WOW......I won!!!

This challenge was about the total look based on the classic Little Black Dress. It was called LBD + One (color). The challenge was to create a cocktail party dress with a contemporary and strong silhouette. Accessories were very important to this challenge and could be used as part of the accent color.

I was privileged to have been selected as the winner for this “At Home” challenge.

Alexandra said in her critique: “DESIGN SEVEN: Simply sensational. The balance of the accent color throughout is wonderful because of its muted tone. A brighter color might have dominated everything, Wonderful silhouette, and a stunning new interpretation of the basic shirt dress.

Durelle Brown is the winner of the Barbie At Home Challenge. This outfit has all the elements required in this challenge, plus a fresh approach to the LBD. Reinventing a classic design is never easy, but this design does it with subtle color and a modern twist.

Thank you Project Dollway

TED ~ Alexandra ~ Happy Ever After for the Gift Certificate

This fashion and Accessories are for sale!

As for my own approach to solving this challenge I wanted to make sure I kept a flavor of the classic but yet keep in mind the contemporary twist requirement. I knew I wanted a sexy neck line and the silhouette was also an important requirement. Barbie’s small waist is very distinctive and makes her a good muse to model anything.
Knowing me and how I get stuck on color I knew straight up that I would NOT use citrine again. So to resolve that issue with myself I began my mock-up design in that color. I will show that dress later. I decided that Fushia would look perfect with the design ideas I had. But I also knew I must tone it down or mute it some way.

I began sketching at work and narrowed down my idea to one look. Mainly because my co-workers kept telling me over and over that they loved this design and would wear it to a cocktail party. The look I started with was a classic trench coat / shirt dress design. The twist comes from the collar and sweetheart neck line. Also I adore the drag-el-ly (my word) dripping lace look. Scale is always the enemy in lace and trim for Barbie. I contemplated the idea of layering black and fushia tulle (right scale) but I knew that shirring tulle would result in a Tu-tu effect. So I had to come up with a compromise some way to get the look but at the right scale.

I Love thinking and problem solving how to scale things for Barbie. I am an OOAK artist and I have on many, many occasions styled doll hair by heat setting it in hot water. I am thinking to myself.. hmmmmm doll hair is just synthetic fiber and tulle is nylon a synthetic fiber surely I could heat tulle to achieve the pleated look I want .

Everyone has been asking me how I got this pleated effect sooooooo..... Here ya go..

I layered 4 layers the tulle with the black on top and loosely pinned it together. At the sewing machine I ran rows and rows of basting stitch ½” apart. I gathered up all of the lines of stitching (no easy task) as tightly as I could and tied them off. The next step in the process was to heat set the tiny pleats I had created. This was accomplished with my steam iron set on wool and using a pressing cloth. YEA....it worked!!!!


By removing my lines of stitching and releasing the tulle I had heat set pleats and all I had to do was measure the length I wanted and cut it free. Wall-a underskirt peeking out from under the over dress ½” giving it the contemporary look I was wanting.

"Little Black Dress" Challenge

This challenge was about the total look based on the classic "Little Black Dress". It was called Black plus ONE (color that is). The challenge was to create a cocktail party dress with a contemporary and strong silhouette. Accessories were very important to this challenge.

http://www.projectdollway.com/Silkstone%20Challenge%20Runway.html

My top runners were Judith, Kimberly and Debbie. All three of these ladies embraced the LBD challenge through classic styling with at twist.

I am torn between these three for my #1...

Kimberly, to me, fit the challenge to a “T” reinventing the classic pencil skirt by staying true to her own design style with the addition of that wonderful Red pleated gusset. The matching purse was adorable. I disagree with the judge’s comment on the necklace... pearls were the first thing that came to my mind in this challenge. I applauded the simplicity of the design. Love the back and the fit is superb. By adding one simple element and color you recreated the LBD silhouette with a renewed interest. Bravo!

Judith, always a winner in my book, thus far has brought to each challenge a winning design. This weeks LBD was wonderful...... what can I say...?..... lime green as an accent color... yea!! So fresh and fun. Your accessories were precious... especially the shoes, so delicate. Were they painted or ribbon? Fit was impeccable... (I am a stickler for fit) But of course what took you to the winning level was that wonder full jacket. The slight hint of green in the lining was subtle and classy. I loved the neck line and the simple use of beads. Great design just what I would have expected.

