FIDM Student Blog: Adelle Burda

Trends in Knitwear: Animals

An interesting trend in knitwear right now is animals.  I’m seeing them everywhere!  The image or in some cases the actual shape of the animal is accomplished using some of my favorite techniques such as embroidery, intarsia and printing on knitwear.    Below are just some of the examples showing you the wide range of this trend from sweet homemade mittens to high-end runway fashion.

$32, Raccoon Woodland Mittens from SkiShopKnits

At glance I thought these were knit intarsia but upon closer inspection it looks more like a duplicate stitch embroidered on top of the knitted mitten.  Duplicate stitch in this case makes much more sense; the knitter can make the fingerless mitten with just one yarn instead of juggling all the different colors (intarsia method) that go into the raccoon design.  The seller also has fox and owl mittens.  Cute!

Speaking of owls and foxes, check out these three scarves from Anthropologie.

$58, Athenian Scarf

If you go to the website and zoom in you can see how the owl design is also done using embroidery.  I love the look of raised stitches on top on knits this creates interest and texture.  Owls are everywhere these days, don’t you think?

$238, Shrewd Stitches Stole

I have to admit to being on the fence with this one.  Hand knit in Peru with 100% wool, it’s creative and different.  I just don’t know if I would wear it. I’ve looked at it many times and wondered how I would style it.  It definitely got my attention!

$298, Creature Comfort Scarf

This one is made in France and is kind of the same idea as the one above.  The size and colors on this one are more playful as the fox stole is maybe trying to look more realistic with the soft browns and creams.  I’m on the fence with this one too.

$148, Time To Gather Sweater
This cute squirrel sweater is also from Anthropologie.  I’ve zoomed in on this sweater and can’t tell if it is done intarsia or if this is printed on.  I like squirrels and the simple cardigan design make this very wearable.

The next three sweaters can be found on Net-A-Porter.com and I like how you can easily see how to wear this animal trend.  They always pair the featured item with other pieces on the website so you can view complete outfits.  My favorite of the three is the owl sweater.

$285, Bambi intarsia merino-wool sweater from Paul & Joe Sister

$450, Budgie sequined merino-wool sweater from Markus Lupfer
The owl is done entirely in sequin appliqué.

$195, Cashmere and silk-blend intarsia sweater from DKNY

Animals in knitwear aren’t going away anytime soon as you can see from Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2011 Collection.  I love designer knitwear and these sweaters are fabulous!

All photos below are from Style.com.

What once was old is new again; I have my very own animal sweater.  Here I am wearing my cat cardigan I bought almost 10 years ago at Anthropologie in Minneapolis.  The label is Moth.    I knew there was a reason to hang on to this one!   The sweater is done using the intarsia method and it was made so well that it looks almost like when I first bought it. 

Have fun wearing this cute and quirky trend!
-Adelle

 

3 Chic Hats for Winter Weather

Next up is one of my favorite accessories, hats!  Don’t just wear a hat when you are having a bad hair day! With so many cute options available you should plan the hat into your whole look.  Below are a few that would definitely bring on the compliments.

Available from Etsy

Isn’t this incredible?  Is it too early for my Christmas wish list?

From Odessete's Shop

Cool slouchy cables in olive green, one of my favorite colors.  This is a great easy option to toss on and it’s tres chic.

From Aspasia's Shop

Again, can this go directly on my wish list?  Love is a structured mustard hat with matching knitted button.  Mustard yellow is another favorite color of mine. 

I promised a couple of my own hats this week, so here goes!  All of the hats are designed and crocheted by me.  Photos are by my husband Duane while on a walk in our neighborhood on Halloween.  Tito, my dog, came along of course.

6 Cozy Knitted Mittens

Knitted gloves and mittens are a cold weather necessity but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be super cute while keeping you warm.  Knitted accessories are an easy way to spice up your outfit and here are some of my fall favorites. 

Mittens from RainbowMittens

These remind me of my childhood in Minnesota, and would be perfect for the first snowfall and subsequent snowball fight with my brothers.  The colors are perfectly charming and purple is one of my favorite colors.

Mittens from Imbroglia

I love when you have the option to wear a mitten or glove in one piece.  Good for driving, typing on the computer or drawing fashion illustrations!  The cable stands out nicely on the warm cocoa and blue combination.  Cables and stripes never go out style.

