Heavenly Style . Sassy as Hell

Upcycle Your Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 00:23:00 +0000

I'm offering sewing classes in Montreal. Come join me in the New Year and give your wardrobe a face lift. All skill levels welcome.

Spaces are limited. Sign up now.

Classes will be held at www.communidee.ca.

Centre Communidée
137 St-Ferdinand #153
Montreal, Quebec
H4C 2S6
(514) 394-0855

Sewing machines not required, but bring it if you have one.

Contact me if you have questions.

The Dye Job

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:19:00 +0000

Can it be? 10 months later and I'm posting again? Don't get too excited, no Moo Moo today. We've moved to Montreal to a smaller home (well, lower condo/row house) with MUCH less room for all of my projects and every thing that comes with them. I have yet to settle my sewing machine in a happy place, but I'm working on it. I'm teaching an "Upcycle your Clothes" camp for kids in July, so I shall have my machines up and running well before that. I've been keeping busy over at Design Inkarnation, keeping my creative vibes vibing.

Before that, though, I'll be heading to BC, and while there, I'll be going to a wedding. I have this lovely dress a friend gave me last year that I've yet to wear. It's perfect for a spring wedding, with one flaw: it's white. I tried to reason that I could just wear it anyway, but, alas, there will be people with eyes there, and what will they think?? As much as I like to think that I am able to live outside of social constructs, the truth is that it's really a prison that's always going to be there. So I'll play along with this one.

We shopped last weekend to get appropriate wedding-going attire for my husband. We ended up getting him a blue shirt, which pretty much paved way for a little dress dye job. I do love it in white, and I wanted to keep some of that. I decided to try a sort of dip method with the dye. I wet the skirt, then bundled it up with elastics. I dipped it in the dye solution to about 18 inches up the skirt and let it sit only for a minute or two, then I raised it ever so gradually until just the bottom few inches rested in the dye. I did this outside over plastic on a table, using my clothes line to support the dress. I recommend keeping the dress on a hanger, should you try this at home. It makes it easier to move without accidentally blemishing the upper part of the fabric with dyed fingers/gloves.

I rinsed as the box said and hung to dry. I wish I had taken a photo at this stage, but I didn't. The elastics left a few spots that were totally white, but not in stripes like you might expect. It left white splotches that looked like pelvic bones x 2 (I kid you not) and two in the front that could have been my ovaries. Very anatomical, but not the look I was going for.

So I hung it back over the plastic and poured small scoops of dye down the skirt. After, I went in with a paintbrush and painted in some wispy stripes on top to give it a softer gradient. This is what it looks like now, still wet:

And now that it's dry, here is a quick snap or two of a body in it.

The actual colour is a bit more saturated than the photos show. I have some cute navy fishnets I'll wear with it and I even have a spiffy vintage hat ... still to be decided if I actually wear it.

I asked my almost 12 yr old daughter what she thought of the dress. She said, "Well, it's very you."

Ahem. I'm not sure how I feel about that statement. Good or bad, at least it's "me". Hopefully the people with eyes will deem it acceptable. If not, I'll win them over with my crooked smile and great personality. ;p

Moo Moo to come. Soon. Ish.

Moo Moo 76 Simple Simon

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:03:00 +0000

Yes, it's time for Moo Moo 76 to come out into the world. Originally I started with this beige/flesh toned medium weight cotton because I was born in 76 and I figured I'd do some wacky version of a 'birthday suit'. But, as things went, I decided on less quirky, decidedly more simple cuteness. It's got plaid pockets! I cut out the front part of the pockets a bit (you can see best in the final photo) in a half moon shape so the plaid could shine through a wee bit. That's a lovely textured espresso coloured vintage button at the neckline and a bandanna inspired red cotton belt. Yeehaw!

Thanks to my daughter for taking the fab photos for me. She says she doesn't enjoy being my photographer, but she giggles all the way through it. xo

Thanks for stopping by. This is my last photoshoot in my suburban Ontario neighbourhood. Next stop? Montreal.

Don't forget about my crazy 60% off sale on everything in my etsy shop. On until June 8th!!! That's like almost right now! http://julesmaeclothing.blogspot.ca/2012/05/moving-sale.html

Peace,

Jules Mae

MOVING sale

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Yes, yes, I am FINALLY moving. I need to liquidate, baby! I'm offering a whopping 60% off my already reduced prices in my etsy shop on anything in the store until JUNE 8th. Also, If you see something on my blog that hasn't been added to my etsy shop, let me know and we can perhaps strike a deal! Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/julesmaeclothing and use coupon code MOVING at the checkout.

Thanks a bunch!

Best,

Jules Mae

Crochet, Crotch-it?

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:24:00 +0000

Where in the heck-n-heck have you been, Jules Mae? That's a good question. I'm still here. I'm still creating. I'm still trying to move my family to another province. Lately I've been devoting a lot of energy to my other passion: design and illustration.

And guess what? I'm teaching myself how to crochet. My kids call it crotch-it, and I'm inclined to like the sounds of that better. Silly is good. I found this how-to guide at the thrift store and I decided it was time.
I'm learning to knit, too, but I think crocheting is more fun.

