... Success!

These are the Q&A's that are asked by the Judges during each Challenge...

Thought I'd Share :)

1) What was your concept for this outfit?

I had in mind to create a Little Black Dress that could be worn Day or Night... As well as a timeless design that would remain in style... A classic wardrobe piece.
2) Why did you choose that particular fabric?

I Chose Dupioni Silk for this dress as I felt that it had the appropriate 'body' to create a form fitting dress. It is not too stiff, yet firm enough to hold its shape. I used Organdy for the lining (Thanks Ted for this tip!)

3) Why did you choose that color?

The Black for the dress was the dictated by the Challenge... I chose the accent shade of 'Granny Smith Green', because I love the contrast next to Black. Also, I am hoping to be unique by not using 'Hot Pink', or 'Red' as I feel they would be the most popular choice.

4) What element do you think distinguishes your design and sets it apart from others? Cut? Fit? Embellishment? Color choice?

I am hoping that my accent colour sets this ensemble apart from the competition... I have succeeded in getting a terrific fit on Barbie also, and I am quite proud of that, as it took some work!

5) What element of this challenge was the most difficult for you?

I would say that sewing for such a tiny doll was the most difficult element for me... The Silkstone Barbie that I have also has a permanently bent arm and I found it a nuisance when it came time to fit the outfit. Lack of articulation also created some problems, as I am used to sewing for articulated dolls.

6) What element of this challenge was the most enjoyable?

I really loved making her little 'chic' headpiece... I haven't done anything like it before. I was also pleased that I could do the entire ensemble, and have it represented as I envisioned it. It was very enjoyable to see the final fit and know that I could 'Make It Work'!

7) If you could change one thing about your ensemble what would it be?

No Changes.

Day 2 (Thursday)
Made my fabric selection... I am using Black Dupioni Silk for the LBD and I will use Blasck Chiffon for a jacket/cape trimmed in the Granny Smith Green Chiffon.
My Dress pattern has been made... Oh Man... this doll is TINY! I have never sewn for Barbie, and I sure hope I don't have to make many more outfits for dolls this size...!
Day 3 (Friday)
6 am
I stayed up all night ... once I cut out my fabric and lining I decided to get sewing...
It took quite some fiddling to get an exact fit on her teeny waist. I had thought about using a jersey type fabric, but decided that would be a cop-out... LOL...
Her dress is complete aside from hand sewing... trim and snaps.
I also made up a little 'crinoline' from Green Tulle and it will stick out a touch below the bottom pleated ruffle on the dress.
I am off to sleep now...
Day 4 (Saturday)
Didn't sew today... mulled around some ideas for a little top... jacket, or cape...
I will be sewing tomorrow and hope to get most of the ensemble done.
Day 5 (Sunday)
It's a long weekend here in Canada, and my Son and Family are coming over for the day... no sewing till tonight!
9 pm:
Starting to sew a little jacket for over the LBD...
2am:
Pretty much finished the jacket... I HATE IT!
Oh Man... It just loses the dress... didn't turn out quite how I envisioned.
Well... I have tomorrow to figure out what I'm going to do...
Nite!
Day 6 (Monday)
After much thought, I decided on a long chiffon scarf/shawl trimmed in the same black braid that I used on the dress... After all this challenge is about the LBD!
I LOVE it! Just the touch I was looking for... It 'enhances' the Dress, which is just what I was trying to achieve.
I made up a little chic headpiece using some Black Tulle, thin black ribbon and some tiny green seed beads...I'm very happy with it! Modern with a Vintage flair.
I decided to add little black bows to her shoes... had a tough time getting the glue to hold... after several attempts it worked...
The jools were kept simple... I made a silver decorative chain bracelet and black faux pearl drop earrings...
Her Clutch/shoulder bag is made of black crepe embellished with tiny black beads.
I am not one to overdo the 'Green' accent thing... Less is definitely More to me!
Day 7 (Tuesday)
All that's left to do is take my pictures
My Barbie Ensemble was sent out today at 3:30 by Xpresspost
It's such a relief when these outfits are finally on their way to NY... :)
Looking forward to the next Challenge!

LBD + 1 Silkstone Barbie Challenge

My first Journal entry for the Little Black Dress plus one Challenge:

#3 Silkstone BARBIE Challenge
Day 1 (Wednesday)

Opened my email re: the Barbie Challenge around noon today...
After reading the criteria... I decided immediately on Tan as my 'colour' ...
I was feeling good about what I was going to create... Classic and Timeless!

