Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The Life of a Dreamer

Hello! You're probably all wondering where I've disappeared to. I'm afraid I went away into the time consuming world of college applications. It took over so much of my life, but I finished my last application about two weeks ago and it feels good to finally be done now! So far I've been accepted into The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Parsons the New School for Design. I'm still waiting to hear back from The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York University, and Pratt Institute of Art and Design.

Ok enough college talk, this is a photo shoot of my lovely childhood friend Katie. Katie is absolutely beautiful and I had so much fun taking pictures and hanging out with her that day! It also felt really nice not having to set up my tripod for once. Lately I've really been inspired by anything that has to do with sailing. This may have something to do with watching Master and Commander and constantly looking at Arthur Rackham beach illustrations. I've been thinking of what a woman sailor would look like and how one could transfer that same nautical/sailor theme mixed with a soft feminine look. I've been playing with this idea a lot and you'll probably see many more dresses from me expanding with this same theme.
















^the epaulets are made from using a hot glue gun, felt, tassels and other designed trims.

I made the dress that she's modeling from Vogue's Rebecca Taylor 1152 pattern with my own minor design adjustments. I've used this pattern multiple times and I really love how easy of a dress it is and yet it still looks really intricate. I normally draft my own sleeves for this pattern, so I don't know how the directions are when it comes to describing the sleeves, but everything else is well instructed.

I looked at other sewing reviews for this dress and most of them said that it was an intermediate in skill level. Personally, I think that you could still make this dress even if you're a beginner. Just go slow and take the steps one at a time. The thing my mom taught me when I first started sewing was that an apron (easy) pattern is no different than a jacket (more advanced) pattern. There are just more steps to a jacket than there is an apron so you might have to take it slower. Overall I'd definitely recommend this pattern if anyone has been thinking about using it.

If you've used this pattern before let me know what you thought of it and if you have photos up somewhere post a link! I'd love to check out your wonderful sewing skills!

11 comments:

  1. Hi from England! I actually bought that pattern after seeing your creation from it. I am a beginner I'd say, but I think you might be right, a pattern is a pattern! I just take them maybe slower and I find I learn lots more than I would with an 'easy' pattern. By the way your blog is beautiful and inspiring!

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    1. Hello Jo! I'm so happy that you have decided to try out this pattern! I definitely agree with you; I always learn the most whenever I work from a more difficult pattern. I just have to take it slower. I wish you the best of luck with your sewing adventures and thank you for your kind words about my blog :)

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  2. beautiful dress and lovely model! I plan on getting into using patterns soon. I've never actually used one. I think i'll try to find some that look easy and start there :) I can't wait to see what school you choose to go to and what a lovely young women you blossom into. you are so inspiring. God bless

    kitty-ears.com

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  3. Beautiful photoshoot, dress is lovely:)

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  4. Hi Ester! I've been following your blog for over a year. I found your shop on Etsy that led me here. Back then, one of your photos using the canoe really inspired me. I, too, like childhood dreams and fancies. Your photo brought forth this song I wrote and recorded: https://soundcloud.com/cobblestone-and-glass/wooden-swords if you get a chance to check it out that's cool. It's available for download and you're always welcome to use this or any of my music if you'd like. Take care my friend! Wishing you all the best and much peace

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    1. Hello Hannah! First of all thank you for following my blog over the past year and thank you so much for sharing your song with me! I listened to it and then I listened to all of your other songs. You are incredibly talented and I feel so honored that you would write a song inspired by one of my photos. Keep up the amazing work and I will continue to be listening to your music. You have a new fan :)

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    2. Yeah! Thank you!! :o)As artists we all can draw inspiration from one another. You keep up the amazing work, I know you inspire lots of people!

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  5. Congratulations on all your acceptances! Seriously amazing. I love the boat in the field and the tassels on her shoulders.

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  6. I love the shoulder epaulets!! I just may have to do something similar once I get back stateside. Congrats on all the college success! I can't wait to hear where you decide to go!

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  7. I just started learning how to sew, so it's exciting to look at this blog and see what I'll (hopefully) be able to do someday soon! Those epaulettes are adorable! Perfect with the pretty dress.

    May the force be with you.
    Emily

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  8. Congratulations on your acceptances to such fine art schools. I have a strong feeling you will be accepted at every school to which you've applied. And so you should be! You are an artist heart and soul. So excited for you, Esther.

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