Mittens by TheBeachComberStudio

This is a unique take on the fingerless glove.  There is a romantic, almost vintage feel to them.

Mittens by Avictoria

Here is another cabled glove.  I love the colors and it makes think about apple picking on a cold crisp day and kicking around in a big pile of fallen leaves. 

Mittens by Missoni

If want to spoil yourself with cashmere bliss at your fingertips, invest in these lovely Missoni gloves.  The colors are soft muted neutrals that go with anything.

Mittens by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel

For the perfect pop of color and pattern, these merino wool gloves Sonia by Sonia Rykiel are on my wish list. 

Next up are knitted hats and I’ll even show you a few of my own creations!

--Adelle

5 Cozy Cowls for Sweater Weather

Fall is here in Los Angeles and I love all the cozy knitwear that comes with cooler weather.  One of my favorite accessories is very on trend right now, the cowl.  Some people also refer to this piece as an infinity scarf or a circle scarf.  This piece is attached at the ends to for a circle you can slip over your head.  It’s an easy way to build up a layered knit wardrobe for this rainy autumn.  Below are some of my favorites that I’ve found on Etsy.  You can go to each sellers store to view the other knitwear items they make and sell as well. 

Sweater from LaimaShop

I like the stripes with the bits of fringe here and there.  It is also nice how it hugs the shoulders.

Cowl by FairMaidenDesign

This is the perfect, simple classic cowl.

Loop Scarf by Silvia66

In my opinion, this is fabulous.  I would wear this a lot.  This is like a cross between a cowl and an enormous statement necklace.  The colors are perfect for this rainy weather we are having right now.  This seller has many beautiful knits check out her Etsy store!

The Man Scarf by LindsayParnell

This was a pleasant surprise!  Man in cowl.  I wish my husband would wear one.  Maybe if I show him how cute this guy looks he could be convinced.

Scarf by Thrush

What I really like here is the mossy green color, exaggerated size of the cowl and the composition of the photograph.  The result is really appealing.  The seller has a cool store selling vintage clothes and her hand knitted accessories.  Two of my favorites things!

Next up, finding the perfect knitted gloves!

Stay warm,
Adelle

Granny Squares In Fashion?

Granny squares are often the first thing one learns how to crochet (besides a scarf in single stitch).  It is the first crochet technique I learned so I have a fondness for it, but the application of it in high fashion has left me wondering is it granny chic or just…. granny (no offense Grandma).

Wikipedia defines, “A granny square is a crochet technique for producing square fabric by working in rounds from the center outward. Granny squares are traditionally handmade. They resemble coarse lace.”

Granny Squares have never gone out of favor in the craft world and, personally, I’m happy for that.  They are fun to make, fast, and the results can be very satisfying depending on how you stripe or mix the yarns and play with different stitches.  Adorable and cute are words that often come to mind when I see or make a granny square. 

Seven years ago I was spending a lot of my time crocheting, and during that time I made close to a couple hundred granny squares.  I made shawls, hats and scarves with them.  I quickly realized during that time though that many people know how to make granny squares and for most, it is but a wonderful hobby.  It can be very difficult to sell garments made of granny squares unless you have some incredibly unique and special way of selling, designing, and making them.  Otherwise why would someone pay the money for it when they can easily make it at home and with yarn of their own choosing? 

This weekend I was out shopping and came across a granny square dress that had a price tag of over $2,000.00 and it stopped me in my tracks.  Without thinking I quickly grabbed the dress and started to examine the squares and the design.  Disappointed is a kind way of describing how I felt.  I was hoping to be surprised or swept away by some new brilliant use of the humble granny square.  This dress got me thinking about whether or not this kind of garment is considered a slap in the face to the majority of crocheters or are they happy that such a beloved technique is being embraced (celebrated?) by high fashion?  I still haven’t decided.  Thoughts?

*All granny squares made by me. 

--Adelle

And for fun:
http://whatnottocrochet.wordpress.com/
P.S.  I’m not the only one pondering the pros/cons of the granny square.  Look for the post.

Class Project: Organza Wrap Skirt

This week we finished up the “organza asymmetrical front wrap skirt with volume.”  Whew! That’s a long one!  Organza is not an easy fabric to work with.  One of the things I found bothersome was that the edges fray quickly and you end up having to snip a lot of excess threads sticking out.  This also made the edges get a little wonky, if over time you keep snipping, you change the shape of the line.  I’m really happy that I went to draping labs; this was not a project to be tackled at home with no assistance.  Thank goodness for teachers! 

