Retro Inspiration: Mod Cloth

www. modcloth.com

I've always been a huge fan of retro/vintage clothing. As far back as I can remember I have filled my closet with old and unusual clothing from thrift stores and forgotten attics. The best "Christmas dress" I ever had was a knee length vintage wool skirt (blue) and a black tie collar blouse, topped with a blue rabbit fur vintage hat. I wish I had a pic to post! I was 15. My hair was bobbed and I flipped up the ends. I was the odd girl, but I loved it!

Now, I am incorporating vintage cuts into my own designs. This site is a great example of retrowear for the modern girl. Funny thing is, now that retro and vintage are fashionable I try to use them in a more understated sort of way. I've never liked following the trends. I attempt to keep the cut and grace of bygone eras while incorporating something new. My latest collection (a class project) melds classic cuts with world wide folk styles.

The necklace is found in the accessories collection at http://www.modcloth.com/ What a great piece for any fiber artist!

I started my spring sweater last night! I'm about 8 rows in and so far so good. School is closed today for the weather, so I expect to get a good bit done. I am using Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in Nature's Brown and intend to trim the neckline and sleeves with Natual. I'll post a pic once there is actualy something to look at.

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1419777

As you can see, I've been busy making memory books. They are all for dear friends who have been absolutely wonderful the past few months (but then they are always wonderful). Since paper is not my usual medium, I have no fancy scissors or cutting gadgets, but I think they turned out quite well anyway. The first two were made using scrapbook paper and embellishments, but the third was created from scavenged materials (old books, newspapers, junk mail envelopes, etc). Over all, the Fun and Funky version was the most fun to make.

For archival purposes, the memory books can be viewed via these links. When I try to edit the posts to include labels and notes, I loose my slide shows.

http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/2008/02/fun-and-funky-memory-book_10.html

http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/2008/02/romantic-country-memory-books_10.html

I have found the most amazing knit-designer. She is only 13 and does awesome work! I am so impressed, I just have to share the link to her blog. This girl is going somewhere in the world of fiber art! For a frame of reference, she is the designer of Sweater 1 in my poll.

http://indieknits.wordpress.com/