Time

I created and shared this video several months ago, and with the weather warming up in many places, I'd like to share it again for those who may be interested in dressing minimally in order to stay cool as it heats up.  Personally, I enjoy being in as few garments as possible when it's hot while of course maintaining a level of dignity ;-).

In this tutorial I demonstrate how to create a very simple, no-sew halter top using a pieces of fabric.  Simple, cost effective, and stylish. Try it out!

 

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Here lately I'm needing to put a bit more energy and effort towards two projects that I've just got to finish up and publish within the next couple of months.  One is an instructional e-book that I initiated back in 2008. The other is a catalog of my work.  It's imperative that I get these projects done and out into the world, because really, it's time. Past time, and my procrastination with both makes no sense. :-/

~~~~~~{Y'all send me some positive energy and vibrations so I can focus and make them both happen!} ~~~~~~

:-)

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 I completed two dresses this past week!

 flyTie Clothing Gray Knit Handkerchief Dress, Med/Lrg--$44

The drape and flow of this fabric is phenomenal, and I really like its transparent nature.  My initial thought was not to line the bottom portion, but then better judgement for this particular style kicked in and I added an underskirt.  I may get more of this material and create something with no lining at all. :-)

This is a customized garments based on this one:

This is one of my favorite designs.  I always find the asymmetrical style skirt to be flattering to the female form, not to mention the fun, playful, and sexy cut-out back. :-)  Love it.

This particular dress is always available for custom order in a range of colors and in whatever size you may require.  Contact me via email at flytieclothing@yahoo.com or on Etsy for more information.  

Have a great week!

peace.

:-)

Just a Touch

I woke up the other day determined to make something of this wonderful dark gray rib knit material that I'd been having for a while. 

After meditating on it, the idea came to me:

I would make a floor-length v-neck dress with sleeves.  Simple, feminine, and flattering.

Well, everything was going fine until I realized there wouldn't be enough material to carry out the original vision.

So I meditated some more, thought of the nature of a situation that's absolutely beautiful  ;-), and came up with this design.

flyTie Clothing gray Rib Knit Maxi Dress--$52

I am in complete authentic love with it!

The original idea would have been feminine, no doubt.

But this?

The deep v-neck in back as well as the way the shortened hem and diagonal flow on that side highlights the calves both help take the feminine factor to another level.

I envision more dresses in this style in other colors such as olive green, black, and brown, and I'm seeing an entire collection for the fall.

More soon...

peace!

:-)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/flyTieClothing?ref=si_shop

We Do This

flyTie Clothing is a one-person operation.

I am responsible  for every activity relevant to its functioning.

From the formulation of design ideas to the labor needed to see them materialized to the modeling and photography to the marketing and selling to the packaging and shipping to the customer relations and everything in between, it's all on me.

And so many other independent artisans share this same experience.

flyTie Clothing Pink and Blue Color Block Dress--$28

It's a lot of work, and the hours invested are incalculable. 

Not to mention 

Shoulder pains

Hand cramps

Regular exhaustion

All of this comes right along with the territory. 

And despite anything and everything..the ups and downs, moments of uncertainty, undesirable circumstances...my heart is in this.  It's mine. It's what I do. It's what we do. 

flyTie Clothing Hot Pink Knit Dress--$40

Please support and continue to support handmade!

The New Handmade Collective Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/TheNewHandmadeCollective?fref=ts

Peace! 

:-)

~Energy~

An inanimate thing or object has only as much life as the amount of force you put  into or behind it, one way or another.  

In my efforts to rid myself of garments that linger in my collection for too long, every couple of months or so I'll rephotograph them in a new environment, under new circumstances, with new energy.  Typically when I do this it's sporadic.  Yet, it happens consistently.

flyTie Clothing Brown Lace Dress--$28

This whole idea of bringing new energy to a thing is pretty incredible when you think about it.  Objects are made/produced/manufactured and are lifeless until we bless them with the essence of who we are.  

I've found that when I relate in this way to the garments that I make--use my own life force to give them new appeal--it's as though they've been reconstructed, and they move into a new space with someone who loves them as much as I do. 

flyTie Clothing Yellow and Blue Contrast Maxi Dress--$48

Maya Angelou said:

"Nothing will work unless you do."

Simple and profound.

We are to do the necessary work if the things that we create and initiate are to bring us the return or level of satisfaction that we desire.

In light of this, we have a crucial responsibility in the scheme of it all, and we must simply do the work. 

Items above are an additional 20% off when you enter code SAVE20 at checkout.

~

Thanks to my resourcefulness and ability to keep material costs at a minimum ;-), Here's what I'm doing:

flyTie Clothing Yellow Cotton Gauze Tunic--$22

Yes, super low prices *and* $2 shipping in the US.