This is my third hat. It's got a bit of a vintage flair, like a cloche.

Moo moos are still coming! Seriously. You will be so excited when they do, I know. Thanks for waiting with baited breath.

xo
Jules Mae

Long Awaited Moo Moo 75!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:44:00 +0000

It's here! It's here! Really and truly. This may very well be my last Moo Moo creation for 2011, and I'm so looking forward to continuing on with the final 25 in the new year.

This moo is fun and festive, with a mushroomed skirt featuring random tucks and pleats, as well as a lovely fabric flower adornment at the waist. Wear it with or without the wide belt which ties into a nice large bow at the back. The belt loops are made of espresso brown velvet ribbon. The 3/4 length wide sleeves give it a darling vintage whimsy. Tucks at the upper waist/bust line add a little shape, which we all know is what is mostly always missing from a moo moo.

Hope you all enjoy a lovely holiday season. Thanks for sticking with me!

Best,

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 74 Dainty and Delicious

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Welcome back to Moo Moo 100. I took a short break over the summer and I thought we'd start the new season off with a rather dainty, un-moo moo like Moo Moo. The skirt of this dress is basically the fullness of the Moo Moo pattern gathered into the bodice, which happens to be a modified bra pattern. I made the boobs pointier to give it more of a vintage edge, and 'cause who doesn't want pointy boobs?

The skirt is sheer, hence the leggings. The dress ties in the back with the butterfly ribbon like what is shown on the front

The hat is from a vintage mad cap pattern and is super fun to wear. See my post here for more on the hat: Eleanor.

Thanks so much for stopping by! It's good to be back.

Enjoy your Sunday,

Jules Mae

Wedding Garters

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Soft and subtle, I made these for a client this week. I do take custom orders for wedding garters. I sell them in pairs (one to throw and one to keep) - $55 per pair. Contact me for more details.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your Sunday.

Jules Mae

Mad Cap 3 MURIAL

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

I need to start naming these. How about Murial. Murial is refined, yet, often the most playful chick in the room. She has a keen sense of style, but doesn't let it compete with her personality. She's soft, with a wild side; nice enough to take home to meet Mother, and wild enough to to make even you blush a little.

Meet Murial.

I suppose I should name the first two ...

Meet Eliza Jane.
She's a feather in your cap, and a confident gem of a pal. She knows what she wants and knows how to get it.

Meet Eleanor.
She's soft and salty like a cool ocean breeze, ready for you to sweep her off her feet into adventure.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jules Mae

1940s Style Mad Cap 2

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:28:00 +0000

This is a second hat I constructed from the same material as the first, but went a softer direction with the accents.

1940s Style Mad Cap

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:26:00 +0000

So, I love hats. I love vintage. Vintage hats .... uhhmagahh! So, I've decided to start experimenting with some vintage hat patterns, not forsaking the Moo Moo 100 project, but just throwing hats in there from time to time to keep my creative limbs limber.

Here is my first go at this 1940s hat pattern. I think it's rather the cat's meow. It can be worn to the side, front or back - just secure it with a bobby pin or two. Easy peasy. Check out the darling vintage brooch. The bow and brooch are removable, so you can change it up to suit your mood.

Made from rescued fabric. Earth-loving, as always.

Moo Moo 72 and 73 - Wee Moo

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:30:00 +0000

I'm back. And no, I'm not the Incredible Shrinking Woman. This is my little friend who has agreed to model these to very lovely Wee Moos. ADORABLE ... and the moo moos are pretty cute, too.

Thanks for stopping in. I hope you are enjoying what's left of July!

See you next week,

Jules Mae

Moo-Moo-Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:55:00 +0000

Here's the low-down. I'm taking an unplanned break from the project while we complete renovations on our home and put it up for sale. We're moving to the beautiful city of Montreal! I'll be sure and post any new additions to Moo Moo 100 as I find time to work on them. Thanks for following along with me for this long! I look forward to continuing onward.

In the meantime, All of my Moo Moos are currently on sale for $50 ea (+ shipping & handling - $10-14+). Do not purchase from my Etsy Shop, but please visit it to see what is available (http://www.etsy.com/shop/jules

maeclothing?section_id=6970982), then post on my Facebook Page to buy and get the deal. For a limited time only.

Enjoy your summer.

Many thanks,

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 71 - Sailor-esque

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Navy and white stripes .... I love this one. It's a medium weight knit. I've included smocking, of course, and I think it works particularly well on this piece. The red cropped cover-up is for those sudden beach-side breezes. So comfy and still so sassy!

I photographed this last week and have since added spaghetti straps to the striped dress.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jules Mae

1950s Back Wrap Dress Replica

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:06:00 +0000

This is a bit large on me (I've taken it in with pins on both sides in order to model it, and I think it could be pinned in a bit more ... should be not so baggy around the chest and waist), but it will fit a size 10-12.
This is a wrap ... in the back, and ties at the front waist. Made from rescued cotton.