We had to pick a photo for our inspiration and I picked lava bubbles when they have already burst and hardened.  When I was thinking of volume that might be interesting to interpret a couple of things came to mind initially.  Mostly I thought of gourds and topiary.  Then after working with the organza I thought it might be fun to add the volume with attached pieces.  This got me thinking about lava for some reason, watching it bubble and explodes; I just think it looks cool.   Adding my exploded lava bursts ended up being the most enjoyable part of the project.  We were provided with a white organza but I bought gray organza to add color and better represent the lava.  I mixed the two and played around with molding free form shapes to stitch onto my skirt.  In the end, I was really pleased with how it came out.  The pictures are below.  The first one is the skirt in the beginning stage.  The brown thread you see was basted in to show where my seam allowance would be.  I was still playing around with the placement of burst too.  In the end, I had the gray and white organza mixed with a gray waistband, and binding around the hem.  I added iridescent snaps for the closure on the wrap. 

This week we are draping a cowl neck tank top out of knit jersey, yeah for knits!  I’m going to look at the scholarship store to see what I can find.  Look for pictures of that project to come soon.

 

 

Class Projects in Fashion Knitwear Design

For my class Draping and Garment Construction I, our first assignment was draping a dress on the bias using seersucker fabric.  We did our first drape out of muslin and then made the pattern from that for the seersucker.  If you placed your pattern properly on the fabric you get a chevron where the side seams meet.  This was my first time draping a garment and then making a pattern and dress, so I kept my inspiration to a simple, clean silhouette.  I was thinking Jackie O. walking on the beach.  Here is what I came up with…

Doing the French bias binding on the neck and armholes was a little hard on my eyes but I think it looks nice as compared to the single bias binding.  I don’t like seeing the stitch line on the front of the garment.  I also did a rolled hem for the first time and I think it went okay, the end result didn’t pucker or twist so I must have done it correctly. 

Next assignment is draping an asymmetrical front wrap skirt with volume.  We have to find an inspirational photo to do the drape off of.  I’ll be working on that in a lab on Monday, so I’ll take pictures to show you what I come up with.  We are working with organza fabric, so that will also be a first for me!

Update from FIDM Student Blogger Adelle Burda

It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the halfway point in the quarter.  I still can’t believe this is my last quarter and then I graduate!  Wow, that is exciting.  I thought it was time to tell you a bit about the classes I’m currently taking. 
  Knit Construction & Specification:  This is a new class and I feel so lucky to get a chance to be in it.  We focus on cut and sew knits, sweater specs and also building a fabric resource book.  One of the main assignments for the class is designing one sweater that will be made three times, each with a different fiber content.  The sweaters will actually be manufactured for us and I cannot wait to see the results.  I think it’s a really good lesson to see how different fibers can change or affect the very same pattern. 
  Draping & Garment Construction:  We the basic fundamentals of draping in this class.  I have Ms. Jackson for the third time and it’s kind a of fitting in a way. I had her my first quarter for Industry Sewing and now again in my last quarter.  Hopefully she sees growth!  So far, I feel a little slow with the draping but I really enjoy it and can myself really getting in it once I’m more familiar with the basics.  I love that a simple piece of muslin can be draped and pinned to a dress form, transferred to paper and then sewn.  I find this very exciting. 
  Professional Practices:  This class is really about preparing you to go out in the world and apply for jobs.  Even though I’ve worked in the “real world” for many years before going back to school, never was it in the Fashion Industry. So I have a lot to gain from this class.  Dusting off my resume is a great start!  It is also interesting because the class incorporates students from all the majors and I like to hear their questions and concerns.  My teacher, Mr. Keele is very good at making sure everyone’s major is covered when he lectures, so no feels left out.  He always starts the class by saying we can ask any question about eh industry that we always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.  It’s nice having a place to do that.
   I also have two elearning classes, American Political & Economic History and Critical Thinking.  Both of these classes are a lot of work. Between the reading, note taking, weekly quizzes, and discussion question I’m always busy with homework.
  Time is just flying by; I hope everyone is having a great quarter so far!
-Adelle
 

3 Tips for College Success from Student Blogger Adelle

Spring Quarter is here and I thought since this is my last quarter before graduation I would share some tips for getting the best possible results from your education.  I’ve noticed that I have received questions asking for advice in the comments section of my blog and rather than answer then individually I think it would be better to share the information easily and readily in a post.
My only disclaimer is that all the advice given by me is what worked for me.  I know how I learn best and so only take what you feel is relevant to yourself and your learning style.

