My lovely readers, I'm sorry for continually disappointing you with my lack of writing. I sometimes wish I had a clone to do the mundane things in life, like working, while I get to frolic about sewing, designing, and writing. Work is keeping me exceptionally busy, busier than I thought it would and as such I have not been able to do much in the ways of designing to be able to show new things for you. So for now, the production will be a bit slower than usual, especially since my carpal tunnel is acting up because of work. <3
On the flip side though, I suppose that allows me a longer time to conceptualize the designs and continue to refine my process by going a bit slower. : ) There are two new designs which I'm delighted to share with you, that will be released this upcoming month of December--but first,
they are making a trip to Disney World where they will be on location for a photo shoot with our very first Pop Princess spokes model! (I'm looking forward to introducing you to her, she is adorable! For now, I am keeping it a secret to surprise you!)
I've also decided to budget, and purchase a nice digital SLR camera over the winter month as I think it is time for me to be able to show off the details and beauty that the garments I make deserve. I feel I am short changing not only you, but myself as well by not being able to capture them professionally.
For now, a few sneak peeks... <3
Red Velvet Bunny Tea Party OP:
When I first got the red bunny fabric, I wasn't certain what I was going to do with it until the weather started to turn colder and I thought to myself that girls would want to look very pretty but still be able to keep warm. I was between a lovely silk and a deep, cushy top of the line velvet. As you can see, I went with the velvet and it is GORGEOUS, just gorgeous. My camera just can't capture how lush the fabric is in person. I adore it so much, I've decided to do another but in black!
I went ahead with a lovely mutton style, full sleeve with a bias bound keyhole and a 3/4 length, that allows the buttoned up cuff to rest just above the elbow which accentuates the fullness. It took me some time to dye the lace by hand, about 3 batches, to get it the right kind of shade that would accent the red in the bunny fabric, but also work nicely with the richness of the velvet.
I wanted to keep the one piece dress simple, but elegant by using a minimal amount of design features: red pearl faced buttons, scallop lace, and a lovely double faced satin ribbon on the back. You know what else makes this dress awesome? : o There's (literally) 144 inches of skirt gathered into that waist line... I sort of want to have a contest to see how many petticoats it actually fits..... : >
When I was finished, I topped it off with a lovely and beautiful velvet waist bow that is removable. I even made a cute matching head bow to go with it! (Had I had more velvet I would have sooo made a gorgeous red velvet bonnet with roses! *o*)
Alice in Wonderland Frame JSK:
This next one, I am also EXTREMELY excited for!!! This is one of the most gorgeous prints I have seen in a long time, and am honestly grateful I got my hands on even a little bit of yardage considering how rare it is and super super expensive.*o*
This extremely decadent print, featuring Alice in Wonderland, is set off by its pale pink background, and was carefully illustrated with the up most care for even the tiniest details. Vines, roses, and ribbons criss cross down it's front until your eyes reach the gilded frames setting off Alice, The White Rabbit, and a set of tea cups, and is finished by a scalloped set of ribbons and printed lace.
I wanted this jsk to have a more classic feel than my other work, but was originally inspired by antique pinafores worn by little girls in the Victorian era which featured the big ruffles along the shoulder. After importing some rose and scallop trim, I went through great lengths to painstakingly hand dye the yardage needed to match the dress. It took about 4 dye baths to get the color I was satisfied with using a bit of bordeaux, scarlet, and true red from my chemical powder dyes I acquired when I was attending CCAD. (Mrs. Grebennik would be proud!) The rose and scallop trim are really gorgeous, and I think compliment the design well!
As you can see, the bodice features a bit of shirring at the bust line with tiny pin tuck gathers, as well as a pinch of gathering at center front where the bow is placed. The bodice is sewn in three separate sections to allow for the scallop chemical lace trim and roses to be inserted properly, and also gives
it a smoother, more flattering fit. I also realized these sections would need a touch of interfacing to stiffen them, especially with the pull of the lace up ribbon.
Then lastly, I decided to go for a removable beaded bow at center front
of the bodice. I wanted something that wouldn't overpower the overall
design, but just add a hint of something cute as well to compliment the
neckline.
This pattern took quite a lot of work, and caused me a bit of frustration in order to get the corset like panels in the right place, lining up the print as best I could, and then that darn sweetheart neckline decided to give me a bit of trouble as well! And then of course all the top stitching looks lovely, but took some time to get right. But, all's well that ends well. Initially, I was going to go with a 5/8" wine colored ribbon, but in the end went with the 1/4" because I felt it worked better with the criss cross design of the roses.
Now of course, the main event which is really what makes this dress so beautiful and stunning... the print itself. Here are some close up shots! <3
Ah, I feel quite satisfied with this piece, even if it did give me some trouble and frustration! Sadly, this yardage is so rare that this is the only one of its kind right now. However, I hope to find some again through my sources and save up for since I know it will be at least $100+ dollars if I do find it!
Both of these prints will be headed to Disney World this next for an exclusive photo shoot with our very first Pop Princess Spokes Model! : 3 I am very excited to introduce you to her, as she is a very sweet girl, and lovely! Can't wait to share those photos as well, how exciting!
Look for these dresses to be up at
Pop Princess after the weekend of the 21st, perhaps even sooner, depending upon how the shoot goes! So they will be up no later than the week before Christmas!
So what do you think, my loves? : 3 Would you like to see more designs like this? With velvet and trims?
xoxo
Annika
*All designs/illustrations are copyrighted and belong to Pop Princess/Annika Simmons.*
Please do not redistribute photos without permission, or proper credits! <3
