SoHo Exchange

So I woke up in a panic this morning, remembering that I hadn’t written this week’s installation. I usually begin writing it Sunday, but if you followed the posts on Twitter…the last 48 hours were really busy and crazy.

Last week I mentioned the pant leg of the recycled jeans were not large enough for the pattern piece. Well, I come from the school of thought “If there is a will – there is a way!” I finagled the pattern piece, and cut it in a way that the compromised portion would be in the seam allowance.

The jacket as it looks now…

It's Coming Along

As the jacket is evolving, there are some things I will do a little differently next time. For instance, I will take the time to dye the denim or give it some type of treatment, to give it a less “patchwork” look, but I still like how the shading in the denim plays with the modeling of the vinyl.

Oh well, you live and learn!

The good news is, I have a dress 95% completed (you will have to wait to view it with the completed collection), this jacket will be done by Friday and the contest I want to submit these items to, has granted an extension for submissions. WooHoo!

Talk to you next week or get the day-by-day saga, on twitter.com/SoHoExchange.

It has been a busy week at SoHo Exchange. Beginning with not using the billboard shown in part one. Welcome to the world of creativity. After reviewing the sketch for the two items included in the blog, that billboard was just not going to work. So here is a picture of the newest billboard.

So Many to Choose From!

Often patterns are made simultaneously while selecting the vinyl. You will be spared the tedious details of pattern-making. Let’s just say there is lots of physics involved. We will be highlighting 2 looks, one a formal gown and the other a jacket accompanied with either a skirt or pants…stay tuned…it hasn’t been decided yet. Also, part of the not being locked into a path and letting the creativity evolve.

After selecting the vinyl, the pattern is cut. One of the challenges with using such a big section of textile, it is filled with a lot of wrinkles making it necessary to trim up the pattern to make it more accurate after the initial cutting.

Takes a Steady Hand...

Working with recycled billboards takes a lot of elbow grease. The signs are filthy! So after the pattern is cut the pieces are washed (scrubbed actually) and hung to dry. Once it is dry, we transfer the markings from the pattern on the textiles so that we know how to put the puzzle together.

It Dries Pretty Quickly

In conjunction with vinyl billboards we use recycled denim, leather, fur, silk, yada, yada! For the jacket, it will also be entered into a contest that has specific guidelines on materials that may be used. One of the acceptable textiles is denim…so I found some old men’s jeans. I usually do a 1-piece set-in sleeve…but as part of the evolution of this garment and the ever changing design…it has a 2-piece raglan sleeve (think of a sleeve on a jersey). Problem! The back piece of the sleeve was not fitting on the leg of jeans. Grrrr! In the next life, planning will be more a part of our makeup!

If you would like to see a daily (sometimes moment-by-moment) account of this venture, please find us on twitter.com/SoHoExchange.

Here is your first opportunity to get a glimpse into the creative workings of SoHo Exchange. Currently, we are working on Fall/Winter 2010 collection. And per usual, we are under the pressure. The runway show is January 27, 2010. In the ideal world we would have 2 looks completed by December 1st! Eeeeek! That is a week away…well here we go. The inspiration for this collection is the “Patrick Kelly Woman” – Where is she now? She is 20 years older, but feels like she is still 21. She cares about our planet and wants to include a green lifestyle into her fashion. Our collection begins with the vinyl billboards you pass on the highway every day.

Step One of Creating Design

The billboards start out 50′ x 15′! They are huge. So during the warm, summer months in Minnesota, we cut our inventory down to more managable pieces. So that we can work away all winter long…until we get a huge warehouse space, this is what we have to do!

Stay tuned next week to see how it progresses…

Did you know SoHo Exchange has an Etsy shop? We have a new white, strapless dress w/brooch available. Check it out and buy, buy buy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6876871

It has finally hit newsstands! Rush out and get your copy of the April Issue of Twin Cities Luxury and Fashion magazine! There is a great article featuring Amy Michielle, SoHo Exchange and SHE Signature rain hats on page 58. The magazine can be found in most retailers featuring MN regional publications, i.e. Barnes and Noble, Beyond Shinders, Target, etc. As always remember to Stay Looking Cute!

Recycled, vinyl, billboard, rain hats designed by SoHo Exchange are featured in the 2008 MN 20/20 Holiday Gift Guide. This annual gift guide features gift ideas produced in Minnesota. Please check it out and support your local economy and independent artists. MN 20/20 Gift Guide

Saturday, December 3rd 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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