1.    Take Notes.
I know, you are thinking, duh of course I take notes.  To be perfectly honest I see a lot of students who don’t take notes and suffer from this choice.  When you are in a general studies class such as Survey of Western Art (which is a lecture based class) get into the habit of writing down almost every tidbit of info that you can.  When it comes to note taking I’m a big believer in more is better.   When studying for tests I would make flashcards from my notes and study them.  That would mean you have written the lecture notes down twice, this is good.  The more times you write it the better you will remember (again, at least for me!).  Another great thing about flashcards is that they are small and easy to carry around.  You can bring them in your bag and just whip them out when you want to study.  I also say my answers out loud and if spelling correctly is an important part of the test (artists name for example), I would spell the word out loud and write it down until I could spell it perfectly without checking. 
When it comes to the pattern drafting or sewing classes I also recommend taking copious notes.  In my class last quarter, Pattern Drafting Essentials, my instructor Mr. Via would have the class watch a demonstration of our homework before we worked at our own tables.  I saw this mistake countless times, many students wouldn’t write a single note during the demonstration, they would only watch it.  I also had many students say to me, they learned better by watching.  Well, I actually would watch almost out of the corner of my eye because I wrote down detailed instructions.  Mr. Via explained each step as he did it, so therefore I would write everything he said down.  When we would be back at our worktables, students would often blank on where to start or what the steps are. Personally I can follow written instructions better than my visual memory. If I trust my notes to be accurate I follow them faithfully and honestly I’m pretty set when I’m on my own.  So just take notes okay?  I promise you’ll be better off!

2.    Take Your Time
Don’t wait until the last minute to do your homework, just don’t.   I turn into a big stressy mess if I waited too long before tackling homework.  Also, giving yourself the time to learn and make mistakes is truly invaluable.  That is not time wasted.  I work well with lists; so every night before I go to bed I make a list for the next day.  Then I wake up and just follow each step on my list.  I love the physical act of crossing things off my to-do list.  You can really accomplish a lot each day and it feels great to do that!  Making lists will help you make the time for all of your homework.

3.    Stay Positive
Learning is fun and find the good in each class and each teacher.  Think of how much more interesting you are with all this knowledge and skills!  When you feel overwhelmed or a class is getting you down, seek out the help to make it better again.  Talk to a school counselor and your family and stay on track for a healthy, happy and productive time at FIDM. 

That’s all for now.  Good luck and welcome new students!

-Adelle

Adelle's Photos from Creating Fabric Structures Class

    The quarter is winding down and the workload is growing.  I have so many projects to complete and now it feels like I need another two weeks to get it all done.  I always wonder if I can finish everything in time and somehow it always comes together, sometimes even up to the last possible minute.  For my class Creating Fabric Structures I have to finish hand knitting & crocheting a sweater for my final project as well as put headers on all the woven swatches from the loom.  Below are pictures of a couple of my swatches before being cut from the loom.  So many little details to remember right now, I have a very long to-do list done in order of priority.

            While getting ready for all my finals I have started a mental to-do list of what I want to accomplish during the break.  I’m sure like me, all of you are ready for it.  One of my goals is to work on my sketching.  Another is to get into a work out routine.  It is too hard for me to get into a work out routine while the quarter is in progress, feels too overwhelming.  But I know that regular exercise will make me a healthier and more productive student.  So wish me luck with that!!! 

            My final project for Pattern Drafting Essentials is to draft an original pattern and sew a sample garment using the pattern.  I just got some very cute fabric and a kit to make my own fabric buttons.  I’m so excited for this one; I’ll definitely post pictures.  I will really miss that class, Mr. Via is a great teacher, and he’s very encouraging, patient and really wants to see his students do the best they possibly can. 
            I have to get back to my homework.  Lots of reading to do before I go to bed.  Hang in there everyone; break is just around the corner!
-Adelle