Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Almost ready to sell....


Almost ready to sell....
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
I'm still working out some kinks in the design, but I should be ready to go by the 8th. A lot of sewing got done last week, and I figured out the hang tags for the first run. I'm waiting on a fabric order. I'm anticipating 2-4 different colors/fabric patterns to be available in the first round of this straight forward A-line skirt. For sale beginning May 8th at vive la femme.

First Fabric


First Fabric
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
Here is the first fabric I'm preparing for my skirt line. It's a two tone red floral print, cotton and lycra.

The patterns


The patterns
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
Here are the muslin patterns, hanging in my studio, from which I make the skirts.

So, here's the story

I realized this morning that I haven't really explained what is going on. Short version - after my mom died in February (from an aneurysm after 6 months of treatment for pancreatic cancer), I was laid off from my architecture position in a small firm. That was the 2nd time in about a year that I had been laid off from jobs I was less than happy in. I took it all as giant billboard on the road of life to take the exit I've been dreaming of and planning for on the back burner. After discussions with my husband and closest advisors, I decided to start my own clothing design business.

Redskew, LLC was offically born (in the state of IL), April 16, 2008. I'm currently in design and development of my first line of plus size (12-24) skirts, which I've been documenting here, and will continue to. They will be for sale at vive la femme, 2048 N. Damen, Chicago, IL beginning May 8, 2008. If things go well, I plan to sell on etsy.com and surely expand my market from there.

Knittingwise, I've been doing more theraputic projects since mom passed - my second clapotis, a short row hat, both in Noro Silver Thaw, and a couple of easy, pretty gifts to have on hand. Check out the pics at flickr

So, that's the story. Stay tuned for regular updates...

Monday, April 21, 2008

vive la femme front desk


vive la femme front desk
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
I was quite busy at vive last week. I worked with Stephanie to get some accents up at the store. I completed 4 floral arrangements for the storefront and the front desk. They're SO pretty and really make the place pop.

Storefront


vive la femme storefront
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
Here's a shot of the vive la femme storefront. 2048 N. Damen, Chicago, IL. Starting May 8, you can find Redskew skirts here. Stephanie Sack is the awesome owner of this boutique, specializing in sizes 12-24.

First View


redskew workshop
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
Here's the first shot of my workshop/studio. Redskew, LLC has a home! keep looking here for updates on my clothing design business. I will still be posting some knitting, but a May 8 launch date (skirts by Redskew will be for sale for the first time) will be taking most of my time. A friend suggested I track my progress of developing my business here. So, look out for regular posts!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Brocade Blanket on Display


Brocade Blanket on Display
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
Here's a detail shot of my Brocade Blanket.

Sweaters and Blanket on Display

A couple of weeks ago, Arcadia Knitting hosted some out of town knit shop owners. As part of the festivities, Kathy and Sharon put some of their customers' work on display. I was lucky to have three of my finished projects up on the back wall. From left to right, Bombshell (From Big Girl Knits, yarn: GGH Bel Air), Pink Skirt (not mine), Maris (from Rowan 41, yarn: Rowan Calmer), Blue Sweater (not mine), Brocade Blanket (From Kaffe Knits Again, yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solid), Grey Scarf (not mine).

Monday, April 14, 2008

Korknisse from Andrea


Korknisse from Andrea
Originally uploaded by redskewknits
This adorable little project was a gift from my knitter friend Andrea. The cork (body) is from my birthday celebration this year and the yarn is my favorite Malabrigo! So Cute!