As I am writing this I am realizing that my over all choice for #1 will have to be Debbie. I loved this design. My winner! Again lime green... yea!!! But where you surpassed the others for me was the silhouette. You did create a new silhouette. The hem line was brilliant and “contemporary” which was part of this challenge. The button detail in the back....yummy.... But I have to say... what really made me ohhhhhhhh and ahhhhh was that HAT!!! WOW... talk about YUMMY.... I think that you considered the model (silkstone) and took the challenge to just the right level. Congratulations!!!

Another design I really liked was Andréa’s. Although I felt like you could loose the sleeves completely the basic dress design was unique and looked great on the model. I think the problem with this design was it was over accessorized. I feel if you had stepped back and really editing yourself you could have won this challenge with this dress. The belt was perfect and the hat was great. But you did have too much over scaled jewelry.
I haven’t read all of the designer’s blogs yet but I did read Magia2000 this morning.. I adore the detailing on this dress... tooo bad the judges could not have seen this... Wow! This dress was wonderful and even though I can see the shawl being used in Europe I think this was what lost this challenge for you. (I want to reach into my screen and straighten that bow)

Brenda, as always, you blew the accessories out of the ball park. Wonderful purse...yummmmm! The color combo was dramatic. The shoes were so creative...thank you for posting a good close up of them I was wanting more detail when I saw the runway show. Neat neat neat.......

Karen and Jose were in my bottom three.
Karen I have never cared for bulky, glittery stretchy fabric, even on humans and on dolls... ugh...never a good choice! It is difficult for the fabric to relax enough to hang to the scale of the doll. With the correct fabric the silhouette could have been interesting. Your accent color was good, subtle and classy and the neck line on the back of the dress was great. Loved it! I liked the way you used the necklace to accent the back and I wish I could see the shoes better ... but loose the hat.
What can I say...José? You are one of the BEST designers in the competition, but big disappointment this time. It was an Interesting experimentation with the silhouette concept but ...OH dear... toooo much on a small doll. I have confidence that you can come back and win the next challenge and stay in the game. We want to see more of you!!!

"Star Wars" & Human scale Sewing......

I am taking a quick break from my “Project Doll Way” blogging to share some family fun. In my first blog entry I expounded on the fact that I was sewing in “full” human scale making a Princess Leia costume for my gorgeous Daughter in Law. My son and DNL both work for Space Center Houston, my son in exhibits and my DNL in education.

The last few months the education “Camps” were designed around a “Star Wars” theme. To cap off the series the finial event was a full blown costume party, Jack was Han Solo and Patricia, Princess Leia.
So finally weeks later Jack has sent me some of the pictures that I have been begging for.

Jack came over every night the week before the party to work on his costume. He is soo000 very clever. See the “Blaster” he fashioned from spare parts he found in the garage. (Looked everywhere but can not find the picture I took of it) I picked up a leather skirt at a thrift store and we recreated the famous Han Solo holster together that week.

Could you just die? Aren’t they wonderful and cute!!!
No.... gorgeous!!!!
My kids are talented, clever, fun and gorgeous!!!!

Makes a Mom proud!!! All those years of science projects, Halloween costumes and play practices ...good to know that it all bubbles back up in the form of fun and talent when they grow up!!!

I am looking forward to this morning. My doll buddies Dot, Beth and I are getting together to view the “Project Dollway” runway show.
We have all worked really hard the last 2 weeks to participate in the “At Home” challenge by making our LBD. Can’t wait to show off mine and see what the girls have done....
Tomorrow I will post my thoughts on the runway show and then next I will post pictures of my home challenge and the making of......

Project dollway - Ellowyne at home CHALLENGE

Ellowyne is the #2 challenge of the fun and exciting “Project Dollway” on line contest.

This challenge is about the “client’ . We were told to select an Ellowyne doll.

http://www.wildeimagination.com/c-2-dressed-dolls.aspx

From this selection were to read her poem and from that we were to design her outfit baised on the tone and mood she reflected. We were to create a 5 piece out fit for her that goes from day to night.

"Bitter Green”

I like antiques and wilted flowers:

Black licorice I could eat for hours.

Standing in my house serene

With walls painted BITTER GREEN.

I was naturally drawn to this client due to the bright colors. I love color and this green is one of my current favorite.The inspiration for my color scheme came to me as a bit of left over trim from work.

The trim has a very Victorian time worn and faded appearance in Citrine green, old gold, with a cinnamon accent.
From the poem “Bitter Green” Ellowyne makes reference to wilted flowers, so I felt that a faded flower should be an accessory to this design, used both in the day and night look.
My color choice for this important accessory is cinnamon with faded gold ribbon streamers.

