MAC and Dutch Industrial Designer Marcel Wanders Collection launches today

Today MAC in collaboration with  Marcel Wanders is launching a new collection. One that isn't about color but about structure and packaging.

I am always amazed at Mac's ability to keep our interest with at least two new launches a month. Sometimes they are about new colors but at this point the more interesting launches include a story as with the Tartan Tails or just about cool new packaging. We already love the brand..we just want another reason to buy more MAC. The packaging gimmick gets me as I am always de-potting and condensing my makeup to be as efficient as possible. My kit is huge and the last thing I need is more makeup with awkward angles and bobbles on it to make my life even more difficult. So this means that cool newly designed packaging goes into my personal collection of makeup. Treats galore. MAC always comes through and gives the makeup artist with over 50lbs of makeup another reason to buy and I love them for that.

You can check out the work of Marcel Wanders at www.marcelwanders.com

Read an interview with Marcel about this collection here.

Hello, My name is Brit and I Bought More Yarn Today

This is really scaring me. My cash flow doesn't need another outlet. Damn you Craftster and Ravelry. Without the two of you I would have never known that I had a dormant passion for yarn/ fiber. I knew nothing of spinning, felting and dyeing. What the hell?!?!??!?!

Now I find myself wanting a spindle and I know at one point I am going to want a wheel. I have already planned out anniversary and Christmas presents for family and friends. I have online fiber vendors with thier very own folder in my favorites. I discovered a specialty yarn shop RIGHT BY MY JOB and what's even worse is that it's across the street from JOANNS and MICHAELs and in the same building as Paradise Sewing where I bought my Ella (sewing machine). It's all stacked against me. I'm crumbling under the purling pressure. I am too weak to fight.

I already feel guilty about my fabric stash but I understand it and work with it. I know how to get rid of mistakes that should have never made thier way into my closet but now I have to learn all about yarn and roving. Hopefully, I will just take this slowly and the guilt will be minimal. If your reading this.....help me. I just need suggestions on good places to start and good beginner projects. Good online vendors and what are the best needles to buy. I bought some bamboo size 7s today and I really like them. I figured they are easier on the environment. I'll do a little research on that.

Well the two, knitting and sewing, will come together when I get my new fav fabric.
I was looking for a pattern to make myself a knitting needle roll and ran across this fabric. It's perfect to take the granny out of the entire deal. The fabric is designed by Alexander Henry. I am pretty sure you will love his prints if you don't already. He has some really cool designs like the Calaveras (Day of the Dead Celebration Skulls--love them because they remind me of my trip to CanCun. Skeletal murals are everywhere)pin-up girls and hot cowboys. I also plan on making a cool sewing machine cover out of this too. He also does some cool vintage-type prints too. So if you love vintage prints but don't want to spend $150/yd, these might be your fix.

Ok. So I promised pictures of my Charlie Bag.

I am especially proud of this bag because I figured out how to put in a lining all on my own and I also used my new French seams knowledge. The result a clean, cute, fully lined bag that helps the environment. I used it today in buying my yarn and the girl at the counter gave me a compliment. Totally worth the work. Here's a gratuitous lining shot:



I made two for a girlfriend and she strutted around her house with both of them. She said that she can now look her nose down at all 'those plastic bag users' especially as she gets into her Prius. AWESOME! It's so nice to see someone swoon over your work. I must make more. I got the free pattern at BurdaStyle.

You must blog at least once a day

Reason being that now I have only about two hours before I have to go to bed and about 10 hours worth of things to tell you about. So I picked the one closest to my heart-fashion wise.

I wish that I had a better picture but the Balenciaga dress above is most likely my favorite dress of all time. It is simple, elegant and sweet. One day I will knock this off. Maybe a wedding dress.(whenever THAT happens ;)) Don't tell anyone I said that. Shh!

I found the dress in Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire B. Shaeffer. Once I saw the dress I found myself picking up the book again and again just to look at that dress. I had no real knowledge of Balenciaga at the time (I am ashamed to say). Luckily the author saw fit to fill the book with many Balenciaga dresses and muslins/toilles. I am now obssesed with Cristobal Balenciaga. He IS modern fashion. Period.

Once entranced by his dress I wanted to know more about him. I am reading Balenciaga by Lesly Ellis Miller. The information is great. I am disappointed by her choice of dresses displayed in the book but I understand the reason behind each one. Unlike other books on fashion it focuses on the business behind the house rather than the amazing dresses alone. I find it fascinating how an artist turns thier passion into a successful business that endures the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. Again amazing.

There is also a timeline essay on Balenciaga on the Met website Click here for notes on a genius

Second Note: My current fabric passion:PLAID.

I don't know where this started but I woke one morning wanting a plaid dress. (I often dream of dresses. No lie. I told you I was obssesed-see first blog) Now, as usual it's just a matter of finding the right fabric. I really want one now that I see that plaid will be the casual separates color for fall.

I really want a sweet pretty dress. I will have to draft one myself. I have already gotten away from using patterns now on to the next frontier. I also want a cute plaid shirt. I was thinking that I would finally make the JJ Top from Burda Style

but with all the ruffles and fuffles it might take a year to finish in a plaid. Otherwise a top with bell sleeves and a sash would be cute. Tough decisions, really. I like the silk plaid from Fashion Fabrics Club that I have posted here. Would that make the cutest dress ever or what?????

Final Note:My machine is acting weird.

The tension is way off. So it's time for cutting, drafting and adjusting right now.

She'll head to the shop this weekend so that they can show me what I have done wrong. I am sure the machine is fine. I am just at a loss on the best way to fix the problem.

Good night.