I rec'd another e-mail from Ted which came a few hours later, and in this message he told us that we could not use 'neutrals' such as beige or grey as our 'colour'... ?
What I find a little frustrating, is that the 'rules' change along the way...
I would have been much happier if this would have been stated in the initial 'Challenge' message.
Also, these so called 'neutrals' are colours as well... and frankly, I don't think that they are that easy to incorporate into a successful design as Ted suggested. Just MHO

I headed out to the Fabric store and spent an hour or so searching out colours...
I decided on a gorgeous 'Granny Smith' Green for my accent colour. It seems logical to use Hot Pink, or Red, but I am hoping my choice will be a unique one.
I have a fairly good idea of how my design will look and plan to get going on it right away. I will look through my supply of 'Black' fabrics and hope to make that decision tonight.

Ellowyne Challenge final Journal entries

I purchased some 'amethyst' chiffon, as well as satin, and some black satin...

I made a tiered skirt from the chiffon and I was almost 2 hrs trying to get the proper tension on my serger for the hem... pulled an all nighter and got the skirt put together as well as the crushed velvet jacket...

11 am (Saturday) still haven't been to bed...


Day 4 (Saturday)

Today, (once I get up from a nap) I will be concentrating on her corset and lace top.

Did the finishing touches on the Crushed Velvet Jacket... Just have to hand sew a few things.
Cut out and made her little corset... not much work to this, as she is pretty much straight through her midriff section. Fits like a glove.

Day 5 (Sunday)
Well today is finishing up day... snaps, hand sewing and hope to make something for her head... that will be my 5th piece, and can be switched from Hat to Headband.

This challenge has been a little stressful for me, as I just could not decide on fabrics and design... but I am pleased with how this little outfit came out in the end.

I should be able to take my pictures tomorrow, pack it up and send it out... a day early!

Day 6 (Monday)

Everything is completed and I'll be taking my pictures today...

Had a horrible time with my camera... out of 80 shots I have only about 6 or 8 that turned out alright... so shipping won't be a day early after all!
All items are sewn onto a card and ready to ship...
Glad this one is over!

Ellowyne Day 2

ELLOWYNE Challenge
Day 2 (Thursday)
Noon

Well, I thought I had made my fabric selection before I went to bed... but... I've changed my mind... I am a little confused, as I want to create a moody outfit for Nevermore, but at the same time don't want to be boring... ? I am thinking Crushed Velvet... Grey Plaid... textured stockings... head wear of some kind...

Midnight:
Just finished her pleated skirt...
I think it is what I wanted... but I won't know until l make up her jacket and top and then I'll see the whole picture.
I have the other pieces all cut out and ready to put together except for her 'corset' as I'm still not sure what fabric I'm using for it.

Day3 (Friday)
I am having a heck of a time with this challenge... not inspired... I think the email from Ted that said he didn't want all 'black' outfits threw me off a bit... being creative, for me, means doing what I think is best... not that I was doing all black anyway, but if I feel that black is right then I should use it... no?
I went out for the day... wandered around my 2 favourite fabric shops...
Came up with a new idea! The gorgeous pleated skirt I made isn't going to be used now...

CHALLENGE #2

Ellowyne Wilde the CLIENT Challenge
Wed May 2nd/07
Day 1 (Wednesday)
Wow, a five piece outfit....... this should be interesting!
I am pretty sure I'm using Nevermore, and am going through fabric to see what I have that suits this challenge... I have a few ideas for her outfit, but have so many prints that I'd like to use and can't because of production issues... :( I think prints are perfect for her!

I am also thinking about using 'Red White and Very Blue' as she has a neutral hair colour and and that may make it a little easier to choose my fabric.

5 pm:
Decided on using 'Nevermore'... she has that dramatic Red/Orange hair colour and I love her in pictures!

Debbie's Project Dollway Journal

This Blog has been set up to share my experiences during Project Dollway...
I am keeping a Journal and these are the entries that I've made during each Challenge.

Challenge #1
GENE Red Carpet Challenge
Wed Apr 18/07

Day 1 (Wednesday)
Rec'd our first Challenge this morning... The Gene Challenge
Red Carpet EVENT ... Who is she wearing?
Thinking Black & White... Lace, Beading and sequins... Classic and timeless
oh.... wait... I have these fabulous teeny tortoise sequins... hmmmmmmmm
Maybe Chocolate and Cream... ?
Ack........ they will be impossible to find for production!

