Always Learning ...

Hello there,

Back in SS1 (10th grade equivalent?), we were a handed a sheet of paper that listed occupations and what subjects you should be good at to succeed in them. Based on my teen-self's academic prowess, I had a lot of options (a lot) but I was drawn to engineering. The one thing I like about being an engineer today is the ability to assess a problem and design a solution. For my ZCD work, I usually break down the item to its basic shapes in my head and them build it up from there (unless I'm using a prepared pattern).

Today's post is a bit of a show-and-tell. I have added 4 more items to my 'I-know-how-make-this' list and I wanted to share them with you. If you've browsed the Etsy store (here), you know that besides clothing, I can make accessories. Until now, accessories = bowties, purses and earrings. After today, I can add wristlets, lapel flowers custom bias tape and peplum belts.

These new items were custom orders and I did some research, reviewed tutorials and figured out how to make them. Yay for learning!!!

Lapel Flowers

These are rectangular pleated strips with one zig-zag edge, can you tell?

This one is a folded over rectangular gathered strip. 

Wristlet 

(Zippered Pouch with Wrist Strap)

Had to rip and re-do a couple seams but I got it!

DIY Bias Tape

Peplum Belt

(hi-low style)

Start with a hi-low circle skirt, cut a line down the center, add a long waistband.

 

K.I.S.S.

Hello there,

Have you ever been told to KISS?
Here's the nice translation: KISS = Keep It Simple Sweetheart.
It's something that has been passed down from one engineer to another at my 'other' job. The underlying advice is that while you can make things very complicated and fancy, you really should consider that keeping it simple may just be the way to go.

Why am I telling you this?
The feature piece in this week's blog post is about keeping it simple. I watch as many fashion design competition shows as I can and I often hear the judges criticize the designers for creating something that has already been done. That used to make me think that a fashion designer must always create something  new and different. There are many ideas that have I have tossed out because a Google search revealed that someone else had done it ... that was until my discussion with my aunt who owns her own design company: Osuare. She explained that sometimes, to make an impact, you just have to look for the simple things and do them your own way.

So here's my simple double peplum top; my way.
If you like it, you can place an order and I'll make one for you too. :)

Stappy Cage Top

* Hi there.
I think I've mentioned that August was a very, very busy month. All in all, I think I made 11 pieces of clothing ... I don't know how I did that with everything else that was going on.
Thank God for grace!!!! and strength!!!!
Maybe in a couple of weeks, I'll have all the pieces in one post as a reminder to me that "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

This week's post is about my first cage style top for a wedding on August 29th. The sister of the bride wanted this style which she had seen online and a pencil skirt. It took a bit of thinking before execution to figure out how to make the style but I think I did well.

** Enjoy the pictures below.

** Check us out on Instagram @zichie_designs and Facebook: Zichie Designs

Finished Look

Inside the pencil skirt (I cut the dart threads later).
It was to be very fitted so I added a slit for ease of walking.

Finished the main bodice (except for closure) with 3 straps on the front and 2 on the back as part of the bodice. I made them longer than needed with plans to trim them after the fitting.

Made the armhole and neckline straps and pinned everything in place; ready for the first fitting.

Adjusted the straps during the fitting then sewed them down. Also added the zipper to the top and took in the skirt a wee bit at the hips.

Voila!

Hi-Low Peplum Skirts

* Boss told me last week that I am becoming known as an Ankara (African Print fabric, not the capital of Turkey) designer. Not bad, right? 

I thought about it and realized all (or at least 90%) of the items I have made in the last 3 months and maybe even further were all in ankara fabric. Probably because I know a lot of Africans and they place orders for ankara outfits as those cannot be readily found in stores over here :).

Anyway, it was time for a palette cleanser and once again, it started with a discussion with my sister.

Me: I bought this black and white knit fabric to make a quick peplum skirt. I'm thinking of flipping the fabric for the peplum so I can create some contrast.

Sis: You're making skirts, right?

Me: Maybe I can get 2 skirts out of the fabric. I'll trace the other knit skirt I made.

Sis: Skirts ... one for me.

Me: Oh. Right. Guess I could make yours first and perfect the process before I make mine. 

She had her skirt (yellow floral one below) about 2 hours later. I had mine a few days later. 

(And, yes, I did get 2 black and white skirts from the fabric. I'll post pictures of the 2nd one another time).

** We wore them to church on Father's Day - pictures below.
*** Follow us on Facebook (Zichie Designs) and Instagram (@zichie_designs and @e_fazion) and email (zichiedesigns[at]gmail.com) for custom orders.

Me & Le'Sis

Me @ Le'Car

Side & Front Views

(Hmm, didn't get a back view)

Le'Sis Taking a Selfie

In Other Father's Day News ...

Custom Order for Mrs. K for Father's Day

Lace and Ankara Peplum Top

    * This was my second peplum top ever and with it, I wanted to try a hi-low (or asymmetrical) hem. Since I have a sizable bum, having a longer hem at the back suits my silhouette just fine :).
  ** Check out the 'Hers' page for other pictures.
*** Check us out on Instagram @ZiChiEDesigns

The Peplum Top Paired w/Matching Pencil Skirt

The Peplum Top Paired w/Black Capris

 Out and About for the Odunde 2014 Social Mixer

 The Peplum Top Paired w/Skinny Jeans

Notice the Hair Accessory? :)

Lace Vest with Hi-Low Circle Hem

   * Zi made this lovely vest with a deep vee in the back, velvet trim, ties in the front and an elegant, asymmetrical hem. Goes with almost anything: paired here with tights and a dress.
** See the 'Hers' page for other pictures.

Ankara Accessories: Belt, Necklace, Flower

  * The accessories were made to go with the outfit in the last picture (separate post to come on that).
** Check out the 'Accessories' page for more pictures.

Elastic Belt - Made to fit waist size 28'' to 48''.

Flower with Clip - Can be worn as a brooch or hair accessory.

 

Beaded Necklace

5-Piece Outfit