Saturday, June 12, 2010

Patchwork Dress

DSC_0370-2.jpg picture by Addikins

I know I promised a shoot by my brother's vintage mustang, but by the time I got this dress finished, the only place it was light enough to take photos was down by the lake, and even that was a bit sketchy. I recruited my dad to help take the photos since it had started to sprinkle and I didn't want to expose his camera to the moisture for the amount of time it takes to get photos with a self-timer. While the pictures he takes are always stellar, I am realizing now that I have a harder time being the model when someone is around. I always revert to the same pose, avoid looking at the camera, and don't move around much. This is a problem!

DSC_0369.jpg picture by Addikins

This dress was a total experiment. I'd never done a bodice like this before, so I was making it up as I went along. It has adjustable straps (!), a built-in bra, shirring in the back, an invisible side zipper, and is fully lined. The whole thing is carefully pieced together from three different fabrics (which you'll probably recognize if you've been around for a while!), and is all nicely topstitched.

DSC_0384-1.jpg picture by Addikins

DSC_0388.jpg picture by Addikins

I do plan on getting more brightly lit pictures at some point, as this is going to be one of the first things listed when I open my new shop. Have I mentioned that yet? I thought up the name "Matey Couture" when I was 14 or so, and I really don't identify with it at all anymore. I'm not doing as much costume-y stuff as I was back then, and my clothing certainly is not couture, so I'd rather not label it as such. Thus, I think I'm going with a much simpler name that I have to like, if only because it's mine and I'm stuck with it! I was thinking of just, "Addie Marie Clothing" or something. I'm not decided yet, but since I've plastered my first two names around just as commonly as my brand name, I'm figuring it will work. I'm open to suggestions for names if you have an idea, by the way!

7 comments:

  1. I'd just go with Addie Marie? We know it's clothing. And your name is so cute and distinctive anyway, and kind of catchy.

    I love this, but yep, I'd have to see brighter shots! Adorable.

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  2. Very nice. I'm liking the horizontal split on the upper bodice (the "bra" art...ya know)...it's surprisingly flattering.
    You'll have to do that vintage mustang photoshoot some other time. Thanks for posting pics anyway. ^_^
    Cheers!!

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  3. Yeah, I'm all for the "Addie Marie". Your name is cute!
    Love the dress. I like that it has a built in bra too. It's very cute! And I have the same problem in front of photographers... I can dance around and pose til death in front of a self timer, but when people come around, then I'm just generally awkward. I do the same three poses too, but I find if you stick your tongue out at the photographer, it makes them laugh, and then you're free to pose however you like! Love your posts, Addie.

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  4. I love how fresh your dresses always look!

    and with that in mind, you could use your initials and do like "A. M. Designs" (in a sort of pun; a.m.=morning=fresh ?) and have a clock somewhere in it (like the D) to drive the pun home? and add a built in logo that could be found in a print later (thinking merchandise here, like the lining of a bag or coat or something)

    anyway, I want to see some better lit/closer up pics of that dress! it looks super cute!

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  5. I love the dress...and am jealous of your dress making skills! I would love to see some more tutorials from you if you have time :)

    Also I agree with the majority above who said you should just go with Addie Marie for your store name.

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  6. Hmmm, I think just Addie Marie would be awesome. It has a nice ring to it :D

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  7. Janice - I actually really like that! I'm so afraid that if I tack anything on the end I'll end up not liking it in a few years. I might have to register it on Etsy as "addiemarieclothing" or designs or something because just "Addiemarie" is already taken. :/

    Amber - Thank you! & a mustang shoot is coming soon, I promise!

    Hannah - Thanks!! I was inspired after trying on my bridesmaid dress at the store to try a built-in-bra, and I actually really like it. & that is a really good tip, about sticking your tongue out at the photographer! It's like a gateway for silliness. :)

    Jessica - That is a deliciously cute idea and I already thought of a corny slogan ("Served to you fresh off the sewing machine!"), and I also like the idea of having something you can develop into a logo... but I'm afraid of not loving it three years from now and wanting to change it! Maybe I'll register the shop name as AMdesigns just in case? Hm... And thanks, about the dress!

    Whitney - Shucks, thank you! I'm hoping to do at least a couple more this summer, we'll see how things turn out. Your encouragement sure helps!

    Dork Vader - Haha, to tell you the truth, it has that "uh-oh" factor in it for me, because it's what my dad would yell when I was in trouble/needed to do something--it was the only time I was ever called that! Funny how that goes, isn't it?

    :D Thanks for your input, guys!

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I love hearing from people! Feel free to leave thoughts, questions, etc. Thanks, dolls!