Definition a Day - Tweed

Tweed girls coat from J. Crew

Tweed is a fantastic fabric that just says fall and prep school.  You know when you see a tweed because it will have little flecks of color in it.

houndstooth tweed

Most tweeds are wool but you can find blends, usually with silk which gives it a lovely drape and makes the fabric lighter weight.  Characteristically tweed is a medium to heavy weight wool.   Most tweeds are in a twill weave, that diagonal weave which is what makes it durable.  Tweeds come in many different patterns.  Ok what does that mean?  It means the coloring of the yarns.  For example there is herringbone, plaid or houndstooth.

houndstooth tweed Vans (photo from hypebeast.com)

Here is a fabulous pink and white tweed that is currently being sold at Mood Fabrics in NYC.

It is by Marc Jacobs.  I can so see myself in a sheath dress made with this fabric.  This tweed is made of wool, cottton and polyamide.  See how the yarns in the fabric are large and thin?  This is going to make it a loose weave but give it a very cool slubby look.  This isn't a traditional tweed but the non orderly way it is colored is what is making it a tweed.

 Tweeds are easy to sew with, flexible and durable.  Therefore they are often used in sport coats, skirts and outerwear. 
Have you sewn with a tweed before? Did you like it?  I have never sewn with a tweed before but I would love to hear what others think about it.

Valentines and Fashion Week

Valentine's Day, lots of snow and Fashion Week- the past week here in NYC has been quite busy! Also need to note this is the last show in the Bryant Park Tents. The show is moving to Lincoln Center. It will be interesting to see how that goes.

After a long day of teaching many sewing classes I came home to a fabulous Valentine's Day card and dinner from my sweet.

Notice the little cut out heart in hot pink has sharp edges.

Seems to be a theme.

Zac Posen, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Thakoon are showing architectural edges on their garments and some are showing long johns!

It's hard to choose what pictures to feature, do I show the crazy stylised outfits or the actual wearable ones. With the crazy, just remove the accessories and look at the garment itself. First pic is a Betsey striped knit dress, so cute with the slouchy belt. Betsey's inspiration were the good ole days in the wild wild west. Lots of peasant blouses, ruffles, layering and flat folds.

Next is from a show I went to on Friday night at MILK Studios,  

Costello Tagliapietra. They use an organic dye process called Air dye. Their clothes were so soft looking, elegant and draped so beautifully.

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs. Always cute, unique and cool. A few bright colours like deep red and royal.

He uses the sharp edges in his plaid peasant blouse.

And then ended with a few simple detailed black dresses. Classic. He is one designer I would love to work with, even get his coffee.

Check back for more Fashion Week reports.