(the fabric selections)

As a 5 piece ensemble I knew the major color in the design should be “Bitter Green” so the asymmetric the skirt and the top are in this color. For the day look, I added a big legged pair of pants.I created a funky shrug out of the old gold with sheer poofy mutton sleeves also in old gold that could be day or night wear.

Through out the ensemble I have used a pleated accents which are present in the asymmetric skirt hem and at the placket in the pants hem. Another accent element in the skirt and blouse is applied trim in cinnamon; with sheered lace to match.I created a reversible sash (green and gold) which can be used in many applications, but here mainly as a belt for the night time look.My goal was to create a youthful contemporary collection with the time worn elegance of the Victorian age.

Project Dollway - My take on the Ellowyne Challegne

Today the Ellowyne Runway Show came on line... this is my mussing on the designs and the designers!

http://www.projectdollway.com/Ellowyne%20Challenge%20Runway.html

Do you like it!!!
That is my criteria .... this is not a real world we are creating for our dolls and of all dolls, Ellowyne is definitely not realistic in anyway. So some fun and fantasy in THIS challenge is just the ticket for me.
I want to say that this was a hard challenge to judge...(at home) I first went design by design and counted the pieces... 1 2 3 4 5.... Then.....next the criteria of “day to night –night to day.”.. la la la la... but in the end it boiled down to my “Like” and I liked Judith’s the best!!! Wow...... she did a wonderful job in all areas, by my judgment! And as a BIG plus....+++++ it was fun and had some very original thinking. Lucky also for her she was the only designer to choose “Red White and Very Blue” which for me made her a stand-out! (BTW...paint can purse...brilliant!)


All of the designers did a wonderful job with a difficult challenge. I applauded them all...

Wow... some of the workmanship was amazing.
Kimberly’s jacket...perfection and I loved that blouse... remarkable detail on such a small scale.
Leigh did a outstanding job transforming from day to night and night to day.. and that little black sweater.... yummm..meeee. so detail and perfect!
I just loved Brenda’s Bohemian styling... (Sorry it was not styled correctly for you but actually I really liked the finial pic it had a very dressed up attitude to me.) The fabric choices were impeccable, love the colors and as always the accessories were to die for.
Again José never fails to come in on top by producing an outstanding design... beautiful tailoring and fit on the hound’s-tooth pants suite and the day to night transition is perfect. (I love citrine green)
Brandon ....sooooo much detail and the scale was just perfect!! Love the collar and sleeves on the blouse, I know how difficult it is to create such a look on a small scale and you did it! WOW... it did not matter one bit about the CAPE issue..
Andrea also achieved the defiant day to night aspect of the challenge and that wonderful hat certainly captured the essence of Ellowyne for me.
Mario and Gianni ... again love that blouse... wow... to me the hardest thing to do in doll wear is a blouse.. and you guys nailed it. Great use of color too..
Considering a lot to the designers choose to used “Nevermore” I was continually please to see a variety of color palettes use along with the black. Debbie’s deep plum skirt (yummy)Jose’s citrine underskirt, Karen’s Orange (love that color too) was risky but fun and Leigh’s soft lavender.... great variety.
A few designers missed the mark on the challenge criteria but still had a wonderful showing... all of the out fits were done to perfection. I think the construction over all was much more impressive than the last challenge. Well tailored, pressed, and the fit good.
I believe, and I think I said this last challenge... that it is most important for each designer to stay true to their personal design style. The twist is to configure your style to the challenge in a way that still says ... “Who are you Wearing?”

Project Dollway "Red Carpet" Challenge

Project Dollway is a fun new on line contest for OOAK fashion doll designers, which was developed to resemble the Project Runway TV show. Although I was not selected as a designer in the online contest I am participating in the “AT Home” challenges each week. I simply do not have the time to spend making doll clothes at this moment in time.... but I am finding it very rewarding to brush-up on my drawing skills and work my brain to meet the challenge requirements in the form of illustration. So for the most part I will be addressing each challenge in a drawing form. http://www.projectdollway.com/MainPage.html


The First challenge was using the Gene doll as a model. The challenge was to design for an event...not a personality. The question everyone asks at a red carpet event is ...”Who are you wearing?” http://www.projectdollway.com/Gene%20Challenge%20Main%20Page.html

My approach was to go with my gut and make the color speak first to the challenge. I am an interior designer and I have access every day to what is hot it the home market and I have, as always, fallen in love with all of the newest fabrics which are coming out for the fall. Brown is the NEW black. So I knew chocolate would be the most appropriate for a formal red carpet event. Because I wanted to make a statement to WHO I, the designer, was and Lime green is my ”NEW” favorite color . Yummmmm.... that is a yummy combo of colors...so brown and citrine it is!
It is no secret that I also adore working with silk for my dolls. Nothing scales better and drapes more realistically than silk. I am a snob in this area. So I went to my fabric piles and pulled the yummiest of Citrine and the richest of chocolate to inspire my design.





