1.13.2007

much ado about nothing

I’m so glad my blog links list update was such a hit with everyone! :) Trust me, when I get around to updating it again (probably around spring break, when I’ve got “loads of time” to kill) I’ll have even more goodies to direct you to. If this was any indication: I’ve added about 5-8 more blogs to my feeds list since I posted that updated list the other day. I’m addicted, I know. Anyone know of a good Blogaholics Anonymous? ‘Cause I think I’m the perfect candidate for needing help! lol!

trapeze top 01


The above photo illustrates how I spent most of Wednesday happily occupied. I haven’t sewn a garment in a long time, mostly because I swore off sewing because sewing+school+life=much [needless] stress. It was lovely to revisit for a short while though. I was highly inspired by the beautiful trapeze tops that Free People has right now, coupled with the fact that I’ve been wanting to make a top like this for some time! Several sketches and one night of subconscious planning (how does my brain manage all that thinking when I’m supposed to be asleep?!), digging through my baskets of trim and drawers of fabric and this was created. It wasn’t that complicated: just a few measurements here, snip-snip with the scissors and lots of ironing! I didn’t want to be presumptuous and just put a tutorial out there, so if anyone is interested, let me know--I’d be more than happy to share how to make this. :)

trapeze top 03


I think the most fun part of making this, though, was using some vintage and antique trims. The cotton voile for the body of the top was new (bought ages ago on some bargain table, I’m sure...) as are the beautifully carved shell buttons, but the crocheted camisole yoke, trim along the hem and twill tape were all old. I just love mixing these things up--it gives a piece so much more character, don’t you think? Anyway, I admit this style is taking some getting used to: I have never obscured my waist quite this much (translation: fervently asking my mother and sister every five minutes: “this doesn’t make me look pregnant--does it??). I was inspired by one of Warholuva’s recent outfits where she mentioned the goal was to push her usual “fashion boundaries” a little. Good advice, methinks. So taking up that banner of change (especially considering the new year), this is my first step out of my comfort zone! :) I plan on wearing it through the winter, when I feel especially artsy-fartsy, with thin-knit tops and jeans. Come summer it’ll be paired with wide-leg pants (hopefully... several pairs have recently caught my eye at where else? Anthropologie of course!) and thin-knit tanks for that cool-girl “I’m so artsy/creative that I can do this volume thing”. hehe. Who am I kidding?! lol.

trapeze top 02


Some people find it funny or amusing that I am constantly changing my wardrobe or how I look. People have chalked this up to my not being comfortable with who I am, which is totally false. I suppose that to me, I’m like a blank canvas to experiment with new ideas, colors and textures upon. Clothes are my medium of choice. I tend to gravitate more towards the retro look, yes, but lately I find that I’ve gotten the itch to try new things, new colors, new combinations. Have fun, not take myself or my life so darn seriously!! After all: life is short! :D

ladybird tote bag 05 ladybird tote bag 06


I also finished up my ladybird tote! It went out on its inagural flight yesterday evening, carrying my inspiration notebook, a few magazines/catalogs to clip images from and the nessecary crafty supplies. I really love big, roomy tote bags and I have to say I’m loving using this! My mother and sister thinks its the best yet, but my heart is still attached to the squirrel tote bag. Which, I shipped off, along with its sibling cardinal tote, to the lucky winners yesterday. I do hope they both enjoy using them--I had so much fun designing and making those! :) (More photos on my Flickr page.)

My friend Anna, with whom I share a love of funky artsy looks and indie music, recently clued me in to this amazing indie music website. I find that a lot of people equate indie bands with either low-quality, teenage-garage band attempts at “real music” or something that is so hipster that they avoid it like the plague. This site has some really amazing, professional bands though. I’m having far too much fun discovering new favorites. Check it out if you’ve got a few spare hours (yes, hours!); everything is handily divided by genre category. My sister has also tuned me into The Decemberists, and I am currently in love with their quirky, folksy and literary-inclined lyrics. (And check out the site for the artist who does their cover/poster work! ♥ ) Much music love right now. :)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Before I run, last week was apparently National Delurk Week. Even though I missed it by a day, tell me a little about yourself: your name, likes, hobbies... even if you've comment before. I'd love to "meet" more of my dear readers! :)

trapeze top 05

21 comments:

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

There are many French antique cotton nightgowns, that if cut coudl convey this same look...except, none of them would look as sweet UNLESS you were wearing them!!

