A Shirt with A Uncommon Thread

Who doesn't love a well designed tee-shirt? Well, everyone, obviously. Bonus points for indie design. Extra bonus points for handmade. After sweeping that category, what could really make a tee shirt better?

What makes this shirt better is probably what I love most about this shirt and what puts a smile on my face when I see it. The graphic something some may have seen before - birds on a telephone wire with a pole. Yep, I love the silhouette but that's still not it. See the little metallic wire? That's not a second color pass... it's stitching! Maybe it's me just dorking out about the "human touch" here (but let's face it, that's what this whole blog extolls), but I think that's so sweet and fun. It's available at Cut + Paste for $34.00.

BRIGHT IDEAS: So You Want to Sew Stuff

The last time I sewed was a long time ago. Once upon a time, Maddy studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design over the summer between her sophomore and junior year of high school, only to realize she hated the industry and... well, frankly, didn't have the patience to sew and liked the design half better. I thought I'd share with you what's around that is getting me excited to hop back into it, and I hope you'll be excited too!

In Stitches by Amy Butler: This book is a tasty looking book. Amy Butler in general I think has an amazing taste level for a lot of the accessories patterns she publishes, and I think this book is a testament to that. The only thing that's holding me back from buying this at this very moment is the fact I don't have a sewing machine here in Minneapolis (yet). It's on my list of priority purchases, but I doubt the boyfriend wants a book laying around while I can only use it to appreciate pretty pictures. Sigh.

Sew U by Wendy Mullin: Another book earmarked for later. The author is Wendy from Built by Wendy, and I think that sort of speaks for itself.

Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter: The third book I'm waiting on. What excites me most about this book is how simply everything is explained and that everything in the book is a functional item that I could see myself using regularly or decorating with. That I find to be pretty rare, as people's taste in patterns don't always match or you just may not have a use for something in particular, but this book makes me want to buy a mass quantity of yards of patterned fabric and just start producing!

Crafty Planet: Don't come to the Twin Cities without going to Crafty Planet. I had heard a lot about this store in the past, but for the longest time had no idea it's literally, oh, ten minutes of a drive from my apartment. It is the fun sewing crafts MECCA of this area. Their online shop is cool, but when you get to see their entire assortment right in front of you, it is at the same time the most motivating and overwhelming thing. You're immediately flooded with project ideas but you'll have no time to complete them all without going back to your college days of no sleep and lots of coffee!

BRIGHT IDEAS: Finds in Clothing and Accessories

Thanks to the Magic of Etsy, it's easy to find really inspirational and interesting pieces in any category, if you're willing to invest the time to look. Here's some interesting "AH-HAH!" things I pulled up - hopefully it inspires you to create... or to pull out your wallet!

Hooded Jersey Baby Doll Dress by Niceface: Very cute take on the shirt dress. I love the little button details at the top, and the half sleeve is perfect for the upcoming fall.

Western Corset by Mariapozo: First of all, I have to take my five seconds all to congratulate her on an amazing photograph. Okay, five seconds over. Oh. My. Goodness. How incredible is this thing? I'm amazed at how intricate and perfectly symmetrical it is, and how well it's done. I mean, zoom in on that baby! If that doesn't give you sewing craft aspirations (because, let's face it, I was hopeless in Home Ec yet still somehow had an idea that I'd end up doing costume design), I don't know what does!

Paisley Leather Cuff in Turquoise by Hollyhawk: I like the graphic pattern and the blue color. What really fascinates me is that she hand dyed the leather, something I'd never attempted - or even though of attempting!

Cheerful Bee Business Card Wallet in Leafy Green by JennMaruskaDesign: This definitely made me go, "awwwwww!" when I first saw it. It's really sweet, and I could certainly use a card holder (if only people actually needed my cards more frequently!). I love the green color too - it's precious! Card wallets - it's one of those projects you just generally forget about - glad someone didn't!

Thistle Scoop Neck in Plum: What I love about this design and is interesting to me is really in the way the thistle is presented. It's really refreshing that you can see something organic and elegant but isn't as literal as the engraving or hyper-precise silhouettes that are all over the place. This illustration is more loose, and abstract, while still being legible. I think it's a fresh take on a trend that's on its way to getting too watered down.

On My Way to Waikiki Ponytail Holders by Magpiesnest: Another product I hadn't really thought of in the accessories area (perhaps it's because I have short hair that barely at best can make a pony tail?), but is really beautifully executed. I love the graphic design of them, and I really appreciate that they're kept more simple. They're small, so keeping it clean and basic allows the one graphic element to really pay off!

White Eyelet Sun Dress by Cherrypievintage: This is gorgeous. I love the cut, and I love the fabric. If there was any dress to really motivate me to drop those extra college-era pounds, this is probably it! I love the little bows at the top - they're so sweet and feminine and add a simple but unique touch to it.

A Shirt to Fawn Over

"How cute is that?!"

You'll find yourself saying that a lot while looking through the shirt and tote assortment over at MaryInk. My favorite is the Doe Shirt ($28), but all of the illustrations have a fun, whimsical look to them that make you want to more than your week's worth of disposable income. There's also a shop on Etsy with new designs and products for your viewing pleasure!

Design Collective: Indie Destination, Twin Cities

One of my issues with buying clothes online (not just from indie designers, but in general) is my constant worry about sizing. Yeah, I have weird proportions - no hips and what seems like the broadest shoulders EVER. Right after moving to the Twin Cities, a little birdie told me about this place in Uptown Minneapolis called Design Collective. It showcases apparel and accessory labels from local emerging designers. (Remember Katherine Gerdes from this past season of Project Runway? Of course you do, my fellow Bravo junkie! Her stuff is here too, and you can view her profile on their website.)

Lucky for me, Design Collective is right around the corner from my vet's office, so I was able to sneak a peak en route to the kitties' appointment. It definitely wasn't a place to just sneak a peak into, though, so I'll definitely need to make a return trip exclusively to peruse the racks. If you're ever in the Twin Cities, stop by.

Design Collective is located at 1311 26th Street West in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They can be reached at 612.377.1000 or emailed at info@designcollectivempls.com.