Featured fabrics are available online:  The Bistro Collection  |  more...

Yellow Fever in Fashion

July 4th, 2009

Yellow Fever?!? This is the good kind — lots and lots of yellow.  I read somewhere recently that the stand-by LBD (little black dress) has become LYD for the summer.  The “must have” color is yellow!

As with any “must have” fashion color, the key is not to overdo.  If you wear a yellow dress, leave the yellow bag and shoes at home.  If you want those accessories, then save your yellow pants for another day.  We have some great yellows in stock right now for a quick nod to fashion for the next couple months.

From our Bistro Collection, you’ll find a Bright Lemon  Twill,  a “not quite” neon yellow great for shorts or skorts.  Some have used it for a trendy trench.  For a rich textural fabrication, take a look at Forsythia, a wonderful viscose/linen blend which will work up in a jacket, lined dress, or a jacket dress combo a la Jackie O.  For the complete bumble bee statement, mix it with Blacktop, the same fabrication in black.

Softly colored, gently airy with rich texture!

Softly colored, gently airy with rich texture!

If you like your yellow a bit softer, but rich in texture you can try our Fettucine cotton texture from Italy.  This soft lemon yellow has depth of character with a nod to the seasonal color trend.

If you hurry there’s still yardage available in Summer Song — a wonderful cotton voile with a soft lemon yellow floral print.  Great for big shirt cover up or a quick sleeveless number for warm days and eves.  Finally for an earthy interpretation of this color, check out Amazonia, a richly mottled rayon batik with bright sunshine peeking through the muddy jungle tones.

Whatver your summer mood, we hope you’ll make sunshine yellow a part of the day, both literally and figuratively!

Ruffles

March 18th, 2009

Add a touch of romance…

Acai duoRuffles hit the spotlight in spring 2008 and they are back bigger than ever for spring 2009.  Feminine and romantic, this look has made its way into dresses, shirt fronts and even gusseted into coats. Even just touches of ruffle, skirting across a hem or sleeve edge, or a tiny delicate waterfall on a shirt front can add softening to silhouettes. An off-center thin line of small ruffling down a shirt or skirt can add length to your look or adding a long ruffled scarf will do for a nod to this hot fashion look.

We were especially intrigued with drapey jerseys teamed with georgettes to form mixed layers of ruffles… and we have a perfect pair up!  The Acai silk georgette and Jussara cotton spandex knit duo.

Read more on ruffles and pattern suggestions in the salon.

More suggestions:

Euro Knits

March 18th, 2009

Norma Kamali knitsThe market can’t get enough of large scale printed knits coming out of Europe.  Check out these two from Norma Kamali.

Sew Quick Gifting Ideas

December 10th, 2008

Fragonard duo beadsScarves are a hot fashion item this year and they are simple and easy to make!  Add a fancy edging like purchased bead trim or fringe and you will have a super gift in no time at all!

Fabrics include:

Natural Phenomenon in Fashion

October 12th, 2008

Criterium fabric for maxi dressWhen fashion is taken to extremes there is always a sub-trend going on in the opposite direction forming polarity.

This season is no different.  Just when you think that if dresses get any shorter stores will have to market them as tops… along come maxi dresses for something completely and refreshingly different.  Many of the online stores I checked have slews of minis to offer but the maxis have already sold out!

Many celebs have been photographed sporting the empire variety, with contrasting beaded bodices or skirts & twisty Grecian straps, in silks, rayons and comfy knits!

Riding the Wave of Knits this Summer

June 8th, 2008

Cottage Garden knit fabricsSurf’s up for knits this summer.  We have been seeing them in dresses for a while, but knits are really hanging 10 for tops in the summer of ‘08.  They are out there as the banded jewel necklines in drapey silhouettes, preppy color filled polos, deep scoops, boatnecks, and have been seen in more stripes than a beach umbrella.  To put it in surfer terms, Chillax.  Whichever works for you, go for it, keep it real and rip your sewing to new heights!  Just remember to maintain a low-key vibe when you’re in the lineup. :)

Fabrics include: Beach Party, Creamsicle, Hot Coral, Vivo Stripe, Hyannisport, Yarmouthport, and Shangri-la.  See all of our current knits.

Wear It and Be Well

May 22nd, 2008

There has been quite a buzz about the wearing of bamboo and going green, but did you know there are fabrics on the market that will help you to feel better?  In this new millennium what you wear next to your body may actually aid the body and the mind.  This remarkable new fiber is made with natural seaweed called SeaCell.  It’s beneficial qualities stay with the fabric, contributing to the health of the wearer.  To learn more go to Barb’s Blog.

Living Well DuoShown here: Living Well in black and white.

Other un-ordinary natural fabrics:

  • Bamboo, in black and beige
  • Frond-Diva

Call of the Wild

May 10th, 2008

Out of Africa collectionWhether you’re trekking the wilds of Africa, or big game viewing on ESPN, the relaxed look and feel of natural fibers in soft earthy tones beckons.  Like the tides, the look waxes and wanes from one fashion season to another, but its presence is a comforting constant.  In recent years the look has morphed from animal prints to large scale botanicals with soft neutrals all the while following the pack.  This season, the “Out of Africa” solids of soft off-whites and natural khakis rule the savannah and hold court over beasty and botany.

Fabrics include: Loves Philosophy, Linaceae, Tambaqui, Pommery, French Vanilla, Bamboo in beige, & Vibe.

Buttons include: Castaway, Nutz in 3 colors, Quake, Wild One, & Bento.

Lady Sings the Blues

April 4th, 2008

Navigation duoSpring 2008 is singin’ the blues — Azure blue to be precise.  It has taken the Oscar for the color of the season and is currently playing across the nation, receiving rave reviews from an enthusiastic audience of the fashion conscious.

Shown here: Navigation & Azure Tweed

Go Green!

April 2nd, 2008

Bamboo DuoGreen is not just a trend, but a way of life that is changing everything we do.  Change can be good when alternatives to former products are attractive and easily accessible.

We’ve just brought in a wonderful woven bamboo fabric in two neutrals, Beige and Black.  In addition to having a wonderful dry, drapey hand, this fabric offers characteristics that are appealing to all of us.  It is naturally absorbent, making it breathable and comfortable for warm climates.  In addition, it is anti-bacterial and odor-resistant, a perfect combination for sensitive skin.  This is definitely an easy care-easy wear fabric for blouses, dresses, and unstructured separates.  Keep your eye out for more eco-friendly fabrics as they make their way to our warehouse!