Quit Frontin'! - Public Enemy

            Ladies and Gentlemen.  I would like to proudly introduce... THE FRONT!  (The crowd goes wild!)  So I whipped up the front of Public Enemy and it ended up being easier then the back for some reason; not sure why.  I blocked that fool and look at it, just look at it!  Marvel in its majesty.  I'll leave you with your thoughts.

More to come...

Philip - In Brooklyn

Back to WOOORK!!! - 1/24/11

            So it's another Monday and that means... you guessed it WOOORK!!  Now check this mug out.  Imagine if this was where you worked.  Bitch please!  I would never leave!  I would probably set up a bed under my desk a la George Costanza.  Alphonse Mucha can crack the whip over me any day!  PS - How hot would that runner on the bottom be as an embroidered silk wrap!?.... ooooh WOOORK!!

Philip - In Brooklyn

The Backside - Public Enemy

            Hey there Patterned History folks!  I finished blocking the back of the sweater-vest I am lovingly calling Public Enemy.  It looks awesome and came out perfectly on spec!  I can't wait to knit the front and wear this little sucker out.  I think it'll look amazing with a light colored shirt under it and a nice black sport jacket... maybe I'll bust out a tie for the full affect!!

Philip - In Brooklyn

Back to WOOORK!! 1-17-11

           As you can tell by this photo from 1874 these two gals, they would refer to them as "roommates" back then, are getting ready to head off to their high pressure jobs in finance.  You see Belinda, on the left, was just promoted to VP of Overseas Currency Exchanges; therefore she must look her best and exude an air of authority.  On the other hand her "Lady Friend", Marjorie has been the head of acquisitions for 2 years now and is very established as a leader in her field. Now that you've ogled these fine females and imagined them in compromising situation... GET BACK TO WOOORK!!

Philip - Brooklyn

Public Enemy - Cable Swatch

           So I sat my happy ass down last night and did some cable swatching.  So I ran 3 plys of Navy Merino Wool through the machine at tension dial #6.  Looks pretty rad!  The first couple cables look a bit bucked up but then I figured it out on the last 3 passes.  In addition to using tension #6, I also used the switch on the ribber that makes "softer" purl stitches.  The swatch is incredibly soft and lofty.  I CANNOT wait to knit this sweater-vest and rock it on the daily!  John Dillinger ain't got shit on me!

Philip - In Brooklyn

Inspiration is Everywhere!

Hello Everyone!

Here’s a little mid-week inspiration, courtesy of the San Francisco Ballet and the St. John’s store on Market Street. 

(I snapped these pics with my blackberry, so my apologies for the quality)

Like a moth to a flame,

Like a fly to honey,

I was drawn in by the tractor beam of THIS: 

Traditional tutu gown:  Princess-cut white crushed velvet, with silver snowflake appliqués and sequins.

I wonder if St. John's has hidden cameras in front of the window? 

Because the reaction of every woman walking by is priceless. 
Just watch our eyes light up with awe and wonderment! 
What's that sound??  Oh, that's my inner child squealing with delight, for a dress like this is what we all dream about, isn't it?

I was never a big fan of white crushed velvet, but suddenly I want yards and yards of it!!

Here's another bit of magical ballet goodness:

Just Amazing!!! 
Liquid-y silver asymmetrical toga-style gown, with stunning strategic silver beading,
sequins, and rhinestones. 
Moon wire headdress with pearls and silver beads.



Enjoy!

-Kathleen, In Oakland

Always on My Mind - Public Enemy

          My Mind was wondering today so I started sketching a sweater I've been mulling over.  Ever since I knitted Ryan his V-neck Sweater Vest I've been pining for my own.  While watching "Public Enemies" I spied a Navy Blue sweater vest that looked like it had some fancy cabling going on.  It was that instant love at first sight you feel in a fleeting glance just before it disappears.  The man wearing it was a non speaking character so I can't find any pictures of it online.  So I'll just have to go off of initial gut inspiration.  The plan is to do a varigated cable on the front and back of a solild color Navy Sweater Vest.  I think it will be super sophisticated.  The rich Navy color will be very masculine and the cables will add a touch of soft texture.

           I have a few pounds of Navy Merino Wool that I plan on trying out on this classy little number.  It's fairly thin so I'm gonna try running it through the machine 4 plys; probably on tension setting 4 or 5 so it's not too stiff.  Just for shits and giggles I think I'll try 3 plys Navy Merino and 1 ply Black Wool Mohair I have, just to see how it looks.  Certainly more to come on him, Public Enemy.

Philip - In Brooklyn

Back to WOOORK!! 1-10-11

           Welcome back to WOOORK!!  I know it's tough to get back into the swing of things.  I've actually found myself going through "Holiday Snack" Withdrawl.  I've been found walking aimlessly around the office searching for cakes, cookies, candy.... ANYTHING sweet that may be left over.  Like a crackhead I'd be muttering to myself out of sheer frustration.  They say the first couple weeks are the worst.  And if this doesn't work there is always the Methadone clinic so all is not lost.  But to help me out I found my dear old friend Claudette Colbert's shoulder to cry on.  Her only request, "Try your best not to get any tears on the Travis Banton gown."  Something about being back on the set of "Cleopatra" or some such nonsense.  Well I hope Ms. Colbert helps you through your work week as well.  

 

Philip - In Brooklyn

VIDEO - How to Sew a Silk Ribbon Binding

Hey there Patterned History Peeps!  So today is very special... VERY VERY SPECIAL.  For today is the launch of our first Video Blog Post! (Hold for applause).  Today's video is about the Haute Couture technique of applying a silk ribbon binding to your sewing projects.  This technique is AWESOME!  You can use this technique anywhere on soft drapey fabrics.  Works wonderful for sheers and solids.  Recently I used this to edge a bridal veil and it gave it such a beautiful and crisp finished edge.  The technique does take some time and might take a few rounds of practice but once you master it it will raise the level of your work to that of the French master.  The best part is that you use narrow ribbons, 3/8"-1/4", and since you fold the ribbons in half your finished edge can be as narrow as 1/8".  In my own sewing I will find any reason to use it. 
            Now please be kind this is my first try at shooting, editing and doing voice-overs.  But I hope you find this video informative and inspiring.  Let me know you’re thoughts.  We would love to know more about our readers needs and interests.

            Thanks for Watching!

Philip – In Brooklyn

Back to WOOORK!! 1-3-11

           The first Monday of the new year!!!  But it's still time to get back to WOOORK!!  Don't you worry though.  The 2 time Oscar winner Miss Barbra Streisand is here to help!  Decked out in her Friday night finest.  Poor Carol she didn't see Barbra's chops gleaming in the night, salivating for her role... but on the bright side Irene Sharaff did I pretty awesome job once again.  We all love a jewess ina fully beaded gown and hand made gloves.  The very essence of WOOORK!!

 

Philip - In Brooklyn