Author: kristen

chef's special: larimeloom

i came across larimeloom when searching around on etsy. the designer, lucia, uses many handwoven and natural fiber materials that add texture to the clothes and come together in a beautiful, cohesive collection which includes a wide range of pieces including tops, jumpers, ponchos, and jackets. please check out my q&a with her and visit her shop – larimeloom!

How did you get started creating clothes?
I have always liked sewing, knitting, weaving.. anything that would give me something pretty and useful as a result of my efforts.  I probably started by making scarves on the loom or knit (through middle and high school).  I started really making clothes after selling etsy for almost a year. I was selling scarves, scarflettes and shawls when I started.  Then I started experimenting combining woven and commercial fabric, and then it took off.  I love sewing because it is much faster than any other process I have experimented with.

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What three words would you use to describe your current collection?
Probably…. fresh, creative and comfortable.

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What do you think makes your designs different?
They all take form as I am making them; I don’t use patterns and often don’t know what will be the result when I start.  There are ideas I start from, that I want to use or explore in that particular piece, which sometimes are borrowed or seen somewhere else, like a pleated decoration or a cuff in a certan place.. but then from there it evolves depending on what is going on.

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What do you see in the future for your collection?
I don’t know.. spring is coming soon, so lots of dresses and cute tops maybe? ;oP

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Why should people buy clothes from an independent designer instead of a mass-market store?
I think because they are looking for something new, unique and creative – something they like and that reflects who they are.  Clothing made by hand, one piece at a time, will most likely be something with much more character than something designed with mass production in mind, which is something that must appeal to the highest possible number of people.

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appetizer (fusion): japanese cherry blossom mccloud handbag by Madison Gre

Madison Gre says “This oversize handbag is fluffy and reminds us of a cloud, so we decided to name the handbag the McCloud.  We love imported Japanese fabric and wanted to start our new line with a collection.  The combo of brown and imported Japanese cherry blossom print makes for a great bag.  This would make a fabulous everyday bag: take it to school, out shopping, or on a casual date.  This handbag is perfect for the girl who just has too much stuff and needs to carry everything she owns in one handbag.”

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ps – i love the fabrics Madison Gre chose for this collection – they are all so cheerful and unique.  i recommend checking out their shop! – kristen

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