I hope to be exploring my many vintage patterns in the future. I'll post them along the way.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 70 Simply Strapless

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:12:00 +0000

I'm not usually one for strapless anything. I find I'm always worried I'll have a mishap, or will be fidgeting with an uncomfortable strapless bra. Well, this particular Moo is, in fact, strapless, and the layers of flirty ruffles are attached with an ample amount of elastic smocking to help you feel secure and not as though you're about to, you know, slip a nip. Is that a saying?
This Moo can be worn any which way ... there is no particular front and back ... you could wear the bow in the front, or off to the side, for example. It's your body; dress it however you want. Below, I've shown it with the bow square in the back. This Moo is mainly made of a stretch knit, so it's pretty dang comfy, too.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a lovely Sunday.

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 69 Little Piece of This . Little Piece of That

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Remnants, darling, can be chic. Just add smocking!! Haaa, yes, I've gone a bit smocking berserk lately, but I love it, especially for summer moos. As you may already know, I use rescued/found fabrics. In keeping with the eco-loveliness of that, I try to make use of as much of each fabric piece as possible. Moo Moo 69 is a coming together of remnants from Moo Moos gone by. I've done a considerable amount of elastic smocking on the sides and back, leaving most of the front free flowing. Certainly, it's the only one of it's kind. Just like you. Just like me.

Thanks for having a look! Next week, Moo Moo 70!

Warmly,

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 68 - Holly Hobbie

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your weekend!

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 67 MooCho for Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 08 May 2011 12:51:00 +0000

Yeah! Another MooCho. I know, you were wondering when they were coming back around. I love the colours in this one, and the combination of knit and woven fabrics. The knit has a silver thread design running throughout it, giving it a subtle touch of glam. But not too much. I mean, you probably won't be working the corner downtown in this MooCho. This is sweet and serene.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mammas out there!

Thanks for stopping by,

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 66 Subtle and Sexy

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:11:00 +0000

I'm continuing to explore the use of elastic machine smocking in the Moo Moo project. Here I've used this neutral ribbed knit material, which I previously was avoiding because it seemed so blah and boring. I decided to give it a chance, and I think it turned out rather well. It's subtle and lovely. It's got a slit on each side of the skirt and features a comfy smocked empire waistline, with a little rosette.

Check this out on etsy!
Thanks for stopping by!

Jules Mae

Moo Moos 64 and 65 Mother and Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:35:00 +0000

Smocking!! Yes, these darling moos are machine smocked with elastic thread, making them very comfortable, yet so dang cute! Having my adorable daughter, Amira, next to me certainly ups the cute factor. She's learning to sew and this was a great project for her to help with. And yes, that's the belt on my head. It's kind of gypsy cute, perhaps? Or maybe I look like I suffered a major head wound? Can head wounds be attractive?

These were so much fun to make, and I'll likely employ the smocking technique more in the future.

My dress is a white cotton with tiny green polka dots. Amira is wearing gingham shorts under her gingham dress, complete with a heart shaped pocket.

Find Moo Moo 64 (the one I'm modeling) for sale on Etsy. Moo Moo 65 is now a part of Amira's wardrobe :)

This coming Friday, I'll be at Brocante Lux. Come by and try on a Moo!

Happy Easter! Enjoy your long weekend.

Best Wishes,

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 63 Call Me Honey

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:44:00 +0000

This week, I modified the moo moo pattern into a sun dress. The upper bodice is a yellow and black stretch knit and the skirt is black and white gingham. It has a kind of sassy vintage feel, which I adore, especially when paired with a black belt and strappy sandals. Have a look!

Thanks for stopping by! Please feel free to follow this project on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julesmaeclothing .

Enjoy your Sunday,

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 62 Drawn On

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Partly inspired by a post by StyleBubble, and since I am also an illustrator, I thought it fitting to start illustrating directly on some of my Moo Moos, the first of which I'll share with you today.

Find this Moo for sale at my Etsy shop. Stay tuned for art prints for your home or office featuring original illustrations by moi!

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your Sunday!

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 61 Swirly Boobs from Outer Space.

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:08:00 +0000

Well, maybe not so much, but the yellow applique design on the chest lends itself to a bit of a sci-fi feel, or so my husband says.

I think this moo has a retro flavor, myself. A nice slit in the side of the mid shin length hem, and the slightly puffy collar with a tie and a peekaboo keyhole at the neck give it a nice vintage appeal.

Thanks for stopping by! This moo and others are for sale at my Etsy shop.

See you next week!

Jules Mae

Moo Moo 60 Wrapagainagain

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Prescesky) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:35:00 +0000

I chose to stick with the wrap concept with this moo simply because it's a bit wider of a fabric and allowed for a bit more give ... this could likely fit a med/large whereas the other Moo-wraps fit a med-small.

A darling cotton print, don't you think? An off center two-tone blue ruffle on the front hem, and including the wide blue sash at the waist, it's nostalgic and quirky all at once.

There is a double pocket on the front skirt ... a smaller one slightly overlapping a larger one. The scarf not included :)

This coming Friday, you can find me and this Moo at Brocante Lux in St. Catharines. Don't be shy, check out this moo and many others for sale on my Etsy site.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jules Mae