Designer Mood

Ever since I created the pillow category on http://www.lanamuse.com I have been in a designer mood of late.  I’ve been sewing pillows like there is no tomorrow and loving it.  This is what I like about being creative; when the mood hits, just change to some other interesting outlet.  Since I needed to update the blog, I began to search to find out what designers are doing with the designer fabric I am currently using.  Here are a couple of pillows I made using Dwell Studio fabrics:

                             – Lana Muse Designs

Here’s what other designers are doing using the same fabric:

Shower curtains.....grommets come in all kinds of finishes these days

                           -  Upholstered dining chairs….would love to do this one…Scotchguard for a stain repellent, of course.

Upholstered Bed...I would design another type of headboard for this, but it's still very nice. They upholstered the sideboards as well.

                        – Crate & Barrel custom upholstered chair ($999 ‘Chloe Chair’)

The possibilities are endless.  I can’t see ever getting bored.  This is the reason I use only designer fabrics for the most part.  Pillows are a good start because they provide an immediate decor transformation without weighing on the budget.  Throw a couple of pillows on the sofa and bed and voila! A new look!

Next month:  custom window valances and roman shades….oh yeah! That designer mood is going strong.   I’ll let you tell me.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!

A New Year and a New Design

Happy New Year!  In this post I decided to share a new apron design I have been working on.   Creating a new design takes patience.  I can’t tell you how much muslin I go through to get the exact cut I want.   I start out with my grid paper to determine my scale or the size I need.   Using the grid paper as my pattern, I cut out the muslin, then quickly sew it together and place it on the dress form.  At this point, things look pretty plain.  Should I make square pockets this time or oval?  Should ties go around the neck or maybe a collar.  This is when I sit down again with paper and pencil and figure out the details.

 

Okay, so once the details are figured out, I select a fabric and begin the process of making a Lana Muse apron.   All of the aprons I create are lined to add weight and durability–they feel so good!  Here are the finished designs which will soon be available at http://www.lanamuse.com

Enjoy!

 

 

My First Art and Gift Show

I did it.  I participated in my first show and it was a success.  The feedback I received was invaluable.  The participants were warm and friendly and had great advice.   After all, many of them have been doing this forever.   I soon realized that the most popular aprons were the full aprons, so there will be more of those in my store.  The potholders were equally successful as they were constructed with a heat resistance material which added quality.  People really appreciated knowing they could actually use them as trivets on their tables for warm casserole dishes as well as potholders without the worry of heat damage.   There was a lot of effort to participate in this show in less than a month’s time, but it was well worth the effort.

Aprons have been totally transformed and are experiencing a huge comeback.  They are unlike your mother’s aprons.  They are adorable and a must-have wardrobe item with a one-of-a kind look.  They can be seen everywhere, from upscale catalogs to trendy boutiques.  They’ve been liberated from function and elevated to an art form.  Clearly, from my experience at this recent art and gift show, aprons are today’s chic entertainment accessory and are here for awhile.

What is a muse?

There are so many things that interest me that at times I have to resist being in deep thought on a cloud holding my hands outstretched, dreamily reaching for them all at once.   Home decor, photography, arts, handcrafts, cooking; these are all the things I enjoy and can inspire me  to create.  Seeing the outcome of a project before it has begun is something that comes easy for me–when I focus.   If you search the definition of muse, you will find hundreds of definitions.  Merriam- Webster’s definition says “to become absorbed in thought; especially; to turn something over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively–hmm…sounds a little like procrastination, something I’m trying to resist.  Some definitions will give the Greek mythology history where there were several muses (goddesses) each devoted to the arts; drama, dance, poetry and history; they were a source of inspiration for the creative process.  Many famous artists have been inspired by an individual whom they referred to as their muse; and the world is a better place as a result.  After all, it all goes around.

Welcome to lanamuse.  Follow me, where I will post great little sewing tutorials, recipes and updates from http://www.lanamuse.com   Please feel to post comments and/or questions.    I hope you can find something here that can give you that aha! in life that we sometimes need.  Enjoy!.