My Instinct knew that the back of this gown was as important as the front. I wanted the front to look simple, yet unique, sort of Julia Roberts red carpet style. So I designed a tailored neck line with a deep cut and a empire waist. I wanted all of the emphasis to be on the back.

See for yourself and tell me what you think. I may do this gown at some point in time but not for Gene.. maybe a 11 ½” model.

This is the description I sent into Ted, the mentor, for the Project along with my drawings and fabric selections.
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Thanks for the Dollie fun!!!
Here is a description of my Home “Red Carpet Challenge”

This dark rich Hershey Chocolate taffeta silk is an over dress wrap.
The over dress meets only in back and is joined together with hooks and eyes, which are covered with a citrine color rhinestone jeweled pin. The back is then split to the hem at a slight angled and also shortened to expose more of the underskirt. The back split and hem is all banded a quarter inch with taffeta silk in citrine. The straps over the shoulders continue down the back into a deep “V”. The straps are very delicately pleated and are the same citrine silk.

Under this over dress is a skirt made of doupionie silk in a rich citrine color. This skirt is created with a multitude of flat layered folds to craft a pleated effect. (I have pleated up a sample on my idea board to visualize the look) The back is somewhat longer to affect a small train but does not show in the front of the dress.

Sunday morning musing.....

Today is one of those rare days to just messing around and maybe make some soup. I am waiting on Jack and Patricia to come over. Yesterday I made a costume for Patricia, a Princess Leia ceremonial dress, for her to wear next weekend.

I still have to hem it and do the sheer cape.
So in the mean while I am plundering through my “Stuff”. ( This particular stuff is from IFDC last summer.) Because I now have 2 empty rooms (boys away at college)... I have moved a lot of my dolly stuff to one room which has a set of shelves.

(clearly not my best photo work)After a long visit at my office I brought home my “Table Gift Dolls” and allocated a shelf JUST for them. I was missing the goodies that came with Brenda’s 60’s collection, but I knew where they were...in that “bag of IFDC goodies” that had not been sorted into proper storage.
And so it started.... don’t you hate when you get this really big mess out and then you HAVE to finish by finding a place for it all?
I keep getting stumbled up with “Playing” with things.
Like for instance ..... Table mate, Debbie, always gives us the neatest LITTLE goodies.... and “KITS” which include fun fabric collections, beads, ribbons and trims. I can never convince myself to break-up the set... and put the fabric with my other fabric... beads with bead... etc etc... To me it just must be kept together....
(neat hmmm?)
I think I still have the wonderful set she made “Plum Blossom Café” 3 years ago. OK, weird I know... but that is the artiest in me...

Now a Warning!!!!!
And in regards to IFDC.... let me give you all a word of warning.....!!!!
Beware....of what you get off of the free-be table...yes there are little hidden monsters in that pile of “FREE” stuff...
As I was digging through the free-be piles I stuck my finger on a sharp “Tool”. This tool was a sculpting tool with a sharp knife like end and the other end was a scoop-y type tool. Well it got my attention when it attacked me but in my frenzy I had a quick thought, hmmm that could be nice.. soooo I took it ...(well it was free).
Remembering the attack I thought to put it in my suitcase in a safe place...one of those side pockets..
With out any additional thought of it when I got home and unloaded my goodies I missed removing it with the other fun stuff from convention. Days later when I was putting away my luggage I did one more check to make sure it was empty. Now like most luggage the inside of mine is black. So with my hand I did a blind search. Ya..ouch.... got me again... that bugger.!!! But undaunted once again I kept it, putting it in with my bag of goodies.
Fast forward to today... remember I am “sorting” well I find it again... but this time I have the upper hand..... I see it!! And I think to myself .. “Hmmmmm, that thing is of no use to me...I must get rid of it before it cuts me again.” So into the plastic bag I have assigned as trash t goes. OK... done right?

No.. after I am done sorting I clean up my mess and take the bag in hand to take out side.... that little monster pushes it way out of the bag on the side and pokes my leg... shish.... blood is dripping down my leg as I come in from tossing it out side in the trash...
Soooo.... just a little warning to my dolly buddies who enjoy a little free-be stuff... choose wisely!