Love the photos of you !!

Chara Michele said...

I am delurking to tell you that I for one would love a tutorial. That is such a cute top!

Anonymous said...

So pleased to have found your blog (via Flickr!)I notice you already visit mine ;) xxx

Anonymous said...

I'd love a tutorial for making this beautiful top!

Anonymous said...

Love the top and the bag! Both are adorable!

Anonymous said...

Hey just popped over here for the first tme. Totally loving your trapeze blouse/smock. Adorable. It looks complex to make....you must be a patient person!!! :) Can't say I'm a lurker....yet....but plan to be! :)
I am a product designer in the scrap industry and I make and sell paper arts kits when I get time. There, not a lurker anymore.

Anonymous said...

greetings from paris! thanks so much for the indie music site. just what i was looking for.

also, love the top. fabulous. :-)

Emy said...

Delurking to say hi. I've only been reading a few days. I saw a post of yours on Craftster. I like sewing and crafting in general: usually stuff that involves glue. I love that you've included fashion in your blog.
The shirt is fabulous. You absolutely do NOT look pregnant! In fact I was looking at it thinking "So that's how you wear a shirt like that to not look pregnant." I still think I would though...
A tute would be nice though.
PS. My real blog is: http://craftjunkie.wordpress.com/
Blogger takes over and signs me in with my old one.

Anonymous said...

love the top.

Grace said...

I want a turorial!

I'm delurking to tell you that I found you because someone else visited MY blog via the link from YOURS! So you've known about me already!!! lol. (UncommonGrace)

I spent most of my 20's trying to subdue my crafty impulses (why?!) and only recently have started to revisit them, so I have a lot to learn still; a lot of room for improvement in my sewing and knitting abilities. My biggest life project is to work toward living mindfully, which sounds cliche, I know, but I am serious about it.

I love that you include fashion on your blog -- your unique spin on craftiness is fantastic! And, you are so cute and pretty!!!!

la femme said...

Very pretty :)

Feather Gold said...

Love your blog, I found it through Crafsters. I love that top. It's very feminine and gorgeous. It looks fabulous on you.

Ok, I'm delurking.....hmmm..let's see....I worked in fashion for 9 years, I'm currently in the family business now, which is food business. I never realized how much I missed being creative until recently, I picked up knitting needles and started reading craft blogs. I'm totally inspired by all the amazing crafty bloggers, such as yourself. I'm glad to be back using my creative genius :-)

amisha said...

hello there,
de-lurking to say that i love the top and your wonderful tote bags. very inspirational to push the fashion boundaries... i need to do more of that!
warmly
amisha

Bobble Bee said...

Thanks casey for link my blog! :)

Anonymous said...

Yes on the tutorial! I've been enjoying your blog--I finished school a year and a half ago, so I sort of relate to it. I'm Kate in DC.

Anonymous said...

Adorable post! I LOVE the top you made - it is the perfect little French. I agree with Kiwi - I would also wear with pants.

Anonymous said...

A "Hi!" from Gothenburg, Sweden! Really, really like your blog, your work, your style. Found this place yesterday, and will return often. You are such an inspiration :-)

Regards,

Anna

madge said...

Adorable blog! This is my first time here, but I'll be back.

r. said...

tutorial! tutorial!

Casey Maura said...

Thank you ALL so much for your sweet, encouraging comments and feedback!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Thank you also to those of you who "delurked" and introduced yourselves--I love "meeting" new friends and kindred spirits through the internet! Don't hesitate to jump in with further comments, ideas and feedback. I love hearing what people have to say about stuff I post! :D

A tutorial is in the works--if only this dratted, dreary weather would let up! I'm not one for flash photography, so I tend to rely rather heavily on the magic of natural light. Its just been too darn dark outside lately... :p

Shona~ LALA dex press said...

You are too too cute! Found your blog through your Flickr site, which I am enjoying. Thanks for marking me as a contact, I am so new to it + really don’t know how to search around very well, but through contacts I could spend hours following links (oy!). Love the cheeky wink.