These are available in sizes small through x-large, and limited quantities are available, as I only have so much of this particular fabric.  They're 100% cotton gauze, comfortable, easy, breezy and only $22. Just for you!~

Peace!

:-)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/flyTieClothing?ref=si_shop

The Truth of the Matter

When it comes down to it, I am content to design and make garments, have people purchase and love them, write, have people gain something from my writings, and live a peaceful, loving life. That is all. It's that simple. 

If I did not have to do a single thing else other than what's listed above, I know that I would be satisfied.

{----Now, that part about living a loving life is loaded. That includes many things that would serve to make my existence complete.----}

If I am to have to DO something to generate income in order to maintain in this society, that is what I prefer for it to be: make what I want to make and have people purchase my creations consistently.  

flyTie Clothing Blue Mesh Maxi Dress --$44

This came to mind as I was doing alterations this morning.  {Actually, it's come to mind plenty of times before.}

Quite honestly, I really don't care to do a whole lot of alterations.  Neither am I crazy about creating custom garments.  That is, unless it's altering something I made or someone wants one of my designs custom made in their size or in a different color, etc. :-)

Something that comes with the territory of knowing how to sew is having people approach you about altering garments or making something they want to have made.  You're viewed primarily as a seamstress, and to them, the designer/artist part takes a back seat.  No doubt that the two are or can be intertwined, but like a local spoken word artist said in one of his pieces, when it comes to this work, I am an artist FIRST. 

I use sewing and the sewing machine as a medium. Just as a visual artist may use paint to convey a message or vision, the machine allows me--along with the use of fabric, of course--to convey a design idea in a completed form.  It's a tool which I rely upon to bring about my art. To get it out of my head and into the world.  That's its primary function. 

Now.

We have this thing of sustainability.  Sometimes, in order to sustain and support the work you'd rather be doing, you do the other things. Take in/let out a dress. Make garments people want made for church, events, or in general. Take a bridesmaid dress down three sizes. Replace zippers. Make curtains??? Etc.  

Yes, these are the things that are done to get by.

In a more ideal situation though, there would be none of that.  Or at least less of it.  I'd just be doing my thing. My way.



Despite it all, I am extremely grateful for anyone who has enough faith in me and my abilities to sew *anything* for them. {Goodness knows I have come a very long way.}  That's love in a pure form, and it really is a true blessing.

peace!

:-)

flyTie Clothing on Etsy

Hands-On

I absolutely love to make and wear tunics (although I don't wear them nearly enough). 

flyTie Clothing Black Gauze Tunic--$40

That's the latest, and the fabric used is thicker than that used on the other gauze tunics made a couple months ago.

flyTie Clothing Cotton Gauze Made-To-Order Tunics--$40

Both fabrics are nice, but I admittedly prefer that used in the brown and yellow tunics.  It's much lighter and has more of a Summery feel to it.  The black gauze-- on the other hand--is less transparent and, therefore, doesn't have to be lined on top or bottom.  One layer can stand sufficiently on its own.  

But there's something about me and lining stuff.  Sometimes it just feels like a garment isn't complete unless it's lined--even when it may not need it.  Given this harmless obsession of mine, I did end of lining the top of the black tunic.  If nothing else, we can be totally positive that it is not see through!  I think, though, that I'm going to hunt down some lighter weight black gauze and offer those for custom order as well.  These make a great staple pieces. 

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Due to my neglecting the blog, there are several pieces that I've made over the past few weeks that I haven't shared here.  Now, if you follow me on Facebook , chances are you've seen these.  But still...

flyTie Clothing magenta asymmetrical hem dress--$40

I fell in love with this fabric immediately and knew I'd have to make something of it.  Simple, sexy, flirty, fun. Oh, and ~fly~. :-)

Customized. Denim and wax print.  I'm really loving this style. 

I'm a part of a wonderful trade and barter group on Facebook called Native Style Trade and Barter.  I spotted a printed backpack up for trade in the group and knew I had to have it.  This dress was made and will be traded for said backpack.    It's the first of its kind that I've made, and I've got a feeling I'll be making lots more.  

*Must get hands on a range of nice wax prints*

peace!

:-)

Still

Aloha to my wonderful blog readers. :-)

New skirt made for self with more fabric from Hawaii.

I absolutely love it. 

{Pictured with flyTie Clothing Brown Challis Blouse}

Things have been somewhat hectic around here lately as I attempt to balance designing/creating garments with various life events.  My flow has been somewhat disrupted, but order will be restored soon. 

I'm pleased to say that I've sold the second of a dress style that I really like,

flyTie Clothing Backless Knit Dress

Sleeve

Since the first two that I've made like this have been green, I'm going to be branching out to other colors soon.  I've got blue and purple in mind and can also envision in black. 

I'll be out sourcing fabrics later today, so we'll see what else i come up with.

peace!

:-)