Blogger's Delight

I just found out that Blogger is migrating all the photos in the blog to Picasa Web Album!

Now you can just flip through all the images direct on my blog album! (but you still have to come to read my blog!!) ^^

LibraStar's Journal: Puff Skirt I

I should have post the skirt that i made from the sewing class a few months back, but it was such a bad skirt so didn't want to show it. Today I made a new one using slightly altered methods and a better fabric (it's a jacquard brocade fabric, the color is silver grey, black with thin gold thread).

It is still a bit too puffy (as you see on the mannequin) so i took the sides in a bit as well as shorten the hem - so the pictures with me wearing the skirt is the final product with the adjustments. I am still not really happy about it, I think mainly this fabric would be much better to do a pencil skirt with or with less pleats - now i learn how pleats would make the skirt look like an umbrella!

My intermediate sewing classes will be starting soon, so I will be posting my new work from time to time. Also I will be doing more designs of tote bags and makeup bags...I know once I start cranking those little bags i won't be able to stop! stay tune~!

Etsy - An Organic Shopping Experience

Have been reading up a bit about consumer trend. It is apparent that consumers are much smarter and being more critical when buying products. They care about where the product is from (i.e. what kind of material they use to make the product? how do they obtain the material?), how it was produce (i.e. are they using child labor? are they giving a living wage to their labors and employees?) and whether they are potentially harmful to the environment (i.e. is the product biodegradable?). In a world that is overwhelmed with choices, a lot us are no longer satisfied with just the brand name goods or just the cheap knock offs or imitation of certain seasonal trends.

Etsy is one of the force that reckon this shifting trend. It is like the "Organic Ebay", except - it is actually much more advanced. There are many different search methods as well as innovative browsing engine, as a web design/developer I am totally impressed by the ease of use and features of this online marketplace! One of the feature is the "Time Machine" - this is a new concept that shows you the items that were sold, 1 min ago, 2 mins ago...etc. You can browse through this in three different visual display, watching items coming at you and passing out of the screen.

Another new way of browsing is through selecting a particular color. Once you selected the color, the items in that color will pops up on the same screen, and then you can keep picking different colors until the whole screen is full of colorful items!

There is also a geographical browsing method, where you click on a map and the seller from that area will pops up.

There are still tons of features there for you to play with. I am definitely considering opening my own store in there soon, so whenever i do, I will definitely let you guys know! :)

LibraStar's Journal: Wardrobe Makeover

Here is my little experiment with the things that I have which I never use/wear, namely, the size 10 Cynthia Steffe skirt I bought from the premium outlet last thanksgiving, a black flower broach I bought in SF, a velvet trimming I bought for sewing work. Combine them together they make a really gorgeous LBD. ;)

LibraStar's Journal: New Beginnings

So I will be back to school again! It is really exciting for me and this will lead me to so many different possibilities now. I can't wait. :)

Prada in real life

Fabulous imitation for the Prada Spring 07 look. I am itching to alter my hot pencil skirt by Rachel Roy and a pale green jewel color shirt that I have...thanks Face Hunter for the great inspiration! :)

LibraStar's Journal: Getting back in action (sewing-wise)

It's been awhile since I last blogged. Since I have recovered from some dreadful sickness, there is a little side effect of lingering laziness and lack of motivation. But regardless, my mind is still racing with ideas on some sewing projects, still looking out for new inspirations from the beautiful patch work ideas.

Starting from next week I will be going back to sewing school for the intermediate class. I will be posting regularly on the process, as well as pictures of what i made...etc. :)