Day 2 (Thursday)
10 am:
Didn't sleep much... TOO many ideas!
3 pm:
OK... I've made my Fabric and Colour selection!
Only after I re-read the challenge and recalled that this is really about 'ME'...
and what I feel is appropriate for the red carpet! It appears we are making a 'SIGNATURE' piece... 'french dressing' will be WHO they are wearing!
Ivory & Black!
Ivory Dupioni Silk and Black lace overlay embellished with teeny black sequins, sparkly black beads and teeny ivory pearls.

Design: This full length gown will have a touch of vintage flair, but certainly be updated. Very Feminine and Sexy but not too revealing or trashy...
I'm striving for Classy and Elegant.

9:45 pm:
Just changed my mind about the Dupioni Silk... It will be too stiff for the flowy look I'm trying to achieve... So I've opted for Ivory Crepe... :)
Pattern is half done, should be finished before bedtime!

12:30 am:
I have finished drafting my pattern and have my pieces cut out, marked and ready to put together... May wait till tomorrow... or may go back at it after a break.

9 am:
Haven't been to bed! I've pulled an all-nighter... mainly because I was inspired, and my gown is now in progress.
Started to hand sew the sequins on lace portion of the skirt, just to see if that's what I want. The bodice is complete aside from the beading. I love the fit!

Heading for a nap~

Day 3 (Friday)
Noon:
Looked over what I did last night and am quite pleased!
Today I'll be sewing the glass beads and black sequins on the bodice and finishing the sequins on the skirt.

4:30 am
ACK... got carried away again... but, I finished the beadwork and beaded some co-ordinating shoes! I decided against using the ivory tiny pearls... just didn't work!
I should be able to put the gown together later today when I get up! :)
G'nite... LOL

Day 4 (Saturday)
Busy day here as 3 of my Grandkids were visiting and Maddi (13) brought a friend... They were great though and were all quite interested in what I was doing... They'd pop into my sewing room from time to time to check on the progress... :)

8 pm
Finished sewing my beads on the bodice and along the hemline...
Put the dress together and basted... Looking good!

Midnight
Just finished sewing my gown together... It is a snug fit, as that is how I feel this gown should be worn.

5 am
finished up most of my hand sewing... snaps etc.
8 am
Still sitting here mulling over sash ideas... Better get to bed! LOL

Day 5 (Sunday)
Spent they day beading and putting the gown together... Lot's of hand sewing... I don't make a lot of gowns, so this has been quite an experience for me!
Although it is tedious, I find it quite satisfying.
I don't sew for Gene either, so I've really had to work at this! LOL
I decided on a short 'train' idea for the back instead of a sash... I've hand beaded around the entire edge of it... I feel it adds just that touch of interest that it needed.

Went to bed at 5 am!

Day 6 (Monday)
Today a little panic set in... I am second guessing myself! ACK!
Made up a little 'CHANEL' style silver quilted clutch purse...
Most Celebs carry a clutch, and many have vintage ones... So this is a 'Vintage CHANEL envelope clutch” :)

I also made up some jewels... I used delicate sterling chain, and teeny black swarovski crystals... I love the look of the gown without a necklace as well, but decided that with most Red Carpet events the jewelry is quite important, so she will be wearing 'Harry Winston'! LOL

Just sewed on my tag... almost forgot that! I am getting everything ready to package up tonight to send out tomorrow.

Day 7 (Tuesday)
noon:
No sleep last night... Took some pictures and made up a collage to send with the gown. It's all packed and ready to go! WHEW!!! Can't believe it's done... I think having so many days made me do more than I would normally do... which is a good thing! It gave me an opportunity to embellish this gown with hundreds of beads and sequins.
Package was sent out to Ted by XPRESSPOST at 3:30 today.

This has been quite an experience... not knowing who won and who is let go (unless it's me) will be a little frustrating... LOL
Glad to have a break before the next challenge!

Sunday April 29th /07
Just sent off my High Res pics to Pat Henry at FDQ and my Q/A page to Ted...
I feel like I'm 'in the groove' now, and am anxious for our next challenge on Wednesday!
Ellowyne should be a Fun one, as I just rec'd my first one, Nevermore...
Joined the Yahoo Group tonight, and will check around to see what I can find out about her.