Blue Plaid Purse

I had this purse in mind for several months before I actually had a chance to create it. The surprising (and fun) part of designing is how it changes from conception to creation. Initially, I had sketched it with black accompanying the plaid, and a little different shape at the corners. My mind changed when I spied some white leather-like vinyl in my fabric drawer and realized it would pair perfectly with my plaid.
I really like using chain for handles, and the metal ring really balances the metallic feel of the design.

Obi Purse

Here's the finished product(s)! I made two this time, one for me and one for a dear friend. I found a broach and a scarf clip lying around and thought they went well with my theme.

Obi Purse In Progress!

Thought I'd share some photos of my latest work in progress: a delightful purse crafted from a Japanese kimono sash, also known as an obi.

The delight in creating is really the process of taking something inside my head and making it tangible. I start in my imagination and sketch until I have a direction.
Then I work through the technical details of pattern drafting and solving for where to hide seams or distribute the weight of a purse's contents so it doesn't crumple in use. Below, you can see the pattern pieces for the side panel, along with the buckram (plastic reinforcement) piece I plan to insert later.

I work from the big picture down to the details, such as a slash pocket lined with black satin and my TamaraElise tag.

The purse is starting to take shape! I added the gold broach to tie the colors from the silk obi into the rest of the purse, namely the black strap along the middle and at the sides.
After stitching the lining to the outer shell at key points and along the strap, the purse is almost finished!

LBD: Little Black Dress

Although I love designing eccentric stuff, I really needed a simple, elegant black dress. A year ago I spent quite a while drafting and adapting patterns to create this V-necked, skinny strap, V-backed dress. I love being able to tailor garments for perfect fit, it creates a polished look.

1 Day Dress

My friend’s wedding fast approaching, I realized I had nothing to wear, and started designing!

I designed the purple and black dress (on the right, not the wedding gown) in about one day- sketching and planning through cutting and sewing.

I wanted something fun, but not too crazy, so I settled on doing some quilting for the bodice and rounding it out with a fun iridescent black fabric I picked up for cheap on a sale rack. Having designed many strapless dresses before, I worked off of my previous patterns for strapless bodices and then created a cross between an A-line skirt and circular skirt for the bottom.

Tu Tu Skirt

I found an old photo of the "Tu Tu Skirt" which I designed a few years ago.

My love of textures prompted this creation-- three layers of black tulle/netting on an impromptu hoop skirt. The hoops are made from boning, which is usually seen in strapless dress bodices.

Caterpillar Costume

As costume designer for St. Olaf's production of "Lobster Alice" written by Kira Obolensky, I designed a caterpillar costume for a dream scene. Along with a green jumpsuit covered in flashy stripes and furry arms, the caterpillar needed a big bobbly head. I created the shape with a couple big mixing bowls taped together and two small blown-up balloons to create the eyes. After the paper-mache dried, I cut a large hole for the actor's head. Since the inside of the 'hat' was quite large, we had to fill it with foam to secure it to the actor's head.



I love working from the big picture dream into the details to make it reality. Along the way, you discover new ideas and additions that make it better than your first impression. In this particular project, my supervisor and I were looking at the painted head, and thinking it was missing something. Together, we decided to incorporate fabrics from the jumpsuit into the head, which really tied the whole costume together!